Light of the World.

This pendant-style light is out of this world. 

Wouldn't it be amazing in a kid's room?  Or really anywhere, for that matter!

Hutch studio via pinterest

Pistachio Perfection.

 

Whoa.  I heart this outfit.  

A below-the-knee skirt covered in pleats can be such a heavy piece, but in a wonderful pistachio it's so fresh and so clean clean.  (Yeah, I just did that.)  

Paired with a baby pink and it's perfection.

photo credit: Courtney D'Alesio via elle.com

 

Mad Men Hiatus.

Did you guys hear the news??  That Mad Men won't be coming out with a new season until 2012?!

I can't believe I won't get a proper explanation for THIS godforsaken scene until the summer of 2012!  Stop hiding, Matthew Weiner; we all want to know just what you were thinking when writing this lil' number.  AND if we start with some sort of flash forward that has the inevitable crash and burn of this relationship in the past, I am going to be pissed.

Now, I don't really think that Matthew Weiner is hiding, but I did read here that he's holding out because of a few network demands.  Uhh, holding out on a $30 million dollar deal for himself.  I say get over the lost two minutes, Weiner, and get back in the game! 

Can we say diva?  Let's all say it together...3...2...1...Deeeevaaa.

I knew it was Bad News Bears when Jon Hamm said he didn't know when it was coming back on the SAG red carpet.  I wonder if I'll even care by the time it rolls around.  (I'm sure I will, but perhaps a bit begrudgingly at first.)

Tell me, friends, what do you think?  Am I overreacting or are you just as appalled by the long hiatus?

photo credit: Michael Yarish, via amctv.com 

Outfit Tuesdays: Home on the Range.

Home on the Range. by justagirlandherstuff featuring cotton scarves

Not done with the tights, y'all.  Nor the layers. 

I like the idea of layering a white longsleeve/three-quarter-length over a black longsleeve, especially when balancing a mostly brown neutral.

And a flowery paper bag skirt would make anyone smile.  (Spring, spring, spring!!)

Kate Spade.

What a perfect spring bag!  (See a pattern developing?)

Spring, where are you?

Remember when spring was supposed to have arrived?  Well, that hasn't happened yet in Chicago.  But if it had, I would totally be down with this fella.  I have done a post like this SO many times already, but I still haven't purchased an inbetweener coat.

I'm really digging this poncho because it has the cinched waist with the tie.  Ponchos can be kinda unflattering -- especially if you're leaning towards the busty side -- but whenever you cinch the waist it automatically makes you look more polished and thinner.

Hopefully spring will actually arrive soon and I can justify making this guy my own!

Weekend!

We made it.  The weekend!

What are you fine folks up to?  If any of you are headed to a beach or something of the like I am both incredibly jealous and happy for you; I would love to be at the beach.  Oh well, not in the cards.  My puffy down coat and I are still one and the same for a little while longer.

I AM, however, seeing Jane Eyre this weekend and couldn't be more excited.  I watched the Orson Welles and Joan Fontaine version all the time when I was a kid and can't wait to see how they do it this time around.  I'm about 70% through the book (I've been reading it on my iPhone, which makes for a veeerrrryy slow read) -- let's see if I can get through it before Saturday.

Have a great weekend, friends!

Grr.

Posting might not happen today.  I spent too long searching for inspiration and whenever I would find something somewhat blog-worthy I wasn't able to download the pictures. 

Annoying.

I'll see if I can pull something together, otherwise I will see you tomorrow.

Some links in my absence:

All eight of Elizabeth Taylor's wedding day looks. 
Dinner in the sky.  Totally blows my mind and terrifies me. 
A crazy wristlet that stores your iPhone.  I can't decide if it's too bougey to not be awesome.
West Elm's kitchen accessories, which kind of get me too excited.   

So true, right?

paper owls via tumblr 

The Finale.

I just re-watched the Big Love series finale.  Did you see it?  I have to say that I really fell out of favor with the series near the end (more so the middle), but I really loved the final episode.  It kind of made watching the whole mess worth it.  And I definitely cried.  It made me appreciate the characters more than I had before.  I won't spoil it for you, but if you had an enjoyment or interest in the series I'd suggest watching the final episode.

What I'd really like to know is what are your favorite series finales?  I feel like they're such important episodes that can really make or break how I feel about the series. 

My ultimate has got to be Six Feet Under.  I sobbed like a little girl while watching that finale and still cry every time I see it.  It still is my favorite series to date.  Don't fight it.  You know it's the best! 

A very, very close second would be The West Wing, but come on, that finale BLEW.  I remember being so pissed when I watched it (I obviously still am).  No Toby means no love from this girl.

I still remember watching the Friends finale even though I hadn't seen much of the last few seasons.  I cried, but mostly while thinking about these six actors who had spent a decade together and how sad they must be to see it go.  When I was acting I was always de.va.stated. when a show ended and none of them lasted anywhere near ten years.

What else?

They always say that the M*A*S*H finale was the best on tv.  I'm too young for that.

The Seinfeld finale was not of much interest to me even though I know the hype and hate.

Sex and the City ended before I really got into it; the reruns and dvds have made a fan of me.

Oh, oh, oh, my god!  I can't believe I almost forgot LOST.  I was a freak for LOST and I am still pissed about the finale.

What am I missing??  What do you guys remember?   

Outfit Tuesdays: Here Comes the Sun.

Here Comes the Sun. by justagirlandherstuff featuring a cross body messenger bag

Hello, Spring!  It's been soooo long (too bad it's supposed to snow by the weekend in Chicago, but we'll just forget that. Mmkay?)  I can't wait for unbridled sun and the chance to wear dresses with bare legs and fun, bright colors.  I may, just may, embrace the whole neon thing that's happening, but probably in small doses.

However, I've decided bright colors are even better in multiples.  Two's better than one, right?  Three's better than two??  I say so.  Push the sleeves up on that bad boy white blazer and you're ready to go. 

Tote It Up.

I heart these totes.  And their $39 price tags. 

Lady in Red.

I, embarrassingly, used to love that song when I was a kid.  Embarrassing, right?

You know what's not embarrassing?  Loving this red dress.   

ps Thank you to everyone who contributed to the For Japan With Love campaign!  They've raised over $50,000, which BLOWS my mind!  If you haven't contributed yet, fear not!, there is still time; you can donate to Shelterbox through the end of the month. 

For Japan With Love.

The pictures are devastating.  The stories even worse.  Please help because prayers are not enough.  I'm a girl trying to pay down her debt, but I gave what I could. Ever Ours and Utterly Engaged have made it so easy for us. 

"we have handpicked ShelterBox as the organization we'd like to donate to.

we know that their volunteers are already there in Japan helping, so please be assured that your donations are being put to good use.

ShelterBox provides emergency shelter and lifesaving supplies for families around the world who are affected by disasters at the time when they need it the most. Each large, green ShelterBox is tailored to a disaster but typically contains a disaster relief tent for an extended family, blankets, water storage and purification equipment, cooking utensils, a stove, a basic tool kit, a children’s activity pack and other vital items."

GO HERE if you're interested in helping.

And, yes, I will not be posting tomorrow. 

Practicality.

As much as I'd love to have a beautiful, frilly apron from Anthropologie (and, yes, I still want one) it would probably serve my best interests to get this one. 

I found this practical and cheeky apron over at SwissMiss and it not only made me chuckle but think, hey, that's actually probably really useful!

Kiss me, I'm Irish!

Happy St. Patty's Day, friends!!  This was always a big day growing up; when you're fifty percent Irish it kinda becomes a thing.  My mom is a full-breed Irish lady and her parents were definitely proud of it.  More than anything this holiday is always a mini-tribute to my Grandpa.  Cletus Sharkey definitely knew how to do it up!

Do you guys have anything fun planned for tonight?  Or today?!  I'm probably going to be lame (and cheap) and just head home, but I'll surely have a glass of wine with my dinner.  [So incredibly tame compared to St. Patrick's Days of the past.  If I had a scanner I would show you a picture of my all green outfit I created my freshmen year of college.  It was ridiculous.]  If anyone happens to have a gin and tonic tonight raise it high for my gramps.

Here's to heat, Grandpa!

via pinterest, no other source but it was too good to pass up

Turquoise Stunners.

These popped up in my inbox this morning.  I die.

Dolce Vita Lulu 

Saltwater.

Love.

Amy Lloyd via Pinterest

Hey, remember Inception?

Remember how confusing it was in the end?  Or, at least open-ended. 

Well, I found THIS last night and would like your thoughts. 

((Do NOT read if you haven't seen it yet!))

Outfit Tuesdays: I'm Blushing.

I'm Blushing. by justagirlandherstuff featuring gold jewelry

Boyfriend jeans will never go out of style, as far as I am concerned.  I appreciate their laid-back attitude, especially when used to temper an otherwise possibly too sweet blouse.  You can't throw in pale pink and bows with just about anything.  But even I'd wear this.  

The added texture with the python clutch doesn't hurt either.  

The blouse should be slightly, haphazardly tucked into the front to show a bit of the belt.  And the clutch can be used as a weapon in case anyone mistakes you for a softy.        

I'm turning into my mother.

Now that I'm cooking more, and cooking more for other people, I've realized that I'm missing some of the domestic requirements.  And by missing them I mean that I want them. 

I'm especially drawn to those serving spoons.  Aren't they fabulous?  Every kitchen deserves to mix some patterns and I think those serving spoons and serving bowl would be a funky, fresh statement.

Ombre tumblers?  Don't mind if I do.  

Plus, that apron is just too sweet to miss.

It's official: I'm turning into my mother.  And I'm okay with that.   

Happy Weekend, friends!

I am pictureless today. 

Last night I (gasp) decided to do the dishes after my friend left (I made dinner!) rather than blog.  Then I was distracted by the horrifying footage of Japan this morning.  After seeing images like that nothing felt appropriate here. 

My heart goes out to all those affected by the devastation. 

There is no segue here, but life must go on.  I hope you all have a fantastic weekend and use this as a reminder to tell those you love that you do.

A Fantasy.

!!!!

Mario Sierra, photographer
via Absolutely Ladylike

Landslide.

 

I have to admit it: I really liked this song.  So much so, I watched it a few times after the episode was done.  Thank you, DVR!  I'm definitely a little over the saturation of Gwyneth Paltrow singing (and I heard she's close to penning a record deal.  Please god, NO, Gwyneth!  Stop the insanity.)

With all that said, I like her Glee performances.  Most likely because I like Holly Holiday, she cracks me up and adds a bit of levity to the show.  But I am mostly taken with this song because of Santana and Brittany.  I downloaded the song on iTunes and I have to say that it's just not the same without watching Santana's pretty face cry.  I'm really digging where her storyline is going and I'm happy to have a little less Quinn/Finn/Rachel drama.  Santana's voice has always been one of my favorites and I'm hoping she'll be showcased a bit more.

Also, "Landslide" ALWAYS makes me cry.  Always.  There's just something about it.

**This video is weirdly flipped, so it's the reverse of what you remember (or haven't seen yet).  Go here to watch it in full screen.     

The Pink Ladies Never Stood a Chance.

Delicate, yet sexy and with a little tough girl thrown in -- I can get behind these.  I'm a sucker for anything teal and if you add chains, well, it's over.  Plus, nothing classes some chains up more than a pretty t-strap.

I'm going to start a Teal Ladies Club.  I only request that I'm the Rizzo.   

With this ring.

The rough edges and striking stones have me sold. 

Midwest Alchemy

Outfit Tuesdays: A Night on the Town.

Night on the Town. by justagirlandherstuff on Polyvore.com

One sexy lady would wear this outfit.  The dress is literally termed as "short dress," and yes, it sure is short.  That's when opaque tights really come in handy.  And the combo of the short dress with black tights and black booties will make your legs look miles long.  I promise you.

Add in a couple rough accessories, which help balance the buckle and heft of the boot, and you have a balanced ensemble.  

With a pop of color -- my favorite: fuchsia -- you can never go wrong.

I would add a fantastic red lip for a modern twist and you're ready to go!

ps I wore my own fantastic, if I may say so myself, red lip* on Saturday night.  The girls seemed to approve and I dare say that I am finally satisfied with a red lipstick purchase (there were many in the making).  It definitely made me feel more put-together and fashionable; I highly recommend it!

*LORAC Breakthrough Performance Lipstick, Leading Lady   

Not again!

Sorry, friends.  I have nothing today.  I was left feeling uninspired last night at midnight and rather than hobbling something together I thought I would leave you all with nothing this morning.  How rude.

Perhaps if I had caught up on my magazines, like I said I would, I wouldn't have been in this predicament.  Alas, it was not meant to be.

I spent my whole weekend cooking!

I made this on Friday and it is now sitting in pre-portioned packages in my freezer for my lunches this week.
I, uh, took Saturday off.
I made these burritos on Sunday and wrapped each of them in tinfoil where they now lay in my freezer for a lazy day (or eight).  Of course I didn't taste my concoction (well, someone else's concoction) before I wrapped all eight burritos and after all were snug as a bug in a rug... in my freezer... I realized they were a liiiiitttle bland.  Damn.  I guess that's what hot sauce is for. 
And I made this for dinner last night.

I think my house still smells like garlic.

BUT, I am closer and closer to domestic goddess status.  Now, if only the laundry would do itself.

Til morrow, I bid you adieu.     

Merry Weekend!

I hope you all have a delicious weekend!  What do you have planned?

I'm heading straight from work to the grocery store because I have a few new recipes up my sleeve.  To be honest, I'm shocked this whole "cooking thing" hasn't worn off yet, but I'm gonna keep going as long as I can.  Then I plan to finish Twin Peaks -- I borrowed it from a friend eons ago and MUST get it back to him soon.  Only seven episodes left!  (I totally want to be Audrey.)  Tomorrow night, dinner and drinks with a friend.  And sometime in between I plan to catch up on all the magazines I've been neglecting.  All in all, I'm very much looking forward to this weekend. 

One of my favorite moments is always turning off my alarm for the weekend.  It's such a quiet moment of joy.  It's a ritual I long for every week.  Do you have anything that you specifically look forward to every weekend?

photo: Sandra Arduini, sweetblue photography (which is currently having a BOGO sale!)   

And another thing...

I take it back about not liking any of the other dresses at the Oscars.  Anne Hathaway wore so many throughout the night I was too dizzy to pick the good from the bad.  Luckily Danielle covered them all, so I could see them clearly in the light of day.  Because this, my friends, is goooooood.

I love this dress.

I love the color.

I love the shape and designs.

And she looks fantastic in it.  Well done, m'lady.  Well done.  Clearly it was her favorite too because she wore it out to the after parties. 

Photo: Darren Decker/A.M.P.A.S. via EW.com

Rosetung.

I could use one of these in my life right about now.  They would keep you cozy and warm, while remaining stylish.  Not an easy feat in these wintery times!

She has so many beautiful colors to choose from, mostly neutral but a few bold.  Plus she says if you don't see the style or colors that you want you should contact her.  Basically, a world at your feet.

Love at First Sight.

Too bad they're $400.  Such a shame.

I never knew my heart was so cheap.   

The Best of Yourself.

Have you guys heard of Dear Sugar?  It rocked my world when I found it yesterday, so please forgive me if I am behind the times.  (It's been known to happen.)  I had literally put out a request (as my gchat status -- not a far-reaching plea) to send me something interesting to read.  The five people who might've seen that status didn't respond, so I was forced to do it on my own.  I think I started by trying to find fun, new blogs filled with recipes that would make me drool and stumbled upon not martha.  This kept me company for a while (sorry, work) before she pointed me in the direction of Dear Sugar and said I must start reading NOW.  I've always been very good at doing what I'm told and, let me tell you, I was not sorry.  Dear Sugar had me near tears more times than I'd like to admit... especially since I was still sitting at my desk, in public.  She's funny and inspirational and gives totally original, rocking advice.  Sometimes when I was afraid she would resort to a pat response, oooohhh noo, I was wrong -- she tells it like it is.  She's like a down and dirty Dear Prudence.  (There is definite language and mention of a heroin past, if that matters to you.)

In my reading I stumbled upon some advice she was giving to a 64 year-old man who was nervous about asking a younger woman out.  He referenced wanting to be like Cary Grant in his ask.

This is only a small portion of what she had to say, but it stopped me dead in my tracks:

I agree with your counselor that light and easy is the way to begin—with her and with any woman you ask out—even if you have to fake it for a while.

Which happens to be precisely what Cary Grant did.

He wasn’t born a suave and bedazzling movie star. He wasn’t even born Cary Grant. He was a lonely kid whose depressed mother was sent to a madhouse without his knowledge when he was nine or ten. His father told him she’d gone on an extended vacation. He didn’t know what became of her until he was well into his thirties, when he discovered her still institutionalized, but alive. He was kicked out of school in England at 14 and by 16 he was traveling across the United States, performing as a stilt-walker and acrobat and mime. Eventually he found his calling as an actor and changed his name to the one we know him by—the name your counselor invoked because it’s synonymous with male charisma and charm and fabulousness, but he was always still that boy inside. Of himself Grant said, “I pretended to be somebody I wanted to be and I finally became that person. Or he became me. Or we met at some point.”

Can you believe that?  After some research (re: checked wikipedia) it totally turns out to be true (not that I didn't believe Dear Sugar, but I did want to do some rudimentary fact-checking for thee blog).  I never knew Cary Grant's back story and this quite literally took my breath away.  Can you imagine finding your mother in an institution when your were 31?!?  It blows my mind.

But what I'm especially drawn to is this idea of "faking it before you make it."  It's definitely something I've ascribed to in the past, but easily forget how much it works.  There is truth in your actions and even if you don't feel it, there is a reason you can follow through.  Sometimes you're the last person to believe the truth about yourself and if you have to fake yourself out for a while, well, why not?

If Cary Grant, the epitome of charisma and talent, had to force himself to believe he was the best of himself by faking it, we can all do it too.  A wise woman once told me not to force my identity into a previously created box because of former or current beliefs.  People grow.  People change.

I can be a better version of myself, even if I don't believe it yet.

And so can you.

image: valentinadesign via pinterest   

Frugal Outfit Tuesdays: The Lady and the Tiger.

The Lady and the Tiger. by justagirlandherstuff on Polyvore.com

Leopard and red should always go together, especially when flanked by neutrals.  And a pretty chiffon skirt.  If you're gonna throw an animal print into the mix please temper it with something staid.  

See?  You can be a lady with animal print! 

Round two of frugal Tuesdays and to be honest I almost forgot this one.  Sneaky first of the month falling on a Tuesday trying to trip me up!  I will not be fooled.