nyfw round up: my top 10 shows

New York Fashion Week just wrapped last Thursday. It took me exactly one week to make up for all the work I didn't do during that week; there were a lot of shows to look through and a lot of time spent fantasizing about being in the front row. To convince myself it was not time wasted, I have made a list of my top 10 shows from NYFW along with my two favorite looks from each show. I'm not sure if I can really express how hard it was for me to chose just 10 (originally I was just going to post my top 5) of my favorites as there were so many amazing collections for Fall 2012 Ready to Wear. Not too surprising, I found myself gravitating toward feminine and vintage inspired pieces. However, I was surprised to find myself falling for the modern, clean cut collections that I don't normally gravitate toward. Feel free to leave a comment with your favorite designer shows! As for me, it's back to work. Although....London Fashion Week did just wrap yesterday, and Milan Fashion Week has begun! I have some catching up to do! ♥, whit.

1. Marc Jacobs

(images via fashionista.com)

 What I would have given to be at this show. There were mixed reviews for Jacobs' Dr. Seuss/Pilgrim inspired looks. I personally LOVED it.

 2. Phillip Lim

(images via fashionista.com)
The clean cut lines are modern and impeccable. Love those tailored red pants!

3. Alice + Olivia 

(images via fashionista.com)
Alice + Olivia is always on my list of favorites. This is the first time I have seen floor length evening wear from designer Stacey Bendet, it was hard to choose a favorite! But this floor length green tiered gown killed me. So beautiful. 

4. Tory Burch

(images via fashionista.com)
Florals. Feminine. Functional. I could not possibly love this collection any more. Unless I owned it.

5. Jason Wu

(images via fashionista.com)
Another show I would have killed to be at. The collection was inspired by Imperial China and military looks. If I had to chose a phrase to describe it: "bad ass beautiful."

6. Oscar De La Renta

(images via fashionista.com)
Vintage inspiration done right. Beautiful and dramatic, I'd expect nothing less from a De La Renta show. Jackie would very much approve.

7. Wes Gordon

(images via fashionista.com)

Damn these clothes are cool. 

8. Calvin Klein

(images via fashionista.com)
Chic chic chic. When it comes to simple, gorgeous silhouettes Francisco Costa (creative director for Calvin Klein) can do no wrong. The pops of pink and orange were genius.

9. Marchesa

(images via fashionista.com)
So many beautiful dresses, I just couldn't help myself. It was nearly impossible to pick just two favorites, but I predict we'll be seeing these gowns again very soon. Oscar night is upon us after all.   

10. J.Crew

(images via fashionista.com)

I literally wanted want every single thing in this collection. I would wear every single piece. The show was impeccably styled, the colors were insane and I wouldn't mind owning a pair of those Manolo Blahnik for J. Crew heels. Mint green or or floral print, size 6 please. Thanks.

mini gift guide: top 5 valentine's day gifts for her

 1. Eskimo Kiss Print, $80; 2. Heart Pendant Watch Necklace, $25; 3.Terrarium Necklace, $27, 4. Red Rounded Wayfarer, $135; 5. Floral Doc Martin Boots, $130.

While every girl likes flowers (they do, they are lying to you if they tell you they don't), you could ditch the bouquet for these floral print Doc Martin boots. She won't have to toss them out in a week, plus they cost the same as a dozen long stem roses anyway. It's called value, people! Speaking of value, some guys tend to shy away from jewelry because in their minds, jewelry=expensive. Jewelry is classic and us ladies always appreciate it; the price tag really doesn't matter. The heart pendant and terrarium necklace above are both under $30! I also LOVE these red wayfarer sunglasses by Ray-Ban because let's face it, they're rad. Plus, another adorable print by Donna Wilson! Eskimos kissing!? Come on, it's like I'm handing this to you.
Valentine's day is growing nearer! Get moving! And while you're out shopping for your lovely lady, keep in mind, the classics are classic for a reason. Pick up some flowers (no need to spend $130, simple farmers market flowers are sweeter anyways) and a card on your way home. Trust me, we really do like that kind of stuff! (this is not computer sarcasm, promise) ♥xoxo, whit.

mini gift guide: top 5 valentine's day gifts for him

 1. You Are So Handsome Screen Print, $60; 2. Magno Wooden Radio, $150; 3. Green Rucksack #8, $220; 4. La Sardina Lomography Camera, $70; 5. We Are So Good Together Print, $60.

Valentine's Day may not be every guy's favorite holiday. Dare I say, most guys hate February 14th? While this may be true, they still deserve a little somethin' somethin'! Yes, guys are notoriously very hard to shop for on a holiday that is, let's be honest here, obviously manufactured for the ladies. Luckily, most men aren't interested in cheesy teddy bears and heart shaped boxes of chocolates. Personally, I think a framed screen print is always a simple yet thoughtful gift that goes a long way. This Donna Wilson, "You Are So Handsome" print is adorable. She is so creative! I also have yet to meet a guy that does not love a cool backpack, and this teal green rucksack from Archival Clothing is the perfect mix of cool yet functional. Plus I would totally "borrow" it and use it myself. And of course, when all else fails, gadgets. Dudes love gadgets. While I love this La Sardina camera because of the super cute pattern, I've also heard it takes really cool pictures.♥-Day is only a few days away, so I hope this helps! Good luck! xoxo,whit.

weekend snapshots: a day at the aquarium

Weekend snapshots just got real cute. Last weekend Miles took me to the Seattle Aquarium to visit the new baby sea otter! As you can see it is a tiny, two week old, adorable ball of fluff. So, needless to say, the place was packed! We had to wait in a line out the door and push our way through the crowds to get a look at the pup, but it was totally worth it. Plus, let's be honest, nothing was getting in the way of me seeing that little thing. The mom's name is Aniak, and the baby girl has to rest on her belly all day long until it is old enough to swim. The aquarium volunteers told us it wont be able to dive until it is about six weeks old because it is too fluffy and buoyant, it would just shoot right back up to the surface! Not surprising, that thing is so furry you can't tell which end is which! Once we broke free of the crowds surrounding the sea otters, we visited the equally adorable river otters and, one of my aquarium favorites, seahorses! After the crowded aquarium visit, a delicious burrito/beer combo was exactly what I needed. What a wonderful Seattle Saturday.

weekend snapshots: a visit to pdx + seattle snow!

This past weekend was awesome for many reasons. Reason number one: Portland. I LOVE PORTLAND. So when Miles asked if I could take Friday off work to head down to see his band, the Torn ACLs, play at the Big Ass Boombox Pop Festival, my answer was a simple yet effective "duh." I had so much fun at their show, they sounded great and I danced my butt off (not true, it's still there)! Besides the show, the highlight of my trip was seeing my wonderful and supper funny friend Megan and romping around the Alberta neighborhood, my favorite place in all of Portland. Here are some photos I took of my favorite places to shop on Alberta Street, plus a few shots of me and Megan just for fun.

Billy Goat Vintage is my favorite vintage spot in PDX. They have beautiful clothes for reasonable prices plus super cute decorations! I tend to work up an appetite when I shop so Miles and I always have to stop at Alberta Co-Op Grocery Store for fresh local produce, baked goods and yummy local coffee. Lastly, Miles' favorite spot (and one of mine!) on Alberta is definitely Ampersand. They have a beautiful, open, design-y type store with vintage and modern books, photographs, prints and local art. Not to mention a ton of vintage post cards, my personal weakness. I had to have this postcard with hungry little Kodiak Bear Cubs on it! Anyways, reason number two this weekend was awesome: Seattle Snow!

I was born and raised in the sunny, dry Central Valley of California. So, any time there is snow I FREAK OUT. I love the snow! Not in a "hey brah, heard there's some fresh pow pow let's hit the slopes" sort of way, but in a "want to grab some hot cocoa, spike it with booze, and then walk around in our cute hats and mittens?!" sort of way. I was so excited we got back from our Portland adventure early enough to enjoy a lazy, snowy Sunday in Seattle. It doesn't snow a lot here, so when it does Seattlelites relish in it and take full advantage of a blanket white cityscape. Makeshift cardboard sleds, ironic hipster snowmen in the park, an excuse to drink warm alcoholic beverages in the middle of the day. These are just a few reasons I love Seattle snow days. All in all, it was a great weekend.

happy new year!

What up 2012!? I hope you all had a wonderful holiday! Although New Years Eve is not my favorite holiday, as it is historically not that tight, I always look forward to a new year and fresh start. I make resolutions every year, ever since I was a kid and old enough to understand the concept. One year I resolved to convince my parents to get me and my brother bunk beds. Success. Another year my resolution was to visit my grandma once every day; she lived right across the street so again, success. Um, needless to say... I am pretty good and this resolution stuff. Here are a few of my New Years Resolutions for 2012! Happy New Year!

get organized.

 

 1. Moleskin Classic Mini Ruled Notebook 2. Moleskin 2012 Color-A-Month Box Set, 3.Moleskin 2012 Mini Daily Planner

Typically, I am pretty good at organizing my schedule but lately I have been getting a little off track. I love Moleskin planners and notebooks because they come in so many great colors and a perfect sizes for organizing and scheduling when you're on the go. Also for organizing my life, below are two calendars I just need for for 2012. You know, to circle important dates and stuff.

 1-2. 2012 Botanical Garden Calendar, 3. 2012 Die Cut Animal Calendar

 

keep in touch.

1. New Year Card, 2. "Hello" Cards, 3.Yellow Owl Workshop Thank You Card Set, 4. DIY Cross Stitch Case for iPhone 4/4S

I have made this resolution before, and I will make it again. In 2012, I resolve to be better at staying in touch with my friends and family. You heard it here first. So don't be surprised if and when you see one of these adorable cards showing up in your mail box! On a similar note, I think, I mean I know that if I upgraded to an iPhone 4S I would just be so much better at the whole corresponding with my loved ones thing. And if I got one, I would totally make myself one of these super cute iPhone DIY cases! Good luck with all of your resolutions and as promised, you'll be hearing from me soon!