Stacks of Brown-Papered Books and Teacups

A big cluttered mess of the above-mentioned items--these are some of the things that make up my living space.

Apartmento Magazine isn't a magazine that tells you what you should buy or with what possessions you should live. Otherwise put, it isn't some contrived ploy aimed at equally contrived consumerism. (Whether the ultimate outcome is eventually that consumerism is, however, a discussion for another day.) Rather, it provides a refreshing glimpse of the spaces in which real people exist and, in doing so, gives us an indulgent dose of the idiosyncratic aesthetics that correspond to our lives, whether they be littered tea cups or gorgeous antique furniture.

And that, to me, is always way more interesting. I can't wait to get my hands on it.

source: Apartmento Magazine

Cathedral Park Jazz Festival

This is one of my favorite events in the summer. More low key than the Waterfront Blues Festival and in the very cool--that's gentrification speak for slightly "seedier"--St. John neighborhood, the Cathedral Park Jazz Festival is a reminder that summer is the perfect opportunity to lounge lazily in the grass, with ice cream cone in hand and sunshine lingering gingerly over your limbs.

We did exactly that this Sunday, among a small group of people who swayed quietly and in unison to the sweet cacaphony of the trumpet.

The Devotte Shirleys were a welcome companion that day.

Brightly-colored umbrellas dotted the horizon.

One of the best things about going to St. John is crossing the St. John Bridge, one of my favorite bridges in Portland.

Rachel Antonoff Lookbook

There's been a bit of talk about where, if any, the Mooka Kinney line will go, given the girls' confirmed split. Well, Rachel Antonoff's lookbook is out,and the line has been snatched up by a few NYC Über-stores--having a fresh and famous face to model the line shouldn't hurt either.

I'm thinking I need to go, be invited, or throw a garden party in one of these frocks. Ideas are welcome.

Pieces should be out in the fall.

[whisper: click on the pics for a larger view]

POST-EDIT: If there's a particular piece you simply must have, let us know. We are doing pre-orders!

Time for a Handlebar Party

I need to stay away from Etsy. I always find the most random items, many of which, upon laying my eyes on them, convince me that I absolutely cannot live without them.

Like so:



I am overly amused by handlebar mustaches. The owner of one of my favorite coffee shops, which I frequented too often during "grad school" (a euphemism for a less glamorous, more sinister education) had one. If I was a male, I might follow suit. The resident male is equally amused.

Buy your moustache kerchief here.

Summer Skin

I don't want to jinx this, so let's keep it a secret, between you and me. [whisper] I think I have finally settled into my summer skin. Yes. I think have finally abandoned the looming feeling that the sun will not stay, that a gloomy raincloud is just around the corner, that summer will never fully appear in Portland this year.

It is a wonderful, liberating feeling.

Living in the Pacific NW has ingrained within me an appreciation for winter or seasonal dress, for the ability to meticulously place layer upon layer for warmth without looking like a bundled mess, or, at the very least, an un-chic bundled mess; for the ability to dress irrespective of, and unrestricted by, the rain. (Yes, I wear skirts, dresses, and sandals/peeptoe/non-rainboots/non-sneakers/aka what I consider to be my "normal shoes" during the rainy months. I do so without an umbrella at most times. I even hike, walk outside, etc. when it rains. gasp!)

Before my life in the Pacific NW, I lived for a short time in the tropics and then in perpetual-summer-California. The smell of sunkissed skin is a forged mainstay in my childhood memories. And, with that said, it should come as no suprise to you that I am happiest in the warmer months of the year. These are the months in which I am most in my element, and nothing seems more effortless--or more natural--than throwing on a gossamer dress and a pair of sandals.

As someone graciously informed me yesterday, however, I have about 7 weeks of summer left. That's it!?!?!

Oh, well, I guess I have these to look forward to--adorable pieces from a great French line:

Allison Wrote. Allison Wore.

Leave to Allison to make me rethink my decision not to keep one of the Rachel Comey shaped-waist belts. I was trying to not be selfish. But, in retrospect (and after my size is long gone), I must ask: What was I thinking?



source: Allison Wrote

Here, she pairs the belt with one of her AA skirts. We have one belt left in stock, a size medium.

Stop it, stop it

Stop it, French members of the blogosphere. Your blogs are too delightfully constructed, too bright and airy.

I. cannot. divert. my. eyes. And I have work to do!

Seriously, I need to learn French. Yes, I have always wanted to learn, but have always believed that learning Spanish made more sense in many, many ways. The last few days, I have been falling, almost Alice-like, into the French blogosphere ... or peering obsessively into it, anyway. I guess all a girl can do is look.

All pictures are courtesy of Garance Dore: