my "new" camera

I bought this "vintage" Minolta camera from a local camera shop. 


(Is 1982 too recent to be considered vintage? I'm going to say yes, only because I wasn't born too long after that... Wow, time flies.)


Anyway, I bought this camera for about 50 bucks only to find out that my dad had a similar model at home, hidden away in one of the downstairs closets. Luckily, it wasn't the exact same camera so I didn't feel too bad. Plus, my dad had kept his nice leather camera case from 80s along with his Minolta and two other lenses. And now, they're all mine : )


Here's a couple of the pics I took with my first roll of film. 

A picnic at Jordan Lake. North Carolina. 

I adore these cowboy boots. 

At home. 

The love of my life, Louie. And my foot. And my slippers.

Where I can go to escape. 

In honor of last night's episode of Celebrity Apprentice... I present to you: Individual Elegance. Collective Luxury.

Clutch: Alexander McQueen

Dress: Lanvin

Heels: Christian Louboutin

Bracelet: Oscar de la Renta

Sunglasses: Tom Ford

All photos courtesy of neimanmarcus.com where all of these items can be purchased.

BIRCHBOX

So I caved in and joined Birchbox. If you haven't heard of it, it's actually a great investment for cosmetic enthusiasts like me. For $10 a month, you receive a little box of product samples. Everything from facial moisturizers to nail polish to fragrances. This is a great way to learn about lesser known companies that aren't widely available at department stores or places like Ulta and Sephora. AND, the sample sizes are pretty generous. It's like a little taste of Christmas each month because you never know what will be in your Birchbox!

This month, I received all environmentally conscious products including a chamomile tea by Zhena's Gypsy Tea, a LIV GRN natural fragrance and a lovely grey nail polish by Zoya. But my two favorite products from this box were the Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser and a Wild Rose Soothing Facial Lotion from Weleda. I will most likely go ahead and buy these two samples in their normal size. I've been using the samples religiously for a week!

how cute are these shoes?

Courtesy of Chanel : )

BCBG

Anyone who knows me knows that I can't get enough of BCBG. It is, without doubt, one of my favorite fashion houses. I am guaranteed to find several pieces that I MUST have whenever I walk into their stores (even if I can't quite afford it... yet.).


Rumi Neely, a role model of mine and fellow blogger, recently met Joyce Azria (creative director of BCBGeneration) at the BCBG headquarters and was given a personal tour. She was also gifted with a few of BCBG's latest items, including an amazing pair of black wide-legged trousers. What I would do to be given this opportunity. 

Below is an interview with Joyce Azria and a few pics from this season's Max Azria and BCBGeneration collections.

Colon Cancer Awareness!

Tomorrow, I will be attending another fashion show for a good cause. This time, I'll be wearing blue, along with all other attendees in recognition of Colon Cancer Awareness Month.

The fashion show will take place at Neiman Marcus located in Tyson's Galleria. The Colon Cancer Alliance is partnering with American designer and colon cancer survivor Carmen Marc Valvo for the show.  

Date: Friday, March 4, 2011

Time: 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM 

Neiman Marcus at Tysons Galleria

McLean, VA 22102

Jane Russell, we will miss you!

Yesterday we lost a true legend, Jane Russell, who was an extraordinary actress/entertainer and an icon of her time. I am a sucker for old films and since seeing Russell along side Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, I was intrigued by this beautiful brunette. 

There was something graceful and stylish about the pin up women of yesterday's entertainment industry, contrary to the "pin up" women some of us idolize now. I can only wish for the girls of this generation to exhibit both class and sexiness. 

Please Note: one doesn't have to compromise the existence of the other. 

BTW, Looking through Russell's old pics reminded me of a certain pop star of today...