Sick Day

Ever since I returned from Portland, I have been battling sickness.  It's a sore throat/head cold combo that has knocked me out.  Methinks that it is either my body rejecting the Philly air or the nasty recycled air on the airplane blasted someone's germs right into my face.  Ick.  

On days like today, when my energy has been sapped and I feel quite low, it's almost a relief to lay low and be self-indulgent.  I play catch-up on reading my favorite blogs and fashion websites.  

Keeping me entertained today: 

21 Days to Better Skin from Elle.com

Lovely collages at Boubou Teatime

Hilarious mini-models at Jezebel.com

Finding out my Myers-Briggs personality type here.  I'm an INFJ, anyone else?

Hope all you out there are feeling much better than I am today.

Think Happy Thoughts

Today is a sad day for the world of entertainment.  Two legends, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson, have died.  I always find it amazing how the passing of people who I knew only through the media can affect me.  Though my personal life changes in no way, I feel an odd sense of loss.  To counteract this sadness, I want to take a moment to create a list of the things that make me happy.    

1. Cupcakes.  

2. The smell of coffee in the morning (and the taste).

3. Coming home from work and having my pups greet me ecstatically.  

4. Magazines.

5.  Artwork and lyrics in cd cases.

6. Champagne brunches. 

7. Snuggling with my husband during a thunderstorm.

8. Watching movie trailers online.

9. Giving myself a long overdue manicure.

10. Discovering new and inspiring blogs.  

What makes you happy?

Photo Credit: National Geographic

Mmmmm...Cotillard

I am loving this photoshoot of Marion Cotillard in BlackBook magazine.  The looks are sleek and I like the somewhat monochromatic nature of the outfits.  In particular, I am drooling over the Versace dress in the second photo.  The makeup is also flawless and she somehow makes red lips look very natural.  It might even be enough to send me, once again, on the hunt for the perfect red shade.  Her hair only strengthens my commitment to growing out my hair so that I might also achieve that slightly tousled, but not overly 'done' look.  

Photo Credit: BlackBook

Because they are lovely

First of all, they both have great smiles and just look happy, which made me happy.  Also, the woman's outfit has amazing proportions and is just so perfectly balanced and coordinated without being too matchy.  The man plays it cool with a simple t-shirt and jeans combo, but keeps it interesting with the wide-neck of the shirt, the 'not your average baseball cap' hat and those substantial boots.  They both look hip and it is apparent they put thought into their sartorial choices, but are obviously not fashion victims.

Photo Credit: The Sartorialist

...And I'm Back

I spent the past week in Portland, Oregon, my former home, visiting friends and family all the while trying not to die from the allergies.  

For those of you not familiar with the city, I highly recommend visiting.  The city is really beautiful, the air is immaculately clean and the people are friendly.  

Highlights: 

Stumptown Coffee.  Best coffee on the planet - try the Hair Bender espresso blend.  My husband and I toted 5 pounds of the beans back with us, but you can order some from their site.

The Rose Garden.  Rows and rows of gorgeous blends of roses, so picturesque and peaceful.

Ping.  New restaurant by the owner of another Portland favorite, Pok Pok.  Great flavors and interesting combinations of textures.  

Portland City Grill.  Sit in the bar and enjoy their extensive happy hour menu, fantastic martinis and brilliant view of the city from the 30th floor.

This is the first time we were ever tourists in the city, and we stayed at a friend's condo, but I hear good things about Ace Hotel, The Nines and the Paramount.   

Back to regular posting soon...I promise.

New Shoes

New shoes with new blisters to match!  These Aldo pumps have a great sturdy heel and I can practically run in them with no problems other than the expected friction that occurs when you shun pantyhose.  I love the silver sections.  They add something interesting to basic black without rendering them inappropriate for office wear, which is key.    

Backstage: Oscar de la Renta Resort 2010

Elle has provided its online readers with a glimpse of the backstage and runway of Oscar de la Renta's Resort 2010 show.  I always love seeing the inner workings of a fashion show.  Even after all the looks and models have been selected, the hair and makeup is another monumental task, even when the themes are relatively subdued, as in this show. 

My favorite look is the suit.  I struggle to find a balance between professional and stylish and often feel confined by choosing a profession in which I will have to wear a suit.  Oscar de la Renta's version is gorgeous, playing with the texture, color and undergarments to achieve a look that has classic lines, but feels modern.  

Photo Credit: Kelly Stuart for Elle