Best $19.95 I have ever spent!!

I have a love/hate relationship with my dry cleaner.

First of all, I really grumble at the idea of having to pay to wear my own clothes. I know, I know, this isn't exactly true, considering it costs money to use the washing machine too, but at least my home machine doesn't smugly spit out a $55 receipt every two weeks. Eek!

And then there's the hippie in me who doesn't like the idea of all those chemicals going into my clothes and then into my bedroom closet. Even though my DC has a huge "ORGANIC" sign in his window, I still don't trust it. It's like the low-fat ice cream scheme--it might be a little better for you, but it's still a bad idea.

But I must admit, when I do go pick up my belongings from the DC, it's the most amazing feeling to see them hanging there like new: buttons buttoned, collars pressed, sleeves gathered in front with a tiny plastic clip. Mmmm, they look so content. But I always think....there's got to be something else....

Alas, ladies! I have found an alternative in the Sharper Image Portable Garment Steamer. I was feeling under the weather this weekend, so I stood in my bathroom for more hours than I would care to admit and steamed practically my entire wardrobe. Oy! I'm so OCD! I would have taken a picture, but said stuffy nose had me not looking my best :)

Not only does this little miracle take the wrinkles out, but it claims to disinfect and deodorize fabric (seems like a lofty claim that would require A LOT of steam for A LONG period of time). I instead opt for the quick fix of this tool and am so pleased with the results. And the best part is it's nice and small (about the size of an electric kettle) so it stores easily. Not like one of those gigantic ones with the fish bowl size resevior. This one is small and mighty.

Go on and get your own! Adam has already requested I bring it to Chitown for a v. exciting (and productive!) Easter weekend.

Now if only I could find a place that sold those little plastic sleeve clips.....

how could I...

mention Sally below and not credit her as the internet sensation that she is!

http://www.washingtonian.com/blogarticles/shopping/shoparound/11879.html

the perfect couple

I had the most lovely weekend with my dear friend Sally while she was in town visiting me from DC. We took a little day trip up to Greenwich, CT to do some shopping, house stalking, and just general New England loving. And while it was just a short trip, I couldn't help but think: There's nothing like an old friend to make you feel the familiarity you never knew you were missing.

And that Sally just knows me too well, as she was so nice to leave behind her style edition of The New Yorker for me to peruse. Heeding her advice, I quickly flipped to the story featured on NY Times columnist Bill Cunningham, appropriately titled : Man on the Street.



Sally and I are die-hard fans of the Times (she made me really understand the madness of being a true devotee-"I spend 4 hours in bed on Sunday morning with it") and we both love passing along Bill's videos.

There's something so alluring about his candid photography and the sweet simplicity of his reviews. In the black & white story below he says, "All you have to do it take everything you own that's black or white, throw it on, and you'll have it." He really puts the fun in it all by making fashion feel quite simple, very attainable...in a way, very black and white.

I'm sure you'll like it just as much as we do! xo

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/03/14/fashion/20090314-street-feature/index.html

it's love

As I was uploading some pictures off my camera, I thought I'd share.

I gave him this red sweater for Valentine's Day. He was so happy, that a dance party ensued.

smell-o-vision

I baked some banana bread for a 9AM department meeting I had this morning.

The best part was the smell of my house afterward!

it's a good thing...

xoxo

I. Love. Isaac.

I was a HUGE fan of his line at Target and was certainly sad to see it go...

But now with the launch of his new duds for Liz Claiborne, it's clear my boy is back in action!! I have got to get my little behind over to Macy's (ugh, so not a fan) to try some pieces on. Sadly, I'm half expecting everything to be a bit boxy (read: the usual assortment of the frumpy misses section of a dying dept store) but I will give it a go.

Check out his spread in Oprah Mag this month. I know, I know, a double whammy of Liz C. and Big O all in one post, I need to act my age. But a girl just can't refuse... I love how he celebrates the classic female silhouette.

Aaaand he does a mean gingham. That's all it takes in my book.

Enjoy!!