Fab Finds

We're off to swimming lessons in a bit, but just can't help telling you about a few finds this week.

The LL Bean Signature catalog came on Monday.  Oh how yummy.  I want these shoes.  And these ones for J. You know I love LL Bean because they're from Maine.  And they employ a lot of people there.  And they're using old patterns to make new fab fashions

And in kitchen fashion, these produce bags make me want to run to the grocery store right now!  I also love their napkins.  And best of all, Oh Little Rabbit is from Oregon, just like me!  I AdOregon!

It might be fun to make our own painted napkins.  Hmm.  A project, you say?  I do need to make a trip to the craft store anyway...

Toasty Legs

I've been working on these beauties the last two days.  The extreme freezingness of our house in addition to the latest heating bill was all the inspiration I needed.  Jesse thinks they are grandma-y.  I think I might crochet a matching headband and put on a Jane Fonda aerobics video.  Beta, preferably. 

Fun facts.  I used this pattern for a three year old and just made everything a lot bigger.  I used wool yarn that I got from the Goodwill Outlet in Indy.  It's like the bargain barn in Santa Cruz where they weigh your purchases and you pay by the pound.  Needless to say, I did not spend much for these lovelies.

Dwell Studio for Target, Yum

I've been in love with Dwell Studio's Target line since I got back from Japan. I love baby kimonos, first of all. The fabric is lovely. I especially love the hedgehog motif this season (finally making it to the US and it's a hedgehog, not an armadillo).

So how excited was I when my last trip to Target found these lovelies on clearance for less than $1 each? Pretty stoked. Especially since our lovely neighbor is having a boy.

Deals

I haven't had Birkenstocks since I was in high school and wore them paired with wool socks. Yes, I know, the 90's were pretty sad. But now if Jesse gets an interview at Linfield, I'm so ready. The economic downturn has done wonders for my wardrobe. So many stores are going out of business (including Shoe Pavilion on Barranca) so I got a pair of Birks (originally priced at 69.99) for $14. And a pair of fancy black boots for $16.99 (originally 169.99). Luckily, they're made of leather so I can boil them into a broth if J doesn't get that job.
Other stores that I've seen that are going out of business in the Irvine area: Mervyns and one of those home stores like linens n things by Old Navy near the mall. Any other deals out there? Do tell!

Shoes

I've been thinking about shoes. Probably because I haven't bought a pair since I crammed my feet into my Muji boots. Size 25, the largest shoe size readily available, roughly 8.5. One full size smaller than my feet. Anyway. I'm looking forward to some new shoes when I get back to the states. I'm looking forward to leaving my kids with my mom and spending hours at Ross.

I've been inspired by the fashionable footwear I see on EVERYONE here in Tokyo. I feel like such a putz with my dorky shoes, but what's a sized 9.5 gal to do? Did I mention my feet are super wide, too? Right. So sexy slinky footwear is a joke. But that doesn't mean my toes have to be so boring. I love making a fashion statement with footwear. Probably because I dress fairly conservatively. I do love my Born sandals, but would love something less chunky, more feminine. Since heels are pretty much out of the running, I think fun and funky flats are the way to go.

Red Bags

Spendy bag #1 Spendy bag #2


We live on such a ritzy street, that sometimes I just can't help myself and covet the wares in the stores. We have two luxury handbag stores and I was taken aback by a red bag in the window. I realized how much I didn't need a red handbag priced at 345000 yen ($3000 US), but how much I wanted one. Yikes. You must look at these though. Wouldn't it be FUN to have such a cool bag?

So I looked at Target.com and was impressed with their red bag offerings. For my stateside friends, do take a look. What a fun way to put some pop in your day. The el cheapos are below and cost from $13-$40 US. Not too bad.