Channeling patience thanks to Haruki Murakami

"The most important thing is to not let yourself get impatient," Reiko said. "This is one more piece of advice I have for you: don't get impatient. Even if things are so tangled up you can't do anything, don't get desperate or blow a fuse and start yanking on one particular thread before it's ready to come undone. You have to figure it's going to be a long process and that you'll work on things slowly, one at a time. Do you think you can do that?"

Excerpt from Haruki Murakami's Norwegian Wood

It felt like Mr. Murakami was talking directly to me, telling me to STOP! WAIT! And listen to my instincts.

The metaphor of yanking on a thread is also brilliant.

(Photo by a friend taken in Guatemala)

The Heavenly Hand Me Down Event

If you are in the New York area and want to donate to this good cause, please contact: toomanywomennyc@gmail.com. They are taking donations of clothing, shoes, and accessories.

Or maybe you want to organize your own hand me down event. What an easy (and fun) way to give back!

Engagement photos!

I have a backlog of photos that I've been meaning to share with you here (wedding, engagement, etc.). These photos were taken during one of the hottest weeks of summer - hence the unruly hair situation.

Here is a blast from the hot summer past:

New York City is the perfect backdrop for photos - don't you think?

I tend to prefer black and white photos over color. I also prefer sulky dramatic shots over the cheesy smiling shots. What are your preferences?

(Photos by Alex Z)

Don't be a woman that needs a man. Be a woman a man needs.

(Quote via that kind of woman)

Quotes on Fashion by Anna Dello Russo

"Fashion is a MUSE, you must seduce her."

"When you don't feel to dress means that you are depressed. You need a Fashion Shower."

"Beacause nothing succeeds like excess!"

Anna Dello Russo you are an absolute crazy person, but I adore you and I agree with your fashion shower sentiment. What I think you are trying to say is, "you must look good to feel good." I certainly get that. I officially have a new term for this blog: fashion shower.

Did you put on a pair of stunning earrings to run to the pharmacy? You just had a fashion shower. Oh my, I'm very excited about the new term.  

Click here for the entire list of Anna's Fashion quotes.

A sequins of events

Have you ever had one of those absolutely perfect weekends? For me, a perfect weekend usually entails several additional days off from work, a spattering of friends, and a dance party (What can I say? I'm an endorphin junkie.).

My perfect weekend started with sequins.

After a Harry Potter viewing and a lot of confusion by yours truly, we midnight shopped like hooligans in the mall! That's right, I was in the mall at midnight lined up for sales and give-aways galore!

We had a day-two feast of massive proportions that made buttercup feel quite full, hence look one and two.  

Later that same night in close proximity to tchocke cabinet, we reminisced about the food and peace on earth.



We enjoyed a stroll on the west side highway in route to the Rusty Knot for pretzel dogs.

Several pretzel dogs and games of pool later. We felt rested and ready for the evening's festivities.

 We had dinner with friends at the cute-hideaway alta.

We finished the night celebrating at our friend's house. What gracious hosts they are! 

The following day, Buttercup left us on a jet plane. Until next time Buttercup.



What makes a weekend perfect for you? 

Neil LaBute's masterpiece

Hello pumpkins! I hope everyone enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday. My weekend included plenty of food, several dance parties, black Friday-lunatic-style shopping, a sequin dress, plenty of friends, cashmere, the rusty knot, and a riveting theatrical experience in the village. My first post after my Thanksgiving hiatus can only be focued on the masterpiece that is The Break of Noon.

In Neil LaBute's The Break of Noon at New York's MCC theatre, a horrific massacre leads the only survivor to repent and dedicate his life to God.

John Smith, played by David Duchovny, experiences a revelation of God during what should have been the final moments of his philandering life. A blinding light opens up from the sky and the voice of God assures the protagonist that his life will be spared. With an opportunity for redemption and a new life, Mr. Smith begins a personal quest for good.  The real shining light of the show was Mr. Duchovny himself, watching him perform a monologue puts you at the edge of your seat (and keeps you there).

The Break of Noon asks the age-old question of: What would you do if faced - with/when struck by/during/after - a tragedy? The premise is relatively unoriginal, but the setup is not.  Writer Neil LaBute sets up a story that can be described as exhilarating, thought provoking, and utter perfection.  For me, it was yet another reminder to get a move on with my professional life.

I loved the dialogue, the set, the performances, but most of all I loved David Duchovny! David Duchovny has an unexplainable air of cool about him. After the show he crossed my path ever so briefly, but the scent of his undying sex appeal and coolness lingered.  That scent remains on my wool/cashmere blend. A big thank you to my darling VFB for the recommendation.

What would you do if you were faced with such a horrific tragedy? Would you be inclined to change your life? What would you devote your life to? Do we all deserve a second chance?

Let the countdown(s) begin

I'm elated today! I'm so happy I can't get down. As Elvis Presley would put it, "I'm all shook up!"

In just 7 hours I pick up my buttercup (he would die if he heard me call him that!!) from the airport. I'm very excited to see him. Our plan is to stay in tonight and relax over some pizza and perhaps watch some Glee reruns. 

That folks is countdown number one. I'm also in countdown mode because I've been invited to a sale, for an amazing organization that will remain nameless. The sale can only be described as epic - the organization is a household name (at least in my world). To keep the anonymity of the organization I won't give you the exact date, but what I can say is that it's soon and you should be entirely jealous.

As a self-proclaimed sale guru or deal diva. I assure you that my finds at this sale will impress you fashionistas. I promise to document my finds here. For now, bask with me in the glory of feeling like an insider. 

Love the present

How smart is banana republic's new ad campaign? The ad, that I first saw in vogue, said, "Love the Present" and has a woman dressed in après-ski clothes surrounded by snow and mountains. No gift box, no holiday decorations, and no cheesy smile. Perfection.

I love the double entendre here too. It's brilliant and a romantic's dream. BR is telling us to love today by being in the now, and to love the glorious BR merino wool sweater we receive as a Christmas gift (i.e. love your presents).

Of course, I find this entirely thought provoking, it got me thinking, what about "the present" do I love?

Sticking with the double entendre, here is a list of things I love about "the present":

1. The paper! I love receiving a beautifully wrapped gift. It makes the present experience that much more lovely. I especially love brown paper.

2. I love that the holidays are here so I get to see all the people I love.

3. I love surprises. Surprise gifts! Surprise visitors!

4.  I love that at present, this gorgeous man is painting a new piece to go in my apartment.

 Learn more about his work here and check out his blog.

Introducing: An excuse to shop!

Here comes some good news: if you missed the Lanvin for H&M collection last weekend, have no fear, you can still get your hands on the coveted frocks. Side note/tantrum: did you see the beautiful accessories that my lazy bones missed out on!

Anyway, if you are interested in the Lanvin for H&M couture collection it is available for auction! All proceeds from the Auction will be donated to UNICEF, as a part of H&M's All for Children project. What a great way to give back!

One other quick note: Five of Alber Elbaz's (the artistic director of Lanvin) original sketches are also included in the auction. These pieces would go great in a single girl in the city's apartment or maybe in my closet, far far away from my husband's view.

Here are some pieces from the couture collection:

WWZZD?

Facelift

This is a photo of me showing off my lovely wedding shoes in Antigua, Guatemala. Isn't that an amazing shot?



After the wedding festivities I was in despair because the ivory beauties were filthy beyond just a good clean. So I took them to Leather Spa (a.k.a. the shoe hospital) for a dye job and I couldn't be more thrilled with the results. 



Aren't they stunning?

If you have shoes that could use a facelift; I highly recommend Leather Spa, they are shoe experts. Thanks SW for the scoop on the spa.

(Photos by Christina Craft and Diva-in-Distress)

Quantifying happiness

 

I have a confession to make pumpkins: I felt a little down this weekend. I got slammed by a cold that I couldn't shake off and had to couch surf for most of the weekend. If you know me, you know I'm not one for sitting still and that I love marzipan. That last part about Marzipan was just an FYI. Accompanying my cold was a bit of despair. I told you it was confession time. I've been thinking a lot about my career lately and what natural talents/interests I can turn into a more fulfilling career. The task of figuring this all out had me feeling really blue this weekend, which got me thinking about happiness and how we quantify it.

I recently read on NPR that Harvard researchers have developed a web app to measure happiness. Volunteers receive messages (via text or email) 3 times a day, asking them how they feel at that moment. Participants receive a happiness report after 50 check-ins that describes patterns in their happiness. I wonder what the happiness report would say about me? Especially this weekend.  

I'm skeptical about reviewing the report after only after 50 check-ins. How do they measure for confounds like sickness? Clearly certain aspects of the methodology are questionable, but I am curious about the results.

I have an iPhone so I'm going to sign-up and report back to you on the findings. Join me! Sign up here.

In the meantime, I'm trying to figure out when I am/was the happiest.  

Am I happiest when preparing for trips or adventures, like shown in this photo:

Or am I happiest relaxing on an exotic island with my husband, like shown here:

Maybe I was happiest here, when someone proclaimed their undying love for me and we decided on forever:

Or maybe it was this moment, with all the people we love behind us, witnessing our marriage:

The truth is I'm probably happiest in the first photo. Relaxing and laughing at home with my husband.

When are you the happiest?

Something like a phenomenon

INFLUENCERS FULL VERSION from R+I creative on Vimeo.

A big thank you to Karen from wheredidugetthat for posting this video! It has really got me thinking.

How will I use my creativity and talents to influence? Am I somebody that people trust and listen to?

At the firm I work for there is a management style called "influencing without authority". It sounds like jargon (e.g. get the ball rolling), I know, but It's not, in fact, I think they are on to something. The people I most respect in the workplace, government, fashion, and in my personal life are silent influencers. These are people whose way of thinking I respect and admire simply because their ideas are fresh and fearless.

Watch the video and ask yourself these questions:

How would you describe an influencer?

Who are the influencers in your life?

Happy weekend

Happy weekend everyone! What do you have planned for the weekend? I have a date tonight with my exhaustive reading list.

I hope your plans for the weekend bring you new ideas and that you are inspired.

Until next time, stay:

Hopeful, nostalgic, creative, heroic, funny, beautiful...

(Photo by my Husband taken in Rajastan, India)

I have a date tonight...

...with my books.

This is a photo of my suitors for the evening:

They are waiting for me at home right next to my bed; that is quite presumptuous of them wouldn't you say?

It was an inspiring week to say the very least, here is a quick summary:

I discovered this website dedicated to Japanese street fashion. Oh how I love Japanese street fashion. Harajuku girls! Need I say more? 

I met a nostalgist.

I received an early christmas gift in the form of a Tatler magazine subscription from my husband!

I overheard someone say, "See you next time, ta-ta." Love it! As a child, I thought this type of language was used by all British people.  I also thought the only way to order a cocktail was by using a British accent and saying, "More to drink! More to drink!"

I added several titles to the my now exhaustive reading list. Including this great new book on finding a creative (and fulfilling) career.

I found this picture on my iPhone of this spectacular painting:

That's all for now, ta-ta!