Workin' for the weekend

Friday, July 30, 2010

Been so crazy busy lately, that by the time 9:00pm rolls around, it feels more like 3:30 in the morning. Ya, I know. Lame. With meetings about a new business venture, script updates, house organizing and keeping up with the tiny one... by the time Friday rolls around, I'm one step away from jeans and a cozy t-shirt!
Still trying to keep it ambitious and thought out, I chose a pair of high waisted, cuffed khaki trousers, added in my trusty chains and beloved heels, red lips, and called it a day.
American Apparel Tee, Armani Exchange Jacket, H&M jewelry, Stuart Weitzman Sandals.

Have a beautiful weekend! Let's hope the weather gives us some of that steady sunshine.

xx

MAD for Mad Men

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

I know, I know, I know...

Everybody was posting over the weekend about this beloved nugget of orgasmic TV, and I'm just getting to it  now.  But give me a break.  I'm a new mother, just moved into a new house, and have my hands full with writing assignments.  So I had to tivo.  And let's just say... Mommy is not disappointed.

Are you more of a Betty?
Or a Joanie
Honestly, I'd die for either wardrobe, and WISH the women of our generation cared half as much to look like such "ladies" ~ Stay tuned for a lovely little side project with a glamorous friend of mine, a la Mad Mad Men. Yum!

Chocolate Rehab

Monday, July 26, 2010

Have you ever gotten scared that a new mole has just appeared on your chest, and you run into the bathroom to investigate the possible catastrophe in the mirror, and with panic running through your veins, rub your hands over the infected area (that you're sure is sun damage/skin cancer from that time on that boat when you didn't want to wear sunscreen because you wanted to be tan, even though you know you're half Irish, and let's be honest, a tan is just a joke, and you just burned to a crisp - I mean, really, really burned) only to find that it's a speck of chocolate?

Ya.

Me neither.

Moody Weather

Sunday, July 25, 2010

This L.A. weather has been so moody lately. One minute it's all warm kisses and lovely heat, and the next it's cloudy, dull, with quite a bit of a chill. (Sort of like an ex boyfriend I remember.)



What's a girl to do wardrobe wise? The key is layering. And while I've resisted the urge to break out the boots mid summer, I'll admit to throwing a cropped leather over a breezy dress the other day. I layered with leggings and heels to keep the juxtaposition in flow.




Dress - Forever21 2008
Heels - Liliana via Amazon (here for story)
Leather jacket - Made & gifted from a film
Earrings - Poppy Trew via Etsy



Weekend Organization

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Nothing is more stressful than moving. It's inevitably a major pain in the butt and always more of a process (AND A GIANT JOB) than you think (er, hope) it will be.

After a year away on the east side, we decided we just couldn't be away from the beach any longer. So my growing family and I moved our ever expanding crew back into our charming little bungalow by the beach.


But man, we're bursting at the seams. Some very clever organization has to take place. Three months in and we're still surrounded by boxes.

Enter IKEA. An incognito PAX Wardrobe in the place of a bookshelf in our living room will act as my wardrobe. (I make no apologies for my reverence to fashion and the importance of a streamlined wardrobe & the hubs understands - thus, a good marriage.)

I also have a very handy hubby and he built some shelves above the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room. These Ikea boxes have saved us and when purchased in all one color and labeled neatly, make for a very zen space.


Dark wicker baskets holding all white bath towels, rolled and arranged neatly, give a very "day at the spa" feeling. (And leaves the hall closet available for shoes and purses!)

An antique nightstand works nicely in the bathroom to hold washcloths and toiletries, and keeps the vintage vibe I adore so much, alive and thriving in my home.


Organization just makes me happy. It makes me sleep and breathe better and I highly recommend getting your space to a place of coordinated bliss. Yes, you may have to sacrifice a weekend or two of fun, but get it done - you'll just feel better!

xx

Creations

Two sisters & an afternoon

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

OH, impromptu afternoons with the little sis...


Just the two of us, some clothes, makeup, and a camera...

A few drinks...
A few nibbles...
And the perfect excuse for a shoot: Vintage slips and nightgowns!


You know those fantasies we all have about being fabulous, even at home? Well, slip on one of these babies, and I dare you not to twirl around in your own backyard, or fix a fancy picnic brunch, just because.


Mine - Christian Dior robe (I'm guessing 1950's?), long nude slip.
Hers - Vintage silk robe with lace shoulder pads! Headband - Anthropologie.


We found these vintage, and I have yet to see the same intricate and yummy styles on the newer side of lingerie... My suggestion is to try your luck with the thrifty digging... happy hunting, loves!

Still Breathing

Sunday, July 18, 2010

If my weekend thoughts about the infamous Formosa Cafe hit home at all, take a little gander at this indie film that still hits me right in the heart.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/4c/Still_breathing_1997_film.jpg
It was released the exact same year I moved to L.A. from Arizona. Much of the plot takes place in the infamous Formosa Cafe, and it was so relatable to me at the time, that I must have watched it a hundred times. Oh, it's cheese-tastic in all the right ways, but so heartfelt, moving, funny and fun.

It's the story of "two lost souls: she a con-artist in L.A.; he a puppeteer in San Antonio have the same dream linking each with the other. He travels to L.A. to find this woman he has become obsessed with. She resists, afraid of his kooky ideas until she travels with him to San Antonio and meets his wise grandmother - two disparate people linked by "fate."

I have to get it on DVD, as it's definitely one to own. It truly gets me every time. It's one of those rare gems in screenwriting, reminiscent of the old black and white classics - focused on relationships, wonder, romance and dreams, and I'm constantly amazed that all of the good ones like this continue to go unmade.

The end scene and quote is breathtaking... and I dedicate it to all my single ladies:

"There are two things I always wanted to believe in, but didn't dare: One, is that there is one man, somewhere, who is made just for me. The other is that I just might...deserve him."

Click here for a beautiful snippet of the ending... then go rent it!

The heart & soul of Hollywood

Saturday, July 17, 2010

When I moved to Hollywood over a decade ago, my favorite little hot spot looked a little something like this:

The Formosa Café by P.S.Zollo.
Photo by P.S. Zollo

It was exciting, and magical, and thrilling for the hopeful little ingenue that I was...

I had first dates here.
First kisses.
My 25th birthday party.
A night out for no particular reason.
I met director's here and discussed roles (then realized he wanted to discuss something else entirely, and snuck out the back door!)
I learned lessons.
I had growing pains.
I had my first dirty martini here...
(And shared many other types of drinks and stories with girlfriends as we gushed and crushed over that current silly boy.)
I celebrated my very first film here...
as well as my last.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3650/3401500591_1bb39313be.jpg
Photo by Steven Damron

For me, Formosa Cafe represents the remaining part of my heart that still belongs to Hollywood. Not the place. The dream. Yes, I still live in LA. Yes, I still dabble in the film industry. But that part of my life, those naive and wonderful dreams are in the past now... chipping away, like the red paint on the exterior of this building.

When I drove by it yesterday, on my way to meet my writing partner to watch the work of a possible director for our very own film, a little part of me ached - seeing this cafe, old and tired looking, lost within a superficial strip mall, almost forgotten entirely.

If you find yourself in West Hollywood this weekend, on Santa Monica Blvd... give a little nod to the last remaining heart and soul of Hollywood, California.

Thrift score shopping

Thursday, July 15, 2010


Vintage button down $5.00
Leopard Heels $7.50
Belt $2.00
Sunglasses $3.00
(Out of the Closet)

This photo is horrible. It really is. Just another reason to move on from Blackberry and on to the iphone... (but omg, all the probs with the new version, have you heard?)

But whatevs. Thrift score shopping. I win! And I just had to capture the moment! On a rare afternoon to myself, I decided to do what I do best - HUNT. (Perhaps I was a caveman in a former life, who knows?) But man, I love this shiz. It simply makes me happy. Nothin' like the thrill of a good find.

The cashier tapped her fingers impatiently while I found the best angle to "phone shoot" my gems and I didn't even care. All of these items for $17 bucks!! They may look like nothin' now... but you just wait.

A dear friend and future business partner came over for drinks tonight and we were discussing the world of blogs... and how the fashion ones can sometimes be so sickeningly self-indulgent. Hmm. Well, I'll take stock of that and try not to bore you with my best ANTM poses in the near future. But what I will do is rock these items like it's nobody's biz, to show you how you can look fab on a dime, with just a little time, patience, and love.

Stay tuned...

I heart blogs

Yes I do!

And I'm thinking there's a good chance, if you're reading this, you do too! I feel so lucky to have found a creative outlet to express and contribute to this fantastical, magical, world of blogs... and I'm thrilled every time you stop by!



My favorite part of the day is sharing and growing with each and every one of you, and so many of you have become like kindred spirits and food for my soul. You lift me up, you make me smile and you give me something to think and dream about on a daily basis. And I thank you.

So for "I heart blogs" day, I wanted to share some of the ones that inspire me the most.

Some you've heard of...

The Divine Inspirations

The Fashion Staples

The Indie Goddesses


And some you need to know about...
The Kindred Spirits
The Heart (food) & Soul!
I love you all!





Tomorrow is another day

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

When I was a little girl, my mom loved the movie Gone with the Wind. I think there was a part of her that connected to the lovelorn, canny lead character, suffering from unavoidable circumstances (and falling in love with a difficult man...)
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/cITmlbQKCgI/0.jpg
I was almost named Tara after the plantation in Georgia where the story takes place. I love this film. Mostly because of the sweet memories of watching a "grown up" movie with the lady controlling the VCR. (Yes, I grew up in the ages of VCR's - suck it.)

I'm a sap for romance and all things lovely and grand, and I know this has a lot to do with my mother's own feminine desires and wishes she instilled in me.

http://www.bittenandbound.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/clark-gable-and-vivienne-leigh-in-gone-with-the-wind.jpg

Anyway, sometimes we find ourselves having a bad day, making tough decisions, or struggling through transitions, and it's quite easy to beat ourselves up. And then this quote from the movie popped into my mind.

"I can't think about that right now. If I do, I'll go crazy. I'll think about that tomorrow."

Ain't that the truth? Thanks, Scarlett. Or should I say, mom.

xx

Confession

Sunday, July 11, 2010

I have a confession to make...
Sometimes I buy a super cool item of clothing for my husband... (I'm so sweet!)


That I know I'll wear as well! (Is it wrong of me to be so resourceful?)


I found this awesome long sleeved, striped tee at Club Monaco a couple months back, knowing he'd get a lot of use out of it (and so would I!) Currently inspired by all of J Crew's stripey, lovely, goodness, I decided to rock my own version of this trend while going out on a (rare) date night with the hubs.

On our way to LaCabana, I convinced him to take a few shots of me, and the once grumpy, hungry companion, turned all smiles and amusement declaring "my wife is ridiculous." Indeed. I'll accept that. But after a few more shots (of tequila this time), some exhausted laughter, and admitting the truth about how HARD it is to be parents, we realized just how lucky we are to have each other and our little bambina too.


Shirt - Club Monaco (on sale for $20!) Find a similar here at J Crew
Necklace - H & M $10
Jean shorts - (cut from old pair of jeans)
Belt - Vintage
Jacket - Mossimo - $5 (thrift!)
Shoes - Stuart Weitzman - Retail $375
(but click
here for back story on my mission to buy these shoes! I paid $66 out of pocket!)

We stumbled back home feeling fuzzy and free and couldn't wait to peek in on our sleeping angel, all snuggled up in dream land.

Then we peacefully drifted off into our own..

For Ricky. I love you. xx