Who’s Chasing Who?

As many of you are probably aware, we’ve just completed Shark Week back in the States. Now, amongst the scientific community, Shark Week tends to be a bit controversial, a bit sensationalized, and a bit of a stretch from what we shark biologists actually find ourselves doing on a daily basis. Though everyone assumes Shark Week is Christmas Morning meets Mardi Gras meets an 80% off shoe sale at Nordstrom for me, it truly isn’t so…

Lust List #5

As many of you know, I’m galavanting around Middle Earth at the moment. I almost cannot speak for all of the beauty that’s around me (and yes, I definitely found a few vintage treasures to share when I’m back!) So, while I’m away enjoying all that New Zealand has to offer, I thought I’d let you peruse all that some of my favorite shops currently have to offer. Without further adieu, here’s a round up of the latest things I’m lusting after… I can’t explain why, but there is something simply magical about this terrarium… Handmade and oh so beautiful, this…

Up, Up, and Away

By the time you read this, I will be up up and away somewhere over the blue-green ocean, on my way to one of my favorite places in the world. For the next two weeks, I’m combining business and pleasure in New Zealand. The first week revolves around a conference, full of sharky discussions and serious brow furrowing over complex scientific topics. For the second half, Mr. Dressed Aesthetic is joining me and we’ll be adventuring all around the North Island, full of good beer, beautiful scenery, and way more meat pies than I care to admit. I lived in New Zealand…

Garden of Hearts

More and more, I find myself reaching for cardigans and boleros, sweaters and swing coats, as autumn starts to slowly give up her fight. I can’t deny it any longer: Winter has arrived in Australia. Now, to be fair, winter in Perth is not like winter in Boston (where I grew up) – no snow to contend with or icy wings whipping across the streets. Mostly there is rain. And gloom. So, I really can’t be blamed for wanting to inject a bit of color into the grey streets…

Favorites: June Bloom

Here in Perth, we are actually experiencing June Gloom at the moment. But, I am all about the power of suggestion and the power of positive thinking! Not to mention that I can’t really complain – it just takes a quick glance out my my office window at the beautiful Swan River to remind me that I’m very very lucky to live in a place like Perth, regardless of the season. And I did manage to grab a few rays of sunshine this month as they snuck out to wave a quick hello between the clouds, before darting off again (probably…

Living Doll

A few weeks back, I clicked my Dorothy heels twice and hit the town for a Girl’s Night at Soda Sun Lounge. One of our friends is moving to the East Coast and it would potentially be the last time we could all get together before the move. Let me tell you, my friends are Very. Busy. Women. It took us three months to find a night when we were all in the country or not otherwise engaged. Luckily, my friends are also very organized and the night was locked into the diary back in April. We are nothing if not…

Very Berry

In every woman’s arsenal, there should always be the Little Black Dress. Though perhaps a bit cliche, acronyms like LBD are not simply created. They live and breath and hold an honored place in our culture. And thank goodness for the LBD. The dress that fits you perfectly, can transition from day or night effortlessly, and is the most perfect backdrop for accessories. I have more than a few LBDs, but this vintage beauty, with her illusion neckline and delicate lace waistband, is definitely one of my absolute favorites.

Dream Within A Dream

Is there anything better than the phrase “Two for the price of one”? Not in my world, particularly when it pertains to vintage dresses (and probably coffee. Also shoes. OH! Anything sparkly!). But, when it comes to dresses doing double duty, an automatic two-for-the-price-of-one deal includes reversible garments, matching skirt and top sets, and this beauty – which is a fitted wiggle dress and a sheer, separate organza overlay for twice the vintage fun. (I kind of feel like a Doublemint commercial saying that…)

{Tailoring}: Ribbon Roulette

My height (at a respectable 5’9 or 175 cm) was a definite source of despair when I was young. I sprang up like a bean sprout and had no idea how to manage my gangly limbs, which felt like a bunch of sharp angles that lacked a common goal. I’ve definitely grown into my height in later years (and admittedly make myself even more Amazonian with 5 inch heels!) But, as I’ve mentioned before, my fabulous vertical prowess also comes complete with an exceptionally long torso. While I fully (now) embrace my elongation, I have to admit there’s been many a vintage dress I’ve…