Queen of the Jean

November 19, 2009

Filed Under : STYLE

There are many, many things in this world that I don’t know.  For example, I don’t know the difference between the New England Patriots and the New Orleans Saints (besides the fact that Tom Brady is on the Patriots and therefore they deserve to win every game).  I may or may not know all 50 of the state capitols.  The meaning of exegesis?  Not a clue.  The difference between a hedge fund and a mutual fund?  I won’t even pretend to know.

But, my friends, if there is one thing I know a little something about, it’s jeans.  When I hear of a new brand, it’s immediately filed alphabetically in my brain’s rolodex.  Every cut, shape, texture, color, and price point occupy a little too much of my memory space.  Because I’m constantly on the hunt for the perfect pair of jeans, I’ve done enough research to fill a science lab.

If you find yourself judging me right now for being a tad superficial, just look down.  What do you see?  You’re wearing a pair of jeans, aren’t you?  See, they are important.

Anyways, I recently found the most amazing jeans and I wanted to share them with you: Black Orchid jeans.  Oh. My. Goodness.  I found them in a small boutique (called Two of a Few) in Vancouver and it was like discovering a buried treasure.  There was one pair hanging on the rack and….gasp…in my size!  I tried them on and they fit perfectly.  I almost cried.  It’s very rare to find a pair of jeans that literally has your name stitched on the tag.

The best part?  The denim is extremely soft!  I could sleep in them and still be comfortable, that’s the level of softness I’m talking about.  And they don’t stretch out over the course of the day.  BUT, they are stretch jeans.  It’s like they know exactly how much to stretch.

The only bad thing about Black Orchid is that they’re difficult to find.  When I discovered them in Vancouver, I was so afraid I’d never find them again that I purchased them immediately without thinking.  Since then, I’ve found them on a few random online stores, including this one.  As you can see on this website, these are $92.  I paid $160 for mine.  Those darn Canadians ripped me off.

Not Your Mother’s Christmas Sweater

November 17, 2009

Filed Under : STYLE

Every year around Christmas time, mothers, grandmothers, and great uncles alike bust out their favorite Yuletide uniforms, aka the dreaded Christmas sweater. You know the kind: thick red and green wool concoctions adorned with Christmas trees that actually light up through a battery pack, kittens wearing Santa hats, Snowmen holding hands, reindeer preparing for take off, etc. The list could go on and on but I will not put you through any more torture.

Instead, I’m here to say that our generation needs to put an end to this ridiculous seasonal debauchery. We need to start a new trend that allows red and green to coexist harmoniously on the same piece of clothing. And thanks to the Gap, we just might do so.

The Gap’s newest holiday ads show men, women, and children frolicking around in the most amazing plaid shirts. Tell me you’ve seen!! Green plaids, red plaids, red and green plaids! My mom purchased a different plaid for each of my family members and I’m not the least bit embarrassed by it. In fact, I will gladly wear my Gap plaid to the next holiday party.

I’m a very big fan of plaid shirts in general but these particular festive plaids are bringing out a holiday cheer within my cold black heart that I didn’t know existed! Let the holiday festivities (minus ugly sweaters) begin!

[Second image via Gap]

The Enigma of the Brussels Sprout

November 15, 2009

Filed Under : EAT - RECIPES

brussels sprouts

I apologize for not writing about food in a long time. I guess I just haven’t been hungry lately! That’s a lie. Anyways, I’m going to recommence my food conversation by examining the brussels sprout. What the hell is it? I’m not totally sure but the closest thing I can compare it to is a miniature-sized cabbage. If you know me at all, then you are fully aware of the fact that I love anything miniature – mini water bottles, mini ketchup bottles, mini cupcakes, etc. And therefore, I loved the brussels sprout before even trying it.

Brussels sprouts are pretty common in fall cooking, especially Thanksgiving, but for some reason, Sir Sprout and I have never crossed paths until a few weeks ago. I wasn’t surprised when we became fast friends because the taste reminded me so much of bok choy, which is one of my favorites. And they are so adorable so that’s always a plus in my book. After much deliberation and consideration, my mother and I decided to add brussels sprouts to our Thanksgiving menu.

Now you might think this is no big deal but we take our Thanksgiving menu very seriously so this was quite the decision. We do the holiday right or we don’t do it at ALL! So after sorting through every single food website and November cooking magazine, we decided upon the Brussels Sprouts Gratin with Caramelized Shallots from Williams-Sonomas’ Thanksgiving pamphlet. Welcome, dearest brussels sprout, to our holiday menu.

I Wish I Could Afford Loeffler Randall

November 12, 2009

Filed Under : STYLE

The other day, I ordered a pair of ankle boots on endless.com for $27. Free shipping. No tax. $27 flat. That’s how I roll these days. It may be due to the fact that I have no income per se but I’m going to blame the economy for the rise in my frugalness.

Mmm…where was I going with this? Oh yes, I wish I could afford Loeffler Randall. For the past two years or so, I have been green with envy for anyone wearing the classic Loeffler boot, Matilde Flat Boot. But these puppies will set you back around $700. That’s about $650 more than I want to spend right now. That doesn’t mean that I don’t check the LR website on a regular basis. A girl can dream, right?

15This season, my new fave Loeffler boot is the Cale Mid Flat Buckle Boot. I’m really into the whole motorcycle glam look right now so I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect motorcycle boots. Could these be the ones for me? No, they are $800. Oh but aren’t they pretty??

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And these!! So edgy. So chic. So je ne sais quoi! All I need is some red lipstick, a leather motorcycle jacket, and a spare $725 to complete the ultimate rocker glam look. Loeffler Randal, why do you tease me so?? I love you.

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Must I torture myself by continuing? Yes because I can’t help but swoon over these. They are very Opening Ceremony – or for those of you who aren’t familiar with Opening Ceremony, they scream mid-90s. I’m pretty sure I owned a pair of shoes exactly like this when I was 8 years old (with a pair of teal leggings and a Blossom hat to match, of course). No comment on the price of these lovely Loefflers.

Art Of The Trench

November 9, 2009

Filed Under : STYLE

burberrytrench

For the past several hours, I’ve been glued to the new Burberry trench-centric website, Art Of The Trench.

Scott Schuman (The Sartorialist) has collaborated with Burberry and shot men and women of all ages wearing the iconic Burberry trench in various cities across the world. The result? A website full of the chicest trench coat-wearers I’ve ever seen!

The Facebook-like site allows you to navigate through the images, share them, “like” them, and even comment on them. It’s quite an exhilarating experience, let me tell you.

Oh and the best part?? The Kooks playing the background music. Brilliant, I tell you. Don’t tell my bf but that British accent gets me every time.

Right now, there is nothing I want more than to walk the streets of London or Paris, wearing a Burb trench. But for now, this website will fill that void. Sigh.

[Image via artofthetrench.com]