I haven't felt like there was much for me to post lately... there is only so much I can say about my dog. We're in the middle of a move to Seattle, which by this time, most everyone already knows. The details of what goes in which box is inconsequential. I also don't feel like I'm currently in a very witty place. While previous posts about breakfast cereal could have warranted a good story, these days I simply munch away.


To fulfill my need to over-share my life with the world wide web, I thought bullet points might be a good segway to encourage the creative juices to flow again.

• I have been unemployed for over a week. I feel like I have no more time to get things done than I did while holding down a full time job. This means one of two things: Either I really didn't do anything in my last job, or there really will never be enough hours in the day.



• On a side note to that last point, I've had insomnia lately. I stay up until about 3 or wake up in the middle of the night. Those extra hours have been crucial to making me feel like I'm accomplishing at all.



• I'm loving this song by Mos Def

• It was in one of the opening scenes to one of my favorite new shows, FlashForward. If you haven't seen it yet, I suggest you Hulu it. I'm going to want to talk about it. Congrats ABC, you've done it again.
  
  
• Today I sold Nick's bed and dresser. These two pieces of furniture have been the bane of my bedroom this past year. I can't count how many stubbed toes, bruised shins, or cut knees I've gotten from running into the sharp corners of the bed; and I don't really want to get into the the fact that a owning a dresser whose drawers don't close is exactly like having a stapler that jams all the time.
  
  
• Until I find a new pretty plush bed in Seattle, we're now sleeping in the guest bedroom. Downsizing from a king bed to a queen makes me feel like a sardine (or maybe Nick and I have just become very large people).



• Speaking of large, I went on my first run today in two months. I don't think my body remembered what to do.
  
  
• I feel like Gatsby is finally catching on to the things we're trying to teach him. I'm pretty sure I'm the next Dog Whisperer.
  
  
• And finally, Nick arrives in Seattle this Sunday. I begin my road trip on the same day. If you're on the I-10/ I-5 corridor I hope you are prepared for a visitor next week.

Trends for Fall (You Might Actually Wear These)

As couture is meant to serve as part art/ part inspiration, I realize that my previous Fashion Report for Fall 09 is more conceptual and a tad less practical. Thus, I wanted to share some of the looks I am in love with this season and some ideas on how to incorporate them with an outfit. Here is a list of the trends I can't live without:

Boyfriend khakis and jeans.

I love the boyfriend jean look, and for once, my jeans are actually comfortable to wear. Since they are meant to be baggy, it can be a bit tricky to put an outfit together without looking "dumpy." My rule of thumb for almost every ensemble is to compliment a focal piece by wearing an opposite fit on your other half. For instance, pair loose fitting jeans with a tank top or slim fit sweater; longer, bulkier sweaters should go with skinny jeans or leggings (Which are also on my trend list, however this season, wear leggings ankle length, not cropped. Footless tights are also a great look). Alternating fits in an outfit is figure flattering without showing or hiding too much.

As a newer trend, it's hard to predict how long boyfriend jeans will last. Current Elliotts, the first brand to get their version on celebs and mainstream this style, run about $225. This isn't bad for a pair of jeans that will be around for awhile. However without that guarantee, I shopped around for a good knock off. Old Navy had a pair that was spot on and only $25. Can you tell which is which?

As an alternative to the jeans, I also resurrected my bootcut J Crew khakis from two years ago and wear them loosely cuffed and with heels. My inspiration came from this look Jennifer Aniston sported over the summer.

Sequins:

Though sequins are a huge hit these days, they may be a bit daunting to wear for fear of the attention they catch. No one wants to look like a walking disco ball. If pushing the glitter envelope isn't your style, try this trend out with smaller accessories like a hat, sequin-trimmed scarf or lapel pin.

I have this beret in bright silver and a more subdued black... depending on how daring my head feels.

Long sweaters

As mentioned before, long sweaters should follow the complimentary rule. Match chunky sweaters with a slimmer bottom. For an alternative form fitting look, I wear a thin jersey sweater (the Splendid one pictured is my favorite) buttoned down and belted with a pencil skirt or jeans.

Boots and Shoes:

The magical thing about platforms is they appear to be an uber high heel, but secretly, your feet are not suffering as the angle is slighter. Lucky for me, they are everywhere this year.

These Jessica Simpson platforms are a muted red, perfect for daytime, but bright enough to make a statement.

One thing I am very excited for in my upcoming move is wearing more boots. Austin is usually too warm for them. Styles that are easy to wear and look amazing on all legs are mid-calf and knee-high (short booties can be a bit trickier). Higher boots can be worn with skirts, over leggings, over or under jeans.

The buttons on these boots give them a vintage look. So cute!

All shoes styles found at Nordstrom

Layers.

When in doubt, add another piece. Mix and match feminine blouses with hard metal accented jackets. Switch out last season's thick belts for a couple skinny ones. Don't be afraid to accessorize with multiple pieces. I've also been wearing some of Nick's belts and tying them in a knot. Like the picture below, it adds a trendy masculine edge to any outfit.

Thank You for Being a Friend

I have to take a brief moment to mention how amazing my friends are. Living in Austin has been challenging, to say the least, not knowing many people. These past two weeks of travel and being back in Seattle have reminded me of the wonderful people I have in my life (both near and far) and how blessed I am.

One person dropped her entire evening's plans, company and all, to save me from a conference shipping fiasco (none of my supplies arrived for our exhibit table). With her help, I was able to get decorations, giveaways, and most importantly business clothes to wear for the next three days.

Another friend actually toured a potential home for me and Nick. I was already out of town, and he was too busy with meetings to break away for an hour. She met with the landlords and walked through the home to see if it was someplace we may want to live.

Finally, I've had a handful of friends already helping with my job search (Tristan I will call you back tomorrow). I haven't even given my notice yet, and already I have peeps offering to help through their connections.

You all are making this sudden move SO much easier for me (us) and I don't know what I would do without you.

Thank you!

Bathtime

Still on the Road

A week later and I have just arrived in Phoenix from Seattle. I'm staying at yet another resort in the sun for another conference this week. This leg of the trip, however, is proving to be a tad more stressful than the beginning. It seems that shipping my supplies and displays from one hotel to the other is harder than it should be, and thus, I am without any information to hand out for my company. I am also deeply regretting my previously "brilliant" idea of sending my conference clothes with the boxes so I wouldn't have to deal with them in Seattle. While I'm trying not to dwell on this predicament, and searching through my brain for ideas, I'll fill you, my millions upon millions of readers, in on this last week.

• I'm not allowed to officially announce where Nick and I are moving. While many have heard through the grapevine, here are a couple more hints: It's in the US, I have lived there before, and rumor has it that vampires live somewhat nearby (something about the weather).
• Apartment/ house hunting is a nightmare when you don't have a car to get you places. Though it's a renter's market in our new town, Nick and I are having issues agreeing on what sort of place we want to move into. He prefers a brick loft right downtown, while I dream of a cozy vintage home in the surrounding neighborhoods.
• My hair is now brown. It was supposed to be red. I'm compensating by wearing far too much makeup and avoiding mirrors.
• I miss my dog more than what should be considered normal. I literally ask our dogsitter to send pictures everyday.
• Job hunting is less fun than house hunting. If only jobs were as plentiful as open apartments (and hiring managers were as eager to hire you, as realtors are to rent you their listings).

I cannot wait to get back to Austin to be with my boys again, wash the clothes I've been wearing for ten days, and get moving with this move.

Served on a Silver Platter Part 2

My ahi tuna salad did come on a silver platter complete with a rolling dinner table, fine bone china, white linens and an orchid. I could get used to this good life quite quickly.

Served on a Silver Platter

I'm at my first out of state conference for work this week. I'm supposed to attend national conventions, but "lucky" me, up until this point they have all been hosted in Texas. Karma has decided to make up for this, BIG TIME. I'm staying at The Breakers in Palm Beach. Since I know absolutely nothing about Palm Beach or Florida for that matter (other than it's reputation for retirees) I, of course, Googled the heck out of the trip. My Internet research did not prepare me for what I just walked into.

First off, The Breakers resort might as well be it's own town; zip code at the very least. I have stayed at and visited some very nice hotels, but this one takes the cake. It's so fancy, I felt under dressed just standing in the lobby. Thank goodness my company is footing the bill. And speaking of bills, after a long day of travel, I decided not to get lost in this monstrous hotel looking for an appetizing restaurant (there are 6 on property). Instead I ordered in from a menu that blew my socks off. I'm not one to be shocked by sticker prices, but $9.25 for grapefruit and $12.00 for one single cup of coffee should provide a small idea at what I'm working with here. At these rates, I really do expect my food to come on a shiny serving tray.

I can already tell it's going to be hard to focus on getting any sort of work done during this trip. I just want to run off to the ocean sailing the afternoon away with the silver-haired crowd wearing a Tommy Bahama muu muu and straw hat.


Just a glimpse at my temptations

Empty Nest

Nick flew out to LA this morning, Gatsby is at the dog sitter's for the week and I can't believe how quiet the house is without them!
I leave for a business trip to West Palm Beach tomorrow and shockingly have already packed for it. This leaves me with On Demand movies, pina colada mix, and a laundry list of chores to start on for the big move: clean out closets, books, and knick knacks for donation to Goodwill, hand pack valuables, and most importantly, post Nick's furniture on Craigslist (words cannot express my excitement to be rid of the particle board!)

Anyone interested in an Ikea dresser whose drawers don't close? I'll make you a sweet deal!

Gatsby Updates

Puppy news is still a buzz around my house. He is getting used to Nick and I just as much as we are, him. I promise to work harder on not being "one of those" dog owners who always talks about her pup, but since this is still the first week, I believe I am still a bit entitled.

We are still working the No Face diet. This combined with a dog who has separation anxiety, equals the most inconvenient time for our garbage disposal to stop working. Finally fed up with the clogged sink and dishes, we Googled some dog friendly restaurants and took Gatsby out to his first restaurant. As any good "child" of mine should, he was extremely well behaved (I wish I could say the same for him home behavior), slept most of the time, and allowed all his fans to
pet him.

Old School

I've been working on a project at the University of Texas the last couple weeks, which brings me on campus every once in awhile. Each time I step foot out of my car, I feel so out of place. Not in the sense that this isn't my school campus, but more that I am so much older than everyone around me.

It hasn't been that long since I was a college student, has it? Then again, I am nine years older than this year's freshman class. I often reflect on what I consider to be recent memories: my dorm days, living in the A Phi house, eating the terrible food on campus, weekend parties, the stress of midterms and finals. My nostalgia comes to a screeching halt as soon as I see the faces of a group of girls passing me. They look so young! Did I look that young? More importantly, do I look old to them?

I don't expect to pass as a college co-ed when I'm on campus anymore. But I also don't want to stick out like a sore thumb. My dress and blazer don't exactly fit in with their Greek lettered shirts and shorts. Perhaps at the very least I can pass for a grad student?


How fleetingly those four years passed by me. I sometimes wish I had appreciated them more, done more with my time. I could have studied abroad, run for a student body council position, written for the school paper.

Then again, if I had, perhaps these things would not have gotten me to where I am today. Maybe if I had begun to write sooner, I wouldn't have gone to fashion school. If I had done more with mock trial in college, I probably would have gone to law school instead. I have to remind myself that with every choice I've made, I left something else behind. And instead of allowing myself to be consumed with "what if's" I should be thankful for what is.

If I have to continue on the path of being older, I hope that I am becoming equally wiser. My words of wisdom for the college kids I pass on campus? Find a good group of friends to share the college journey with, take classes you love ~ even if they don't fit in with your major, don't sweat the midterm you didn't pass, and of course, mind your manners.

Puppy Love

Here are some pictures of the little one. He has definitely grown since the last time we saw him. He's still small enough though, that climbing on and off things is just about impossible, and therefore needs supervision at all times.

Nick had issues with the name Abner, he kept referring to him as Aberdeen, which didn't really fly with me. With an hour's drive each way from the breeder, we had plenty of time to discuss new names. World, meet Gatsby.

(Actually his full name is Gatsby Skywalker Bluegrass. Gatsby has Nick to thank for those middle names. I was just trying to include him in the naming process.)

We thought it would be a good idea to play catch with him. Unfortunately, the tennis ball is the size of his head. He's going to need to grow into this game.

His favorite toys are of course the free ones. Gatsby is learning the art of crafting ribbon already. I am so proud.

TGIF?

It's finally Friday. Unfortunately it feels like Wednesday. I was hoping today would be the day we would know for certain where we will be moving. It appears that is not the case. I'm crossing my fingers it will be no longer than another week. Anytime I think a city seems to be narrowed down, I get thrown for a loop and we start all over again.

I am excited that today is the day we get to go pick the puppy up! I'm a bit nervous for this whole endeavor. I've never had a dog before, let alone a puppy. How long is it OK to leave him at home alone? Will he miss his family? When do we start training him? How many treats are too many? Oh the questions!

I'm glad I will have the weekend to ease into this canine parenthood. I'll be home the entire time as I'm only on day two of the 15 day "No Face detox" diet (I'm abstaining from anything that had a face or came from something that had a face i.e. dairy, as well as no sugar, no caffeine, no preservatives, no alcohol, no wheat products. Essentially it's fruits, veggies, tofu, hummus, and juice for the next 13 days, similar to Oprah's 21 Quantum Wellness Cleanse). Eating out is almost impossible. At least this time Nick will be doing the detox with me... I'm not sure if this is by choice or simply because the house is only stocked with No Face food, and he doesn't like going to the store.
Resting up and chillin at home should be a good start to getting to know our new addition. If only there was a pet maternity leave :)

More Wedding Weekend Pics

Some of my favorite photos from the weekend... with a lighter serving of Nick shots.


Alissa's bachelorette party

We started with dinner at a place called "Bite" sooo vampire of us


Pre-dinner artistic photo session

Katie and I

Some of the Trailer girls, with Alissa's mom peaking out from behind

Jamie's model pose

Clearly this is one of the professional pics, Alissa was such a beautiful bride!

The boys all clean up quite well. Marty and Chance obviously didn't get the memo to wear a grey suit

Enjoying the 15 minute break from the rain
SUCH good dance moves





Another Nick self portrait I popped myself into

Before our very awkward Alpha Phi song, we are definitely getting too old for this

Tristan's well dressed vest sportin' buddy

Jamie's new thing is to hiss at people who make her mad. Me-OW!

Mine is just to scream


Always end on a sweet note.

Nick Montage

I'm going through the pictures from last weekend's wedding in Tacoma. All I seem to be finding are Nick's self portraits. Lesson: Never, ever, ever let Nick be in charge of photography.

The worst part is all the guys with us thought he was soooo funny, they started doing the same thing with their wife/ date's camera. Thank goodness for professional photographers.

Project Runway: New Season, New City

One of my favorite shows has relocated to my alma mater! In the words of Tristan, "FIDM, What?!?!"

Seeing the campus makes me homesick for LA on a weekly basis (not that I needed another reason). It's too soon to tell which designer is my favorite, there are a couple I'm keeping my eye on.

I also had no idea there's a Mood fabric store in LA... come to find out, it's only a mile from my old apartment. Hopefully soon they will improve their website for online purchases. Right now the selection online is minimal, but the design assistant is a great inspiration and feature. I can't wait to visit the shop when I'm in LA next month.

Mood Fabrics