This has been on repeat all day.

My little brother just turned me on to this artist and I am hooked! I'm always excited to listen to music that isn't centralized on American culture. <3

It's only January 2nd but....

love is in the air! Perhaps I am just biased because Valentine's day is my favorite holiday irregardless of whether I'm spending it with any special someone or not. I am, shamelessly a girly girl and love all the pink and hearts....as long as it isn't TOO cheesey. I've uploaded some new valentine's in my etsy shop!

Some of my favorites:

Also,  I curated a list of beautiful Valentine's day inspired items in an etsy treasury. Check it out if you feel so inclined... :)

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d204140b4f16d9197b4974e/lovelet-me-count-the-ways

Portugal. The Man - People Say

Love this song...can't get enough of it.

Talbots' ever classic styles

In case you haven't figured out by now, my fashion style is a compilation of classic styles. I am not trying to be uber trendy...although if I pick up trendy items it's for dirt cheap! I'm not trying to start new trends, I like to keep things simple and elegant. I am absolutely in love with this dress from Talbots. This dress reminds me of something Jackie O might have worn... Considering this clothing company was founded in 1947 and they're still going strong, they must be doing something right! Now if only I could come up with $427...

Morning Benders

For being so young, they sound exquisitely refined. I had the pleasure of seeing The Morning Benders live at Doug Fir on the second to last night of their Big Echo tour. The song "Stitches" is my current favorite. This version from the yours truly session is absolutely beautiful...but if you aren't down with how slow and drawn out it is, be sure to check the album version in the playlist. Enjoy!

Luxury soaps? I think I will spoil myself a little...

First and foremost, I love the product. Secondly, I respect well designed packaging. And Gianna Rose definitely has the packaging to match her quality soaps. Christmas is coming up...Is it wrong if I want to treat myself? Mannequins, seashells, acorns, owls, eggs... lots of great designs for any occasion!

Kid Cudi does it again.

Kid Cudi is my not-so-secret addiction. From Day N Night and Pursuit of Happiness I was hooked...at which point I faithfully followed his collab's with MGMT, Kanye, David Guetta, Daniel Black...etc... Like with Jay-Z, I have yet to be disappointed with anything he touched and subsequently turned to gold. I love this music video's vibe. I especially love the glitter drumming (see approximately 38 seconds in) and the 70's vibe. Is that the kid that played McLovin'!? So humorous but adorable. Needless to say, I am looking forward to the November release of Kid Cudi's new album.

Love this song.

Something about whistling in songs is just too catchy. (Black Keys, anyone?) Everytime I hear this song it makes me want to walk barefoot through a field of flowers....probably not something I should admit readily. Either way, I love this song. It's too adorable.

I'm in love with handbags.

Purses are pretty solid but I am especially in love with clutches right now. Sometimes I get tired of carrying my oh-so-heavy-but-has-everything-I-ever-need satchel purse and want to minimize with just a clutch. JUST the essentials - keys, cell phone, chapstick, ID and debit card. I especially love clutches because you can toss them into the giant satchel if necessary. I curated this list on etsy, 'the perfect clutch.' Notable designers that I adore are Mermaid's Dream and DavieandChiyo - more expensive but beautiful craftsmanship.Check them all out here though!

Personal website

So, I've been working on my personal website for awhile... it's taken about six times longer than I thought it would. I'm still working on purchasing my domain which I'm not sure which site is the best for the money but if anyone knows they should e-mail me here with some ideas. You can check out what I have so far (although it's still under construction so don't judge too harshly) here. More on this later...

You can never have enough pillows...

I am guilty of being that girl that has a huge pile of pillows on the bed. Luckily, I have a queen size bed and I sleep alone (excluding Mariska, who usually takes up my foot space anyway) so it's pretty easy to share half my bed with pillows. Seriously, when I see an amazing throw pillow cover (currently sporting West Elm, and Urban Outfitters throw pillow covers) I usually have to give in when they match my decor and style.


I am currently coveting some gorgeous handmade pillow cases from the Home Centric based out of India.

The designer is a fashion and textile designer schooled at the leading fashion institute in India. I was already in love with handmade textiles from India...somehow they have mastered the art of heavily saturated colors, sequins, tiny mirrors and shiny thread. I think I'm going to need a window bench and possibly three or four sofas for my pillow collection to spill onto once I obtain all of my heart's desires... Haha. If only.

September First Thursday

If you're looking for a vintage sounding musical duo (not to mention adorable couple), be sure to check out Boy and Bean. I can't wait to see more of them, personally. My sister and I stumbled upon them playing outside on NW 13th Ave.... Hopefully soon they'll post up some music on their website. Lara and I plan on keeping them in mind for a future wedding at some point, and stalking as many free shows as we can in the meantime. Somehow depression era love songs just make me super happy.

While meandering through the outdoor booths set up for First Thursday, I found a cool local crafter who makes amazing necklaces... be sure to check out Seaworthy's etsy shop. I love that crocheted things are back in style... I know some people really find it to be rather granny but when I see jewelery like this, I find it too delicate and pretty to resist.

Another vendor set up in the Pearl was Brenda Dunn. I had been to one of her art gallery openings a couple years ago and was pleasantly surprised to see her work again. I love the bright colors in vintage pinup art so I love her bright colors and pretty illustrations. Visit Pinup Brenda on etsy.

More Art

I don't know how you could NOT love these animal portraits. Berkley Illustrations is based in Portland, too! <3 Love.

These illustrations were also featured at Urban Outfitters. I love the colors, the line quality, the subjects...

Also, I recently ran across this artist also who has a similar subject matter.... I love the color contrast of the background with the black and white inked animal created by Orange Willow.

Mod Cloth

Two reasons that I absolutely love Mod Cloth... Since the dresses come from independent dress makers, sizing is difficult and it's hard to gauge material choices.... this was trial number two after returning another dress that wasn't what I expected... however, I was extremely pleased with this purchase with the cute button stud earrings.

*Necklace: JCrew, Heels: Forever21

boutique fashion + mainstream

Ever since I stumbled upon Makool Loves You a few years ago via Portland Picks, I was hooked! Being sustainably minded, I try to support local shops and sellers first...which isn't very difficult given the amount of creative designers in Portland! Even though I only have one splurge from the store, I religiously check back from season to season and see what kind of new styles have been added. Right now I am absolutely adoring this skirt:

It's so flirty and feminine but still screams conservative. I would love to pair it with a billowy white button up and a strand of pearls, perhaps like the ones created by Beazuness...  which isn't made locally in Portland, but you would at least be supporting an artist who handcrafts her own jewelery! I can't get enough of ultra feminine, soft and luxurious fashion items. Mix these more boutique-y items with a luxe gray or navy blue cardigan from jcrew and it could be a match made in heaven. I definitely can't afford it right now on my tight budget (think, credit crunch..sigh), but I can dream!

If there's one thing I've learned from being on a tight budget - accessories are your best friend! I usually can find some pretty reasonable yet trendy basics at Express, H&M or Forever21 to satiate my clothing addiction and then accessorize with really cute items (headbands, necklaces, earrings) from Anthropologie, ModCloth, Urbanoutfitters, Free People, etc. Accessories always turn that great outfit into something a lot more stunning. And I'm not ashamed to say I always hit the clearance rack first. It would be silly not to! ;)

Being an etsy seller myself, I find myself endlessly browsing unique and beautiful accessories from other etsy sellers.  Some of my recent successful etsy purchases that I absolutely love love love:

Pink Softie Feather Necklace from Being of Love













 and Vintage Harlem Necklace from The Mustard Seed Co

This necklace I took with me on my trip to Alaska to visit my nieces (3 and 1.5 years) and they were mesmerized with it in combination with a delicate sequin/rhinestone/silk flower headband I got at Anthropolgie....

Needless to say, my little nieces will soon be blossoming fashionistas who I will love sending various baubles to. They couldn't get enough "dress up" with Auntie O's stuff!  Top picture: Emma wearing a headband from Anthropologie, a polka dot sweater from forever21 and shoes from urban outfitters. Below, Haidie wearing a headband from Express and a pearl necklace from JCrew. Contrary to their facial expressions, they were absolutely giddy until I pulled out the camera phone... perhaps Haidie is getting a headstart on her model pose. <3




xoxo