Tuesday, June 30, 2009

I Can Haz More?

Barton and I are cat people.  No, not freaky mutant cat people like the Thunder Cats.  We enjoy the company of cats.  I don't know why crazy cat ladies get such a bad rap?  What, so a lady who has compassion for animals has to be a wack-a-doo?  I think not.  To inspire you to add another litterbox, here are some feline spec-i-mines from the fashion world.  Go snuggle a kitty...




Shirt and tote by 1Aeon.





I Can Haz tunic by Modcloth.



Ivana Helsinki leggings through Beklina.




Bracelet by Coquelicot Salon on Etsy.





Fiorucci cat suit through ShopNastyGal.




Love you, mean it

Emily

I wish I could get this for me and for you

Friendship Bracelet Necklace.






for me, for you on etsy.
love you, mean it.

barton

Monday, June 29, 2009

Fah-he-Tahs

My friend asked me to put some more vegan recipes up on the blog so here goes nuthin:


My favorite type of food to eat in the summertime is Mexican.  There is seriously nothing like drinking a cold beer with lime and mowing down some homemade nachos when it's 80 degrees outside.  So in honor of that, here is my favorite recipe for fajitas.  Barton and I made this recipe last summer when I was trying to get her to make out with this boy at a dinner party.  Another friend of mine named Tina came up with this recipe.  She says it makes her girlfriend love her more every time she makes it.  So I'm hoping it will do the same for you.  Maybe you've got this friend who is little more than a friend.  And maybe you've invited them over for dinner thursday night (thursday is the new friday).  And maybe, just maybe you make this recipe for them and they flip their lid and shove everything off the table, throw you onto it and make out with you like a wild woolly wildebeest in heat!?!  Or maybe you just eat some kick-ass fajitas


Seitan and Pepper Fajitas

Fajita:
3 cloves garlic (crushed)
2 tsp chili powder + 6 tbsp olive oil (the trick is to do 1 tsp chili powder to every 3 tbsp olive oil - so you can spice as needed)
1 lrg orange pepper
1 lrg yellow pepper
1 lrg red pepper
1 pkg seitan (OR sometimes I use Chickpeas if I don't want all the gluten)

Topping:
1-2 Avocados (cut into chunks)
Juice of one lime
Sliced green onions to taste (my boyfriend HATES these so I only put a few in, it really makes a difference though)
Stir all topping ingredients together in a small mixing bowl and set aside (don't mash).

And:
1 pkg corn or flour tortillas (again, depends on how much wheat you wanna eat that night)


Directions:
Mix chili powder, olive oil and crushed garlic and set aside (I usually just whip it together with a fork for a couple seconds).  Use a bit more olive oil in a frying pan and start browning the seitan (if you are using chickpeas add a few minutes after the peppers).  Slice peppers into strips and put in large mixing bowl.  Pour olive oil mixture over them and stir until well coated (I just mix with my hands - it's really the best way to do it).  Add peppers to the seitan and saute until peppers are well cooked.  They should look sorta floppy.  Warm tortillas on stove top or in another skillet (or whatever - just get em warm!).  Fill with a spoonful of pepper seitan mixture.  Add a spoonful or two of the topping mixture to top off your fajita and eat it like a binger at a buffet!




Love you, mean it

Emily



pictures taken from cafepress, ayeshahaq on wordpress and outofthegarden.


Saturday, June 27, 2009

Pride

In honor of Pride Weekend I'd like to talk about my favorite gay man.  He was number 15 in Out magazine's 2009 "50 Most Powerful Gay Men and Women in America" (wikipedia).  He got fired from Perry Ellis in the 90's for grungifying it.  And he has a tattoo of spongebob squarepants.  Can you guess yet?





The Marc Jacobs/Louis Vuitton documentary is one of the main catalists that brought me into a career change.  Not only does Marc Jacobs make fashion forward brilliant designs.  He cares about making the world a better place.  His company supports over 50 charity organizations.  His most recent endeavour was a scintillating campaign against skin cancer.  Showing that fashion is not only skin deep.

So in salute to pride week I just want to say: I'm gay for you Marc Jacobs.  I'm gay for you.


Love you, MEAN IT

Emily


And, as always, never vote against love.


Friday, June 26, 2009

Attack of the Clones


Many a fashion queen/king describe themselves as never wearing the same thing twice (including me).  But is reinvention of the same clothing the same as wearing something different every day?  

A bright eyed little bunny by the name of Sheena Matheiken has a plan.  This plan is called The Uniform Project.  While many of us cringe at the idea of uniforms, Sheena was raised in India and had to wear a uniform everyday to school.  This is where her idea for the project came from.  The project is basically an experiment in slow fashion, in which dare I say, she has decided to wear the same thing everyday for a year:


"Starting May 2009, I have pledged to wear one dress for one year as an exercise in sustainable fashion. Here’s how it works: There are 7 identical dresses, one for each day of the week. Every day I will reinvent the dress with layers, accessories and all kinds of accouterments, the majority of which will be vintage, hand-made, or hand-me-down goodies. Think of it as wearing a daily uniform with enough creative license to make it look like I just crawled out of the Marquis de Sade's boudoir" (Matheiken).


Her outfits are adorable and they benefit the Akanksha Foundation.  A grassroots educational foundation in India that is helping children in the slums with educational expenses.


The Uniform Project has taken fashion internet periodicals by storm.  Crafty bitches take note, by donating things you've made LOTS of people are going to recognize you as a budding designer.  Plus you'll look like a good person even if you're a selfish wench.  Win win.


This site has definitely inspired me in my financial plight.  You don't have to buy new things to make an outfit new.  SO my fashion challenge to you is - try it!  Wear the same thing every Monday for a month (we don't want you to wear the same thing and be a stinky sue).  See where the intricacies take you!



Love you, mean it

Emily

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

"Just a quick one while he's away"

Okay, so I know I told Barton I wouldn't post anything that she might potentially post...  But this is too good.  AND today this made me sooo happy.  Mostly because this blog is what I do when I'm supposed to be doing work (sometimes).

So check this out.





Love you, mean it

Emily



reposted from here.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Couch Change

So I know you are cheap.  Don't try and deny it.  I sooo saw you last night at 7-Eleven tryin' to pay for some Cheerios with couch change.  

I also know how much you love shoes.  Shoes can make even the laziest outfit.  Gurl, you know I've seen you in some scuzzy ol' boyfriend jeans rockin some Louboutin's.  Yeah, I know it was you.  So I thought you'd be interested in a little secret I just heard.

Jimmy Choo is producing a discount line for H&M this autumn.  This line will include shoes AND handbags (be still your beating heart).  "'We adore Jimmy Choo’s shoes and bags,' said Margareta van den Bosch, the creative advisor for H&M and the ‘brains’ behind the chain’s impressive roll-call of designer tie-ups" (Telegraph UK).



The line is set to sell November 14th.  Mark your calendar, put a reminder on your phone, tell your mom to call and mention it to you.  Coz shit is going to fly fast.



Love you, mean it

Emily

Friday, June 19, 2009

"One Word: Plastics."

The term "plastic sandals" conjures up images of sweaty childhood feet stuffed into "jellies."  Namely for me.  When I think plastic sandals, I think gross.

The July issue of Vogue features some anything BUT child-like plastic Givenchy Sandals.
  

Givenchy head designer, Riccardo Tisci says "I wanted this shoe to be more accessible in terms of price and practicality" (July 2009 Vogue).  These shoes are comfortable (according to Vogue) and range from about $163 - $170.  Plus they come in a variety of bright-ass summer show stopping colors:


But we don't have to stop there.  Here are a handful of summer sandals that are easy on the budget (around $100) and don't hurt animals (all VEGAN).


These sandals sold on Tobi are called the Melissa Mystery Gladiator Sandals and are only $71.



White Studded Sandals my the British Miss Selfridge are £28.

These are from one of my favorite green sites called Nimli.  These silver sandals are made by Neuaura Puma and will set you out $94.

These classic (un-kid-like) jellies are made by Melissa Plastic Dreams and cost $79.



These are my personal fav's, also from Nimli. They are by Olsen Haus for $128.

Give your feet some vegan love this summer.



Love you, mean it

Emily



p.s. If anyone catches the title reference I'll buy them a coke (my sister will probably be the only one).


Thursday, June 18, 2009

Christian Death


Ever wonder how Karen O always looks so great?


I'm sure it has a little bit to do with the fact that she is filthy rich.  BUT it also has to do with a little lady named Christian Joy.


Christian Joy is the mastermind behind all of the crazy costumes Karen O gets to wear onstage.  And lucky for us she has a ready-to-wear label too! (although she says she is trying to focus more on costumes these days according to her livejournal).  These frocks could be described as costumey, but even if you aren't Karen O I think you could dawn her duds anywhere.  From the boring cubical to ye local watering-hole.  Here are a smattering of my favorites:








If this designer apparel is not in your price range Christian Joy makes t-shirts including a great number of the YYY's merchandize (including a "Y" t-shirt Barton has)(that is a BIG ol' wink to you Barton).


I'm sort of day-dreaming about being her future intern right now (cha right!).  She seems really nice and she's super creative and gets to hang out with celebrities.  Ahh, the life of a stylist...  A girl can dream can't she?


Love you, mean it

Emily



photos taken from Christian Joy's website, UO blog and psychopedia.


Oooh! Me too!




Why aren't we doing this??

love you, mean it.

Barton

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

I want it. I need it. Oh baby.

A few of my favorite bloggers are starting a very fun summer event: the shopping ban.

Focusing on crafting, altering clothing that they have, clothing swaps and just pretty pictures have been solutions for the desire to spend money we (especially Em and I) do not have. And most of all, they have been posting those things that may or may not include their current crushes.

Even the silly things that I should not buy for various reasons are hard to resist.

Exhibit A:



For serious. Raptors are to me as Zombies are to you. REALLY.

I wish I had something prettier to post...but this will have to do for the evening.

love you, mean it.

barton

This is What It Made Us Think About...


Andre Walker
has created a new magazine. Does the industry need another fashion magazine?



I know it makes me think about the fashion industry and the importance (and price tag) of breaking out of the mold of conventional time frames (fashion, media, seasons) in hopes that this spur change the way people view fashion and food (there are recipes in there... we aren't the only ones who see the symbiosis.)

This magazines also reintroduces the industry as more of an art form than throw away trends. And who would throw away a $375 magazine?? Exactly.





"The unorthodox editorial mission goes a long way to explaining the tantalizingly disparate submissions, including a photo-shoot collaboration between Marc Jacobs and Jean-Paul Goude, a screenplay by the writer Hilton Als, recipes for white food by Tucker Shaw and even a blessing from Walker’s mother, an ordained minister." -Horacio Silva

overall. this is rad.

love you, mean it.

barton

Et Tu Brute?

Last night I made the bitchinest Vegan Caesar Salad for dinner.  I think my man thinks I'm trying to seduce him with food and pull one over on him.  Maybe I yam.  he. he. he.


I scored this recipe from 101 cookbooks.  A blog with the loveliest food presentation I've seen in a while.  I swear to gawd this dude does photographs for Whole Foods ad's or some shit.  He's got a really cool feature on his site where you can make your own cookbook.  Neato burrito huh?  Haven't tried it yet but I can't wait to.

Anywho, dude-bro-dude stole (borrowed, amended, what-have-you) this recipe from Veganomicon.  I regret to say I have not read the book myself but I hear it's awesome.  And if the following recipe is a testament to that - I'm sold.  Like a $2 hooker on pay-day.



Vegan Caesar Salad Recipe

Caesar dressing:
1/3 cup slivered or sliced almonds
3-4 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
3/4 cup silken tofu
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 heaping tablespoon capers
4 teaspoons caper brine
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
Salt - I had to ad a bit of water to my dressing to make it dressing-like.

Croutons:
1/4 cup olive oil
4 cloves roasted garlic
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 medium size loaf French or Italian bread (little less than 1 pound), stale and torn or sliced into bite-sized pieces 
1/4 teaspoon salt

Salad:
1 large head romaing lettuce, chopped
Freshly cracked black pepper
Handful or two of spinach and/or arugula, torn into bite-sized pieces (optional) - I used a handful of spinach for iron.

Prepare the dressing: Pulse the sliced almonds in a food processor or blender until crumbly. Empty the ground almonds into an airtight container that you'll be using to store the finished dressing.  Blend the garlic, tofu, and oil in the food processor or belnder until creamy.  Add the lemon juice, capers, caper brine, sugar, and mustard powder, and pulse until blended.  Adjust the salt and lemon juice to taste.  Put into the container with the ground almonds and whisk to combine.  Cover and allow the dressing to chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, optimally 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

While the dressing is chilling, prepare the croutons: Preheat the oven to 400F. Combine the olive oil, roasted garlic, and lemon juice in a large bowl.  With a fork or immersion blender, mash orblend the mixture until creamy.  Add the torn bread and toss to coat each piece with the oil mixture.  Spread onto a rimmed baking sheet, sprinkle with salt, if desired, and bake for 12 to 14 minutes until golden brown.  Toss the croutons twice (or thrice) during the baking process.  Remove from the oven and cool the croutons on the baking sheet.

To assemble the salad, place in a large bowl 2 to 3 cups of lettuce/greens per individual serving (amount depending on whether it's a side or an entree).  Ladle on 1/3 cup of the dressing (or more or less to taste), and use kitchen tongs to toss the greens and coat them with dressing. Add the warm croutons, toss again, and transfer to a serving dish.  Sprinkle with a little freshly cracked pepper.  (I added a little diced Boca chicken patty on top as well)(If you use those BE CAREFUL to get the vegan ones - some have egg whites in them).  If not serving right away, warm croutons in 300F oven for 5 to 8 minutes before adding to the salad.

Serves 4 to 6 as a side, 2 to 3 as a main dish.



Love you, mean it

Emily



all pictures amended from 101 cookbooks.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

And the Winner is....


The CFDA awards were last night.   No, not the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance.   The CFDA I am referring to is the Council of Fashion Designers of America.  Rodarte designers Kate and Laura Mulleavy took home the Womenswear Designer of the Year.  The Menswear award was tied between Band of Outsiders, Calvin Klein Collection and Proenza Schouler.  But who cares, RODARTE.  I actually don't think I've ever NOT liked anything they've ever done.  I know, I know strong words.  But I think, 99% sure, I'm serious.



Rodarte, founded by the aforementioned Mulleavy sisters in the fall of 2005.  Kate and Laura graduated locally from U of C Berkeley.  Since the creation of the label they have won numerous fashion awards and have been praised by the likes of Anna Wintour. [Wikipedia]



“At Rodarte, stiffer fabrics in brocades and metallics are invested with movement and swing, and the house’s favored organzas and chiffons are painstakingly worked to emphasize their fluttering ethereality. A Rodarte gown, therefore, is not only beautiful in the long view of the red carpet but also in circumstances of greater intimacy. The seduction of their craft is in the lightness of their touch” (The Metropolitan Museum of Art).




I recently took a trip to Barney's where I touched my first Rodarte.  It was pretty magical.  Let me tell you.




Love you, mean it

Emily