Cardigans, Clogs and Clutches- An Evolution of Personal Style...(I Guess)

I was never much of a "girlie girl". As a kid I played with dolls and barbies but also played sports and climbed trees with boys. I wore whatever my mom bought me which was often a "s'prise" waiting for me on my bed after school. When I was a teen, I was a little more high maintenance I guess, but nothing outrageous. Any makeup I had was just stuff my mom got tired of using and passed on to me. I liked to get my clothes from American Eagle (like every teen did in the late 90's early 00's) and loved looking through Dehlia's magazie but wasn't really obsessed and never actually begged my mom long enough to end up ordering anything. In college, fashion-wise, I was all about the holey jeans*, cool t-shirts from salvation army, clogs, and trucker hats. (thanks for that, Ashton Kutcher). Of course it was fun to dress up for special events with my roommates but that was a once in a while activity. But in general, style-wise, college was a contest to see who could look the best while looking like they cared the least. Then came "career Kelsey" when I was suddenly forced to shed the clogs and jeans for pumps and pencil skirts. Not an easy transition when you're used to dressing for comfort. One day I was poked fun at by my boss at my first job for wearing 5 different shades of brown- khaki pants, beige cami, brown cardigan and brown shoes (cheap suede loafer wedges that were different shades of brown from one another-oops). I've improved since then, but I still typically dress for comfort and avoid wearing high heeled shoes, especially since I commute into the city now.
However, since moving to California I have acquired a taste for some very girlie things. First, I was unemployed for a month during which I played "real housewives and of Danville" aka "bored housewives of Danville". I learned that a $12 pedicure is a lovely and cheap pick-me-up and it's so pleasant to have a decent set of nails. Since then, I've upgraded to getting shelack nails which is between acrylic and basic paint. It's strange even knowing that. Since then I've become employed with an organization where I work with and serve a primarally low-income, urban population which I love. However, there are times when I need to escape the "street" and I head to the glorious Bloomingdales right next door. Just the smell of the perfume and leather handbags is like being in a spa. A few months ago I bought a JPK Paris tote as a "congratulations to me for getting a job" gift. A few weeks ago I purchased a canvas Michael Kors tote. (On sale for $80! Are you kidding? How am I supposed to ignore and walk away from that?). I have my eye on a Tory Burch wristlet (not to mention those black leather ballet flats with the gold medalllion- dont get me started!). I'm also perusing the market for a large Longchamp tote, although I am undecided on the color. I have a small black one which I adore (thank you Ellen and Nicole!). And a special shout out to Ellen for getting me my first legit designer bag- a Coach clutch. I'm ammounting a small collection of purses, totes, clutches and wallets these days. I dont need designer jeans, high end make up or name brand shoes- but I wont carry a cheap purse. Where did this come from? I blame California.

I Want That.

gorgeous colorful kitchen featured on design sponge (of course)
clean. bright. cheery. perfect.


sorry for the lack of writing lately. more content coming!

Funny Girl

So I recently discovered that an old friend of mine, Heather Adams, is currently living the dream and doing stand-up comedy. She's doing gigs in southern cali and I am so thrilled for her, proud of her and inspired by her! One of her recent gigs was posted on youtube.com
take a look!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mi8WDAgYwIo
(Sorry, I can't figure out how to friggin' hyperlink! Just copy and paste it. It's worth it, I swear)
We keep in touch via facebook and I was so excited to see her status about a gig! I could only assume it was stand-up since I know personally how outrageously hilarious she is and that she doesn't sing or play any instruments. I left a comment asking for confirmation on the comedic nature of said "gig" and she wrote back this: KELSEY!! You gotta do stand up, you are hilarious, you were my comedic shaman in Carlisle. Without you I never would have filmed my first improv film, Chubby Lovin' or known about Spinal Tap and Drop Dead Gorgeous. FIND AN OPEN MIC STAT!
WOW! I am so pumped by that! I've made lame attempts at doing "bits" before in front of people but it's super awkward, I have ZERO stage training. I really want to take some kind of improv class- I've been thinking about it for a while. But I really think I am better at writing and coming up with material than I am at performing it. Oh well, maybe writing will be my gateway to performing?
I've been told I'm "funny for a girl" by guys and my parents think I am absolutely hilarious. My friends laugh AT me as much as they do at my jokes. I've had a lot of inspriation in my life to be funny. Heather is definitely in the top 3.

Kelsey on California #3

The Guilty Grocer:
Within a 5 mile radius of my home there is a daily farmer's market, a weekly open-air farmers market, a Trader Joe's, a Whole Foods, and a Lunardi's (a hoity-toity grocery store). Needless to say, the trend here is to buy local and to eat fresh, natural, organic, and healthy good food.
What's a girl gotta do for some oreos and hot dogs around here?*
It's embarrassing enough arriving at the check out line with all my non-organic, frozen vegetables, frozen pizzas, potato chips**, and Coors Lite... But then I never remember to bring in my pile of canvas bags from my car. So not only am I that bad cook and unhealthy eater but I "hate the earth" too. It's a lot of pressure at the check out lines around here. (And as much as I'd like to load up on fresh fruits and veggies, I happen to live with a die hard carnivore and I've already wasted too much money throwing rotten uneaten food away.)
So for all you rich liberals who turn your nose down at my hot dogs (Yes, I'm talking to you Mr. "I rode my $8,000 bicycle here with my vegan grocery list on my i-pad) Don't judge me just because I don't like hummus and I use plastic grocery bags in my bathroom trash cans. At least I'm not wearing a helmet in the grocery store. dork.

* There is a Costco nearby. However, I prefer not to buy my hot dogs in packs of 50. Oreos on the other hand.....
** For the record, I'd like everyone to know that we buy the BAKED Lays.

Shout out to Philly!!

Cool posting today on one of my favorite blogs www.designespongeonline.com (Design*Sponge)


Illustration by Julia Rothman

The post is a feature of all the hot spots in Philly listed by neighborhood. Embarrassingly- I haven't been to any of the spots. Except for Steap (a tea shop where my dear friend Ashley used to work)
Check out the posting at Design*Sponge via the following link http://www.designspongeonline.com/2010/05/philadelphia-guide.html

San Francisco Farmer's Market

Last weekend I spent my Saturday in the city with my new friend Miss Carrie Springman. I took the train to Embarcadero station and walked 2 blocks to the Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market. It was a perfectly beautiful day. While I waited for Carrie I sat at the edge of the market and watched a pleasant little protest/parade stroll by. It was an anti-rape* demonstration and they had posters with clever slogans that said things like "Don't rape! Masturbate!"
Anyway, it was a beautiful day! Carrie and I finally found each other and she showed me around to all the wonderful stands and shops and vendors.
Can you believe the size of these hanging baskets!? My grandmother would adore these!








*(note: the pro-rape crowd was nowhere to be seen but likely planning some kind of retaliatory demonstration. ladies, pack your tazers!)

The Ultimate Summer Top

I've mentioned before that I ADORE Anthropologie's products for the home. If I had the means, I'd furnish my entire house with their stuff. As far as their clothing, It's typically a little "much" for me (price-wise and style-wise). However, I saw this blouse a few months ago when their spring stuff started coming out and fell in love! The Salitre Blouse.

Isn't it awesome? It reminds me of an orange Popsicle! I waited for it to go on sale but, alas, it never did. Then, while in the store, the last one in my size was on the mannequin and I couldn't pass it up. I used a gift card that was given to Mike and I has a house warming gift towards the purchase. (Sorry Greg and Chris! And thank you!!) I know I technically should have used the gift card for somethings towards the home but, I just couldn't resist. Can't wait to wear it!