WIPEOUT- they really do mean it literally...

via ABC

This weekend my friend Derek Greene was on ABC's "Wipeout"! It was exciting to see someone I know but fearing for his safety while he performed death defying leaps.. not to mention a series of painful-looking hits to the noggin! My whole family got together to watch and cheer for him as if we were there in person. I can now say I personally know someone who was on TV and is famous (if even for just his glorious 5 minutes). How about you? Do you know anyone or have you ever been in the lime light of Hollywood!?

Hope you had a great weekend!

X ,

Ray

Rain Rain Go Away

It's a crummy, rainy day here in the Midwest and is only going to get colder this weekend. Despite our rather hot and sticky summer thus far, I am craving a beach getaway.

via

Happy Thursday!

X ,

Ray

Bling Bling Dream Ring

Just putting it out there to the universe....

via Style Me Pretty

X , 

Ray

Happy Friday

 Summer-esque weather is finally upon us this upcoming May weekend! Wishing I had a hammock to unfurl in with a good book. Hope you all have a relaxing weekend!

Happy Friday!

X , 

Ray

 

P.S. Some links for your amusement...

Hysterical NY Craiglist Postings

Chicago-isms in GIFS

Not your basic Braids

Just a POP of Lichtenstein

Drowning Girl 1963

Andy Warhol may be one of the most famous artists of the Pop-Art genre but Roy Lichtenstein is my personal favorite. His works are reminiscent of comic books excerpts with cheeky quotes and captions.  Some of my favorite classes at university were my Art History classes. Now that it has been... (well a fair number of years since college) I haven't seen his works in a long time and today I came across this awesome print sale on My Habit (an Amazon partner). They have curated a pretty great sampling of his works and are super affordable.

What do you think? Who's your favorite artist or favorite piece of work?

Kiss V 1964

Ohhh... Alright... 1964

Thinking of Him 1963

 These two aren't available for purchase but are some of my favorites!

La Cara (The Face/Head) in Barcelona 1992

Whaam! 1963

  Images via

Happy Wednesday!

X , 

Ray

Tuesday simply doesn't count...

Source

“You can't help respecting anybody who can spell TUESDAY, even if he doesn't spell it right; but spelling isn't everything. There are days when spelling Tuesday simply doesn't count.”- Winnie the Pooh 

Having a case of the Tuesdays.. kind of like Mondays but without the fact that you were just coming out of the weekend. Who wants to run away and hide in a bungalow like this with me?!

Happy Tuesday Folks!

X , 

Ray

Trompe-l'oeil Milk Bottle Makeover

 One of my favorite hobbies is baking.. as you can probably tell by a number of my previous recipe posts. However as OCD of a person as I am, I often lose/ misplace/ (am-convinced-they-run-away) my measuring cups. Then I came across this insanely cute solution from Anthropologie. (Side-note: Don't we all wish our dwelling looked like an Anthro display!?). This milk bottle is like the Russian nesting doll of measuring cups. Plus its pretty enough to leave out on the counter as decoration! A bit steep in price at $24.00 but may prove to be worth it instead of consistently replacing the plastic kind!

 via Anthropologie

And now for some fun Friday Links:

A Cup of Jo's Mother's Day Gift Guide

Full ep. of Lena Dunham's hilarious show 'Girls'

Good Advice for Any Writer via Ernest Hemingway

A Little Perspective

Happy Friday!

X , 

Ray

Splurge or Steal- Battle of the Boots

I have an obsession with riding boots... perfect for just about every season in Chicago as you never quite know what the weather will be like. As much as I adore Frye boots I simply cannot fathom spending hundreds of dollars for one pair. I've been searching for the perfect pair of black leather boots and naturally fell for the expensive Frye boots at $328.00. However, I was recently taking a gander at the website of one of my favorite discount retailers.. Target (pronounced Tar-Jay.. a la Oprah) and came across a pair that could be the Frye's long lost twin! Squee!!! AND they are a quarter the price of their counterpart at $69.99! Yes they may be faux leather but they are just as pretty and animal friendly (PETA would approve). What do you think? Would you invest in the Fryes or go with the Target version?

 Frye Melissa Button

Target Merona Kaisa

Happy Weekend!

X , 

Ray

Geode Gilt

Browsing HauteLook today I came across a sale featuring beautiful jewelry by  Nina Nguyen. Her pieces are made of raw gemstones and geodes. They reminded me of a hobby of mine from childhood. Ever since I can remember my dad has always had a fascination with geode, this is a love that he passed on to me. I could tell you the difference between igneous vs sedimentary and quartz vs calcites. (I know.. I was am a nerd.) I became obsessed with collecting rocks and stones and wondering what sparkly formations were inside. Once time on vacation we even went to a stone quarry where we chose a whole geode and got to watch them halve and polish the crystals inside. Discovering the beautiful  insides of a seemingly regular rock was incredible. Anywho... Nina's jewelry reminded me of my childhood love and showed me that there are new and "grown-up" ways to rock a geode. Here are a few more of her lovely pieces. What do you think? Would you wear geodes?

**Images via HauteLook**

Also.. if you aren't a member on HauteLook I highly recommend joining. They have some fantastic deals. Click HERE to join and tell them I sent ya!

Happy Friday!

X , 

Ray

Back in Action- A little Fashion Week

Its been months my dear ones.. Please forgive me, I have been lazy. I promise to bring you new posts from now on in a timely manner! Anywho, today we will ease into things with a quick snap from one of my top pics from the recent Giorgio Armani 2012 Fall RTW show in Milan. I almost died when I saw this outfit... the fedora, the coral, the cowl neck!!! Too much to handle. **breathe** **breathe** As much as I yearn for Spring to be here, this collection makes wish it were Fall! See the entire collection over at NY Magazine.

Which designer or piece has caught your fancy!? Please share!

**Image via The Cut**

Happy Leap Day! Treat today as the extra gift it is and do something new/rare!

X ,

Ray

Happy Faux-Turkey Day!!

I must admit, I do not eat Turkey but I would certainly indulge in these cute little guys!

To good friends, good food, good shopping and the Muppets (yes, I just said Muppets- squee!!)...

Happy Thanksgiving to All!

What are your plans for the long weekend?!

**Image via Our Best Bites***

X , 

Ray

HAIRography

Today as I embark upon my trip to the hair salon I face the age old question...

Long or Short?

There have been many a debate over the subject with good reasoning on both sides. Including these two wonderful articles- Short v Long.
To me it comes down to
Long=
Feminine, Fairytale Rapunzel-esque, Shampoo ad bounce-&-shine- with-a-wind-machine-style
Short=
Gamine, Sophisticated, Adult, Chic, JustLikeAudreyHepburnInRomanHoliday

I've had experience with both styles as I got stir crazy before college graduation and chopped 10+" off my locks.... But now it's back to über long.

What are your thoughts?! Long/ short/ dyed!? Suggestions!?
I will leave you with some lingering images so you can ponder too...

 

**Images via.. well.. Google Search**

Happy Thursday!!
X ,
Ray

Cheap Chic: Missoni for Target

via Target

 T-Minus 1 day until the Missoni for Target collection is available! The collection which consists of a staggering 400 pieces will be available at select Target stores from September 13 trough October 22nd. Miracle of all miracles I happen to start late tomorrow and am planning on being at my local "Tar-Jay" as soon as it opens! Browsing through the lookbook over at Fashionista I find myself drawn to the accessories and home decor pieces more than the clothing. They are a bit overwhelming for me.. I am a creature of habit who likes neutrals despite loving Missoni prints (not sure how that works?!) Anywho, below are a few of my picks I am hoping to score mañana! Check out the lookbook HERE and let me know what your favorites are!

***Images via Fashionista***

Happy Monday!

X , 

Ray

Happy Opening Day Zara Online Shop!

Starting TODAY, 9/7/11, Zara has opened its online shop for the US! 

Quality basics and trend pieces at decent prices. What more could you ask for. 

... my bank account is about to get a serious workout.

In honor of the launch I have scoped out a few of my top picks for this fall.

... Decisions... Decisions....

Punchy Color Outerwear:

Teal Wool Coat $169

Epitome of Cool, Without the Effort:

Waterfall Leather Jacket $249

Wear with everything and anything:

Navy Jersey Blazer $79.90

Out On the Town

Sequin Sheath Dress $159

Dainty Daily Wear:

Skinny Jeans $59.90

A Little Luxe in Your Life:

Fur Collar Cable Knit Cardi $89.90

Shoe Stalking

Platform Ankle Boot $129.00

Lady-Like Chic

Portfolio City Bag $79.90

And.. A little punk

Leather Collar/ Bib $25.90

***All photos via Zara***

Happy Shopping!

X , 

Ray

A little inspiration...

Just some food for thought.

Finally back from the summer hiatus... I promise new real posts are soon to come!

Happy Wednesday!

X , 

Ray