{Weekend Update}...A Night at the Opera

Over the weekend, Nick & I went to the Minnesota Opera's production of Werther by Jules Massenet. We were able to go opening night and it was absolutely fantastic. The cast was phenomenal with James Valenti (pictured above) as the lead tenor, Werther, and Roxana Constantinescu as Charlotte, the object of Werther's affection. Refreshingly, the orchestra didn't overpower the vocalists (as is sometimes the case with any musical production), but rather added an indescribable richness & depth. A scrolling english translation above the stage enriched the experience and understanding of the heartbreaking tale. If you are a first time Opera-goer, it is a must see. Soaring voices from the lead adults to fluty, elegant melodies from a small children choir showcases an expanse of tone, timbre and utter quality. 

Through Project 20-Something, a program by the MN Opera, Nick & I were fortunate enough to attend an after party with the cast at Sakura. Great music, mingling & a sushi bar made the entire evening feel so special. It had that fabulous VIP feel. Did I mention my favorite part? I met the world renowned lead, James Valenti. Although we didn't talk long, Nick & I chatted with him quickly, fervently gushing to him about his fantastic performance. Valenti is not only an unbelievably talented performer, he has a genuine personality that is refreshing, appreciative & welcoming. All in all, it was a marvelous and unforgettable night. 

Top photo via 

{On the Same Wavelength}... Stripes

Kate Spade New York & Equipment must have had the same stroke of genius when they created this bag & this blouse. The spearmint color gives these items so much fresh vibrancy. They both are brilliantly paired with a neutral like black or deep midnight navy to keep it sophisticated & prevent it from getting too overwhelmingly juvenile. I know that pastel citrus is the trend for Spring 2012, and I couldn't be a bigger fan. But for days that I'm feeling a little different, these would be great alternatives while still being springy.

1. Kate Spade Satchel 
2. Equipment Blouse

{The Adventures}...Plan on San Fran

{The Place} Normally, my extensive wish list of places to see feature places outside of the U.S. However, being from the Midwest, I would love nothing more than to travel to San Francisco. Commonly referred to as the "most European city in America," S.F. has it all. Beautiful skylines of mountains, ocean & lit up buildings, make it one of the most unique places geographically.

{What I Would Do in San Francisco} Ride cable cars all day long. Take a mini trip to see Alcatraz! Go do to Chinatown. Eat in the bay area to experience cuisine including Italian, Mediterranean, Vietnamese, Seafood and more deliciousness. Enjoy the San Francisco Botanical Garden (free admission-yay!) Peruse the DeYoung Museum. Of course I would go shopping. Don't forget a little stroll through suburbs to experience residential life. 

What would you do while you were there? If you've traveled there, any suggestions?

Photos via

Not Just for Babies...Bibs

And we thought that bibs were for babies. Not anymore. This trend is becoming more and more popular. What do you like best? The full on bib like #7? Or the abstract like #2? Is the intermediate plate like style more your thing, as seen in #5 and 6? Would you wear this trend? If so, with what would you wear it?

1. Madewell Moonlight Sparkle Bib Necklace

2. ASOS Metal Feather Necklace

3. Banana Republic Swag Bib Necklace

4. Sandy Hyun Wood & Leather Bib Necklace

5. Sandy Hyun White Bib Necklace

6. ThreadSense Darius Bib Necklace

7. Venessa Arizaga Salty-lime Silver Plated Bid

8. Shabana Kahn Meena Necklace

Spotlight: Classic Kitsch

I hope you've noticed my ultra-rad new header for the blog! It is compliments of my crazy talented twin sister, Abby. She has her own blog, Classic Kitsch, a blog about fashion, food, design and the occasional random musings. 

Abby was brilliant & crafted two possible headers based on my favorite clothes, accessories, makeup and fragrances. Totally sweet. 

Which one do you like?

Abby is one of the most creative individuals I know, thus it makes complete sense that she is an aspiring interior decorator & art historian. (Talk about ambitious & well rounded!) She is the best sister & roommate a girl like me could ask for. If I like her, you'll definitely like her! Follow her on The Blog, Twitter, Pinterest & Facebook.

Bobble

So first, the bobble water bottle came out in stores. It actually freaked me out a bit. Perhaps because I didn't know what it was: bottle, bobble, bubble? But it's unique design and function had me come around. Coming in a variety of colors, it is pleasing to everyone. Then, the bobble jug was introduced. How crazy cool does it look!? Again, coming in so many colors, your head might spin, it looks great in every kitchen, office & guest room. 

Also, this is really great! A colorful & hip lunch box! Carry your bobble water bottle along with your snacks/lunch for an easy & compact on the go sustenance kit!

Top It With Mustard

I went shopping with my darling sister, Abby, over the weekend and had a blast! I'll admit, I really didn't want to go. The weather wasn't great & all I wanted to do was sit in my pajamas, watch a movie & eat horrible food. But the poor girl lost her favorite hat & I needed one too since I didn't have a hat for blustery days. (Surprising since I live in Minnesota!) I picked out this super warm beanie. It couldn't be more me. Mustard yellow, cable knit, slightly oversized? I'm in love. Not to mention, it matches my favorite scarf!

Top photo via Abby

ISSA + Print

Issa makes absolutely gorgeous dresses. The silhouettes are flattering, classic & refined. I feel as though I normally see solid colors with Issa, so this kimono is amazingly bold & beautiful. The colors are fresh for spring & vibrant for lounging on the beach in summertime. I would love nothing more than tossing on this kimono, swiping on some bronzer & doing errands, reading & the like. 

Enjoy Your Weekend

I hope you're staying warm this chilly weekend! While you're shivering in your winter boots, enjoy this wonderfully adorable picture. Don't you wish your own pet looked this intelligent? Doggy Einstein. 

Also, pick up this great book on dogs. 

Flying Light

What a gorgeous site. Lantern festivals are becoming popular for wedding receptions (even in The Hangover 2) on a beautiful night, and I can see why! I would just love seeing this in person. It seems so ethereal & cozy. Like a bonfire in the sky, these lanterns remind me of close to earth stars floating away. Absolutely captivating.

Image via, anyone know the credits?

One in a Million

     I don't usually post anything relating to news on the blog. I refrain from discussing most hot button topics-religion, politics, etc.because we are bombarded by it every single day. One of my fantasies is a newspaper entitled The Good News Daily (name compliments of the genius writers of Gilmore Girls). I like to keep people happy. Not ignorant, just give them a breather from the general chaotic atmosphere of debate.

     That being said, I thought I would give a shout out to my home state. In Wisconsin, there has been a long, tiring clash concerning Scott Walker & the recent hefty cutbacks for state workers. Essentially, privatized businesses are increasingly better off, teachers are suffering from fewer benefits & the loss of collective bargaining. Public schools are obviously affected.
     The tension & anger has been near tangible. The distress has been compounding until citizens decided to do something about their issues. After months of rallies, protests & the like, the recall Walker petition has one million signatures.

Here is a great link for a better story from the NY Times!

Ripe Shades of Spring

Spring will be bringing lovely flowers & fruits for us to revel in. Furthermore, pretty, pretty shades of pink, orange & peach will bloom in the stores and our wardrobes! I can't wait to dress myself head to toe in the flowery fresh items! How fun to feel like a budding flower as the weather warms!

1. Emilio Pucci Two Tone Twill Blazer

2. Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Silk-Crepe Collar

3. Forever 21 Womens Light Pink Baroque Rose Frame

4. Proenza Shouler PS1 Medium Python Suede-Blush

5. Silk Trousers by Michael Van Der Ham**

6. BaubleBar Peach Cushion Cut Studs

7. Pink Jelly Ballerina Shoe

Brilliant Blue Bikini

What a gorgeous bikini top! By Chloe, this frilly royal blue top is without a doubt a flattering showstopper! The wide one shoulder creates a fluid line echoing the frills. It kind of reminds me of waves! My one reservation is the ultimate tan line...would it be weird? I'd probably risk a funny tan just wear this alluring and modest bikini! I adore it.

High Tea

I am suddenly craving a tea party ever since I set my eyes on these awesome tea cups by Jasper Conran at Wedgewood. Wouldn't it be fun to invite all your best girlfriends over, set out some finger sandwiches and have high tea just like the Brits? The bright, funky design of the tea set would definitely keep the get together fun instead of stuffy. Because every one has different preferences when it comes to tea, this variety box is both helpful & pretty enough to keep out so every one can experiment. 

I would also wear this amazing little tea dress!

Above the Bar

This black bar necklace is so chic & cool. The simplicity of black with gold would match practically anything. Dress it up with a little black dress & some great heels, or make it casual with a simple tee & jeans. Dolce Vita certainly hit the mark with this.

Kontextür

I'm really loving these sweet shower curtain rings by Kontextür. Although my newly redecorated bathroom at home is a little on the classical side, if I ever do another, I'll definitely use these! I would adore putting these in a fun kid's bathroom. I wonder...could you also use these as little window curtain rings as well? 

Do you prefer the square edge neons, the opaque neutral bamboo style or the metallic rounded?

{Splurge or Save}...Winter Boots

Just two nights ago, the midwest received a heaping present of white fluffies from Mother Nature. I think it's the most snow we have gotten all winter! Can you believe it? Needless to say, no one can drive & everyone wants sweaters & boots. I've been lusting over these boots by Sorel for quite some time. They remind me of dock shoes but for winter! I just couldn't get myself to spend the money. While at the mall, I ran across these from Old Navy! They were cheap, just as cute & have this nifty "thinsulation" meaning they are light weight but super warm! Yay! 

Rad Rings

How cool are these rings? The one on the left leaves an indent on your finger after wearing it for so long. Kind of like the opposite of that funny callouss you get from writing all the time? That way, if you ever take it off, there is a small heart indentation! So sweet.
The other ring on the is the groom's ring, but I think it could be for both (both these rings are very sleek & unisex. Kind of unconventional & modern.) because of the design. The ring has the finger print of your spouse engraved on it. Precious!

one / *Second photo from Pinterest. Anyone know the credits?

Skater Girl

How sweet are these ice skater heels by Jeffrey Campbell? They are both elegant & edgy. Although not the most practical heels I've ever seen, they are amazing. Wouldn't you feel like the coolest girl walking down the street in these? What would you wear with them?

Mid-day Munchies

 Especially with this grey weather, there is nothing more refreshing than a delicious fruit salad. So much of the produce isn't very tasty this time of year, so I stick with bananas, clementines & pineapple. I'll admit, I like the light syrup that accompanies the canned pineapple & mandarins so I will often use canned fruits. I like to divide the batch up into one cup glass dishes that have lids so I can take them with me on long drives, TV binges & any other time I have a hankering for a sweet treat.

{Eat It}...Late Night Snack

Every slumber party requires a few essentials. Painting nails, gossiping about the Kardashians & taking movie breaks for late night snacks!

We girls decided it was high time for some comfort food fun! Thus, we made some little weenies! I know, funny name. They are basically mini pigs in a blanket. To keep us guessing, some had a pinch of shredded cheese for a surprise every time! Warm bite size yummies!

I'm sure you know how to do it, but just in case.... 

Get a package of lil' weenies, or lil' smokies. Whichever you prefer. Cut a package of crescent rolls into  strips. Instead of tear them apart into triangles, keep two together making a rectangle and cut width wise so you get about eight to ten strips. Wrap lil' weenies in dough and add your extras as you roll. Perhaps you like cheese, or some garlic salt, peppers, etc. Bake about 8 to 10 minutes at 375 degrees. Enjoy!

Quiet As a Mouse

How funny & cute are these mouse shoes by Marc Jacobs? Seriously adorable. Would you be daring enough to wear something as quirky as these?

Au Revoir, Ashton!

Via

Post break up from Ashton Kutcher, Demi is looking fabulous in a recent photo shoot. What do you think of her outfit? Yay or nay? I think the silhouette is flattering on her. The only thing I'm somewhat unsure of is the fringe trim. Yet in some ways, it completes the look. She looks sleek, sophisticated & glamourous. She has kept her twitter name as Mrs.Kutcher & has is now the model and face of Ann Taylor.

I must admit, Demi Moore ages gracefully. It's as if she ages backwards!

Via

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Super Dog

Via

Just because this is possibly the cutest thing I have seen in a long time...awww so sweet! I always wanted a pet. I never had one. Seeing this cute little pup makes me yearn for one. Right now!

If Famous Writers Had Written Twilight…

I found this hilariously entertaining post on this blog. 

via

"As I mentioned in an early post, the main problem withTwilight isn’t its sparkly vampires who lack all traditional weaknesses or its anti-feminist sensibility. When you get right down to it, the trouble is that the writing is terrible, filled with cliche phrases (“smoldering eyes”), repeated words (294 “eyes” in 498 pages) and the reductive characterization of its main characters (Bella is clumsy, and I guess she likes books. Or something).

On a recent car-trip with my husband and the writer Chip Cheek, we mulled over the question: What if great literary writers of the last 200 years had penned Twilight?

via

Herman Melville

“Call me Bella.” A tome about the length of the original series investigates Bella’s monomanical search for the vampire who stole her virginity. There’s an entire chapter devoted to describing the devastating whiteness of Edward’s skin, and several on the physiognomy of vampires, starting with their skeletal structure outward. 

Virginia Woolf

The novel takes place over the course of twenty four hours, during which Bella is painting a portrait of Edward and reflecting on how her femininity circumscribes her role within 20th century society.

Cormac McCarthy

In the opening scene, Edward dashes Bella’s head against a rock and rapes her corpse. Then he and Jacob take off on an unexplained rampage through the West.

Jane Austen

Basically the same as the original, except that Bella is socially apt and incredibly witty. Her distrust of Edward is initially bourne out of a tragic misunderstanding of his character, but after a fling with Jacob during which he sexually assaults her (amusing to no one in this version) she and Edward live happily ever after.

George Saunders

Same as the original, but set in a theme park. Somehow involves gangs of robots, which distract the reader from the essential sappiness of Edward and Bella’s story.

Raymond Carver

Bella stars as the alcoholic barmaid with daddy issues that Edward, a classic abuser, exploits. When Bella’s old friend Jacob comes to visit and is shocked by her bruises, she thinks about leaving him, but instead hits the gin bottle. Hard. 

Annie Proulx

Edward and Jacob defy society’s expectations up in the mountains.

Lewis Carroll

Bella takes acid and charts syllogisms.

James Joyce

Edward’s rapacious love for Bella reflects the way globalism has pillaged Ireland. It’s entirely written in Esperanto, with sections in untranslated Greek, except for Chapter 40, which is inexplicably rendered as a script page from the musical The Book of Mormon. 

Dorothy Parker

Bella writes a brilliant takedown of the latest school play, dates a string of men, and repeatedly attempts suicide.

Kate Chopin

Stifled by her marriage to Edward, Bella has an affair with Jacob and then drowns herself. 

Ernest Hemingway

Edward and Bella exchange terse dialogue alluding to Edward’s anatomical problem. Eventually, Bella leaves him for Jacob, a local bullfighter with a giant…sense of entitlement.

Flannery O’Connor

When Native American werewolf Jacob threatens her with death, Bella reconsiders her hardcore racism, and just for one milisecond, the audience finds her sympathetic.

Ayn Rand

Edward tells Bella that he intends to stop saving her life, unless she starts paying him in gold bullion. Hatefucking ensues, then Jacob spouts objectivist philosophy for the next 100 pages."

-By Lizzie Stark

Madewell Stripes

I hear that the weather will be significantly cooler this coming week. Actually, very cold. Possibly in the negatives. Yikes! But, how amazing are these striped sweaters from Madewell? They make me want to buy some RayBans, a beanie & oxfords and listen to some indie music. Then I would be truly ready for the blustery weather ahead!

1. Stripe-Sleeve Cablecrew Sweater
2. Striped Snowfall Sweater
3. Striped Mohair Sweater