Candid Cath

book: Praying for Sheetrock by Melissa Fay Greene
scarf: Urban Outfitters
peacoat/jacket: second hand
hoodie: American Apparel
jeans: Target
boats: Payless

LL

NY Times Sees ATL

Recently the New York Times online featured a slide show entitled Browsing Atlanta. It really should be called A Quick, Limited Look at Little Five Points in Atlanta, but I suppose that's not really as catchy. Check out the six other images here.



CL

Sunday in the city

We spent the holiday weekend acting as tour guides for our parents by taking them to some of Atlanta's brilliant (in our opinion) jewels: the Wren's Nest, the Margaret Mitchell House, Oakland Cemetery (see two entries below), Watershed, Babette's Cafe.
On Sunday we were downtown at 990 Peachtree Street, and found some time to mug for the camera.
(Left) Lar:
hat: Dresscodes
scarf: h&m
bomber: Delias
bag: Ashley Watson
sweater tunic: h&m
leggings: Old Navy
boots: Target

(Right) Cath:
fedora: asos
scarf: streets of newyork (?) london (?)
jacket: h&m
bag: second hand
jeans: Cheap Mondays
boats: Payless

Broken English

There's nothing like sitting around watching movies all day during Thanksgiving vacation. I have been off work for a total of four days and am enjoying it immensely (especially since Lauren and I have decided not to go shopping on the busiest weekend of the year).

One of the movies we rented was Broken English starring Parker Posey and a good-looking French guy (he was also in Le Divorce). The movie itself isn't great - the plot is unoriginal and the main character isn't likable - but we still love Parker Posey.

The best part (or only good part) about the film is the clothing. Posey's character has a very feminine wardrobe with full-skirt dresses, flow-y tunics and silk tank tops. Even the French man's good looks are enhanced with his straw fedora and light blue jacket.

These are the only images I could find online, but if you're into fashion I recommend renting the movie. If you're into good movies, I would stay away from this one.

CL

A Trip to Oakland

With our parents in town for Thanksgiving we decided to show them the not-so-touristy sites of Atlanta. To a non-Atlantan, taking visitors to Oakland Cemetery might seem a bit morbid, but really it's an amazingly beautiful - and airy - place.

Oakland Quick Facts:

• 88 acres, located southeast of downtown Atlanta.
• Burial place of Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone With the Wind, golfer Bobby Jones, Joseph Jacobs, creator of Coca-Cola and Maynard Jackson, first African-American mayor of Atlanta.
• The cemetery was expanded to its present size in 1872 to provide more burial space for Confederate soldiers.
  

On Lauren (left): H&M jacket, Cheap Monday jeans, Target boots. On me: H&M jacket, American Apparel poplin tunic and leggings, Payless boots.
The cemetery is packed with ornate mausoleums:

The Lion of Atlanta guards the nearly 3000 Confederate dead:

More photos from our non-touristy adventures to come.

C.L.

Gobble Gobble

(Photo from Wish Atlanta)

Dressing Up for the Holidays

I've had a lot of fun window shopping for a holiday dress online. I haven't decided on one yet, but all of the dresses pictured below are under $100.

www.newport-news.com

www.delias.com

www.gojane.com

www.topshop.com

www.laredoute.com

www.asos.com

www.oldnavy.com

www.mango.com

CL

My Decatur Wish List

During this time of the year I try to start focusing on gift buying like everyone else. Unfortunately the more gift searching I do for others, the more my own wish list grows. Lauren and I are determined to do all of our Christmas shopping at independently-owned stores around town, so I've already created a substantial list in my head of all the things I want from Decatur's shops alone. Below are just few.

1.) Creepy deer lamp from Victory Vintage.
Victory Vintage is one of my favorite stores in Decatur and if I could decorate my whole apartment with nothing but furniture from there I would. Unfortunately I have more of an Ikea budget than mid-century-refurbished-vintage-finds budget. Still, a girl can dream and the minute I saw this lamp I feel in love with it. I don't know if it's the evil eyes or the overall kitschy-ness of the piece, but I think it's amazing.

2.) Anything from Vivid Boutique.
Located between Starbuck's and The Brickstore, Vivid Boutique was opened last Friday by the owner and jewelry maker of the former Jewel Couture Boutique. It's probably the most feminine store in Decatur and has beautiful jewelry, home accents and fun gift items. The best part is that everything in the store is reasonably priced or cheaper. I have a feeling I'll be buying a lot of Christmas presents this year at Vivid.

3.) Peace Holiday Wreath from Heliotrope.
At first glance this wreath seems a little too faux-hippie/overly-optimistic, but the image of it hanging on a red front door really makes it stand out in an unpretentious kind of way. If I drove a Mack truck, I would stick it on the front grill. But then again, that's probably why I don't make a living as a truck driver.
4.) White 3/4 Length Coat from DressCodes.
I think DressCodes is one of the best clothing boutiques in Atlanta. The store carries clothes that are classic with a twist so you don't have to spend half your time weeding through brightly-colored, faux deconstructed, jersey tops. Lauren and I are suckers for anything with an exaggerated collar and we've both been eying this coat for the past month. (Yes, we think the model is kind of weird looking too).
CL

The Greatness of Payless

I have always been a big fan of Payless, but this past weekend I was the store's number one fan. Thanks to the fall shoe sale I bought two pairs of boots for under $30. It's hard to find a decent pair of boots for twice that price on a good day, so you can only imagine how chuffed I was to walk away with two stylish - and comfortable - pairs of boots.

I wore the black boots all weekend and received a number of compliments. Of course once someone says something nice about them I can't help but burst out with, "They're from Payless and were only $12!" It takes some of the posh-ness out of it, but I'm ok with that. It's too good of a deal to keep secret.


CL

She's Got Style

I suppose I should really title this post "They've Got Style" because both Patricia Field and Sarah Jessica Parker contribute to the genius of Carrie Bradshaw's look. For me Sex and the City has always been about the fashion - those eccentric outfits created by Field and worn with such ease by Parker.

As far as I can see from the photos taken on the movie set, it looks like the two women haven't lost their touch. The outfits are as creative and crazy as ever - and just like every other fashionista out there, I'll be counting down the days until the movie opens this spring.

I love, love, love this green floral ensemble. It's a little grandmother-ish, but I suppose that's half the charm. The Eiffel Tower purse is so impractical it's great - I doubt you could even fit a metro card in there. Then again, you never see Carrie taking the train...

Looks like they brought back the fur coat from the series and no SATC movie would be complete without some wedding drama. The wedding dress is gorgeous, but it's the green streak in the headpiece that makes the outfit.

Casual Carrie with elastic-around-the-ankle jeans and a cardigan worn as a tunic/dress.

This might not be the most creative or exciting outfit, but it's my absolute favorite. A 3/4 length, belted coat with skinny pants creates a fantastic silhouette. I'd love to find a knitted fedora like the one she's wearing, but I'd skip the polka-dot belt.


Too see what the other characters in the movie are wearing visit Sky Showbiz's website.

CL

Benetton Bandwagon

Looks like colorful is in this season (also see previous post). The normally beige/greige Banana Republic opted for a more vibrant and fun look for the holidays. Gap has moved away from it's classic black and white ads of the fall and is focusing on colorful striped sweaters, scarves and more.

Although Gap and Banana's ads don't have Benetton's avant-garde feel, neither take themselves too seriously for the holidays. Banana Republic loosened things up with fun retro wall paper.

The models are also a bit more dance-y than previous Banana ads.


Gap's saving grace is this image of Amy Poehler and Will Arnett. Leave it to this comedic husband and wife team to make a Gap ad seem un-Gap-ish.


The rest of the Gap holiday ads are the sort of run-of-the-mill, actors-are-just-like-us ads that the company has been using for the past few years. Mediocre, but with some flair thanks to the colorful Crazy Stripe crewneck and scarf.

But the color madness doesn't end there, my friends. Oh no. The best Gap item is the limited edition Vespa. That's right. Imagine wearing your new Crazy Stripe sweater with your new Crazy Stripe scarf speeding at top speed (35 mph) on your new Crazy Stripe Vespa. You'd look like a giant balled-up rainbow inching around town - and really who could ask for anything more this holiday season? Eat your heart out, United Colors of Benetton.

C.L.

United Colors

I'm sure I'm not the only one who loves United Colors of Benetton's ads, especially the recent ones that are saturated with color. My first memory of Benetton is visiting one of their stores in Italy on an eighth grade trip and thinking, "So this is why Italians are so well dressed."

Here in the states the United Colors of Benetton stores play it safe for their American customers with v-neck sweaters and leather belts. Until I visited the website, I had no idea the collections were so versatile.

FYI: Fabrica is Benetton's center for design research.

If you have a chance, check out Benetton Talk - the store's very own blog. Reading it makes you feel fashionable, environmentally friendly and worldly.

C.L.

The (new) Western

Sunday's are usually an excellent time for catching up on the news. By this of course I mean skimming the Arts and Leisure section in the New York Times and reading the New York Times Magazine, especially when the cover features one of our all time favorite actors, Mr. Daniel Day-Lewis. LYNN HIRSCHBERG writes a great feature on Lewis, but I think the best bit in the periodical is the interview with historian Patty Limerick. It's easy to be seduced by the bravura and rugged wildness of the West (especially when featuring the bravura of Russell Crowe and the ruggedness of Christian Bale... any "3:10 to Yuma" fans?), but it's interesting to hear why this aesthetic/time/place should be making a comeback now- especially to hear it from a woman's perspective (because we don't usually get much a role in Wild West... maybe an Annie Oakley biopic is in the works?). The interview is short, so read it and let us know what you think.
In regarding other very important and related matters, do you think it's too soon to resurrect the cowgirl hat and boots fashion-wise? How about if this time we do it less Coyote Ugly and more Legendary Markswoman?

Annie Oakley circa 1902.

LL

Isle of Skye, Prepster Style

To say that Lauren and I are a little obsessed with all things Scottish is an understatement. We studied in Edinburgh for six months in 2004 and have been completely head-over-heals in love with Scotland ever since.

I get excited anytime I see anything Scotland-related. Fashion-wise, I loved Marc Jacobs and Alexander McQueen's Scotland-inspired RTW lines from a few seasons back and now I'm enjoying J.Crew's take on the highlands:

If you visit J.Crew's website this holiday season, you'll be welcomed with a short video about the holiday fashion shoot on the Isle of Skye, A Highland Holiday. It has all the cheesy, touristy Scottish elements (hills covered in heather, bagpipes, tartan) making it a modern day Brigadoon and the narrator has this great Scottish lilt that makes him possible to understand (and proves he's not from Skye).

Although there are few authentic Scottish things in J.Crew's version (I don't think Skye has ever been that sunny), it's still great to know that the mythical imagery of the highlands still influences today's fashions.

As I've mentioned many times before, J.Crew's clothing is too preppy for my personal style (and the inflated prices are a turn-off), but their images are always great - especially when two west highland terrors and a highland "coo" are added to the mix.

C.L.

Rock the Vote

In honor of Decatur's General Election that took place today, here are some great political fashion items you can purchase at Urban Outfitters. Not surprisingly, U.O. leans towards the left, but there are a few items on their site for the republicans. Libertarians and independents, however, are out of luck.

C.L.

A Day With

We'll take a brief hiatus from fashion to turn to one of our other great loves: books (we won't say "love of words" don't worry). Let us know what you're reading at the moment.

This weekend Cath and I were inspired by Atlanta Intown (Newspaper) and Atlanta Magazine. Both had articles on the Atlanta independent bookstores that are flourishing (in spite of the big box super-stores and a certain online literary retailer). Though none of our ATL Indies have anything on the scale of The Strand or Powell's (not forgetting our much missed Oxford Books), there is definitely something to be said for teeny spaces crammed with books. In fact, that is exactly our kind of bookstore. Our heaven (or at least a very large chunk of it) would include dusty shelves that run to the ceiling and saggy sofas tucked away in hidden nooks. If you are of a similar mindset, we suggest spending a leisurely day amongst the stacks of your favorite indie bookstore (or come visit ours in Decatur/Atlanta) and buy your Australian Vogue and caramel macchiato another day.
We made it to five out of the 12 indies ( Atlanta Vintage Books, Books Again, Bound to Be Read, Charis Books, Outwrite Books, and Tall Tales we'll catch you next time. And, oh yes, there will be a next time--- once our credit cards have a chance to catch their breaths).

First up: Book Nook! Probably what sets Book Nook apart from our other indies are the ample supply of comics and used CDs, DVDs, VHSs and cassettes (oldies, but goodies). Their book selection is also quite comprehensive and a Jason Schwartzman look a-like was very helpful when we asked him where the mythology section was (by the way, Jason-Schwartzman-look-a-like, please take the comparison as a compliment. We are huge fans and fairly certain you are at least a foot taller than JS himself).

Purchases: The Virgin Suicide soundtrack, The Best of The Smiths II, Mythology by Edith Hamilton, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof by Tennessee Williams, The Innocents Abroad by Mark Twain.


Onwards to Eagle Eye Bookstore! Apart from the terrific selection (particularly of Art and Architecture books- used!) and the "secret" Hole in the Wall Books at the back of the store (first editions and memorabilia in a cozied away, well, hole in the wall at the back of Eagle Eye), the best part of Eagle Eye are the terrific people who work there. I was particularly ecstatic to run into my old friend Philip (we, the veterans of the now defunct Chapter 11 Books). These lads and lasses are an incredibly knowledgeable bunch.

Purchases: a thank you card for our uncle and Praying for Sheetrock by Melissa Fay Greene.



Little Shop of Stories, or, where Meg Ryan wished she had worked in "You've Got Mail" (forgive us, Cath and I went through a Nora Ephron phase in high school and still have a soft spot for this bookwormie movie). Little Shop is definitely geared more for the wee ones, but they have a good selection of adult fiction as well. And we have to know who was the genius behind putting Jake's Ice Cream in a bookstore- god bless. This is also where we get our Duck & Herring fix.


Ahhh... Wordsmiths! Yes, well we misspoke earlier by saying all is dusty shelves and saggy couches. Equally enjoyable are the sophisticated black leather reading room sofas and new, sturdy bookshelves at Wordsmiths (our newest addition to the Indie book club).
I'll be a bit biased here since I worked with a number of this wonderful, beautiful employees while at Chapter 11 Books, but this lot really is unbeatable. Not only are they more than willing to help find that perfect book (and at least mask their flinching when you ask for the latest paranormal, werewolf romance to hit the shelves), they bring in an astounding number of intriguing, well-known, well-respected authors to sign your books and listen to your questions.
This is also an ideal studying getaway for students. Whereas most of our beloved indies have little room for text books and papers, Wordsmiths has a reading room, replete with sofas, tables, and spiral staircase (good for the studying mindset).

Purchases: Between, Georgia by Joshilyn Jackson and (on order) The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan.


A Capella Books! Oooh how we love thee! Less of a focus on fiction here, but more than makes up for it with a vast selection of art and music titles. This is where you go to find that read that you won't be ashamed to be seen with on Marta or sitting in Freedom Park. I've gotten the diaries of Andy Warhol here, as well as a number of reasonably priced art theory books.

Purchases: Decline and Fall by Evelyn Waugh, Vile Bodies by Evelyn Waugh, Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis, Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut, The Violent Bear it Away by Flannery O'Conner, Can-cans, Cats & Cities of Ash by Mark Twain, and Conde Nast Traveler's Book of Unforgettable Jorneys (I do realize many of these are in fact fiction... so yes, a good place for those classics).


And last but not least: Atlanta Book Exchange (or, that book store that used to be in the Virginia Highlands and is now located across from Manual's Tavern). I was heartbroken when I heard that Atlanta Book Exchange (Atlanta's oldest running independent bookstore) was closing it's doors back in July. But the tears were shed for naught. It's up and running in a bigger and better ramshackle house than before. This is the king of secret nooks and confusing hallways (and houses the most comfortable saggy sofa that first inspired talk of... the saggy sofa). This really is the indie to end your day with... plop your tired, literary arse down and peruse the oversized art books amidst the vases of dried flowers and postcard portraits (there is something very Charleston/Bloomsbury about it- Virgina and Vanessa would have been pleased).

Purchases: The Friendly Guide to Mythology by Nancy Hathaway, The Mythic Dimension by Joseph Campbell, and Living Museums by Iain Gale and Richard Bryant.


Proof of purchase(s). Though are wallets groan with the weight of our receipts from such a full day of shopping, they are considerably lighter than they would be had we decided to hit the big box stores... and these receipts (or at least the books) have more character.