Today's Obsession: Kate Spade

To start, a few philosophical musings...

I have this theory that all women should wear sexy underwear, regardless of whether or not they plan on showing it to a third party. Sexy undies make a girl walk taller, strut just a little, and feel completely and utterly beautiful.

Well I also maintain that during the winter months, it's helpful to wear bright colored nail polish on your toes. No one has to see it (though I have no problem showing some toe in January), but coming home and taking off your boots, only to be greeted by perfectly kept bright pink toes... that's a good feeling.

Kate Spade kind of takes that concept and runs with it. Everything in her line is colorful and upbeat and vintage and chic all in one. I'm mildly obsessed with her weekly organizers, and have cases for both my new Macbook and my iPhone. Both have a discreet message hidden in/on them that greets me just like brightly painted toes. "Have Courage."

And how can I say no to that. Though the cost of much of her stuff is—how we say?—steep. But even a lowly college fashionista can afford (or splurge) on a collection of her idiom bracelets. Her decadent bangles come in both classic silver and gold, as well as colorful designs. And all of them include idiom-ic sayings to inspire and cheer up a Yankee girl with Southern aspirations. My favorite? It's a toss-up between "Heart of Gold" and "This is the year to..." Obsessed.

Kate Spade's idiom bangles would pair effortlessly
with my Michael Kors watch, dontcha think?

Today's Obsession: Henri Cartier-Bresson

It’s been a while since I wrote. Classes started and between classes, work, my social life and Gorilla gluing furniture, I’ve been quite a busy bee. I’m taking two classes this summer: Photo Basics for Art Majors (not an art major, but I wiggled my way into the class) and French 2. The photo class is incredible and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed toting around my Canon Rebel T1i and taking annoying pictures of all my friends. I’ve found I like color. I like gritty details. I like life and dirt and capturing a moment. And in my French class, I’m learning so quickly. I love the way French feels in my mouth, the way it sounds to my ears. I used to describe Spanish as chocolate. But French is like a chocolate soufflé.

This morning in my photo class (photos to come), we were looking at the work of this photographer-turned-painter, Henri Cartier-Bresson. I’m so enthralled by his photos. Somehow, with his analog camera, he managed to capture the most incredible photos, these moments of human reality that are fluid and stunning. I can’t even describe it. His photos say more than any writer could.

Maybe that’s why I’m intrigued so much by photography. Often, photos are pretty or they depict some sort of scene. They accompany a story or they complement an article. But other times, photos go above and beyond simply being a sidekick to some superhero story. Sometimes, they manage to capture the visual and an entire story all in one.

A while ago, Edwin showed me this photo of a girl sitting at a French café. He said he liked it because it somehow captured exactly what Paris is. It’s youth and style and diversity and people watching at outdoor cafes. Turns out, that photo was taken by Cartier-Bresson.

Today's Obsession: Celebrating Hair-itage

Other people aren't as jazzed as I am, but I recently found out that I am 1/16th Native American. Maybe Cherokee, maybe something else (my relatives disagree), but either way, I think it's the most incredible thing to discover about myself since learning that I... I don't actually know where I was going with that. Whatever. I'm Indian, albeit just a tick below how much is required to qualify for federal money, but I digress. It's freaking awesome.

For my senior speech in high school, I discussed the fact that I had little recognizable family heritage (I'm a European mutt). Instead, I drew my heritage and my family bonds through music--how music is in my blood and how it draws me closer to those that I love. But, alas, I actually do have a unique heritage. And it's even more fabulous than I'd imagined. Booyah.

Jennifer Love Hewitt rocks the feathers, too.

The beloved Huntington News wrote an article recently on the up-and-coming hair feathers trend. I saw a couple people in New York sporting them and have seen them even more since moving back to Boston. Celebrities from Selena Gomez to Ke$ha to American Idol judge Steven Tyler (<3)  have been accessorizing with feathers.

And I want some. I want to rep my minimal heritage in my hair... itage. The hair feathers are actually rooster feathers and the application process is pretty legit. Inserting the feathers involves pliers and a $40 toolkit. But the payoff is pretty darn awesome. And you can wear them for an extended amount of time. They can be shampooed (that's a word?) and styled like the rest of the hair. But the specifics are irrelevant. They're feathers--for your hair. That's soooo awesome. Obsessed.

Natural Light Feather Hair Extensions, $20; Toolkit, $24

Today's Obsession: Michael Kors (2)

On a ten note, I ended up getting myself that Michael Kors watch finally. I had budgeted spending more money on the Bahamas than I actually did, so I spent the remaining (and my grocery money from this month) on it, got it sized, and am the proud new owner of a watch I’ve been eyeing since probably September.

And then on my “buy high,” I treated myself to a two-tone sterling silver ring covered in gold. It’s no David Yurman, but it will suffice until I can scrounge up enough for a Yurman. Can’t wait!
I think the best feeling about tens is knowing in my heart of hearts that I am going to get them. I know that I will do it for myself because I can’t imagine it any other way. That’s very new age philosophy-y, but great nonetheless.

Next on my list is a DSLR camera for my photo class this summer. Price and quality-wise, I’ve settled on a Canon Rebel T1i, a downgrade from Laura’s (no video) and a double downgrade from the one I featured months ago as my daily obsession. Nonetheless… gorgeous. Obsessed (but somehow that doesn’t cover it enough).

The goods!

Today's Obsession: HRH Emily Post

As stated before, I don’t how people typically celebrate Hooray for Buttons Day, but there’s something more to celebrate. This week is National Etiquette Week, and to honor the occasion, today’s obsession is what should basically be considered the Etiquette Bible.

Emily Post, likely hailed the queen of etiquette, was born in Baltimore in 1872 and educated by governesses and at private schools. She had a formal debut, where she met her soon-to-be husband, and later had two sons (whom, of course, she sent to boarding school). While she would likely find me brash (Gasp! I’m a female with a job), she does know a thing or two about class.

She wrote a couple of romantic stories before publishing her first non-fiction, “Etiquette.” In 1942, she founded The Emily Post Institute with her son. According to her website, the EPI acts as a “social civility barometer,” and “elucidates new manners for today’s world based on core values of honest, respect, and consideration.”

Emily Post on her honeymoon. Check out that corset! Wowza.

After Emily Post’s death, her family continued to keep the Post name active. They maintain a collection of 25 books, columns in several nationally-acclaimed publications, and even put on little seminars and training sessions (Hint: My birthday's in a month!).

The Emily Post website is a great resource, too. There's a handy Etipedia to search whatever keywords you're looking for. And they have various pages tailored to people of different ages and walks of life. Personally, I love the College and Beyond page, which covers everything from roommate troubles to library behavior and cell phone usage.

I've long been fascinated by etiquette because I think it's such an archaic (but still relevant) art. It's grace and composure. It's "My Fair Lady." It's a means to making oneself a ten. It's class.

SureSister.com, a sorority-themed site meant for potential new members interested in recruitment, recently released a blog post about suggested summer reading and I was thrilled to see that Emily Post’s Etiquette (17th Edition) was on there, along with various student leadership books. I’ve thumbed through the book before and it’s both comprehensive and easy to navigate. But I never bought it (damn you, nonexistent income!). Maybe Etiquette Week is reason enough to splurge! Obsessed.

Emily Post's Etiquette (17th Edition), $24

Today's Obsession: F21 Activewear

Remember back in the day when Limited, Too was the one and only cool place for clothes? Everyone had the same pajama bottoms from there and the same pleated denim mini skirt (what were we thinking?).

Forever 21 is the grown up Limited, Too. Only I’m betting it’s probably cheaper. I love Forever 21 for a variety of reasons. They certainly are up-to-date on the most recent trends and they’re prices are amazing, but the quality : cost ratio is oftentimes downright terrible.

I’ve found that it’s best to stick to what I know is good. And thus far, I’ve narrowed that down to Forever's $10.50 skinny jeans (love), their bras and their Love 21 line, which features more “conservative” styles and is basically classier stuff in better fabrics and pastel, pretty colors. It’s all meant to fit your body, not mutate it.

I haven’t checked out Forever’s recent activewear section, though, and I must admit that they have cranked out a bunch of cute, colorful stuff. As I mentioned before, wearing bright workout clothes helps to motivate me to actually, you know, work out.

I’m typically a fan of the Nike goods, but I got to say, this cami top quickly caught my eye. I love the spaghetti straps and the slightly-sexy, just-a-little-extra-skin back. (Also, a shout-out to their halter top. Too many options!) My only beef is that I wish it came in more colors (pink gives me a headache… where’s the blue? Green?). Plus, if it came in blue, it could match their black and blue biker shorts. Obsessed.

Forever 21 Athletic Cami Top, $12.80

Today's Obsession: Sweet Dreams

Back in the day, Bo and I used to wear sleep masks from Claire’s. They were so novel until the completely smashed your eyelashes and you woke up looking like you'd fallen asleep on the kitchen floor.

But anything from Claire’s can’t be a ten. I’ve been browsing the Inter-web looking at different sleep masks and they’re all so utterly adorable. I love this navy one that says “Night Owl” (hello… Kappa reference?) and the classic Breakfast at Tiffany’s remake. But I have to say that this Mary Green mask is my favorite.

With all that lace, it’s sexy, but oh so sweet as well, with the references to Paris and whatnot. I was at a party this weekend with a bunch of French guys and it made me so excited to travel to Paris next fall. I really do dream about it, and with this eye mask, the whole world will know. Total ten; obsessed.

Today's Obsession: Living Luxe

I’ve been trying to be good lately about, well, everything. I’ve cleaned out my closet (mostly), eliminated clutter (mostly), and been on a health kick (as long as you don’t count the daily chocolate binge and ice cream for breakfast). But really…

The lovely Laura Max Nelson has also got me obsessing about yoga, which I’m not even that big on. But she has a blog that she keeps updated about the Boston yoga scene and I feel like I’m majorly missing out. After our Bahamas adventure (Eek!), when Tash has left the city (anti-eek!) and I have nothing to do, I am detoxing. I’m taking this ten thing and applying it to everything, including myself. I will be a ten. I will look good, feel good, and actually be good. And here’s how:

• For starters, I will already have a super awesome tan from the Bahamas; that’s enough to make any girl happier.
• I will become familiar with my running shoes. The weather has been gorgeous and I could really do with a Hudson river run every morning.
• I have these coupons for personal training sessions (my job pays me in coupons) and a week-long gym membership that I will use to strengthen my core.
• And I have another coupon for a week-long membership at a yoga studio, which I will use to calm myself down. My dad is bringing my yoga mat with him when he comes next week.
• I might even (gasp!) de-activate my Facebook for a week or two or a month.
• There’s also this detox flush cleanse diet that I’m intrigued by. I don’t really care about losing weight, but during the diet, you literally flush all your toxins (down the toilet). It’s part inspiring and part disgusting, which is why I’ll be doing it when Tash isn’t here anymore.

One of my favorite things about health kicks are the clothes. Having cute workout clothes is part of the equation, because when you look good (like a ten, maybe?), you actually want to work out. I love my crazy colored Nike goodies. “Just do it” is the worlds greatest mantra. But I also find these Bling Yoga Shorties from Victoria’s Secret just as inspiring. VS actually has a TON of yoga goodies, from pants to shirts that say “Live Luxe” to yoga underwear that goes undetected under all that butt-hugging spandex.

But really… These shorties are adorable. Good for hot, summer yoga or for running, and just teeny enough to be inspiring, as well. Because no one wants to wear short shorts when they don’t look good. Plus, they have rhinestones, and who can argue with that. Obsessed.

Victoria's Secret – Bling Yoga Shorties, $29

Today's Obsession: Classic Porcelain

I have been vigorously researching info on the royal wedding today. And tea parties. And just this morning, I updated my twitter background to this romantic, shabby-chic lacy something-or-other.

The combined outcome of all this is that I am currently obsessed with lace. I don’t know how I would want to wear it or incorporate it, but I’ve been searching everything from “lace pillows” to “lace accessories” to “lace necklaces.” Surprisingly, there actually isn’t that much out there.

I’m so disappointed. I’ve been looking at tea doilies and wedding flowers all morning and now I can’t get my lace fix. No bueno.

Instead, today’s obsession is this white porcelain tea set. My sorority recently had a tea party and everyone got all dressed up in dresses and hats (so cute!). And I’ve written before about how vintage-y tea and tea sets are.

On my little retro-glam kick right now, this seems to work well. I drink tea pretty much every day, so why not do it in (affordable) style? Here’s to us, even if we’re not marrying princes. We lovely ladies can toast whatever we want. As I like to remind myself, I don’t need a reason to celebrate. Obsessed.

Porcelain Tea Set – Diana, $40

Today's Obsession: Perfect 10 Ring

On my way home yesterday, I stopped by a shoe store because I felt inspired to look at some summer-y shoes. I found this pair of teal leather espadrilles that would have been perfect for the Bahamas, but the quality of the heel was, to put it kindly, utter crap. So as painful as it was (and it was), I left the store. But I made the right decision. I’m keeping this 10 streak going.

Part of the book I mentioned included a section on jewelry. For someone who identifies their style as “classic” (me—or at least that’s the goal), they advise to keep the jewelry simple. Typically, just a classic black leather watch and a pair of diamond studs. Now, I’ve done the black leather watch (I’ve had the same one since 8th grade) so I’m going shoot that one down. Instead, I’ll just keep to my beloved Michael Kors gem.

And while there’s no way in hell that I will be getting diamond studs anytime soon, I do like the idea of simplistic jewelry. This weekend, I went through and collected bags of clothes and jewelry (many stolen impulsively from work) to give to friends/donate. As cute as they were for one outfit, they take up too much room to justify keeping.

I’m leaning towards the simplicity. Blame my Buddhist-loving boyfriend and his simplistic style :). But with the right goods, simple doesn’t have to equate to being “plain.” I’m thinking my basics should include my pearls (duh), my soon-to-be-mine Michael Kors watch, my gold Aldo French hoops that I wear all the time, and a ring.

I’ve been scouring etsy for estate rings this morning. I want something simple, but still unique, and something quintessentially me. My girl Laura has this David Yurman ring that is to DIE for (and so very her). And my beloved J actually collects and wears different wedding bands; they’re all a little unique.

While I send a heartfelt shout-out to this key ring from Kappa, my version–or what I like today at least–is this gold and pearl ring. The price tag isn’t too ridiculous and I like that it matches my sorority pin (R.I.P. wherever you are). Pearls are actually my birthstone, so there’s an added bonus. Plus, the gold would tie into the MK watch, even if I wear the ring on my right hand.

I’m trying to eliminate outlandish pieces. No matter how fulfilling the original response, there are reasons why trends are “trends.” Gold and pearls are genuine classics and always have been. TSM, perhaps. But we can’t help it if we’re klassy. Obsessed.

The Pearls of Lord – engagement ring, $380

Today's Obsession: Tory Burch

I’m on a shoe kick. But I’m not apologizing. One should never apologize for shoes.

The other day, I was walking through East Midtown with my beloved mentor and his amazing wife. Anyway, the wife and I got talking about shopping and clothes and she pointed out a pair of Tory Burch flats a girl was wearing that looked utterly terrible. They were too big and the elastic on the back made them look really uncomfortable. Definitely not a 10.

I didn’t hop on the Tory Burch bandwagon like everyone else did. My $12 K-Mart flats seemed to hold up pretty well, with the exception of losing a couple gems. So I couldn’t justify spending triple digits on shoes.

But alas, this Perfect 10 kick is changing my perspective. I’ll admit that I do think TB flats are attractive. And this patent pair is lined in the elastic. They call it “sporty;” I call it chic. The matte against the patent is great. And to top it off, the metal logo is partly black, which I like a TON more. It hints that it’s Tory Burch without outright screaming it to the world. Obsessed.

Tory Burch patent caroline ballet flat, $225

Today's Obsession: Scrabble Pillows

Hello, my pretties, and Happy Scrabble Day! I was browsing etsy and the Internet, because I know there’s tons of cute Scrabble jewelry out there, but then I wondered how often I would actually wear it.I grew up playing Scrabble with my mom, who's a beast. She has a vocabulary that would put anyone to shame. Plus, she has the Scrabble dictionary, which is just unfair.

Instead, I found these hilariously awesome (and oh-so-deliciously shabby chic) Scrabble pillows. The seller makes each pillow individually and you can get a set that spells out anything you like! Adorable, me thinks. I was thinking about where they'd look best, and I have to say that'd probably be back home in San Diego. I have a special outdoor couch that can always use more pillows (you can never have too many) and would look great with some kitchy Scrabble fun.

What if the pillows spelled out "WOOF?" Not only is it appropriate for me and my family, but the letters happen to score a perfect 10. Irony? I think not. Obsessed.

4 Letter Pillows Inserts Included spelling out "WOOF" on etsy, $98

Today's Obsession: Christian Louboutin

I did a post last week about classic clothes and investing in timeless pieces. As luck would have it, I just received a book manuscript for I Have Nothing to Wear by Jill Martin and Dana Ravich. And while I won’t divulge all that’s covered in the soon-to-come book, I will say that it tickled my fancy.

It kind of reminded me of another book, A Guide to Elegance: For Every Woman Who Wants to Be Well and Properly Dressed on All Occasions by Genevienve Antoine Dariaux. I haven’t actually read the title, but I’ve read excerpts (when I went on a rampage to find etiquette books). For a while, I’ve been trying to classy up my wardrobe by filling it with timeless pieces. The problem is I’m poor. Oh well.

Today’s obsession is an obvious timeless classic. Day-to-night black stilettos that aren’t too high or too pointy. Unfortunate confession? I actually don’t own a pair of simple black pumps. Rainbow, yes, but not black. They come in a variety of colors and shines, but classic black leather can go with jeans or a suit. And while these babies are a pretty penny, they have that famous red bottom. Ohhh so sexy. Obsessed.

Christian Louboutin – Simple 100 Pumps in black, $595

Today's Obsession: Faux Fur

Not that I can tell since I'm cooped up in my cubicle, but it's supposedly 75 degrees outside. I'm not wearing pants. Or tights. Scandalous, I know. And while it dips down to some lower temperatures this week, it looks like the snow/hail/whatever-weather.com-deems-as-"wintry-mix" is gone and spring has sprung.

And while I'm all about being forward-thinking, I figured this long winter deserved one last stand. So today's obsession is this faux fur pull-through scarf from some random infomercial (NOTE: the one pictured below is the wrong color). I got talking about fur with my grandmother this weekend and it got me thinking. This scarf has all the color to draw way too much attention, but is politically correct, too. Since I'll be living a mile from campus and walking to class, this baby will surely keep me warm next winter.

As an extra bonus, I think this applies to the past link about wearing classic clothes. From loin cloths to PETA demonstrations, fur has never gone out of style. The only difference is that it's cheap! Obsessed.

Luxe Rachel Zoe Faux Fur Pull-through Scarf in Red Fox (not pictured), $29

Today's Obsession: Paris Post-Its

Happy Post-It Day!! Say what? You didn’t know that April 6 was Post-It Day? Well shame on you for not going through all the most insane holidays and neurotically writing them down in your Lilly Pulitzer planner along with ideas for how to incorporate them into your equally neurotic blog.

I, on the other hand, do scour the internet on random holiday searches. Not that I ever really need a reason to celebrate, but I feel a bit more festive when I have one. Anywayyyy, as anyone who knows me or has seen the aforementioned Lilly Pulitzer planner (or my computer screen) can attest, I’m a bit of a Post-It freak. I write lists on them, I keep notes on them, I always try to mix up the colors (neon, never pastel).

And these Paris-themed sticky notes are absolutely adorable! I can’t take too much credit because my boss has them, but I’m nonetheless obsessed (that rhymed). I may actually have a crush on inanimate pieces of paper; let’s try not to judge. The Arc de Triumph, the Tour Eiffel, the Musee d’Orsay, "Oh my!!" Obsessed.

Paris Sticky Notes from Bas Bleu, $15

Today's Obsession: Flying Pigs

As much as I love it, New York still admittedly has a way of wearing me down. Maybe it's the fact that it's snowing. Still. In April. Or maybe it's the fact that I don't eat. Or that I'm poor. Or that there's no levity to my day. Maybe it's the fact that my person is here, while my life is still in Boston. Or the catcalls at 9 a.m. on a Tuesday morning (really? Does that ever work out for you?). Maybe it's the fact that every time I leave someplace people ask me if I'll be safe getting home. Or the fact that even if I'm in the biggest city, I still interact with few, if any, people and curl up alone with the silence to lull me to sleep.

But then I remember this is New York, home of glittering lights and eccentric freakshows. People write songs about this place and drop everything to move from their podunk little towns to come here. Lives and love and jobs are centered around this tiny island. Here, in this slummed down city of grit and grime are some of the shiniest celebrities and skyscrapers. There's history written everywhere. And everywhere, there's history being written.

Here, on this Sepia-tinted island of the schizophrenics, it's easy to forget the positives. But the truth is that I do love New York. And I also love New York art. I'm not talking about the Met or MoMA. I mean real New York art that captures this place.

And while I give a big shout-out to this cuff bracelet, which has a taste of New York, I've been long-obsessed with this art piece. According to the artist description... "Made with actual vintage New York Times front pages, found paper, paint, tissue, cutout letters and even a few dollar bills, this piece is an original take on the MTA Subway Map, incorporating not only the subway lines but the noisy, jumbled scrapbook of neighborhoods and districts."

I have no clue what the original piece went for and it's not available, but there are relatively cheap print copies which, when matted and framed, would be pretty darn snazzy. The best part of all, I have to say, is the flying pig. As Post columnist Cindy Adams would say, "Only in New York, kids. Only in New York." Obsessed.

New York City Subway 8 x 10 paper print on etsy, $20

Today's Obsession: Zara

I've been working on tomorrow's daily obsession, which ought to be a biggie. But as I was browsing the web, I came across this half-sexy-half-sweet little black number from Zara (a recent obsession many thanks to Laura, who is quickly taking over my blogosphere).

I'm being kidnapped this weekend. Laura and J decided to team up and buy me bus tickets to and from Boston so that I can come to this year's Kappa spring formal. Ummm I'm obviously too excited to breathe. Given the spontaneity of the decision and the current state of my bank account, however, I will be raiding closets for the super awesome event. But that isn't to say I haven't been looking at dresses.

I found this amazing LBD and just know I need to buy it. Whether I wear it to semi formal in fall or whether it sits in the back of my closet, this dress is too sexy to leave to chance. Number 71 on my Bucket List reads: "Buy myself a dress without a reason to wear it." And number 72 is subsequently "Find a place to wear said dress."

Well, ladies and gentlemen, this is it. I don't know when, but I'ma buy this baby stat. I can't help it, nor be held accountable. I'm. Just. So. Obsessed.

STUDIO DRESS from Zara, $160

Today's Obsession: Ariat

I mentioned yesterday how much I loved my cowboy boots. They were on the list of htings I had paid a bit more for, but loved exponentially more because of it. Unfortunately, however, I love my boots so much that I wear them to bits. And introducing them to Boston winters wasn't the nicest thing I've done. They've been weathered and worn and need some major TLC from a cobbler. Or a replacement.

Buying boots is like buying a prom dress. During high school, I would start looking at dresses in December. And by the time buying time came around, I knew exactly what I wanted. I had seen all the styles and fished through designers' catalogs and had my choices narrowed down.

For boots, there's only one place I really feel comfortable buying, and that's the Boot Barn in San Diego. When I bought my first pair, they gave me an employee's discount. It was awesomeeee. Plus, while I'm happy to shop around online, the in-store try-on is incredibly fantastic. It's important to ensure that one's beloved boots fit correctly, hit in the right part of the shin and are badass enough.

But that doesn't mean I haven't been browsing online. With my first pair, I bought one with both brown and black so that I could wear it with anything. But I'm thinking it's about time I invest in multiple pairs. These caught my eye because they're vintage looking and a summer-y brown, but they're almost too conventional (If cowboy boots in New York can be conventional). Practicality be damned, I could definitely do with a pair in black or a super crazy colored pair (like these!). You can never have too many shoes. Obsessed.

Ariat Women's Heritage Western Boots in Red, $140

Today's Obsession: Book Buddy

Locked away in a storage facility in Poway, Calif. is one of my most prized possessions: my books. For a personal finance class, I once had to calculate my net worth and the majority of it was on my bookshelves. I estimated that the dozen-or-so full boxes of books that now reside in the storage unit amounted to some $1800+.

One of those boxes, marked “Personal Classics” contains some of my favorite books of all time. Thinking about them now is like flipping through old scrapbooks. I’m nostalgic for those books, for the thrill of finding another treasure worthy of that box. In it are my worn and torn copies of White Oleander, The Handmaid’s Tale and Brave New World (I have a thing for dystopic novels). Since then, I’ve found a select handful of books that I love as much. Whenever I move, I’m sure to pack my copy of Eat, Pray, Love (for inspiration) and Let the Great World Spin (a recent find).

Anyway, I was looking through Bas Bleu’s site and found this plush little accessory. What with being on co-op, I’ve been reading a lot more lately. And I’ve become re-familiarized with that slight ache in my shoulders from holding up a heavy book. This pillow is both practical and pretty (and probably an easy DIY project). Perfect for a book nerd like myself. Obsessed.

Bas Bleu – Book Buddy: Navy Faux Suede, $34

Today's Obsession: woof (duh)

In the spirit of all things woof-tastic, here’s one of the shirts I designed. Designing was more for fun and I don’t really anticipate buying anything until all our branding is finished and secure (any graphic designers out there?), but I like this baby because it works for the magazine and is totally something that my dad and his boys need to get for their next testosterone-ridden reunion.

Check out all the designs and stuff here, but I don’t really recommend buying anything yet. I know we’re all excited, folks, but it’s still not a done deal. Nonetheless, you can bet I’ll be scouring etsy for the next lifetime looking for things that are woof-related along with all my periodic search for Paris and Kappa goodies. Woof is my new obsession. Ahhhhh so stoked. I’m a total nerd. Whatever. OBSESSED (But for realsies).

Cafe Press woofMagazine Mens Baseball Jersey, $20