Vintage Finds

         Over the weekend I took a mini-break (as the English say) to Monterey. As much of a city girl I am, it's nice to get out of it every now and then. I've been traveling there since I was a little girl for family vacations and I still love it to this day. One of our favorite spots is the Antique Mall on Cannery Row. It's two stories chalk- a-block full of goodness. I can spend hours trolling the little stalls of items littered about. You have to take your time and look EVERYWHERE. You are sure to miss things, no matter how long you take, there's that much stuff. 
        I found some amazing things for my room that I am currently redecorating and even some shoes! Here's a peek at my purchases. 

Vintage glass bottles. Some held liquor, others medicine.

Jewelry Box that is practically in perfect condition.

An owl toothbrush holder. Isn't he cute?

A pair of 'never worn' oxfords along with a 

blazer I later found at goodwill. 

The Music of 2010

      So all these magazines and websites are going through their top 10, 20 or even 50 albums of the year. Of course, this is all subjective to who is compiling them. Everyone has their own taste on music, so no list will be the same. I have been thinking about my top 10 REALLY hard. I'm not a critic or anything, so I'm sure most won't agree with me, but I don't care. These are the albums I've been jammin' too all year long. It's very difficult to number them, so I won't. Here is MY top 10, in no particular order :)


Brothers
The Black Keys
From start to finish, this album is absolute genius. Their best album to date. What these guys can do on a drum set and an electric guitar is amazing! They're even better live!
Key Track: "Howlin' For You"

Crazy For You

Best Coast

From the first note, you can tell the coast they're referring to is the West. Specifically California. They're vibe is very "venice beach" meets Jenny Lewis. The melodies and lyrics are simple, but they work. You instantly wanna sing along to "I wish he was my boyfriend, but instead he is just a friend". 

Key Track: "Boyfriend"
Come Around Sundown

Kings of Leon
I think some of their die hard fans didn't like this album a whole lot. I actually thought it was great. This is the type of album that a band puts out who will be around for a long time. Plus, they brought in a bit of their country upbringing in a few songs that felt very fresh for them. 
Key Track: "Back Down South"

Speak Now

Taylor Swift

Yes, I'm a Taylor fan! Don't care if you aren't. She is so amazing a putting melodies together and just so talented for her age. This album has much more mature songs than her last without losing the fun country  pop songs she's know for. 

Key Track: "Dear John"

Teen Dream
Beach House
So my brother gave me this for Christmas. It was an album that I kept wanting to buy, but never did. Once I played it, I was entranced into some other world. The music and her hypnotic voice just sucked me in. 
Key Track: "Used to Be"

The Suburbs

Arcade Fire

I had had mixed feelings about them until this record came out. I had always like songs of theirs, but never got the urge to out an album on. This one, however, is very different. It feels very concept like, in terms of the songs are telling a story. It's also tough to pick out the best song, because they're all equally great. That's when you know you're listening to a great album. 

Key Track: "Sprawl II"

Sigh No More
Mumford and Sons
It's hard to put into words how much I love this album. This folk-rock band plays the mandolin, accordion and banjo with such feeling and zealous. 
Key Track: "Little Lion Man"

Contra
Vampire Weekend
Sounds much like their first album, however the songs are much better. Who hasn't rocked out to "Holiday" on EVERY single holiday commercial last month? Their music is just so different from everything out there, which is what makes a great artist. 
Key Track: "Cousins"

Catching a Tiger

Lissie

So, I actually discovered her when I was in London in October. There were article all over about her, so I bought her record at HMV to take back with me. Sometimes it's nice to take a chance on a record even though you haven't heard a things from the artist. It's even better when the album is good. Her voice has quite the Stevie Nicks flair, but her songs edge more on country rock. 

Key Track: "Little Lovin'"

The Reason Why

Little Big Town
The best country act around that doesn't get the attention they deserve. Their 4 part melodies mixed with their Fleetwood Mac vibe is one of the best things around right now. They're also one of the few country acts that write their own songs. I hope to one day see them cross over, much like the Dixie Chicks did, because I think that those who aren't necessarily fans of country would like them. 
Key Track: "Little White Church"

Oath of Style

          Now that spring is quickly approaching, I am in need of a style refresher. Spring is never a season that I look forward to with the offerings of pastels and swimsuits (eek!). This year, though, I can't wait! I don't know if it's the trends that were walking down the runways or just my need for something different. So, I decided to take an oath to try new and exciting things, because after all, fashion should be fun. 


* I will be adventurous and wear head to toe color (I'm not talkin' black here) a la J. Crew and DKNY.

* I will promise to break free of the skinny jean and wear the flare proudly.

 Free People Wide Leg Jean

J Brand Bette Super Flare

* I will suck it up and wear heels more. No matter how much they may hurt. 

      


            
Alexander Wang Boots          Fendi Wedges


* I will try (really hard) to lay off the stripes. These options make it really hard!

Diane von Furstenberg Resort 2011

Madewell Set Sail Shorts

* And lastly, I will embrace my inner Bohemian and wear the 70's trend that was ALL over the Resort and Spring runways. 

Celine Resort 2011

Marni Resort 2011

Closet Resolutions

    
      So the thing to do when a new year begins is to make a resolution. These are things that no one is bound to keep and therefore; I never make them. Instead, I took on things that I decided I will make happen this year. The action that I decided to start out with is to de-clutter my life.


      This week I took to my closet and very harshly; rid of things I no longer wear, doesn't fit right, or doesn't go with anything else in my wardrobe. Once I was free of these things, I was able to re-work my closet so that I can easily see all that I have. 

Jewelry, neatly presented on top of the built-in drawers.

I used to house all my shoes in boxes. 

By storing them in these drawers, I can see what I own.

My boots (an obsession) lined up at the bottom

of my walk-in next to my scarves rolled up in hat boxes I painted.

My cardigans staked by color next to my dresses.

All my tops are housed next to skirts and my array of denim. 

Right outside my closet, a small vignette. An old bust form 

wearing a vintage coat that was my grandmothers. 

I keep my go-to jacket and scarf handy on the hooks by my door. 

An English 'bobby' helmet my dad found at Goodwill.