Nana Banana

Countdown to funemployment: 33 days

The number one reason that I'm looking forward to funemployment is the prospect of getting to travel more.  And one of my favorite parts of traveling is bringing back little things to incorporate into my apartment and/or wardrobe.  However, I've always found it challenging while abroad to try to wrap my head around how a particular item would work in the context of my life in New York.  Well, I recently found some serious inspiration when I stumbled across this apartment tour in TimeOut NY. 

Travel photographer Jessica Antola's Carroll Gardens pad seamlessly integrates vintage furniture, modern textiles, and items from her frequent globetrotting.  I love the collection of art above her fireplace, the pink wall (again with the pink!), and that dress!  And I'm kicking myself for not buying those great Commie-figurines when I was in China (seems like they're easier to incorporate than the complete Mao tea-set I purchased). Lots of inspiration here for my upcoming apartment improvements! 

Layering 101: Furever fall

For me, the best part about fall (aside from apple pie) is getting creative with layering.  I've been saving ideas for the past few years on my computer and thought I'd spend the next few days sharing some of my favorite looks, why they work, and how to recreate them.  Today lets look at fur. 

I thrifted a mink wrap awhile back, but the window for wearing it always seemed too short.  You have to wait till it's cold enough to merit such a hefty item.  But--because it's just a wrap--it had to be warm enough that you didn't need a full-on coat.  That's why I was excited when I saw this look:

The outfit underneath is pretty standard--vintage tee, jeans, blue blazer--but the fur really adds a pop of whimsy (and warmth).  

**Apologies that I can't credit this picture.  If you know who took it, please contact me.

Etsy Shop of the Week: Spinthread

I think etsy shops tend to do best when they isolate one really great concept and execute it well.  Spinthread is just one of those shops. Her jewelry consists of subtle variations on one great theme: embroidered geometric necklaces. Check them out here.

Man Candy Mondays: The Stockholm Syndrome

Our Swedish bretheren have given us many things: Ikea, Ace of Base, meatballs. What they don't seem to get enough credit for is the beauty of their men. So today, Man Candy Mondays would like to honor our Nordic brothers.  Kyss!

 

Hello there.  

Need a light?

They do blonds better than California!

They can get away with long hair...

...and funny sunglasses...

...and looking like Mick Jagger.

Tack så mycket to Stockholm Street Style!

Weekend wear: The bundled-up edition

Greetings friends!

What's everyone up to this weekend?  Nana Banana is heading to the verdant pastures of her Pennsylvania homeland, and she has a sneaking suspicion that she may be pressed into manual outdoor labor.  I live in NY so that I don't HAVE to rake leaves, people.  Anywho, in an attempt to steel myself for the chill weather ahead, I've been perusing the adorable outerwear on Modcloth.  There are some pretty rad offerings--most for less than $200.  Check it out!

Smooches,

Nana Banana

Albuquerque Coat, $119

Creative License Coat $59.99

Hot Shots Jacket $74.99

Follow My Tweed $193.99

West End Girls $217.99

Sleigh Ride Coat $74.99

Like, whoa

People.  Have you seen Elva Fields' jewelry before.  I'm rendered speechless.  And bankrupt.  Zow.

Via Simplesong

It hurts my face...

...that this amazing JCrew ring is:

1. only $55

2. sold out.  m-er-f-er!

On the road again

Hi friends,

This may come as a total surprise but, on occasion, I get paid to do the very thing that I do for you, here, for free.  Look at that!  Anywho, I did a piece for Nylon on my Tennessee birthday road trip.  Thought I'd share it with y'all here.  Click on the jpg for a closer read.

 

Apologies to sissy.  The eds didn't credit her awesome photos.  I've included some of her best shots from the trip below along with some from Megan Staubitz.  If you're interested in buying prints, you can check out their etsy sites, here and here.

Forever 21, I just can't quit you

With every new year, I resolve to stop buying in bulk and start buying smart.  One nice leather bag.  One well-tailored dress.  But then the voices start "One poly-blend tulip skirt can't hurt.  No one will notice a little acrylic sailor cardigan.  And it would be a sin NOT to get those $10 sequined booty shorts."  My impending funemployment, though, provided me with new resolve. Binge buying had lost its fun. Constant consumption left me empty.  I passed the windows of H&M with nary a glance.

But now this.

 

Forever 21's Heritage 1981 line has pushed every one of my sartorial buttons: Fishermen sweaters! Aztec prints! Crayola-colored tights!  Fairisles with florals with plaids!  This is the wardrobe of the unemployed!  Just look at the angst behind those heavily-mascara'd eyes. I'm about one lapse in self control away from buying the following.

heritage1981 by clarkbar featuring Forever21

Items in this set:
Forever21 jacket, $45
Forever21 jacket, $43
Forever21 dress, $23
Forever21 shorts, $20
Forever21 skirt, $19

Countdown to funemployment: 39 days

One of my great funemployment goals is to spend some time gettin' down with my crafty self.  I've had a number of DIY projects on the to-do list for, oh, 7-9 years.  It's time, in the immortal words of The King, to start taking care of biznass.  TCB kids, TCB.

One project on the docket is turning an ill-fitting vintage fur coat that I thrifted awhile back into a vest.  And I just came across a great site for inspiration.  Check it.

PS I Made This will teach you how to do everything from fashioning faux porcelain to spray-painting tees.  I might just have to work my way through the entire blog!