A Winter Song to You...

I can't stop listening to this song; sad but beautiful.


Winter Song* - Sara Bareilles & Ingrid Michaelson

Many of you have probably discovered this by yourself months ago, but I just did and I am truly in LOVE with the video!

This is from the album, The Hotel Cafe presents Winter Songs. It may be a bit late to enjoy over the holidays, but I think with the weather many of us are enjoying/loathing, it still warrants a listen. Also the purchase or download of this album benefits the Susan G. Koman for the Cure. So please enjoy and Happy New Year!

* In my opinion, the answer is: YES!

Well, well, well...

Remember this?
Sweater by Moth at Anthropologie, $98

And the sketch I drew of it in the dressing room of my local Anthropologie?

Well, in the latest issue of Threads magazine I saw the sketch for this jacket, Kwik Sew 3624,



that was similar to my sketch of the Moth sweater. I have to admit I would never have looked at the jacket twice if not for the sketch. The Kwik Sew version uses a lot more fabric and details; gathered pockets, drawstring bottom, and fuller sleeves. However, I'm sure a simpler version could easily be made.

Close up for better detail of the two layers.

Not My Cup of Tea...

I am really looking forward to next Tuesday, but I'm glad I no longer live in Northern VA. There would be pressure to attend the festivities in DC since I lived only 4 miles out in Arlington. However, it would have only happened if someone with a real strong personality talked me into it. Because I rode the Metrorail system into work everyday for over four years, I know how these people can get in tight, crowded situations. It seems everyone in Washington knows too.

Check out this quote from the Senate Inaugural Committee's website*:

"D.C.’s subway system is expecting “crush-level” crowds. Be prepared to stand in close proximity to several thousand people for long periods of time."

Yeah, that sounds like loads of fun, doesn't it? You can't say you weren't warned.

* The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.
* Shepard Fairey poster available at official Presidential Inauguration store.

What I have now

While I don't have the clothes, the armchair, a roaring fire, or a good book at the moment, I am drinking the hot tea.

I received a sample a month ago with my usual Mint Green tea. It's from Celestial Seasonings and is a new type of tea and flavor; Madagascar Vanilla Red Rooibos herb tea.

First off, it smells heavenly, doesn't need any sugar (but then, I never use any in tea or coffee), is caffeine free, and most importantly, makes me feel comfortable and pampered. Like Martha would say, 'that's a good thing.'

How I Want To Dress:

A.P.C. Jacket, You Must Create Top, Whyred Jeans, Isabel Marant Boots



You Must Create Gingham Placket Shirt


Can you see how cool that shirt is? It's not a button-down, it's not even a Henley. It is actually a collared pullover shirt with a deep fold in the center which is then buttoned to fit, creating a deep pleat in the bottom half. So, now, how cool is that?

Isabel Marant Scarf, A.P.C. Cardigan, Top, and Boots, Junya Wantanabe Skirt

Yes, it is the same outfit in both of those pictures. I love that convertible skirt. I want one. How do you think they did that?

These designers and clothes like these are available online at Impulse boutique in Seattle and online at Totokaelo (TOH-toh-KYE-oh). They have a great eye for clothing and I am now a fan of most of the designers they feature. There are a lot of more innovative and intricately interesting outfits on their site but right now I just want to feel comfortable in my skin and in my clothes, kind of nurture myself for a while and not bring a lot of attention to myself. These things would be just right. There is a smooth casual air to these clothes, a "there's nothing to stress about" vibe. They make me feel like I want to curl up in an armchair, drinking tea and reading a book, with my legs hanging over the arm. Maybe, in front of a fire? Oh, yeah. Good times.

In fact, I used to dress like this in college, though my comfy oversize cardigans and v-neck sweaters were mostly poly-cotton (or "pure" poly) and in male sizes from the local thrift store. My oversize collared shirts were awesome never-worn brushed gabardine men's shirts that felt like "buttah." I have no idea why they don't make those anymore. Men would love dress shirts again if they felt like those, I guarantee. I also wore men's blazers over everything; one was a great green and brown sharkskin that I wish I had kept a swatch of when it finally bit the dust.Along with the designers above, please also check out:

Rachel Comey
United Bamboo
Mayle Whyred

All Images: Totokaelo