Checking in... Dining Tables & Black Boots

I'm not sure how many of you are still out there, occasionally stopping by to see if I've returned, but I thought I would pop in for a visit.

Believe me, I think often about blogging and of how much I miss it. It would be wonderful if I could return. To be honest, the only reason I'm writing this today is because I am home sick (blech); however, I have every intention of eventually returning to the blogosphere. Unfortunately, for the time being, I can only provide you with occasional tidbits like this one (but hopefully they won't all be just because I have a cold!).

I absolutely cannot believe it's October.

Since I last checked in, the Boyfriend and I have decided to put our house-hunting on hold. After five different offers (and obviously not getting any of them because, in our budget, it's a seller's market in Seattle), we figured it just wasn't the right time.

To tide ourselves over, we recently purchased a new dining room table (thank you, World Market!), one that can actually fit place settings and food platters (amazing!). We loved our old table (and are still holding on to it), but when you have to use a console table as a buffet line at every meal, it's time for a change. After all, we have a separate formal dining room in our apartment, so we thought we should fulfill its true role as much-more-than-a-breakfast-nook.

Next up: Hanging artwork and window treatments!

We also started renting a storage unit in the basement of our apartment building. I'm usually against such an idea, but when we found out it would only be $10 per month, I quickly changed my mind. I have to admit, it's nice not having to keep our camping gear in our much-more-than-a-breakfast-nook anymore. If you're looking for more storage space in a rental, ask your landlord about options. You might be pleasantly surprised!

Other exciting things: We've since celebrated the Boyfriend's quarter-of-a-century birthday (yep, 25!), as well as yet another clean CT scan for me (yep, still cancer-free!). And my hair is coming in quite nicely now (almost chin-length in front!).

This wouldn't be a proper post without some sort of style element, so I thought I would share with you my latest fashion dilemma. Well, not so much of a dilemma, but something I've been struggling with a little bit...

I'm looking for the perfect black boot. Sure, I have my favorite vintage Frye boots, but I need something that can be dressed up a bit more, and I'm looking for black this time around. What do you think of these?



I have been pleasantly surprised by my past Jessica Simpson shoe purchases, but they have been flats. Has anyone had any JS boot experience? I trust you, readers!

Until our next check-in,

*swoon*
Paige

I think we need a break...

Dear Readers,

You may or may not have noticed, but I have been struggling with Swoonworthy lately.

A little over a month ago, I started a new, much more demanding job (which I love), and have been overwhelming myself with freelance projects during my "spare" time. Essentially, I'm back to my normal, pre-cancer self: Way too busy, and loving every minute of it.

This blog kept me creative during a very dark point in my life; but now that I have climbed entirely out of that hole, it's time for me to take a little blog hiatus.

Sadly, blogging has become a chore; just another line on my checklist, one more obligation that, unfortunately, has started to stress me out.

It is with great reluctance that I step away from Swoonworthy for an unknown period of time. I just can't keep providing you with posts I'm not proud of.

I hope you will understand my decision, and that you'll return to Swoonworthy when I eventually do.

*swoon*
Paige

Call Me Cleopatra

It's been so hot in Seattle lately, we might as well be in Egypt:






I hope you're all managing to stay cool while looking fab like this jet-setter!

*swoon*
Paige

Photography by Sebastien Richard

My three new best friends: Betsey, Oscar and Adam

I have a few current obsessions that I will definitely (and sadly) not be purchasing anytime soon:

Betsey Johnson, Generosa $200

Oscar de la Renta, Oversized Silk Floral Coat $2,490 via Net-A-Porter

Adam, Belted Linen-Blend Blazer $425 via Net-A-Porter

Just thought I'd share!

*swoon*
Paige

A Perfect Outdoor Summer Evening (courtesy of Toast)

Toast is having a huge sale right now, and even though the British pound makes items appear less expensive than they are for us Americans, you're still saving a ton.

Combine the following for a fantastic summer evening:


Everything just looks so comfy! I'm really excited for their upcoming fall collection because they never disappoint in that department (although, don't worry, that's the only thing I'm looking forward to for fall, though - this Seattle summer weather has been absolute perfection and I don't want it to leave!).

Happy weekend! We're going camping!

*swoon*
Paige

All items from Toast:
1. Karien Wrap Blanket
2. Gaia Sandal
3. Fine Voile Tunic
4. Bamboo Handle Basket
5. Fire Bowl
6. Handblown Glasses

Thrifted Thursday - Sectional Sofa

I know the photo below has shown up in a past post or two, but I've never featured it in a Thrifted Thursday, which is really where it belongs!

When The Boyfriend and I moved into our apartment last summer, my itty bitty couch moved in with us. It was the only seating in our living room for quite some time.

As New Year's approached, however, we wanted to have a big party to ring in 2009 (especially because we have a Space Needle view, and the Seattle New Year's fireworks shoot off of it!); but we knew that our itty bitty loveseat (which was in very good shape for being nearly seven years old) just wasn't gonna cut it.

But really, people, sofas are expensive! Well, at least the nice, really well-made ones I was leaning towards. Even Ikea sofas can be pricey (for what they are), but even still they were the only option in our price range.

So one day in early December, we took the trek down to Ikea to scope out the maze of a store. I usually despise sectionals, but we actually found one that we liked quite a bit... but it was still pretty pricey, so we left empty-handed.

A few days later, while perusing Craig's List, I found the exact same sectional for sale for less than half of what we would have paid at Ikea. Now, I normally wouldn't purchase a mysterious, used sofa, especially from a complete stranger; but they didn't smoke nor did they have pets; plus, the sofa was only two months old. The couple had to sell it because the husband was being re-located to Wyoming, and his wife had to therefore move into her parents' house with their two year-old. Crushing. We figured we were helping them out, too. It was win-win all around.

Kramfors by Ikea
(I need to change things up soon. The matchy-matchy pillows are starting to drive me a little crazy... with boredom.)

The move was surprisingly easy (two trips, but we live only ten minutes away from their place), and the next weekend we took a return trip to Ikea to purchase new slipcovers (the black checkered look just wasn't working in our space!). The new couch was perfect for our party, and everyone was able to fit quite comfortably.

So we have a bigger couch. Our next goal? A bigger living space! More house-hunting, here we come!

*swoon*
Paige

P.S. What happened to the old couch? you ask? Well, it was purchased by some good friends of mine so it landed in a very loving, appreciative home and not in a landfill!

Looks from Life - Paintbrushes

Today's Looks from Life inspiration comes from one of my favorite up-and-coming photographers, honey.huckabee:

brush.brush.brush.brush.brush by honey.huckabee

Focus on the little bit of shine and the little bit of matte, and you get this dress! A perfect rendering, I must say:

TFNC Tara Zip Dress, approx $74; Dolce & Gabbana Patent Stiletto Pumps, $439

And the black patent leather pump gives the right amount of glossiness, reminiscent of the black ferrule of the paintbrush.

*swoon*
Paige

Shopping for Good

My good friend, Celeste, recently introduced me to the Global Fund for Women's "Shop Your Values" site, which links to great sites on the web that donate part of their earnings to the organization.

Next time you need flowers delivered, instead of FTD, why not choose OrganicBouquet.com? You even get a free vase with your order!


Need new make-up? How about the all-natural mineral-based cosmetics by Alima Pure? Their products are never tested on animals, and neither are their suppliers'.


If you're like me, you need the occasional shoe fix. Check out Palo Alto-based In Her Shoes, which now also sells clothing and accessories. All proceeds above operating costs (yes, 100%!) go towards the Global Fund for Women.

Visit the site for more great shopping options!

*swoon*
Paige

Slick Cellulars

I know I don't talk about electronics much on here, but these phone prototypes by VelocityMobile (based in Seattle!) are just too beautiful not to share. Talk about swoonworthy!




*swoon*
Paige

Trials & Tribulations of Home Searching

I'm sorry, readers, but I'm just not in a posting mood today. The Boyfriend and I spent a good portion of the weekend home-searching, and even put an offer in on a house, but sadly did not get it. This was our third try (on two different homes, if that makes sense); and I know the average home-buyer makes five offers before they land one, but it's so frustrating! Especially in Seattle where, even in the recession, houses are ridiculously expensive.

Feel free to post a comment if you'd like to vent about your home-search process! I'd love to hear about similar situations!

*swoon* (or *sigh*)
Paige

P.S. On a good note, I went to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale yesterday and found a pair of Joe jeans, black trousers, and some black flats, all of which had been on my checklist! At least I had a good day in terms of shopping!
Another good thing is that The Boyfriend and I consolidated our workspaces into one room so we now share an office and are slowly cleaning up the living room to just be a living room and not my office!