Friends with Benefits

♪ I got 4 pickles hey hey hey hey  ♫

Photos by Lida Ramsey

Sequin Moto Jacket- Walter Baker (scored at Sample Sale in Chelsea Market, similar here), Scarf- Denada Design, Sweater and Maxi- Thrifted (the sweater is Saks and the "maxi" is a nightgown), Eel Clutch- Vintage, Shoes- Dolce Vita, Jewelry- wholesaler

  

I : fashion as my best friend Lida : food --- basically, we count on each other to find out about gems in our respective areas of interest.  So when Lida told me she wanted to take me on a tour of the Eat Good Food Group (hey, I like to eat good food!) and several of their restaurants in Alexandria, Va, I didn't hesitate.  We lunched at Restaurant Eve--- It was like finding the secret garden of gastronomy!  It's tucked away in an alley and has a very quiet, relaxing atmosphere.   I would definitely recommend their "Lickety Split" lunch-- any two items on the menu are $14.98.  Loose mermaid dress advisable ;)

Merry Soxxmas

Never thought I'd see the day where I'd be excited about a pair of heels under 4" #growingup

Photos by Cheralee Lyle

Dress- Rebecca Taylor (via Net-a-Porter), Jacket- Thrifted, Socks- c/o Soxxy, Boots- Dolce Vita

Hope everyone is gearing up for a great holiday! This dress has become my go-to holiday party dress mainly because a) it gives the illusion of a small waist (all the better to hide my week-long cupcake binge with) and b) it looks like a disco ball (just spin in circles and everyone starts dancing!).  

And now, my Xmas gift to you... free socks! (wait, it gets better)

 Knee high socks and I don't have a good history-- for one, they tend to make me look like a rugby player (thanks a lot, thigh genes), and secondly, they never want to stay put. I was so happy to receive these Soxxys in the mail---- they have a gel grip on the inside that keeps them from sliding down your legs and sagging around your ankles. Sagging generally = the opposite of anything that connotes sexy.

Here's how to enter:

Merry Christmas! xoxoxo

Baroque Creek Park

"Rrrrruff!" -- Thanks dawg, I like these pants too :)

Photos by Cheralee Lyle

Hooded Scarf- Denada Design, Blazer, denim shirt, and purse- Vintage, Skinnies- Target, Boots- Urban Outfitters

Went for a romp in the woods with Cheralee a little while back--- this is one of the few things I miss about living in the 'burbs (although Rock Creek Park is still very close).  It's a dangerous thing, having a Target one floor down from my gym--- I stopped by to pick up makeup remover and walked out 10 minutes later (in a trance) with 3 pairs of printed skinnies, gloves, and no makeup remover.  Cheap convenience strikes again!

How to Lose a Girl in 10 Seconds

Photos by Cheralee Lyle

Fringe Jacket- BB Dakota (old), Shift dress and collar tips- La Petite Marmoset, Clutch- Vintage, Shoes- Nine West, Belt- Asos

Apologies for the lack of photos (because I know you guys are sooooo disappointed there aren't 7+ pictures of me)--- recently I've been having some issues with blurriness. On the day we took these photos, an elderly man sauntered over, burst my personal space bubble and said, "You make me want to have babies. Are you gonna make some pretty babies for me?" This was followed by a smoochy sound mating call.  As difficult as it was to turn down this offer, I had to decline---- I thought a first date was in order before any further discussion of family plans. 

Have a great weekend!! ;)

Velvet, Virgin, and a Good Cause

What did'orsay??

Photos by Lise Silva

Sweater Cape- LOFT (last year), T-shirt, trousers, belt, and bag- Vintage (via La Petite Marmoset), Pumps- Guess (via DSW)

I've been looking for a nice affordable pair of d'orsay pumps for a while now--- it must have been fate (/death for my budget) that a new DSW just opened up walking distance from the loft!  I had been strategically avoiding it for a week but then found myself magnetically drawn to the entrance--- it really wasn't my fault.  I love that a nice pair of pointy pumps can instantly turn stretch velvet granny pants into slightly more elegant stretch velvet granny pants.

Also, there are a few spots left in Red Sprinkle's Beauty Lounge tomorrow night! It's being held here at the LPM Showroom---- email info@redsprinkle.com to RSVP :)

Why my Grandpa is a Bad***

Baroque n' roll time

Photos by Cheralee Lyle

Dress- LPM Redesigned Vintage, Vest- Forever21, Belt- Vintage (my aunt's), Shoes- Nine West (via DSW)

Hope everyone had a lovely holiday! I spent Thanksgiving with my mom's family in New Jersey-- everyone was comparing Sandy survival stories (thankfully no one was hurt). My grandparents lost power for 1 week--- my grandma took refuge with a family member who still had power, but 94 year-old Grandpa Steve, like the Spartan warrior he is, decided to stay and man the fort. 

Me: Grandpa, why did you stay at home in the dark for 7 days?? Weren't you cold?

Grandpa: It reminded me of my war days! (grunts) 

Me: Oh... yes I can see how you would want to relive those... What did you eat Grandpa??
Grandpa: Cornflakes, cornflakes, and more cornflakes! 
Me: Wow! You know some women do that as a diet and can't last 3 days?
Grandpa: *Crosses arms and grins
 

Then we went on the opposite of a diet and stuffed ourselves with Greek and Latin food.  The end!

The Godfather

♫ I feel like bustin' loose ♩ ♪

Photos by Lise Silva

Faux Leather Jacket- Rainbow Stores, Cropped Sweater- Vintage (via La Petite Marmoset), Blouse- Violet Boutique, Bodycon dress- Rave, Booties- via Solestruck.com

This mural of the late talented Chuck Brown (aka the Godfather of Go-go) in Petworth is is at the top of my list of all-time favorite DC street art because 1) he's blue and MINT and 2) he gives the side-eye to everyone getting off of the metro.  R.I.P. Mr. Brown--- you have left your mark on this city and a generation of artists to come.

Mr. Robinson

Photos by Ashley Turchin

Blazer- Vintage (Via La Petite Marmoset), T-shirt and Bag- Thrifted, Dress- Target, Boots- Asos

Kevin Robinson, whoever you are, your name is branded in Sharpie on the inside neckline of this thrifted Murray Hill High School T-shirt. Why would you ever want to part with it? Such a great layering piece!  I'm sure you weren't thinking that while you wore it twiggin'/ footballin'/ultimate frisbeein' or however you used to spend your afternoons (don't worry, I washed all the bro out before wearing).  Did you replace it with more distinguished college gear? Or did your mom get fed up with a mess in your room and donate it?  Bet you never thought about wearing it with sequins :)

Denada x LPM

Marmoset surrenders after spending a fun-filled afternoon with Baby Atticus :) Gracias Denada!

Photos by Lise Silva

Me: Open Wave cowl (in Plum) Ashley: Hooded cowl (in Charcoal)- c/o Denada, Clothing- Vintage (via La Petite Marmoset)

From the moment TPWP first introduced me to local brand Denada Design last year, I dreamt of owning one of their yummy hand crafted knit cowls--- those dreams became a reality last Sunday when owner/designer Virginia Arrisueño stopped by to visit the LPM showroom (with baby Atticus in tow).  All Denada scarves are made with love in Peru (the birthplace of Virginia's family)--- no sweatshops happening here!

Want to knock out a chunk of your holiday shopping list? Denada is offering all LPM readers a 15% discount from now until November 20th with the discount code "LPMxDENADA" 

Check out Denada's post here :)

The Son He Never Had?

 Left: My dad circa 1976; Right: Me with a ponytail stache

Photos by Lise Silva

Jacket- Vintage (My dad's), Dress- random shop in Dublin, Hat- Forever21, Booties- Asos

It's the night of December 31st, 1976--- My dad is a newly arrived Colombian immigrant stepping out of JFK airport, marveling at the mass of cars stuck in traffic. EFF IT'S COLD!-- The wind hits him like a ton of bricks as he attempts to hail a taxi, unaware that the fare all the way to Patterson, NJ will cost him every last penny.  Well, at least the 5 other people sharing his attic room would provide some body heat...

Naturally, the first thing my dad wanted to buy when he saved up enough money working less than minimum wage at a sheet metal factory was a heavy duty, impenetrable (and might I add swag-tastic) winter coat.  This coat is so thick, I swear it must be bullet proof--- it weighs at least 6 lbs.  Even though its 70's lapels and exaggerated pockets fell out of fashion, my dad always held on to it as a symbol of overcoming his first struggles here in the U.S.--- he has since gone on to become a successful ophthalmologist (the journey to that point could be a whole series blog posts, but I'll spare you).  He would tell me the story about the oxblood leather trench hanging in the back of his closet as a little girl--- I loved it so much I would try on the coat, practically drowning in it and toppling over.  As I got older, I toyed with the idea of having it altered to fit my frame, but decided against it out of fear--- I wouldn't trust just anyone with a pair of shears.  

This coat is ridiculous, groovy, amazing, and although a little over-sized and missing one button, perfect the way it is :)