MILK TEETHS

sampaguita

2012-03-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

Outfit Details:
Vintage 1960s floral maxi dress: borrowed from the shop ;-)
Kork-Ease sandals: thrifted

First and foremost, happy 80th birthday to my grandma! Doesn't she look great? I'm demanding to see her birth certificate because she doesn't look or act like any 80 year old I know. She walks a few miles each day, lifts weights, eats right, is a die hard Lakers fan, loves action movies, and knows her way around a sewing machine. I'm so lucky to have her in my life. I need to start picking up some of her habits ASAP.

And now, a few musings on Filipino culture:

1. The land of no traffic or driving regulations
I suppose that's a bit of an overstatement...but not by much. While there are painted lane dividers on the road nobody abides by them. It's common to have like 4+ cars driving side by side on what should really be a 2 lane road. Passing a car by driving into the opposite lane of traffic and then cutting them off is totally fine and normal here. Nobody raises and eyebrow. In fact, all of the drivers are incredibly patient.Grant and I couldn't believe it. We kept thinking, man if someone tried to pull these moves in Southern California people would be having melt downs. They would melt down and then probably follow that person home. Also, and maybe this is different in the city versus in the Provinces (aka the country where my family is from), but as long as you don't get caught driving without a license anyone can pretty much get behind a wheel. Grant swears that he saw a 10 year old driving a car the other day.

Don't get me started on Manila traffic.

2. Sweet Food
I think that Filipinos have a general predilection towards sweet food, and I'm not just talking about for desserts and whatnot. It's been a bit of a challenge for Grant and I to reconcile our Western palates towards the Filipino one. For example, spaghetti is a very popular meal and side dish here but it has a definite sweetness to it. Not like sugary dessert sweet but sweet enough to where we notice that it's sweet. Breakfast meats are another sugary thing that are very popular. Sausage like longanisa or tocino (which is like ham) are just so sugary! So much so that the meats look like they are glazed in sugar. We recently went to a museum the other day that had a small section on native cooking and I found out the reasoning for the abundance of sugar has to do with the region being rich in sugar cane and that the sugar helped preserve the meat.

Anyway, just a few cultural observations

around the old town

2012-02-26T20:00:00.000-08:00

Outfit Details:
Vintage button up: thrifted
High waist pleated heart shorts: gift from Grant
Sandals: thrifted
Sunglasses: Asos

Hi! Here is a quick, disjointed recap before I run out the door...

We live across the street from an old chapel that, for a long time, used to be sort of dilapidated and run down. I remember when I was younger i was convinced that the chapel was haunted and stuff. Didn't help that it was boarded up and just plain creepy looking. Well fast forward a decade, a new facade, and some refurbishing work and now the chapel is in working order and really quite beautiful. We got to climb up to the bell tower and poke around the place which was fun.

It seems that parades are a big deal over here. There is pretty much a parade for anything and everything. A few days ago my grandma woke us up and told us to come down stairs because a parade was about to start. Grant and I rushed to the porch and saw hundreds of middle school aged children walking down the street. I'm not sure why but there were a few costumed people peppered throughout the line which was cool to see, especially because their costumes were kind of crazy in the best way possible. I think news got around that some American people (us) were on the porch because the kids would wave at us and yell out "Hey Joe!!" to Grant. Joe being a general term for white American guy I think. Grant has gotten called Joe a lot here so far.

When I pictured going to a cockfight, I was thinking small. Maybe some sort of backyard operation with men crouching down and placing bets while motorbikes and jeeps sped by. Well, my uncle took us to a cockfighting arena and let's just say things got crazy. Definitely not a lot of women in attendance, mostly men. Lots of yelling and bet placing. We got a seat near the front and only stayed to see 4 matches (each match lasts like 2-3 minutes long). Cockfighting is definitely a cultural thing and while some may find it reprehensible, I will say that once it is clear which rooster has lost, death comes pretty swiftly via a blow to the neck delivered by the victorious bird.

One morning my family and I woke up at dawn to go to the fish bond and take a boat ride. All was very peaceful as our banca (boat) slipped into the water. Lots of birds were out fishing and seeing them zoom by and drop to the water only to retrieve a whole fish in their talons was a sight to see. Wish I could of captured that on film.

Hope everyone is doing well! Thanks for reading while my blog has transitioned into a travel one :)

mabuhay

2012-02-22T22:03:00.001-08:00

After a 15 hour flight and a layover in Guam, Grant and I finally made it to Manila! We arrived around 5:30 in the morning, greeted by my mom and some of my relatives. They definitely don't waste any time in the Philippines because after we got to my Uncle's house and hung out for a bit, we started sightseeing ASAP. Luckily for us, jet lag hadn't set in yet ;)

Pampanga, which is the region of the Philippines where my family is from, is home to a lot of old Spanish churches. A little history for those unaware but the Philippines were under Spanish rule for a few centuries, hence the country's Catholic majority and a large Filipino population with Spanish surnames (fun fact, my last name is an indigenous one. It means woven rice container).

Anyway, old churches never let me down and the ones we visited were amazing. Definitely a far cry from the Disneyland-like mega churches that dot Orange County.

Later in the day we went up into the hills/ jungle because my Aunt knew of a cool vantage point that let you see the entire Province/ Manila on one side and the other side had a view of Mt. Pinatubo, a volcano that erupted and devastated the region in the early 90s. The view was so awesome; it was definitely worth the bumpy car ride up there!

Flashback: Color Magazine

2012-02-19T14:41:00.000-08:00

I was transferring some photos from my computer to a hard drive to free up some space when I came across a folder of photos from an editorial Grant and our friends Rob and Jackie were in a few years ago for Canada's skate and fashion mag Color Magazine. Our friend Ed shot these photos around Huntington Beach. All photos by Ed Templeton

PS: We leave tonight! Loaded up on snacks for the plane (fruit leather, vegan chocolate chip cookies, beef jerkey--don't you love the contrast--, trail mix, and an energy bar) and now we're just waiting to get going. I plan on doing a lot of instagramming on the trip so if you're curious (and have an iPhone) you can follow me at @milkteeths ;-) See you all in Manila!

descanso gardens

2012-02-15T20:18:00.000-08:00

Outfit Details:
Vintage 1970s dress (altered to be shorter): pile sale
Salvatore Ferragamo flats: thrifted
Vintage gold mouse hair clip: gift from Grant
Heart necklace: thrifted

Grant's Oufit details ;-)

Beanie: UO

1970s cardigan: thrifted

Button up: thrifted

Jeans: Levi's

Boots: Clarks

Hello! Firstly, I hope everyone had a nice Valentine's Day (or at the very least, used the holiday as an excuse to stock up on half priced V-day candy while freely indulging in eating every treat, sweet, and heart shaped thing in sight).

On Valentine's Day Grant and I hoofed it up to Pasadena. Originally, I wanted to go to the Huntington Gardens but was DENIED since they are closed on Tuesdays. I even looked on the website and saw that the tea place was closed on Tuesdays but for some reason it didn't register that the actual gardens would also be closed. All was not lost, however. We went and had afternoon tea at the Chado Tea Room and eh. It was just okay. The hunt for the perfect tea place continues...

A quick tip from Grant's dad to go to the nearby Descanso Gardens pretty much saved our trip out there (thanks Rick!). Descanso Gardens are in La Canada which was like 10 minutes away on the freeway. We got there two hours before the park closed and it was just so nice to be able to stroll the gardens close to sunset. It had been patchy gray skies all day but luckily for us things had cleared up a bit and we were treated to gardens and mountains bathed in warm golden light. We strolled through Japanese gardens, groves of old oak trees, floral forests heavy with camellias in all different colors, and pretty pastoral grass meadows. There was also a small area of California native plants and cactus and an impressive rose garden near the front. All in all, a great day spent with my great guy :)

PS: I've been getting some questions on my hair recently, asking if I do anything to it to make it look "vintagey". All I can say is that I think my haircut makes it look like that. I don't do anything besides let it air dry (which brings out the natural wave) and scrunch it with cheapo Suave mousse. Then I just pin my bangs to the side and hope for the best. Also, you guys are seeing it on it's "good" days. There is no way in hell that I would post a picture of what it looks like on a bad day. Those are the days I wear a hat and hope that I don't see anyone that I know around town. Isn't it funny how much a bad hair day can affect your confidence? Sheesh!

james river blues

2012-02-13T17:25:00.000-08:00

Outfit Details:
Vintage button up: thrifted
Vintage pleated skirt: thrifted
Black leather skinny belt: thrifted
Sandals: thrifted

Can't believe it, we're leaving for the Philippines on Sunday! I've been desperately hunting down shorts and lightweight dresses at the thrift store so I will be cramming my suitcase filled with these pieces. Average temperature in the Philippines right now is like 85 degrees 95% humidity. AHHH!! When I was younger I remember touching down in Manila and feeling the heat seep through the airplane. Suffice to say there will be handkerchiefs, oil blotting sheets, and mattifying powder a plenty in my purse D:

Some things that I am excited for include: halo halo, jeepneys, seeing my relatives (all of whom live in the Philippines. Zero of them live in the US), straight up exploring, and my grandma's 80th birthday party!

I think I'll post a few more times before I leave Sunday but after that this blog will turn into a travel/fashion blog for a few weeks. Can't wait!

PS: ANYONE ELSE COMPLETELY OBSESSED WITH DOWNTON ABBEY?! I know it's old news for UK folks but can I just say holy cow at last night's episode!! I even had a dream last night that I was a character in the show and it was so great. I think I woke up smiling. And unf!! at Cousin Matthew. Early 20th century dreamboat or is that just me?

simple things

2012-02-10T11:39:00.000-08:00

Outfit Details:
Mustard silk blouse: thrifted
Vintage striped skirt: thrifted
Kork Ease sandals: thrifted
Vintage heart necklace

Lately, it's been really starting to feel like spring in Orange County. Lots of orange and lemon trees are bursting with fruit and whenever I drive around the county I love catching glimpses of old citrus trees peaking over fences and enclosures. Bright magenta bougainvillea is also starting to bloom in full force which is lovely.

On a different note, recently Grant and I have been going to a lot of estate sales and let's just say I'm starting to feel like a hoarder with the amount of stuff I've been buying. I never wake up early enough to get the really good items so I always feel put out whenever I show up later since it's clear that I missed out on all sorts of cool things. It's probably for the better though. Usually, the later in the day you show up the more discounted the items become. I always feel creepy rifling through people's things...not sure if I'll ever get past that feeling.

MEGA VINTAGE UPDATE! New at MILK TEETHS

2012-02-07T18:32:00.000-08:00

Lots of new pretties in the store this week! Also, sorry that I look like such a grump in these photos. I'm definitely the poster child for CBF sometimes :/

1960s multicolor SILK floral long sleeve knee length shift dress M

1950s short sleeve button up marled green and black pin up sweater XS-S

1970s women's oxblood brown leather tassled loafers with rubber gum sole 7-8 US

1960s golden yellow sleeveless floor length evening gown xs-s

1970s red and multicolor knit long sleeve tunic mini dress S

1950s Dumas of California wool boucle camel swing coat with metal and rhinestone buttons S-L

1970s genuine snakeskin seafoam green pumps US 6 W

1980s SILK leopard print long sleeve collared button up xs-s

1970s off white lacey empire waist ruffle dress XS-S

1990s Dr. Martens black and white wing tip creepers US 5 UK 3

1950s pink madras plaid sundress M

Sparkley black 1940s inspired t-strap high heels 6.5 US

1980s simple red cranberry knit pull over sweater jumper S-M

Early 1960s Sabina Knits Far Eastern inspired beaded mini dress S-M

PS: CardiganKing is having a sale! 25% off all sweaters, jackets, and of course cardigans! Use code "JOECOOL"

My favorite pieces include this Southwestern/ Native American inspired cardigan, a dreamy tan and powder blue chevron print sweater, this super cozy camel shawl collar cardigan, and a simple marled gray pull over. Don't forget that most of these pieces are unisex :)

havalina

2012-02-05T23:39:00.000-08:00

Outfit Details:
Dress: Asos
Vintage espadrille flats: gift from Grant

Do you ever get told that you look like anyone? Well, ever since I cut my hair I have been told, on numerous occasions, that I look a bit like a certain animated witch. Kiki from Kiki's Delivery Service, to be exact. Here's my best rendition of the look without going too much into cosplay territory.

Question: Do people ever tell you that you look like a certain someone? I wanna know!

RNDM PHOTOS: JANUARY

2012-02-01T21:29:00.000-08:00

Tea with one of my oldest pals Shayne (not going to name the place because it was so meh. If anyone knows of any good tea houses in Southern California let me know!)

The Los Rios district in San Juan Capistrano is beyond cute. Can't wait to go back and 'splore.

CREAM PAN!! Strawberry custard croissants and their signature cream pan are my favorite things to get there. Ooh and their ham and cheese croissant ain't too shabby either!

Ecco in Costa Mesa (an arugula and prosciutto pizza for one). Definitely go for lunch because dinner can get expensive.

Tramping around Modjeska Canyon
The sun sets on January and rises on February! Yeah! Philippines here I come :D Can't wait to take travel photos and such (which, if pressed, is what I would fill the digital pages of my blog up with instead of silly photos of myself). We leave on the 19th.

New at MILK TEETHS

2012-01-31T15:39:00.000-08:00

+++ Store update! This week get 15% off anything in the store with code "leeroyjenkins". Click the description to shop!

Early 1980s fitted black lace collared button up with pointy collar S

Early 1960s tan cream and black plaid mini skirt S

1970s bright poppy red short sleeve casual button up M-L

1970s simple red gingham mini circle skirt XS-S

1970s black velvet long sleeve maxi goth dress S

1960s pale yellow and blue abstract print short sleeve collared blouse M

1980s bubblegum pink tiny white polka dot print boho blouse S-M

1990s soft pink and white floral high waist knee length skirt with soft pleats XS

1970s navy blue apple button nightie mini dress

1970s simple floral short sleeve button down collared shirt M

Late 1970s white and black polka dot ruffle neck long sleeve blouse S-M

1990s black velvet long sleeve BODY con mini dress with square collar XS

1970s yellow and blue polka dot tie neck secretary blouse S-M

Early 1980s black and white sleeveless ruffled sun dress S

1970s orange long sleeve chevron print blouse S

Late 1970s cream acrylic soft woven pleated skirt S

tweed and polka dots

2012-01-30T09:43:00.000-08:00

Outfit Details:
Vintage tweed and leather blazer: thrifted
Silk polka dot blouse: thrifted
Men's trousers (made into shorts): thrifted
Leather loafers: thrifted

I have nothing of real substance to say about this outfit except that I saw a lot of photos of short suits on tumblr and thought I'd give it a whirl.

In other news, I've been watching a lot of the tv show Skins on my computer since it's on Netflix instant watch. I watched the first generation about a year ago and swore to myself that I would stop watching the series (because the first generation was the best one blahblahblah) BUT I found myself bored a few weeks ago during my evenings and started watching again.

Anyway, I know this is probably old news to anyone who actually watches the show but can I just say OMG at the finale of Season 4. I don't think I have ever been so unfulfilled by a season finale in my life, so much so that I feel the need to say something about it on this blog. Just...what.the.heck?? Watching that episode gave me the same excruciating feeling of (and if there is anyone reading who has ever studied music or voice maybe you understand where I am coming from) annoyance that could only come from a scale not being completed. You know? Like singing do re mi fa so la ti ____.

Do. Do. DO!!!

Annoying beyond words.

Palm Springs why I love you

2012-01-26T19:54:00.000-08:00

It's been pretty hot lately in Southern California which has got me thinking about the desert, specifically Palm Springs. These images are from a book I found at the thrift store a few months ago called Palm Springs why I love you by Tony Burke. It's all about Palm Springs in the 1930s-60s and man oh man is everything and everyone so glamorous. Reading through the book has cemented the fact that all I want to wear during spring/ summer are little high waist pinup shorts and short sleeve collared button downs with sensible shoes. Actually, I have a feeling that I will be borrowing heavily from a lot of these looks for my trip to the Philippines next month since it will undoubtedly be hot and humid.

PS. Doesn't that photo with the swimming pool and palm trees look so good?! Too bad that place is for sure gone. Now there is a place that I wouldn't mind hanging pool side at.

Related:
To check out more scans of other books in my collection hop on over HERE.
Palm Springs photos HERE

saddle up the palomino

2012-01-23T22:39:00.000-08:00

Outfit Details:
Vintage flannel button up: thrifted
Vintage Levi's cords: pile sale
Vintage leather lace up boots: thrifted
Leather belt: has lived in my closet ever since forever

This weekend was a doozy. I, along with some friends, went up to Oakland to surprise my friend Masi for her birthday party. She had absolutely no idea we were coming. With some careful planning we managed to sneak onto her balcony, close the blinds, and wait while she and her boyfriend (who was in on the surprise) got something from the car.

We didn't realize that our shadows would be so obvious so when she walked into her living room and saw the shapes of three unknown people standing on her balcony she started freaking because uhh who wouldn't if they saw something like that?! Anyway, she opened the blinds and started freaking out in an entirely different way and it was so funny and cute to see. She was so surprised and happy and it was just the best thing in the world :D

In other news, I've started updating the new store!! http://www.milkteeths.etsy.com! I will be updating little by little the entire week and soon I will be back to my regular sched of posting weekly store updates like I used to. I know I mentioned something about some so called"deals" on my last post and I am excited to announce that:

1. The first 15 domestic orders will receive FREE shipping! Use code "FIRST15"
2. The first 15 international orders will receive HALF OFF shipping! Discount will be in the form of a partial refund :)

Those are just the first few deals that will be going on but I actually have a few more tricks up my sleeve so stay tuned for 'em ;-)

stick with me, kid

2012-01-19T13:40:00.000-08:00

**I think my face looks pretty herpderp in the second to last pic, but Grant likes it so I'll humor him**

Outfit Details:
Camel coat: thrifted
Vintage floral dress: thrifted
Vintage Salvatore Ferragamo flats: thrifted

Okay so we finally saw The Artist a few nights ago and man, it really was so good! If you're in OC I recommend seeing it at the Lido in Newport Beach because it just makes sense to see a movie that was set in the mid 20s-30s in a theater that was built in the 1930s! Some quick googling also informed me that when the theater opened in 1938 they played Jezabel, a film which starred Bette Davis. Bette lived in nearby Corona Del Mar and straight up told the people at the theater you better open with my movie... or else.

Well she didn't say the or else part but I could see it going down like that. Anyway, these photos are from when we saw the movie.

On a related note, I really wish that I knew how to tap dance! Maybe I could find some adult tap dancing classes? Never mind that I have two left feet and what is probably an arthritic left knee...I wan't to learn dangit!

ALSO: I will be updating the new store MILK TEETHS vintage starting Monday! I'll announce the opening week deals and steals on Monday, too. If you could take a second to favorite the new store that would be awesome and methinks it will be worth your time to get a heads up on the stuff that I will be posting ;)

cream tangerine

2012-01-16T19:20:00.000-08:00

Outfit Details:
Gray pull over sweater: thrifted
Peter pan collar long sleeve: thrifted
Old Levi's cutoffs (that were originally pants): thrifted
Ancient Converse high tops

I live by an old military base that has, in recent history, been semi transformed into a park (the not so Great Park of OC, ahem). It used to have a bunch of old abandoned barracks and houses and one time, when Grant and I were exploring the ruins a few years ago, we walked around the side of a barrack and happened upon a parliament of Great Horned owls (btw, thank you Elliott Smith for teaching me what a group of owls is called). They were HUGE! It was a bit disconcerting to see so many of them together but it was definitely cool.

Well, it's the present day and I'm here to tell you that nothing really cool is left standing at the base. There's an orange hot air balloon that you can ride for free, a carousel, and a small community garden but other than that it's pretty desolate.

I think they should have just left the area alone. I wonder where those owls live now.

you're so down home

2012-01-12T21:22:00.000-08:00

Outfit Details:
Vintage scarf: thrifted
Vintage knit cardigan: pile sale
1970s floral dress: pile sale
Belle by Sigerson Morrison nude flats: C/O Rue La La

A secret: I always have to wear a jacket or cardigan with this dress because the armpits are shredded and the top side seam is coming undone. I'll probably have to make it into a tie strap sundress one of these days which I'm not psyched about. I have a weird thing where I don't like to wear strappy tops or dresses or even sleeveless tops or dresses. Gimme that short sleeve!

Anyone else have any strange clothing rules they stick to?

honey

2012-01-10T15:41:00.000-08:00

Outfit Details:
Vintage (altered) peter pan illusion blouse: thrifted
Camel cardigan: thrifted
Navy blue 12 year old boy slacks: thrifted
Belle by Sigerson Morrison nude flats: C/O Rue La La
Sunglasses: Asos

So in case you didn't know, I got a hair cut! It's actually a little shorter then what I originally wanted but since my hair grows so fast I figured that I can enjoy the growing out phase a bit longer. Also, with all of these 1920s movies (Huge, The Artist, The Great Gatsby) in theaters/ in production I've been seeing short hair everywhere and it makes me feel better about the length :X I just need to figure out how to do finger waves (cut to me spending two hours on YouTube watching hair and makeup videos. Friday night, what?)

I think this color combo of black, navy blue, and camel is pretty adult of me. I really love black and navy blue together (but only if the navy blue obviously looks blue and is not one of those double take, is that black?? shades) so this outfit was nice to put on. Something else that was nice to put on is this cardigan! I wear so many baggy, oversized ones that this vintage fitted number feels so nice. Thanks for letting me steal this one out of CardiganKing Grant ;-)

Ooh and a note about my vintage store, Three Feathers: I'm closing it down and opening a new store on etsy! I'd been thinking about starting fresh for a long time (I started the etsy way before my blog, hence the different name) and this store is going to be bigger, better, and way more awesome. I'll still be selling vintage clothing but I'm going to add more accessories and possibly housewares to the mix.

Anyway, if you're a fan of the old store I'd so appreciate it if you would favorite the new store right here: http://www.milkteeths.etsy.com

My plan is to open it by the end of the month (at the latest) and let's just say there are going to be some crazy deals to be had in order to kick things off right. I've also been hoarding vintage like a madwoman (hence the lack of new merch in the store right now) so the stuff in the new store is going to be pretty amazing, If I do say so myself!

marsupials

2012-01-08T17:45:00.000-08:00

Outfit Details:
Koala Sweater: Get it at CardiganKing
Vintage Levi's cords: Pile Sale
Old hat: Borrowed from Grant
Yellow flats: UO

Pretty sweet sweater, eh? Koalas AND hearts?! What a winning combination.

In other news, I recently saw the film Hugo and it was so good! I have no idea why the marketing for the movie was so terrible (I remember seeing a preview for it a few months ago and it looked so dumb/ too little kid-ish) because the movie was great. Directed by Martin Scorsese, no less! Definitely a feast for the senses and it's up there with Midnight in Paris on the whimsy meter. Anyway, go see it if you haven't already. I highly recommend it.

Next movie on my to see list: The Artist.

PS:

Kind of old news (yikes!) but my glitter star clip tutorial was in the December issue of UK craft mag Mollie Makes! AND the lovely Emily of Ruby Slipper Journeys made a pretty amazing star crown using my tutorial (check out the post ova HURR)

PPS: Cardigan King is going OFF!

1970s Pendleton Southwestern Navajo Shawl Collar Cardigan UNISEX M-L

the ranch

2012-01-05T18:05:00.000-08:00

Some photos from our time out at Warner Springs for NYE and New Years Day. Lot's of music playing, animal snuggling, and food eating= a great time had by all. I didn't take any photos of when we went out and soaked in the hot springs on New Years Day (and checked out this really creepy old Spanish/ Indian church near the springs!). The hot springs are pretty authentic, I don't think they add any chlorine to the water so you get the maximum mineral content allowable. The springs definitely don't smell great (egg smell for days) but it's always worth it to take a dip.

Before lunch on New Years Day we went crystal hunting and I'm not sure what I was expecting but I thought it would be along the lines of beach combing for sea glass in that you can just pluck jewels off the ground like it ain't no thing. Uh, I was wrong. You definitely need to have an eye for it. There were lots of pieces of quartz, rose quartz, old bullet casings, and black tourmaline but most of the pieces were so dime a dozen that they weren't worth picking up. I did find some cool pieces of mica and a few neat quartz crystals so all was not lost. Grant found a pointed crystal--lucky!

I have to run, my friends and I are indulging in a fried chicken dinner at Memphis! 50% off on Thursdays?! Best deal in Orange County!

amber

2012-01-02T21:29:00.000-08:00

Outfit Details:
1970s navy blue floral wrap dress: thrifted
1950s knit cardigan: pile sale
Orange socks: C/O Falke
Leather loafers: thrifted

Hey, hey! Happy New Year everyone. Hope everyone had a nice NYE. As I mentioned before, Grant and I spent it up in the mountains with some friends and we had a blast. It was super low key and very relaxing, I'll be posting pictures later in the week you can bet you're bottom dollar on that!

So is anyone trying to stick to a New Years Resolution? Mine is to eat better and to make more food at home. The amount of money I spend eating out is frightening so I'm going to try to tame that beast. Wish me luck.

In other exciting news, my trip to the Philippines is all set! We leave mid February and come back the first week of March. I am so excited. The last time I went to the Philippines I was like 11 so suffice to say I will be appreciating the time I spend there much more. Grant's coming with so that will also add to the fun. Maybe I can brush up on my Tagalog? Although I can understand a lot of Tagalog (and I speak Kampangpangan fluently) I can't really speak it back. If all else fails, everybody over there pretty much speaks English anyway so I should be good. Can't wait for this blog to turn into a travel journal again :)

PS: If anyone has any suggestions of cool places to visit near Manila or in Pampanga please let me know! Off the beaten path things, restaurants to eat at, stores to check out, you name it--I'm all ears!

RNDM PHOTOS: DECEMBER

2011-12-29T20:18:00.000-08:00

I should have gotten one of those little tin wind up toys! I swear, the Irvine Antique Market never disappoints. Word to the wise: the market moved locations. Instead of being at IVC it's now located at the Great Park. Open every first Sunday of the month.

Lola scrubbing banana leaves to make banana leaf wrapped Filipino treats

Way better than Taco Bell. Deluxe chili cheese fries are my kryptonite.

An unskateable ramp at rvca + a very cold evening

Pierced Arrows
The night that permanently destroyed my hearing. Just kidding (but really...). Dinosaur Jr. playing Bug and a Henry Rollins hosted Q&A session. So good but SO.LOUD. Never again without earplugs.

After the concert we got to go backstage (shout out to the Templetons for hooking it up) and..things got kind of awkward? Funny in a way, nonetheless, so I don't even care. Not pictured: Henry Rollins surfing the 'net in the hallway.

Every year some of my best gal pals from high school get together to throw a holiday dinner. Our unifying thread?We were all theater geeks and/or chorus nerds. The truth comes out! Anyway, we ate dinner, looked at some lights, and scooted on down to a bar that had karaoke. Singing Train's seminal hit, "Drops of Jupiter" was, I think, the perfect way to end our evening together.

In case I don't post again, I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year!! Grant and I are going up to the mountains with some friends to soak in the hot springs (like we do every year) and play with animals. Maybe we'll even go crystal hunting? Who knows.

See you in 2012, stay safe! :)

some enchanted evening

2011-12-27T13:06:00.000-08:00

Outfit Details:
Dress: Asos
Stockings: C/O Falke
Flats: Target
Headband: F21

Just realized that this entire outfit is made up completely non thrifted items. Weird! Anyway, this is what I wore on Christmas Eve. It was pretty low key (my family doesn't really do much on Christmas Eve), Grant and I exchanged presents, hopped on over to Balboa to take a stroll and look at the lights, ate some Thai Food, and then finished up the night by watching a little Home Alone 2.

But to rewind a bit, while Grant and I were walking around Balboa we saw the MOST ridiculous dog ever. It was a white teacup breed with silky long hair that had not only some sort of pearl tiara atop its head, but was also decked out in a red velvet Christmas dress.

It was also being pushed around in a dog stroller.

Welcome to Orange County.

kringle

2011-12-23T12:27:00.000-08:00

Outfit Details:
LAMB plaid blazer: C/O Refinery29
Gray henley: Target Red jeans: F21
Suspenders: Hot Topic
Minnetonka Moccasins: Amazon

When I was working over at Refinery 29 over the summer, Christene (who is the EIC) turned to me, grabbed this jacket under her desk and asked if I wanted it since it looked like it could fit me. Naturally, I said yes!

I wasn't really sure how to wear it at first but I think the plaid pattern is perfect for the Holidays so this is what I came up with. I guess if Santa had an Executive Assistant, this gettup would fit the bill, and I am 100% okay with that. Also, you can sort of tell, but the lining of this jacket is really interesting. The sleeves are a striped material but the jacket body is a patterned iridescent green. Maybe I'll pull a Fresh Prince of Bel-Air move and start wearing it inside out?

Anyway, I have some Christmas presents to make so I should be working on that right now. I hope they turn out okay (I'll post a picture after Christmas to show you all).

Happy Holidays errbody!

silver bells

2011-12-20T14:42:00.000-08:00

Outfit Details:
1970s does 1940s pink floral dress: pile sale
Oversized knit shawl collar cardigan: thrifted
Belt: thrifted
Socks: UO
Leather lace up boots: thrifted
Sunglasses: Asos

Did a bit of last minute antiquing over the weekend with my pal Beatrice up in Old Town Orange. If you're in Orange County and have yet to experience OTO during the holidays, you need to go check it out! All the store fronts are decked out in cute decorations and in the center park there's a huge tinsel santa and Christmas tree (I think once Hanukkah starts a menorah goes up too). It's the prettiest at night so make sure to go then.

I didn't get anything this time around but Beatrice flipped out when she saw those red Harajuku girl approved shoes that were randomly inside one of the antique malls. She definitely pulls 'em off. Also, as we were looking around one of the shops we heard Christmas carols and rushed outside to see what was up. 'Lo and behold there was a group of people caroling outside one of the cafes. Too, too awesome.

Psst: Grant's got an interview up at Paradigm Magazine about his photography. The boy's got talent!