Figuring Out What Is Really Important In Life

Today was the day of our first snow fight and one of the most glorious days as a family . Yes, it has taken us 5 1/2 years to take our little one to the snow. I am not exactly sure why we took so long, as our local snow spot is only an hour and a half away from our beach side community. I wonder if we are so spoiled by all that we have, that we don't even appreciate all that surrounds us. And, my thoughts would normally be... well, we are in a recession and we need to be conservative. But, today's activities show me that it doesn't take a lot of money to have a good time. I got all of my son's snow boots and outfit from our local trade/consignment store. So, no money spent there. My husband and I already had appropriate gear, well most of it. So what if my husband wore jeans, several sweat shirts and my old purple ski gloves. It was a gorgeous sunny day at 40 degrees and we were all warm enough. We didn't even need to pay for the ski tickets, since the nice workers suggested we actually just go to the next turnout and sled for free. Santa brought sleds already, so we didn't need to pay for rubber rafts. Plus, the snow was as deep as 4 feet at the ski lodge runs and would surely not be safe for our little 42" boy. So, bottom line is we spent very little.

I have grown up at the beach since I was 4. I have seen a hundred times the kids that get off the bus from "inland" in their jeans and jump into the ocean with pure abandon. When I was a kid I would think, "why on earth don't they own a pair of swim trunks or shorts"?

But, I see that we were the one's today that a mountain family would look and think "why on earth is that man in jeans, a sweatshirt and smurf purple girl gloves"? (Also, a moment when I thought he is a REAL man to pull this off.)

So, I guess all my rambling surmises that making memories with those you love is the best and most important thing in the world. And, if you are doing it in wet jeans (even if you look like a fool to others or a smurf)... who the heck cares? Making the memory is more important.

I think that one of the benefits of a recession is we are forced to rethink what is really important and what we really need.

What do you think?

Have you ever had a similar moment or time in your life?

(Or, do you just want to send us some appropriate snow gear so we stop making fools of ourselves?! LOL)

xo,

Christina

The Anti-Fashion Week Weekend Read from The Independent Fashion Bloggers

The Anti-Fashion Week

Edited by Dramatis Personae

That isn’t to say that I’m against Fashion Week… but more that this week’s Links á la Mode just really isn’t focused on it. With amazing interviews from kaKofoniesOfsi(gh)lens, Fashion in My Eyes, and Eternal Masquerade to great features on vintage clothing from Retro Chick and Unfunded, there’s as much fabulousness off the catwalk as on.

Maybe it’s bitterness that I’ll be missing out on NYFW for the 3rd season in a row or maybe it’s my gentle heart preventing you all from Fashion Week burnout too soon…which it is, I’ll never tell.

Note from Editor : Please be sure to check out the IFB Conference at NYFW : Evolving Influence

Links à la Mode: February 11th

• 39thandbroadway.com: – How Designers Really View Their Customers


• A Typical Atypical: – I chat about how hard it must be to love fashion and be blind, and I question whether there ought to be a charity dedicated to helping people feel good about how they look even if they can’t see it in the mirror.


• Cafe Fashionista: – Style Secrets: Symbol of Style. A how-to on creating your very own trademark/signature look.


• dramatis personae – How to Pack for Mardi Gras!


• Eternal Masquerade: – Interview with young designer, and Teen Vogue/CFDA/Target scholarship winner, Jennifer Huang.


• Fab Blab: – Even after all these years, we continue to differentiate between dark and fair. How does this affect the fashion industry adversely?


• Fashion Cents: – Seven Style Basics that EVERYONE should know! Make sure you are not committing these style “sins.”


• fashion in my eyes: – Fashion is supposed to be fun! Interview with designer Arina Varga


• Haute World: – A Mad Tea Party? An exclusive look at how 9 luxury designers interpret Alice in Wonderland for French department store Printemps.


• Instant Vintage: – Blood, Sweat & T-Shirts: Learning the true cost of that cheap and chic outfit you just scored.


• kaKofonie Of si(gh)lenS: – Interview with Anna Osterlund of Ravishing Mad


• Model Max: – Are ‘respectable’ fashion writers insecure with ‘upstart amateur’ fashion bloggers?


• Oranges and Apples: – Is fashion oppressive or fun? some belated thoughts on Tanya Gold hating fashion


• Rags to Reverie: – Vivienne Westwood showed that fashion forwardness could be inspired by the past


• Retro Chick: – Top tips to on the spot dating of Vintage Clothes


• THE COVETED: – Devil’s Advocate : blogging and corporate seeding


• The Fashion Planner: – DIY: How to Make Naughty Granny Panties for Valentine’s Day!


• the musings of ondo lady: – Back in 2006 Slave to Fashion, a three part documentary was aired on Channel 4 which took a really good look at the fashion industry.The aim was to make sense of the multi billion industry which everyone from the media to consumers seemed to be obsessed w


• The Recessionista: – an hour ago Rebecca Taylor & Milly: Fashion Week Inspiration


• Unfunded: – Photos and thoughts from the Vintage Fashion Expo in Santa Monica, CA.The

I Have A Secret

I can somewhat relate to this, because when I am 10 lbs. overweight I don't get noticed as much and I too feel a freedom in it.

Being or trying to be "perfect" with a perfect body, makeup, outfit, life, etc.. all the time... for what or for whom? It is all so exhausting.

What are your thoughts?

xo,

Christina

The Love/Hate Relationship With Fashion

The Love/Hate Relationship With Fashion

Edited by Debutante Clothing

While some people think fashion is frivolous and contributes nothing to the world, others are curating museum exhibits featuring 20th century clothing. This week’s links made me think about the love/hate camps in fashion. Starting with Grit and Glamour’s post on bloggers getting backlash from fashion insiders, Houndstooth + Tortoiseshell’s refreshingly funny admission of Tavi envy, or Fab Lab’s hate of people who hate. But there is some love in sight – British Style Bloggers reminds us to look in the mirror and love ourselves. Enjoy!

Note from Editor : Please be sure to check out the IFB Conference at NYFW : Evolving Influence

Links à la Mode: February 4th

• A Dress & A Bike – Why breaking the love of one particular brand has been good for my personal style


• British Style Bloggers – Some gems to remember


• Debutante Clothing – Going to a Vintage Show? Insider Tips & Interview


• dirty hems – lacroix by lacroix


• Fab Blab – Why I Hate People Who Ostracize Fashion


• fête à fête – Review of Guerlain’s Spring 2010 Cherry Blossom makeup & the new Rouge G Le Brillant lipstick


• Friend in Fashion – Luxe Vintage


• grit and glamour – Fashion’s Knickers are in a Twist


• hello beauty! – Benefit Stay Don’t Stray: An innovative new primer to lock down shadows AND concealer


• Houndstooth + Tortoiseshell – Young fashion blogger incites curiousity, envy


• Independent Fashion Bloggers – Get Out There : How To Cover Events Without Feeling Like an Idiot


• Lillys Roses – How to DIY your own Chanel Jade nail polish


• Mariel's Castle – Haute Couture 101


• Model Max – MAT GORDON: The ModelWatch Interview


• Oranges and Apples – Top websites for ethical shopping


• Retro Chick – Ethical Design Spotlight – Junky Styling


• Styletastic – To fur or not to fur?


• Stylist Diva – : Are Fashion Bloggers taking over the world?


• Tatiana Supports the Arts – Etsy Window Shopping: Queen Elizabeth I Roundup


• the brooklyn posh blog – He loves me, he loves me not, he loves me, red hot


• THE COVETED – Pretty Dresses at the VioletvilleVintage.com launch


• White Rabbit – The inspiration behind my Merlixa Designs millinery collection


• [the3st] – Interview with Amy Smilovic of Tibi

Fall Trend Predition~ Leopard Print and Black Lace From Dolce and Gabbana

Dolce and Gabbana's Fall Collection just may show a sneak peak what will be hot in Fall 2010. This includes sophisticated leopard, floral hose, and black lace. I think we can all find something age appropriate from these trends. Personally, since I am in the 40's age group, I'll probably pass on the floral lace hose, but go for a leopard scarf with Beverly Feldman leopard flats to spice up an all black outfit. I love black lace, so I am feeling a feminine black lace blouse under a black boyfriend

blazer and black jeans or pants with high killer black boots or heels.

What do you like in this collection?

Is there anything here you would wear or gain a little inspiration from?

My advise, if you are in your 20's or 30's rock it. You go girl.

xo,

Christina

ps. Thank you to you kind souls that commented on my last little heartbreak post. Your comments and advise means the world to me. You are the best. xoxo. From a rockie Momma. LOL. Rule number 1... Don't take yourself too seriously.

His First Little Heartbreak... And Mine

As many of you may already know, I have a 5 1/2 year old son.

And I am no different than any parent wanting to shield my child from any silly mistakes, hurts or pitfalls in life. I thought I had it all handled for the most part as a parent for a 5 year old.

But, I find myself quite helpless when he cried to me about his friend that is a girl telling me she told him she likes another boy today and didn't want to go on our play date with my son that was somewhat scheduled.

He cried and cried from the bottom of his little soul that seemed like eternity.

Is this only the beginning of me losing control over his safety in the world and not able to shield him from the hurt and pain I surely know he will endure at some level?

And, what is it about seeing your child cry over heartbreak or being rejected that brings the heartbreak to your heart as well? Almost as if you are feeling a past heartbreak come back for just a moment.

Any suggestions on how to handle a child's broken heart, hurt feelings and the such, even at tender age of 5?

My husband suggests not doing play dates for a while with this girl (we have been doing them once a week) so my son doesn't get his feelings hurt when she cancels at the last moment. Maybe this can help elevate some of the pain in the interim and take a little power back. And, instead making plans with other boys to have play dates to get him excited about and connect with.

I truly thought I had been done with heartbreak, for the most part, in my life. Now, I realize that I will be a parent living through and supporting my son's rejections, hurts & heartbreaks for as long as I shall live. It's only just begun...

I'm putting on my seat belt for the ride of my life.

If you are a parent, do you feel the same as I? Any suggestions? (Other than call her Mom and tell her how mean she was to my son today! LOL)

xo,

Christina

A Touch of Frivolity Links a' La Mode Top 20 Fashion Posts of The Week

A Touch of Frivolity

Edited by Retro Chick

It’s been a long time since pay day and this weeks Links à la Mode brings a touch of much needed frivolity as we crawl into the second month of a new decade. Idiosyncratic Style takes Scooby Doo’s Velma as her style inspiration, Dirty Hems is inspired by dolls houses and Ode to Awe shows off her leopard print nails. Want something for nothing? A few Goody Gumdrops has an Aspinall of London bag to giveaway and Retro Chick (that’s me!) has 2 Valentine goodie bags to giveaway worth over £100 each. We’ve also got some great designer interviews and some practical advice.

On a more sober note there’s some timely tips from Sway, Sway, Sway! on how you can continue to donate to Haiti without getting scammed, Shoe Daydreams discusses Tanya Golds “Why I hate Fashion” article and Ventures of Jenn shares her opinions on the body image debate.

Bring on February!

Note from Editor : Please be sure to check out the IFB Conference at NYFW : Evolving Influence

Links à la Mode: January 28th

• 39th and broadway – 5 Questions To Ask Before Beginning a Career in Fashion


• A Few Goody GumDrops – A Few Goody Gumdrops and Aspinal of London are Giving away an ever-so chic and sophisticated beige patterned skin clutch!


• Analogue Chic – Looking good while doing stuff – braving the weather and the commute with a sense of style.


• Bonne Vie – Invest in Quality Denim; featuring How-To Tips from Denim Debutante


• Cafe Fashionista – Style Secrets: Cowboy Boots Made Classy


• Cindy Whitehead – The Modern Snow Bunny


• Denim Debutante – Aeropostale Gives Back with Teens for Jeans Campaign


• dirty hems. – In the Dollhouse – Miniature inspiration and a teeny resulting DIY


• Dramatis Personae – a feature & interview with the designer behind i am dorkas


• Fasshonaburu – I challenge myself to follow my own dress code regulations in order to wow up my day to day ensembles.


• fête à fête – Clarins debuts first certified organic beauty soap


• Idiosyncratic Style – Inspired by the sartorially underrated Velma Dinkley.


• Independent Fashion Bloggers – IFB Presents : Evolving Influence Conference NYFW 2010


• kaKofonie Of si(gh)lenS – Interview with Janeane Marie Ceccanti


• Ode to Awe – I review Minx Nails, plus my glamourous Russian Garnet cocktail ring


• Oranges and Apples – Vintage teenage hair inspiration


• Retro Chick – Valentines Day is on it’s way and Retro Chick has 2 goodie bags worth over £100 each to give away to help you celebrate!


• Shoe Daydreams – Fashion Influences (?)


• Style Eyes Fashion Blog – I have avoided eco and ethical fashion in the past because of the price but I have just discovered it is affordable and stylish.


• Style Symmetry – How to Choose Items at a Clothing Swap Party


• Sway Sway Away! – A passionate plea from a member of the global community to her fashionable brothers and sister: help Haiti!


• THE COVETED – Suzy Menkes, Facehunter, LeMads & The Coveted talk about fashion blogs


• ventures of jenn – on body issues

Chanel Spring 2010 Haute Couture

I start with the Chanel shorts suit.

I love the color of green and lord knows I die for a Chanel suit. But, what the heck are they thinking with the shorts suit? I personally would throw down the Chanel suit on a job interview, closing a big deal, marriage of child, wedding of ex, etc... You know, the few special events in your life when a top of the line Chanel suit is needed. So, why on earth would I throw on granny shorts versus a pencil skirt on such heavy hitter day? I normally am very positive but I think they are way off course on this one. What do you think?

I think the rest of the collection is done to perfection with romantic draping details and exquisite workmanship.

I'm feeling a little 60's vibe here.

This baby really hits me. What do you think?

Very young and hip with the extreme

metallic top and draped bottom.

So soft and romantic.

What are your thoughts about this collection?

Are you up for trying on the granny Chanel shorts suit?

Am I going to be eating my words in two years?

It has happened before...

xo,

Christina

All photos founds at Couture.

Blue Springs Home Makes You Feel "Home Sweet Home"

It has been quite a crazy week here in Orange County. Well, just a little tornado warning or too to spice things up. (We are such wimps compared to most of you since we are used to 6o degrees with partly cloudy as our winter). So, my thoughts are focused on staying home and being comfy and safe this weekend. What better shop to feature than Blue Springs Home when you think of luxury bedding and being comfortable. Well, Ok this isn't just comfortable. This is taking your bedding to another level. And when you feel the quality of this bedding, you will see just how comfortable it is. This bedding is a gorgeous mix of spicy dramatic colors of rust, lilac and tangerine. It is so inviting and luxurious in person.

This antique tapestry, Italian Florentine side bedside tables and lace type textured bedding is right up my alley. Let's just say this is my personal "heaven of a bed" scenario. It is complied of a Silvermist bed and Bella Notte bedding. My Mom actually purchased those blue laced crushed velveteen pillowcases as I was taking this picture and they are beyond fabulous.

Don't you just want to jump into this heavenly pink bed full of lusciousness? Ok, maybe not you guys. But, you gals! All by Bella Norte. Simply divine. Am I right?

Jump on in and make yourself at home.

The romantic work of Susan Brow takes any special bedroom
to another level. This painting is $595.

This is a fabulous bed made up of Maiteo bedding. It would be perfect for a more relaxed seaside or cap cod home. I adore those burlap pillows. I can certainly see my son having this as a teenager with his surfboard leaning against a wall.



You will find the most unique treasures that are top notch
that are a mix of new and antique.



John Rebshaw's colorful mix of modern pillows
in all colors, shapes and sizes to complete your perfect look.


An exquisite colorful mix of classic and modern bedding
created by John Rubshaw.



Blue Springs Home has been a "must stop shop" in Newport Beach for as long as I can remember. So, if you ever make it this way make sure to take yourself a personal tour. The talented, personal and attentive shop owners will help you create the bed of your dreams.

Blue Springs Home

369 E. 17th Street

Newport Beach, California 92627

Of course, if you can't make it take a tour of their website and their gorgeous blog. They are having an amazing 30 % off sale on selected items until the end of this month. So, take advantage!

~~
Which bedding is your heaven of a bed?

Have yourself one safe, warm and cozy weekend.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
xo,
Christina

All pictures taken by yours truly, Christina Gough, with my little cheapo digital.

The Heavyweights Weekend Read from Independent Fashion Bloggers Top 20 Weekly Posts

The Heavyweights

Edited by Dramatis Personae

Fashion’s getting heavier– and I’m not just talking about the rise of supermodels like Crystal Renn. This week we’ve got meaty posts covering ethical topics like the sustainability of bamboo at Awakened Aesthetic while Bonne-Vie covers the the implications of buying items made in China. We’ve got not 1–not 2, but 3 AMAZING Interviews this week at Alice in Stilettos, kaKofonie Of si(gh)lenS, and White Rabbit. Even Gala Darling’s post on her 2010 Style Direction could serve as a paperweight, it’s so chock full of inspiring images, details, and notations.

As usual, there’s a fabulous collection of links in the forums for your continued reading pleasure!

Links à la Mode: January 21st

• Alice in Stilettos: – Interviewed brilliant 18 year old designer, Nathan Gerard!


• Awakened Aesthetic: – How Green is Your Bamboo?


• Bonne Vie: – At Bonne Vie, we talked about the impact of conscious spending on your wardrobe (and one girl’s journey to not buy “Made In China”)


• Cafe Fashionista: – Style Secrets: Stormy Sophistication. A comprehensive guide for the girl who wants to remain fashionable even in the midst of a monsoon!


• DailyDivaDish: – Vintage Broaches: 8 Unique ways to wear these treasures & more — includes many pics of different broaches & a DIY idea for reusing those with broken clasps.


• dramatis personae: – Following Your Instincts…When Meeting New People, When Shopping, When at Work, and When in Love


• Fashion Pulse Daily: – Ponders the significance of the C. Finley Wallpapered Dumpster Project


• For Those About to Shop: – nternational runway sensation Stacey McKenzie inspires aspiring models to be themselves.


• Gala Darling: – 2010 Style Direction: Psychadelic Ladies Who Lunch


• girl friday : – DIY Ribbon Necklace & Bracelet. tutoirial on how to make your own ribbon necklace.


• hello beauty! – In my post on Hello Beauty, I wrote about the new Bobbi Brown campaign. She’s using friends – not models.


• Idee Fixe: – Fashion and the arts charities supporting Haitian Relief on Idee Fixe


• In Life & In Fashion: – Make a “Most Coveted List” to avoid silly impulse spending! Includes tip on how to create your own list and what is currently on mine!


• Independent Fashion Bloggers: – How to Create Your Media Kit


• kaKofonie Of si(gh)lenS: – My exclusive interview with Inbar Spector, an Israeli London-based designer whose renowned avant garde Bjork-inspired designs have been worn by celebrities such as Rihanna.


• Model Max: – A special report on the history of male modeling – from the 1980s to the present time, with short profiles of selected male models who remain successful even after modeling.


• Oranges and Apples: – Top tips for organising your wardrobe


• Retro Chick – The 4 things I’ve always wanted but never owned


• THE COVETED – Marion Cotillard and Franz Ferdinand team up for Dior


• the fashionate traveller: – the rock/burlesque/voodoo vibe that is alternative Sydney label Baroque & Roll.


• White Rabbit: – Introducing Sorcha Gillet, the Irish born textile designer and blogger.