All posts by Cath

18 October 2013

Happy Friday: Video of Our Italian Villa

Just a quick post today. I’ve been meaning to share this video ever since I got back from Italy. It’s a bit long, but you’ll really get a sense of how beautiful and amazing the villa was. Troy and I take turns being the tour guide and you’ll see Lar about halfway through.

We rented the villa from the Landmark Trust and it was such a wonderful experience that I can’t image traveling anywhere in Europe and not staying at a Landmark Trust site. Lar included some photos of the villa in this post.

Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend!

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Category: Experiences

8 Comments

16 October 2013

Dirty Ego Exhibit

Cath

A few months ago Corey from The 2econd Floor reached out to me to see if I wanted to be in an exhibit called Dirty Ego. The photographs in the exhibit capture “good people doing bad things.” My bad thing? Murder by poison! Muwahahahahaha

I spent a few hours one afternoon with Corey and photographer Leah Roth getting the perfect murder-by-poison photo.

Corey and Leah were awesome to work with. I was so nervous because I felt so out of my comfort zone, but everyone was really sweet.

I felt silly in my outfit and kept trying to pull down the crop top the whole time! It’s pretty far from my style, but it was actually really fun to wear for the shoot because it made it easier to act like someone I’m not (i.e. a murdering, trashy housewife). My outfit consisted of my own Paige Denim short shorts, a cropped tank Corey found at Pacific Sun, and my super high Simple Vera nude heels.

Beth Corbley of Bloome Bar did my over-the-top make-up and was so encouraging – she put me at ease immediately.

Troy and I went out to eat at The General Muir right after the photo shoot. I changed back into my regular clothes, but didn’t remove my make-up. I got a few stares, but for the most part it was kind of fun wearing crazy make-up out in public. I’m usually too lazy to apply more than eyeliner and blush when I go out.

In addition to the photo that’s going to be in the exhibit (which I haven’t even seen yet!), we took some mugshot photos for the promo (see the first photo of this post). I was supposed to look like I didn’t care that I got caught poisoning my husband, but I think I look drunk instead 😉

If you’re in Atlanta on Oct. 26, stop by Mint Gallery for the opening party of the exhibit – Corey and Leah deserve tons of support for all of their hard work! I can’t wait to see the final photos. Hopefully I’ll see you there!

______________

Dear Lar,

What do you think of my outfit? Did you ever think your twin sis would be wearing a crop tank with a giant leopard face on it? Let me tell you, it took a lot of work trying to suck in my stomach for the whole photoshoot!

Do you want to fly into Atlanta for the opening of the exhibit? Please?! Well, a girl can dream. I suppose I can wait until you come home for the holidays. Even though I just saw you last month it feels like we haven’t hung out in ages!

Miss you as always!

xoxo, Cath

Category: Decatur/Atlanta

12 Comments

14 October 2013

I’m a Fashion Fraud

Cath

It’s true. I’m a fashion fraud. Actually, I should really say style fraud, but I like the alliteration better.

Pinterest has helped me come to this conclusion. Let me explain.

I like the outfits in the following three photos. All three are comfortable, work appropriate, not too boring, and are pulled together. But here’s the problem, none of them represent how I see my style – at least not my ideal style.

fashion fraud one
Marc by Marc Jacobs sunglasses • old cardigan from a local boutique • So Worth Loving tee (read more about it here)• Club Monaco necklace • Limited skirt • Sole Society shoes

fashionfraudtwo
Fantas Eyes sunglasses • dress worn as a top from a stall in London • Asos lace skirt (now on sale in coral) • Dolce Vita sandals

fashionfraudthree
Phillip Lim for Target top • second hand Derek Lam jacket • Spotted Moth pencil skirt • BC Footwear wedges • Longchamp bag

What’s my ideal style? If you take a look at my Style Inspiration Pinterest board, it looks something like this:

A lot of menswear inspired pieces, minimal patterns, lots of neutrals, structured pieces, tailored pants, and mostly black shoes. I have some of these items in my closet, but they’re few and far between. Which leads me to ask, why do I end up buying items that don’t reflect the style I want?

After some thought, I’ve come up with a couple of reasons:

1. Impulse purchases – I find that I’ve done more of this with so many designer collabs and seemingly never-ending online sales.
2. Lack of focus – A lot of times when I’m out shopping I have a vague idea of what I need (another pencil skirt, a blouse for work), but nothing specific.
3. Laziness – I tend to wear the same outfits over and over again because when I get up in the morning I don’t have the creative energy to think of something different. Also, menswear inspired pieces like oxford shirts and tailored trousers usually require some sort of ironing or planned out trips to the dry cleaner.

In a perfect world, I would give away almost all of my clothes a buy everything on my Keep Fall 2013 Shopping List.

But in reality I have very little money budgeted for clothes. So, here’s my plan:

1. No more impulse purchases. Duh. I’m going to unsubscribe to all those shop e-newsletters so I won’t get tempted to buy items randomly online.
2. I have a list of specific items I need (well, want) on my phone’s notepad. So next time I just happen to find myself shopping, I can stick to what I really need/want. I got this idea from Hilary Rushford.
3. I’m going to stop being lazy! Just kidding. That’s impractical – sitting on the couch watching TV is just too enjoyable. But I’ve started using Dryel and it’s made my life much easier – and more affordable.
4. Using Keep.com has been really helpful because it notifies me if any of my items I’ve posted go on sale.
5. Be more deliberate about how I spend my money – this applies to clothes and everything else. I go through periods where I’m really good at sticking to a monthly budget and then there are those other times – like when I travel – that my budget just goes out the window.

I’ll keep you posted on how well I stick to my plan. Hopefully you’ll see some evidence of change in upcoming blog posts.

What about you? Am I the only who has this problem of real style versus ideal style? I feel a little ashamed that I’m a style blogger and am now just realizing my vision doesn’t match my reality. Leave a comment, I can’t wait to read your thoughts!

_____________________

Dearest Lar,

You’ve been much better at buying clothing items that you need and walking the talk of ethical fashion. I know some of that has to do with your limited closet space, but I still find it so admirable. Also, you’re able to save up for things like a pair of Ferragamos where I’d be pushing it to save up for a pair of Payless boots 😉

I feel like I had a better weekend than usual because I was able to Skype with you twice!

Love you so!

xoxo, Cath

Category: Cath's Style

16 Comments

2 October 2013

Hello Fall

Cath

So I might have been a bit premature about saying goodbye to summer in the last post since the highs have been in the 80s this week. I just so badly want it to feel like fall right now! I know, first world problems and all that. . .

This past weekend, the weather was perfectly crisp in that almost-fall-in-the-south kind of weather. Troy and I took our dogs for a quick walk to our local doughnut shop.

Revolution Doughnuts is walking distance from our house and is always packed on the weekends. On Sunday I got a latte and pumpkin spice doughnut. FYI, for those of you in the Atlanta area that are vegan, a lot of Revolution’s cake doughnuts are vegan. For you non-vegans, everything at Revolution is delicious – no matter whether or not they have animal by-product in them – yay butter!

Outfit details: Minnetonka Nickel hat • Golden Tote sweater • cross body bag from Salon Red (years ago) • Blank NYC cargos • Mia clogs (no longer available, but similar here) • Fossil & Hide necklace

I’ve lived in Decatur for almost a decade and tend to take the small-town feel for granted. Can’t everyone walk to a local doughnut shop on the weekend?! But ultimately, I know how lucky I am. I know all my neighbors and I live 6 miles east of a large city (hello Atlanta).

Speaking of large cities, I’ll be in New York City for a few days next week (work related, not blog related). If you’re in the area, let’s meet up! I love meeting up with my blogger friends and already am planning to meet Diane from Snapshot Fashion in person – finally! Just email me at asiancajuns at gmail dot com.

___________________

Dearest Lar,

Do you remember the very first day we arrived in Edinburgh on Jan. 2, 2004? We dropped our luggage off at our hotel and walked the entire city, well at least most of the city. That was such a magical day. Exploring an amazing city together. Little did we know that we would totally fall head over heels in love with the Scots and the city AND that you would call it your home 8 years later.

I always remember that day and am reminded of how well we explore cities together. I wish you were coming to New York with me next week. I know we’ve been to New York together, but it’s been years! I think the last time we visited together, American Apparel had just opened up its first east coast shop. How young we were – so naive!

Who knows, maybe the next time we visit New York together, the federal government will be functional again! I kid of course 🙂

Hope you’re having a smarvelous week!

xoxo, Cath

Category: Cath's Style, Decatur/Atlanta

9 Comments

30 September 2013

Goodbye Summer

Cath

Atlanta might not be as chilly as Edinburgh this time of year, but it’s slowly beginning to feel like fall. Late September/early October is still pretty warm, but you usually have to wear a jacket in the morning and evening. Having to wear a jacket at all means fall has arrived in the south – at least according to me.

These photos are from a few weeks ago, but I figured they were good end-of-the-summer ones. I wore this outfit to the Decatur Kitchen Garden fundraiser dinner along with a gallon of bug spray. It didn’t get very cold last winter so the bugs have been extra bad this year – don’t even get me started on the amount of Raid I’ve used in my house for the past few months!

Headpiece by Flower Crown Society • Prabal Gurung for Target dress • American Eagle belt • neon Birkinstocks • yummy prosecco cocktail by Leon’s

The dinner featured multiple courses by local chefs and bottomless glasses of wine that was of much better quality than I’m used to drinking. I can never go back to two buck chuck again! Actually, who am I kidding? I will never turn my nose up to wine from TJ’s.

Did I mention the event was in the historic Decatur cemetery? Sounds weird, I know, but it was actually a beautiful setting.

The best thing about this summery/springy Prabal Gurung dress is that it’ll actually transition to winter really well. There are bits of black in it so it’ll look really good with black tights and a long cardigan.

This is my favorite time of the year: jacket weather, cool evenings, pumpkin spice everything (Lar and I have been making these healthy cookies). Stay tuned for my Wednesday post for a more fall-ish outfit than this one.

Before I end this post, here are two more things to get you started on a Monday:

1. If you haven’t done so already, make sure to enter our Fantas Eyes give away. I’ll choose five lucky winners tonight. Each winner will get two pairs of sunglasses and a scarf. Contest ends at 5pm!

2. Download your free copy of Sarah’s ebook Be Your Own Style Icon – 15 Insanely Clever Tips and Tricks. I love how she included photos and tips from dozens of bloggers – including AsianCajuns plus some of our favorite bloggers like Already Pretty and Respect the Shoes. Enjoy!

__________________________________

Dearest Lar,

You would laugh at me if you came to Atlanta right now. It probably feels like a hot Scottish summer here. Nevertheless, I’m grasping onto signs of fall because I love this time of year. It’s still a little too warm to wear boots in Atlanta but I see women doing it so I know I’m not the only one looking forward to cooler weather.

Did I tell you about the sheep at the local cemetery? They’ve been shipped in for a week to eat all of the invasive plants and they’re so cute! It’s probably not that impressive to you since there are ten times as many sheep in Scotland as there are people. Still, you have to admit that it’s pretty cool.

I wish I could send you some extra sunshine!

Love, cath

Category: Cath's Style, Decatur/Atlanta

8 Comments

16 September 2013

you are So Worth Loving

Cath

I first heard about So Worth Loving about a week ago on Cool Atlanta’s Instagram. SWL is a lifestyle + t-shirt + screen printing + band + blog + ball of positivity all rolled into one company. Read more about the concept here.

Yesterday, SWL hosted a pop-up in Plywood People’s Reynoldstown (east Atlanta) offices.

I dragged my friend, Ellen, along with me. We perused the shirt collection, nibbled on some whoopie pies and pink lemonade, and got to meet the founders (Eryn and Jared) and their incredibly cute puppy (Sprocket).

I ended up getting the Ribbons and Curls tee, which I’m sure will end up in an outfit post soon.

It was such a lovely end to my day that started with my early morning hunt at Target through the Phillip Lim collection (IG evidence here and here). As soon as I got home from my Target trip, I changed into my Phillip Lim sweatpants and I wore them all day.

I know dressed-up sweatpants aren’t for everyone, but I could get used to wearing these every weekend. Elastic waistband? Check! Deep, zippered pockets? Check! An excuse to wear sweatpants out of the house? Check! (P.S., Lar was way ahead of this trend. I’m about 4 years behind. Remember this post?!)

Target Merona blazer • Alternative Apparel tee • necklace from Sq/Ft Boutique in Decatur • Cuyler Hovey-King ring • 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target French Terry Sweatpant • BC Footware wedge sneakers

If you don’t live in the Atlanta area, So Worth Loving might be coming your way. They’ve started a Kickstarter Campaign to raise money for a tour and there’s still a few more days to donate. I also encourage you to follow their blog for weekly inspiration.

Best of luck to Eryn, Jared, Sprocket and their team!

_______________

Dearest Lar,

Sounds like we both had good Sundays – at least as good as any Sunday can be without each other’s company! Fyul Cafe looks heavenly! Promise me that you’ll take me there when I come to visit next. I’ll consume enough clotted cream for the both of us.

Love you so much!

xoxo, Cath

Category: Cath's Style, Decatur/Atlanta

8 Comments

3 September 2013

Trying to Be Stylish Abroad

Cath

I consider myself a planner. I love to plan for trips. I make clothing lists, site-seeing lists, hotel/stay detail lists, and detailed itineraries before all of my trips. I wasn’t able to plan for my Italy trip nearly as much as I would have liked since I had a final due 3 days before leaving and I was more worried about Lar than figuring out travel details. Nevertheless, I put a decent amount of ~~studying~~ time thinking about what clothes I’d want to wear in Italy. I established a color palette (navy blue, white, and neon green) and was able to fit all of my clothes in a small-ish hiking backpack.

Even with a limited wardrobe, I imaged that I would be flitting about Italy looking elegant, non-touristy and well-traveled. Ha! How naive I was! How did I think $10 Old Navy tanks would equal elegance?! Also, why did I think summer would be magically cooler in Italy?!

I mentioned how hot I was in my Venice post. Well, it didn’t get any cooler in Florence, Rome or Tivoli. So I spent most of my vacation trying to stay as cool as possible. I only wore my jeans on the plane and I only wore my ankle denim in the mornings. Otherwise, I was in tank tops and shorts 90 percent of the time. The only exception was the one dress I packed that became a travel favorite:

The dress is from Lulu’s two years ago and has pretty much fallen apart since I wore and washed it 5 times in Italy. Still, it was great because it didn’t wrinkle easily and there was the NVSS (no visible sweat stain) factor – I know, I’m sorry, it’s gross.

Accessory details: Fjallraven backpack (my new favorite bag) • Marc by Marc Jacobs sunglasses • r-ki-tekt necklace • Stella & Dot scarf (I bought a matching one for Lar)

When Troy met up with me in Florence, I tried to make an effort and wore a skirt – by midday I had changed back into shorts. Sorry, Troy!

Outfit details: Bobi tank from Squash Blossom Boutique • Asos lace skirt (Lar has the coral version) • Falsi Gioielli necklace purchased in Florence (we’ll be blogging about that wonderful shop shortly) • Birkenstocks purchased in Venice

If I had one outfit to sum up my Italy wardrobe it would be, I’m ashamed to say, the one below: a tank top and shorts. I look like I’m supposed to be on the beach – not exploring an Italian city – but I wasn’t ashamed at the time, just really, really hot and sweaty.

Outfit details: C & C California tank • Target belt (old) • Paige Denim shorts

Below is the $10 Old Navy tank I alluded to earlier. I packed one in white and navy blue. They’re super soft and perfect for hot weather, but I felt so. . . American wearing them.

Outfit details: J.Crew denim • TOMs shoes • Jami bracelet • Campers sandals from Sq/Ft Boutique

I wore my trusty Havaianas the whole time I was at the villa in Tivoli. It was heavenly – and not stylish as all 😉

If I had to do it all again (packing for the trip I mean), I would have invested in some non torn-up shorts, packed more summer dresses, and purchased a pair of comfy leather sandals ahead of time. Also, I would have packed about 100 gallons of bug repellent. All things to keep in mind for my return trip someday!

____________

Dearest Lar,

Even though you were officially convalescing on the trip, you were about a million times more stylishly dressed than I was. I wish I had thought to purchase some knit summer dresses and flow-y blouses like you did. I know you never believe me when I say/write this, but you are infinitely more stylish than I am. Next time I’ll just let you buy and pack for me, okay?

Love you so!

xoxo, Cath

Category: Cath's Style, Experiences

14 Comments

26 August 2013

We’re Back!

Cath

Hello, Dear Readers!

Sorry for the unexpected blog sabbatical! I don’t know what made me assume that I would have plenty of free wi-fi in Italy to blog constantly. Apart from the flat in the Venice apartment and weak service at the flat in Florence, we were internet-less for about a week and a half. I suppose being disconnected was probably best because it really got me in vacation mode (there’s so much more to see when you’re not Instagramming every five seconds!), but Lar and I missed our blog and our readers.

We’re now back at home in our respective countries and ready to share tons of photos and stories about our Italian adventure. We’ll also sprinkle in some regular blog posts too so this site doesn’t become filled with nothing but vacation photos – I promise!

Also, thank you to everyone for your sweet words of support in regards to Lar. She was in the hospital for almost two weeks and was not able to meet up with us in Rome as planned. But she was able to come to the villa we had rented where she spent most of her time recovering and resting. I’ll leave it to Lar to fill in the details of her hospitalization – if she wishes!

To wet your whistle for upcoming posts, here are some of my favorite things that I experienced during my 16 days in Italy (Lar was with me for 8 of them):

• Being reunited with Lar after not seeing her for 7.5 months.

• Consuming large quantities of delicious food and alcohol. Campari Spritzes, where have you been all my life?! Also, Troy and I found some amazing restaurants in Florence that I’ll blog about.

• Living in a 500 year old villa for 7 days – I seriously can’t wait to tell you more about this! We’re already planning another stay in a few years.

• Reading Enchanted April with Lar while lounging in the villa’s loggia – my idea of heaven.

• Attending a Vivaldi concert in Venice with my mom. It’s a super touristy thing to do, but I loved every minute of it – especially when the older British gentleman sitting behind my mom, leaned forward while she was drinking from her water bottle and said, “I hope there’s gin in there!”

In the photo above, Lar and I are walking in the upper garden of the villa we shared with seven of our friends and family members. I think everyone should get a chance to live in an Italian villa for a week. . . just saying.

Category: Experiences

12 Comments

11 August 2013

Hot Venice

Cath

It doesn’t have the same ring to it as Hotlanta, but it is seriously burning up in Venice. I feel like I’ve been one big sweaty mess since touching down in Italy. Plus all of the practical shoes I packed have given me blisters so I broke down and bought a pair of Birkenstocks yesterday – so glad fugly shoes are back in style!

Apart from the heat, Venice has been amazing! No matter where you look, your eye always rests on something beautiful. It’s so fun to get lost in the maze of streets.

I’ll post some more photos and write something more compelling when I get back to the states and am not typing on my ipad.

My parents and I are heading to Florence today and then I’ll get to see Lar in Rome on Wednesday!!

Thank you to everyone who has been commenting on my IG photos!

Xoxo, Cath

Category: Cath's Style, Experiences

4 Comments

5 August 2013

Trying Something New For a Few Weeks

Cath

Old Navy top | necklace from Mingei World Arts boutique | J.Crew skirt | Seychelles heels

I’m blogging from my iPad (usually I use my iMac) in the hopes that I’ll be able to blog from Italy! The posts will definitely not be as robust as they usually are, but at least I’ll be able to blog when I’m abroad for 16 days – and hopefully you’ll see some pics of Lar.
Speaking of Lar, I have good news! She should be leaving the hospital today – woohoo. We might not be able to meet up in Venice like we originally planned, but we’ll most likely get to see each other on this trip, which is something I lost hope of last week. I’m so grateful that she’s on the mend. It feels like it’s been an eternity since I last talked to her.

Eesh, it is not easy to type on an iPad! Just one more thing, the sparkly earring giveaway ends at noon today. Thank you to everyone who entered! I’ll announce a winner tomorrow – the day before I leave for Venice!

Category: Cath's Style

13 Comments