Top Three Tuesday: Prints

I love prints. I love mixing prints. In fact, at times I have a fear of walking out of the house in all solids.  It's an irrational fear, but a valid fear nonetheless.

In honor of it being Tuesday and no longer Monday, and the fact that I'm wearing some of these prints as I type, I'll talk about prints. (Prints is the new buzz word everyone!!)

3) Gingham.  It's no longer just for menswear, even though I had to stock my wardrobe with menswear until I found this baby in navy.

The history of gingham originated from the English (naturally) via the Dutch, and was first used to describe a woven striped fabric.  Now more commonly it is this checkered pattern

2) Polka dots. They are the most playful, cheery pattern out there.  (and my dress sported this pattern yesterday!)  Wiki says the pattern is mostly in children's clothing, rarely in serious fashion, and generally more playful occasions.  The pattern is named after a dance of the same name.  I spy a subtle polka dot blouse at JCrew!!

1) Stripes.  I just can't get over my affinity and obsession for stripes. I don't think it's curable and sorry I'm not sorry.  Apparently its origination was quite the scandal, with responses such as "one shall not made a garment made of two" and those who wore stripes were not to be trusted...i.e. village idiots, prostitutes, jugglers, and clowns.  Well thankfully that opinion is mostly over, and we can all be free to wear stripes. I love this combo of stripes+stripes!

Musical Manic Monday.

Today is definitely manic.   There are construction workers at our office re-building out new floors for us, which really just sounds like someone banging a hammer against a pipe.  There is construction going on at my place to work on a couple repairs.  It's everywhere!!! Time to put in my headphones and tune out the world and get some work done.

Someone told me about "Portugal. The Man". Really-that's the band name.  I had to get him to repeat it no fewer than five times, which probably led him to believe that I have a hearing problem (WHAT??!).

Well I checked it out, and good news-I love it.  It successfully got me through any car time on Sunday, and I am now head bobbing to it in my cubicle.  Yay for headphones and new tunes!

Here are my favs:

Got it All


Floating


Turns out these guys are from Portland, which gives me yet another reason to visit there.  Love finding new music and people who have good taste.

Today

is Thursday. And today I don't have a cocktail or a thrift to share with you, because I would rather talk about my vacation. 

 I'm here to tell you, it's really hard to do a headstand when the shore is completely sloped.  I managed to do one in South Africa a few years ago, but it was much flatter.

 Just your average Friday afternoon with some of my favorite people.

 Necessary to put your hair in a top knot on the beach. No beauty contest here.

These guys greeted us every morning.

I don't really sleep in, ever. I'm just not a good sleeper at all, really. But I managed to sleep till 9 every single day of my vacation.   My roommate even said "It can't be 9, Ann's still asleep". 

Usually when you go on a vacation, you come home and need another vacation to recover.  For some strange reason, I felt ready to get back to work and completely refreshed.  I finished my great book, and I highly recommend it.  I touched a sting ray, but then completely freaked out, so I can't say I conquered any fears there.  Most of all, I just enjoyed being with friends and not thinking about deadlines or really anything else for that matter.  It really is important to take a break every once in a while, and it doesn't happen often enough for me.

This weekend we'll be celebrating Corinne's upcoming wedding once again, with a wedding shower.  After that, it's rest and relaxation, and maybe some Olympics watching for me.

Top Three Tuesday: Swimwear

Being that I'm in Island mode, since I leave this week for Grand Cayman, I'm in the throws of unpacking and re-packing, and trying to make very important decisions like which bathing suits to pack and which to save for another day.

My mom and I had a very lengthy conversation regarding tan lines and swim tops, while my dad stood by rolling his eyes.  Anyways...we decided it's highly important to get as few tan lines as possible.  When we're playing with my nephews or doing anything besides laying flat on a towel, we like to have some sort of strap to make sure we don't flash anyone.

These are my favorite swimwear for the tan line conscious folk:

3) The String top. I know when you hear the word "string" you freak out, but it's actually been known to be the most flattering type of bikini, because it doesn't cut into your skin and create any "bulging".  I like this simple one from Madewell.

2) The Scrunch tie top. I found this in the Athleta catalog, and love the look. It seems very stable, but doesn't have too much going on to create severe tan lines. I love this pattern, too. Comes in turquoise as well, or even a solid.

1) The bandeau.  This year JCrew came out with a twist front bandeau, and I am obsessed! I ordered one on sale and it's become my favorite swim top! It has a detachable strap as well.

For bottoms this year, I'm obsessed with the tulle retro hipster brief. Look how cute this polka dot one is!

And I usually mix & match my patterns and solids...makes it more fun and unique!

Happy sunning! :)

Manic Monday

I'm back from family vacation, and missing my family so much! After days spent on the lazy river, my roommate picked me up at the airport last night and said "you look rested!" Imagine looking rested after playing non stop with 7 nephews!

In other news, this poster completely applies to my family. We are high strung, Italian women.

Does anyone watch SYTYCD? I caught up on the show last night, and my favorite dance was a tie between the Titanic tribute and the contemporary routine featuring "Turning Page" by Sleeping at Last.  See videos below: