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June 12, 2010

From the Desk Of...

Interior Design Ideas from Greg Natale | Interior Design, Decorating, Furniture, eclectic home office
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Home office inspiration contemporary home office
Home Office Designs | Home Office Decor | - Ballard Designs modern home office
Connecticut House eclectic home office
Home office inspiration contemporary home office
Bedroom Ideas eclectic home office

Writing is a wonderful thing. In addition to having the technology of the web at your fingertips, and a seemingly infinite network of blogs and bloggers to connect to - I'm happy to think that so many individuals have discovered the joys of written word. There is a satisfaction in "finding your voice" and crafting your own individual style as an author. How grand is it to sit at your desk, craft your thoughts and hammer them out in pixels for the world to see?

I know many have a love/hate relationship with blogging... but I for one love it. What's not to like? I interact with exciting people every day, post pretty pictures of things I adore and admire, and have an excuse to be alone with my thoughts and opinions. 

What many don't consider, however, is the author's pulpit. Where do you do your best writing? Is it a window seat at a busy cafe? Or are you an office blogger, squeezing in posts between meetings and reports? For me, I prefer to write from my home. I love the windows, the sunshine, bare feet (sorry, no Choos allowed on these floors!) and the relaxed mood.

But this doesn't mean I'm satisfied. In fact, in my next home I want a dedicated space specifically carved out for me and my beloved Mac. A space far too feminine for my husband to appreciate. Surely I'll need oversize paned glass windows (french doors are my great hope), a chandelier, the white lacquer table from WS Home I adore so very much, a Bergere chair and a pair of Ghost Chairs nearby. A mirrored console with a fresh bouquet of stargazer lilies, colorful artwork on the walls and a view... oh the view. I'm aiming for a view of a sparkling pool. But mainly I need beams of sunlight and high ceilings. Yes.. this will be my favorite retreat in the home. A space that screams "venti girl" all the way.

But I'm curious... where do you do your best writing?

Posted at 06:39 AM in architecture, art, design, interior design, life, note to self, things to do before I die | | Comments (11) | TrackBack (0)

June 03, 2010

A Very Special Tribute

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_6017610 Every once in a while I come across a shoe that possesses so many ideal qualities it can only be described as perfection. These (almost completely sold out!) YSL Nude Tribute sandals are my idea of the quintessential shoe. Sexy, stylish and perfectly designed. Avid fans swear by the comfort of the design. Those of us needing the extra height (me, me, me!) love how the platform - and especially this nude shade - elongate the leg to near Gisele proportions. So long as the platform is en vogue, you might be able to call this shoe 'classic' (please, dear Shoe Gods... grant us permission to don the platform for many years to come). At least that's what I tell myself when I'm drooling at it and it's eqally jawdropping price tag.

I'll share a little secret... it's my birthday today (yay!) and I'd rather have this pretty little pair of shoes than any other sweet confection in the world! YSL sales are everywhere, so if you see this beauty (or her equally fabulous black sister), give me a shout! And yes, I'm serious about that. I'm looking everywhere for this baby.

But my real special tribute today is to you, dear readers. That's right, gorgeous... YOU! Thank you for another year of amazing comments, heartfelt emails and growing friendships. Blogging, tweeting and facebooking have enriched my life in ways I never expected, and I look forward to what the future holds for all of us. If you're willing to jump in head first and ride the waves being onlline is a terrific experience. My Venti wish for 2010? To meet as many of my online friends (ahem... that would be you) as possible and deepen my connections with all the rest.

Wouldn't it be great if we could just get together for a bit of shoe shopping and lunch at Neiman's? Maybe start the day with a power yoga class and pedicures to prepare us for the onslaught of strappy designer sandals - that ust happen to be on sale? *sigh* To me, that's a perfect day. Here's to you, stylish friends. Here's to you! Mmmmmmwah!

XOXO,
Franki

Posted at 07:46 AM in events, fabulousness, fashion, life, note to self, shoes, style, things to do before I die, venti favorites | | Comments (16) | TrackBack (0)

May 15, 2010

Papillon

One of the greatest scenes from one of the greatest movies - ever. This is Steve McQueen's first dream in the movie Papillon. If you've not seen the movie, download it or rent it today. It is an incredibly moving story of friendship, loyalty, endurance and the tenacity of the human spirit. This one scene in particular transformed my thinking forever. I mean that. Steve's revelation in the movie brought to light my ultimate fear in life. It is my driving motivator and ever-present reason for moving forward and striving for more. Watch this scene and ask yourself... are you guilty?

Posted at 07:54 AM in celebrities, fabulousness, note to self, observations, Travel | | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

May 07, 2010

Affirmative Action

Christianlouboutin There are times in life when you can just tell that you're "in the zone" or on the right path. You're feeling good, you're doing well and all is right with the world. You are certain that this is the life you were meant to be living right here, right now. In my experience, these moments are fleeting. So the question is... how do we keep that state going?

I read about a very Zen approach to life once. I believe it was in a magazine I read on a flight. The contents of the article at the time seemed simple yet profound: spend a week saying yes to every opportunity that came your way. Yes, I'll join you for lunch today. Yes, I'll try that new Iced Mocha Half-Caf Grande Frappuccino. Yes, I'd like to try snorkeling. Yes, I'll take on that new project.

Hollywood types clearly read the same airline magazines I do, as by now you know 2008's Yes Man demonstrated the life-changing possibilities of this experiment. Jim Carrey's experience may have been dramatic... but don't you think saying yes for a week in your own life could yield some interesting results?

What if you indeed agreed to any and every invitation that was extended? (Barring, of course, invites for rides in suspicious white vans from strangers). Would your life change? Would your calendar be more full? Would you start to realize all of the resistance you put up from those around you? I suspect that if you would try this with me for one week you would indeed discover there's a different life experience out there waiting for you.

Life is calling... will you pick up and say hello? I urge you to pick up and see what she has to offer!

{lovely image above is not my own: These adorable little yummies were shot by Swedish photographer Therese Aldgård and styled by Swedish prop chick Lisa Edsälv. Found on Love the Cool}

Posted at 07:56 AM in celebrities, Film, life, note to self, observations, the venti challenge, things to do before I die | | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

May 06, 2010

Rise to the Occasion

Audrey_hepburn_in_breakfast_at_tiffany_s_LargerView This morning as I took a walk I was thinking about personal standards. What's completely acceptable to one person may seem outrageous to another. In life, we typically stay within the range of what we feel is "acceptable" to us. You stay pretty close to the weight and level of fitness you feel meets your image of yourself... your standards. You date, marry and befriend people you feel are like you or "on your level." Subconsciously you live at the income level or professional level that you think you "deserve" in life. The image in your mind you have of yourself and your life is indeed the life you live. If you don't believe that, you're living in blissful denial.

So... what happens when what you want, isn't what you currently have? You must change your mind. You must alter what you find acceptable. You must raise your standards. That's right... change your mind and you'll change your reality. Stick to it... decide exactly what you want to achieve or experience... determine WHY you need or want that to be your reality... and then figure out what you need to do to get there. But this is no time for autopilot. You have to take consistent action - or at least have constant focus on the goal - to get there.

The good news is this: once you raise your standards the rest is easy. For example, I would never, ever cheat on my spouse. Never have.. never will. It's unacceptable to me. So is a filthy house or an out of shape body. These images just don't fit the image of myself I have in my mind. They are beneath my personal standards. It's just something I don't ever think about because it isn't part of my personal mental image of myself. Those beliefs I hold, those self portraits in my mind cause me on a consistent basis to focus on my husband workout and clean my house. Silly examples.. but you get my point. My standards for myself cause me to do certain things but not others. If I raise my standards I'll improve those situations. Make sense?

The same could be said of any element in life. Are you behaving in a way you don't like? Are you living beneath your personal capabilities or potential? Are you coasting along living a life someone else has mapped out for you? Are you limiting your own potential? This isn't about others around you. This is about you... you as an individual. Your friends may have different standards. Your peers might not be destined for the same greatness you'll achieve. Your job isn't to "fit in" with those around you... your obligation to yourself and to the world is to be the best that YOU can be.

So... are you doing that right now? Are you living up to your own ideal? Are you focused on the right things? Are you working towards your ultimate oals in life? If not... why? Maybe... just maybe it's time for you to raise your standards.

{love the image? Make it yours at Vivre!}

Posted at 09:36 AM in fabulousness, life, note to self, observations, success, the venti challenge, things to do before I die, venti favorites | | Comments (10) | TrackBack (0)

May 02, 2010

Without Purpose, There is no Passion (Part Deux)

Fighting_positano A wonderful twitter friend reminded me of this quote yesterday "Without Passion there is no Purpose." To her, I owe this post. Lately I've noticed a lack of... something in my life. Looking around I could not determine what was lacking. "Things" were not going to fill the void. My calendar was filled with activities. It wasn't work. It wasn't play. I felt stumped. Somehow 2010 had arrives, we'd accomplished some very heft personal milestones in our home and have big (big!) plans for the coming year and those ahead. And yet... I was painfully aware that I was missing something enormous from my life.

Then yesterday at 7:45 am, @AyeshaJ shot me this tweet. It was a quote from a previous post of mine. I was busy getting ready to go to a friend's house for breakfast. While Ayesha's notes had fueled my morning, the rest of the day's activities combined would drastically alter my life path. What I'd thought would be a quiet breakfast among friends turned out to be a mid-size gathering of powerful women. I don't mean captains of industry or bodybuilders (although some of those were in he mix)... I mean women truly in touch with themselves, their relationships and their purpose. The conversation over breakfast and the bonding that occurred was the best two hours I've invested in some time.

As the day unfolded and the sun continued to shine (literally and figuratively) I began to realize I'd shifted into somewhat of an autopilot rhythm. That's not like me. I'm a firm believer in MAKING THINGS HAPPEN. In my mind, you must MUST design the life you want. Success, happiness, good health, abundance and wealth of spirit do not just happen. You aim for it, you plan for it, you pray in thanks for it, and you make it happen. Expect good things and they will indeed manifest. But go on autopilot and "hope things pan out" is not the key to a good life. And certainly not a fulfilling one.  Faith_aegean So after an unusual night of restless sleep, I feel more renewed and focused than I've felt in months. It's time I started swallowing my own medicine. The phrase "Rise to the occasion" has been on my mind for months. Months. Well, life... I am rising to the occasion.Thank you for the smack on the bum.

How do you go about change? 1) decide what you want 2) determine what it will take to get there 3) take small steps beginning IMMEDIATELY to get you closer to those goals 4) GO!

So I absolutely know what I want. I've written it down (a number of times) in a journal. But I'm going to write it down again. In even greater detail. I'm going to sit outside at the park while my daughter plays and write in my lovely pink leather bound planer (which I've been saving for an occasion such as this!) and write it out. I need to see it... in detail...again. For step two I already know many tiny changes to make in my daly life that will bring about tremendous change and instant gratification. It will bring me closer to those I love and build a better life for our family and friends. Path_grappa If you're sitting there wanting more, realize that help is not on the way. You've got to design the life you want and go get it. Remember, faith without works is pointless. You've got to get yourself into action to life a fulfilling life. Don't fall prey to letting the days slip by without being memorable. This is NOT a dress rehearsal, readers. It's May.... what do you need to accomplish by 2011?

Start by writing out your ultimate life goals. Go way out there and dream it...fearlessly. Write as if there are no limits whatsoever. Then take a step back and read it with fresh eyes. What's the disparity between that life and the one you're living? how do you reconcile that? Make major goals that you need to reach for, but offer yourself micro-goals as well. I like to give myself three mini-goals each day. It helps me feel a grand sense of accomplishment. I write them down on a fresh sheet of paper in my binder and cross them out as I complete them. Remember.. these can be small. The point is to develop momentum. Get moving.

So... as I sip my late morning cup of coffee I want to challenge you to join me on yet another Venti Challenge. If you missed the last one, you may want to read some of these posts to catch up.

Call it my annual mental spring cleaning... but it's time. Design the life you want. Now.

{creative art from my online boutique, the venti cafe}

Posted at 08:56 AM in life, note to self, observations, the venti challenge, things to do before I die | | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

April 09, 2010

Spring Cleaning

Home-office-decorating-ideas-ss10Wow. Will you look at this dreamy home office above? The large Grace Kelly artwork, the Jimmy Choo bag, the Lucite chair... I might faint! Add to that, the dainty desk, paned window, floor to ceiling silk dupioni drapes and pop of perfect pink for the chair  - this Venti girl is in high heaven!

Where did I come across this enchanting vignette? None other than the amazing new Elle Decor site. It's the private home of Choo founder Tamara Mellon. But of course! Here's the scoop on the room.

At the London apartment of Jimmy Choo founder Tamara Mellon, decorator Martyn Lawrence-Bullard mixed a vintage Jansen desk, a 1960s Eames chair upholstered in hot-pink leather, and a Warhol print of Grace Kelly.

While I'm not keen on the floor, I'd be hard pressed to voice that complaint if this were indeed my private workspace. The symmetry of the desk lamps the generous crown molding... it's an amazing space. One worthy of a world-famous shoe designer.Bedroom-decorating-ideas-ss-46
If you think that's great.. take a look at her master bedroom. I die!

{glamorous spaces, the work of top designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard}

Posted at 09:28 AM in celebrities, designers, luxury, note to self, style, venti favorites | | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)

February 25, 2010

New Heights

Gill_leitzhighresjpegs-003 This photo renders me nearly speechless. Yes, it's been expertly designed and decorated Kendall WIlkinson (see the full Decorati spread). But click on this bad boy and check out those unobstructed views. At first glance it looked like AThens. I imagined some lucky expat enjoying the fruits of their labor in a flat sipping rich, Greek cafe each morning overlooking the bay. As it turns out, this is a home in Pacific Heights, California. It's no wonder real estate in Cali is the impossible "get." With natural beauty like that I can see why.

If you can possibly forget about the views, I challenge you to look at the ceiling. Imagine unwinding at the end of a taxing day in this room? You rest your purse on the mirrored entry table (which exists in my imagination at the entrance of this home), you take off your shoes and kick back on this sectional with the latest Town & Country issue. As you gaze out at the fantastic view, you take a moment to admire your detailed ceiling. And in that moment, you are fully aware of your charmed life experience.

 The room above led me to wonder... was the awe-inspiring effect of this room the handiwork of a talented designer? Or was the "gasp effect" of this space the result of the stunning vistas and/or the homeowner's blessed real estate decision. You know the old adage: location, location, location. 105977-cb4180cd96f45db1d500d7070b3a84456fb85f6a
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To answer this question I poked around her portfolio and was awestruck. Kendall makes even windowless rooms seem luminous and uplifting. It takes a talented eye to achieve the refined looks she's delivering to clients. Decorati has a fun little interview with her this month. She divulges a few signature finishing touches: the white orchid, the plush throw. Who doesn't enjoy a bit of warmth in a room? These are universally appealing. But I particularly enjoyed her response to the question about inspiration:

What do you do, or where do you go, for inspiration?
"Inspiration abounds in the most unexpected places sometimes. Whether it’s rummaging through an old childhood jewelry box, or taking my boys for a hike, I am always surprised at the ideas that come at me!

But when I am purposefully seeking to be inspired, I’ll often turn to my love of fashion, French fashion in particular to see how hemlines may translate into drapery hems!

My travels to Paris also still impact my aesthetic as well, it is a place I am forever inspired by."
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111784-cd5e2176a924e3d06fdd3720f65df92335584db4 Her love of travel and her globetrotting adventures clearly come through in her designs. Personally I feel a space often looks uninformed if the designer hasn't had many life experiences. There's a vast gap between those who have read about historic design periods in textbooks, and those who have seen European palaces in person, walked ancient cobblestone streets and breathed in the air on streets where locals live in faraway lands. Your experience is deepened, your references are informed and your eye adjusts just slightly to the varied tastes of there cultures.

If you have any desire to be great in a creative field I urge you to travel as much as you possibly can to as many places as possible. Most importantly, don't stop moving. Don't stop observing, don't stop craving "the new" and the different. It feeds your mind and restores your soul. I truly feel creative people like myself have a hunger in their souls for new experiences. It's a deep, constant hunger that is never sated. Left unattended, it can be destructive. But if fed and honored it will fuel your career and your passion and be your greatest ally in life. I assure you, the more you roam the better you'll be at your craft and the happier you'll be in life.

As for this talented designer, I have one thing to say: Careful, Kendall.. your Paris is showing!

Posted at 07:31 AM in architecture, art, culture, designers, destinations, globetrotting, interior design, interviews, note to self, observations, Travel | | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)

February 12, 2010

Mixing up a Batch of Fabulous

Picture 77 Susan Serra Kitchen Designer extraordinaire, asked me recently to describe my ideal kitchen. I can tell you in a single word what it is not: dark. I crave sunlight. The ideal kitchen for me would serve up generous portions of sunlight reflecting off of light, bright surfaces. Picture 78 My dream kitchen is creamy white. Not stark white. Not yellow. Not antiqued beige. Although professional designers are yawning over blindfolded requests for granite counter tops, I still love them. Why? Because they allow an organic, chaotic visual element into a space that is otherwise tightly controlled and perfect. Granite is filled with unusual patterns shapes and forms that are beyond our control. And like a diamond, you get to choose the slab that you love the most. This feature alone adds a little thrill to the process for me. Before it is polished to perfection and outfitted with double ogee edges, one gets to choose their slab from the pack. I love the thrill of the hunt, and since we're no longer chasing down prey for our survival, little adventures like this seem to satisfy my primal hunting urges. Sorry but it's true. 

The above images are from Kraftmaid. This space comes very close to perfection for me. What would I change? A few things. I'd like a more dramatic range hood. Copper or stainless steel. (I'm thinking copper to bring out the reddish brown interiors of the lit cabinets... but I do love the idea of a grand stainless hood). The chandelier should be larger. The ceiling should be higher. I'd like a thicker slab of granite on the counters. And frankly, I'd be inclined to put granite on the island as well. I know we're in an era of mix and match and all that "accidental perfection" business... but I love the durability and resilience of granite. HR3124600-12 HR2979355-10 But let's get to the business of the view. What I really demand from my dream kitchen is a killer view. I want to open up a wall of doors (dual sets of French doors or an entire moving wall) and see the expanse of my well-manicured back yard beyond a sparkling blue pool. Ideally, kitchen should be integrated with the outdoors as much as possible. I want to see the reflection of rippling water on my towering ceilings. I want to hear trickling water through the open windows. I want plenty of room for friends and family in the room with me - but a natural flow to the action outside. The idea is to have an easy transition from the fridge to the fiesta. Know what I mean? After all, the kitchen is the social hub of the home, so in my next home I want a jewel box of a kitchen that opens to an amazing patio and pool. It's all about entertainment!

Susan... that may not be specifics about range sizes, brands and square footage... but in many ways what I described is even more important for my vision. My ideal kitchen shimmers, it shines, it has a boastful chandelier, glossy granite counter tops, expansive spaces, plenty of barstool seating for visiting friends, massive windows, warm sunlight and plenty of stainless appliances. And most importantly, a gathering place for fun!

Posted at 06:31 AM in architecture, cooking, design, designers, fabulousness, Food and Drink, interior design, leisure, life, note to self, style, things to do before I die | | Comments (10) | TrackBack (0)

December 30, 2009

Desperate Housewife

Wardrobe_eva_longria It's happening again... I'm in the midst of another great slim down. This isn't about weight or calories. It's about consumption. I physically want to own less, and I want the things I do own to be outstanding. In essence, I'm breaking up with many of my possessions.SATC - New Closet - carries-new-closet-2-511x288
This is a process I've been going through for the past few years, and this time I'm ready to cut a bit deeper. How freeing will it be to only own things which I absolutely adore? For me, this process focuses almost exclusively on my wardrobe, as it's far easier to eliminate non-essential housewares. I pare down our kitchen cabinets easily, keeping only the best and brightest. When it comes to sequined clutches and sweaters I have a much more difficult time letting go.

Wardrobe_kimorasimmons Maybe it's the approaching new year, but I find that I am deeply motivated and inspired. Motivated by the need for order. Inspired by our very own Travel Concierge, Anne, who has sold everything she owned - ridiculously chic San Francisco home included - to travel exotic locales with her husband. Yes... I'm not kidding. An interview is coming soon, in the meantime she sent me this excellent article on letting go of your things. 

What do these celebrity closets have to do with the great breakup of 2010? Everything. Take a look at Kimora's closet (well, one tiny corner of her enormous closet). It gives me a headache just looking at it. She is clearly owned by her possessions. I'm certain she has items in her closet she's barely aware of. Bags given to her by companies, jeans she's never worn (and won't). And yet...she needs the things to feel "right" about life. I couldn't possibly live with a closet so packed to the gills. 6a00d83451b1af69e200e550a402858834-800wi Eva on the other hand... I adore her well edited closet. It appears that she has a carefully selected group of precious things that she adores. I imagine she knows every dress, every shoe, every bag and can tell you when she purchased it and what it looks fabulous with. It looks like a happy, controlled useful space. If these staged photos are any indication of the reality beneath, Eva owns her things. Her things don't own her. John Trosko - famed organizer of Los Angeles - tends to agree with me.

But don't be fooled... she owns hundreds of jeans and dozens of stilettos. Notice that everything has a place, though. Eva's racks aren't overflowing. She has perfectly matched hangers and seems to have the jeans categorized for easy dressing. Here's a woman who knows how to work her wardrobe for maximum effect. She likely doesn't accidentally buy the same jeans over and over again. I'm not saying I don't want a fully functional wardrobe... I simply don't want any items in the closet(s) or drawers that I don't love. If it doesn't fit right, isn't flattering on, isn't high quality, isn't useful - it goes. See ya! What remains must be useful, flattering, well tailored and essential. The rest must go.SATC - New Closet - Carrie & Mr. Big - vlcsnap-1137295-511x288 So with my sorting containers marked "eBay," "charity," and "trash" I begin the editorial process. I'm diving in and not looking back. After all... a girl needs more room for those things which she absolutely does love. Anyone care to join me in the great purge of 2010?

Posted at 06:55 AM in celebrities, life, note to self, observations, style, things to do before I die, Travel | | Comments (12) | TrackBack (0)

November 10, 2009

Globetrotters

Picture 107
Picture 108 Picture 109 Picture 110Picture 111 Picture 112It's November. Almost halfway through the month. The year is close to being over and I can see that we've fallen prey to "someday syndrome" this year. We've discussed at least half a dozen great vacations. Done the research, selected the hotels, planned the outfits... and then decided we were too busy. We keep putting it off until an easier month, a less hectic quarter.

Running a business is demanding... what with never ending meetings and projects. If you look at the calendar it's always full... but I have to admit to myself that's really our fault. It's time we blocked out some time for ourselves and sat in wonder of the world around us. Gained a bit of perspective. It's been a terrific year and it's time we sat back and reflected upon the wonder of life.

If I'm being completely honest I'll need to admit that my criteria for a vacation increases each time we delay the trip. So while I once might have been satisfied with a charming boutique hotel, now I'm in need of the luxe appointments and guaranteed fabulousness that only a St. Regis resort or Ritz Carlton can deliver. This particular resort (of the St. Regis variety) is on picturesque Kauai located in Hanalei Bay. If the stunning views don't woo you, maybe the chic interiors designed by David Easton will seduce your senses.

As for me, I think waking up to the glorious views - and not the glow of my laptop - will do wonders for restoring my soul. Well, that and a few seaweed wraps and hot stone massages overlooking the crashing waves.

I'm setting a plan in motion today: plan it, book it, do it. If there's something you've been putting off, wake out of that coma and get moving. Time waits for no man.

Posted at 07:13 AM in destinations, globetrotting, holidays, note to self, observations, success | | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)

November 05, 2009

Animal Attraction

Picture 67 Have you ever seen an item and wondered how on earth you can find yourself attracted to it? Such is the case with this faux fur Juicy Couture puffer vest. Let's back up a moment...when did I start trolling the Juicy merchandise lineup? This is now the second or third item I've pointed out to you lately that I like. Scratch that... this will be the second or third item that I want to own. But moving on... a puffer vest? It's not like I live in Montana where it snows six feet on my birthday ( in June). I'm a warmer temps girl with every intention of staying that way. So aside from a few fleeting fantasies of Zurich or Geneva, you won't find me on a snowy drift anytime soon. Picture 73 No...instead I can already see myself in line at Starbucks on a slightly chilly day (say... 50 degrees with no snowflake in sight) with my skinny jeans, boots and this (somehow) irresistable vest. Hooded. Fur-lined. Puffy. Vest. I can't explain it. But I've got to have it. I'm craving it. What's worse is that I've seen these people in line. Dressed as if it's an ice storm outside when the rest of us are enjoying unseasonably warm temps. Unless they're about to board a private jet for the Alps (and, no doubt some of them may well be), these fashionistas owe us an explanation and maybe an apology. Am I really ready to become one of them? Doesn't a puffy vest of this sort almost require you to wear UGGS or at least some form of fur lined boot? It seems to me that the two crimes usually go hand in hand. Can one really commit just one offense without the other following quickly behind? Is this puffy vest the slippery slope that will lead me to a closet of velour track suits and a flats? No... no... there shall be no UGGS in my closet nor any sign of a warmup suit - but this vest must be mine. It must. Inexplicably, it must be mine. 

For all of our (okay, my) enlightened moments, it's times like this I have to admit that there are primal forces at work beneath the surface. If this silly urge of mine is any indication, we're not so different from our animals friends after all.

If you're behind me in line for coffee anytime soon on a pleasant fall day, please resist the urge to giggle at my puffy vest. After all, no animals were harmed in the creation. Just a tiny bit of my dignity, that's all. 

Posted at 06:17 AM in eco-friendly, fabulousness, fashion, note to self, observations, style | | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)