What I Learned Today :: 17 Things You Should Know How To Do

We are gonna start off with just one so your brain doesn’t explode and so you can check this off of your list as you go along and learn it, if you haven’t already.

I like being able to be self-reliant and kick ass at life skills.  I mean, who doesn’t, really?!  I find that most of us either forget about things or think: I will learn that one day.

Today is that day.

Without further ado, number one.  Maybe it is because I am in Alaska right now and this one comes in handy; furthermore, there are several times in my life when I can recall using this skill or wishing I had perfected it.

1.  Building a fire.

First, I love a chick who can build a fire.

Show those eagle scouts what’s up.

Or if you are a dude reading this, there is something very primal and hot about a man making a good fire on his first try.

Second, you never know when you are gonna have to bust this one out in a survival moment.  Uh, 127 Hours?  Like I said, learning skills that were once upon a time considered basic.

You would also be surprised to learn how much goes into building a proper fire that will last and do its two main functions: provide light and heat.

Kindling, air flow, placement.  Very scientific, architectural shit going on here.

Learn it.

What I Learned Today :: Getting Rejected As an Artist :: The Stories

It is gonna happen: rejection.  Especially as an artist.  We put our souls out there for others to stand in judgement to say “yes!” or “no!”.

It makes us stronger.  Better in fact.  With every rejection, there is something to learn.

Harrison Ford once famously said:

“There are a thousand jobs I didn’t get.”

This coming from a man who toiled in film for more than 10 years before finally getting his break in Star Wars at age 35 playing the hottest character to walk the planet.

{dead heat on a merry go-round :: 1966}

{harrison ford uncredited as bell-hop}

Fred Astaire left us as a legend of the silver screen.  He was a man who could do it all, and do it all well, as a singer, a dancer, and an actor.  “Can’t act. Can’t sing. Slightly bald. Can dance a little.”  That’s what one talent scout had to say about the young Fred Astaire.  Imagine if he had listened to him; we would have been deprived of one of our greatest talents.

{madonna received this rejection letter}

{a year later :: everybody was conquering the charts :: the rest is history}

I love hearing stories such as these.  They provide me with hope and adds more fuel to my passion of what I do as an artist.  Plus, how pissed would I be if Holiday were never created…what would I put my makeup on to?!

What I Did Today :: Whittier, Alaska

I am lucky enough to call Alaska home.  The beauty of the state envelopes my soul and I leave renewed, happy, and inspired.  It is the one place on the planet where my heart grows bigger, more compassionate, and lighter.

Whittier is an hour and a half and one looooong tunnel drive away from the amenities of Anchorage.  Its main attraction: the water.

{before you get to whittier, portage glacier calls your name}

{the small glacier, the far right, once occupied most of the water}

{glacier retreat}

{the many boats of whittier}

The town smells of salt water and the minute you exit your car you immediately notice the chill in the air that bites you harder here because of the water air and wind.  There are about 4 choices in places to grab a bite, all hosting the expected Alaskan fare: seafood.

Kayaking, fishing charters, and glacier day cruises are the reasons why one would head on over to Whittier.

Three amazing reasons.

{stopping at one of the many scenic turnouts on the highway}

{the alaska railroad is seen much throughout the summer}

{it is dressed in alaska’s colors and always adds an element of nostalgia}

{my mom and i taking a day}

Whittier is the gateway to Prince William Sound and it is a glimpse at what is charming about my home state: ease, simplicity, and grandeur.

What I Wore Today :: Date Night

On date nights, I try my best to incorporate my style rules into my outfit choice for the evening.

First rule of Date Night:  Look hot.  Notice I said hot.  Not trashy.  Hot.

Date Night isn’t the time for cutesy or frilly.

Save that for Sunday brunch with the girls.

dress :: rachel pally

booties :: elizabeth and james

clutch :: banana republic :: you know the link

bracelet :: vintage from my grandma’s hut in thailand

headband :: flea market find :: bedford falls headwear

photo credit :: elliot smith

I love to look like a polished princess with an element of hot.  Think Blake Lively and Michelle Monaghan.  H.  O.  T.

What I Wore Today :: Running Errands

After watching Breathless {1960} late last night, I woke up inspired by stripes, a need-to-commandeer staple in every gal’s closet.  The pictures demonstrate how much stripes jump off the page.  Furthermore, while high-waisted shorts get a bad rap as being “mom shorts,” they make my waist skinnier and I love the overall look.

Stripes are the quickest way to look lively and fun; the throwback component is a plus.

hat :: eugenia kim for target

tank :: forever 21

shorts :: bcbg

flats :: mia

rings :: jewelmint

my hair was a crazy mess today :: easily fixed with one a cloche

{pronounced clo-sh :: like kosh from kosher salt}

Off to the store!

What I Wore Today :: Saturday Brunch

Throw on a little bit of red lipstick, a vintage inspired poncho, and a pair of cutoff jean shorts and out the door I run to meet up with friends for a late brunch at my favorite local spot, The Park.

My favorite thing about this outfit: mix and match. Cas meets fancy.

poncho :: bar 111

nude tank :: arden b

jean shorts :: mossimo for target

space shoes :: madden for steve madden

bracelet :: h&m

lipstick :: armani red

{tease the crown for some height and pull it into a bun for instant chicness}

 I heart brunch.

What I Did Today :: Nylon Party at Sky Bar

Parties are fun.  Especially when there is an open bar.  Especially when the open bar is at the Sky Bar, one of the most well-known establishments in LA.  While its heyday has long since passed {1996 -ish}, it is still a lovely bar that over looks a gorgeous sky line and gives you the semblance of floating in the sky.

{the new decor is light and ethereal :: kinda makes me want to move in and take a nap}

Nylon Magazine is known for throwing parties often and it is everything you imagine a Hollywood party to be: a mix of beautiful people, agents, and total douches.

I love to people watch and these places are first-rate for said activity.

{i sat directly under these tree lanterns and was transfixed}

{i wonder if anyone has ever fallen into the pool at one of these parties :: i hope i get to see that one day}

There is always plenty of heat lamps to keep a lady warm in a slinky dress and the oversized loungers make for a perfect place to lay out on during the daytime.

{the party was to celebrate olivia wilde’s issue :: they gave us cereal boxes with a t-shirt of her on it :: interesting}{brea working the red carpet :: in this case, the wooden floor}

{look at her :: she’s got it down}

{us in our party attire}

My highlight of the evening?  Two things…running into pro-blogger/rad chick, Rumi Neely of Fashion Toast while she was in action {getting her picture taken by her boyfriend for her blog} and talking “blog” with her.  And secondly, a girl’s night out.  I wouldn’t care if I were at an Amway convention, my friends are the cat’s whiskers.