ABC's Happy Endings

{ ABC's Happy Endings, WEDNESDAYS 9:30|8:30c}

I'm so excited that one of my new favorite shows, Happy Endings got picked up for another season. I want to promote this show to as many people as I can because I love it and would be sad if it got canceled. Think "Friends"-ish but a little more weird and random, and less politically correct. To me, the dialogue is similar to Cougar Town and Scrubs, with quick witty jokes every 20 seconds, keeping me constantly entertained. The editing perfectly accentuates the comedic timing, and the actors in the show are all great by themselves and it's really difficult to choose a favorite. The writers are clever and creative, even though it's basically the same premise as Friends, keeping every episode pretty fresh.

One of my favorite scenes is the one embedded above. Penny (the goofy, crazy, "Phoebe"-esque character) is forever single, and just met a guy she's interested in, but he's a "hipster" so Max is teaching her how to fit in with his friends.

I don't know if anyone else will find this funny, but I couldn't stop laughing at this clip (if you watch the whole episode it's funnier, but this still cracks me up):

I also love Jane, who plays the anal, obsessive, control freak, "Monica" character, but better. I couldn't find any of my favorite scenes of her online but here's one:

I also found some reviews of the show from LA Times, NY Magazine, and this other website if you're interested in reading more about the show.

back to the islands... again

 {I always have to capture the amazing view when arriving}

 {beautiful wedding at the fancy Halekulani Hotel}

{last bento on the plane ride home}

Petite Sizing

{Ann Taylor - Overlapping Placket Long Sleeve Blouse}

At 5'-2" tall, I definitely consider myself "petite."  Ironically though, I only own a handful of petite-sized garments.  I attribute this mainly to the fact that most retailers/brands do not carry petite selections; and I also find that when I do come across a petite item, the proportions are short and wide, and overall ill-fitting.  Ann Taylor, however, is known to be petite-friendly and almost all their styles are available in petite, especially online.  So during their recent 40% off everything sale, while putting this blouse into my shopping cart, I found myself not knowing what size I should buy.  Since this blouse is an online exclusive, and I could not try it on in-store, I did the only logical thing, I ordered four of them!

{top to bottom - 0P, 2P, 0, 2}

As it turns out, Ann Taylor petite sizing is quite petite!  The 2 Petite is about half a size smaller (all over) than the 0 Regular.  This is how they fit:

0P - Shoulders too narrow, sleeves a little short, length too short to tuck in.

2P - Shoulders slightly too narrow, sleeves fit perfectly, length too short to tuck in.

0 - Shoulders fit, sleeves a little long, length perfect to tuck in.

2 - A little big all over.

I kept the 0 Regular, and returned the rest.  Another puzzling petite "miss" for me.  Does anyone else find that petite-sizing is too short?

Soto's Sushi Bar

Soto
357 6th Ave (& Washington Pl)
West Village

For the boyfriend's birthday, I took him to dinner at Soto. While this is already my favorite Japanese restaurant (but not necessarily my favorite sushi restaurant... that would be Sasabune), I had not ordered exclusively from their sushi selection before. I planned to order omakase style (chef's choice), but they only accommodate for 3 restrictions, so I did not qualify & had to order off the menu. It is not the service or the carefully calculated pairing of dishes that you receive at Sasabune, but the meal was delicious nonetheless & the sake was excellent.

Junmai Daiginjyo - Ugo no Tsuki (Moon After the Rain)

Citrus Scottish Salmon

From the top left, clockwise: Madai Yakishimo (seared sea bream), Sake Yakishimo (seared scottish salmon), Kampachi (amberjack), Sake (scottish salmon)

From the top left, clockwise: Kampachi (amberjack), Yari Ika (long fin squid), Shima Aji (stripe jack fish), Sake (scottish salmon)

Zuke (soy marinated big eye tuna), Maguro (big eye tuna), Cyutoro (mid-fatty big eye tuna)

From the top, clockwise: Isaki (grunt), Hirame (fluke), Mirugai (giant clam), Hotate (sea scallop)

Cyutoro (mid-fatty big eye tuna), Madai Yakishimo (seared sea bream)

Unagi (fresh water eel), Uni (sea urchin)

Tar Tare Tuna Roll (spicy tuna w/ asian pear, cucumber, avacado, sesame, pine nuts, scallion wrapped in white kelp)

Ann Taylor 40% off everything sale

{Glazed Lace Pencil Skirt}

Last week, I succumbed to Ann Taylor's 40% off sale again (I went a bit crazy here, purchasing an excessive four silk blouses, but haven't regretted it one bit!). I love the quality of the clothes, but rarely shop in the store as I tend not to find too many things I really have to have--some of the styles of pants (the wide-legged pants look horrible even on the models) and tops (people who know me know that I dislike cowl-necks!) are a bit questionable for me and stuffy feeling, and I just don't understand those cheap looking printed wrap dresses they always seem to have. I do, however, think it is a great place to find costume jewelry, great quality scarves, and simple basics in small sizes like camisoles, pants, skirts, and blouses. And I'm hoping that when my shoes come in the mail they fit me because they are so pretty and simple and well-cushioned (I tried them on in the store but they didn't have my size), and look like the perfect work pump. 

I ordered the Glazed Lace Pencil Skirt and Tweed Pencil skirt, because although I tend not to like pencil skirts, these two skirts have really unique details that I think keep them from being too boring. I love the lace overlay (as usual) on the first one, and the "flap detailing" and exposed zipper on the tweed skirt (I'm also a huge fan of tweed!).

{Tweed Pencil Skirt with Leather Zipper Pull}

I also ordered the patent pumps as a more sophisticated and classic alternative to the black platform pumps I wear pretty much every day, and the python pumps on a whim just to see what they look like in person.  I love neutral and monochromatic animal prints, and I love that these pumps are shades of gray, which would probably fit right into my current wardrobe.

 

{Perfect Patent Pump}

{Perfect Pump - Mini Python} 

I also had my eye on this blouse, I loved the gold buttons and mustard color, but couldn't get over the random trench flappiness going on at the shoulders.  I also loved these suede platforms which I was surprised to see because I think they're quite edgy for Ann Taylor.  They're pretty expensive and when I tried them on they felt really thin, like they'd stretch out a lot or fall off, which could result in some pretty traumatic ankle-bending embarrassing moments.  Also, the toe cleavage was a bit obscene.

{Silk Trench Shirt and Lucia Suede Platform Wedge}

Anyone else score anything at the sale?

Miu Miu Me

A few weeks ago, I made a quick trip to the Nordstrom Rack near my work.  I had wanted to pick up a few Bliss beauty products, which are sold at a dramatic discount there.  Since I had some time to take a leisurely lunch-hour, I browsed the entire store.  I finally made my way to the racks of shoes (this Nordstrom Rack did not have a separate designer shoe section),  and that's when I caught a glimpse of a blush nude patent pump.   

I had been searching for years for a blush nude pump and last year I finally found the perfect pair in the Miu Miu Platform Pumps; I loved everything about them, just not the price tag.  For months I went back and forth on whether I should purchase them or not until they were no longer available.

So my search continued, until that fateful day at Nordstrom Rack.  As I bent down to take a closer look, I think I actually let out a gasp, staring back at me were the exact Miu Mius I had been dreaming about.  I'm not exactly sure how these shoes ended up at Nordstrom Rack, and at less than 1/3 their retail price, but as far as I'm concerned, it was my personal shopping miracle!       

Missoni for Target

this is just stupid...

{fashionista}

That being said... I was particularly excited about the monstrous Missoni for Target collection and extremely disappointed that their website crashed and was down pretty much all Monday.  At some point during the day, I gave up any hope of purchasing any of the items I had my eye on:

However, when I got home Monday night, I checked Target.com one more time and it was surprisingly up and running.  At this point, all my favorites were long gone, but a few items were still available.  Since shipping was free, I caved into the hype and ordered a few things, mostly out of curiosity.  Has anyone seen these pieces in real-life?  How is the quality?

{floral blouse}

{pleated maxi skirt}

{chevron puzzle trays}

{and this sweater tunic for baby grace!}

I've heard rumors that Target stores will be restocking items until October 22nd... hopefully I'll get lucky and find one of those silk scarves or vases!

Hello Horses

ASOS Galloping Horse Print 3/4 Sleeve Shirt

Jacey Withers Horse Ring

Whistles Lucky Horse Shoe Print Dress

ASOS Tunic in Carousel Horse Print

ASOS Horse Play Ring

Antipodium Dress in Goodbye Horses Print

Whistles Galloping Horse Dress

ASOS

The Constance

 the coveteur: monica rose

 jak & jil blog

My latest obsession, the Hermes Constance, isn't exactly new (according to the all-knowing Purse Forumers, Jackie O. had one), but it is definitely making its way around the internet and fashion community like the new "it" bag.  Like the Coach classics (like Mandy's vintage find!) and the Celine box bag, the Constance seems to be making a huge comeback, and I'm in love!

I read a few claims on the price tag to own one of these beauties, and I believe it is around $4k to $6k.  So for those of us who can't exactly afford to spend more on our handbag than what our car is worth, I found some cute alternatives, including the more affordable yet still expensive and chic Proenza Schouler and Celine (price is pretty much comparable for this one but I had to include it!):

 1.  Coach Willis bag

2.  J.Crew Edie purse

3.  J.Crew Rigby saddle bag

4.  ASOS Leather Flat Lock Shoulder Bag

5.  Celine classic medium flap bag

6.  Proenza Schouler PS11

Aulani

Last weekend I spent two nights at the new Aulani - Disney Resort & Spa with my family.  It was quite exciting to be one of the first to experience and enjoy the new resort (it opened only a week prior).  Overall, I think it is a great vacation destination, especially for families with young children; everyday we were given a calendar of events which included a wide range of activities from character performances, beach-side fitness classes, Hawaiian crafts, bonfire storytelling and much much more.  My niece and nephew had such a great time they were nearly in tears when it was time to go!

{the view as you exit the lobby}

{view of the lobby from the pool}

{menehune bridge}

{the room}

{oh, there's Mickey!}

{the bathroom}

{h20+ products!}

{view of the lazy river from the 16th floor}

{view of the water slides and rainbow reef}

Secrets From a Stylist

It's quite ironic how much I like Emily and her show Secrets From a Stylist, but I'm in awe of every episode, and look forward a new episode every week!  Emily is a prop stylist and styles all her rooms using tons of decorative objects, and I actually really dislike objects in rooms that have no purpose (random animal sculptures, art that has no meaning, antique masks, or any masks for that matter, random objects that are only meant to be looked at, etc.).  But lately I've been feeling like I need more "stuff" in my house so that my rooms look more "complete."  I'm still going to try to stick to my personal rule of "not using things that have no purpose," but I definitely want to put more effort into finding those finishing touches to add more character to each room.

One of the things Emily uses a lot of are tall branch-type floral/plant arrangements.  According to my rule, plants of any kind as decor are OK, and I'm loving the effect of these arrangements in every room.

 

I'm also pro-vases-as-decor, because vases can in turn be used to hold floral arrangements.  But there can't be a ridiculous amount of vases in my home, because that's just ridiculous.  This is an example of just a few too many vases, dishes, and one bird sculpture gone crazy, but I still can't stop looking at it.

Emily styles her rooms using tons of books.  Books are decorative and useful, too!

I love her frame walls-- this has been on my to-do list, but finding the right photos and art is proving to be a challenging and time consuming task!

I love how she incorporates so many antique furniture pieces into her rooms.  I'm still hesitant about this (considering the dirtiness and ugliness of most "old" things), but I'm hopeful that I'll find at least a few antique pieces for my home one day.  I just love the idea of having a one-of-a-kind room.

I'm already looking forward to more Secrets in the next episode!


all photos via Emily Henderson's blog