the foundary

how fun is this wall hanging pet organizer from yep yup. i "found" it at the foundary another great members only shopping site. lots of great stuff. if you want an invite, just email me! hurry, this item is only available for the remainder of today!

really?

click me if you want to see me bigger

look, i am going to be honest--i don’t know how I feel about wal-mart. most of my experience with it has been bad and i try not to shop there. but i do know that it is trying to turn itself (or at least its image) around and from time-to-time i hear good things from sources i respect about the innovations it is making. with that said, you may have heard about its new home collection hometrends. i checked it out and, while most of it has a more contemporary zen-thing happening that I don’t personally care for, there are some pieces i think are worth mentioning. i haven’t checked these out in person, so i can't attest to the quality, but I am impressed with some of the collection's designs and use of color. these are my picks. and all except the desk are under 40 smacks.

what do you think? do you shop at wal-mart?

clockwise from upper left

crown wall clock :: $20

royale 3 piece towel set :: $22
highland decorative pillow :: $13
welgrove desk :: $149
rave red small and large platter set :: $29.97
welgrove lamp base :: $25

i'm not pregnant

but if i was, i would wear this. so cute at old navy.

accidental purchase

"How do you accidentally buy a pair of shoes?" you ask? My husband will no doubt be posing the same question. If you are me, it all starts on the way back from grabbing a snack you don't need at the deli next door. That's right, I ate candy and bought shoes all as a result of leaving my office. I guess this is why I try not to on most days.

So I am walking back with said candy from said deli and I see this very stylish young woman at the crosswalk. She has on a really cute outfit: black and white houndstooth pencil skirt (looked like lightweight wool) and a pretty white cotton lace blouse with cap sleeves that buttoned up the back. I was standing there thinking to myself that I probably would never have put those two pieces together, since one seemed fallish and the other decidely more casual and for warmer weather. But they really worked together and I was impressed. While waiting for the green man to give me the okay to enter the crosswalk, I stood there daydreaming about what pieces in my wardrobe fit these categories that I should try together when I got home.

Then it happened. I looked down. And there they were. The cutest shoes in that subtle dove gray I've been pining after for a while now.

I followed her into my building, then into the elevator trying to note each detail so that I could google (yes, a verb) them as soon as I returned to my desk. Within minutes I discovered that they are Steve Madden and that every retail outlet I could think of was sold out. I did, however, find a vendor on eBay selling a new pair in a 7.5 (my size, sometimes). This is where the accidental part comes in.

See, this vendor was selling the shoes, not listing them in an auction. Two buttons stood next to the picture: "buy now" and "make and offer". This seemed cool--I could suggest a price. Never encountered this on eBay before. The shoes were listed for $69 which seemed like a fair price. I checked to make sure I could return them if they didn't fit. I decided to click the "make an offer" button. I thought, "How about $49?" then I read the note that suggested I make an offer that seemed "fair" to both the seller and me. I softened and entered $59 and hit enter. The screen immediately lit up congratulating me on my purchase, my offer was accepted and I was now the proud owner of these shoes that may or may not fit. Lucky me. I naively thought the seller would have to think about it and get back to me or something. It never occurred to me that the seller could set an authomatic threshold. Silly me.

Actually, I am happy about it. If they don't fit, I can return them. They are really cute, even if I don't need them and am having a hard time thinking of something I have that I can wear with them. But I am sure it will work out in the end.

The moral of this story? Go to the vending machine in the basement when you need sugar. And next time, lo-ball those offers.

stuff i love | makool loves you

L O V E this blouse.

when i grow up...

i want this to set my cocktails on

and this for my patio, perhaps through the french doors from by bedroom?

and these to sit in while i sip said cocktails.

All from here.

un-mom no. 7 | mono handmade lady

Huh? Let me explain. I recognize that the last few un-mom posts were high on color, so I decided to come up with something more subdued this month. I also wanted to shake things up a bit by seeing if I could source items made by independent designers--nothing mass-produced. I also realized that although we are mom's we are also women, even ladies sometimes, and occassionally we like to (or have to) dress up a bit--perhaps for a lovely lunch with a girl friend or our mom. Enter the monochrome handmade lady...

Most of the items sourced here have been created by independent designers and, in most cases, made by hand. Some of these are one of a kind, so the idea here is to go with the look.--find a ladylike blouse that suits your shape. Also, remember, if you can't find new handmade items think about checking out vintage items.

1. Ladylike blouse :: I found this blouse on a terrific Korean website with some beautiful clothes--only problem is I forgot what it is called and I can't seem to find it. As soon as I locate it, I will update the post. However, a lot of designers are making lovely vintage-inspired blouses like this one. Remember, part of un-mom is making it your own.

2. Vintage Polyester Skirt in Tweed :: Orangyporany :: $65.00

Why it works: Orangyporangy is one of my favorite indie designers. I love that the materials they use come from recycled clothing. As a result you can get some great one-of-a-kind pieces. Most of the fabrics they use tend toward the colorful, but I love this tweedy, textured skirt with just the tiniest fleck of orange. Another plus to their skirts is the amazing elastic waistband which helps to customize the fit.

3. Astrid Brooch :: accessoire :: $19.00

Why it works: This little gem could go on the blouse, the bag, your coat or even the waistband of your skirt! I love that it's jewelry but it's fabric too, so everything in this outfit is soft and calming but still pretty. I really want this (you may have noticed it on my greedy slob list).

4. Empress Earrings :: Opus Muse :: $31.00

Why it works: The dangle lends itself to the ladylike but the materials give a little edge of the exotic. Plus, I had to throw in a little color and the calming blue blends with the earthy browns and grays keeping our look tranquil and quiet.

5. Gray Square Tiles Basic Tote :: DrikaB :: $69.00

Why it works: An item that I am completely obsessed with. DrikaB is another one of my favorite indie designers--every piece in their collection is amazing. This works because the colors stay in our palette but the fabric and the shape are very modern and even a little industrial keeping our outfit from being too demure or dated.

6. Scallop Heel Pump in Clay by Seychelles :: Urban Outfitters :: $59.99

Why they work: Okay, I admit I had a hell of a time finding independent shoe designers. They are out there but they can be (understandably) incredibly expensive. My advice here is to look for vintage shoes or a pair like this. I love that this shoe is very neutral so it will go with almost anything and that the shape is classic but with a slight twist, again keeping us modern and not granny.

trina turk for spring

I don't normally go in for haute couture because it usually isn't very wearable and is almost always expensive. However, one designer I've really grown to appreciate is Trina Turk. The inner preppy girl in me is in love with these looks (click on the image for a larger view). Way out of my price range, but worth trying to copy. I feel an un-mom post coming on. Actually I already have one for March (coming Friday!) so I may save this one for April. Oh those colors...she rocks. You can find her collections here.

white

I am determined to have open upper shelving in my kitchen--I just love the lightened look of it and I think it would be great (and cheap!) in my house since you see the kitchen as soon as you walk in the front door. It requires lots of organization, which I am prepared for, and some visual unity. In order to achieve that I am thinking I want all of the dishes that will be displayed to be white. I love the look of lots of white--you can mix traditional and modern lines together and still have a cohesive look.

I have white dishes now, a really cheap set I got at the grocery store when we bought our house almost five years ago, and I still like the look of them but they are stoneware and they have those silvery flatware marks all over them. Plus the cereal/soup bowls are enormous and I don’t like that. I hesitate buying anything new because I am trying not to accumulate more stuff. I think I might go through all of the myriad serving pieces I have that I never use and put them on craigslist and put whatever money I make towards a new set of dishes. Now it’s just deciding which ones to get. Lots of options at all different price points. Here’s what I’ve come up with so far.

Top Row
Wedgewood Eternity
Pottery Barn Great White
Crate and Barrel Madison
Denby Bone China

Second Row
Gibson White Elements
Crate and Barrel Essential
Rosenthal Loft

Bottom Row
Martha Stewart Montmartre
Pottery Barn Caterers
Macy’s Cellar Whiteware Rim

treats for your sweets

I know it hasn't been that long since the gluttony of Christmas came to a much needed end, but I have Valentine's Day on my mind and that always conjures images of sweet treats. I love a box of See's as much as the next girl, but I thought it might be fun to see what else is out there.

The pretty chocolates at my hometown chocolaterie look amazing and come in interesting combinations like fleur de sel caramel, yirgachefe white coffee and orange jasmine tea. Ginger Elizabeth is a formally trained American chocolatier offering an array of chocolate confecions and pastries at her Sacramento boutique. Boxes start at $6 for 12 pieces.

I've become obsessed with homemade marshmallows and these lovelies from Brooklyn-based bakery Whimsy & Spice sound delish in flavors like chocolate, caramel, cardamom and maple. Yum-ski. Mail order available. $6/dozen.

If you're looking for some decadence but trying to stay on the nutritional straight and narrow try these low fat beauties from Holey Donut! That's right, I said "low fat" and "donut" in the same sentence! Just in time for Valentine's day, this all low fat bakery is offering these hot pink numbers--Low Fat Pink Velvet Strawberry Frosted donuts. $12 for 6.

savona bri...too much for me

I love this bag. And even though it is on sale for $224 (marked down from $375) it's still too rich for this girl's blood. Oh well.

un-mom no. 6 | singing in the rain

Okay, I will be the first to admit that not every woman can pull-off this ensemble. I also admit that I have been slightly obsessed with color lately and that the last two un-mom posts have been, shall we say, especially vibrant. But any of these items on their own would add a fun boost to your winter outerwear wardrobe and might even put a little pep in your step.

1. Fab Printed Coat in bright green :: bodenusa.com :: $198.00
Why it works: I loathe the tan trench rain coat. Nothing says blah quite like that. And when it is rainy and gloomy who needs more blah. This is instant cheer.

2. Rain boots in orange/lemon :: target.com :: $17.49
Why they work: Keep those pigs dry in style. Plus, come summer they make great gardening boots.

3. Eco-friendly Fabric Umbrella in green :: target.com :: $42.49
Why it works: Nice and big to keep you and the kiddos dry at once. Again, the green makes me smile.

4. Kashmere cashmere fingerless gloves in orange :: bluefly.com :: $30.99
Why they work: The luxury and warmth of cashmere while maintaining your surgical dexterity for last minute shoe-tying, lunch-making or necessary digital gestures during rush hour (just kidding...don't do that)

5. Patent-trimmed Canvas Tote in electricity :: oldnavy.com :: $16.50
Why it works: Waterproof but cute. Come summer it goes to the beach and the farmer's market.

6. Coach Tara rain hat in white/green :: as seen on InStyle.com :: $128.00
Definitely pricey for "un-mom" but timeless and cute as a button. Even though it's for the rain, I could see this coming in handy year-round.

stuff i love | beauty buys

I've been using MAC's powder blush in Tenderling for a couple of years now and recently ran out. Because I was feeling lazy and didn't want to go to the mall for blush and because I really didn't want to go to the mall to pay $18 for blush, I decided I'd try something cheap while I was doing my weekly shopping at Target. I look at this blush every morning and I figured I could probably find something similar. I wandered over to the CoverGirl section and spotted that little beauty above, Classic Color blush in Soft Mink. Brought it home and held it next to what I had left of my MAC and you know what? Exact match! The CoverGirl has a tad more sparkle to it, but I like it. And I really like the $4.99 price tag.

In other beauty-related finds, I found the perfect natural shade of lip gloss. See, I am not a strong lip girl. I have relatively thin lips and whenever I wear dark or bright lipstick I look like an old lady. I prefer to have a natural lip. My girlfriends gave me a kooky little kit from TINte Cosmetics for my birthday and it included that fun Vintage Lip Color tin. The perfect shade! How lucky is that? Peaches and Cream ($14--a little pricey, but can you put a price on perfection?) and it pairs perfectly with Ulta's Contour Lip Pencil in Spice ($7).

Just thought I'd share.

un-mom no. 5 | no more winter blahs

I don’t know about you, but after the holidays I tend to get a little blue. It doesn’t help that I live in an area of California known for its death fog and endless days where we don’t see the sun and it doesn’t even rain. By now you’ve probably figured out that I love color and am not afraid of it (a key to the un-mom look). I know it’s not spring yet, but a girl can dream. And a little, or a lot, of color can do wonders to boost the old mood.

I can personally vouch for this outfit, because I own the key pieces and they are wonderful. The first time I wore this outfit, I took a walk to meet my hubby for lunch. It happened to be an unseasonably warm and sunny day here (could it be the outfit?) and as I passed people on the street I noticed that both men and women alike were dressed head to toe in black. What is this, New York City? This is California people…live a little! They all looked a little bummed, but I felt sunny.

1. Tartine Cardigan in Bright Rhubarb or Deep Persimmon :: J. Crew :: $19.99. Why it works: I am a sucker for cardigans because of their versatility and lightweight ones like this can be worn all year long. The subtle chiffon ruffle at the neck and hem make this extra girlie without going too far. Looks great layered over a cami or buttoned all the way up. Plus these (and the cords below) are on crazy clearance right now—$19.99 each!

2. Favorite-Fit Stretch Vintage Bootcut Cord in Golden Yellow :: J. Crew :: $19.99. Why they work: Cords are a great alternative to jeans. These are very soft and incredibly comfortable and flattering. The bright yellow too much for you? They come in lots of other colors if you are feeling so brave.

3. Lace Trim Cami in Light Brown :: bodenusa.com :: $20.00.
Why it works: I love layering and this soft brown cami helps ground all of the brightness. Plus if it’s still chilly in your parts it will give you some added insulation. This one has a very flattering fitted silhouette that lays nicely under the sweater and some lace detail at the neck echoing the sweater’s little ruffle.

4. Anya Hindmarch® for Target® Large Shoulder Bag in Gold/ Cream :: Target :: $? Why it works: The unexpected tailoring of this bag plays nicely against the gold detail. The metallic trim adds some warmth and a tad of glamour to the outfit. These are only available in stores (price unavailable online…but it’s Target and they are on clearance so you know it won’t break the bank).

5. Turquoise Hued Nugget Necklace :: bananarepublic.com :: $69.00. Why it works: Turquoise is timeless and it looks great with red, coral and bright orange. This piece adds some texture to the soft clothing.

6. Poetic Licence Desert Star Mary Janes in Zebra :: planetshoes.com :: $39.00. Why they work: Again, I have these and I love them. I wear animal print shoes with everything—skirts, jeans, dressy and casual. You’ll be amazed at how much wear you get out of these. The chic box toe is paired with fun athletic-y sole making these versatile city. They also add some much needed pattern to the color block outfit. (Also here and here; prices and sizes vary).

7. Plastic Fashion Full-Rim Frame in Orange :: zennioptical.com :: $12.95 lens + frame. Why they work: I wear glasses and thought it would be fun to do regular glasses instead of sunglasses this time. There are so cheap that even if you don’t need glasses you could do the cute librarian thing for the day! Even mom needs a little dress up fun in her day.

cute dress and new shoes!!

Check out this cute little dress from Ananya at etsy.com. And only $40!

Also, I bought these shoes yesterday and I love them!!

un-mom look | no. 3

I’m having a gray moment right now. I’m also jonesing for a date night. How about this lovely ensemble for a chic night on the town with your main man? Also works well for an evening wedding or a saucy cocktail party, should you be lucky enough to be invited to one. (Hint, hint to all of my friends!!)

1. Heather Gray Sweater Dress : : Old Navy : : $25.00
Why it works: Gray looks great on almost anyone and it’s a nice alernative to black; plus, it’s neutral so it will go with all of your colored accessories. Versatility, baby! You can also dress this number down: I’m thinking a long sleeved tee underneath, paired with a chunky belt and boots for fall. Additional plusses: you don’t have to iron or dry clean it. (Wow, is this your dream dress, or what? If only it could vacuum...)

2. Party Lounge heels in Platimum : : Unlisted by Kenneth Cole : : shoesonashoestring.com : : $30.00
Why they work: These are just plain fun and add some "sex" sans "kitten". Plus because they have a bit of the platform thing going on, they will be more comfortable.

3. Jewel-buckle grosgrain belt in deep peacock : : J. Crew : : $39.50
Why it works: It is just plain gorgeous. A timeless piece you can wear again and again over the years. We are going to ditch the self-belt for this evening and go with this beauty for a bit of Hollywood glam.

Long floral-print silk scarf in green : : Banana Republic : : $39.00
Why it works: This exquisite scarf adds a bit of needed print to all of the texture we having going on here. Plus, I am always cold, even in the summer. Since we are going with no necklace on this one, you could drape it across your shoulders or do a loose tie around your neck. Also, it’s long, so you could use it as the belt instead.

4. Translunar Oblong Clutch in black by Rolffs :: eBags :: $32.00
Why it works: Clutches are big and since this is a night OUT, we don’t have to worry about something that will accommodate wipes and sippy cups. The sheen plays off the satiny heels without being all matchy-matchy (hate that).

5. Forget Me Not vintage glass bead earrings : : flymartin : : $18.00
Why they work: So pretty...I like that these add some vintage appeal. They pair nicely with the glittery belt buckle without getting all Vegas. Plus they aren’t too glam for daytime.

Um...ya!

I am rushing to Target to get these right now, before they sell out.