Think I'm In Love

You know that feeling you get when you see an extremely attractive guy, how your brain goes all fuzzy like wrackspurts are invading it and everything around you just stops? Well, I got that feeling today. Only, there was no (straight) man in sight. No, it was in the shoe department of Nordstrom where I, Lindsey, fell in love with the most beautiful pair of Miu Miu boots.

Earlier today when making my shopping list for fall I wrote in big letters: LOOK FOR TIMELESS PIECES WITH SPECIAL EMBELLISHMENTS AND DETAILS. Well, friends, I have found that piece! Shall I describe these boots to you? Black, knee-high suede boots. Two inch heel. They seem pretty nondescript at first glance. You nod at them and think, okay, these boots are alright, but nothing special.

BUT THEN...you notice the heel. Dozens of tiny clear crystals bedazzle the chunky heel. These boots, these seemingly plain boots, suddenly become extraordinary. This tiny adjustment to plain jane boots makes them magical. They are still seasonless -black, my darling, goes with everything, you know- but those tiny jewels give a perfect touch of glamour.

I am already counting the days until these bad babies go on sale. Also, the "Miu Miu Boots or Bust!" savings fund begins now.

Miu Miu Suede Jewel-Heel Boots at Neiman Marcus

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My grandmother recently gave me the book Parisian Chic: a Style Guide by Ines de la Fresssange in preparation for my return to France, and already it has become one of my favorite nonfiction books. From the staples of sleek Parisian chic to rules you should never break to how to properly throw a dinner party, the book has it all down. And of course, it got me in the "Oh my god I need the staples of Parisian chic!" mood. Then I started dreaming about the clothes I would like to obtain this summer in general. I've been on the prowl for several items for the past few months now, but hopefully this summer I will get those major items I've been dreaming of (perhaps at some of the stores Madame de la Fressange talks about?).

THE Parisian Staple

Perhaps the most-known Parisian style staple (other than the beret, but no one actually wears those) is the striped sweater. After all, the best time to wear one is all the time* and they are rather versatile. I mean, THE French fashion icon herself, the great and powerful Coco Chanel, was the one who made them popular, and ever since women everywhere -including me- have been searching for the perfect striped shirts.

Coco Chanel in a striped sweater

Some of my favorite sweaters out there, all in rather patriotic colors. I love them all!

It's Been a Long Time

I've never been one for ultra-mini skirts and the whole bare-as-much-of-your-body-without-being-illegal thing. I don't mind showing off some skin, but there comes a point where it's a bit too much. So I was absolutely ecstatic to notice a shift from baring it all to leaving more to the imagination, and nothing epitomizes this "less [skin] is more" trend like the maxi skirt.

I especially am digging the neutral and pastel colors for maxis right now a la Chloe. Like a pretty ballerina!

Walking Shoes

Boots are a must for me -comfortable on my stupid feet and very versatile- but during the summertime it gets tricky. The short boot, then, is the perfect solution! Perfect for traipsing around Europe or hitting the festival, a calf-length boot with a tiny heel is perfect for the summertime -and beyond!

I especially adore the Rodarte for Opening Ceremony boots, but unfortunately they are a bit beyond my price range. Oh, well, a girl can dream!

What are your summer must-haves?

*I love you forever if you understand this reference/don't judge me for it :)

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Mildred Pierce

Have you seen HBO's Mildred Pierce? My mom and I just finished watching it last night and while incredibly uncomfortable at times to watch (I cannot imagine having such a strained relationship with my mom, you'd think Veda was going to end up killing Mildred or something) it really was a phenomenal series. I am always quite fascinated with how Hollywood is able to bring back the past. To see my dear California in the thirties was crazy.

The acting itself was phenomenal. Kate Winslet can do no wrong. And the way she hides her accent is insane. And Evan Rachel Wood as the impossible Veda, sheesh. She's so pretty and nice in real life, and then as Veda I practically couldn't watch the show at some points, she was so awful and evil. But then there were points where snippets of kindness and innocence bled through and that's what made Evan Rachel Wood's portrayal of Veda so impossibly realistic -and scary too, to think that this psychotic girl could be real.

But plot aside, the one thing I was most impressed about was the clothing. I'm a sucker for period pieces in that I am always fascinated by the way costume designers manage to recreate accurate clothing for the time period but also make that said clothing fresh and updated. Sometimes costumes can seem stuffy and outdated, but the pieces in Mildred Pierce were ones I would want to wear today! Veda, the stuck-up Pasadena snob, of course, had the most magnificent of all the wardrobes, which only added to the conflicting feelings I had towards her.

(images from HBO)

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