twig + tree

Dreaming of Coastal Living

2012-03-02T21:30:00.000-08:00

2012-03-02T21:26:00.004-08:00

Twig and Tree

A Dreamy Day for Every 4 Year

2012-02-29T22:28:00.000-08:00

Dreaming of a Lovely Leap Day

2012-02-29T22:13:00.000-08:00

2012-02-28T23:24:00.002-08:00

Wearing a Dreamy Swimsuit Everyday...

2012-02-28T23:22:00.000-08:00

This new Beach Life has really agreed with me. Our favorite family activity is renting a boat and cruising around the harbor, pretending we're in Arrested Development.

Loose Seal!

I've been obsessed with maillots since we moved here. I picture wearing them as everyday clothing, with a long skirt and platforms. That way I'm always prepared to jump in the water.

I need to prepared for constant water fun.

If I had a modest wool maillot like these bathing beauties I would wear it alone:

There were some lovely options shown in the

ready-to-wear Spring 2012 shows.

This Prada number has been all over the place:

And while I think it's fab,

I'd prefer this pink/green one:

If I'm going to wear a Prada granny-inspired swimsuit,

I want it look like a proper granny.

Speaking of hot-granny looks, this Dolce & Gabbana one-piece is amazing. Paired with a red flared skirt and brown sandals, I would pretend I was on Lido Isle near Venice. Or Lido Isle off Newport Beach. Both are equally stunning and the latter is much closer.

But if I'm going to wear a Dolce & Gabbana bodysuit I would have to go with the glam, sequined version.

Otherwise, what's the point?

As far as ubiquitous maillots go,

these sparkly beauties were unstoppable.

If I'm going to wear an over-the-top bathing suit, why stop at sequins and jewels?

Why not not just wear a one-piece with a feather bustle?

Or just a spacey, metallic color-burst?

Because that would be taking it too far.

That's why.

2012-02-28T22:25:00.002-08:00

Dreaming of the Red Carpet

2012-02-26T22:22:00.000-08:00

I have yet to watch the Oscars but what I really can't wait for is to watch the Red Carpet coverage before hand.

I love looking at attractive people and what they are wearing.

Michael Pitt and his lady Jamie Bochert (I think they're married now) are the embodiment of New York cool.

How perfect and adorable is Karen Mulder at Cannes? Supermodels from the (early) 90s really knew how to do glamour.

Speaking of 90s glamour -- there was the other end of the spectrum with grunge-glamour. Winona Ryder in vintage and Claire Danes in Miu Miu.

This one-of-kind Isaac Mizrahi on Selma Blair made me weak in the knees. There were even pockets!

I adore Amanda Seyfried's blue mini suit from H&M.

And speaking of mini suits, how killer is This mini suit on the brilliant Daniel Radcliffe? Aces.

Dream Perch

2012-02-22T21:26:00.000-08:00

Dreaming of the Perfect Home . . . for a Camera

2012-02-22T18:19:00.000-08:00

I am in love with my white Lumix DMC-LX5

(I call her White Light).

But I have had a hard time finding

the perfect camera case for it.

When I bought her at B&H I tried to fit her in the Leica leather case but it was a really tight fit and awkward to get into quickly.

I considered keeping this as a tiny purse (the iPhone did fit in it) but, alas, I was being sensible that day.

The body wouldn't fit in this purple Smythson case but if it did I bet White Light would thank me for it's elegant, soft leather/suede home.

Well if I want to be super chic and unrealistic I would treat White Light to a Lanvin camera case/bag.

She'd have to go on an extensive diet but I know she'd be happy. How many cameras get to live in a case that cost almost $2,000? Um, don't answer that.

Well compared to Lanvin, Alexander Wang's leopard print leather camera case is steal at $450.

It looks roomy enough and I do love an animal print. Perhaps this is a good option to dream about.

This modern, psychedelic-nylon case by

Marc By Marc Jacobs made my heart skip a beat.

I had to order it and see it in real life, despite it's semi-ridiculous price. However, the camera barely fit alone, let alone any of the accessories, so it had to go back.

Here's the practical option. A vintage-inspired poly-vinyl cosmetic bag from Target.

This one fits not only the camera, but the battery, the USB cable and the lens cloth. It's waterproof and it cost $10. So for now this is where White Light is living. Considering how much we (my camera and I) love Target, I'd say I made the best choice possible.

Dream Gaze

2012-02-22T10:23:00.000-08:00

Jarvis Cocker was my definition of

ideal masculinity for years and years.

Dreaming of a Road Trip

2012-02-16T10:30:00.000-08:00

Dreaming of Sweets and Hearts

2012-02-14T19:13:00.000-08:00

In honor of Valentine's Day, Laduree created Another Seasonal treat.

Since it's probably too late to request these as my Valentine's Surprise I have filled my day looking at photos of pastel colored sweets.

Korean Vogue did this story in 2010 and I want to live in these photos. All white rooms, white dresses and gorgeous desserts.

Dreamiest Vogue Cover with a Heart

2012-02-14T18:01:00.000-08:00

2012-02-14T17:59:00.001-08:00

2012-02-14T17:58:00.001-08:00

Dreamy Stories From the Past

2012-02-13T09:43:00.000-08:00

My sister and I spent an afternoon with our Tata, who is 96, and he told us stories about Orange County in the 20s-30s-40s. My favorite was when my great-grandmother sold her homemade tamales to Clara Bow. My Grandma Nica's tamales were famous and to make the masa she would grind her own corn meal on the floor of the kitchen. Tata said no one has been able to recreate her tamales which makes me so sad. Clara Bow was so lucky.

Dreaming of Polka Dots

2012-02-12T18:52:00.000-08:00

My friend Mitch loves Polka Dots.

The reason?

She lived in Sevilla and

fell in love with flamenco

and polka dots.

I love this about Mitch so much I am encouraging her little one to have the same love (via gifts in the mail). But don't worry, I'm subtle about it.

Dream Shot

2012-02-10T23:29:00.001-08:00

Dream Getaway

2012-02-09T12:51:00.001-08:00

2012-02-09T12:48:00.001-08:00

Dreaming of Bridesmaids and Dresses

2012-02-09T12:42:00.000-08:00

I played a 'Bridesmaid' once in a photo shoot.

And then I fainted.

But don't worry I stayed coherent long enough for them to get a few shots. And yes, in these photos my head was going to be cut out in the final edit.

I've really had Bridesmaids on my mind and 'No,' not this kind:

But speaking of a hilarious movie, I wonder which one I would be?

Yeah, I agree:

My hot friend Bek, who reminds me of Aishwarya Rai,

finally asked me to be her bridesmaid. I've been waiting for this question since I was a little girl.

To get in the mood I've been looking at my favorite bridesmaids photos.

These are my far my favorite bridesmaid dresses but I'm not sure this is the look Bek is going for on her big day:

Needless to say, I cannot wait.

Even if she puts me in a potato sack, I cannot wait.

And here's hoping the groomsmen look like this:

Dream Decade Misstep

2012-02-09T12:07:00.000-08:00

Ah, the 90s.

You took us out of the horrid 80s and stripped us of our garish colors and bad fabrics (don't be mislead, 80s Redux of today is NOT the real 80s that we all lived through).

But then you also made women look like lesbians.

My college years were filled with pixies hair cuts, men's flat front trousers, concert T's and no dates. I have not attempted to scan my college-year photos (mostly because I scrap-booked them and its hard to scan a 12"X12" page) to show you but trust me - they captured the 90s perfectly and justified my mom's theory that her daughter did not like boys.

To prove my point I turn to the 1998 film Sliding Doors. It was made at the end of the decade but Gwyneth was really behind in that haircut so you can watch it and think, 'This is totally 1995.'

Calvin Klein did her wardrobe and it was spot-on.

The best part was, as women, we thought we looked hot. And by 'best' I mean ironically sad.

2012-02-09T11:43:00.000-08:00

Dream Boat

2012-02-06T11:58:00.001-08:00

I Dreamt I Did a DIY

2012-02-06T11:53:00.000-08:00

I keep forgetting to write about the last DIY project I tackled.

It all started in December. I heard Riccardo Tisci had designed the t-shirts for the 'Ye/ 'Z Watch the Throne tour and I knew I had to have one.

It would be my version of his barking dog

or panther shirt, which were out of my budget.

And my dad needed one too.

I noticed the ones we bought did not have

the monogrammed sleeves or the stars,

So my DIY project was born.

After I cut an inch off the neck I slipped a thick piece of cardboard in the T to prevent bleeding to the other side.

My handy tools were a star stencil, white fabric paint and a small roller paint brush.

I soon learned the best way to paint a star was to use masking tape (and the stencil as my guide) to create a star shape ready to color in and protect the fabric from the paint.

After I peeled all the masking tape off (which was really satisfying) I saw that some white paint had bled onto the fabric making the stars looks fuzzy. My mom suggested making the lines sharper by using a black sharpie and the stencil as my guide.

I painted five stars on the front and four on the back because that's what 'Ye had.

For the initials on the sleeve I free handed them using a thin paint brush. They aren't perfect but I don't want people that close to my arms anyway.

All set to wear for the holiday parties.

I bought a concert t-shirt from a parking lot guy for my little sis (she went to the North Carolina show but didn't buy herself a shirt) for $5 because I am so generous. Then I painted hers as well so it would be more presentable. We loved being twins this year.

2012-02-05T19:43:00.001-08:00

Dream Girl - Russian Edition

2012-02-05T19:41:00.000-08:00

Chameleon super models are scarse these days. And I rarely get as excited about models like I did in the 90s (in case you haven't guessed which decade I adore fashion-wise). But I never tire of Natalia Vodianova. You could put her on every cover of Vogue and she could look different on each one.

Symmetrically speaking, I'd say her face is perfect.

The dreamiest part of all is how well she can capture

The Twig + The Tree:

Dream Podcast - Live Edition

2012-02-02T00:16:00.000-08:00

Today, Oh Two Oh Two Two Oh One Two, I am going to see Mr. Jonathan Larroquette and Mrs. Seth Romatelli of Uhh Yeah Dude fame (or UYD) broadcast a live podcast at the Largo at the Coronet.

 And it will be the happiest day of my life.

Dreamy Dispositions

2012-02-01T23:58:00.000-08:00

I think I like George's shoes the best.

2012-02-01T01:44:00.001-08:00

the twig and the tree

Beautiful Dream Girls and Tour Guides

2012-02-01T01:41:00.000-08:00

Aishwarya Rai:

The most beautiful woman in the world.

It's a fact, you can look it up.

It's so easy to be distracted by her beauty but I think she's talented too. I've seen many of her films and the only reason I write 'I think' is because I am always so distracted by her physical perfection to remember her performance.

Does that make me a bad person?

What if I'm only friends with the beautiful Bek because of her resemblance to Aishwarya?

Does that make me terrible?

Well she has other traits,

like being charming and funny.

And, she is the Best tour guide in San Francisco.

I love that she would always let me wander around Union Square at Christmas time even though it was touristy and crowded.

Did you want a closer look at this amazing couple?

Here you go:

Bek's San Fran Musts:
1. Mama's on Washington Square - it's worth the wait in a lovely neighborhood. You can buy a hat in nearby Goorin Brother's while you wait and visit their upstairs mini-museum

and see photos like this:

2. La Taqueria in the Mission. Even I, a Mexican food snob, was impressed.

3. Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park. We went on a rainy day and I think it made it even more magical.

4. A visit to the Observatory Tower at the De Young Art Museum.

5. Dinner at Pizzeria Delfina. Another place that will require a wait but I promise you'll be happy you did. Unless you hate delicious Italian food.

6. Dinner and drinks at Medjool. I loved the garlic-yogurt spread they bring to the table when you sit down and at night you can go to the roof for a drink and look at the city.

7. A visit to Al's Attire tailoring shop in North Beach to drool over the handmade coats and gorgeous fabrics.

Now I love the Pumpkin Curry at Osha Thai and will insist on eating it when I go, however Bek will tell you there are better places. But I still dream of that pumpkin dish.

I must say, my favorite part about the Lovely Bek is that she will include me in her blog, which always warms my heart.

That's an even worse reason

than liking her for her looks, huh?

2012-01-29T23:42:00.001-08:00

Dreamiest Casting Choice Yet

2012-01-29T23:33:00.000-08:00

Ah, Gary Oldman and Tim Roth,

such dreamy, English actors from the 90s.

And remember the Man-Love between the two?

I was swooning when I saw this cover for UK Premiere.

And then Tim responded with this in Detour the next year.

Imagine how thrilled I was when I saw that both Tim and Gary walked in the Prada Men's show this month. No seriously, just imagine right now.

I've already expounded on my Love of Prada and their choice in Male Models. Genius. But this runway show made dreams come true that I didn't even know I had.

Why yes, that IS Oscar Winning and

My Crush from 2002, Adrien Brody,

. . . And adorable Emile Hirsch.

Then there was Willem Dafoe, a former Prada model and a Very talented actor.

Miuccia knows that her ads need to have Pretty Girls and attractive-not-handsome men.

I Like to Dream of Different Cover Tries

2012-01-28T23:57:00.000-08:00

I am in love with this Vogue Australia cover (Model: Alina Baikova, Photographer: Nicole Bentley, Location: San Miguel de Allende, Mexico). The colors and Prada ensemble are driving me crazy in a good way and it's not your typical boring cover (ahem, US Vogue).

There were so many shots from the story

that would have made lovely covers.

I would have bought it based on the hat alone.

I would absolutely buy a magazine

with donkeys in fancy-dress on it.

And don't even get me started on this one. A cover with life-size paper mache dolls and those silver Prada shoes. It's all I need to sell me a fashion book.

Dream Card

2012-01-28T23:21:00.001-08:00

Avedon and His Dreamy Women

2012-01-26T13:46:00.000-08:00

Richard Avedon was such a dreamboat

AND a talented photographer, of course.

I've already praised his portraits of men Here and Here, but I have not really expounded on my love for his photos of women. I idolize and adore them, in case you could not guess where this post was going.

His celebrity photos celebrate exactly why we are obsessed with these people. How is it possible he made Elizabeth Taylor even more perfectly beautiful than she already was?

Avedon's portraits of socialites made them human while stil holding onto that 'you wish you were us' mentality.

And he made statue-esque models leap from the pages. For the first time fashion photography had movement.

He influenced some of the greatest photog's since. Hello! You know Helmut-Newton-the-Photographer was born when he saw this sexy lady.

Of all his photos of women,

this one is my favorite:

I first saw it at the ICP in New York and could not take my eyes off her (Donyale Luna). I've never wanted to own an expensive piece of art more. Maybe one day.

2012-01-26T13:00:00.000-08:00

Dreamy Ads Make Dreamy Editorials

2012-01-26T11:33:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I find Prada advertisements disconcerting in a good way. They never look like other ads and immediately transport you to some otherworldly fashion dimension.

But what I love even more is

when Prada is used in editorials.

Remember this rose-print dress that was everywhere in the 90s? And do you remember this neo-Mod story from Vogue with Kirsty Hume and her husband Donovan Leitch? Amazing.

I love it when Miuccia Prada does old-lady floral prints and makes them really young looking. And I loved this story with Natalie Portman from W.

The monkey print from Spring 2011 was so Frida Kahlo and something I dreamed of owning. Don't worry, I would have toned it down and left the floral wreath at home.

Natalia Vodianova and Sam Riley played Quadrophenia in Vogue's September 2011 issue. It made me want to bundle up (well just not wear a bathing suit) and go to an English sea side town.

Charlotte Gainsbourg in Prada for French Vogue. I'm glad they got her out of Balenciaga for one second enough to shoot this photo.

Then there was this Print that I am obsessed with to this day. This photo was so simple and beautiful -- just the outfit of my dreams on a lovely, happy girl. Thank you Vogue from 1996.

2012-01-22T21:54:00.000-08:00

Dreamiest Appetizer Yet

2012-01-22T21:41:00.000-08:00

I went to lunch one day and was greeted

with a Twig and Tree appetizer.

Do you need a closer look?

Here's the twig.

Here's the tree.

And here's the recipe:

2 firm avocados finely diced

4-5 baby zucchini finely diced

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon olive oil (plus a little more for garnish)

2 tablespoons micro basil (or finely minced basil)

1 tablespoon minced chives (plus more for garnish)

1 teaspoon agave

2-3 teaspoons coarse salt

freshly ground pepper for garnish

P.S. It says that it will serve four but it happily fed two that day and I would not want to halve the portion I had -- it was too good.

Toss all the ingredients until well combined.

(Press into adorable bird ring molds if you have them.)

Garnish with chives, fresh ground pepper and olive oil.

Becoming a Dreamy Cat Lady

2012-01-20T00:08:00.000-08:00

I love 'cat culture.'

Obsessed with it even.

But in the past I have made no attempt

to actually like the cats.

Or let them touch me.

But I think I'm melting.

During my last visit to San Diego

I let this one nap with me.

(Well I let him sleep on my bed for about 1 minute before I freaked out. But it was a genuine 60 seconds.)

And then when I was in Los Angeles last

I could not stop petting this one.

(Then I went and washed my hands twice before

touching anything else. A huge step for me.)

Basically I am doing everything I can (one baby step at a time) to be like Grace Coddington.

Or better yet, Karen Elson posing as Grace Coddington.

Look at those kitties' smashed faces! And I love her Gaelic frizzy hair and boxy silhouettes.

Yeah, I could get into real live cats if it means taking a step towards being like my girl-editor-crush.

Dream Plantation

2012-01-19T00:15:00.000-08:00

Christy. Nao. Elgort. Vogue.

That Dream Day - Wedding Edition

2012-01-18T13:24:00.000-08:00

I love wedding photos, especially antique ones.

Technically this is an old debutante photo:

but it conjures up those images from that special day when you're all in white looking hot.

I've had weddings on my mind thanks to one of my lovely friends (more on that later).

And I adore celebrity wedding photos from days long gone.

People often think Bianca wore a pant suit when she married Mick Jagger but that's because they get distracted by her plunging neckline. So ridiculous.

Just look at Bridget Bardot!

So demure! And I didn't know she married Timothy Dalton.

Then there's the queen, Ms. Elizabeth Taylor and her two weddings to Richard Burton.

I know this isn't healthy but I would love a love like theirs. Just for a day. I mean one month. I mean one year. That's it.

Actually I wouldn't mind a marriage like the one she had to Mike Todd. Plus they had wedding ceremonies in Spain AND Mexico. That's my dream!

Just ignore the creepy look Eddie Fisher

is giving her on her wedding day.

Dream (90s) Model Duo

2012-01-17T23:36:00.000-08:00

Remember these dream girls?

It's Shalom Harlow and Amber Valletta from the February 1993 issue of American Vogue shot by Arthur Elgort. I know, I loved that issue too.

They were in the January issue of American Vogue this year and everything about it was captivating. I especially love how disfigured Shalom looks in this first shot. Beautiful disfigurement but disfigured nonetheless.

I must admit it hurts my heart a little to think that their first Vogue collaboration was almost 20 years ago. I sometimes forget my age and think I am in my 20s. I bet Shalom and Amber V. do the same.

Happy Birthday to a Dream Girl

2012-01-16T11:41:00.000-08:00

Kate Moss in the 90s was divine.

But I still adore her today.

Rough credits:
Kate Moss shot by Corrine Day, Kate Moss about to walk the John Galliano show, Kate Moss in American Bazaar, Kate Moss being interviewed in a Paris hotel, Kate Moss in American Vogue, Kate Moss shot by Ellen von Unwerth, Kate Moss shot by Corrine Day, Kate Moss on the cover of French Vogue. You're Welcome.

A Dreamy TV Show Returns

2012-01-15T23:34:00.000-08:00

I'm so glad '30 Rock' is back.

Dreaming of Fire-Breathing Dragons

2012-01-15T23:27:00.000-08:00

I almost saw this movie for a 3rd time this weekend.

It didn't happen but there's always next weekend.

Dream Posture

2012-01-15T23:23:00.000-08:00

And gloves.

Dream Claw

2012-01-15T23:20:00.000-08:00

I would do almost anything to own this Boot.

Except eat cilantro.

Hmmm, I do love them, maybe I would eat cilantro.

Dream Stays

2012-01-15T23:16:00.000-08:00

So I just found out that military men wear shirt garters to keep their shirts tightly in place without puckering up and getting that awful baggy/sloppy look.

They are actually called 'Shirt Stays' but I won't include photos because they are a little crazy looking (they attach below the knee then clip on the shirt).

I wonder how people wear these in everyday life?

Anyway, all of this reminded me of a photo

I found on Etsy years ago.

I briefly considered getting these adorable garters but my calves would look hideous and not adorable like this lady.

Dreaming of the UK

2012-01-15T22:37:00.000-08:00

I have really been missing England, Scotland and Wales lately (sorry Ireland, but I have yet to visit you). I miss the green and the dark skies and of course the fashion.

But mostly I miss this little polka-dot,

Missoni-clad wee one.

There are a lot of reasons to love it over there,

but this one is the most important.

A Dreamy Destination - Bohemian Edition

2012-01-12T01:11:00.000-08:00

What do you wear when You travel?

I like to wear ethnic clothing and

carry as many bags as humanly possible.

(For some reason I get pulled over into

the special security line quite often.)

In my dream travel scenario I would ditch the army duffle bags and carry luggage from Anna Sui,

And then head to Morocco in my geographic-appropriate dress.

I might not like the food but I will be so taken with everything else I wouldn't even notice that I hadn't eaten in days.

Speaking of Morocco, that's where Sofia Coppola shot the upcoming 'Marni for H&M' (swoon!) campaign. I cannot wait for the collection to hit stores (on March 8th) and I really cannot wait to see these ads.

2012-01-12T00:38:00.001-08:00

Dreamy Decor Details

2012-01-12T00:27:00.000-08:00

As a game (and to stall organizing my room) I was looking at old photos I have collected through the years and puzzling together which items would best fill this Room:

No, it's not my room, it belongs to

a young L.A. actress I have not heard of.

To start, I would hang outdoor lights

from Restoration Hardware indoors,

And a faux-animal head or two

(I know! they look so real) from Anthropologie,

I would add a small side table and drape this Snow Grid tablecloth (also from Anthropologie) over it,

And display some vintage brass candle sticks (candles might be optional as I do not want them to drip wax on my pretty tablecloth).

I think to contribute to the antiquated feel some needlepoint would be in order and what better form of needlepoint than a line or two from The Smiths?

Or Kanye West.

To top it off I would add a cashmere pillow from Armand Diradourian using my favorite motif, the tree.

Or a piece of fruit.

Or a snake.

Ha! Were you expecting the pillows to have a Biblical Creation Theme? Not to make light of the temptations in the Garden of Eden, but I would love to have all three scattered around the house.

And since I am fond of the macabre, I would need it in black.

2012-01-10T14:06:00.000-08:00

Dreaming of Temporary Decor

2012-01-10T14:02:00.000-08:00

I am still sans interent (I get small windows of time to hop online occasionally) and I am still researching home decor from my photo archives for my new room.

I came upon the this dorm room from a past Refinery29 story and fell in love all over again.

Can you believe they did all of this using artist tape?

I am the type who will skip painting a room or wallpaper-ing Not because of the hard work but rather because what I want to look like changes quite often. If I had the patience This would be an amazing option.

2012-01-06T14:59:00.000-08:00

Dreaming of Decor (of All Spectrums)

2012-01-06T14:44:00.000-08:00

I have been without the World Wide Web for a full week now and it's been interesting . . . just kidding, it's been horrible. I'll manage somehow. In the meantime I have been looking at home decor photos for inspiration for my new room. I vacillate between the dark/ macabre to the stark/ modern.

May This Be Your Dreamiest Year Yet

2012-01-01T21:29:00.000-08:00

2012-01-01T21:27:00.001-08:00

The Twig

The Tree

Dreamiest Carved Chair You'll Ever See

2011-12-29T22:23:00.000-08:00

Dreaming of a New Room

2011-12-28T21:29:00.000-08:00

I have a file on my computer full of photos of perfect and curious bedrooms that I have been browsing for inspiration since I recently moved.

Before you judge, you should know that I don't have a problem admitting that I watch Gossip Girl. It's for the clothes. And the compelling story lines.

And I loved that blue room.

I like the idea of waking up in a room

that always looks like night.

Hmm, it looks like I have a thing for built-in beds.

I like the idea of sleeping in a cubby hole.

I also love the thought of a sleeping in a bed

that looks older than America.

My room does have vaulted ceilings,

which would almost make this a possibility:

Except that I have too many clothes and don't have the luxury of wasting space on a sofa.

But my room CAN have the look of a giant boudoir.

And maybe I could add a modern chandelier.

Too much?

I don't need a bunk bed but what if I want to have several friends over for a sleep-over?

Or what if I build a loft? Then I could stick friends up there.

I know clean walls can offer a serene setting but I'm a sucker for visual stimulation.

What if I wallpaper one wall to match my clothes?

I could start with this thick fabric from Michael Levine. I fell madly in love with it. I could paste on the wall, use as a rug, cover my Queen Anne chair and sew a rough dress.

Dreamiest Make-Believe Couple

2011-12-27T17:30:00.000-08:00

Doesn't this look like

Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig's

wedding day?

Thanks to her perfect Givenchy gown.

Oh Riccardo Tisci, you can do no wrong.

[Really it's them at the London premiere

for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.]

If these are their wedding day photos, then the New York premiere would be from their 'Engagement Dinner.'

Rooney in a modern, ethereal confection from Prabal Gurung

. . . and Daniel Craig in that hot hot suit.

I don't know if I've mentioned this but I love the way he dresses on and off screen.

Hmm, then the Stockholm premiere (with Rooney in Roksanda Ilincic), would be them leaving for their honeymoon.

I would want to dress smartly too when I left

on my honeymoon with Daniel Craig.

2011-12-27T01:25:00.000-08:00

One Year I Visited a Dream Girl in SF

2011-12-25T20:06:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

2011-12-25T19:50:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas

A Dreamy Holiday Through The Years...

2011-12-25T19:47:00.000-08:00

We all have our set jobs over the years.

I take the nieces shopping.

Alison makes something beautiful+delicious for all.

Alisa entertains in some irreverent way.

Dad captivates with old stories.

Mom acts as hostess to all.

And Ash passes out,

usually because she woke up before dawn to work out.

Dream Girl in December

2011-12-24T02:09:00.000-08:00

Nothing says

'Holiday Season'

like a Kate Moss

December cover.

2011-12-24T00:05:00.001-08:00

2011-12-23T23:14:00.001-08:00

What I Wore . . .

2011-12-23T22:55:00.001-08:00

I knew that wardrobe would be tres important when it came to the Kanye West + Jay Z concert, especially after hearing THIS story.

And of course I wanted to look my bestest anyway

for Jay Z

and Kanye West

our of respect for how they present themselves.

I contemplated going dressed like this

but, timing did not allow for the necessary preparations

so I settled for a Kid Cudi look:

This requires a little boy's blazer from Deseret Industries, a checked button down from J. Crew, a skinny burgundy tie bought years ago for a Franz Ferdinand concert,

even skinnier H&M jeans (my mom took them in to make them more anorexic), and my 1996 Jack Purcell's, which I was recently asked to throw away.

I went with my comrade Bek and as you can see

we were in a state of ecstasy:

The Mens certainly delivered.

Two stages that would rise and fall to the occasion. Movies of Great White Sharks. Multiples costume changes on Ye's part and none for J. That's ALL I want in life.

Oh wait, there was something else I wanted.

At the LA show the night before they played 'Ninjas in Paris' 9 times. I wanted to beat the record by 1.

Thank you boys for making that dream come true.

And I'm sorry Bek, I know you wanted them to stop at 3.

2011-12-20T11:06:00.001-08:00

Dreamy Mens and Dreamy Rhymes

2011-12-19T10:20:00.000-08:00

One night in NY, my clever friend Brigham

asked me if I got my 'knickers in Paris.'

I replied, 'No, NY.'

Oh man!

I completely missed his play on words which was ridiculous because I had JUST been talking (Read: bragging) about my upcoming Jay Z + Kanye West concert. AND I had just told him they played 'Ninjas in Paris' 3 times when my sister saw them in North Carolina and he said they played it 5 times in Atlanta.

How many times would they play it in LA we wondered? (More on that later.)

But back to my Mens in Paris.

The song has such simple rhymes that are a perfect mix of West Egg, East Egg and Ghetto Egg. Geniuses!

So in honor of Kanye's extensive fashion education that just won't stop, I took a trip to Saks to smell 'untitled,' Maison Martin Margiela's first perfume.

Well it wasn't entirely for his honor, since the scent made its way to the US in April I alway stop at the Saks in NY (their display is better than the one in LA) to smell it.

And isn't Saks on 5th Ave so pretty at Christmas?

I'm unsure about how I feel about wearing the perfume, which is why I'm content to just smell on occasion and not buy.

I almost bought the pen they created for Opening Ceremony but could not justify it when I already had an orange feather pen bought at the Folger Shakespeare Library in DC. See how practical I am?

There was a great photo from Vogue which I could not find of the Margiela staff, including its head designer with obscured faces, wearing matching lab coats.

I am so tempted to take advantage of Vogue's ridiculous offer to charge $1,575 for one year's access to their newly digitized 119 years of archives. Then I could post the Margiela photo. Maybe if was $1,575 for 5 years of access, but one year? I'm not there yet.

In the meantime I will just dream of the clothes:

(I wouldn't really wear the plastic seat-cushion you put over your furniture to protect it form life. But I would love to wear a mini-military coat.)

And the shoes!

If I could rewind to 2009 I'd do everything I could to buy these:

Don't even get me started on the 'toe shoes.'

Madness!

I think Kanye would approve.

Dream Lunches - NY

2011-12-19T07:53:00.000-08:00

I have so many favorite lunch-time spots in NY it's hard to choose which one I will frequent when in town.

From this last trip I will highlight my top 3.

Back in 2004, our offices were relocated to East 46th Street and I soon discovered the pizza van. THE Pizza Van. The best pizza in New York. Yes. I said it. Jiannetto's Pizza is perfect.

I've been known to get 4 slices at once (and everyone at work was always in awe). This last trip I practically ran to 48th St. (between Park and Lexington) to get my 2 precious slices.

I no longer have an office to sit and eat my lunch in but it was so warm (high 40's!), I sat on the first bench I saw and enjoyed my slices of heaven.

Lunch #2: The Plaza Food Hall by Todd English.

This is a new edition to the city, and I loved the beautiful mosaic floors and vaulted ceilings. Oh yeah, the food was spectacular. Seriously.

I splurged and split the foie gras with a friend -- I know I'm a bad person but it tasted so good and it'd been years since I partook. I also loved the pasta bolognese, caramelized brussel sprouts and homemade lemonade.

Now if you find yourself around Union Square (12th St and University Place) you Must visit Num Pang, Cambodian sandwiches of my dreams. No excuses.

Unless you hate amazing food that will make your eyes roll into the back of your head. They opened after I left NY so I can only eat there when I'm visiting and not everyday like I want to, ergo I've only ordered the pork belly sandwich.

I do not want to mess around, although I've been told the pulled pork and tiger shrimp are also fantastic. But first thing's first, I take out the giant cilantro branch they place on top before I take a bite (NO changes to the menu, NO exceptions). That just goes to show you how mind-blowing the sandwich is, if a massive piece of cilantro won't scare me away.

Dreamiest Restricted Park

2011-12-18T13:01:00.000-08:00

Oh Gramercy Park, people love you so much. Is it because you need a key to get in and a key to get out?

I like it because when I'm there it means I'm hanging out with my hilarious friend Ian.

You wonder why he keeps his eyes closed?

Lasers!

Thinking Back to a Dream Movie (Wardrobe Wise)

2011-12-18T11:08:00.000-08:00

Remember in The Devil Wears Prada when Anne Hathaway's character tells Emily Blunt she looks so thin and Emily responds with, 'Do I?! I'm just one stomach flu away from my goal weight.'

That's me today. I'm so sick but I try to console myself with hope I can come away from this a few pounds lighter. Is that wrong? Well it is Christmas and I usually eat so much.

Is it really wrong to say that Emily Blunt didn't look THAT thin in the movie?

I mean she's hot-thin, but she didn't look unhealthy thin, which is what I imagined because I saw the girls who worked at Vogue when I was in NY and some of them looked like they would snap in half if you touched them.

And, can I say when I watched the movie I didn't know what the big deal was? I worked for a much scarier, much crazier Editor-in-Chief at Conde Nast.

I do love movies where the clothes are more important than the actual story, characters, etc. Like in Love Story.

Patricia Field did such an amazing job.

Dreaming of a Street Life

2011-12-17T12:10:00.000-08:00

My favorite thing to do in NY (other than wear a hat)

is to walk around and take photos.

People in NY are so clever it warms my heart.

I want this ad to be my Christmas wrapping paper.

A little kid was fascinated by all these pigeons

but I was just angered.

This guy had such a nasty look on his face,

yet he was inviting me to lunch.

Oh, those French.

It looks like this car lost a fight with the streets of NY.

Pop-up stores are the Christmas bonus the city gives you for surviving another year there.

This bunny just looked like he was having the best time ever.

I made a special trip out of my way (6 blocks) to take this photo during the day after I drove past it at night.

Basically I'll do anything for Bryan Ferry.

Dreamy Museum Exhibit - No Touching!

2011-12-15T08:47:00.000-08:00

Another NYC museum exhibit that was on my Must-See list was Daphne Guinness at the FIT Museum.

There were no photos allowed and I am very obedient so I had to rely on images found online.

I learned that I love looking at photos of Daphne and not so much listening to her speak. Is that wrong to admit?

Don't worry, I really love looking at her.

Of all her millions of photos,

this one is by far my favorite:

I also learned that I would Love to own a black wool Chanel suit. (That's probably even worse to admit.)

Anticipating a Dream Movie

2011-12-15T08:13:00.000-08:00

I know it's dangerous to anticipate a movie so intensely because that always increases the potential disappointment. But sometimes it pays off.

In less than a week we can watch

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.

(And the perfect Rooney Mara.)

Even if the movie fails to meet my expectations,

the Lisbeth Look already has me enthralled.

H&M's collaboration with TGWTDT's costume designer Trish Summerville debuted yesterday in select locations. Remember when I told you about that?

But what I really want

is for this to be available for purchase:

(all of it)