Howdy from Tennessee

I'm spending the week with the boyf's family in Tennessee and definitely taking a bit of a break from my normal intense writing/researching/blogging mode...despite my need for a brief hiatus, I thought it would be fun to post some photos of our outings out and about in the beautiful South. Today we went to Casey Jones' Village and Old Country Store here in Jackson. We indulged in fried chicken, okra, biscuits and blackberry cobbler...yummmmm. Then we took a look around the country store...

It was a bit icy and miserable, so I didn't do anything fancy with my ensemble -- though I did break out my new black leather boots [I was supposed to wait until Christmas, so don't tell my grandma ;)].

The Old Country Store has amazing old-fashioned candies...

Molasses and syrup for country cooking...and some delicious candles that smell like flowers in the summer.

Barrels of candy and old-school soda pops...

Apparently they still make Aunt Jemima replicas [a bit politically incorrect, no?]. These amazing candles (right, below) come in various dessert flavors and you burn them in an iron skillet -- too cute!

A whole rack of toy guns...yikes! And possum products...apparently possums are a problem here(?)

All-in-all, a cozy [and filling] day! We will be making a day-trip to Nashville to visit the Grand 'Ole Opry and Opry Land this week -- I'm so excited to see the holiday lights! There should be some pictures coming up from that excursion as well. Take care everyone!!

Cheers,
Tara

Holiday Hustle and Bustle...

Hi dear readers! I just wanted to drop a line and let you know that I am travelling for the holidays this week, so I might be a bit slow with my posts. If I have time, I do hope to get a few posts up. I hope you are all doing well and having a lovely time over the holidays -- enjoy yourselves, relax, and enjoy family and friends, OK??

Cheers!

Tara

Have a Spirited Weekend

What is it about old, dusty shelves of books that conjure up images of ghosts and spirits? It's probably that memorable scene is Ghostbusters where the books at the New York Public Library float eerily across the aisles. I can't help but think of that scene when I go to my university's library -- I secretly wish I could see it happen myself. I have always been a bit jealous (and perhaps slightly suspicious) of people who claim to be visited by ghosts...I'm sure my hair would stand on end if it actually happened (but I would be secretly thrilled). Would you like to see a ghost?

If so, have a spirited weekend my dears!!!

Querelle Jansen and Marta Berzkalna from Italian Vogue April 2006
shot by Miles Aldridge

Bye-Bye Bettie Page...

I was so sad to hear last night that Bettie Page passed away at the age of 85. Bettie is one of my most beloved fashion icons, and I admire the way she was able to be equal parts naughty and nice, sweet and dark. Despite her fame as an S&M pinup, she was notoriously friendly, innocent, and down-to-earth. I think this paradox is part of the reason she still intrigues us. She has influenced fashion and pop culture in immeasurable ways, and she will be beloved [and missed] for a long time to come...

Check out this wonderful blog, all devoted to Bettie: The Infectious Bettie Page.

My Must-Have Fashion Finds for 2009

I don't typically receive a lot of clothing for holiday gifts -- mainly because I'm picky, and also because I take advantage of the time to ask for other items I don't usually buy for myself (perfume, household items, jewelry, etc.). But around this time of year I start thinking of clothing and accessories I want to invest in for the upcoming season. Since I usually have a bit more cash at the beginning of the year, I often try and buy myself a few key pieces. Here are my must-haves for 2009 [I'm sure there will be more!]. What are your must-haves for 2009?

METALLIC SKIRT AND TIGHTS

(left) ASOS Premium Gold full skirt, $30. ASOS.
(right) Sparkle Pantyhose in Gold, $20. American Apparel.

DOUBLE-BREASTED JACKET WITH METAL BUTTONS

(left) Boston Zip Detail Coat, $49.80. Forever 21.
(right) Kimchi Blue Ruffle Peacoat, $99.99. Urban Outfitters.

A LEATHER CLUTCH

(left) Double flap bag, $29.99. Hayden Harnett for Target (available Spring 2009).
(right) Clutch, $19.99. (Hayden Harnett for Target (available Spring 2009).

SOMETHING SHINY ON BOTTOM

(left) Matte Sequin leggings, $42. Twelve by Twelve.
(right) Sequined Mini Skirt, $17.80. Forever 21.

ZIPPER DETAILS




(left) Pop Caged Dress, $98. Pixie Market.
(right) Jersey Bethany Jacket, $80. Topshop.

ASYMMETRICAL HEMS




(left) Monique Open Cardigan, $34.80. Forever 21.
(right) Hooded asymmetrical cardigan, $32. Forever21.

HIGH-RISE SKINNIES



(left) Levi's High-rise skinny jeans. $78. Levis.com.
(right) Silence and Noise High-Rise Slim Straight Jeans. $39.99. Urbanoutfitters.com.

BLACK ANKLE BOOTS [that are comfortable!]



(left) Clarks Somers Ankle Boots, $130. Zappos.com.
(right) Gabriella Rocha Studio View. $119. Zappos.com.

Jewelry through the Ages: Christie's Jewelry Auctions

As if I don't already have enough research to do for my own work/school, I seem to enjoy finding more and more things to obsessively pore over...lately, I have been interested in learning more about antique jewelry, and I have discovered that auction websites are a great way to find out information and peruse beautiful images of all manner of gorgeous bobbles from bygone eras. If you are blessed with having more money than God, you can buy practically any kind of jewelry (from antiquity to present day) at Christie's Auction House. I love looking through their online catalogs and pondering over which time period produced my favorite jewelry styles. I have not come to any decision, though I do tend to be partial to Art Nouveau and Art Deco. They are all so special -- which do you prefer?

Christie's recently sold a huge lot of ancient jewelry [2nd and 3rd century B.C.]. It somehow seems so modern:

Belle Epoque Jewelry [1910's]. Filled with diamonds and very girly and ethereal:

Art Nouveau [1890's - early 20th century]. Organic, whimsical, and intricate:





Art Deco [1920's]. There is such an architectural feel to these pieces, and the colors are rich:





Vintage 1940's. Colorful and fun -- a mix of previous decades: