I could sqeeze right?

Today I pose a simple question...

Why are these shoes not in my size?

via Dear Golden Vintage on Etsy

My sadness...

I've known about this for days now, and still have no idea what to say. Domino Magazine, my favorite shelter mag, is officially dead. In the past year we've lost House and Garden, Cottage Living, and Blueprint. They just keep falling one by one. I must try to not get attached to any other magazines in the near future. I must say it's like losing a friend. I know when my final issue of Domino arrives in the mail it will be an evening that I will savor. A cup of chai and a comfy chair, a final hour or two with my friends the editors. Ugh, now it sounds like a wake.

This is depressing now, so I will stop. Thank goodness I saved all my back issues. Sniff.

Cheese Thievery...

I don't really appreciate when notes get put up in my apartment because I, like this website, find it to be terribly passive aggressive.

That being said... this blog (Passive Aggressive Notes) is my new favorite thing.

Ahhh, cheese thievery, the roomies of 2C know you all too well.

New Weekliness!

I'm not sure if that's even a word, but nonetheless! I am announcing the first weekly installment here at Le Hot Tomato of Perfect Photo Friday*.

Because it's the first Friday of Fall, and we all know that makes me happy... I give you this photo, which makes me happy in the exact same fashion.

* I reserve the right to change the name of this weekly entry at any point when I'm feeling more creative.

Vote for Chuck!

Fall is my favorite season for many reasons, but mainly it's my favorite season for clothes. Colder weather means more layers. More layers mean more opportunity to play with different looks. Fall is perfect for this because you don't have to ruin your look with an enormous coat.

My inspiration this fall? One word. CHUCK!

Above is Charlotte "Chuck" Charles, the charming heroine from the show Pushing Daisies.

Below is Anna Friel, the actress who plays above mentioned character.

Basically I am of the opinion that who ever is costuming this show is a genius. Or at the very least is someone I want to be really good friends with. The clothes and show are totally kitschy and right up my alley, and the character of Chuck is so spunky and caring and adventurous.

I want to be Chuck.

Also, I would really like Lee Pace for christmas this year.

Here are some real world ideas on where to nab some of Chucks modern vintage style.

Silhouette's from the 1940's-1960's are essential. Play with texture and detailing in the construction of the garments. Chuck also often rocks a monochromatic palette, with matching shoes, hat and bag. As long as you are working with peices that are bright and detailed it won't look too dyed to match. Keep it creative.

Nanette Lepore

Also keep in mind prints, and keep them large and girly, nothing too modern.

Michael Kors

Finally, this show is nothing if not whimsical, so just remember to have fun. Wear things that are a little bit fairy tale. As long as you wear it with confidence you will pull it off. Chuck also has a bit of a tomboy streak, so always include a nod to that sensibility. It will keep the look grounded.

Tracy Reese

In the end just remember to enjoy yourself when dressing no matter what your personal style. Don't wear something unless you love it and feel good in it, and let your internal compass (not the current trend) be your guide.

Happy Dressing, and Happy Fall!

And yet my will power lives on...

Remember this Anna Scholz dress I wrote about back in May...

Well it's down from $630 to $422. Maybe it will get down even lower someday. Le Sigh.

Also the reversible Cynthia Rowley skirt I fell in love with back in November is on clearance.

But not in my size. Le double sigh.

It's fashion week in NYC so expect more coverage!

And the rice veil opened...

This past week I have been reading Julie and Julia by Julie Powell. I realize that I'm a little late to this party. It's one of those books that I heard about through an incredibly long grapevine and was more interested in because it is resulting in a movie in which Meryl Streep plays Julia Child more than for what it was actually about. This was of course before I realized what it was actually about.

Now being a New Yorker who works as a secretary but is really an actress who is not currently really getting anywhere with it is something I can completely identify with. Loving good french food is another. Needless to say, I am enjoying this book. I can laugh along with the author about the vagaries of New York City apartment plumbing. I know all to well the thin line between happiness and humiliation that is toed when throwing a dinner party with nothing but a faulty gas stove and a prayer.

Does it make me want to follow suit and whip up every single recipe in Mastering The Art Of French Cooking? Absolutely not. At least not in 365 days. However, it does make me realize that even for all of the adventurous eating I do, there are so many things I've never tried, either from simple lack of opportunity or stubbornly clinging childhood resistances.

What finally got through to me was the section of the book where they kept eating liver. And rhapsodizing about it. Now this is definitely one of those childhood things, and except maybe for turkey liver chopped up tiny in the Thanksgiving gravy, liver is definitely a substance that has never passed my lips. Well, last night I finally manned up. That's not to say I ate any liver, but I did call my mother to request that she make it the next time I'm home. (My mother is a liver fan, and I always like to have something cooked for me once before I attempt to make it myself.

So I suppose what I'm trying to say is that I should attempt to be an even more adventurous eater than I already am. I should seek out new and exciting flavors (and make myself try them in at least two or three preparations before giving up.)

I already like brussel sprouts, eggplant, and beets which are kind of the trifecta of veggies that everybody hates. So, what should I try next? I'm open to suggestions. although I do think there's no way any of you will ever get me to eat aspic. What I do know is that the next time I decide I need a cocktail at the end of a stressful day I'm going to try a vodka gimlet on for size. You can only read about how delightful they are for so long before giving in to temptation.