Away We Go

Today's post is a first. The computer I normally use for blogging is taken at the moment, and work is calling my name in a couple hours. So that leaves me with two options. 1. No Tuesday post or... 2. Blog from my handy dandy new phone.

As you can already tell, 2 won out.

I had planned on writing about another Out and About post, but I figured picture uploads would be a bit difficult on this little device. Instead, I've been meaning to tell you all about Away We Go. I saw it last week and loved it! It made me laugh and cry, the perfect combination. John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph play a couple expecting their first child. The movie follows them trying to find the right place to live and settle down to create a home.

I can't say enough good things about it. I haven't felt the same way about a movie since Little Miss Sunshine.

What summer movies are you loving right now?

Eyes on Vogue

I took some time this past weekend to read through the latest Vogue. Here's what caught my eye.

1. Gladiator Jellies by Givenchy. Also found here.

2. The "City of Dreams" spread. Shot by Mario Testino.

3. One of my favorite fashion girls to watch, Diane Kruger in Chanel Couture @ the Costume Institute. Couldn't help but include a little eye candy with Joshua Jackson. Oh..Pacey :)

4. Gap Design Editions motorcycle jacket

Outfit Snapshots

While at the Japanese Garden, I finally had a chance to wear this dress I bought at Nordstrom, a shopping trip that happened back in April. I think it was the only thing I could find in the entire store, which was a bit disappointing. I'm not sure that particular Nordstrom gets a thumbs up from me...the layout is funky and I always end up in the juniors section where the quality is lacking.

However, I did find this adorable dress. The print and ruffle caught my eye and luckily they had it in my size.

Velvet Torch Dress
Watch and Bangles found at The Best of Everything in Naples, FL.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Out and About: The Japanese Garden

Yesterday, a coworker was discussing her wedding. Someone asked where it was, and she replied "the Japanese Garden over in Van Nuys." After several "oh's" and "awww's," she discussed how her ceremony was held in the Tea House. I immediately knew I had to check this place out, especially because my boyfriend and I are thinking ahead to our future wedding :)

The Japanese Garden proved to be a nice little getaway. It's amazing that this place exists at all, especially being right in the middle of the Valley. Check out the video of the tea house.

Photos and video provided by my iPhone.

The garden has pretty strict rules. It would have been a bit more enjoyable if you could sit for a bit or have a small picnic, but the "no food or drink" and "stay on the paths at all times" rules ruined any future plans of that. I'm also not going to sugar coat this following point. Some areas have a very distinct smell. Whoever was in charge of putting it next to a water reclamation plant was not too bright. It was very tranquil, and a nice little visit. However, we'll continue our search for a wedding location that fits us much much better.

I would truly love any suggestions.

Hair Envy

There were pros and cons to moving across country 8 months ago. I think one of the biggest cons on my list was having to leave a salon and stylist that I loved. Actually I think he moved before I did, which left me with a sub-par replacement, but that's not my point.

I came across these photos of Kate Hudson's darker do, and it made me want to find a place like...NOW! Any suggestions from you L.A girls (preferably in the Studio City or Sherman Oaks area).

I just realized, while writing this, that I used this pic as a reference for how I wanted my hair for my senior prom.

I guess Kate's hair has always had me at hello... :)

New Bundle of Joy

Sorry for the lack of a Monday post, but it's been a busy past few days. I'm the proud new mother of an iPhone 3GS, and couldn't be happier, especially now that the whole "waiting in line at 3 in the morning on a release day" thing is over. Yeah... apparently we are that couple. Trust me, though. We were the normal ones.

Only Los Angeles would provide the characters we encountered in that line. First in line was a...(wait while I try to refrain from name calling) ego crazed adult film producer who could not stop name dropping for the life of him. Next up were the emo kids, then sprinkle in a dude who thinks he knows everything about, well, everything, and you've got the picture of what those 4 hours were like. Luckily, I tried to drown out the mind numbing conversations by reading InStyle.

I'm still learning my new toy's capabilities and luckily I have my very own Apple-geek ...I mean expert boyfriend... to help and guide me through this new techy stage. Hopefully this means more pics and possible videos for the blog, especially while I'm out and about. It might also mean a possible twitter account. I'm still debating.

Should I or shouldn't I? Help me decide!

Romper? Yes Please.

Okay, so I've joined the romper bandwagon. I love shorts. I adore summer dresses. Combine the two together, and you can't go wrong in my eyes, especially in warmer weather. Lulus.com is one of my new go-to sites for shopping, and their selection of rompers goes way beyond my two picks.

Golden Curry Romper @ $32.00
Black Ruffle Romper @ $45.00
Both @ Lulus.com

If you were concerned though, I'm not ever going to be seen in a jumpsuit. They remind me too much of long johns. Publicly presentable pajamas....hmmm...maybe I should rethink my decision.

Well...this one isn't so bad.

Aryn K Jumpsuit @$88 @ Lulus.com

but NEVER this one! Wowzer, what a print...

Ugly Jumpsuit @ $52 @ Lulus.com

Who's up for the ruffle and printed jumpsuit? I know there's someone out there buying it, and I want to know who it is!

Out and About: Tujunga Village

Living in this city is great for many reasons, but my favorite is that I am constantly finding new places that I love. I guess that goes right along with living in any new place, right? By "new places" I don't just mean a shop or restaurant. I'm referring to these quaint neighborhoods hidden in between busy streets. Out and about the other day, my boyfriend and I came upon one by the name of Tujunga Village.

It's a one block stretch of vintage stores, little shops, and cafe's tucked in between adorable houses just like this one. The houses had the most amazing flowers. I was tempted to pick a lot of them, but refrained out of the fear of being caught. I could have collected a great bouquet.

Before walking the neighborhood, this served as the setting for our lunch date. I ordered a Humble Salad (the name was better than the dish). The picture shows a much more delicious choice, the grilled chicken sandwich with pesto and sun dried tomatoes. Do you think there's a disorder for constantly wanting what the other person at your table is eating? Cause I have it....food envy.

I know there's tons of little gems like this one, it's only a matter of time before I come across another...I'd love any suggestions!

Today's Style in the Park

While the sun peaked its head out yesterday, we got these shots for my first official outfit post. Sadly, the sun didn't last long, but I enjoyed my day off nonetheless. I'll get into the specifics of our little adventure in tomorrow's post.

*Silence & Noise Beaded White Tank *Silence & Noise Exposed Zipper Skirt *Both found at Urban Outfitters.
*Butterfly Necklace (Forever 21? I think). *Express Bangles. *Steve Madden Sandals.

Patience Is Most Certainly A Virtue

I had hoped to blog about my first outfit post today, but apparently the Italy vs. USA soccer game was of top concern for this afternoon's festivities for my boyfriend/photographer. No photographer = no outfit post.

So I'll continue to listen to "take that shot, take that shot!" and "C'mon seriously!" with mixed sighs and expletives until our original plans come into fruition. Seriously though, will someone just lose already? Oh wait, I think USA just did...

Outfit post coming soon.

One Man's Loss Is Another Man's Treasure

IS THIS YOUR LUGGAGE? Well, you'll have to click and see.

This is probably the most interesting and hilarious site I have come across in a while. Basically, the site displays photos of lost luggage in an attempt to find it's long lost owner. For a more nosy individual like myself, it serves as a chance to finally see what's in another person's bag. I think I had too much fun.

Unclaimed Baggage Center is a store out of Alabama that also purchases lost and unclaimed luggage from airlines (proceeds apparently go to charity) and then sells it at their huge store. Items include obvious choices like clothing and cameras, but in one lucky bag, the store found a 40 carat emerald tucked in a corner. It makes me want to go on a road trip right now to the south and see what little treasures I can come across! Who's coming with me?

10 Dollars or Less: Wet Seal Edition

Who doesn't like a good cheap find? Just last week, I found these studded black flats for 5 bucks @ Wet Seal, thanks to a lead by a coworker.

It had probably been ten years since I had last walked into that store. Something about those scantily clad mannequins always turned me off. Trust me, I'm not a fan, but it got me thinking...what else could I find under $10. To challenge myself, I stuck with Wet seal and sorting through all that junk was a lot easier via their website and a click of a mouse.

1. Scarf @ $3
2. Mesh Bangle Set @ $7
3. Brown Woven Belt @ $8.50
   
4. Long Pocket Tank @ $4
   

Dress Your Best

There's nothing better than that perfect summer dress (or dresses). Cause let's face it, one dress isn't going to cut it. One of my favorite things about summer time is that there is nothing wrong with showing some skin. Here's a selection I certainly have my eye on, and will give your legs the attention they deserve or, at the very least, some much needed sunlight.

French Connection Dresses
Left: Flutterbuy Dress @ $118
Right: Georgia Floral Dress @$98




Left: Purple Tank Dress @ $29.50 @ Gap
Right: Yellow Halter Dress @ $29.50 @ Old Navy

By the way, the Laker color homage was unintentional. Honest.

Dessert Delight

I've fallen off the wagon...the junk food wagon.

It's probably no surprise that I ate a bunch of junk during the theme park adventure Wednesday. It's around every corner, and a girls gotta eat. The place has Dippin' Dots carts every few feet, children with cotton candy frolicking about, the smell of funnel cakes wafting in the air...

Although it was hard, I refrained from all those aforementioned treats. I do have some self control. (Jack in the Box on the way and Panda Express for lunch doesn't count, right?) I couldn't leave the park without getting some sweet treat, and caramel apples were in a shop right by the exit. Good marketing Six Flags.

It served as a great dessert that evening, and I thought I would share in my delight.

Have a wonderful weekend and be sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Meet you back here on Monday.

Out and About: Magic Mountain

Today, the boyfriend and I made our first visit to Six Flags Magic Mountain. It will be one of many trips, now that we have season passes. That place did not disappoint one bit, especially the insane X2 roller coaster. It was, by far, the best ride I have ever been on!

Seriously! Your individual seat moves forward and backward 360 degrees, all while you are following a track of loops and turns. You have speakers on your headrest, flames shooting out of the ground, it's nuts! Not to sound like an Apple campaign, but "this is the future" of rides as we know it!

This video gives you a gist of how the ride works. (Cut to 50 seconds in)




My plan was to include some pics during the day, but we were having too much fun to get some good shots. Besides, do you really want photos of me with a head rush and crazy hair after a roller-coaster or drenched after that water rafting ride? No...I think not. Although, that would be pretty hilarious.

Hmmm...maybe next time people.

Etsy Find: Flower Necklaces

Upon coming across these beautiful necklaces by jpartsncrafts @ Etsy, I knew a post devoted to them was necessary. Anything slightly vintage inspired and I'm in love, plus the prices are undeniably affordable.

Chrysanthemum Brass Locket for $22

Rose and Pearl Necklace for $22

Is there a particular Etsy shop that you love right now? I'd love to know.

Flip Flops Be Gone

I've always been a flip flop girl, especially having lived in Florida for quite a chunk of my life. However, lately I've been loving my strappy sandals. They have quickly become my favorite summer fashion item.

It looks like these are going to be getting a lot of use during my first summer in L.A.

My latest shoe purchase @ Bloomies
STEVEN by Steve Madden
Available here in additional colors (red, tan, black, metallic, and yellow) @ $79.95
Select colors available at Nordstrom @ $46.90



A purchase from last summer
xhilaration./Target gold sandal

Do you have a particular sandal you are loving? Let me know!

Conan is Back!

Anyone else as excited as me about The Tonight Show With Conan O'Brien premiering tonight!? The fact that the show is now in LA makes this city a whole lot cooler in my eyes. As a fan, I'm still trying to get tickets to a taping . Maybe "fan" is a little bit of an understatement. In order to get tickets when I lived in New York, my roommate and I woke up @3 a.m to sit outside the NBC studio to be first in line for standby tickets, which ultimately got us in to see the show. Trust me, it was worth it.

It's moments like these that make me thrilled for what's in store for the new show. Enjoy! I know I did.