Happy Anniversary (Celebration Gym!)

Dear blog-o-sphere,

I am more involved with you at this point than I ever was as a "blogger." But my presence on this site? Zilch. It has been almost exactly a year since anything has happened here and before that, not a peep from me for almost another year prior. I have no excuse but here is a list of potential reasons.

• Emily & Barton had a falling out
• Emily & Barton made it official at civl union and are living happily ever after (the pictures were posted on MarthaStewart.com, NBD)
• We both lost our jobs and our computers then subsequently forgot how to type
• Our jobs have us locked to our desks only working on spreadsheets and have banned us from using the internet fooorrreeevver
• Everything on the internet sucks
• There was so much on the internet that our heads exploded  
• The internet is a fantastic place but, in person conversations became much more important that a blog

Emily? Any other notes?

The inspiration surfaced - will it stick? In the last few weeks I've been the busiest I have ever been and also the most alone. Hospitals, family, work, events and the glimmer of hope of staying fit and healthy. As I waited for my 5th flight of 6 in two weeks I was overwhelmed with the resurgence of energy and the dread that I usually feel closer to November and December when I realize that, once again, I have not picked up a guitar to learn how to play it (I have a feeling it would be my savior) or made my dreams of bi-weekly surfing a reality (another potential saving grace). I wrote it all down, did a light "work-back" plan to make my dreams so and then it all quickly disappeared again in the drama of life. I am a big picture thinker - I love to plan and I love to understand. My life is force at this time is to decide-act-now-do-it-no-choice act-on-impulse.

Stuck on the runway on an airplane for an hour was heaven. No place to go, nowhere to be, no internet, no phone (except for the "OHMYGOD I'M GOING TO BE LATE FOR THIS APPOINTMENT. FML." text) Focusing is a new struggle. Everything I do is fast paced and flashy. Once I realized that my forced media-less quarantine was a blessing I thanked whomever needed to be thanked (I think it was the stars, or the weather) and read. 

A few pages deep and half-way down page 26, my mind wandered. Monkey brain as my yoga teachers would say. I acknowledged it, forgave myself then took it two pages back and re-read. Finally understanding Henry Miller's words as they appeared on paper among many pages infront of me. There were a few other quotes that can come later but that link should keep you entertained for the time being. 

What was this morning's inspiration? J-Crew, obviously. A beautiful, online exclusive, out of my price range floral striped rash guard. 

Give it to me. 

And some beautiful sunscreen. 

Mm. Lovely.

I do not know what to tell you. Inspiration comes in all shapes and sizes. These two are symbols of sunshine, goals and freedom. I know that all of the above applies to my return to writing and this site and hopefully to continue past this one outpouring of self. 

love you, mean it.

B

Noms

Sooooo, CFDA nominations came out today. And who was nominated for women's wear of the year? Marc Jacobs - not surprised. Proenza Schouler - duh. And the Row - WHAT??? From baby Swarovski Award winners to fullblown women's wear champions. Way to go the Row! I bet Mary-Kate and Ashley are making pinched faces in excitement!

Speaking of the Swarovski Awards - have you peeped the adorbs nominee's Creatures of the Wind? Not-just-another-awesomely-named line comes out with really wonderful pieces too! Check out their S/S 12 video:

Love you, mean it

Emily

"I was invited to way more than you..."

you love, mean it

emily

#genius29

it starts today people

Feels like the 80s

Sometimes I forget what an amazing shop 80s Purple is.

But then I remember...

Check out more here.


Love you, mean it

Emily


in order of appearance: dress, dress, dress, leggings

Cat Scan

"Got a cat? Got a scanner? The choice is clear," according to Jon of the Cat Scan.  An adorable tumblr time-suck of scanned cat tummies and paws.  And as I poured over pages of the Cat Scan I thought, I must convince my cat to sit on the scanner...

He suffered bravely through minor cat torture, as did these cats:

If you have ten minutes to spare, check out more Cat Scans here.

Love you, mean it

Emily




photos of Canelle, Fender, Moose, Mozzy, Nougatine, Rose and Roy, respectively.  All photos from the Cat Scan.

I Think I Need Some First Aid

Exactly what I want right now.  Yes, please! 

Makes me want to get lost in Winterfell and wear wool capes and paisley maxi dresses.

love you, mean it

emily

Mischief is in the Details

Get excited... Jason Wu loves kitties almost as much as we do <3



Jason Wu for Target is available in stores Feb. 5 - March 6.  Adorable french ingenue looks making me want to wear a ribbon around my neck like I used to (and share one with my kitty too!).  Here are some of my favorite pieces - or see the entire look book after the jump.

love you, mean it

emily


via fashionista, huffington post

"Macaron as Muse"

Happy New Year dear CAG readers!  We hope it was a good one!

--~--~--~--~--~--~--~

We here at CAG, love the times that the food and fashion world collide.  It's our motto really.  So when I read this article in the recent Food and Wine - I just had to share it!

Brilliant designer, Peter Som, recently used French pastries as his inspiration for his Resort 2012 collection.

"I look at desserts for color palettes. When you go into the pâtisserie shop...the colors just pop out at you!" -Peter (FoodandWine)

Yumm!

Read the rest of the article here.

Love you, mean it

Emily

all photos courtesy of FoodandWine

Nobody Tells This to People Who Are Beginners

On the verge of one of the bigger birthdays in my short life, I am making a list, not on paper - more so in my head, of things that are important to me.  I couldn't have thought of this list a year ago, and I will probably keep adding to it as more time passes.  But, I just thought I'd share this (completely UNcheesy) little thing I found with you...  Enjoy.

Love you, mean it

Emily

advice given by Nellie Windmill

Of a Kind

Looking for the perfect gift for the person who has everything or just maybe looking for something a little more unique?  Let me give you the gift of "Of a Kind."  OAK is an online store that selects a new artist each week to sell a limited edition product through OAK.

"Each week, we select one designer whose work we love to feature on the site. We share a series of stories about that designer—inspirations, personal life, taste, training, you name it—along with a limited-edition piece designed exclusively for Of a Kind... Editions range in size from five to 50 pieces, and each piece comes with a certificate of authenticity that’s signed and numbered by the designer. You can display it proudly wherever you wish."

Here are some of my favorites:

For Her:

Symmetry Combination Scarf / Bag

Thomas Sires Shirt

Ocean Quill Studs

For Him:

Leather Lighter Covers

Tweed Tie

For the One Who Has EVERYTHING:

Of a Kind's Holiday Grab Bag

Check out more here.

Love you, mean it

Emily

birthday dress.. or holiday if you'd prefer...

When searching for the perfect birthday dress I've been peeping a few places - but one of my favorites is always the runway.  A girl can dream can't she??  And as always - I check YSL first.  Wouldn't that last black sparkle drop neckline dress be perfect for a birthday?



This past November marked 50 years of the YSL brand. Even though the man himself did not live to see the brand's birthday - his husband Pierre Bergé did.  Divorced in 1976, they were re-joined in a civil union in Paris (a Pacte civil de solidarité) a few days before the designer died in June, 2008 (New York Times).

Being unable to afford an actual dress by the late designer my pursuit goes on...

Love you, mean it

Emily


R.I.P. YSL illustration done by Sophie Stephens

The Very BEST Gluten Free/Vegan Pie Crust Recipe... Seriously.

It's a sad but true - most of you will come home from the market today feeling dejected.  All you wanted was a little bit of familiarity this Thanksgiving.  And, to your utter dismay, the store was out of the only vegan / gluten free pie crust available.  More than one of us have come to the point of tears - wishing for just a moment that you could have a tiny sliver of the buttery crust pumpkin cheesecake that your aunt brought to dinner.  ALAS!  There is hope!

I come bearing the fruits & trials of many Thanksgivings past.  This kid tested, mother approved pie crust recipe is a conglomeration of a handful of recipes, sprinkled with a bit of my own baking magic (aka dumb luck).  Try it.  I GUARANTEE that if you don't like it - I'll eat my hat.  And like, a really good hat too.

Vegan Gluten Free Pie Crust
makes two 8" pie crusts

1/2 c crushed almond pieces
1/2 c + 2 Tbsp coconut flour
3/4 c quinoa flour
3/4 c rice flour
1/2 c cornstarch
2 1/2 Tbsp ground flaxseeds
1 c Earth Balance vegan margarine
1 tsp salt
1 Tbsp sugar
3 Tbsp ice water

In a food processor, combine flour, almond, salt and sugar until almond pieces are almost completely ground.  Add earth balance and pulse until almost combined.  Add water and pulse until just blended.  If need be, add a bit more water until texture is pliable and dough-like.  Divide in two, gather into a ball and press into a disc.  Roll out to 1/4 inch thick on a lightly rice floured surface and fit into an 8" pie pan.  You don't have to refrigerate until ready to use.  In fact, I like using it right away.

Love you, mean it

Emily

photo via what's cookin

Star so light and star so bright

I'm going to be doing this today:


My New Roots - How to Make Nut Milk from My New Roots on Vimeo.


Something about the cold makes me want to cook and knit. Join me.

Some awesome finds:

are you afraid to prove yourself wrong? from forbes
holiday string lights (gimme!) via remodelista
can't stop listening to this song - no hidden message, just a brilliant beat and a killer voice

“Assumptions are the death of possibilities. ”
—James Mapes



Love you, Mean it.

Barton

Three Things I Like:

Number One

Wowch has new cat t-shirts:

Number Two

The Kitten Covers: record covers redone... with cats.

Number Three

Beat Up Creations: an Etsy shop specializing in recreated gradeschool photos.  You'll probably need like two or three for xmas prezzies.

Love you, mean it

Emily

Post via etsy, uo and the world

Luv AJ Heavy Metal Lover Lookbook Video from Claire Thomas on Vimeo.

This makes me wanna eat potato chips for like a week - so my a** (much like the grinch's heart) will grow three times bigger, so that I might be able to properly shake it during this video.

Hells to the yeah...

love you, mean it

emily

Meant to say 'Lemons'

Rodarte SS 2012 Casting Call from models.com on Vimeo.

YES PLS!

Reminds me of the interview that Rodarte did in the last issue of Lula.  BeeTeaDubs - making my way through the latest issue of Lula.  Really, what can't they do?

love you, mean it

Emily

post via fashionising

Sucker

I sometimes think this blog should be renamed: Girls Who Stare at Cats...  Emily Barton is a sucker for kitty pics.  Spesh when they have to do with fashion.  Cat fashion?  Even better.

So, when Aussie brand Stylestalker came out with their new Look Book - I was on it like catnip.

And the clothing is pretty cute too!

Who can guess what my new tattoo is going to be?

See more Stylestalker here.

love you, mean it

emily


p.s. all photos from the stylestalker blog.  they are looking for a admin assistant - is it you? 

I want this shirt so much it hurts...

Check out the rest of Opening Ceremony's S/S 12 Look Book here.

love you, mean it

emily

Valfre

Valfre from tim k on Vimeo.

I am sooo painting my face like hers for Halloween.. This video gave me chills...

love you, mean it

emily

p.s. post inspired by UO

Forever Ever?

I don't eat - I don't sleep - I do nothing but think of you

NEW organic basics by Emma&Emilie

love you, mean it

Emily