Rubble and Rock

New Hobby

2009-09-13T03:16:00.002-04:00

In Manila. I have five months to track and trap the ever elusive bryanboy. Let the hunt commence!

Oh, Procastination. My Only Friend

2009-03-31T00:46:00.006-04:00

Continuing on with my tendency towards procrastination, I ordered my first Threadless shirts in months:

Sometimes, Stuff > Education

2009-03-25T01:18:00.005-04:00

In lieu of working on either my economics homework or my huge GIANT policy analysis paper, I decided to peruse the interwebs for anything that was not my economics homework or my huge GIANT policy analysis paper. Here's what I found:

But perhaps more importantly,I also found

Despite the successful acquisition of this ring last year (and I do love it so), I am still smarting over Oak's betrayal and my failure to obtain this. What to do? I think if I do well this term, I shall reward myself with the ring. Or, upon receiving my tax refund (thank you magical rules that gives me extra money for going back to school!), I shall reward myself with the ring. Or if I wake up tomorrow morning, I shall reward myself with the ring. I think we all know where this is heading.

And let's top this post off with a random picture.

Broken Embargos

2009-03-18T01:21:00.004-04:00

I had not bought a pair of shoes since October of 2008. Think about that for a second. Contemplate the length of time between October and March. It is long. Oh, so very long. So when wandering around NYC during spring break, I thought I would just pop into a store and gaze longingly at shoes without actually purchasing any. LIES. Not five minutes passed before I whipped out my wallet and coughed up some cash. (Thank you, poker!)

Betrayal of the Y Chromosome

2009-03-02T22:54:00.005-05:00

The boys in my family all have eyelashes like this, while all the girls have stubby non existant things that sort of hint at the the illusion of a mere whisper of proper lashes. This picture of my cousin's lashes was taken about a year ago, and in that time, the family has reached the consensus that his eyelashes have actually grown even longer and thicker. I swear his bottom lashes are what people aspire their top lashes to look like. It is disgusting. Can DiorShow replicate this? I think not.

What's Purim?

2009-03-02T19:30:00.001-05:00

Like the rest of the world, I love me some Mad Men. Here's a little something to tide you over until the next season.

Relax

2009-02-18T23:39:00.004-05:00

Instead of writing a boring and tedious paper, I decided to look through some of my old photos. Here's one from Mexico that I forgot existed:
So innovative. So simple. All stores need designated husband chairs, regardless of what they are selling.* It could be $800 shoes. It could be $2 bracelets. It doesn't matter! The possibilities are endless!

* Let's disregard the quotation marks for now.

In Which Angela Dutifully Obliges Catherine

2009-02-14T23:58:00.007-05:00

Dear Catherine's poker windfall,
Do I smell a trip to Brooks Brothers?

Baller on a Budget

2009-02-14T04:28:00.000-05:00

Dear Angela,

I had an awesome night at poker. Feel free to enable me next time I'm in New York.

<3,
Catherine

Yes, Paul. Yes!

2009-02-07T18:19:00.009-05:00

Since I have started school, I've only spent money on things needed to live and pass my classes: food, metro cards, toiletries, and poker. I am mostly capable of being a thrifty person when the situation requires it. However, in order to achieve this, I no longer kill spare time by browsing such sites are yoox or Nordstom. Unfortunately, Angela is a demon sent by Satan to destroy my self-control at her leisure. So naturally she sent me a link to a Paul Smith scarf on sale at Saks. Being the weak willed creature that I am, I foolishly clicked on said link and immediately fell in love. So many stripes! And in NAVY, a color I needed in my arsenal of scarves. And I clicked and I bought and I waited.

BEHOLD!
Since I have had my obligatory moment of weakness so soon into the semester, Angela, I bid you, please do not send me any more links. As you know, I am now a cash based consumer as my only means of income is poker. Please have mercy. Please.

Back from the dead. Much like demon zombies.

2009-02-06T00:17:00.005-05:00

Since people have complained that this blog has died, I shall try to revive it when I am not busy:

a. in class,
b. actually learning things,
c. thinking about learning things, or
d. contemplating the possibility of maybe starting to learn stuff.

While I am sort of supposed to be engaged in learning stuff, I am very much not engaged with getting stuff. I have actually been avoiding looking at anything for fear that I will not have the self-control to resist spending my poor grad school budget into the ground. It is a very childish form of self-control, but it is all that I have.

Soon, we shall see the consequences of "innocently" sending me a link to an item I may or may not want immediately upon laying eyes upon it.

Well, in other news, I am totally in love with Poladroid. Super fun! From now on any photos that I post to any blog* will be in Polaroid form! YES, Poladroid! YES!

I know, right!

* Big ups to the shameless plugs!

Yes. It is cold here.

2008-10-06T22:04:00.003-04:00

So I am in Boston for Grad school and have consequently stopped buying things that do not fill my belly. So of course a month into this drought of materialism, threadless has a sale. A fucking sale. Here are the ones I desperately want, but will resist buying:

Dear God,

2008-08-05T09:49:00.004-04:00

Some people see you in such things as the leaves of a tree or the smile of an infant. I see you in the shine of these shoes.

Too bad I'm on embargo. And that shipping costs 119 Euros. But still, thanks, God, for the eye candy.

<3,
Catherine

To cuff or not to cuff?

2008-07-31T15:16:00.008-04:00

So my jeans have pretty much been perpetually cuffed for this entire year. Sometimes it is neat, sometimes sloppy. Sometimes high. Sometimes low. Oftentimes a combination of these. My question is, "Does the adorability/comfort factor make up for my suspicion that cuffing potentially makes my legs look stumpy?" I do not know the answer. I haven't yet used the 10 second timer on my camera yet, so let's combine projects and look at the evidence:

Hmm. That didn't come out quite as I expected. You should note that the stuff in the background is pretty clear. This is all I could muster up working with a 60mm lens and 12 inch mini tripod. I have issues with taking my picture in a mirror, so I was running around the camera and hoping to stand in the appropriate spot during these photos. Given more time and dedication, I'm sure I still could have taken clearer pictures. Unfortunately for you, my time and dedication to photography was temporarily coopted by television (Teacher. Mother. Secret lover.). Perhaps I will work on a fuller length picture. Give me a few months to build up the energy for that.

In any case, I have been especially feeling the high tops with cuffed jeans. Who's with me on that? Speaking of high tops, note the wonderfulness of this particular pair. Yes, the pair that I lusted over and mourned. The pair that taunted me with its unavailability, then surfaced as soon as I really needed to save up my money. My love for them overruled my practical side. Let's take a closer look.

I know! RIGHT! But what I really really like in these shoes is the texture. Observe:

!!!1!!1!!!!

Ok, back to the original point of this whole thing. Sometimes I am unsure as to whether rolling up/cuffing/pegging/whatever you want to call is a good thing. Clearly, I enjoy it, but there have been those that disagree with me. You can't really make that call without a full length picture, but simply in terms of shoes, I <3 the cuffing. I really do.

In case no one has realized this. This whole post was a roundabout way of reveling in my shoes. Worth it.

Delinquency

2008-07-24T18:45:00.003-04:00

Admittedly, I am terrible with keeping in contact with people. You would think the one exception would be my mother, but no.

I do, however, manage to send her the occasional text:

Hi Mom, sorry haven't called in a while.
Still alive.
Have not spent all rent money on shoes.
Love,
Angela

We Are Still Alive

2008-07-04T13:37:00.005-04:00

I promise. And, naturally, still buying things. I was actually on a pretty effective embargo for a few weeks (hence the dearth of posts on my end) until I saw this:Super cute. I know. But I kinda like my picture more.

One more pic for a sense of scale:

Oh yeah. These pictures? New lens. I <3 it.

In Lieu of Shoes

2008-06-10T21:36:00.003-04:00

I bought an ASUS eeePC. Glorious. So tiny. I love it.

Too Sexy For My Cat (Too Sexy By Half)

2008-06-07T10:44:00.006-04:00

For me, black mesh instantly conjures images of Right Said Fred cartoonishly preening in "I'm Too Sexy."

As I am not quite the sort to have my shirt artfully ripped as I strut down the street, I would channel my inner Right Said Fred with these DAVIS leather mesh heels:

DAVIS by Ruth Davis Leather Mesh Heels

If I bought these, I would definitely be too sexy for my wallet . . .

Holy Shit

2008-05-29T23:45:00.006-04:00

Shoes which I have been lusting over for for years now (years!) have been found IN MY SIZE!!But, I already have go-to brown dunks:
They are similar, but The Thing Dunks have a more appealing texture and different shade of orange. And really, they are the shoes which created the need to get the pair that I already have. Don't you always want to get your first choice when the chance presents itself?

But then, I really need to not buy stuff that I don't need. I'm going to be poor again in a couple of months and will have to put my money into necessities when the time comes. Perhaps the shoe is too orangey overall? But still oh so pretty. Getting these wouldn't fill any gaps in my sneaker arsenal. But they would fill the gap in my heart. I don't know how to feel.

On the one hand, I really need them; and on the other, I'm going to need to eat. Why is life so hard?

All Your Nos Turn To Yeses

2008-05-27T21:41:00.005-04:00

Dear Catherine,

If I were the songwriting type, I would write this song for you. It would be a Motown track backed by the Pips, with a good dose of nah nah naaahs.

Maybe an ooh la la.

You say you don't need it now
But in 10 minutes time
You'll be whipping that card out
Clicking it in
And checking it out

Sincerely,
Non-writing talented Angela

Angela, Try Not To Laugh...

2008-05-27T09:57:00.003-04:00

but I kind of need these:
I know right! If I actually did the dangly earring thing, I would totally get these. Alas, childhood trauma/embargo makes me apprehensive. But pretty, no?

Totokaelo

2008-05-26T14:24:00.003-04:00

As it is, I spend an embarrassing amount of time ogling the Impulse Seattle blog, but the fact that, with the launch of their e-commerce site Totokaelo, these items will now be a click away can potentially be VERY bad for my wallet . . .

And I'm Back, Not That Anyone Cares

2008-05-21T12:05:00.003-04:00

So is the cool thing to do explaining long absences? With photo evidence? If so, I went to visit my grandmother in the Philippines. Here is my proof:

Ok, so the picture doesn't really prove anything about my recent whereabouts, but I like it. So who cares?

Productivity is Overrated

2008-05-20T01:51:00.008-04:00

Ibanez BTB200

The new practice amp lives amongst the shoes . . .

Just because I need yet another time suck in my life . . .

Don't Make Me Break Out My Dance Moves . . .

2008-05-17T17:18:00.002-04:00

Guilty pleasure? Full out 70's style dancing.
No so guilty pleasure? Sasha Frere-Jones' blog.

Kind of Blue

2008-05-03T18:43:00.015-04:00

Honestly, I haven't forgotten about this blog. I've just been attempting to motivate myself to do some unpleasant work by putting myself on an embargo for all of my favorite activities (shopping, eating out, blogging, aimlessly meandering around town, etc).

Okay, well, I did take the time to paint my nails. Come on now, I was procrastinating by watching Top Chef (do you really expect me to miss Top Chef?). Might as well make some additional use of my procrastination time. And you see how well my self-imposed blogging ban worked . . .

However, examining the potential shades that would adorn my digits, I really couldn't decide on a color.
I am currently obsessed with greys and blues (and mostly cremes, at that). Yes yes, I know orange and whatever crap Chanel is pushing is the in-thing, but the aqua and china blue sort of colors are still spinning in my head.

Well hell, let's just use them ALL.*

This, my friends, is a mentality that is so often key in much of my bad decision-making.

China Glaze's Recycle (on thumb). From left to right: Color Club's Blue Light, China Glaze's Aqua Baby,Color Club's 220 Volts (actually a bit darker IRL), China Glaze's Shower Together.

Reactions ranged from "Atrocious!," "Just pick one goddamned color," and "Yeah, that's sort of cute."

Aqua Baby and Shower Together are very similar (though Aqua Baby is slightly more green), which means one shall be gifted to the younger sister.

I purchased all of these colors at www.8ty8beauty.com and am already planning yet another haul. Ahem, after I finish my work.

*Okay, not all. I am prone to exaggeration. This is a given.

Why Must God Taunt Me?

2008-04-25T14:26:00.008-04:00

Is it not going to confession? Cuz I will GO if that's what it takes for things to change around here.

As a recovering sneaker head, I was always up to date on what shoes were teh new hawtness at all times. Unfortunately, I have little feet. The best shoes were always in men's sizes and thus much too large for me. A good friend of mine took advantage of this and tended to acquire the shoes that I desperately wanted, yet could never fit into. For example, I still lust for these shoes, years after its release:God, how I needed these. I got these as a consolation prize to myself, but I would never forget my first desire. And then my friend bought them. And then I saw them on some random punk at the airport, all fucked up and muddy. It was fucking disgraceful. God, I'm all agitated again. I'll come back to this post later.
.
.
.
.
[Three hours later]

So you would think that my declining need for sneakers would also cause this to stop.* For once, the shoes I wanted most would at least be manufactured in my size, even if not readily available to me. But of course, this is not to be, for I found these today:

I'm not normally into anything involving velcro (assuming those are velcro straps), but LOOK AT THESE. SUPER CUTE, I KNOW. And the smallest size available is a men's seven.

Congratulations, universe. You win. Can I please just have a little mercy here?

* Even though I'm not as into low dunks anymore, I still can't help but fawn over the pretty high ones. How can you not?

Wow.

2008-04-21T15:48:00.002-04:00

I'm not normally enamoured of heels. That's generally Angela's area of expertise. But look at these:

I know, right. I really do think it's the GREEN that's pushing me over the edge, but can you really blame me?

Let's Cut a Deal.

2008-04-17T15:53:00.007-04:00

I have not been to confession since I was 14; and I'm pretty sure I withheld some shit that last time. But my appreciation of Papal clothing choices should make up for that, right?

While I may not be the best Catholic, I think I should get some points for enjoying the Pope's shoes.
Awesome. I know, right!

In other news, I am a little disappointed that the Swiss Guard uniform did not make an appearance. Oh well, such is life.
Somehow, I don't think liking the Papal shoes and the Swiss Guard uniform make up for ten years of heavy sinning.

Instant Messenger Surprising Effective At Communicating Annoying Emotions and Destroying Grammer

2008-04-14T23:01:00.005-04:00

Catherine: OH
my PROJECT FOR YOU

you must find me a coat i will actually wear

me: hah
but now it is warmer
and
how long have i been telling you to find a proper coat?

Catherine: but there is a reaaaasonnnnn*
guess the reaaasonnnn**

me: you are . . . cold?
you . . . want to stylishly accessorize your new chucks?
YOU WANT TO CHANNEL DAVID TENNANT AS DOCTOR WHO?!

Catherine: uh.

me: You look more like William Hartnell anyhow.

* How is it, Catherine, that you can so effectively communicate whining that would put the most petulant eight year-old to shame over gchat?

* Really? Boston?!

When Friends Change

2008-04-10T08:54:00.004-04:00

Dear Catherine,

People used to cross streets to avoid coming across your path late at night as you shuffled menacingly down the sidewalk in your Nike Dunks and pulled up hoody.

What would old Catherine say to this?!?!

Oh yes. Old Catherine would not have said anything. Old Catherine would simply stab new Catherine in the face with a butterfly knife. All without getting a drop on her pristine white Air Force 1s.

The Final Straw

2008-04-09T13:00:00.004-04:00

Ghetto Catherine is officially dead. She's been struggling on life support for a long time now, but the final straw came last week with the acquisition of these:
Oh, and these too:Yes. It's true. For a while I was only a mere whisper of ghetto Catherine. And now that whisper has been silenced forever. Silenced by the "complete order now" button.

I do have a question though, one of these is known as Converse All Star® Core OX and the other as Converse Chuck Taylor® All Star® Ox. I see no difference between them. It's driving me insane.

Lunch Breaks

2008-04-04T09:06:00.007-04:00

I am tempted to spend my lunch break at Bergdorf Goodman, as I am desperately in need of cover-up, and my dear friend Sharon has demanded that I check out Yves Saint Laurent's concealer.

Concealer is one of those things I hate buying but cannot live without. Invariably, I end up walking out of the store caked in product with a tube of over-priced something or other that seems to do nothing at all for me the next day. Then, I will continue to use said product out of sheer monetary guilt.

At Bergdorf's though, I could at least get a bit of eye-happiness ogling the shoes . . .

Edit: Eh, Saks was closer.

Hand-held Happiness

2008-04-04T00:45:00.004-04:00

Okay, put your pocket rocket away. This post is strictly PG-rated. For all I know, my little sister is reading this post. If you are, BABIES COME FROM CABBAGES. And that up there? It is a PEN. Now go do your homework.

No, what I am referring to is the most fantastic garlic press known to mankind.

Kuhn Rikon Epicurean Garlic Press

I love garlic, so a good garlic press is a definite must, given my less than stellar knife skills. After reading the garlic press evaluations from America's Test Kitchen, I determined that the Kuhn Rikon Epicurean would be mine. Yes, it was rather expensive, as garlic presses go ($31.99 at Broadway Panhandler), but what is $32 in the pursuit of a bit of hand-held joy?

And it is fabulous. I am practically orgasming garlicky happiness. It truly does produce fine, uniform pieces, doesn't require a lot of effort, and is ridiculously easy to clean.

Meanwhile, this NYTimes article pretty much sums up my willpower issues:

The brain has a limited capacity for self-regulation, so exerting willpower in one area often leads to backsliding in others.

That would explain the fact that, while I have not spent any money whatsoever on either clothes or cosmetics in the last month, I have been remarkably bad in terms of my food/kitchen supply purchases. Honestly, though, I was just finally getting around to some of the essentials!

I have finally added to my arsenal:
The aforementioned Kuhn Rikon Epicurean Garlic Press
Lodge Logic 12" cast iron skillet
Forschner Fibrox 10" chef's knife
Forschner Fibrox 3.25" paring knife
CDN Pro-tip instant read thermometer
Wusthof 9-slot knife block
OXO vegetable peeler
Microplane grater
OXO dough blender

Most of these items were procured at the Bowery Kitchen Supply store, Broadway Panhandler, and Sur la Table. Oddly, I found a few items for cheaper at Sur la Table than at any other place I visited in the city, despite it being a very posh Soho gourmet device-type store which one would suspect of over-marking everything.

I have a feeling I will be back on the beat to grab some more supplies this weekend. Baking is my real forte, and I haven't even begun to scratch the surface of my equipment issues there yet . . .

The Only Time I Wished I Lived In LA . . .

2008-04-03T09:44:00.004-04:00

. . . Occurred about the time I received this email from Creatures of Comfort:

This Saturday and Sunday, April 4th and 5th, will be be holding our first ever

Blow-it-out-of-here, spring cleaning, warehouse, alley, parking lot sale.

So come join us if you are in the Los Angeles area, from 12-6pm, we will be putting all items from previous seasons up to 90% off!!!!

(APC, Isabel Marant, Vena Cava, United Bamboo, Peter Jensen, Burfitt, Perks and Mini, Karen Walker, Rachel Comey, Mary Ping, Zucca, Eley Kishimoto, Emma Cook, Sunshine and Shadow, Opening Ceremony, Grey Ant, Society for Rational Dress, Fred Perry, Melissa, LD Tuttle, Loeffler Randall, Wood Wood, Rittenhouse, Araks, Leyendecker, and MORE,)

Enter through the alley.

See you there!

7971 melrose ave, LA CA 90046.

When I Mentally Think I Am Ten Cats and A Rocking Chair Away From Old Lady-dom

2008-04-02T18:48:00.005-04:00

Last night, I was thinking about finishing a book, having a cup of tea, then turning in early.

That is not what happened. Lest I forget that I am not actually a middle-aged housewife, I've got to have one of those nights of karoking in the Lower East Side, exploring some of the diviest dive bars and then stumbling home at 4 am in the morning.

Also, maybe it's just me, maybe I haven't been living in New York long enough, but I would not call a place a pool hall if there is only one table. That's just silly.

Trading One Bad Habit For Another

2008-03-30T21:33:00.004-04:00

This month, I have been determined not to spend money on extraneous things (i.e. clothes and shoes), and to focus on just the essentials.

Let's remember that I count food amongst my essentials, yet food probably counts as my second biggest luxury/expenditure. So, instead of seeking out clothing boutiques, I've been seeking out gourmet food shops and restaurants.

My balance sheet isn't really all the better for it.

Also, I am becoming a fat cow.

Bleh. Maybe I am better off blowing the majority of paycheck on clothes . . .

Thomas Keller Told Me To Roast A Chicken

2008-03-28T08:14:00.005-04:00

Okay, well, he didn't really, but after reading the ridiculously easy instructions, how can you not believe that Thomas Keller himself is compelling you to follow through?

I've been trying to pack lunch for myself as often as possible (packing means more money for nice dinners out . . . and, um, shoes), so this roast chicken has provided many meals in different forms. I can throw together a chicken pesto and pine nut salad, slather Tuscan bread with whole grain mustard for a chicken sandwich, etc etc etc. And, once you are done devouring your chicken, you can make a chicken stock with the carcass to yield even more deliciousness.

From Epicurious.com and the Bouchon Cookbook:

Ingredients:

One 2- to 3-pound farm-raised chicken
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons minced thyme (optional)

Unsalted butter
Dijon mustard

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Rinse the chicken, then dry it very well with paper towels, inside and out. The less it steams, the drier the heat, the better.

Salt and pepper the cavity, then truss the bird. Trussing is not difficult, and if you roast chicken often, it's a good technique to feel comfortable with. When you truss a bird, the wings and legs stay close to the body; the ends of the drumsticks cover the top of the breast and keep it from drying out. Trussing helps the chicken to cook evenly, and it also makes for a more beautiful roasted bird.

Now, salt the chicken — I like to rain the salt over the bird so that it has a nice uniform coating that will result in a crisp, salty, flavorful skin (about 1 tablespoon). When it's cooked, you should still be able to make out the salt baked onto the crisp skin. Season to taste with pepper.

Place the chicken in a sauté pan or roasting pan and, when the oven is up to temperature, put the chicken in the oven. I leave it alone — I don't baste it, I don't add butter; you can if you wish, but I feel this creates steam, which I don't want. Roast it until it's done, 50 to 60 minutes. Remove it from the oven and add the thyme, if using, to the pan. Baste the chicken with the juices and thyme and let it rest for 15 minutes on a cutting board.

Remove the twine. Separate the middle wing joint and eat that immediately. Remove the legs and thighs. I like to take off the backbone and eat one of the oysters, the two succulent morsels of meat embedded here, and give the other to the person I'm cooking with. But I take the chicken butt for myself. I could never understand why my brothers always fought over that triangular tip — until one day I got the crispy, juicy fat myself. These are the cook's rewards. Cut the breast down the middle and serve it on the bone, with one wing joint still attached to each. The preparation is not meant to be superelegant. Slather the meat with fresh butter. Serve with mustard on the side and, if you wish, a simple green salad. You'll start using a knife and fork, but finish with your fingers, because it's so good.

Well, if I manage to have any leftovers the next day.

My roast chicken, with rosemary tucked underneath the skin.

And yes, I need better lightening in my kitchen. And, uh, maybe a digital SLR . . .

This Is A Public Service Announcement

2008-03-26T14:30:00.005-04:00

There are real dangers to idly wandering the streets of New York.

No, no, I am not referring to those sorts of dangers. Honestly, the way I have been lately I might be better off if a thief filched my wallet. It's all the goddamned shops and boutiques. Even worse, they've got those blasted SALE signs still hanging in their windows.

Nowhere is there a bigger danger hotspot than in Soho.

After a failed attempt to check out the Paul Smith sample sale, I just ambled about aimlessly. Bad idea. I ended up at Curve, a lovely little shop on 83 Mercer St. that carries Isabel Marant, 6267, and Richard Nicoll, among others. Even more fantastic, there were two large racks of sale merch in the back.

Now I did not mean to buy anything, but a dark blue Tim Van Steenbergen dress on the 75% off rack was too good to say no to.

Er, after I took this picture, I thought the front looked a bit vagina-chested . . .

But I think it is all sorted out when it is worn. An added bonus, the structural front draping adds some extra emphasis on my otherwise lacking chest area.

"Fuschia . . . It Should Feel Like A Stab In The Eye"

2008-03-26T09:00:00.008-04:00

As an unabashed lover of bright colors, I have no issues with searing other people's retinas with an obnoxiously bright fluorescent. While I generally relegate the brights to my wardrobe, I couldn't let well enough alone, could I?

A little while back, a friend and I ducked into the Sephora in Union Square, determined to fill some gaps in our make-up wardrobes.

I was determined to buy lipgloss. Dead-set on it. A nice, neutral, every day sort of lipgloss. I tried nearly every goddamned tube in the store, and had the very kind sales assistant running all over the store trying to find something that would look fantastic.

None of them impressed me. Everything turned brown and drab on my lips. I may be overly particular, but the friend and the sales girl agreed.

While testing the Cargo lip glosses, however, I happened to catch sight of a very bright pink lipstick in the display right next to me.

The lipglosses were forgotten. I had to try it.

Make-Up Forever #203 available at Sephora

It looks a bit frighteningly 80's in the tube, but it somehow worked with my complexion. The sales associate cooed and the friend swooned, but I waffled. I decided to wear the lipstick for the day to try to ascertain how much I really wanted it.

Well, I put the lipstick on around 1pm, and through a day of eating and lots of coffee-drinking, the stuff still had to be scrubbed off in the wee hours of the night. Hell, I think there were still traces when I woke up the next morning.

Sold! I went back and bought the lipstick the next day.

With Flash

No Flash

Swatched with Lancome's Rock Icon for comparison purposes. MUF #203 is a lot more pink and matte than Rock Icon. Rock Icon a more multidimensional color with a bit of iridescence . . . and barely lasts through half a cup of coffee, sadly.

I never did buy a lipgloss though . . .

Cheating Is A State of Mind

2008-03-25T09:00:00.001-04:00

So I've taken the plunge with the APC trench . . .

Well, just because I'm in a committed relationship doesn't mean my eye can't wander a bit once in a while too, right?

Because heello!

Stine Goya Jacket Paul from Tres Bien

You are quite the bangin' little number, aren't you? Structural yet whimsical. Curves and seams in all the right places. How I'd love to run my hands acr . . .

Er. Right. Eyes only. I wouldn't betray my APC trench in that manner. I love my APC trench.

And besides, I haven't yet got the funds to keep mistresses.

Catherine: Easily Manipulated

2008-03-24T12:12:00.008-04:00

Some etymology sources will tell you that the name "Catherine" is a Greek derived name meaning "pure." This is a lie, as it actually means "easily manipulated." One only has to send a mere whisper of a Paul Smith tidbit my way, and I will instantly jump on it, as evidenced by last week's end of Lent indulgences:

Now, I will admit I wasn't completely sold on the credit card case on first glance, but now that I have it, it is quite the convenient item. Unlike my current money clip, I can sit on it without permanently denting my ass and keep it in the same compartment of my messenger bag with my camera without fear of scratching the LCD screen. God, why must it be so useful? I was all set on returning it.

Damn that Paul for making things I like. But beyond that, Damn Angela for letting me know when these things are on sale.

PS. Yes, that is simply a different color scheme of a scarf I already own.

Proof of Purchase

2008-03-21T00:55:00.004-04:00

If you need any more evidence that I am weak-willed, examine the evidence below:

Yes, that would be the APC trench I moaned about, yet swore not to buy. I blame the Federal government.

As it seems with all APC things, the devil is in the details. Besides the perfect, fitted yet slightly boyish cut that I was after, this trench features dual shoulder gun flaps, epaulets, anchor embossed buttons, and an extra strap to ensure that you will never lose your belt. The only problem I can find with my APC trench is the fact that the belt is on the shorter side, which means knotting it closed is a bit cumbersome. Really, who would ever actually belt their trench closed?

Yes, it is love.

Can you also tell that I am also very much loving my O.X.S. gladiator sandals? Okay, so I may be somewhat broke right now, but happily so. It is, however, time to officially enforce my buying embargo. I shall simply have to make do with enabling other people.

And by other people, I mean Catherine.

It Would Take Super Hero Powers

2008-03-19T23:25:00.005-04:00

To resist the cuteness of this Etsy necklace:

Ka Pow necklace from imakecutestuff

With "Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy" as the Costume Institute Exhibition's next subject, it is official. Time to push your glasses up your nose, stash the first edition X-Men comic in the plastic, and rock your geek moment in the sun.

Leave the lightsaber at home though, okay?

Chain Reaction

2008-03-19T22:52:00.001-04:00

Though I've never professed to be a great jewelry lover, my current mode of dressing has me longing for drippy metal chains, and long lariat style wrap-around necklaces.

Lisa Levine Falling Rain Necklace

This one would go nicely with the voluminous Isabel Marant top, wouldn't it?

I'm also very much liking the tough industrial chain look of the below Lisa Levine necklace:

Lisa Levine Flatiron Necklace

What? Hm? Budget, did you say? Embargo?

Ah.

Right.

Well, I guess I will just have to make do with my $12 Ocean City necklace.

Fashion Etymology

2008-03-18T19:19:00.004-04:00

Booties, ankle boots, or . . . shoe boots? That's right, Net-a-Porter is now calling them "shoe boots."

Am I a boot, bootie, or shoe boot?

Come on now, I had just about settled with the term "bootie."

Just as well, I suppose. If I say "Wow, look at the cute booties on her!" one more time, I might get fired for sexual harassment.

The Case of the Mystery Charge and the Voluminous Top

2008-03-17T23:14:00.009-04:00

Last Friday, I took the scissors to my credit card.

By Rick M. Scibelli for USA TODAY

No, I have not put myself in debt or anything of that nature. I am weak but not that weak. Rather, I found a rather mysterious charge labeled as:

SITE DEVELOPMENT - 877-463-4797 CA

Googling the phone number lead to numerous scam warnings, and it was charged on a day that I had not used my card at all, so I had no doubt that it was an unauthorized use of my account. Naturally, I called my credit card company, had the charge (all of $9.60) revoked, and demanded a new card and number.

Most ordinary people would find this a tremendous pain in the ass.

However, having recently binged myself on the acquisition of numerous things of a material nature, this was actually a welcomed relief.

I have one credit card and studiously avoid using my debit card for anything besides ATM withdrawals. This means absolutely no purchases for at least the next week (or however long it takes my bank to mail me a new card).

It's a good thing too, because I've got some wardrobe configurations to figure out. One of my (many) sale purchases was a voluminous Isabel Marant wool/cashmere top. Eh, I can handle the volume, I thought to myself, conjuring images of Marni-esque sporty over-sized tops. Well, it turns out being a shorty has its downfalls, because when I tried to put a couple of outfits together with the top, I felt like I had been swallowed by a swath of brown cloth.

My best attempts:

I'm not regretting the purchase, but it looks like I'll need to put a little more thought into this volume conundrum . . .

Easter is Here!

2008-03-17T22:10:00.007-04:00

Okay, so I'm a week off, but I'll still dress like an Easter egg if I want to.

See? I am a good goddamned Catholic.

End of Lent Binging

2008-03-17T10:11:00.002-04:00

So I got the lens. It will be glorious!

In other consumerism news, how badly do I need this?

End of Lent Splurging

2008-03-13T15:05:00.010-04:00

I am done with my cramming at work and can now resume my usual wastes of time, namely blogging and contemplating who to throw my money at next. As Easter is fast approaching, my Lenten embargo will soon be over.* Here are my current needs (or things I desperately want, I have not decided yet):

1. Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM Lens
So wide. So angly. So lensy. So pretty. Also, $500(y?) on Amazon.

2. Peter Jensen Shoes
Are you seeing these shoes? Unlike the Damned Paul Smith Shoes, there is still a chance I could actually acquire these, but seeing as I bent the rules of Lenten sacrifice, I really should expect some sort of heavenly retribution in the form of no shoes. Perhaps I can haggle God down to some lightening. I'd be OK with that. People survive lightening strikes, right?

* I know, I know. I did buy jeans. But I haven't worn them yet and am not allowed to do so until after Easter, so it doesn't count. I do wonder how St. Peter is going to take that at the Pearly Gates though. Perhaps he will let me in based on sheer pity. On the other hand, I'm sure he'll want to address more serious sins. "More" used both as greater quantity and greater magnitude. I am not the best Catholic...

The Urban Battleground

2008-03-10T22:01:00.012-04:00

It seems like ages since I've seen Russell Crowe in a loincloth, but like the gladiator sandal, it is really something that just won't go away.

Really. They are still around, and don't look to be going anyway any time soon (mmmm, for at least this coming summer). So, if you are an admirer, well, I can't quite help you with Mr. Crowe, but in terms of shoes, there are options aplenty.

Naturally, the first choice would be none other than Balenciaga. Seen on the fashionable feet of fashion editors, they are oh-so-achingly cool and with the exclusive price tag to back it up.

Balenciaga on a Fashionista, from Jak & Jil

In this day and age, no imminently covetable shoe can go without its, ahem, admirers. So may I present Miss Sixty's take on the Balenciaga studded sandal?

Miss Sixty 'Alicia' Sandal

However, I am less inclined towards shoes that instantly invoke other shoes (that I can't afford), as it reminds me of my piddling budget. Nine West's Heech shoe is also inspired, but not so eerily similar its Balenciaga predecessor.

Nine West Heech Sandal

Quite frankly, however, just looking at those heels are giving my insoles cramps. I have been eschewing the four inchers in favor of flats, and after a while, trotting around the office in your nice shoes only to change to grubby flats to walk about town gets a bit tiresome. Therefore, these O.X.S. sandals are looking particularly attractive. Nod to gladiator styling? Check. Walkable heel height? Check. Another reason I should stay away from Yoox? Ahem. Double check.

O.X.S. High Heeled Sandals

The Yoox Series, Part IV

2008-03-07T12:13:00.003-05:00

I gotta finish this up at some point, and as I've been doing actual work this week, I am still at a loss for words. Blah blah blah. I wear lots of jeans. All day, pretty much every day. Blah blah blah.

On The Menu . . .

2008-03-04T23:02:00.007-05:00

A shameless hijacking off the menu pages of Melograno was on the agenda the other day.

Portobello with Goat Cheese, Pine Nuts, and Fried Sage

Ingredients:
2 Large Portobello mushrooms
1/4 cup Pine Nuts
Goat Cheese
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Balsamic Vinegar
Fresh Sage

Remove the stem and gills from the portobellos. Marinate in olive oil and a bit of salt and pepper, ideally for 30 minutes or longer. Make sure this is oil that is intended for baking or sautéeing (which should have a higher smoke point--the first time around I used extra virgin olive oil and almost set off the fire alarm).

Toast the pine nuts at 350° F for about 12 minutes or until browned, shaking pan occasionally.

At 450°, roast the portobellos until tender, about 15-20 minutes.

While the portobellos are cooking, heat a bit of oil in a sauce pan, not quite to the point of smoking. I lightly floured my sage, and dipped them into the oil. Leave them in too long, and they will disintegrate once they cool. Not terribly delicious.

Once all the components are done cooking, all you have to do is assemble. Aim for impressive. No one has to know that it was ridiculously easy. Did I have to roll the goat cheese into a ball and meticulously adhere the pine nuts into it's surface? NO. But it looks damned impressive.

Pour a thin layer of the extra virgin olive oil onto your plate, and drizzle balsamic vinegar over the surface. Plop down your portobello, goat cheese sprinkled generously with pine nuts, artfully arrange the fried sage, and snap a picture for your blog. Then stuff your face.

En-Trenched Love

2008-03-03T19:24:00.018-05:00

The subject of intense obsession on my part has long been the perfect trench. The ideal image that resided in my head was that of the classic Burberry trench. In particular, I wanted the children's trench, with the double rifle patches, and the abbreviated length which would have been more suited to my slightly more midget-sized height.

Image from Ebay from god knows how long ago . . .

Unfortunately, budget and relative rarity have denied my wardrobe this particular item. The biggest size I have ever seen on ebay has been a size 10 (years old) and really, who wants to risk having your armpits hiked up to your ears trying to get it on anyhow?

In high school, I had a stroke of luck and found a lovely, well fitted beige trench in a vintage shop. A bit too long, perhaps, a bit pulled at the seams, and missing those rifle flaps that I so wanted, but I loved it dearly until the seams disintegrated after four years of nearly continuous use (High school was a long, muddy, and treacherous affair. That trench suffered the brunt of it).

For a number of years now I have contented myself with a cheap Gap trench, but the longing for that perfect trench has never died.

Then, during one idle evening of wandering around Soho, I walked into the APC store . . .

And walked out grasping my hair.

I did not whip out my credit card out of concern for my budget, but in the APC store resided the trench I have been coveting since I was a fetus. (Okay, fourteen. Close enough.) I did not buy it. I was going to be GOOD, dammit. I will not buy it. But oh, Impulse Seattle had mock my restraint by posting a picture of the trench, along with a gorgeously feminine Junya Watanabe for CdG trench.

APC Beige Trench Coat from Impulse Seattle

Junya Watanabe for Comme Des Garcons Girly Raincoat in Dark Beige from Impulse Seattle

While I am also smitten with the Junya for CdG trench, I am after the more masculine unisex look of the APC trench. Well, honestly, I'd love to have both, but the Junya for CdG's whopping pricetag of $1,450 is definitely a bit of a deciding factor.

You would have thought that I could have learned not to randomly wander into the APC store by now . . .

Edit: Oh God, Le Train Bleu also has the APC trench . . . and a 20% off code . . . . Arrrrrrggggh!

At Long Last . . .

2008-03-02T00:11:00.003-05:00

Internet Internet Internet!!!!!!

At last I have INTERNET at home which is not procured by precariously perching myself on the edge of a couched leaned against the window sill trying to leach wireless from a neighbor either!

I must go watch some porn immediately.

The Yoox Series, Part III

2008-02-27T12:13:00.006-05:00

I am starved for commentary. I am all written out. This is the result of actually doing my job instead of gallivanting through the intertubes during work hours.

[Something about how I love these.] [Self-depreciating remark here.] [Blame Angela. Shake fist.]

Angela: 11
Catherine: 0

The Yoox Series, Part II

2008-02-26T11:15:00.002-05:00

Despite popular misconceptions, I really am not a football player. Perhaps my constant sitting has fooled you, but I am quite non-athletic.

Angela: 9
Catherine: 0

The Yoox Series, Part I

2008-02-25T12:44:00.004-05:00

Yoox + Bored Angela = Catherine spending money.

But they're cute, no?

Angela: 7
Catherine: 0

Angela And Catherine Are Friends For A Reason

2008-02-24T14:22:00.001-05:00

Some mutual enabling may have occurred last night. Let's pretend it didn't happen until the packages start pouring in . . .

Loopholes

2008-02-21T10:44:00.003-05:00

If I buy something during Lent, but just don't wear it until after Easter, that doesn't break Lent, right? I mean, the joy comes from using/wearing new stuff, not actually paying for it. So I can do that. Right? Right? Please say yes.

In Which My Poor Impulse Control Reaches Catherine Proportions . . .

2008-02-20T19:52:00.013-05:00

My blogging frequency has reached a rather sad state because I still do not have internet at my apartment. Freeloading from my unsuspecting neighbors has its consequences, as my signal seems to cut out every 10 minutes or so. However, tonight it seems rather cooperative (huzzah!), so it's time for a bit of catch up . . .

It seems that my level of restraint is reaching Catherine proportions of late. The consequence of work letting me out early was spending Friday afternoon wandering around a couple of shops in Brooklyn. I made a particular point of visiting Bird and Jumelle, two stores which I frequently ogle online. My main purpose was to track down an gauzy beige plaid Etoile Isabel Marant shirt that was listed as on sale on the shopbird website. After emailing the store and receiving no response after a week, I decided that I wanted the top enough to attempt to track it down in person. Unfortunately, once I got to Bird, I was told the top had long ago sold out.

Hopes dashed, I may or may not have let out a little sob of frustration and sadness. Bleh, would it kill them to update their site a little more regularly?! The shop itself was lovely and quaint, and stocked quite a few of the new spring Etoile pieces, but determined not to linger too long amongst the non-sale pieces, I resolutely moved on.

From there I trekked to Jumelle, where I found the Heimstone Velvet Triumph dress that I had, at one point, stalked online. Trying it on, I discovered that it was not entirely flattering on my figure. There as a weird bump in the stitching at the point where the velvet met the thick silk, right below the bust line. There was a kind offer from the Jumelle people to attempt to stitch down the strange bump, but I think the cut was simply better suited to a prepubescent nine year-old, or someone similarly plank-chested. I am fairly flat chested, but for better or worse, I still have some evidence of womanhood.

The shopping trip was a bust, I thought, my wallet sighing in relief.

Until . . . until I spotted a blue corduroy dress by Peter Jensen. It was slightly bubbled out at the hips, with pockets, glorious pockets! My wallet sputtered, gasped, and promptly opened itself.

So much for that buying embargo.

Well, my budget may not be so happy, but my wardrobe certainly is.

Lies

2008-02-18T19:55:00.010-05:00

J.Crew makes a glorious pillow. They market them as scarves, but do not be fooled by these spin doctor lies. They are pillows.*

And yes, these are also Angela's fault.

Angela: 6
Catherine: 0

*Also, combining two chairs at work makes for an excellent recliner.

Clearly, I <3 Paul Smith

2008-02-17T13:57:00.007-05:00

But can you really blame me?

(Answer: No, but you can totally blame Angela.)

On a different note, I didn't notice the GREEN (!) stripes until I opened up the package and reveled in the scarf's wonderfulness. It's amazing how a little green can make me infinitely happier.

Angela: 3
Catherine: 0

PS. Doesn't "green" look less and less like a real word the more you look at/type it? Is it just me? Green green green green green green green green green green. See?

The Aftermath of the Mini Coopers

2008-02-15T13:27:00.010-05:00

Walking into the NYC Paul Smith store, I already knew I'd be walking out with at least one pair of cufflinks. Unfortunately for my bank account, I spied these while the saleswoman was opening up the case. Stripey! Reversible! PRETTY! The excitement of the Mini Cooper cufflinks spilled over into these. Not to say they are not worthy of adoration. They totally are, but I might have resisted if my self-control hadn't been broken already.

I was not allowed to buy anything else that day.

. . .

Totally worth it.

Angela: 2
Catherine: 0

The First of a Long List

2008-02-14T23:27:00.007-05:00

It was definitely Angela's fault that I found out these existed. I love stuff and drive a Mini Cooper. There was no chance of resisting these.

Angela: 1
Catherine: 0

Why I'm On Embargo

2008-02-13T11:54:00.003-05:00

This is my life savings.

Ok, I exaggerate, but I do spend way too much money on stuff. In order to help deal with the withdrawal, I'm going to contemplate the things that I do have. Specifically, the things that Angela has somehow* convinced me to buy. (There's a lot of it. In fact, there's probably more of it than even Angela is aware of.) Starting this week. I promise. I mean it this time. For real for real.

Maybe...

* I say "somehow" like it was difficult. It usually is just a simple matter of sending me a link and letting me stew in my own poor impulse-control.

The Most Important Meal of the Day

2008-02-12T09:56:00.000-05:00

There's never a bad time for breakfast. Bacon is a glorious glorious gift from God, but it just seems wrong to break my Lenten embargo to purchase a wearable pork product. Doesn't it?

Work Woes

2008-02-11T19:59:00.000-05:00

Me: Um, I need the internet

Tech Guy: Well, that wasn't specifically in your requisition. We're going to have to send out a special request for that.

Me: Oh. Okay. Well, (batting my eyes seductively) I can't do my Sexual Harassment Training Module without the internet.

Tech Guy: (Clearly disturbed) I'll get on that right away.

Well, clearly I will not be blogging from work from now on . . .

Technical Difficulties . . .

2008-02-10T22:34:00.002-05:00

. . . As I have left my computer charger in another state and am currently watching the last 12% of my laptop's battery charge drain away.

I've got to procure a new charger, STAT. How am I supposed to get my nighttime Yoox fix otherwise?!

When Your Friends Are Jerks . . .

2008-02-08T02:00:00.000-05:00

They send you cards like this:
Must you really make me attempt to break your Lent spending embargo?!

Happy Year of the Rat!

2008-02-07T13:12:00.000-05:00

Tết is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, so I am celebrating with my family and eating lots of food.

Now if I only had a pet rat who would cook me up some Thomas Keller-inspired gourmet meals . . . .

Speaking of Sharp Things...

2008-02-06T23:25:00.000-05:00

While Angela was off fawning over those dangerous Louboutins, I made my last purchase before my official start of Lent.*Super cute, I know. Ok, you may not agree with me on this one, but I love it. I lost my old K.I.S.S. knife on an Atlantic City trip. I'm not really sure what happened, but I made a killing at the poker tables, which usually results in lots of drinks, and somewhere along the way, I lost my knife. I was quite distressed. And now I have a new one. All is well.

Except that I've decided to give up the purchasing of stuff for Lent. So the buying repression + new knife (might) = stabbings. We'll see how this goes.

* The 1.15 PM Ash Wednesday mass.

Every Rose Has Its Thorns

2008-02-06T10:51:00.000-05:00

Yes, the Rodarte show was filled with gorgeously macabre fairies in floating chiffon and shredded knits, juxtaposed with some spiked and studded punk rock accessories, but really, can we talk about the amazing fetish Louboutin shoes?

They look incredible. And incredibly dangerous. Now I've threatened people with a sharp kick of my stiletto, but imagine the damage those would inflict . . .

An Ode To The Missing Wardrobe

2008-02-05T19:37:00.001-05:00

Hello outfit.

I miss you.

My bright yellow cashmere sweater, most beloved Etoile Isabel Marant skirt, and knee high boots, you are currently in NYC (and apparently sordidly carrying on without me).

The Etoile skirt is what I miss the most. It is easy, practical, and works with practically every piece in my wardrobe. And, (now this is a big point winner for me) it has pockets! Incredibly useful, those pockets. Good for stashing my chapstick, keys, and shoving my always cold hands into. Not so useful for my budget, however. Skirts with pockets are essentially Kryptonite for my wallet. Which is why I also own that skirt in dark khaki. Doh.

Dissed . . .

2008-02-05T11:24:00.001-05:00

By the person who hates Velvet Underground.

Making a mixtape for that person is a lost cause, I say.

Have a Super Belated Merry Christmas Mixathon (That Has Nothing to Do With Christmas . . .)

2008-02-04T10:29:00.000-05:00

After multiple delays, the mix-tape party is finally happening this evening . . . however, as it has been over a month and I can never just let things be, I changed my line-up yet again and expanded to a second cd. Hopefully the middle of the road selection will please the diverse cross-sections of musical tastes of mix-tape exchangers . . . well, I think I'll bring some extra libations for the party goers just in case . . .

Vol 1. The Uppers

The Yardbirds - What Do You Want
The Undertones - Teenage Kicks
The Pipettes - Your Kisses Are Wasted On Me
Tilly and the Wall - Reckless
Blur - The Debt Collector
Sarah Vaughn - Whatever Lola Wants
David Bowie - Holy Holy
Devo - Gut Feeling/Slap Your Mammy
Delta 5 - Mind Your Own Business
Pulp - Babies
Dusty Springfield - Spooky
RJD2 - 2 More Dead
The Pixies - I Can't Forget (Leonard Cohen cover)
The Undertones - Family Entertainment
Television - Untitled Instrumental (A Mi Amore)
Adam Ant - A Place in the Country
X-Ray Spex - Cigarettes
Pulp - Bad Cover Version
The Kinks - This Time Tomorrow

Vol II. The Downers

The Olivia Tremor Control - Marking Time
Jeff Buckley - New Years Prayer
Tricky - Hell is Round the Corner
Nick Drake - Way to Blue
DeVotchKa - La Llorona
Black Mountain - No Hits
The Undisputed Truth - Smiling Faces Sometimes
Stephanie McKay - Tell Him
RJD2 - Smoke & Mirrors
Pulp - The Fear
Cocteau Twins - This Love
Henri Mancini - Romeo and Juliet
Nina Simone - Feeling Good
Gotan Project - Tango Cancion
Psychedelic Furs - Sister Europe
Handsome Boy Modeling School - The Truth
Seu Jorge - Life on Mars (Studio Sessions)
Portishead - Wandering Star (acoustic)
Bjork - New World

On another note, I think it is a war between my titles and labels as to which is more unnecessarily and lengthily over-descriptive. Cage match!

May We Meet Again (Very Very Soon)

2008-02-01T00:11:00.000-05:00

95% of my winter wardrobe now resides in NYC.

Where am I?

Still in Pennsylvania.

Harumph! I've got nothing to wear!

The Look of Love

2008-01-30T12:45:00.000-05:00

The Impulse Seattle blog is one that I frequent often, not only to sigh and pine over the pieces, but also to admire the way the pieces are styled together. I am completely infatuated with one of the recent outfits posted, featuring a Y's by Yohji Yamamoto Button Front Tux Shirt, Y's by Yohji Yamamoto Black Flat Front Trousers, Hache Grey/White Ikat Print Cotton Scarf, and Hache Black Elastic Belt with Leather Detail and snap closure.

What is the particular charm of this ensemble? Is it the nonchalant ease of the rolled cuff pant with scuffed Chucks? The belt and the scarf detail? Oh hell, I just want the entire outfit.

Inconvenient Ways to Express Your Heart's Inner Desires

2008-01-30T11:20:00.002-05:00

Me: Oooooh, oooooh YES, ELEY!

Marc: My name is Marc. WHO IS ELEY?!

Of the most inconvenient way to express your heart's inner desires, that must be pretty high up there. Every time you look at your new bedfellow, all you can see is the one you missed out on.

This is the sort of sensation I am getting from these color-blocked Lego-y Marc by Marc Jacobs platforms (once again reinforcing my love of children's playthings reinterpreted as hideously expensive shoes).

Sure they are sort of cute, they have merits of their own, and they'd be a damned fine companion for some nice sort of girl. However, all I want are the Eley Kishimoto shoes that I missed out on two seasons ago.

Marc would make for a good quick fix, but nothing would detract from my love of the Eley Kishimoto shoes. It's not cheating if you were on my mind, right?

Better Than Prozac

2008-01-29T14:50:00.001-05:00

After reliving a little of the trauma that was my childhood, I came upon this delight. It's a pencil. It's a scarf! It's BOTH! It's GLORIOUS!

I Need Some Neosporin

2008-01-29T14:09:00.000-05:00

While Angela happily fantasizes over shoes resembling toys, I'm reminded of the pair of PlaySkool skates I had as a child. They strapped onto my regular shoes and were a glorious bright blue/red/yellow. So pretty. I enjoyed them thoroughly. I skated everywhere. Inside. Outside. On the street. Over my brother's face. EVERYWHERE. The greatest thing about these was that the size was adjustable, so as I grew, the skate grew with me. Given that my parents are cheap, this was the ideal toy. God, how I cherished them.

Until my demon cousin wanted a pair, and my demon mother GAVE MY SKATES TO HIM.

Thanks, Angela. Thanks for reopening childhood wounds.

JERK.

The Tourist Bureau

2008-01-29T12:39:00.000-05:00

The Washington Post called for reader submissions for mottoes or tourism slogans for countries around the world. My particular favorite?

France: Visit, If You Must. (Sigh.)

The Power of Nostalgia

2008-01-29T12:02:00.001-05:00

Hello . . . You look all strappy and delicious.

Have we met before? I'm sure you hear that all the time, but you just look so familiar . . .

Oh YES!

The realization I have reached is that if the shoe is exorbitantly expensive and invokes a children's plaything, I will love it.

I Am Weak . . . But Not Foolish

2008-01-29T11:20:00.000-05:00

Finally, my ancient Dr Martens have been replaced with a new, younger, sexier model.

They are not, sadly, the Yohji Yamamoto ones that I have lusted (and still am lusting) over. I still need to eat and pay rent and whatnot (not that I haven't contemplated living in a cardboard box eating just Ramen for the sake of shoes numerous times . . .).

Honestly, I think the tipping point for this purchase was the ass-planting slip-slide I did down the asphalt driveway early yesterday morning.

Adorable traction-less pink suede flower heels: 0
Rugged shit kickers: 1
Angela's bum: Bruised. (Ouch)

Also, how amazing is Zappos.com? I placed my order yesterday, and the Docs are already on my doorstep! Free one-day shipping! Insanity!

The Requested Page is Blocked

2008-01-24T09:42:00.000-05:00

This morning, I suddenly found that all the blogger sites were blocked at work.

Porn, I understand. But BLOGGER?!

My work's firewall is not all that reliable to begin with, however--I discovered this while angrily refreshing Youtube three dozen times when I found that it too, had been blocked. Eventually my persistence paid off, and the site got through the firewall.

God, it's as if these people expect us to work during the day.

It is because of my constant clicking and desire to procrastinate that I am here on Blogger today. This sad and tragic day. Sweet Jesus, I might actually have to be useful today.

Shortest Panic Attack . . . Ever.

2008-01-23T11:02:00.000-05:00

That statement may be an exaggeration.

I found an apartment over the weekend. Sure it's not Manhattan, but it is ten minutes on the train from work. My new place is also a couple of blocks away from a multitude of restaurants, two fresh fruit stands, an international meat market, and a fish monger. Having more than satisfied my under $1K budget, I can actually afford to feed my food addiction.

Matt McClain - Rocky Mountain News

Doc Mockery

2008-01-22T23:04:00.000-05:00

If I were to have witnessed this woman in real life, I would be shaking my fist like a curmudgeonly senior citizen, demanding she run straight to me with those Yohji Yamamoto Docs.

It seems the more you desire a particular item, the more the universe deems it proper to mock your lack of it.

Thanks a lot universe. Thanks. A lot.

Ute Ploier FW 08/09

2008-01-21T18:52:00.001-05:00

The Fashion Spot

via CFA:

[Ute Ploier's] designs feature dress codes and elements from different social levels while remaining wearable and most of all comfortable. Unusual textile combinations and manufacturing techniques are at the basis of her designs . . . Ploier was taught by Jean-Charles Castelbajac, Viktor&Rolf and finally Raf Simons.

That olive trench needs to march its way into my closet ASAP. I'm completely and utterly obsessed.

Queue This!

2008-01-19T16:34:00.000-05:00

This afternoon I was in Olde City, turning the corner and headed towards F.U.E.L. for the SugarHabit warehouse sale. There was a mob of people gathered, and somehow, I automatically assumed they were tourists gathered in front of the Betsy Ross house (which neighbors F.U.E.L.).

I mean, this is Philadelphia. We don't queue for anything besides cheese steaks or to jeer our sports teams.

I was wrong. They were people waiting to get in to the sale. About thirty people! And the crowd GREW as I groaned and placed myself in line.

There was no such line at the last SugarHabit sale. No jostling or crowds. I bought a dusty pink pintucked APC dress the last time around. This time I couldn't find anything that struck my fancy, though there were plenty of decently sweet dresses, coats, and nubby cardigans. Just not anything to make me gasp and desperately attempt to prevent the dollars from jumping straight out of my wallet.

I think the next SugarHabit warehouse sale will be a skip for me.

And . . . PANIC!

2008-01-17T12:18:00.000-05:00

I need to move to NYC to start a job in midtown Manhattan in TWO WEEKS.

!&#$^%$!!!!!!!!!!

(Translation: Fuck.)

I need an apartment. Stat. Somewhere with an 45-minute commute to midtown. Under $1K because I need fashion and have this nasty eating habit.

Any leads?

What? Huh? Me?!

2008-01-17T10:10:00.000-05:00

The lovely Lacquer has tagged us for the Thinking Blogger Award, though I'm quite sure the only thinking I inspire is pondering of my inappropriate gerunds and liberal abuse of ellipses . . . oh look, there they go again!

As for tagging other blogs . . . well, I'll think I'll just link some blogs that get me thinking, as I think most of the blogs I read have already been tagged.

Two blogs that get my wheels churning:

Ideas in Food: Incredible and gorgeous food innovations. It makes me think, "Hey, can I do that?" Then immediately after, "No."

The Freakonomics Blog: Economics for the every day phenomenon. For instance, a recent entry examining the idea that economic incentives can get you pregnant.

Yes they are both non fashion-related, and two could hardly be counted as a list, but it is early and I am decidedly non-thinking at the moment.

Okay, it is almost noon, but I've only had one of my requisite eight cups of coffee. One! I'm surprised my face isn't planted on my desk table with a trickle of spittle slowly dripping out of my mouth.

Note from Catherine: What is this "us" you speak of? I am like a court jester, here only to amuse others and keep your self-esteem down but with no other discernible purpose, and that's the way I like it.

This is Mesmerizing

2008-01-17T10:08:00.000-05:00

Best thing about this: all the dancers are deaf. All you people that believe yourselves to be genetically predisposed to be unable to dance, take note.
From YouTube:

There is an awesome dance, called the Thousand-Hand Guanyin. Considering the tight coordination required, their accomplishment is nothing short of amazing, even if they were not all DEAF. Yes, you read correctly. All 21 of the dancers are complete deaf-mutes. Relying only on signals from trainers at the four corners of the stage, these extraordinary dancers deliver a visual spectacle that is at once intricate and stirring. Its first major international debut was in Athens at the closing ceremonies for the 2004 Paralympics. But it had long been in the repertoire of the China Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe and had traveled to more than 40 countries. Its lead dancer is 29-year-old Tai Lihua, who has a BA from The Hubei Fine Arts Institute. The video was recorded in Beijing during the Spring Festival celebrations this year.

How Not to Seduce a Fellow, Pt. II

2008-01-15T00:55:00.001-05:00

Ways to confuse and befuddle a guy:

1. Wear a smock dress.
2. Wear something Marni

Now if you really want his brain to implode, combine the two.

H&M denim shift dress, Marni necklace, Key Te boots.

I am picturing the obituary now:

Woman dies alone. Single. Closet filled with Marni.

The Only Time a Guy has Stared at My Chest

2008-01-14T16:05:00.000-05:00

Me: My eyes are up here
Boy: *confused* I'm sorry. What? *looks down again*
Me: Eyes. Up. HERE.
Boy: Did those kindergarteners attack you again with their crafts project and a glue gun?
Me: . . .
Boy: You really should talk to their parents about that.

Breaking Up is Hard to Do

2008-01-13T23:23:00.001-05:00

My dear Marni bag,

I know we don't see each other enough any more. I leave you in the closet, stashed away in a dust bag. I go out sometimes, but it is not with you. For a while, I thought we would be together for quite a while. You seemed so perfect for me. You had a good amount of space and a lovely aged brown patina to your leather.

It's not you.

It's me.

Well, okay, to be honest, it really is you.

The thing is, your constitution is just a bit . . . fragile for me. Your buttery soft and delicate leather is really quite lovely, but when we go out together I live in morbid fear of tearing or destroying you. I have to unbuckle your straps every time I want to get into you, and quite frankly, I'm after easy access, darling.

You might have suspected as much, but I've been seeing someone else.

That someone else is my new Barbour Tarras leather bag. And yes, it's serious.

This new bag, it can take my abuse. The leather is soft, but rugged and hardy. I can get into it quickly without unsnapping the buckles. Plus it can fit my plethora of crap. Behold!

I could even fit my laptop in there, if I wanted.

I've realized that you, my Marni bag, are all looks. For a while, looks were all that mattered to me. Now I've realized I want a bag that can stand the test of time. I want a bag I can knock around on public transportation, wear in the rain or snow, and stuff every imaginable item I own into. And this Barbour bag can do that for me.

Let's still be friends though, yeah?

SugarHabit Warehouse Sale

2008-01-10T09:21:00.000-05:00

Fabulous merchandise? Check.

Crazy discounts? Check.

Communal dressing room? Double Check.

And you thought sample sales were exclusively an NYC thing.

How My Garden Grows

2008-01-07T10:47:00.000-05:00

Me: (Impressionable. Innocent. Already exhibiting exorbitant taste.) "Mother, where do expensive designers shoes come from?"

Mother: (quickly shuffling away ten credit cards and a Neimans bag) "Well, darling, if you plant a seed with lots of love and care, one day you might grow what you really wish for."

If the Cabbage Patch baby growing in green foliage deal didn't confuse the hell out of me growing up, Prada had to throw these my way.

I was just getting over the BABIES DON'T COME FROM PLANTS THING.

In Which Sizing Issues Foil My Search For the Perfect Dress

2008-01-06T21:20:00.001-05:00

After stalking a Hussein Chalayan dress on Yoox for ages, it finally landed on my doorstep. I really wanted this dress to be the one I could wear to my sister's wedding in August, but alas, it was not to be.

The reason I'm holding my arm so awkwardly to my side? The dress was at least one size too big. Loosen that arm a bit, and this picture would be perilously close to NC-17 (and definitely NSFW). The dress was also unalterable, due to the wrap-around tubing and draping.

The dress was so happy and exuberant. However, I like my clothing to cover my vital bits, so back it went.

Ah, if only.

Just Swatch Me

2008-01-06T17:36:00.000-05:00

Long overdue, I know, but finally, here is a swatch of Lancôme's limited edition P.S. Kiss, along with some of my other lipsticks for a color comparison.

No Flash: NARS Shanghai Express, Lancôme P.S. Kiss, Lancome Rock Icon,
Guerlain Taffeta Rouge

With Flash: NARS Shanghai Express, Lancôme P.S. Kiss, Lancome Rock Icon,

Guerlain Taffeta Rouge

Lancôme's Rock Icon is actually a brighter fuschia than what is shown in the non-flash picture, and a bit deeper than the picture with flash.

NARS Shanghi Express and P.S. Kiss are actually very comparable in color, so this color swatch is a bit deceptive. I think perhaps the flash is picking up on the slightly glossier finish of P.S. Kiss. Anyone who missed out on the limited edition train, and is looking for that same deep burgundy that P.S. Kiss gives at its boldest should give Shanghai Express a try.

With Flash: NARS Shanghai Express, Lancôme P.S. Kiss

Shanghai Express is more matte, and gives a nice stain to your lips after the color wears away. It is also very good at covering any pigmentation in my lips sans pencil. This lippie can be very very drying though, so I load my lips up with a very emollient lip balm. Using P.S. Kiss, I almost need a lip pencil to even out the color on my lips first. However, the texture of P.S. Kiss is much more amenable to my lips, and the color can be lightened to almost a gloss color with a light hand and a good layering of chapstick underneath.

So, for an all day lipstick I prefer P.S. Kiss, but for an couple hours for an evening out, I would go for the slightly more intense drama of Shanghai Express.

Sweater(ed) Head

2008-01-03T10:58:00.000-05:00

The mid-atlantic decided to hit us with a short cold snap, so when I woke up shivering, I dutifully layered on the sweaters, a pair of wool pants, a long coat, and a big fluffy scarf.

The result was toasty warmth from the neck down, and a face full of teeth-chattering, blasting wind above that. I'm not sure what the true derivation of this sweater cum hat hood thing is, but it looks like it provides more comprehensive coverage than my current combination of a fisherman-style cap and earmuffs. Even better, I could layer it underneath the hat and earmuffs. Cold, begone!

Karen Walker Fine Knit Hood (currently on sale from Gargyle)

style.com

Psssst, the dress is available at Creatures of Comfort (also on sale).