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

Thrifted Thursday - Belt & Boots

Today's Thrifted Thursday is the first dealing with fashion!

This woven grass belt and burnt sienna leather boots originally belonged to my mother in the 1970s.


I get compliments on these boots all the time, and I love that I can say they're "originals" from the first Frye boot "trend" over 30 years ago. The toes are pretty scuffed up, but I like the worn-in look.

Regarding belts, I like belting them at my "natural waist" instead of using them to actually hold up my pants... much more fun (and flattering), and you don't end up with a weird lump under your shirt.

Sometimes I like wearing dresses with pants, too (as seen above). Maybe it's because of my time spent in India, wearing my kurta suruwal, but I guess this is a little different...

And thanks to the Boyfriend for being such a patient photographer, and for not rolling his eyes when I said, "Gah! I almost forgot, can you take my photo for the blog?!" on our walk this weekend.

*swoon*
Paige

Dress - Forever 21
Jeans - Citizens of Humanity
Boots - Frye
Belt - unknown brand

Rain, Rain, Go Away - Puddle Jumpers

Guess what... *sigh*

It's raining again. Typical Seattle drizzly mist. Ugh.

Rainy Day by Maka

And I have a hunch that this weather is going to stick around until late June. Those wonderful sunny days we had the past week were just a tease.

It's this kind of weather that makes me rethink a rubber boots purchase. I realize they were more popular for fall, but they're so practical; and with it being more of a trend now, it's easy to find adorable ones... but no matter the color or pattern, I think I would still feel like I was getting ready to haul manure from a barn. What are your thoughts? How have you successfully worn rubber boots? If you've chosen not to go the rubber boot route, how do you handle the springtime puddles?

Here are some cute boots (and yes, I meant to rhyme)!

(click to enlarge)

*swoon*
Paige

1. Green Hunter Wellington's
2. Stormy boot (via alloy.com)
3. City Scene Heart boots (via amazon.com)
4. Polka dot boots (via charlotterusse.com)
5. Nova Plaid rainboots (via target.com)
6. Celine with leather trim (via bluefly.com)
7. Chinese Laundry Swerve boots (via PiperLime)
8. Sporto Drizzle boot
9. Pink Hunter Wellington's
10. Burberry exploded check

Oh so self-involved - The Celeste Edition

After my post about items that share my name, my friend, Celeste, told me she did some searching and there was absolutely nothing cute named after her. Well, I was determined to prove her wrong, so I did some searching on my own...

Look what I found!

Even though each item could be considered bland because of their coloring, what makes them all great is how each item has some sort of texture, pattern, or shine. I love combining otherwise untextured, "plain" outfits with accessories high in texture or other unique quality. It's a really nice contrast and makes your accessories pop even more than usual. (Oh, and just in case you missed them, those ankle boots are to-die-for, not to mention affordable at $80. That alligator bag, on the other hand? $6,500. *gulp* That's okay, though. Real reptile skin accessories sort of give me the willies.)

Post a comment with your name and I'll track down some items for you! Come on, don't be shy!

*swoon*
Paige

1. Jimmy Choo Celeste Metallic Watersnake handbag
2. Derek Lam Celeste tassel clutch
3. B. Romanek "The Celeste" feathered clutch
4. Report Celeste ankle boot
5. Cole Haan Air Celeste ballet flat
6. April in Paris Celeste alligator bag

Oh so self-involved

This post is all about narcissism, and I invite you to be a little self-centered, too.

I did some searching for clothing and accessories with my name, Paige, and discovered some really cute items.


Do the same with your own name, send me your findings, and I'll post them here!

*swoon*
Paige

1. Frye Paige Ankle Boot
2. Kate Spade Savona Paige Handbag
3. Scala Paige Cloche (via Hats In the Belfry)
4. Isabella Fiore “Frill Ride” Paige Tote
5. Diane von Furstenberg Paige Cocktail Dress
6. Juicy Couture Houndstooth Paige Bag
7. Kooba “Paige” Handbag
8. J.Crew Paige Metallic Braided Sandal Flats

What I'm Wearing Today (Er, Yesterday...) - 2/23/09

When I got home last night, I realized I liked my outfit so much that I would create a retroactive "What I'm Wearing Today" post today.

The trench and blouse aren't exactly what I was wearing, but you get the gist. My trench has a higher collar that I like to "pop" every once in awhile, but definitely not in the frat-boy fashion!

My Frye boots are original vintage - my mom wore them when she was in college! Mine have more of a wider cuff folded over the top, but the example is pretty close!

The necklace also isn't what I was actually wearing, but it's the closest I could find. Mine is from a little store near my apartment called bouncing wall, which only sells locally hand-made art, interior goods, clothing, and jewelry. Unfortunately, I can't go in very often, otherwise I would easily buy everything there! My second-favorite purchase from the store were some pretty letterpress coasters with a simple border and the delicate words, "cocktail, please," printed in the middle. A perfect gift for my two best girlfriends (and Sex & The City-watching buddies!).


You may not find it to be a thrilling outfit, but I felt it was perfectly comfy yet put together. A little mild with a bit of sass from the boots and trench!

*swoon*
Paige

1. Amaury Trench Coat, Diane von Furstenberg
2. Cali stretch blouse, K Karl Lagerfeld
3. Boots, Frye
4. Necklace, Mariposa via shoptwigs.com
5. Grey Over-dyed Matchstick jeans, J. Crew