A knack for knick-knacks

I have spent much of today enjoying the heat from the wood stove and the company of my four-legged critter friends. It has been a pleasant, unplanned day off spent at home. Yesterday I was asked to work later than my scheduled shift and nix working today. I welcomed the opportunity of a complete day to re-charge and not think about too many extra things (it has been a regular occurrence for me since the summer to work seven days in a row for a few weeks at a time). I have, though, saved a little extra brain space for blogging and decided to share my newest (and, honestly, completely unnecessary) little collection of vintage salt and pepper shakers. My sister will agree when she reads this that the last thing I needed to do was start up a new collection of something, but I couldn't resist these wee gems when I spotted them at various thrift stores and flea markets this past spring-summer-autumn. Could you?

My knick-knack loving heart is quite content with these four and I think I could resist any further acquisitions, unless that is I come across another pair of squirrels... or some little skunks!

Kitten time

When I first introduced our new kittens back in the fall this little love was named Molly. Over time it became clear that a girl's name wouldn't do as this little kitten is, in fact, a boy. So, Molly became Dexter. And yes, he was named after the title character from the TV series Dexter. It suits him well. If you are unfamiliar with the show, Dexter Morgan is both a police department bloodstain analyst and a serial killer. Hah! Let me tell you, this cat is a little terror. He jumps and bites and at times, I'm convinced, thinks he is a dog. I've also taken to calling him Fang because he always goes after the tops of my feet with his little razor-sharp teeth. Now, there isn't much skin on the top of one's foot to grab, but he manages. Oh, how he manages. That said, he can also be a sweet and loving little companion. He and his sister, Callie, are always getting into some kind of mischief (as all kittens do) from stealing peanuts and almonds from the counter-top to jumping inside the washing machine. They certainly are silly critters and supply daily laughter in ample dosage.

You and me and that red sweater

Cardigan: thrifted; Shirt, necklace, & rings: H&M

Skirt: vintage, Tights: Hue, Shoes: Aldo

At first it seemed that the headless-Emily outfit shot would be the only one to make it into this post. The reason being that my left eyelid kept getting all droopy while I was taking these photos. Weird, I know. Perhaps it was some sort of crazy side effect from the colder weather? Hmm. Eventually, a photo was snapped with both of my eyelids cooperating. Thanks guys. Let me tell you, it was a goofy time!

Want to know what else is goofy? The song this sweater reminds me of. Back when I was in middle and high school I liked listening to ska-punk. Some of my favorite bands at the time were Save Ferris, Less Than Jake, and The Aquabats. Oh, The Aquabats. They have a large repertoire of very silly songs including the sartorially-titled "Red Sweater." If you're up for a laugh, have a listen!

Haha, sometimes I really like my music less than serious. So much fun. Anywho, this red cardigan is a foray into the world of red clothing. I've had an aversion to the color for awhile, but I'm slowly making nice with it again. I snagged this cardi back in August, but I forgot about it until last week. It spent a few months hanging out in a shopping bag on the backseat of my car. Since it's come inside I haven't wanted to take it off. It's so cozy!

Tell me, is there anything super cozy that you've been living in lately?

Skip, skip, skip to my Lou

The photo sequence of me skipping was quite comical upon review.

Oh the fun one can get into during a 10 second self-timed photo shoot ;)

Anyway. This is my new favorite shirt. I had been looking for a vintage Levi's button up (men's or women's) on and off for about 5 years. I say on and off because sometimes I remember to look for them and sometimes I don't. I recently spotted two women's button ups at a Salvation Army I don't frequent very often. One was a perfect brown and purple plaid, but unfortunately had an enormous tear in it that seemed near impossible to fix and fix well. The other was rainbow plaid. Yes, rainbow plaid. It was so gaudy it was almost cool. To be perfectly honest, it made me think of Rainbow Brite meets Little House on the Prairie. Yeah, picture that in your mind's eye! Needless to say, I passed. Then, lo and behold, I was at my favorite Salvation Army not too long ago and was making my way out when I felt the urge to check through the men's department. I can't explain it, but I knew there would be a Levi's button up there that day.

It was windy out on this particular day. I smartened up after a bit and pulled my hair back. Much better!

Shirt: vintage Levi's Colorgraphs button up (men's), Shorts: self-made from old Levi's, Belt: secondhand,
Rings: secondhand, Wedges: Target, Sunglasses: Kenneth Cole Reaction

When your favorite white shoes become chew toys

Can you tell by the title where this post is going? Yeah, no subtly there. Meet Bebe, my brother's new puppy. After adopting her from a local animal shelter a few weeks ago, our home has been energized with her presence. It's been great fun having her around. At seven months old, she's a very sweet-tempered and well-behaved pup. Such a bundle of love!

So, miss Bebe and I had a funny little mishap one morning this past week. After waking up, I took her for her morning walk and upon returning in she resisted going back into her dog crate. I don't blame her really, even though there are nice blankets and dog toys in there for her. With one look at her pout-y puppy face (what can I say, I'm weak), I threw up my hands and let her roam the house while I took a shower. When I emerged a few minutes later, I found her chewing happily on my favorite pair of white flats (pictured here). Oh, they were pretty. Nice and sturdy with a slight raised heel, a rounded toe with sweet perforated detail and a little bow to top them off. It was my own fault, I know, but I had to ask her, "Bebe, why did you have to chew on my white flats? Why not the black ones that were lined up right next to them?" She didn't answer. You see, I'd been wanting to replace my little black flats that are rather flimsy for a pair like my white ones - made of sturdier material and more sophisticated looking. I couldn't justify it though as said black flats are still serviceable. Sigh. What else can I say? Bebe has good taste.

Now, I'm (unfortunately) in the market for new white flats. Do you know how hard it is to find nice white flats? Hard. Maybe I'm just too picky. Here are several I've found so far:

Lace up flats from Aldo

Two-tone wingtip skimmers from Urban Outfitters

Cutout oxfords from Urban Outfitters (in white, of course)

What do you think?

P.S. I'm still terribly behind on reading, commenting, and returning your visits. I'm working on it. Expect to hear from me soon!

P.P.S. I have some more good things in the works for you guys! Be sure to check back soon! :)

A calculated casualty

For several years now I've been channeling my inner nerd with the epitome of nerdyness, a calculator watch. I knew my days of wearing this fine piece of black plastic and gadgetry on my wrist were numbered earlier in the week when I detected a crack in its strap. Sadly, yesterday was its last outing for awhile. My plan is to find a replacement strap, but until then I will miss all of the quirky features I needlessly incorporate into my days (dual time setting, alarm, stop watch - hehe).
Do you have a story about a lost/broken well-loved accessory? Share it!

Tucked away

A few days ago I found a postcard tucked into the pages of a book I borrowed from the library. I turned the card over in quick anticipation hoping to see a message scrawled there, but found it blank instead. Still, I like the idea of discovering someone's forgotten bookmark - a little lost trinket of everyday life that happens to end up in the lap of a stranger. When I finish the book (The Road To Yesterday by L.M. Montgomery), I'll tuck the postcard back into place and pass the surprise on to someone else.

Changing colors

Dear Afternoon Cup of Coffee,
Thank you for being smooth, flavorful and most importantly, caffeine-enriched. Without you, I would probably still be on the sofa fighting off sleep with a book in my hands. Here you see that I was able to pick myself up and enjoy some time outside. It was mostly overcast, but the air was warm with a pleasant breeze. Your power to stimulate has awakened my senses today and each breath I draw tastes clean and sweet.

Love,
Emily

Sweet tooth

I am not of Irish heritage. Truth is, I only wore green today because the local ice cream shop/convenient store chain around here was promoting single-scoop ice cream cones for 50 cents to those wearing green for St. Patrick's Day - meet my unleashed inner child! What flavor did I choose, you ask? Only my favorite - peanut butter pandemonium (vanilla ice cream with swirls of chocolate and peanut butter and itty bitty peanut butter cups). I even sweetened up my green cardigan with this deliciously beautiful vintage scarf my Mum found at a thrift shop.

"You remind me of..."

We all know that character costumes in movies serve as inspiration to our own sartorial choices. We "ooh" and "ahh" at gorgeous articles of clothing making inquiries as to where we can get a hold of them for ourselves; sometimes settling for the more practical knock-offs. Or we visualize our own wardrobes trying to figure out a way to recreate a certain outfit or look.

One ensemble that I've admired over the years is the simple costume that Jennifer Connelly wears as Sarah in Jim Henson's Labyrinth. Sure, it screams 1986 in almost every way, but it also exudes a classic and casual style, highlighted with flouncy and romantic details ideal of an imaginative girl smitten with fantasy stories. A white blouse, a great pair of jeans, and a pair of flats will always result in a feel good outfit however one chooses to style it. And why not top it off with a detailed vest, just for fun?

This scene has been one of my particular favorites:



Oh, David Bowie. This is by far the best song sequence in the film and must be shared whenever someone makes reference to Labyrinth:



EDIT: Erin just informed me that Who What Wear is currently channeling inspiration from Labyrinth! Thank you, Erin!

Sisters taking pictures

I went to visit my beautiful sister this afternoon. Hi Sister! Her apartment is so quaint and cozy. After hugs and greetings, a fun little photo shoot ensued.

^ I edited the lighting further in this photo after uploading it.
I wanted the glow from the lamp to have more precedence over the sunlight coming in through the window.

Shirt with pretty detail: H&M
Cardigan & jeans: Old Navy
Necklace: self made with an antique key
Shoes: Target

I'm winding down after a busy weekend. It is time to crawl under the covers with a book in hand and read until my eyelids succumb to heaviness.

Sweet Dreams

An ode to flannel sheets:

freshly laundered,
smooth and soft
you make nighttime much more cozy
when the outside world meets with frost.
a sleep so pleasant, restful and deep -
with a heartfelt thanks to you
little dreams dance on merry little feet.

My Cardigan and Me

This post has been inspired by my dear friend Erin, who regularly blogs about fashion. You can find her at Ip & Aud.

With that said, this post is dedicated to the ever so versatile cardigan. I am not ashamed to admit that my closet and dresser drawers are home to 16 soft, cozy, button adorned beauties. Why so many, you ask? A girl must be prepared for all seasons! Heavier knits for winter, lighter knits for spring and autumn, and yes... even summer cannot hinder my affinty for cardigans. It is during this time that you will find me in airy, crocheted cardigans. How easy it is to add one to any outfit; how fabulous they look over a cami, tank, or tee! Move over diamonds, cardigans are this girl's best friend!