Love List Friday: 04.09.10

A visual, fashion-centric collection for this week's love list, based on some pieces from my new summer wardrobe. My love for aqua blue is resurfacing with the return of the Floridian heat (I foresee a blog color makeover in the next few weeks).

• studded white top and striped skirt
• Wasabi turquoise earrings
• braided leather bracelet
• leather bar bracelet
• jelly sandals
• beach cruiser

I think I'm going to be living in a variation of this ensemble until September at least, and the bike is at the top of my birthday wishlist. What are your summer staples?

Happy weekend everyone!

Green Loves: Eco Fashion

"Green Loves" is a new feature I'm introducing here to highlight something I'm digging from the world of eco. I am always looking for yummy organics and healthier alternatives to the things we surround ourselves with, so if you know a fabulous all-natural shampoo or a to-die-for vegetarian recipe or a habit I can incorporate into my daily life that will totally save the planet, please, please share!

Tree hugger by So Graphic

Two books I've recently fallen for in a big way are The Kind Diet and Ecoholic.
I've eaten a fairly healthy diet since I was little; a Japanese mom + a vegetarian dad = a fondness for fish and rice and veggies and absolutely no rainbow-colored cereals whatsoever no matter what (yes, I totally made up for my deprived childhood by overdosing on Lucky Charms in college).
In future posts I hope to share some great Kind Diet-inspired recipes and foods I have tried, but my kitchen is being renovated as we speak, and I am utterly without stove, sink, or even a counter-top.

So, Ecoholic. I picked up my copy at my library, but I think it is too good a resource not to have on hand whenever I need it, so I'll be buying my own soon.
It covers everything from diet to cleaning products to furniture to appliances and everything in between. It's best read in small doses, as the information can become overwhelming -- thankfully the 'grim' parts are dealt with clearly and swiftly in each section, and the book lets you get on to the fun bits with heaps of recommendations for all the neat things you could be buying/doing/eating instead.
I finished the chapter on clothing last night, and all today I have been dreaming about a new spring/summer wardrobe of soft bamboo fabric tops and cool hemp skirts and organic cotton underthings.

After a quick perusal online, this is the first eco-kind ensemble I came up with. I can't wait to delve deeper into this world of beautiful clothing with a conscience.

1. Fair Trade Sapphire, Moissanite, and Recycled 14k Gold Ring by McFarland Designs
2. Organic Cotton T-shirt by maryink
3. Multi Functional Dress by bird apparel
4. Silver Glitters by TOMS (for every pair of shoes sold, TOMS donates a pair to a child in need)

Summer Wardrobe

Summer has arrived, and though I usually dread the harbinger of muggy, fry-pan-hot days and sweltery mosquito nights, I figured there must be something about summer I can celebrate.
So I've concocted a fashionable ode to ice cold drinks, feather-light cotton, slide-on sandals, and bright, bright colors.
This is what I'll be wearing 'til September (though maybe not so much the $4,200 earrings).

photo by Ewan-M

* Earrings by Miguel Ases
* Peach Tank from Pacific Sunwear
* Striped Shorts from American Eagle
* Treasure Trove Bag from Anthropologie
* Organdy fleur capri sandals from J. Crew


photo by Guccia

* Vintage sunglasses by Dior
* Earrings by Darlene de Sedle
* La Piedra Sundress from Hollister
* Slim Flip Flops from Havaianas
* Bracelet by Tai

All aboard?

+ sunglasses from Forever 21
+ Blair Preppy Cardigan from dELiAs
+ Charisma blouse from Anthropologie
+ jeans from American Eagle
+ water bottle from SIGG
+ Swiss Army rucksack from Fatigues Army Navy
+ Illumination sandals from Anthropologie

I was recently having an email conversation with a good friend about travel destinations, and the notion of train travel came up. We both seem to think that for a cross-country railway journey, all you really require are some comfy clothes, a small backpack, and several cameras.
Half the fun of planning a trip is selecting one's travel wardrobe, and as I was daydreaming about a route that would take me from the East coast to California in the slowest and prettiest way possible, naturally my thoughts turned to what I would wear.
I think the Polaroid makes the outfit, don't you?

Getting Ready

New shoes! I can't tell you how long I've been pining after a pair of square-toed ballet flats. I never imagined I'd find them made by Jessica Simpson of all people, but the buttery soft leather and perfectly snug fit assuaged any misgivings I held about celebrity-endorsed fashion.


And this is my "airplane bag". Big, slouchy, holds anything and everything, including camera, scarf, planner, Jon Katz and Meg Cabot paperbacks, guide book, snacky foods, etc.
Resting on top is my new shimmery pink camera case, special-ordered from Japan and delivered via fun care package by the wonderful Miho. I could not bear the thought of the boring black leather case offered on Amazon as the only option to house my new Canon Powershot, and so I turned to Rakuten (a kind of Japanese version of Ebay) where I knew my needs for a cute/fashionable case could be met.

One more day and then it's off to NYC! My lists are compiled, my suitcase packed, my liquid and gel cosmetics purchased in regulation-sized containers... I do love being organized.
Probably all this isn't really necessary -- unlike most of my trips I won't be leaving the country (I won't even be leaving this time zone). But I'll use any excuse to act like I am venturing on a perilous expedition into the unknown (a perilous expedition that requires tiny bottles of toner + moisturizer).
In any case, I promise heaps of photos upon my return.

A Little Splurge

I went shopping today fully intending to buy some sensible black pants.
Somehow, I came back with this instead.



And now it seems I would be utterly remiss if I were not to also purchase these (in "violet") to wear with it.

★ Ahoy there, sailor ★

With my love of all things nautical, this Spring looks very promising, fashion-wise.



★ Pirate Ship Sterling Silver Charm Necklace from CharmStar
★ everything else from anthropologie

*Alice's Cocktail Party*

Polyvore is like paper dolls for grownups.
My first attempt is inspired by my style icon: Alice (of Wonderland).

*site found via the lovely CreatureComforts*