crossbody bags

{image via everythingfab.com}

I spotted this photo last winter and archived it for the following reasons: 1) I love her classically casual ensemble. Her ladylike pointy heels chicly complements her tan, crewneck boyfriend sweater. And 2) I covet that 80's-style cross-body saddle bag. It's polished, simple and understated. But they just don't make simple, unadorned, smooth leather bags like that anymore. Or do they...?

Enter Nordstrom's most recent catalog (see below). Mini 80's-style, cross-body saddle bags are everywhere. Designers have resurrected their classic designs and reissued it for another go-around. I can already see these bags becoming this summer's accessory staple.

{image via nordstrom.com}

Still, I didn't want to pay $200 for one when I knew that there's a treasure trove of classic finds on Ebay. A quick "vintage Coach bag" search yielded me a plethora of classically chic bargains. So that black cross-body saddle bag I was coveting? I believe it's a vintage Coach Prairie bag. and I bought one off Ebay in mint condition for a mere $30 including shipping. Such a steal!

wouldn't it be nice

{image via weheartit.com}

Wouldn't it be nice...

...to just pack up and go somewhere warm?

...and while away the time swinging in a hammock?

...or snuggling with your sweetie?

...eating freshly made ceviche?

...drinking an ice cold drink?

...while listening to the ocean waves crashing in the background?

Dreaming of a beach vacation, yes I am.

Happy weekend my lovelies!

This song always makes me happy!

a-line skirts

{Image via LIFE.com}

I was exploring LIFE magazine's online archive of fashion covers when I spotted the August 1969 cover above. I love that whole look -- a-line miniskirt, lace blouse and metal chain belt. It reminds me of Ali MacGraw in the movie Love Story. It also reminds me of all the pretty, 60s-inspired, a-line skirts in Zara's spring line...

{all skirt photos via zara.com}

Aren't these Zara skirts fun? They're vibrant, flirty, and classic. Pair them with t-strap sandals, wedges or chunky-heeled pumps. In the winter months, I can totally see wearing them with bold tights and boots or knee-high knitted socks and clogs.

Brigitte Bardot, 1953

Brigitte Bardot, the little French ballerina the world had never heard of until 1953 when she frolicked on the beach during the Cannes Film Festival wearing nothing more than an itsy bikini... Bardot was relentlessly pursued by the press throughout the entire festival. This was a defining moment for the kittenish ballerina. The combination of the starlet, the venue and the event launched the young beauty's career and propelled the bikini into the French mainstream.

19-year-old Brigitte goofs around with pals that include Kirk Douglas, who at the time had just finished filming Spartacus.

Bardot's bikini caused such a sensation with photographers that

a crowd of onlookers gathered to watch her pose for the press.

Just gorgeous!

Sarah Kay: if I should have a daughter...

Sarah Kay is a Spoken Word Poet and founder of Project V.O.I.C.E.(Vocal Outreach Into Creative Expression). Spoken word poetry is the art of performance poetry. According to Sarah, it involves creating poetry that doesn't just want to sit on paper. Something about it demands to be said out loud or witnessed in person. A series of words so powerful that it must be heard and experienced. Project V.O.I.C.E.'s main goal is to utilize spoken word poetry as an instrument to educate, entertain and inspire. Pretty cool, right?

In the clip above, Sarah talks about the power and lessons of self-expression. She did this for the TED conference, a nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. I'm tellin' ya, this lady is awesome. Watch the clip above to be inspired...

"The world is made out of sugar. It can crumble so easily, but don't be afraid to stick your tongue out and taste it."

~ Sarah Kay

annie hall

Annie Hall... One of my absolute favorite movies. It's witty, eclectic and intelligent. I'm no movie expert, but it seems that they rarely make romantic comedies like this anymore. The dialogue is thoughtful and hilarious. You get to know the characters in depth. And the ending is atypical of most romantic comedies.

For those who are unfamiliar, this is the story of comedian Alvy Singer's (Woody Allen) on-again, off-again relationship with the eccentric Annie Hall (Diane Keaton). It chronicles all the ups and downs of their tumultuous yet endearing courtship. The movie is really quite charming. Extremely well-written and entertaining. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend renting it. Heck, rent it even if you have seen it!

Some of my fave quotes...

Alvy Singer: "If I get too mellow, I ripen and then rot."

Alvy: "Oh stop it, you're having an affair with your college professor, that jerk who teaches that incredible crap course. Contemporary Crisis in Western Man..."

Annie: "Existential motifs in Russian Literature. You're really close."

Alvy: "What's the difference? It's all mental masturbation."

Annie: "Oh well, now we're finally getting to a subject you know something about."

Annie Hall made Diane Keaton a style icon. She made menswear and thrift store finds fashionably chic. Imagine... baggy chinos, mens waistcoats and ties, bowler hat... whodathunk it'd look so good on her?!

Here's how Woody Allen remembers Diane Keaton on Annie Hall...

"She came in,and the costume lady [Nancy McArdle] on ‘Annie Hall’ said, ‘Tell her not wear that. She can’t wear that. It’s so crazy.’ And I said “Leave her. She’s a genius. Let’s just leave her alone and let her wear what she wants.”

Above, some cool, Annie-inspired artwork by Mike Oncley.

Happy Weekend, my darlings!!!