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Happy Friday! It’s time for my “favorite things” post. This week, I’m digging…
  
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1. Movie: Paper Heart
How adorable is the trailer for this semi-documentary? I have a completely non-sexual love for Michael Cera. He’s awkward in such a weirdly pre-pubescent way that anything else would make me feel like a pervert.
“I think I’m gonna get the Mexican Beach salad. I’m gonna say that to the waiter. He’ll look at me and be like, ‘Oh, this guy gets around.’”
2. Perfect Flavor Ice Cream
This company’s customized gourmet ice cream is a fairly pricy novelty, but it’s fun and tempting nevertheless. Customers get to pick the base, flavor, and mix-ins for their handmade frozen treat. I’m craving a pint of vanilla gelato with blondie brownie chunks, “Swiss style” chocolate truffle crumbles, and toasted hazelnuts.
3. Blog: The Sartorialist
“The Sartorialist” is Scott Schuman, one of Time Magazine’s “Top 100 Design Influences.” Schuman takes his camera to the streets of cities like New York, Paris, London, and Milan, capturing fashionistas who are dressed in a way that catches his eye. He then posts these photos on his blog, sometimes with commentary. I want his job.
4. DL1961 Premium Denim
I just discovered this line. Their “revolutionary 4-way stretch moves 360 degrees to give superior shape retention, custom fit, and comfort, independent of your body type.” Basically, they fit like J Brands, but better: they don’t stretch out and gape at the waist over time. Also, let it be known that the saleswoman wasn’t lying when she said that DLs would “do great things for your ‘rear view.’” Find a store near you and try a pair on!
5. Sunday Brunch Dress Shop
I’ll admit that the dress on the home page is really not that cute. Do not be deceived: this shop has a great selection of dresses with simple cuts and pretty fabrics. Most of it’s offerings are fairly conservative- not so great for a “Yes, sir, I’ll have another” girls’ night out. They are, however, perfect for summer weddings, meeting the parents, lunch (or, hey, Sunday brunch) with your grandma…you get the idea. A few of the styles are sold out, but they are happy to do special orders.
6. Column: “Love Advice from DailyCandy’s Resident Hottie”
OK, so the title is lame but this advice column is definitely an entertaining read. Women of varying degrees of desperation/lack of self-respect write in; the author (DailyCandy’s only male editor) responds with wit and brutal honesty. Good times for all! An excerpt:
Q: Should you keep in contact with an ex-boyfriend after he breaks up with you?
A: Do you keep in touch with old bosses after they fire you?
Q: How early can you sleep with a guy without being considered a whore?
A: 6 a.m.
Have a splendid weekend!
KC&CO,
Bessie
I have an unabashed girl crush on Zooey Deschanel for a variety of reasons. The adorable, eccentric characters that she plays. Her last name- apparently it’s pronounced the French way, aka “DAY-Chanel” (Chanel as in Coco Mademoiselle.) Her striking porcelain skin-big blue eyes-chocolate brown locks combo. Seriously, the way that her eyes peer out from beneath her thick bangs makes me want to snip myself a set of bangs and start breaking hearts. Never mind that this would be a poor life choice, as my lack of experience with shears would probably leave me with bangs like this. It’s the thought that counts.
The thing I like the most, however, is Zooey’s voice. It is low, lilting, slightly wispy, and I find it weirdly enchanting. Imagine my excitement when I discovered that she is one half of the musical duo She & Him. A run-through of their first album (Volume I, released in March 2008) solidified my desire to, oh, I don’t know, be Zooey. The songs are part folksy, part pop, with a quirky indie style. Although some of them sound too much like hits from the 1940s for my taste, there are definitely a few gems. Deschanel’s voice is truthful, controlled, and a little smoky- it manages to deliver her lyrics in a way that seems sweet, but not in a cotton candy-drizzled with syrup-covered in sprinkles way. Check it out for yourself on iTunes or at She & Him’s Myspace here. These are a few of the songs that I’ve been replaying:
“Sentimental Heart”
Heaving devotion but it’s just no good
Taking it hard just like you knew I would
“Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?” (one of Rolling Stone’s 100 Best Singles of 2008)
I think you’re just so pleasant, I would like you for my own
Why don’t you sit right down and make me smile?
“Sweet Darlin’”
Sweet darlin’, come and hold me
Just a little bit longer now
KC&CO,
Bessie
This article in the Dining & Wine section of the New York Times entitled “101 Simple Salads for the Season” caught my eye a couple of days ago. It features salads from several categories: vegan, vegetarian, with seafood, with meat, with noodles, and grain salads. The Times delivers on it’s promise of simplicity- each “recipe” is a few sentences long at most; the majority of the salads consist of less than five ingredients. The author, Mark Bittman, emphasizes quality over quantity- the freshest vegetables, fruits, and herbs, and the highest-grade oils, vinegars, and condiments are recommended for the best results. Luckily, perfect produce is easy to find during the summer (personally, I’m a fan of Sunday morning trips to my local farmer’s market.) These are just a few salads that I can’t wait to try:
#6: roughly chopped chickpeas tossed with olive oil, lemon juice, lots of freshly chopped parsley, mint, and tomatoes
#13: crab meat, pan-roasted corn, chopped avocado, and halved cherry tomatoes tossed with olive oil, lemon juice, cilantro and ancho chili
#44: make a crisp grilled cheese sandwich with good bread and (not too much) good cheese. let cool, cut into croutons, serve over tomato and basil salad
#71: sliced green tomatoes and fresh mozzarella topped with roughly chopped basil, olive oil, black pepper, and crumbled bacon
#83: thinly sliced sweet onions, olive oil, and red wine vinegar tossed with roasted red peppers and a thinly sliced skirt steak, serve over greens
#87: cooked and cooled sesame noodles tossed with Thai basil, lime juice, and lots of mint, drizzled with creamy blend of peanut butter, soy sauce, and coconut milk
I was so eager to start tackling Bittman’s list that I made a variation of #4 for lunch yesterday. Here are a couple of photos of my lovely salad (click for full-sized images):
 
arugula and steamed bok choy tossed with halved cherry tomatoes, capers, and sautéed shrimp dusted with chili powder. drizzled with a blend of lemon juice and Dijon mustard
Mmm, it was so yummy and required minimal time/effort…success! What salads are you thinking of trying?
KC&CO,
Bessie
Hola, dolls. Just a heads-up, I’ve decided to add “Digg” buttons to all of my posts. Partly because I want to get feedback on what kinds of posts you like, and partly because Digg.com is a glorious website and I would love for one of my posts to end up on it someday. So, if you like it, Digg it! Okie, that’s all.
KC&CO,
Bessie
P.S. By “all of my posts,” I meant “all of them besides this one.” Although I know that you’re all just itching to Digg this…
Being short is definitely a win-some, lose-some game. Wins: getting an automatic front-row spot in group pictures, never having to wonder if 5-inch heels will make me taller than my date, rocking at the game of Limbo. Losses: looking awkward in certain trends (high-waisted jeans make my legs look like they are eating my torso,) being the same height as my eleven year-old brother, having to get most of my dresses and pants hemmed.
That last bit is particularly annoying, which is part of why I’ve decided to fully embrace this year’s cuffed jeans trend. They’re not just for shorties, either- at 5’9”, Katie Holmes’ loose, rolled boyfriend jeans make her look oh-so-chic. Sadly, baggy jeans fall under “trends that make me look stupid,” so I’ll stick with full-length (as opposed to cropped,) skinnier styles. Here are are a few things that I want to pair with my cuffed denim from now into fall:
              
1. colorful sweater (Merino Maya cardigan, J. Crew, $88)
2. printed scarf (Plaid Square scarf, Urban Outfitters, $20 $9.99)
3. pointy-toe flats (Nine West Misty flats, Piperlime, $59)
4. tailored shirt (Elizabeth and James Schoolboy shirt, Shopbop, $265)
5. slouchy bag (Neverending Seams bag, Anthropologie, $228)
6. men’s flannel shirt (Buck Island shirt, Abercrombie & Fitch, $70)
7. skinny belt (Superskinny Pearlized Patent belt, J. Crew, $24.50)
8. wedges (BCBGirls Manola wedge, Piperlime, $98)
9. billowy top (Deletta Necklace tank, Anthropologie, $68)
10. oversized clutch (Lauren Merkin Ava Jeweled clutch, Shopbop, $325)
11. white t-shirt (Truly Madly Deeply Deep V Neck Tee, Urban Outfitters, $24)
12. vest (Superfine Gilet Leather vest, Shopbop, $440 $220)
13. aviators (Ray-Ban RB3025 aviator, Sunglass Hut, $179.95)
14. long necklace (Crystal Symphony necklace, J. Crew. $98)
15. gladiator sandals (Matt Bernson Gladiator sandal, Piperlime, $170)
KC&CO,
Bessie
  
I discovered Etsy last summer and it quickly became one of my favorite places to shop for unique accessories and home décor. One of my favorite sellers is JacqleenBleu, a photographer who is based out of L.A. and whose work reflects the cool, vintage sector of the city’s style. Her photos range in tone from feminine to rustic to slightly dark, and they are all distinctly whimsical. Her shop is stocked with both black-and-white and color prints with quirky titles like, “Grab your coat, we’re gonna make a home” (a dreamy image of a blush pink, antique passenger train waiting at a station) and “You blame me, and I’ll blame you, and we’re both right” (a black-and-white photo of “I [heart] U” scrawled into the wet sand of a beach.) I love how the lighting of her color prints makes them haunting, almost surreal, and beautiful.
Jacqleen’s prints are available in two sizes, 5×7 and 8×10. This makes them small enough to display in groups- for example, three of them stacked in a vertical strip, or a square of four of them on a matting board. They are also striking enough to stand alone. As an added perk, all of her prints arrive with a sweet note, handwritten in Jacqleen’s impeccable cursive. Take a look at her collection of almost one hundred photos here…happy shopping!
KC&CO,
Bessie
  
I’ve decided to do a “favorite things” post once a week. This week, it’s my favorite love songs of the moment. Or rather, my favorite love-related songs, since a few of these are far from your typical, sappy relationship anthems. I considered making a separate list for my favorite break-up songs, but I think that even angsty, down-with-love songs are innately romantic. By mourning the loss of love, don’t the artists attach value to it? Anyways, although it may be less obvious in some than in others, I think that each of the following songs have a unique sort of romance to them.
(in alphabetical order:)
“All My Loving” (originally by The Beatles, but I really like/borderline prefer the cover by Jim Sturgess from the Across the Universe soundtrack)
Close your eyes, and I’ll kiss you. Tomorrow, I’ll miss you. Remember, I’ll always be true.
“Birds” (Kate Nash)
He said, “All the stars up in the sky and the leaves in the trees, all the broken bits that make you trip up and grassy bits in between, all the matter in the world, is how much I like you.”
She said, “…What?”
“Love Story” (Taylor Swift)
And I said, “Romeo, save me, I’ve been feeling so alone. I keep waiting for you but you never come. Is this in my head? I don’t know what to think-”
He knelt to the ground and pulled out a ring and said…
“Nothing Better” (The Postal Service)
So don’t you feed me lines about some idealistic future,
Your heart won’t heal right if you keep tearing out the sutures.
“Samson” (Regina Spektor)
You are my sweetest downfall, I loved you first.
KC&CO this weekend,
Bessie
lyrics via
photos by Max Wanger via
Jimmy Choo is the king of sexy shoe ads (Exhibit A: above. Also see Exhibits B, C, and D.) These images perfectly capture the “sex shoe.” You know, shoes with a sophisticated, alluring sort of sex appeal (meaning that stripper shoes do not fall under this category.) Shoes that can achieve what pick-up lines and flirty glances can only dream of. They can be strappy, pointy, patent, platform- as long as they are provocative and boast a heel that would make an podiatrist’s soul wither and die.
The power of the sex shoe has very little to do with it’s effect on the male species. Let’s face it, if you’re attractive enough, you can get laid whether you are wearing Louboutins or elfin clogs. However, the sex shoe is the modern equivalent of Cinderella’s glass slipper: slip the right one on, and you feel like a more glamorous version of yourself.
Here are a few of my favorites:
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1. Steve Madden “Cheryl” Pump (Steve Madden, $99.95)
2. MICHAEL Michael Kors “Jamesport” Sandal (Nordstrom, $144.95)
3. Forever 21 “Litta” Pump (Forever 21, $22.80)
4. Christian Louboutin “Bianca 140″ Platforms (Net-a-Porter, $735)
5. L.A.M.B. “Rhett” Sandal (Piperlime, $345)
6. Christian Louboutin “Hyper Prive 120″ Pumps (Net-a-Porter, $835)
Finally, let it be known that Jimmy Choo is collaborating with H&M this fall; the collection will be debuting on November 16. In other words, there is a God. And he loves me very, very much.
KC&CO,
Bessie
Wow. If the trailer (watch it here) is any indication, Spike Jonze’s adaptation of Where the Wild Things Are is going to be glorious. I’m loving the song (“Wake Up” by The Arcade Fire) and the lack of dialogue, which is reminiscent of the book. I’m also a fan of the lighting effects, which gave certain scenes a foreign, almost extraterrestrial, look. Fun fact: according to Wikipedia, most of the film was shot with a handheld camera. How crafty. The release date is set for October 16 of this fall.
KC&CO,
Bessie
While I was browsing through Shopbop’s newly revamped website, I noticed that the company has introduced a couple of new ways to shop. In addition to pre-existing collections like Editors’ Picks, Lookbooks, and Shopbop Exclusives, fashionistas can now browse clothing by occasion and style. I was intrigued by the latter option, which features clothing and accessories for five distinct looks: bohemian, casual chic, classic, edgy, and girly. Here are a few pieces that I am lusting after (click the photos for a closer look):
Bohemian
  
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Casual Chic
  
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Classic
  
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Edgy
  
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Girly
  
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(All from Shopbop.com)
1. Rigid Cutoff Short (J Brand, $141)
2. Degas Dress (Elizabeth and James, $345)
3. Francesca Top (Torn by Ronny Kobo, $119)
4. Tomboy Jeans (AG Adriano Goldschmied, $295)
5. Trellis Corset Top (Nanette Lepore, $275)
6. Devin Flat Sandals (Tory Burch, $225)
7. One Shoulder Draped Dress (Shoshanna, $375)
8. Raineria Dress (Theory, $285)
9. Washed Mid City Tote (Foley + Corinna, $444)
10. Shirt Dress with Draped Skirt (Alexander Wang, $395)
11. The Pencil Skirt with Zippers (Current/Elliott, $178)
12. Victory Python Toe Ring Sandals (Camilla Skovgaard, $592 $296)
13. Asymmetrical Ruffle Dress (Mason by Michelle Mason, $374)
14. Lilly Skirt (Patterson J. Kincaid, $78)
15. Maxime II Platform Sandals (Sergio Rossi, $750)
As usual, Shopbop doesn’t disappoint- I can’t wait to see the fall Lookbooks! As for now, I’m especially partial to 2 (click the link to get a better look, the smaller image doesn’t do it justice), 7, and 15 (they also make a guest appearance in photos 7 and 13.) What are your favorites?
KC&CO,
Bessie
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