I’m not one for resolutions (who is these days?), but I like to issue myself little challenges throughout the new year.  I figure I’d share them with the group every so often in the classic Diana Vreeland style.  Think of it as a “note-to-self”…or something like that…

It’s been a long time since I’ve connected with a lot of people in my life.  I’m not much on the phone, and I rarely get past 10 miles from my house for non-work purposes.  This is nothing new.  My homebody-ness has only increased in the past few years (this is the part where I blame 93% of this on the kid and the other 7% on getting settled in my…increasing… age).

In an effort to change this, I issued myself a challenge – not only just to make an effort to reach out to someone through a means not completely electronic, but to go further and do something slightly uncomfortable.

“Why don’t you let someone know how you really feel about them?”

vintage rotary phone from the Melrose Trading Post.  You can get similar ones here or on ebay!

It seems as if we are so disconnected from our emotions and each other these days.  And why not?  Most of us are completely sucked in by a screen of some sort for hours upon hours each day.  Wake up, work, check email/twitter/blog reader, go home, check email/twitter/blog reader, sleep, rinse, repeat.  It’s easy to forget real life when you live most of it online – and I’m very aware of the irony of this coming from a blogger.

I am a part of the problem.  I know…I know…

In the wake of the deaths of loved ones, those of friends, celebrations for the promise of new life, of new life itself (did you hear Jay-Z’s song for his daughter?  I MEAN!!), and just plain ol’ appreciation for people, I’m going to get on the phone, go on a play-date, or make some time to let folks know what they mean to me…because it’s nice to hear.

How about you?  Anyone you need to reach out to?  Tell me.  Let’s live in our feelings for a moment.

Similar ring found here

I recall reading that one of the Olsen twins had a ring from years and years ago that no longer fit properly.  Instead of throwing it out, she wore it above her knuckle.

I can dig it. Except for the not throwing it out part…iPurge…regularly.

I picked this up at the Portland Saturday Market (which, by the way, is fantastic – word to the Polish lady and her cart of hot sausages, pierogi and borscht).  Love. There’s something to be said for a perfectly understated piece of jewelry; I’m not sure what that something is, but there is definitely something.

I had a baby:

I really can’t remember anything else.  Funny how that happens.

Here’s to a prosperous and eventful 2012…and to hopes that the world doesn’t end…amiright?!

Society for Rational Dress oversized sweater (similar one here), Hudson jeans, Rachel Comey boots (similar ones here)

I finally got a picture of myself in the woods.

#fashionbloggerbucketlist

Maybe it’s the restructuring of my life’s priorities (or maybe that I’ve reached a plateau on constantly adding to the “stuff I HAVE to HAVE” list), but my wish list this year is remarkably short.  In fact, I could only think of one *physical* item that I really wanted.  Luckily, Santa knew what was in my mind’s eye and kindly gave me a pass to get an early gift:

Nikkor 35mm f/1.8 Lens

FINALLY!! A shwexy lens that autofocuses on my D60.  Now I have an excuse to blog more than twice a month.  YAY!!!

Here is where I mention that it’s on sale, is offered with free one day shipping and you can get a free lens filter along with it.  This is what I like to call “racks on racks on racks.”  No real reason, but it sounds appropriate given the circumstance.

It only took a year and a half and me to fully gestate and birth a baby to reorganize the fumbled attempt at yard sale-age of last year, but we’re doing it!  For real this time!

Come out, hang out, and buy stuff!

UPDATE:  There will also be a sample sale featuring Brook & Lyn jewelry.  Yep.  WEST COAST SAMPLE SALE.  Get up on it!!!

If I had a holiday party to go to (and could remember how to walk in inappropriately high heels), I’d be wearing a pair of either of these on my feet:

Steve Madden Dejavu
Dolce Vita Layna

Glitter.  It’s festive as f**k.

Hello lovies!  I missed you.  Tons.  I hope everyone had a filling holiday.  Better yet, I hope someone saved me a plate.

No?  Whatever.  I hope you ate well enough and possess the strength to ponder over this, because I have questions.

Notice that the above item is sold out.  Endangered poly blends everywhere are weeping for the loss of their kinsmen.

Now, I can normally fux with Junya on a conceptual level, but I can’t understand why someone would want to walk around like a headless leopard suffering from gigantism.   What purpose does this coat serve (aside from scaring small mammals as you walk by, clearly)?

My gut tells me it’s for the preservation of warmth, but then I noticed the 3/4 sleeves.  Wrists need warmth too, Junya.

Any ideas?

ETA: Upon closer inspection, I’ve determined that this coat belongs on the floor of a 70′s stag film set.  This is totally Ron Jeremy’s steez.  What say you?

GAG!!!!!!

Rag and Bone’s boots get better every.single.year.

picture via

I’m headed back to work after 11 weeks of baby-rearing in my sweats.  I have no idea how to dress for the outside world anymore.

BUT!!!  But, but!!!

It’s finally getting cold here…which means I can throw on a ton of random shit and get away with it.  Spectacular.

HOORAY FOR FALL!