What's in my Bag? -- June 2011

All the things in my bag this month

"Her hair is so big because it's full of secrets!!" - Mean Girls

Well my hair could be, but people can assume this about my bag. I always have some large tote or bag because I have to carry EVERYTHING with me. I change bags often and honestly, this is my bag being clean right now. I usually have a lot of notes, plus a little filofax calendar, & my camera (which for obvious reasons, is not shown). Here are the daily things I carry with me, no matter what bag I carry (click through for the flickr large photo):

(from left to right, clockwise.)

1. Flushable moist towels - Because um, people are dirty. I don't care who knows it, but toilet paper isn't enough! Maybe it's the european in me. 
2. The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway - Everyone needs a good book in their bag. You never know when you'll be caught waiting, without your precious smartphone, or just needing a way to pass the time. Something about having a book in your hands is special and I will always keep buying them. Especially when they're $1 at the thrift store!
3. Pink Headphones - Got them in a hurry at TJ Maxx for $4! They match my iPhone case perfectly!
4. Leather Man Wallet - Bought for $3 at the Melrose Trading Post. I hate carrying too much with me and needed a wallet I can just stuff into my pocket. 
5. Rosebud Salves & Nivea Cream - Gotta keep my hands beautiful and my lips soft! Cause, well, you never know. :)
6. Traditional Medicinals Organic Throat Coat - My friend Krystle gave me this when she heard me hacking up my lung. My throat feels relieved. 
7. Myntz! and Listerine PocketPaks - I have a fear of bad breath... it is such a horrible thing to have and when you're talking to someone with it you just want to run to the other side of the room! Myntz are super strong and you can get them at your local Trader Joe's!
8. E.L.F. Red Lip Stain - This stuff is pretty legit for being such a cheap buy! Three whole dollars! The color does fade after a little bit but it actually turns into a very vivid pink! The get it to be really red I have to apply a few layers. But the actual STAYING power is impressive. I had a breakfast of toast, eggs, & coffee and I looked in the mirror afterwards and it was still there! Definitely a fan. 
9. Empty Zippo lighter - I got this after a night out at Bigfoot West with my French friend, Bastien. Too bad I don't smoke... you never know I might need to light a candle.
10. iPhone 4 - aka my life. I have my life on this little device and I am sure to always back-up, put in work shifts, plan Davy posts, & keep in contact with my people back in the Midwest!
11. Leather Mini Duffle Bag - I bought this for the steep price of $10 at the thrift store (ugh, California! Why!) but I also purchased it's larger brother for another $12 so I have matching luggage if I'm traveling! Plus, due to it's duffle bag-like characteristics it is the best weekender bag I own!
12. Sunnies & Thick Frame Glasses - I actually hate those sunnies because they're just too round for my face but I still wear them anyway. The thick frame glasses are for when I'm trying too hard/trying to hide. ha! Both are from Forever XII.
13. Microns & Pens - I have way too many pens. Now you know who to ask for a pen. I'll hunt you down for them if you try to take them though! I don't know why I'm so particular...
14. House/Car Keys - Gotta get in my house. The friendship bracelet on it also makes me smile.
15. Moleskine - actually a new blank one I just put in this week. 
16. Post-it Notes (Hot Pink) - I still write out my to-do lists because it's just so much easier than trying to open up notes on my phone or downloading some complicated to-do list app. 
17. Mini Moocards by Moo - These are baller! So easy to pass out and they are so customizable! I recommend bloggers everywhere to get these cute little cards to tuck in places!

What's in your bag?

Should I Stay or Should I Go Now? -- Motivation in the Mornings.

Left: source unknown. right: Duncan Macfarlane

I grab onto his neck and I passionately give a kiss on his lips before breaking away, giddy and playfully beckoning him to chase me. We run through forests resembling an old european landscape. The ground covered in moss and the trees crowded together. He catches me, of course because I let him, and gently brings me close to him.

"My love, I've finally caught you!" he exclaims, and I watch him mouth the words. They sound like music!  My eyes close to the melodic sound, letting myself get lost. All of a sudden I hear incessant beeping--and it is getting louder and more annoying. My eyes shoot open and I see the once beautiful sound of his voice has turned into a siren that I just--cannot--stop. What is this! The forest starts fading away and it becomes all too evident.

Shit.

My alarm clock is ringing in my face at 6:45 AM. My carefree run through the Alps were nothing more than just a dream and my romance novel Casanova was a figment of my imagination (what else is new?!). Instead of a date with this Romeo, I have a date with the ocean--and I'm about to feign sick. This isn't a blind date. It isn't anything new. This is an old flame I have but I'm severely lacking the motivation to meet with it. And why should I! It's tousled me around, it's given me literally a cold shoulder, & sometimes I know it's supposed to look a certain way and it totally fails me! I think I have trouble because the bed feels so good and if you could just get fifteen more minutes then you will be totally ready to go (but you won't be & the amount of people at the break will have tripled). Or the fact your eyes feel so heavy, they would actually weigh down your surfboard with the amount of sleep still in your eye.

What I've learned about morning surfing is that you just have to do it. Really, it will feel so much better. There is no secret to getting out there besides just actually GETTING UP and going but if you're having trouble, here are some things to do and think of:

1. Don't let yourself hit the snooze. As soon as you hear your alarm force yourself to unwrap yourself from your burrito of a bed and do some quick stretches and maybe even a few push-ups/pop-ups to get your blood flowing.
2. Drink some water. Get some water in you before you get any food or liquids in you. I always wake up parched in the morning and having a glass of water to start flushing out my system of toxins for the day.
3. Visualize how AMAZING you will feel after your surf. After I trudge out from my house and onto the sand, I smell the salt in the air and I can already feel the sheer joy of being out in the water. By now the rude awakening of the cold water would feel better than staying in my bed being lazy for another hour. 
4. Plan to go with a buddy. I've been guilty of canceling on people, but I always feel like I've disappointed them when I did. They may have been using you to keep them accountable as well. Become a lady of your word and make plans with a girlfriend to go out together. 

So there you have it. Just a few things to get you started. Oh, and just just FYI, even though I've had enough fantasy dreams to make Fabio & his fair maidens blush scarlet, the beginning paragraph was just to get my point across--errrr--ahem.

Daily Outfit -- Sunday, Lazy Sunday

HYPE THIS ON LOOKBOOK.NU

Today has been a relaxing day off. I love Sunday because I always know that I have it off from work and I can work on the things that are important to me. I'm learning that the weekends around here are unsafe to drive. Well let's say it's not the most intelligent thing to drive away from your parking spot if it's sunny, a weekend, and you live 5 blocks from the ocean. My outfit consists of a style I wear every day. I don't really use weekends as an excuse to wear jammies outside (which is a huge no-no!!!). Anyway I've been enjoying updating the blog for the week, drinking tea, reading, and about to head out to thrift (despite the fact I am losing my coveted parking spot!).

I'm wearing my incognito thick frame glasses from Forever21. I just like wearing them when I feel like being nerdy/hip. I actually wish I could wear glasses for real... they're so chic. But I guess I'll keep good vision for now. Come to think of it... I'm actually semi-proud of the fact I don't need glasses (I'm the only one in my family) but I secretly envy all the people that get to wear such chic frames!

My loose T is from H&M, their collection last summer. It's the perfect beach cover-up or relaxed T... also great for your fat days when you just want to be unrestricted by your clothing. I got it before my trip to Europe last summer and wore it almost everywhere!

I am wearing black skinny jeans by Free People, which I finally bought at TJ Maxx for about $29.99. I definitely don't splurge on jeans, considering I always get holes in them pretty much a month or two down the road. Or I always tell myself I will lose weight. But alas, it was time and I wanted black because, well, they go with everything.

Lastly I'm wearing my Jeffrey Campbell 'Zipped' boots. Guh, these are the best purchase I have ever done. Granted they got me to dip into my savings but they were one of those OMGIHAVETOHAVEIT items. I was looking at these boots before I made my move to California and I was so saddened by the fact they were almost FOUR HUNDRED dollars. I don't know about you, but I don't think California is cheap... so I kept my money in my wallet and spent anything I really had on my move. One day, last month, I was walking past this shoe shop I pass on the way to work. Those Jeffrey Campbells were in there--staring me down a few times a week (if I ventured in there). Finally they were the right price and the last pair was in MY SIZE. I had to buy them. Ask anyone who has seen me in the past month--they'll tell you they think I sleep with these on because I wear them with EVERYTHING and I wear them EVERYWHERE. I adore these shoes.

What were you wearing today?

Late Last Click - The Naughty Side of 'Etsy', Sioux Fashion Spread, & Gay Marriage legalized--Faboosh!

The interwebs is a wonderful and peculiar place. Here are some finds from this week.

• 'Sextsy' exposes the sexy side of etsy -- ever seen anything naughty on that website yourself? The Silk Ruffle Bralette is gorgeous, btw. What is even more amazing is that they also have a 'Sad Etsy Boyfriends' tumblr. GOLD!
• These probably would be knee height for me but... ankle-length earrings? Get outta here!
• This Sioux spread if to DIE for. I die! If I could wear all these and not get creepy looks (actually, who cares?!) I would totally do it. Feathers, Leather & (faux) fur anyone?
• So, unless you've been living under a rock--Gay Marriage has been legalized in New York. 
• Loyal Dean longboards are so sick looking. 
• Los Angeles is filled with Characters. Thought Catalog thinks LA is the weirdest city in the world. 
• This is the next most comforting thing I've read next to 'The Sunscreen Song,' Relevant Magazine states the 11 things you should know at 25ish. 
• This rollerbladin' beach settin' engagement session is squeal-worthy cute. D'awwww.
• Anyone that knows me well knows I am in LURVE with Marina from Marina & the Diamonds. She is pure fackinnnn' talent. I can't get over her.

International Surfing Day 2011!

It's international surfing day 2011! What are you doing on your computer!? Go outside!

Just Good Things--ISD 2011, Bigfoot Whiskey Drinks, & The Nostalgia of Bon Iver

So I've decided to change 'Sunday Kind of Loves' to ' Just Good Things,' The whole idea of SKoL was to appreciate things past the love of just a fleeting moment. It's still the same intent... but since I'm thinking of the present moment whenever I write these entries, I just realize things are always changing. The things that may have been good in my life previously may not be now and vice versa. And good isn't a bad mediocre word. When God created everything He mentioned things were 'good,' and if 'good' is good enough for the Creator of Errthang... it's good enough for me! Either way, I'm appreciating the good, simple things in my life.

Credits (clockwise from the left): Tom Veiga poster art, untitled & unknown photographer, Bigfoot West Lodge, & insolitus on flickr.

• Bigfoot Lodge West is the bomb dot com as far as eclectic drinks, atmosphere, and the bartenders are actually nice to my amigos & me • having a total movie moment & slow dancing to Bon Iver--and no, not by myself! • IKEA trips & how just buying simple lighting can totally boost your confidence in your house & make it feel more homey • impromptu 1am bar talks • tacos from food trucks • playing with cats • losing weight the healthy way • walking home from work--took almost an hour but it was awesome! • June Gloom... only for a few hours, then I want sun! • Car rides with Cole • making homemade spring rolls • getting 120 film back and exposed properly! • International surfing day on Monday! •

what good things totally made your week?

31 Days: My Fashion Wishlist

I love clothes. I don't covet them... but I adore getting a new piece of clothing. Especially when it's crazy unique. I unfortunately spend too much time on the internet, which results in me seeing all these beautiful pieces of clothing that I probably won't get! Alas, my taste is rather expensive. I always feel so horrible spending money on wardrobe if it is a lot of money. I will choose thrifting over spending $300 on a piece of clothing any day... but there are just some things you have to splurge on. Either way, these are my wishlist items. I will have similar ones in my closet someday... but for now I'll just dream :)

Top row is all from Complex Geometries. These types of lines make me thank the Lord that I am an amazon. If I were short, I wouldn't be able to pull off the insane amounts of drapery that Complex Geometries centralizes around. Being 6' allows me to not get lost in all the fabric and that is a blessin'! The tshirt dress is sexy with those thigh high socks, the sleeveless hoodie is perfect for summer nights close to the beach, and those ruched grey tights... OHHHH, those tights are just gorgeous and would spruce up anything.

Can you tell I like clothing that drapes and flows? This screaming neon pink dress is something I was surprised to be drawn to. Holy crap, it is insanely pink and I'm actually not usually a fan. But it is amazing... unfortunately this is one of the items I was talking about that was rather expensive. $300+ for this Acne Dance dress? No thank you, time to bust out the sewing machine (same with those Complex Geometries pieces!)!

All Saints is located close to me... bad thing? Perhaps? But I was so pleasantly surprised to see they have a range of sizes, even though they seem like the type of line that would cater to skinnier and more petite girls. Their leather items are to die for. TO DIE FOR. My wardrobe goal is to own an All Saints Mahonie leather draped jacket. Go figure!

Slap a triangle on my forehead and a few feathers please because I think nebulas are just as a part of 'hipster' culture as are PBR, fixies, & Ray Ban wayfarers. Black Milk Clothing has leggings that are facking amazing. Their shop had to close temporarily because they weren't prepared for the insane amount of orders coming in! I'll snatch these puppies up when they come back on the market... Or perhaps a DIY is on the horizon? I'll do my research.

Lastly, Jeffrey Campbell is KILLING it with every shoe. I don't care how many girls love these shoes and how many of them have a pair... I own two pairs (the 99 in black and the Zipped Boot) and they were my splurges (which I will write about later!) and they were amazing purchases. They go with everything! The Clinic wedge is beautiful and I intend to get my hands on it at some point. I honestly thing that the one clothing item you SHOULD spend money on is on shoes.

What are some of your wishlist items?
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Medium Format - Bronco Shea

I've started venturing into film photography a little bit. I don't know what it is but it is a totally different feeling than using digital. This is how we all started taking photos (for the most part)! It's weird to think that we had to wait patiently while our photos developed. We get so much instant gratification from digital... that when you get back photos from a film camera, it is so rewarding! I took my friend, Bronco, out for some photos last week and these are some of the shots we got. I'm pretty stoked at how they turned out. I'm definitely going to invest in a little medium format (as I actually borrowed this one from my friend, Maggie!) as soon as I can because the feeling of getting your film back and seeing every shot turn out is wonderful.

photos after the jump!