hiking in stilettos

Monday, January 12

12.01.09

"At sunrise everything is luminous but not clear. It is those we live with and love and should know who elude us. You can love completely without complete understanding."
-- Normal Maclean, A River Runs Through It

Sunday, January 11

Resolution in Motion

I decided to attempt my NYR with today's outfit, and although somewhat simplistic, I am pleased with the outcome. I went for basics with small pops of texture or color, and I simply adore the heels. So far, so good, at least in my opinion.

Details: cardigan and pencil skirt, F21; camisole and necklace, Ann Taylor Loft; tights, Hue; pumps, Target. (That's Max my Mini Cooper making his fashion debut in the background.)

Another Resolution

I know, I said that I don't believe in resolutions, but it seems that many of my friends (both in life and in blog life) have begun to rub off on me. Alas, I have adopted another resolution for the coming year and beyond.

It is safe to say that I have recently been in a sort of fashion identity crisis. I love everything in my closet, especially all of my shoes, but I often find that I wish to dress simpler (gasp!). What I mean is that I am tending to follow the "less is more" theory as of late, and it is actually a bit harder than one might think. I want a style that is more chic and put together without being too over the top. I want to dress older and more professionally without being boring.

Fashion Crisis, by Marilyn Minter; credit

Some things that I have decided to do in an effort to really create my own style are:
1. Add more black to my wardrobe in distinct, special pieces.
2. Wear more skirts and dresses, especially with the lovely little booties in my closet.
3. Accessorize with distinct pieces, especially vintage jewelry, but only a bit.

Although I definitely have a vision for where I want my style to go, I recently found a wonderful source of inspiration. XS. The chic simplicity of her style is breathtaking. Each of the outfits that xs puts together inspires me to continue on my fashion remake.

Now, where do I begin?
To be continued....

11.01.09

"I love cats because I enjoy my home; and little by little, they become its visible soul."

Jean Cocteau

Saturday, January 10

10.01.09

Dick Avery: "You are mad, aren't you?"

Jo Stockton: "No, I'm not mad. I'm hurt, and disappointed, and... and mad."

From Funny Face (1957)

Friday, January 9

Dear Fairybootfather,

London Undgerground Bit of Romance Boot

If you were to leave these under my bed (I doubt they will fit comfortably beneath my pillow), I would be the happiest lady in Athens. Thank you.

Love,

Ashley

image courtesy of Endless.com

09.01.09

I do not know what it is about you that closes

And opens; only something in me understands

The voice of your eyes is deeper than all the roses

Nobody, not even the rain, has such small hands.

E.E. Cummings, from Somewhere I Have Never Travelled, Gladly Beyond

Thursday, January 8

Daily Inspirations 08.01.09

In keeping with my personal effort to live a more peaceful, centered life, I have decided to begin a sort of daily inspiration through pictures and quotes. The pictures will be originals from either K or yours truly with quotes from some of my favorite writers/artists/musicians. Some posts may be serious, some funny, and some just interesting. I want it to serve as a physical reminder that we all need to slow down a bit and take a look around us.

"The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature." Anne Frank

Sunday, January 4

Like Mother, Like Daughter

Considering my love of Carolina Herrera's designs, I shouldn't be surprised to find that I adore her daughter's decorating taste as well. Domino magazine did an article on Carolina Herrera, Jr in May 2005, and I always seem to forget how much our styles match. Herrera blends feminine colors with interesting prints and textures for an unexpected but personal style.

I love the combination of striped wallpaper, a leopard canopy, and blocked carpet. The mixing of patterns and textures throughout the room really gives it an eclectic, yet personal feel.

The rug is simply incredible, especially since it is sitting on top of wall-to-wall carpet. This gives the bathroom/dressing room a cozy, comfortable feeling.

I am quite fond of using a chalk board as a substitute for traditional cork inspiration board for many reasons, one being that it saves pictures from pushpin-sized holes.

images courtesy of Domino Magazine

Kitchen Inspirations

As spring is creeping into my thoughts, I can't help but be drawn towards the vibrant colors and vintage patterns in these lovely kitchens.

images courtesy of flickr

Tag Time Again

My lovely friends the AsianCajuns tagged me with the six random things, and I haven't been too inspired lately given the humid excuse for winter in Georgia, so I figured it couldn't hurt to post this. Perhaps next week will bring a bit of winter so I can pull out the overcoats and scarves...

The Rules:

1. Link to the person who tagged you.

2. Post the rules on your blog.

3. Write six random things about yourself.

4. Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them.

5. Let each person know they've been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.

6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

Ahem,

1. I make my bed every single day.

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2. I will often binge on fiction books, reading no less than five in about five or six days.

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3. I want a vintage fridge like no one's business.

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4. I am admittedly obsessed with vintage pyrex.

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5. Most things in my home are organized by color (ie, my closet, towels, bookshelves, etc.).

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6. I still confuse certain words between English and French and sometimes write "et" instead of "and" when taking notes.

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So, to continue the thread, I am choosing:

1. Kindredly

2. Smock and Bustle

3. The Lucky Stone

4. Homemade Grits

5. MODAna

6. Fatal Attraction to Fashion

Thursday, January 1

Not So New Year Resolutions

I have never really been big on resolutions because I feel like you don't have to wait for a new calender year to change something. However, I do like the feeling of a blank slate, so to speak, and instead of making traditional resolutions, I list things that I would like to accomplish in the coming year.

1. Start dancing again with hopes of performing next spring
2. Write letters to people close to me
3. Compete in a sprint triathlon
4. Run in a half-marathon
5. Lead a more centered life (ok, this one is a bit resolutiony)

What about you, lovely readers? What are your goals for the coming year?

Wednesday, December 31

Bonne Année!

image credit
copyright Hiking in Stilettos

Tuesday, December 30

Better Late than Never

So, I know that I am months behind the Spring RTW Fashion shows, but honestly, it's really hard for me to look forward to spring until after Christmas. (Good thing I don't work in retail.) Now that the season has ended, and Christmas decorations have found their home in plastic totes, I can look forward to the lovely patterns and colors of spring. Some of my favorite places to look?

Anna Sui for bold colors and fun patterns.