most recently spied http://truespies.org Updates from true spies. en-us Consume or Consumed >> A Suitable Replacement http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ConsumeOrConsumed/~3/kl29_un7fh8/suitable-replacement.html
I became enamored of the Proenza Schouler PS 1 handbag a long time ago but knew it wasn't in the cards for my budget any time soon. Unwilling to pursue a blatant knockoff, I channeled that enthusiasm more generally to the category of vintage leather satchels. Recently I decided to take the plunge and bid on one from the Coach of yesteryear, on Ebay. I knew I loved vintage Coach leather so it seemed like a safer bet than going with a stiffer, shinier contemporary version in the realm of my budget.
I was pretty pleased when I received the result. While it was more worn than I anticipated, I grew to appreciate the aged leather. The cross-body strap makes it an idea purse for quick errands or dog walks.
It's certainly no PS1 but it was also only 1/100th of the cost. Shown with a Zara coat, Old Navy cords, and Tory Burch flats.
 The Noumenal Moon >> My Harold Diary: Harolds Number 19, 20, 21 and 22 http://truespies.org/noumenalmoon/2010/03/10/my-harold-diary-harolds-number-19-20-21-and-22/ It has been a while since I looked at the Harolds I have been doing, but I’ve been awfully busy with Wrestling Team and Player Piano and A Dangerous Woman and other things like looking for a job and such. My 401 class ended two weeks ago, and Harolds 19, 20 and 21 were performed [...] Don't Kick Food! >> For Norma Desmond http://truespies.org/dontkickfood/2010/03/08/for-norma-desmond/ Recorded on my phone while I was watching Sunset Boulevard. For Norma Desmond nah pop, no style >> what the hell did i do this weekend? http://truespies.org/andybot/2010/03/08/what-the-hell-did-i-do-this-weekend/ Here’s what the hell I did this weekend: Friday, Lawrenceville church fish fry with Lawrenceville buddy. There was fish. There was cole slaw (eh . . . it was okay). There was mac and cheese. There was Mountain Dew that was a couple months past its “Best By” date. And, most importantly, there was PUDDING. After that, [...] Consume or Consumed >> Mixing Colors, Patterns, and Textures http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ConsumeOrConsumed/~3/bmqX7JoXdiY/mixing-colors-patterns-and-textures.html Because I've not really been buying much, lately I've been into layering and assembling pieces from my closet in ways that keep things feeling new and fresh. My recent trip to New Orleans happened to overlap with Mardi Gras and I encountered a slew of bright colors and textures mixed in unexpected ways on parade floats like these:
In outfits like these:
And in the unintentional haul of parade loot:
I didn't mean to accumulate so much stuff but during a parade Chris and I became acquainted with a nice southern family who keep piling it on due to their enthusiasm over it being our first time in New Orleans (not to mention our first Lundi Gras). By the end of the evening, I was inadvertently over accessorized.
But I came back from that trip feeling like the best way to beat the winter doldrums was to embrace colors and patterns that make me happy. So I've tried to do just that.
 
This year, I barely wore one of my patterned coats (MBMJ Domino) because I was reluctant to pair it with prints. But the other day when I went shopping in Shadyside with a friend, I decided to match this "punk harlequin clown coat" with a paisley dress.
The hues of navy and teal matched perfectly, (perhaps because the dress and coat came from the same designer) even though they were from Fall/Winter seasons a year apart from one another. Also shown: Linea Pelle belt and Seychelles At Last Boots. 
Perhaps it isn't the most daring entrance into the world of print mixing but it was my first non-patterned tights related print combo. I felt pretty conspicuous on Walnut Street. What do you think of it?
Pamcakes and Eggs >> Mental Health Day 2010! http://pamcakesandeggs.com/2010/03/05/mental-health-day-2010/ Today has been declared MENTAL HEALTH DAY 2010!!! I took a vacation day today. I’ve been a wee bit stressed lately…. new job responsibilities…wedding…moving…. plus tomorrow is my birthday(!) so I’m home today. And it’s AWESOME! Here’s what I’ve been doing lately. I ran home from work in the rain last week. Mascara fail: I took some pictures of [...] A (criminally vulgar) Casual Weblog >> Poetry and Other Nerd Stuff… http://casualist.wordpress.com/2010/03/05/poetry-and-other-nerd-stuff/ I’ve always LIKED Yeats, but I never got fanatical about him.  Recently I re-read “The Second Coming” and I was BLOWN away.  If I tell you that what sparked my re-reading it was the fact that the new run of Batman comics that Kevin Smith is writing takes its title from the first line of the [...] A (criminally vulgar) Casual Weblog >> New Day Rising… http://casualist.wordpress.com/2010/03/05/new-day-rising/ I’m drifting away from talking about clothes and trainers on here for a bit.  I think it has something to do with not getting new stuff and thinning out the herd, so to speak, of what I have.  It’s a good feeling.  I might get into some pics and such in the weeks to come, [...] steel away >> Organ mania http://truespies.org/steelaway/2010/03/04/organ-mania/ I just wrote a post about organs for my Other Blog, and then found out that the Organ Historical Society is having its convention in Pittsburgh this year! OMG guys! This will definitely mean good concerts. For now, check out this nice website they’ve got, complete with a photo gallery of some [...] Consume or Consumed >> It's All in the Travel Bag http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ConsumeOrConsumed/~3/wxd9agDnbS4/its-all-in-travel-bag.html When I am preparing for a trip, I try to acknowledge that working with a limited closet requires being cognizant of how separate garments will match and how they'll keep after living in luggage for extended periods of time. This applies to my accessories and bags as much as it does my outfits. Some items are automatically out of contention due to their impracticality or travel unfriendliness. For example heavier handbags, like this old favorite- the Marc Jacobs Stam hobo, have never left the city by plane.
Even when I've brought it with me on short journeys (to DC for example), it ended up getting very little use because of its heft.

For the last half dozen or so extended trips that involved plane rides, I've brought with me my two lightest and most versatile handbags to use during the days and evenings: Balencaiga Day and City. They're so easy to fold/roll, and take up such little carryon space.
The black and gray match just about everything I would bring with me. Making any additional bags, unnecessary. They're also very lightweight which is good when you're saddled with cameras, maps, scarves, bonus layers, and sundry souvenirs.

En route to my final destination, I pack the bbags into bags. I usually stuff one into my beloved, lightweight, sleek, and incredibly mobile (thanks to its inline skate wheels) Heys XCase 20" Carry-On. This fits very easily into overhead bins AND in a pinch I've even stuffed it under my seat.

I bought two of them (in grey and black) for a song at the closing sale of Pittsburgh's now-deceased Filene's Basement.

The other purse goes with me into my durable Longchamp Le Pliage Medium Folding Tote. 
It has a secure zip closure and is so sturdy and lightweight, it is kind of ridiculous. I got the above one (which was a seasonal offering) from the Great Fall 2008 Saks Sale. This fits very easily underneath the seats. The heavy nylon keeps everything safe (since I am fussy about putting anything leather onto the floor). It also holds a TON of stuff. I fit my leather bag (with purse contents), laptop, spare pair of ballerina flats, quart bag of liquids, snacks, jewelry pouch, cosmetic pouch, pashmina scarf (to double as a blanket if I get cold on the plane), magazines, book, and a spare outfit, easily.

I've often considered bringing more formal looking or uniquely colored bags with me on my travels but I always force myself to reevaluate the impulse to overpack prior to departure of my home. I remind myself gently that the more I bring, the more I'll have to hulk around airport(s), onto mass transit, into taxis, etc. And the less space I'll have to bring home new, exciting finds!

How do you travel your belongings? Do you have a beloved duffle? A system of emergency Baggus? Do you go the Rachel Zoe route and Fed Ex everything to your hotel so you don't have to think about it? I'd love to know your strategy.
 steel away >> Listening http://truespies.org/steelaway/2010/03/03/listening/ I think I want: Joanna Newsom’s new 3-part album, Have One on Me. Her sound is really different now, a lot gentler. I think I might like this. Amazon has previews. NPR All Songs Considered: Guest DJ Bonnie Prince Billy (March 23, 2009). Interesting discussion and some great songs – especially “The Girl in [...] Consume or Consumed >> Mad for Plaids: More New Orleans dressing room photos http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ConsumeOrConsumed/~3/eQk6KCeM6ZA/mad-for-plaids-more-new-orleans.html It was pretty cold while I was down south. With highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s, it barely felt like a break from the bitter cold of SWPA. And in my silliness, I actually thought I might get to swim in the unheated pool at the W New Orleans, where I stayed.
View from my room on the 22nd floor. I could see the casino, the Mississippi River, and the World Trade Center.
The sun made everything more bearable, at least. And compared to 2+feet of snow and highs in the high 20s, 50 did feel almost tropical. 

But spring fashions were ubiquitous on racks of boutiques and local outposts of familiar shopping haunts. I did manage to find a few warmer flannel options to layer for when I'd return to Pittsburgh.
 
This dress is a size medium and it was snug around my hips and thighs. I didn't buy it but I really liked the dark colors. 
This blue flannel dress had a flattering shape and was marked down to $19.99. I took a medium and have worn it many times since!
I also bought this foofy lace skirt from Urban Outfitters sale section and have worn it a few times already. If I wear it with too much black it can look a little more goth and witchy than I want. So I try to soften it with colored tights or a lighter cardigan.


Pamcakes and Eggs >> My Top 5 New Favorite Things! http://pamcakesandeggs.com/2010/03/02/my-top-5-new-favorite-things/ I’ve been meaning to blog. Sort of. I told Aaron yesterday that I lost my blogging mojo. Not sure what happened. As a result of being too lazy to walk to the kitchen and get my camera, I’ve decided to blog about some of my favorite things!! Top 5 Favorite Things (of late): 1. EatSmart Precision Kitchen Scale I [...] nah pop, no style >> jump on it http://truespies.org/andybot/2010/03/01/jump-on-it/ In the interest of blogging more than once a week, I bring you this! First off, I’d like to point out that while Canada DID beat the US team in both hockey finals in the Olympics, I had a rare time yelling “CROSBY SUCKS” for a few days, and also “DAAYYY-O!” and “WOO-WOOO!” so all was [...] Consume or Consumed >> Dressing Room Report http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ConsumeOrConsumed/~3/pNeaqlMaakw/dressing-room-report.html One thing I like about traveling is how easy it becomes to rationalize otherwise indulgent luxuries only reserved for bad days or special occasions. For example, I wouldn't usually eat a plate of beignets for breakfast at home, but while traveling, it becomes an entirely reasonable meal.
Beignets from Cafe du Monde
And meandering around a fairly empty department store, opting to try on full price stuff with little intent to buy becomes a way to kill an hour of spare time.
 
I've always been drawn to polka dots, even though I can't recall the last time I wore them. But when I saw this silk and ruffled dress by Nanette Lepore I decided to move from being the customer who was "just browsing" into one who, "would love to start a fitting room." This is a size 8 or 10. I can't recall which. But it fit loosely on top. This dress also had substantial shoulder pads which was an alarming surprise. Although I liked it, it didn't wow me.
Nautical sails and seagulls enticed me to grab this silk Tibi dress. The size 10 was ill fitting on me.
The next few dresses were from the Urban Outfitters sale racks in New Orleans. This dress was cute but a little more body conscious than I wear.
This heavy corduroy dress by Lark and Wolf by Steven Alan reminded me of an APC dress. But I didn't buy it because it was a little big on top (particularly when I turned to the side, the back bloused strangely).

I'll post the remainder, including things I actually purchased, tomorrow. 
 book a week geek >> When the worst things are true things. http://truespies.org/bookaweekgeek/2010/02/26/when-the-worst-things-are-true-things/ Last week’s Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks made me wish I were reading science fiction.  This week’s I, Rigoberta Menchu (as told by Rigoberta Menchu) makes me wish I were reading speculative fiction.  Regrettably, in both cases, I wasn’t.  I am so deeply bothered by Rigoberta’s story.  This is one of those books that I [...] nah pop, no style >> hey what’s up http://truespies.org/andybot/2010/02/26/hey-whats-up/ Lamest blog ever. Here’s the things for this week: Peep this interview I did with Sondre Lerche. He’s playing Club Cafe tonight. Speaking of tonight, there’s a show at Roboto tonight. And tomorrow. And tomorrow night. And the next night. Then never again. I plan to turn out for some of these events celebrating the end of [...] Consume or Consumed >> A Quiet Blog and an Unquiet Mind http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ConsumeOrConsumed/~3/VvfMs1-ja2k/quiet-blog-and-unquiet-mind.html Sorry for my silence. I have been traveling. I have also been juggling a variety of responsibilities and a few higher pressure situations related to the possible trajectories of my career. It has been a busy time of restlessness but it is an exciting time. For any negativity that could be on my horizon (rejections, disappointments, etc.), I remind myself (like now, when I cannot sleep at night) that I have been so fortunate, so far. Even when I am certain things will go wrong, good emerges. I am lucky.

I have more deadlines and travel engagements and high stakes moments that will unfold over the next month so things might be quieter than normal here. They will definitely be less reflective... But I will try to post photos of outfits at least.

Here are some things I wore recently.
Horse print dress from H&M, Purple cashmere sweater from TJ Maxx, Tory Burch Revas, Patterned navy tights from Banana Republic.
On Valentine's Day, a Banana Republic sweater, Juicy Couture bow skirt, Black tights, snow boots from K-Mart, Zara coat.
 
Zara plaid dress, Design History cardigan from TJ Maxx, Orla Kiely bag. Docs (not shown)
Vince cardigan, Ann Taylor Loft cords, Burberry jeweled flats, LA Made long sleeve tshirt underneath.
A new favorite, Marc by Marc Jacobs Peacock Paisley dress (which has served me well on planes, buses, taxis, and in walking all over unfamiliar terrain). Banana republic tights, Tory Burch shoes.

Thanks for reading!
 A (criminally vulgar) Casual Weblog >> Working the Bags http://casualist.wordpress.com/2010/02/23/working-the-bags/ Over the last few days I’ve drifted back to working the bags.  I have a small heavy bag and a speed bag and I absolutely LOVE them.  It’s fantastic to punch the bags.  I swear I can feel my blood pressure lower when I work them.  I’ve been shoveling a ton of snow, so working the [...] Pamcakes and Eggs >> Baking Christmas cookies in February is pretty normal http://pamcakesandeggs.com/2010/02/21/baking-christmas-cookies-in-february-is-pretty-normal/ It’s Sunday evening. Work tomorrow…. I haven’t blogged in a few days so I have the whole weekend to write about. First up, Friday evening. I went to The Wrekids release show at The Thunderbird. The two members of this little band are a husband & wife duo and are actually going to be DJ-ing our wedding!! [...]