On Rompers

This romper phenomenon has taken awhile to catch hold of me. At first they just didn't seem to drape right. Then I started having flashbacks to my rowing days and memories of uncomfortable unisuits (because my torso is long and it took me too many years to discover that I could have an extra inch sewn in).

While perusing the Thursday Styles last week and analyzing an image of a Philip Lim jumpsuit, I suddenly realized the basis for my aversion - a photo at the end of my parents hallway. It is probably the summer in between fifth and sixth grades, so my sister is in second grade. A white cotton romper (that my mom thought was adorable) that was so uncomfortable because the torso was too short and I didn't know how to describe that uncomfortableness. Purple ribbon tied around the waist because the plain white belt was too boring. My chubby knees and thighs (because I am kneeling) stare out at me and still haunt me to this day. In reality I know that I don't have chubby knees, but this experience has somehow scarred my middle school self.

After I looked at this modern, grown-up version I suddenly understood. Rompers can be elegant, comfortable, effortless .. and still chic at the same time (and can also be found to accomodate my torso length).

Now that I will eternally regret having passed on the Mayle Josie romper, I am trying to decide between a few different versions. Any suggestions?

antik batik

I'm really drawn to some of these pieces from the new Antik Batik arrivals at la garconne. Maybe I am just homesick for the west coast, but somehow these pieces don't seem to fit in in the northeast. They make me want to hang out in Malibu and channel Joan Didion.

images via la garconne

Has anyone ever tried on esska shoes? I think these may be perfect.

anticipating spring

I am loving these new spring pieces from jackson, johnston & roe. The idea of a modern day trousseau sounds refreshing, especially these days when clothing is just purchased, worn once, and tossed. I'd like to think that these are pieces I would hold onto for awhile. They remind me of a modern day Katharine Hepburn feeling. Since it seems to want to alternate between snow and sun here in Connecticut, I'll just look at these and think about spring.

le bouton does it again

This is just about the most perfect outfit I can think of wearing as spring slowly awakens in the northeast. It would be even better in California right about now.

Over the past year I have ordered a few pieces from le bouton and have been impressed with the care and thought that goes into each one.

(via le bouton studio)

Mayle

An homage to the last month (we think) of Mayle. I plan to make a trip to the store toward the middle of March. The note was fairly cryptic, but it seems like they will be offering extremely limited editions.

(image via frockstyle)

I'm Back

Wow. I have thought of so many ideas and images that I wanted to post and share. Alas, I never realized how much time it takes to dedicate to a blog.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Made using this recipe. I have yet to find a recipe that Heidi has posted which I haven't liked. I was a bit skeptical at first because usually cookies call for butter at room temperature, but they turned out perfect!

I'm going to put ice cream in between them and freeze to make ice cream sandwiches!

eat love

I think I may have to own this book. Available through BIS Publishers.

(via Bloesem)

Bicycles

I have a thing for bicycles. I own three. Growing up I wasn't really allowed to ride my bicycle anywhere other than around the block. I lived on a tiny suburban block. Perhaps my parents had a fear that I would get hurt. The point is that I never really had a relationship with a bicycle until a few years ago. I can't figure out how I went from that to owning multiple.

It all started while I was living in Seattle and decided that I needed a set of wheels for two reasons:

1. cross-training (I was a competitive athlete).
2. to get around town.

After some competitive Craig's List shopping I eventually wound up at one of the many used bike shops in town. I walked into the shop and there it was - a bright blue Raleigh Competition. I took it for a spin (the first time I had been on a bike in years) and was smitten. To appease my husband I thought about it overnight and then bought it as soon as the store opened in the morning.

Riding around Seattle was glorious, and then we moved to Connecticut. Here I was able to use my bike for what it was intended - long, grueling road rides with food waiting at the end. But I needed something else for getting around town. And forget about commuting to the office. Have you ever tried to ride a road bike in a pencil skirt? It isn't such a good idea. Back to Craig's List it was.

After some searching (bikes in Seattle went quickly, here they just weren't posted) I had found a wonderful Danish coffee table, but not a set of wheels. When I went to pick up the coffee table the woman asked me if I was a bike rider. She said that she had an old cruiser that she wanted to give away to someone who would use it. My ears perked up (free! cruiser!). So I said "sure." Well, after taking it home I decided that it probably wasn't too safe to ride a bike with foot brakes that didn't really engage and a handlebar that wobbled and shook.

A few months later I found an ad for a 3-speed Schwinn Cruiser. I drove out to the border to CT and RI to meet it. The bike was covered in cobwebs and the seat was lopsided, but everything else was perfect. On my route to work the first thing I encounter out of my driveway is a hill. normally it isn't a bad hill. But early in the morning, on a bike that weighs a ton (it seems), it's a hill. So sometimes when I arrive at work in the summer I'm a bit more unkempt than I would prefer to be. I guess that's the pleasure of riding a bike.

Now, when there is snow on the ground, icy patches, and slushy streets, I yearn for the days (just a couple of months from now) when I can be reunited with my bicycles.

A Simple Lunch

Roasted red and golden beets, balsamic vinegar, freshly ground pepper, truffle salt, olive oil, and roasted walnuts.

Followed by ...

... the last piece of meyer lemon torte. yum.

Alpaca Scarf

I've been knitting myself into a fury and I just sold my first scarf! The photo doesn't do the color justice - a bright lime green. Knit using Blue Sky Alpaca bulky (50% alpaca + 50% wool). Chunky and fun, but still light enough that it can be worn through April in the northeast.

New Finds

I rescued this piece from PWG - can you believe they were going to throw it out? It even came with a great (although rusty) set of skeleton keys that actually work!


And I rescued this 100% peruvian highland wool yarn from a lovely little yarn store that I visited today. I can't wait to turn it into something!

Blueberry Scones

With organic blueberries put up from summer and meyer lemon zest. And did I mention that they're vegan?

recipe adapted from Breakfast, Lunch, Tea
Makes 12-15 scones
3 1/3 C all-purpose flour
1 handful whole wheat flour
2 T baking powder
2 T sugar (or agave)
1 t salt
grated zest of 1 lemon
about 1/2 C vegan margarine
about 1/2 pint blueberries
1 banana, mashed
1 1/4 C soy or rice milk

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Combine both flours, baking powder, sugar and salt in a large bowl and whisk to combine. Then add the margarine and cut in until mixture resembles fresh breadcrumbs. Mix in the lemon zest and then add the blueberries.
3. Combine the mashed banana with the milk. Make a well in the middle of the flour and pour in the milk/banana mixture. Stir to combine and then bring together with your hands to form a soft but firm dough. Add more milk or flour if needed. The dough should not be sticky.
4. On a lightly floured surface pat or roll the dough into a solid shape about 1 1/4 inches thick.
5. Using a 2 inch cutter, cut the dough into rounds and place on a baking tray until they almost touch.
6. Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden. The scones will stick together so take them gently apart when they have cooled a bit.
Best eaten warm!

A New Project

I've been working on something ... made with a chunky, sumptuous blend of merino, cashmere and microfiber.