Stepping Out in Little Italy

Ah, Little Italy how I love you so. I would have to say hands down, that Little Italy holds the greatest nostalgia for me out of all the downtown San Diego neighborhoods. I hadn't been there in quite awhile, and was worried that a lot would have changed, but to my pleasant surprise it is much still the same. There is still the great little gelato cafe on India Street, which is within walking distance to the National Comedy Theatre. My husband and I started going to this theater and gelato shop 8 years ago and the gelato is just as tasty now as it was then. The only sad thing to me, is that I remembered this cafe having tons of paintings from local artists on the walls, but they aren't there anymore (I guess I can't expect everything to stay status quo for 8 years).

Once a month the National Comedy Theatre has a Midnight Improv Show for adults only where anything goes. We went to the show this last weekend and it was still just as entertaining as it was when we first started dating. In some weird way, this little neighborhood feels like a piece of my relationship between my husband and me...and I was glad to feel like I still knew my way around it.

outfit credit:

Necklace & Seiko Watch - vintage flea market purchases

Tassel bracelet and vintage gold clutch - my daily little pieces of my momma. The clutch I used to play with when I was a little girl ALL the time! I loved it because it has a little zipper on the bottom that opens a super secret pocket.

Yellow blazer - Sparkle and Fade

Denim Leggings - BDG

Platforms - Michael Kors

Hope you aren't getting sick of my San Diego week! Stay tuned for more.

xox,

Bre

Oh - and P.S. The one thing I certainly do NOT miss about San Diego is that it makes my hair out of control! I should have known better than to try and straighten while I was down there because it just starts puffing up and waving out. :/

Clogging Old Town

(me in Old Town holding a couple bags of super fresh saltwater taffy...mm mmm mmm)

I spent this past weekend down in the heart of San Diego and it refreshed my memory as to why I love that place. So many flashbacks from when my husband and I first started dating over 8 years ago. I enjoyed it so much that I decided to make this San Diego week on my blog, with a little bit of info on the different neighborhoods of SD(and some outfits of course, this blog has after all evolved into some sort of style journal too).

Starting out the day - amazingly bright-eyed and bushy tailed!

Breakfast burrito time at your standard "fill in the blank" - Berto's (i.e. Alberto's, Filiberto's, etc). If you live in So. Cal you know what I'm talking about. :)

First neighborhood here is Old Town. Per the State Park website (here), "Old Town recreates life in the Mexican and early American periods of 1821 to 1872." Basically it's a small neighborhood with some good San Diego style Mexican food, colorful pottery, and a little history. Oh yes, and my favorite of all: an old-fashioned candy store where you can find the best and freshest salt water taffy around. Now that's what I'm talking about.

Love the colorful tiles. Everything around here has a wonderful little pop of color.

Honestly, I probably couldn't spend ALL day in Old Town, because it really isn't that large at all, but it's a nice little stop if you're going to or from downtown San Diego.

outfit credit (head-to-toe):

Panama hat - unknown (This is one of those random street vendor purchases that I made awhile back and never made note of the name. All I remember is that the stand had hats and baskets made from all natural fibers.)

Sunglasses - Versace

Jumper - Xhilaration

Belt - Betsey Johnson

Vintage Clutch - a treasured piece I inherited from my momma

Jewelry - Vintage

Shoes - Michael Kors

Opinions Needed: The Crowded Closet

Don't we all have a little too much stuff for how small our closets are, and still somehow we never have enough clothes? This is my current dilemma. The reality is, however ashamed I should be to admit it, that if my laundry bin is 100% empty, that would mean I would have a few piles of clean clothes without hangers or drawers to put them in. A few months ago I desperately tried to "fix" my situation by boxing up all my strictly "winter only" clothing items so I could have enough space for the things in my closet that I will wear more regularly.

A part of my problem is that I'm really not a big fan of drawers (except for the things you don't want hanging out of course). I like to be able to see all my options at the same time, which is why I have shoe shelves and handbag shelving in my room (well really that was my awesome husband who found those and installed them for me). We have been contemplating adding more wardrobe units into our bedroom (since we live in an apartment with tiny tiny closets) but I'm really not sure we have space for them. If we squeeze them in, then we might end up basically having our room BE a closet (i.e. the walls lined with shoes shelves, wardrobe units, and then BAM! squeezed in between would be our bed and our nightstands). We would literally be sleeping in one big closet, lol. Which I don't think would be too fun for my husband, but bless his heart it was his idea to get more wardrobe units.

So what to do, what to do? However silly or superficial it may seem, my sense of style is really a big source of my self-expression (and lately it has also been an homage to my mother) so I really would love to have a more peaceful closet routine and a little zen when sorting through whatever seems to suit my mood. Does anyone have any marvelous closet/storage/organization tips or tricks that you have used in a similar situation? We have already put our bed up on risers so we could have storage under our bed, but that stores our skis and camping gear and wrapping paper.....lol...not much space for any clothing.

Lovely ideas or links to wonderful closets are always welcome.

I'm leaving you with some drool-worthy closets to get your gears cranking! Have a wonderful weekend!

A CLASSIC closet. Who doesn't recognize Carrie's closet? And seriously how did she get such a large closet living in a small apartment?

I really LOVE this wallpaper. A beautiful paisley damask print (and since we all know I'm obsessed with black'n'white, this is just lovely). Oh and did I add I really love the chandelier in here too? As well as the vintage cases. *swoon*

Everyone needs a place to sit to try on all those fabulous shoes. And what could be better than a second chair for your sister or best friend? :)

I just love the color combo in here. Very cheery! Now this would certainly add that zen I'm looking for in my own closet. And I love how the clothes aren't too smooshed and you can actually see what is in there.

Mariah Carey's closet. If you saw that MTV Cribs episode a long, long time ago then I think this is enough said here, lol.

Uhmmm. I don't know who you belong to, but I'm sure I would love whoever you are. A woman after my own heart. I would die for this shoe situation.

I think this is Christina Ricci's closet. How fabulous is it that she has a wall just for her handbags?!

xox,

Bre

all images courtesy of weheartit

my he{art}

It has been 24 days since I lost you mom and this morning it weighs so heavy on my heart. Last night, like so many nights, I just couldn't sleep. I still have a tight feeling in my chest and a lump in my throat; it's always like I've had the wind knocked out of me and I can't catch my breath.

Everyday I try to do SOMETHING to let you know how much I love you, and miss you. I wish there was more I could do, but I am not an artist of the drawing kind, and I cannot paint a picture to show you how much you mean to me. I'm not good enough with words to write a beautiful poem or passage that could possibly describe everything you have meant and continue to mean to me (how could I possibly put into words your strength, your friendship, unconditional love, and your laughter...you always had a way to put a smile on everyone's face)...

Although I can't do any of those things, I literally wear my he{art} on my sleeve and try to show you all this by carrying little pieces of you on me everyday, like

Your oversized sweater, that still holds your smell

Your locket that you wore constantly when I was a little girl

And the sky high platforms you insisted I buy for myself because you said they were just too hot to pass up (you were always pure genius with shoes momma).

I'm putting this out there, so somewhere you can read it and when you see those little pieces you know what it means.

I love you momma,

Beans Baxter/Breanna Lynne/your daughter and friend.

New LA Flea Market! + Flea Market Finds

(some of my newest vintage finds)

To market to market! This past weekend I went to the Long Beach Antique Market, and while it isn't as large as the Rosebowl Flea Market & Swap Meet, I adore it just the same. While Rosebowl has the biggest selection for vintage clothing that I've seen locally, I think I usually find more vintage jewelry at Long Beach. I picked up 2 new rings, 2 necklaces, a vintage seiko watch, and 2 shirts (not pictured). Not too shabby eh?

I'm pretty crazy about this blue and gold ring. It's a great funky little piece for my ever-growing collection. Watches have also been one of my latest obsessions. I'm loving watches of all sizes, shapes, and colors and have been wanting to get several new ones so I was very happy to find this dainty vintage Seiko watch. It's in perfect working condition, and it's one of the old fashioned type that you crank yourself (which I find very charming).

My husband found this one. He has a thing for goats (long story) so he showed this to me as kind of a joke, but I thought it was fun and decided to go for it.

It was a beautiful summery day and after our morning of hunting we were able to make it over to Zov's in time for their fantastic brunch (best melt-in-your-mouth pancakes ever). I really love this place; a local mom & pop type with great Mediterranean dishes. Afterwards we headed back home to play and BBQ by the pool. I just love those kind of relaxing summer days. :)

In other exciting flea market news - I'm very very amped that next month (on July 18th) the new LA Flea Market opens at Dodgers Stadium! You can guarantee I will be there to check it out. It is supposed to be large like the Rosebowl, but have even more and better food. Per the LA Times "The monthly market will try to distinguish itself as more than just a place to shop. With 500 vendors, gourmet food trucks and live entertainment, it promises to be an event." And the general admission is only $5, affordable for all. Sounds like something worth putting on your calendar if you like this sort of thing. Here is the official website if you want to check it out (click here), I'd love to see you there. :)

Rendering via LA Flea Market.

Hope you all had great weekends, and happy Summer Solstice to you all.

xox,

Bre

Denim Leggings?! Yes Please!

BDG Medium Blue Wash Denim Legging, $39 at Urban Outfitters.

Yes, you read that right. A legging made out of denim. It may sound kind of weird but they are the perfect combo with the comfort of a legging and the "put togetherness" of a skinny jean. I was a little skeptical myself at first, but on Friday I did some minor Retail Therapy (nothing too huge but I managed to buy these babies at Urban Outfitters, that store is really quite dangerous for my pocketbook but I'm just drawn to it). The problem with my normal skinny jeans, is that they start to stretch too much throughout the day and lose a little shape creating what looks like a saggy bottom. And that certainly is not a hot look (saggy bottom britches should be on the list of big no-no's somewhere after VPL). I thought maybe a denim legging would have less of a sag factor since my regular leggings never sag, so I snatched these up and tested them out over the weekend and I am happy to report that they certainly wore wonderfully. They are very fitted like a nice skinny jean, but the stretchiness never lost shape (i.e. even after a long day of wearing them my the pants still fit snugly in all the right places). And to the normal eye, you wouldn't even notice these are technically a "legging" unless you realized that they didn't have a zipper in the front.

A close-up. See the lack of zipper in the front? This is the only tell-tale sign that these aren't 100% your standard jean. But trust me these still look structured enough to be worn in lieu of your normal skinnies.

I love them so much I'm going back to buy another pair in this faded gray color. I think it is fabulous (I was worried a light color might over-emphasize my curves and make me look a little too booty-licious, but I think they will be fine - besides this year I've been working on accepting my shape as it is, bootay and all!).

BDG Light Grey Denim Legging, $39 at Urban Outfitters.

They have a few other colors too (see below) so if you are like me and LOVE LOVE your skinnies, but hate hate it when they've lost their great shape at the end of the day then check these puppies out.

Here's the other colors I saw in stores:

BDG Denim Leggings in: Black, 70s Denim Blue, and Charcoal. $39 each at Urban Outfitters.

And these I didn't see in store, they might be online only, but I could die over this color. It makes me wish I could wear jeans everyday....oh to have a jeans-wearing job would be absolutely wonderful. :)

BDG Purple Acid Wash Denim Legging, $39 at Urban Outfitters.

Enjoy!

xox,

Bre

A Tribute to Papa

my dad at 4 yrs old (sorry it was just too cute not to include)

With Father's Day right around the corner, I wanted to say Happy Father's Day to my papa and thank you for everything! You have taught me a lot in life, and I have to say you are the most honest and hard working person I have ever met. You are also the biggest busy body I know (I know I inherited that one from you) and also showed me what it really means to love someone (your love for mom is like nothing I have ever seen - we all thought you were so cheesy growing up but now we know how lucky we were to know that you loved her "til the 12th of Never").

Dad's High School Football glory days (he's on the far left)

Dad's Army days

Dad and Mom at the altar

I have so much more to learn from you, and about you (why didn't I know until a few weeks ago that you almost died when you were 4 because you got hit by a motorcyclist and had your head split completely open?). I'm so very looking forward to the visits to come. I love you papa and I'm sending big hugs since I can't be there in person this weekend.

Dad and his love for ice cream go back a long way :)

Dad fishing with my oldest brother

Oh Dad, I think I have about a million pictures of you dipping mom and smooching her; it was only natural that I slip one of these in here.

Dad with all of his girls (left to right): Bethannie, Chrys, Candice, Tanya, Tiffany, me, and Camie

xox,

Bre

Absolutely Divine DIY

photo courtesy of Design Sponge

For all you DIY-ers out there, here is another wonderful DIY to add to your list courtesy of Design Sponge. I have so many projects on my to do list right now, and need to get some of these done first, but this IKEA-drawer-unit-turned-luxurious-beauty is just too cool to not add on my ever growing list shown below:

1) Chambray Dress Project - I'm currently reworking an old old chambray dress. It was floor length and had long sleeves, but a few nights ago I sat in front of the TV with my seam ripper and went to town on it. Hopefully I can get this one crossed off soon. I'm just reworking the bodice now.

2) Blue, White, & Yellow Afghan - My mom had started knitting a really beautiful blanket (it's pretty much 75% complete) and I want to finish it for her. I just need to sit down and count out the rows so I can figure out what pattern she was using and get to it.

3) Projects for my Etsy shop - I have a new pillow design I've been working on, and it's about 2/3 done sitting on my knitting needles right now, and I'm also working on a knit bench (I've stained the wood and need to get crackin on the assembly).

4) Christmas Stockings - Yes I know it's June! But I started thinking about how my husband and I don't have any stockings here at home that have been made with L-O-V-E. My stocking at my dad's house was knit by my grandma with an adorable reindeer on it; and I have a stocking at my in-laws house that my mother-in-law made for me that has a cute little polar bear on it. So I know both of these stockings were made with love, but at home we have ones that we bought on the cheap when we were in college (and I don't even like them anymore). So I decided we need something more homemade at home. Each stocking will take me 3 or 4 weeks to finish, since I don't have much time to work on them and I'm knitting with very small needles. I've done about 5 or 6 rows on my husband's stocking, and had to set that to the side.

5) Hobo bag - I have a bunch of wonderful black and white fabrics that are leftover from when my mom made my beautiful quilt (shown here, although those pictures don't do it justice at all) and decided that my sisters and I would use some to sew up some hobo style bags.

6) Various knitting projects - I have about 5 more knitting projects that I'm not quite sure what to do with. They were projects started by my mom and grandmother and they are still sitting on the needles, but I have absolutely no clue what they were really making. I don't have the heart to unravel them off the needles, when I know how much work went into getting them started and I would just feel like I am unraveling a little piece of them. I will eventually figure out what to do with these (suggestions welcome) but have set them in my knitting corner for safe keeping for now.

My sisters are coming over this weekend for a little project time (yay!) and I'm hoping I can cross off at least 1 or 2 of these project to-do's off my list with them. And maybe, just maybe, in a month or so I can actually get around to this wonderful dresser DIY courtesy of Design Sponge. :)

You can't tell me this isn't absolutely gorgeous!

Click here for full instructions.

Enjoy it!

xox,

Bre