Flowers

One of the few things missing from our wedding planning venture is a florist. It's hard to decide who to go with, there are so many out there and the potential for really funky arrangements.

Things I hate in floral arrangements:
1) tons of types of flowers
2) tall centerpieces
3) hangy things coming off centerpieces
4) enormous bouquets
5) purple themes

Things I love in floral arrangements:
1) A few types of full flowers
2) shorter centerpieces
3) simplicity
4) light yellow, pink, and peach color themes

example of love:

I love the big blooms and the fact that these flowers are arranged in porcelain vs. glass. CUTE!

example of hate:

Too much going on, with hanging fruit. blech!

Decisions, decisions...

A Proud American

Finally. I can finally be proud to be represented by somebody I respect. Just listening to him speak makes me happy. He's educated, intelligent, eloquent, inspiring. He's not a bumbling fool who can hardly speak English. Isn't it refreshing?
Nevermind the fact that it's historic. Forgetting about the years of civil rights movements that have now culminated in an amazing reality. Put all those struggles and efforts aside. It just makes me happy to hear him speak.

I'm a Biker Now

Check out my wheels:

I pretty much love it! So far I've only gotten to ride it around once, but my goal is to go on weekend rides around town. Eventually I want to get a basket for it so I can go shopping and run errands on it. As of right now, I can't really take it out anywhere because I don't have a lock. And let's face it, this puppy is so cool it would get swiped.
But as soon as I get a secure lock you'll see me at the cafe on main street sippin my tea, bike parked outside. So next time you see a turquoise bike in Culver City, look around and you might see me!

The Birdcage Veil

Now that the particulars of the wedding are coming into play, I have to somehow make my own style shine through. While I won't reveal my final dress choice, I will tell you one thing...I chose it because it would work with the style of veil I am in love with. I never wanted a veil. Except one of those Spanish lace ones, that are millions of dollars. But with that out of the picture, I can't see myself wearing a long veil with crystals or a soft tulle fluff attached to a crown. No, but I CAN see myself wearing a vintage inspired birdcage veil. Feast your eyes on these beauts (and I'm not talking about the ladies):

I see my hair worn in a low, loose bun and a nice vintage brooch attached to the back off to one side, holding tight to a delicate netting.
Yes...can't you just see it!

The 5K Outfit

In August some friends and I decided to run a 5K coming up in October. In September I pondered the perfect team outfit. Never mind that one of the runners is a male. He can color coordinate. I think the following outfit will suffice.

I Wish

I know this blog is mostly about things I wish I could buy. But right now, it's about to be about things I wish I could have back.

Today one of my students who was in my class for 1st and 2nd grade stopped by my room to deliver not a flower, not a dog, but a flower dog.
Check it out:


I have never seen such a creation of floral genius. Flowers, basket, pom pom, googly eyes!?! The actual gift is not as meaningful as what this student said. She basically thanked me for being her teacher for two years. What a sweetheart! What student is that grateful?

This is why each day I despise my new class. My last class was a group of kind-hearted, eager, helpful, quiet children, full of love and smiles. This class is a bunch of unruly, spacey, rude, loud brats, full of whining and stink eye.

Whenever I see my smiling waving old students, I get sad when I see my current students making ugly faces and flailing their arms about. This is not an exaggeration. So, if I may say so myself, I wish...I wish I had my old class back.

Maybe that's an unhealthy wish that will keep me from appreciating what I have. I mean my current students can outperform my old students academically, but I don't really care. How can I not want those sweethearts back!

It's True

I'm a lip gloss fiend. I have an endless urge to buy shiny tubes of sparkly pinks and nudes. It all started in high school with the strawberry bonne bell, then I turned to lip smackers, and now no less than a Sephora brand will suffice.

After all my experiences with lip gloss I have found that most of my glosses are in the same color family, with very subtle differences. For example one might have the same base color but just slightly more gold flecks. I'm not sure what's wrong with me. But Sev says one day the money I've spent on my lip gloss addiction will justify his purchase of an extravagant car. I disagree.

Take a look at my current lip gloss collection:

At one point I think I had over 20, but I've downsized. In case you're wondering how often one has to purchase a lip gloss to accrue this many, I'll lay your curiosities to rest...at least one purchase every 2 months. See, I'm not that bad. One could easily buy a lip gloss a week. I have self-control.

Wedding Fever

Today my lovely bridesmaids and I took our first trip to the bridal shops. It was quite a feat since I had no idea what sort of look I was going for. The only thing I knew was that I didn't want it to be that puffy and I want it to be part of a less formal setting. With no expectations for a dress, the hunt was going to be tough. But they were really good sports, especially when we went to Alfred Angelo without an appointment. The consultant kept adding to my pile of dresses which took quite a while to get in and out of. It was really funny because I could tell by their initial reactions whether they liked it or not. For example, a response of a short pause followed by, "Do you like it?" meant no go. While an immediate, "That is so sweet, so you." meant yes. I love how nice my friends are.

Shopping for a wedding dress is unlike shopping for any other. Browsing on the internet does not help you find something that suits you.

For example, I really liked the simple and elegant dresses with a waist that ended at the hips and had an A line skirt, like the dress below. What I learned today: that type of dress makes me look like a long-torsoed, short legged woman. Not the look I'm going for.


I did discover however that the lace bodice is really beautiful and romantic. Just the feeling I was hoping to find.



We found this romantic beauty at Rene Strauss. It was so pretty. I loved the hint of lace in the underskirt. Sadly, out of my price range. WAY out of price range. I find it hard to justify spending so much money on a dress you'll wear only once.

At Alfred Angelo I found a dress that was different, but pretty also. Not as romantic, a bit puffy, but I loved it anyway.



Being that I am extremely indecisive, this decision will be tough. But the search is not over yet.
I am still on the hunt for this Eden Bridal beauty.



I think after trying on the ones today that the lines at the waist on this dress will help me not look like a disproportionate bride and the simplicity of the skirt will be just formal enough. Where are you dream dress!?!

The Verdict

They are simple, classy, and satin. I thought the interlocking straps was a nice echo of the interlocking/twisty knot going on at the waist of my dress. Only one problem, I'm a flats kinda girl and these are the highest heels I've ever owned. When I tried them on my calves immediately experienced a shooting pain. But when I looked in the mirror, the pain seemed worth it. They are actually pretty comfy on the feet considering I only had them on for a few minutes. We'll see what happens. I hope I don't slip on the dance floor tonight.

Shoes!

I have a wedding to go to this weekend. After freaking out about having an appropriate dress, I am now freaking out about shoes. I have some pretty boring strappy patent leather low heels, but have an urge to spice up the outfit with something more colorful...
What do you think?
a)

Too racy?

b)
Too boring?

c)
Too conventional?

d)
Too Casual?

I'm not sure which way to go...
Though, I'll most likely end up wearing what I've got. Cause I like to covet, but don't like to spend.

Lip Gloss Lover

Pixel is the color, and while to the average eye it may be undetectably different than 3 of my other lipglosses, I can see the difference in hue. Umm...I think I have a problem. I just love the nude gloss paired with dark eyeliner and pink cheeks. Can't get enough.

World Market, I Love You!

How much do I love you World Market? Let me count the ways.
1) I can buy all sorts of wicker baskets to decorate my home.
Which I can then use to make toilet paper look cute in my bathroom.
2) I can buy hand crafted coasters. (picture unavailable)
3) I can acquire even more wrought iron candle holders to fill my apt.
4) I can find wines with the descriptors: vanilla, butter, toasted. mmmm...

Oh how I love thee World Market Cost Plus.

(When I have a real house my bank account will be in big trouble because of you)

Spring Cleaning

It seems every time I'm on vacation and spend a bit too much time in my apartment I have an urge to redecorate. Right now I'm trying to organize my closet. If you could see it, you'd say it's about time. I have an extra long closet with two huge sliding doors 3 clothing racks, and two super long shelves. I even make an effort to clear out at least one grocery bag full of clothing every few months. Yet, I somehow lack space for all my clothes. Did I mention I also have a three drawer dresser? Every time I want to pick out an outfit I have to use force to push back sweaters and shirts and pants and skirts. So here is one thing I think could help me with my problem.

This would go next to my dresser and help get rid of the hamper in my closet so I can store more things on the floor! (I think I'm making my situation worse)

Just Dreamin'

I've never really coveted a designer purse. I like to say that I never will spend an exorbitant amount of money on an accessory. That being said, I saw this super cute bag for spring/summer, from the only designer that ever makes me look twice at a bag in a department store. Marc by Marc Jacobs. I think his bags are the only ones that come in a palette that attracts my eye, and textures that appeal to me. "What does this bag look like!?!" you might be screaming to yourself. Well, tah dah...

Love it.

But don't worry, I haven't gone to the dark side just yet.

On Vacation Again

You know what that means...

Long Black Dresses

Apparently long black dresses are not as easy to find as the "little black dress." I've been searching for a long black dress to wear as a bridesmaid in Kiyomi's wedding. There's a lot of pressure since all 5 of us get to pick our own dress. I don't want to look too fancy, or stand out, and I don't want to show up in the same dress as someone else either. That would be weird.
The hunt has resulted in a lame three. Luckily 2/3 are in my price range. It's been difficult since the only websites that I can think to search for dresses are: Ann Taylor, Nordstrom, Macy's, JCrew, and BR. Which one would you choose to be a part of a bridal party where you all got to pick the style of your dress?
1) I love it from the front, the back...eh


2) Not really special, but it's on clearance and fits the occasion.
3)Pretty but much too expensive for one time use, just thought I'd show it off.

(it also comes in black.)
So here they are, the only long black dresses I could find on the 5 websites I know. Now to decide.

The Shoes in the Running

I know I vowed never to buy another pair of heels, but I just can't see the birthday dress being worn with flats. Finding a pair of heels is much harder than I thought. Perhaps that's why I don't really own any. Here is what is attracting my eye. In short it is a heeled peep toe in a rich fabric like suede or a high contrast material like patent leather. Amazing discovery: two shoes can look nearly identical, yet cost very different prices.
Example given:

The pink ones are $500, while the red are under $200.
Does it look like a $300 difference to you?

I really like these, but they might be a bit prommy. Love the color though.

These might make my feet look like little presents from my legs.

More peep toe.

And some more clones.

It's amazing that the birthday party shoes are going to cost even more than the birthday party dress. My goal: find a pair of shoes that look like $500 but cost less than $100.

The Birthday Party Dress Club

My Birthday Party Dress

Esther had the revolutionary idea of giving us an excuse to buy expensive, beautiful dresses. The idea: Buy a dress we'd normally not have occasion to wear, and wear it to each other's birthday parties. Of course, since these dresses are pricey, we'll wear the same dress to all birthdays in 2008. Regardless of birthday activity this dress will be worn, whether to the bowling alley, a bar, club, restaurant, or minigolf. Leading to future conversations that sound like this:
Esther: "Who's birthday was that?"
Me:"Mine."
Esther:"Hmmm, are you sure?"
Me: "Yea look at my hair, that was my birthday."
Someone commented that this was the way "poor people" celebrate. My response: "So! It is our chance to feel special!"
Today we went on the hunt for our Birthday Party Dresses. Behold the beauty that is mine.
In fact, this very dress is one that I have admired all year long in the BCBG window of Westside Pavilion. I never would have thought I'd have reason to buy it or even try it on. Thank you Esther for giving me that opportunity!
This dress will not just be the Birthday Party Dress, but I have a strong feeling that it will make appearances at weddings in '08 too :)
Now I just need to buy shoes and make up to complete the princess feel. At first I thought I should get pink heels, but have been convinced to go with teal or red, though deep brown and green were also suggested. Shoe options to come.
But isn't this dress the prettiest!?!
**If you too would like to have an excuse to buy a fancy dress and look gorgeous, just let me know. I'll invite you to my birthday party.

It's not a wallet

My New Year gift of 2008:

It's not a Hobo wallet like I was expecting, it's better. I thought for sure all my hints about needing a new leather wallet were going to guide the sevanator. But, it turns out he surprised me with something else I've been wanting but have been too modest to ask for. You know how when someone gets a new gadget they use it all the time? Yea, that's me now. So get ready for me to capture digital images of You! The next time you see me make sure you're wearing your cutest outfit and fix up your hair. I'm the new paparazzi. BEWARE!