Addicted to Adler

The other weekend, I decided to take break from HGTV (Property Virgins, anyone?) and switched the channel to E!. I never watch E! besides the occasional Sex & the City rerun, and Sex & the City reruns trump everything, even Frasier. So there you have it, an inside look into the shows that still have me paying for cable.

I caught an episode of Fashion Police, during which I remembered how I feel about Kelly Osbourne's grey and/or mauve hair. (I loathe it). Fortunately, I was able to distract myself by ogling the set, which has Jonathan Adler splashed all over it. See here:

Chartreuse drapes? Chandeliers? Black walls? I want them all. But what stole my heart were the black and white armchairs. The shape is classic Louis, but the glossy white lacquer (lacquer!) and charcoal upholstery update it to fit the eclectic-chic vibe.

The thing is, I'm so cheap that I make two trips around the supermarket: the first to put things in my cart, and the second to take out everything that isn't absolutely necessary, like meat tenderizers and boxes upon boxes of apple turnovers. Therefore, I will not (and really, cannot) drop $1,300 on an armchair. Plus, I've always had a crush on everything in Roxy Te's (of the fabulous blog My Cup of Te) home line, Society Social. Naturally, something like this was bound to happen:

Compared to the Jonathan Adler version (left, $1,295; Click to Buy), the Society Social Duchess Chair ($395; Click to Buy) has the same traditional-goes-rogue feel and a similar color scheme, both for a fraction of the cost.

Consider me sold.

Sandal Season

Now that the weather is cooperating and I'm considering a badly-needed pedicure, a new pair of sandals are in order. I tore last year's pair to shreds, so I'm looking for something a little less wimpy this time around. The issue: I have...shapely legs, which means that with the wrong pair of shoes, my legs can resemble Christmas hams. Trying to avoid ankle straps on sandals leads me into the flimsy V straps of flip flops, which are neither comfortable nor stylish whatsoever. Alber Elbaz can't even make flip flops look cute. And if you cite Tory Burch's number with her little medallion on them, those do not count particularly because they have that little medallion on them.

The solution: nude sandals. Just as nude heels elongate the leg because they create an illusion of length, a similar hue on an ankle strap doesn't break (and thus shorten) the line of the leg. If the shade of the sandal is close enough to your skin tone, it works. Here are a few versatile options that would look just as cute with shorts as they would with a sundress:

1. These KORS Michael Kors leather sandals ($125; Click to Buy) have a more substantial sole than what you'd find on a typical flat sandal, and I love love love the look of the double ankle-strap. It lends a touch of the gladiator look without going all Russel Crowe on your footwear. The shade's a little dark, but it's not a jarring contrast.

2. This pair of J.Crew leather sandals ($118; Click to Buy) is the trifecta: made in Italy (read: better quality than most at this price point), the perfect shade of nude, and has a padded sole for comfort. These would look great with shorts, or a maxidress, or a skirt, or a sundress. Do you see where I'm going with this?

3. If you need a little lift, Marais suede wedges ($160; Click to Buy) are a sophisticated option. They're not exactly nude (the height of the wedge excuses the grey shade)(I make the rules)(this is an autocratic blog!)(just kidding)(kind of) but I love Marais shoes for the focus on comfort and urban designs. That T-strap just kills me. Come to mama.

4. Coral counts as a nude if you have VERY pink undertones or didn't slap on enough sunscreen before hitting the beach. (Doesn't it?) I understand that I'm taking a lot of liberties with the definition of "nude" here, but if you think about, the color nude for a Swedish girl isn't exactly nude for Eurasian me. Anyway, these Delman calfskin sandals ($195; Click to Buy) are simple and pared-down without looking stark. I love the small details on the sides; they're a great option for the more feminine of ladies.

Current status: team J.Crew. You?

The Signature Look

I'm a huge fan of Garance Doré; I think she's witty, personable, and unbelievably charming. I'd like to make her my best friend at some point. One can usually spot her signature topknot hairstyle, and when I saw the above street-style photos, I got to thinking about signature touches, whether they be Alexa Chung's shoulder-length hair or Freja Beha Erichsen's (guys, you knew it was going to head in this direction) leather jackets.

I don't have a signature touch. Sometimes, I straighten my hair before work. When I remember to do so, I'll swipe on Nars lipstick in Casablanca. Mostly, I just let all of my makeup fall off before going home and washing off the remnants before bed. I feel like I should implement a signature something, but the intent to do so seems fraudulent and a little forced. One of my bosses has a perfectly frizz-free bob regardless of rain, shine, or monsoon, and the other wears bright red lipstick on the regular. One fashion editor likes to wear ankle boots with opaque black tights and flowing, floaty minidresses. I doubt any of them set off with the motivation of making each her signature look.

I can let nature run its course, but I don't want my signature look to be dark skinny jeans and chapped knuckles. Should I just let a "signature" happen or try to influence it with purposeful applications of mascara (for doll-like lashes) or orange lipstick (à la J.Crew catalogues)? Is a signature even a signature if you've lifted it from the pages of popular clothing store ad? Probably not. Earnest Sewn and a perpetual need for hand cream it is.

Do you have a signature look? I'm just going to wait for mine to develop on its own. Currently, I'm crossing my fingers and hoping to God that frizz-free, humidity-immune hair somehow happens.

Photos courtesy of: Chicago Street Style and The Photodiarist.

Good Morning Mug

I love mornings. My undying love for breakfast food notwithstanding, my parents trained us to wake up at the crack of dawn to get a head-start on the weekends. To this day, sleeping past 9 AM causes an existential crisis about how I'm wasting my life. The downside is that I usually nod off by 11 PM and rarely partake in fun social activities. I'm nearly certain that my parents planned this in advance.

This Morning Mug ($29; Click to Buy) is such a cute illustration of the night-to-day transition.

The mug is "asleep" when cold, and as fresh coffee or tea is poured in, the heat "wakes" the mug. Is this not adorable? (Yes. Yes, it is.) It would make such a great hostess gift, or a present for that friend who has everything except a cheeky little mug.

Keeping in Touch

I took the leap and bought an iPhone. I'm still barely over my Razr, so this was obviously not an easy transition. I set it on my desk (carefully) and stared at it for an hour, too nervous to touch it. What if I drop it? What if it rolls out of my hand through no fault of my own? What if someone snatches it out of my hand and runs? This thing is like a newborn baby. I'm half surprised it doesn't wake me up and cry in the middle of the night.

The obvious first step was to get a case for it. I decided on a simple black-and-white chevron pattern for the time being, because the idea of holding out for a great, creative case and leaving my iPhone vulnerable for more than a few days was beyond me. But I've been on the look-out for something better. I know what I want in a case: something simple, French-inspired without being obviously so (no tours d'Eiffel), and cheeky.

Et voilà, I've found my technological soulmate. Check out this gem from Society6 ($35; Click to Buy):

J'adore quand ils m'appellent Big Poppa! God rest your soul, Biggie. If this doesn't make springing for an iPhone a good decision, I don't know what would.