Six Miles South of North Platte

Turn around. I have to stab you in the back now.

2011-11-13T21:36:00.000-06:00

SMSNP has migrated to Tumblr. Lemming us here:

http://sixmilessouthofnorthplatte.tumblr.com/

Guilelessly,

ETL

Bertram. Bertie. Crack-puppy.

2011-10-26T11:04:00.000-05:00

Not too long ago we welcomed another canine family member into the household: Bertram! Or as I like to call him on frequent occasions, Crack-puppy! Be jealous:

Guilelessly,

ETL

The Quotebook

2011-08-25T14:53:00.001-05:00

So I've had another installment of "This is not what I had in mind" in the works for, quite literally, months, but due to my crazy schedule and/or debilitating laziness, that post probably won't see the light of day...ever. Or perhaps if I hit an inspired streak, an optimistic someday.

Instead, I have decided to begin publishing selections from my very own, personal quotebook (no, this is NOT supposed to be one word, but I have made it so). Throughout my childhood and adolescence, I have always carried some variation of a quotebook with me at all times. Whether spiral-bound, composition, sketchbook, or tiny notes in a margin, I have somewhere kept track of the more amusing or insightful things I see and hear. The current edition happens to be a small Moleskine that I purchased particularly for quote-taking; it dates from August 18, 2010 to the present, and will, sadly, soon require replacing.

Here are some highlights (up to October) that I believe do not require extensive background or illumination:

8/23/10:

"...he is mischievous in proportion to his cleverness."

-Plato

From the Allegory of the Cave.

"Just so you know, you sound like a fortune cookie."

-Criminal Minds

8/28/10:

"The harder I work, the luckier I get."

-Sam Goldwyn

My current philosophy on life.

9/1/10:

"Quit harvesting me with your eyes!"

-The Simpsons

in re. Bart viewing Homer as an organ donor.

9/8/10:

"When I woke up this morning...wait - just kidding - I never went to bed."

-Emily Milton

Almost everything Miss Milton says is quotable.

"'I'm going speed dating.'

'You mean you're dating on meth?'"

-House

9/11/10:

"Oh, monsters, why did I create you?"

-30 Rock

Easily my most favorite television show.

9/13/10:

"'So I've been thinking about dead cats-'

'That doesn't sound like a good use of your time.'"

-Bones

"Andrew was going to introduce me to a Rat Pack...they must be extraordinary rodents."

-Bones

Besides being a decent crime show, my favorite part about Bones is Brennan's hilarious, out-of-context comments and quips.

9/16/10:

"E lascia pur grattar dov'è la rogha (And let them go ahead and scratch where it itches)!"

-Dante, The Inferno

It's nice to know that even Dante could throw some humor in there.

9/21/10:

"If this seems disjointed, that's because it is. You're not imagining it."

-Mr. Bone

Everything seemed to be falling apart, technology in particular, for Mr. Bone in a lecture that Monday morning.

"How I'd love to get you on my couch."

-Red Dragon

Only Anthony Hopkins can make a psychiatry joke so twisted.

9/22/10:

"I read them [Twilight novels] because they're entertaining in the way that a car crash is entertaining."

-Madeline Warren

9/24/10:

"My family has a psychiatrist on call. How normal can I be?"

-Charlie Bartlett

"I'm fit as a fucking fiddle."

-Charlie Bartlett

9/25/10:

"I'm pulling out the 'dead mom' card."

-Karen Sundell

9/27/10:

"If you're going to hell, you might as well go with your friends!"

-Mr. Biga

This is said cheerfully as more gummy bears are lit on fire in a chemistry demonstration.

Check back later for another installment of hysterical and insightful quotes from my senior year.

Guilelessly,

ETL

If you are a single in the country...

2011-07-15T16:54:00.000-05:00

I can't say that I don't have a life, because if that were true, I would post more often on this blog. I suppose I just want to provide you with quality material. Which is a beautiful transition to today's post - COUNTRY SINGLES - a quality personal ad publication for people living in the country. How could this not be madly hilarious/depressing?

I hope to God that that is his actual picture. And he can listen. Like, really - super listen. Also, is "superunderstanding" a word?

He just wants to look at you and smile - which would be a pleasant alternative to his current expression.

You are told to be faithful, tender, caring, loyal, easy to get along with and understanding...but what do you think of yourself?

"Untainted love"...Also, "no baggage"? You're in jail, sweetheart.

"Prison princess" - to be incorporated into my daily vocabulary.

The words "300 pounds", "lonely", and "collect dolls, knick knacks and stuffed animals" should never be paired together. Never.

Dangit, I was looking exclusively for an abusive man!

Underlined portions. 'Nuf said.

400 pounds ≠ Tiny

Looking for intimacy, unfortunately incarcerated. You're off to a great start, buddy.

What what what what what?

MUST BE GOD FEARING.

This one is a gem.
"Roger, good old boy." Is this a title? Would also "like someone who agrees"...with what? Finally - "No fat girls." Nice.

18-80?! Also, NOT A CONTROL FREAK.

He likes beadwork so much, he included it twice.

No words.

Where is Dateline when you need to uncover a pedophile?

WILL I FIND YOU?!

I'm glad we're being so open about our problems.

Jasmine flowers are soft?

But no rectal cancer survivors?

Petite in weight, please.

Guilelessly,

ETL

June = Horse show month

2011-06-24T07:23:00.002-05:00

But July is around the corner, darlings. Be back soon.

Guilelessly,

ETL

This is not what I had in mind (Part I).

2011-05-07T13:07:00.000-05:00

Looking back upon the last four years, I would never have expected high school to go the way it has. For starters, I never would have expected time to fly by so quickly - cliche, right? But here we are, one week of school left to go (torture), and as a freshman I honestly could not have fathomed this day.

Upon my entrance into the magical world of high school, I did have one very specific goal in mind, one that I have never shared with anyone other than my closest girlfriends: I wanted a sassy gay Asian friend. Coming from my closeted, micromanaged, Catholic school, twenty-five kids in my graduating class background, I naively assumed my new, public high school to be a land of openness, diversity, and fabulousness. For God's sakes, we have modular scheduling - the place simply had to be rife with homosexuals clamoring to be my GBF (gay best friend). And they would be Asian. Don't ask me about the logic behind this one; I believe it had something to do with my then-obsession with the Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift.
We would go shopping - Urban Outfitters, American Apparel, and lots of thrifting, work at Whole Foods together, and get up to all sorts of shenanigans. We would wear the same size skinny jeans, our closets eventually merging into one. We would talk about how much the guys at our school sucked. And our haircuts would be strikingly similar.
It is almost physically painful to me today to look back and see how disgustingly hipster-ish this fantasy was. At any rate, it clearly didn't happen. While there are certainly openly gay students in my high school, none of them ever became my sista-friend. And none of them were even Asian. Even if this mythical gay kid from the East had existed, I doubt I could have ever just struck up this effervescent friendship that I had dreamed up. When not in my element (on average, 98% of the time), I am a debilitatingly shy person. Quieter than a church mouse. It's terrible. I truly did not formulate new, close friendships in high school until my senior year. How I would have approached and subsequently befriended a future GBF is a mystery to me.
It was obviously not meant to be.
However, I do not think that I would have traded any of the friends I made in the last four years for any stereotypical gay friend that happened to be Asian with a talent for edgy hairstyles. From the show choir freaks I call my family to my insane art buddies to the random people that I happened to share a moment in time with, these people have in some way made me better. They have allowed me to be myself - someone who is not so shallow as to choose friends based on their sexual orientation or ethnicity. But I still will base my friendships off of the ability to rock a pair of oversized sunglasses, a Marc Jacobs tote, and purple skinny jeans.

Guilelessly,

ETL

Mental health is exhausting.

2011-05-03T21:38:00.000-05:00

That's all I'm going to say.

Guilelessly,

ETL

The Full Spectrum

2011-04-03T16:41:00.000-05:00

It has been an interesting weekend. It has ranged wildly from debilitatingly depressing to upbeat and carefree. Depressing because my brother did not make freshman show choir; this is a pain I know all too well, as I was in the same boat four years ago. We still don't know what happened.

The fun, happy aspect of this weekend has come in the form of legitimate spring weather and bright green grass. The season might be here to stay at last! And how can you stay unhappy when it is so damn beautiful outside?

The photo is from last spring. Year after year I take photos of the magnolia tree and the other various flowering plants throughout our yard that make their appearance early in the season. It never gets old. The reminder that spring has come is timeless.

Guilelessly,

ETL

It is highly improbable that anyone shall ever read this.

2011-03-22T22:26:00.001-05:00

However, I am going to write it anyway. That's just the type of person that I am.

And let me be rather frank with you - this blog shall no longer contain any of that wanna-be fashionista bullshit any longer. Sorry, no. I don't have the time or the energy. And honestly, I don't care. There is so much more to life than people complimenting you online on your ability to buy cute shoes. Wow, that sounds cynical. Am I ranting? I'm probably ranting. I've only given the blog a spring cleaning because I'm sitting around, waiting to leave for Florida and have nothing to do.

Oh my goodness - Florida! Orlando, to be exact. Am departing at 2:15 a.m. (ouch) for a FAME national show choir event. So excited! Yet so sad! It will be quite the bittersweet trip, as this will be our last competition of the season, and for the seniors such as myself, EVER. I can feel the tear-fest coming on right now. Sappiness aside, it's going to be a super trip, and I'm just ready to go!

The photos are part of a recent project I undertook for French class. Don't ask. But yes, the photography thing is still going strong; actually, it has kind of exploded. I have expanded my talent for equine photography to taking pictures at horse shows, which I have sold in the last year for not a meager profit. It's very exciting. I suppose if the whole vet school thing doesn't pan out, I can just take photos all day long. That actually sounds like a much better existence...

Well, I won't take up any more of your time, whoever you happen to be, reading this blog.

Guilelessly,

ETL

It's Not You, It's Me

2009-09-12T14:28:00.002-05:00

I just don't see this working out right now.

I have a lot of things going on in my life that I have to deal with.

It isn't fair to you.

Sorry. I guess I'm breaking up with you. Or my blog is. Or something of that nature. The gist of the thing is, I really don't have the time or energy to run a blog right now. Have you noticed I haven't posted in a month? It's insanity.

I hope to come back to my dear SMSNP sometime...when I have time. But let me just tell you now it definitely won't be this semester!

Sorry.

Love from:

ETL

I Know I Should Care More About the Early American Colonists, But...

2009-08-12T19:21:00.004-05:00

I hate summer homework.

It's killing me.

Anyway.

Some outlet mall purchases.

Got a nice blue/white vertical stripe oxford at the Gap and some herringbone ballet flats.

Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters, Top: Gap, Belt: Urban Outfitters, Jeans: Levi's

A sweater with a bow and a corduroy vest at Old Navy.

Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters, Sweater: Old Navy, Skirt: Dillard's, Shoes: Gap

Sunglasses: (take a guess) Urban Outfitters, Vest: Old Navy, Dress: Roxy, Necklaces: Urban Outfitters & vintage, Boots: Target

Also got some fabulous boyfriend jeans at J. Crew, and missed out on a fabulous goldenrod tweed blazer because it wasn't in my size. C'est la vie...

Love from:

ETL

C'est Tout...

2009-08-08T17:13:00.005-05:00

First off, I would like to wish my blog "Happy Birthday", because it has just turned a year old.

Next, I will make the glad pronouncement that I am once again in the land of Colorado. We are making our annual holiday here, the last before I go back to school next Monday (school actually starts this Thursday, but I'll be here instead). I am not at all ready to be a junior. My summer homework hasn't even finished itself...

The first outfit of vacation:

Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters, Earrings: Betsey Johnson, Top: Forever 21, Tank: Urban Outfitters, Belt: Vintage, Jeans: Levi's

Love from:

ETL

On the Road Again

2009-07-27T09:32:00.002-05:00

It's Virginia time, everybody! Yes, our annual (17-hour!) trek to Roanoke, Virginia is under way. The next week will be dogs, dogs, dogs as we exhibit in the five days of shows hosted by the Mountain Valley Cluster of kennel clubs. Posting...we'll see.

Here's an outfit from awhile ago. A blouse and skirt familiar to you all, but a debut on a "new" vintage belt I scored in the Old Market. I am constantly on the lookout for belts at antique malls and vintage stores because belts from previous decades tend to be small enough to cinch at my waist. And this one, in addition to fitting, is super-cute! I'm putting its age at somewhere around 20 years old, from the 80's.

Sunglasses: Fossil, Top: Gap, Belt: Second Chance Antiques (in the Old Market), Skirt: Target

Love from:

ETL

I Have No Excuse for Myself

2009-07-22T14:23:00.004-05:00

Photo by Larry Stava

Umm, I have a SmugMug now...check it out.

Love from:

ETL

Happy 6th of July!

2009-07-06T15:48:00.003-05:00

Busy, busy, busy. I've been at the barn almost every day; working, having fun, racking up those required service learning hours...

Anywho, Happy 4th of July! Our dear nation is 233 years old this year, and I know that I celebrated. Here's the outfit (with a skirt I made in school):

Hat: San Diego Hat Co., Sunglasses: Fossil, Vest: Urban Outfitters, Top: Old Navy, Skirt: Made by ME

Close-up of fabric

Love from:

ETL

Tickling the Ivories

2009-06-21T18:30:00.006-05:00

Back home from architecture camp, a.k.a. hell. Don't even get me started on the bad food (we ate out every meal after we got sick the first evening), sleep deprivation (average: four hours), and Math Olympiads sharing our dorm (don't ask)...

My mother never misses an opportunity to mention how much gray I wear; I must concede that this is true. From an early age I have always adopted neutrals as a default in my wardrobe. Around the time of sixth to seventh grade it was brown. Eighth to ninth it was ivory. Now it is gray. I figured I'd pull out one of my old favorites, a blouse I purchased at a Gap outlet about three years ago that I have absolutely worn to death. Pair it with some Urban Outfitters denim shorts and Target heels and you're good to go.

Love from:

ETL

I Am a Lazy Bum

2009-06-13T21:00:00.005-05:00

...because I have not been posting like I should be. And I won't be for another week - I leave for architecture camp next week!

And now I'm not even going to give you a legitimate outfit post, but just some photos of my latest watercolor works. En-joy.

CH Callaway's Sunday Edit and Jennifer Elnicky (photo by Terry Young)

Love from:

ETL

Huh. Walmart.

2009-06-06T17:07:00.003-05:00

At a dog show. In glorious Moberly, Missouri. I seem to be spending a lot of time in this state...

Check out the kicks I scored for $10 at Walmart! I generally don't consider Walmart a hub of stylish deals, but I rather pleased to find these shoes:

Oh, the glorious floral bedspread.

Are you watching the Belmont Stakes?! You should be!

Love from:

ETL

You Know You're In Missouri When...

2009-05-30T17:10:00.003-05:00

Well, here we are. Summer. Finally. And what a great way to start it - languishing at a family wedding when I could be whooping it up at a horse show. Oh no, I am not bitter. Not bitter at all.

Outfit from the one of last days of school:

Hat: Target, Earrings: Target, Sunglasses: Fossil, Shirt: American Eagle, Tank: Gap, Necklace: vintage, Skirt: Target

Love from:

ETL

Sophomore-itis?

2009-05-06T21:45:00.003-05:00

School is killing me. What is this tendency to pile all the large, scary projects on us at the end of the year? I am constantly going over in my head the thousands of things I need to do. The list is endless...

So naturally I'm going to be absent for a wee space of time. Sorry, kids.

Love from:

ETL

What? What-what-what-what-what-what-what-what?

2009-05-01T18:25:00.008-05:00

"It was always this uncle's practice, as I have mentioned, to what-what-what rather freely in moments of emotion, and he did not deviate from it on this occasion."

-P.G. Wodehouse, Jeeves in the Morning

You will find no finer literature than P.G. Wodehouse. Simply the best.

It's the Kentucky Derby weekend, y'all! Are you as pumped as I am for the Run for the Roses? But of course, I only wish I was going to watch & dominate in the realm of fashion - hats! Isn't that the whole point of this 135 year-old race? My collection of hats is not exactly of Derby caliber, but it is rather fantastic.

I used to do a bit of driving (as in horse + cart) at shows. Once again, the focus was not really the horses, but the hats all the ladies got to wear. This is where most of my hats came from - from daytime to evening. Here they are:

Possibly my favorite. I never got to show in it, but I had planned to wear it in an evening class at the American Royal, if I ever went. I, of course, have matching satin gloves (with bows!).

The Hat Lady, Amana Colonies, IA

Cloche #1. Lovely shade of teal.

Urban Outfitters

I have actually worn this hat to church with vintage gloves. Ideal for Sundays.

Fine Millinery by August Accessories, Younkers/Dillards

Day or evening. Perfect for funerals, if I must regrettably attend one.

Fine Millinery by August Accessories, Younkers/Dillards

My party hat! Love the raspberry.

Urban Outfitters

The other hat that could possibly be my favorite: an enormous straw sunhat! I literally would have taken flight in a driving class with this hat if I had pinned & glued this hat to my head with hairspray. Thank God for Aquanet!

San Diego Hat Co., Van Maur

Love from:

ETL

"It's OK to be a silly dinosaur."

2009-04-23T21:51:00.003-05:00

Title from something on the Kid's Meal at Runza. Don't ask me.

Look at all that sunshine! Today it got up to 80º...and tomorrow is only going to be warmer. I've even broken out the gladiator sandals! We have had our official one week of spring, as happens every year in Nebraska. It must either go back to snowing, or start smothering us with humidity.

Sunglasses: Fossil, Scarf: gift, T-shirt: Target, Skirt: Pipper's

And lastly, three random images for your enjoyment:

Love from:

ETL

I Think Saddlebreds Can Jump

2009-04-17T08:56:00.007-05:00

I had my first hunter/jumper horse show last weekend and WOW! I knew my horse loved to jump, but she was jumping 3' where there were 2'3" poles! It was an eventful day full of learning & new experiences, such as falling off Roxi for the first time! Oh well...better luck next time.

HOLY COW!

Photos by Ron Peterson.

Love from:

ETL

Up the Spout

2009-04-14T16:11:00.004-05:00

Spring is here! Once the magnolia tree begins blooming, I consider it the new season. There is nothing more that I love than the resilient little tree that grows up the side of our family room; it has survived ice storms, wind storms, late frosts, everything Nebraska has to offer. Its beautiful pink flowers never cease to amaze me.

"'Nobody could have a name like Magnolia.'

'They could if they came from South Carolina, as she did. In the southern states of America you can't throw a brick without hitting a Magnolia.'"

--P.G. Wodehouse, "Jeeves and the Tie That Binds"

Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters, Earrings: Target, Shirt: Gap, Vest: Urban Outfitters

Love from:

ETL

In O-Town We Get Krazy

2009-04-04T13:54:00.006-05:00

Show choir auditions are done, and now I have a whole week of spring break and six days at the barn ahead of me. Yay!

So I went and saw Fast & Furious last night...and loved it! I know, I know, it's my true guilty pleasure, but I am a huge fan of the Fast & Furious franchise. And this was the best installment yet - go see it! What I wore:

Dress: Urban Outfitters, Earrings: Urban Outfitters, Necklace: Urban Outfitters

P.S. Like the new header?

Love from:

ETL

Hell Week

2009-03-31T10:26:00.003-05:00

So basically this is the worst week of the year for me, and posting will really not be happening. It's the week of show choir auditions. Pray for my soul...

Love from:

ETL

On Opposite Day

2009-03-26T16:05:00.004-05:00

...it is warmer in the morning than the forecasted afternoon high. Wait a minute- that's just Nebraska weather! Poor unfortunate me to have worn those shorts to school today.

Blazer: (brother's outgrown), T-shirt: Target, Necklace: vintage, Shorts: Urban Outfitters, Bracelets: Urban Outfitters

Funny story about that blazer. It was my eleven-year-old brother's sport coat, which he mostly wore to dog shows, but he quickly outgrew it and the sleeves were too short. Before my mother shipped it off to the Goodwill, I tried it on and found the perfect fit (OK, so maybe it's a little tight in the shoulders)! I love it :)

Pins, earrings, & pearls

Love from:

ETL

Fail-tastic

2009-03-22T20:50:00.003-05:00

I am a terrible blogger. Sorry. This blog has become a showcase of irrelevant photos & very little writing. I will make it up to you with ice cream. And cake. Or maybe an ice cream cake.

In the meantime, digest these photos taken at a schooling show I spectated this weekend:

Here comes the pony!

My friend, Emily, and her fantastic jumper, Sonya.

Love from:

ETL

I'll Get Back to Regular Posting...Someday

2009-03-17T07:57:00.003-05:00

In the meantime I'll just share these photos from my spring break ski trip in Colorado. I'm a terrible skier and snowboarder, but it was barrels of fun nonetheless.

My friend Lizzy playing pool (not really).

The lovely view from our Aspen Glen residence.

Waiting for the train to go home.

Love from:

ETL

P.S. Happy Saint Patty's Day!

Thought I'd Drop In

2009-03-01T18:28:00.012-06:00

...To post my photos from the Andrew Bird concert at the Slowdown. Seriously. Best. Concert. Ever. I was Cloud Nine essentially the whole evening. The man is such a talent. If you can see him anywhere, BUY TICKETS NOW. Money well spent.

Swedish group Loney, Dear opening.

The sock monkey :)

Love this guy!

Love from:

ETL

Good Days, Bad Days, Days of Rest

2009-02-09T18:42:00.005-06:00

So I doubt I'm going to a very adamant blogger for the next month, mostly due to show choir competition season. I've also been really sick (which is great for show choir!), and have basically neglected everything that is not a daily function (i.e. sleep, food, show choir, & unfortunately school). You might have thought that a tornado has struck my room by the way it looks right now. You might have thought that I despise horses by the number of times I have been out to the barn lately. You might have thought that this blog made me want to throw myself off of a tall building. Not so. I've been sick, and will probably continue to do so for an inconveniently long time.

So for the nonce, farewell, lovelies. I have to go out and deal with the big, bad, coughing, singing, dancing, essay-assigning world right now.

Love from:

ETL

Although Pratfalls Can Be Fun | Encores Can Be Fatal

2009-02-02T19:00:00.005-06:00

Not only do we love The Sart for capturing images of some of the best-dressed people in the world, but also for the amazing photographs themselves. I mean, these are true pieces of art, even outside of a fashion standpoint! Here are some of my recent favorites:

Images from the Sartorialist

P.S. I did get Andrew Bird tickets for his show in Des Moines on the 28th, so it's all good.

Love from:

ETL

NBD, I just happen to hate my life

2009-01-27T17:02:00.003-06:00

Because a certain show by a certain artist in a certain city is sold out. A.k.a. Andrew Bird is sold out at the Slowdown for February 27th. That's O.K., it was only going to be the highlight of my whole entire life...

My God does anyone love this guy as much as I do?

Love from:

ETL

Q: You Are Completely Ridiculous?

2009-01-20T17:36:00.003-06:00

A: Yes, yes I am.

But not ridiculous enough to wear these shorts out in this weather. Brrr! When's spring coming? Oh yeah, in about FOUR MORE MONTHS?! Until then I'll just keep the weather-inappropriate clothing at home.

Hmmm...I'm just moderately obsessed with these mirrors, no?

Sunglasses, Earrings, Shirt, Shorts, & Tights: Urban Outfitters, Boots: Forever 21

P.S. Have you bought your copy of Noble Beast yet?!

Love from:

ETL

At the Dog Show

2009-01-18T17:16:00.006-06:00

Had a dog show in Des Moines this weekend. I didn't do anything in Juniors (possibly because we had three of the Top Ten juniors in the country in the ring =]), but it was still fun.

I showed a Pointer, Aiden, owned by one of our friends in Des Moines.

My brother, Spencer, and our Sussex Spaniel, PG, in Juniors.

Our other Sussex, Widgeon, doing his special (and only) trick in the Sporting Group ring.

The American Cocker (Parti-Color)

Aiden in group, behind the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

The English Setter

The American Cocker (ASCOB)

My mum & Widgeon getting their Group 4 picture!

Love from:

ETL

On a Spaceship Somewhere Sailing Across an Empty Sea

2009-01-14T18:57:00.004-06:00

I've been a lame blogger. Sorry kids. It happens. Especially when that little thing called high school gets in the way. And it doesn't look like it's getting better any time sooner. Blogging may be sporadic & random in the next couple weeks =[

On a side note, my mother got new Venetian glass nightstands with fabulous mirrors that are perfect for taking pictures of my favorite hat.

Hat: Whole Foods, T-Shirt: American Apparel

Love from:

ETL

Foxhunting Fun

2009-01-04T00:23:00.005-06:00

Just thought I'd post these photos from my first hunt last weekend! It is so insanely fun!! I rode one of my trainer's horses, Josie (the black w/ white patches), with the North Hills Hunt.

Heading out from our fixture, "Church"

The Field + a hound

Me riding Josie

Foxhunting is something I've been interested in for a long time, but hadn't been able to get into until recently. It is the most classic of sports, and is as beautiful in the field as it is in art & photography. And those hunt coats aren't a bad look, either...

I'll get my colors soon enough ; )

Love from:

ETL

I Think I Deserve a Break

2008-12-29T11:50:00.005-06:00

Merry X-Mas and Happy New Year!

Love from:

ETL

When There's a Trap Set Up for You in Every Corner of Your Room

2008-12-19T15:33:00.007-06:00

First snow day of the year-- and on the last day of the semester! Now we have to finish our finals when we come back from break...

But I decided to brave the "elements" (or 4 inches of snow and clear skies), slap on my new F'Uggs (faux Uggs-- so shoot me, they're warm & cost $30) and get some photos of the *dripping sarcasm* winter wonderland that is my backyard at the present-- you know, before the snow gets all melty and messy from the streets.

I'm with my...gnomies! Haha definitely got that one off a Delia's shirt...

Beret: Urban Outfitters, Earrings: Target, Coat: Target

Toasty warm F'Uggs (a.k.a. my new Staheekum boots)

Love from:

ETL

O.K. Kids...

2008-12-15T08:14:00.009-06:00

I've found my third favorite movie of all time (Because nothing beats Marie Antoinette or Little Miss Sunshine). THIRD! This is pretty monumental, folks.

And the winner of the yellow (third place) ribbon would be Wristcutters: A Love Story. One summary from its imdb.com page says:

"Despondent over his breakup with Desiree, Zia slashes his wrists and goes to an afterlife peopled by suicides, a high-desert landscape dotted by old tires, burned-out cars, and abandoned sofas. He gets a job in a pizza joint. By chance, Zia learns that Desiree offed herself a few months after he did, and she's looking for him. He sets off with Eugene (an electrocuted Russian rocker) to find her, and they pick up a hitchhiker, Mikal, who's looking for the People in Charge, believing she's there by mistake. They're soon at the camp of Kneller, where casual miracles proliferate. They hear rumors of a miraculous king. Can Zia find Desiree? Then what? Where there's death there's hope."

Yes, I just copied & pasted that because I was too lazy to write my own summary. But anyway...great movie. And some of Mikal's clothes aren't too shabby, either. Not only might her adorable bob persuade me to grow my hair out a tad, the girl wears (what I am 99.9% sure are) Frye boots the whole movie!!

And Tom Waits is in the movie...Tom Waits!!

Anyway, it's a film I most definitely urge you to pick up a copy at the earliest date possible.

Love from:

ETL

Fierce Headgear...

2008-12-09T10:01:00.003-06:00

From fashion156.com's Hats & Headpieces Issue. Hats. Are. My. Love.

By Rebekah Raa

From Urban Outfitters

By Yookoo

Love from:

ETL

It's Winter...

2008-12-01T16:02:00.003-06:00

And how did I dress on the 1st of December? In a floral mini and tee-shirt. Clever, right? And I never even wear skirts to school-- what on earth?!

Vest: Urban Outfitters, Tee-shirt: Target, Necklace: Vintage, Skirt: Dillard's (?), Belt: Urban Outfitters, Tights: Urban Outfitters, Shoes: Blowfish

An old Coke bottle and tissue-paper flowers...don't even ask me how I came up with that one.

Love from:

ETL

When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold

2008-11-30T00:10:00.005-06:00

I have been obsessed with this album. All. Day. I couldn't even tell you how many times I've listened to it. Amazing.

If I find myself actually spray-painting lemons gold, I'll know I've gone too far...

I'll just settle for this adorable piggy bank from Urban Outfitters.

Love from:

ETL

P.S. I promise a legit, real post soon. Celebrating the feasting of pilgrims & trampling each other for 75% discounts at Walmart is exhausting.

Overdosing...

2008-11-22T20:49:00.004-06:00

...On sunflower seeds, horse shows, petty gossip, friends, and inside jokes.

It's been a long day.

Nighty-night.

Love from:

ETL

Have I Ever Told You About...?

2008-11-11T11:26:00.010-06:00

The activity, nay, the lifestyle that consumes me whole? My undying love that I will never give up? The one thing I love more than life? The one thing that IS my life?

horses.

Yes, I am a horse nut. I am horse-CRAZY. For over six years now, I have been a part of the cult. It's my mother's fault, really. If she hadn't been a horse nut, had an amazing relationship with her Quarter horse for thirty-one years, and suggested that I spend a week at horse camp, none of this would have happened. But I'm glad it did =]

Some of my ribbons.

It's been a long journey, and documenting it would turn this post into a novel. Let's say that there have been bumps along the way, and challenges, but mostly just a lot of wild goofiness. I have made ah-mazing friends. The best and worst people I know are associated with the horse industry. But what I have learned from my experiences with them is irreplaceable.

For any of you in-the-know on equine sports, I have an incredible, intelligent Saddlebred mare named Roxann Cain (Roxi), 12 years old, that I currently ride huntseat. Though my original roots lie in Saddleseat, through a concatenation of circumstances, I am now riding traditional English, and soon learning to jump! I am residing at my third barn, and am with a great new trainer whom I am excited to work with. Here are some pictures from the old days, or rather, just last season:

Photo credit: Courtney Church Photography & Laura Elcock Photography

Cute, no? Roxi is quite the princess-- her imaginary wardrobe consists entirely of Ralph Lauren, Lilly Pulitzer, & Juicy Couture. Speaking of such fabulous brands, an equestrian lifestyle gives you quite an insight to fashion as well; who is more filled with delight at bits & bridles adorning a Gucci tote than I am? Who would kill for the entire RL Rugby collection? On that note, here are some of my favorite equestrian items:

Hermés Brasilia Close Contact Saddle-- Dover Saddlery

Roxi is very girly, and naturally needs a bright pink saddle pad; hers is actually monogrammed!

Centaur Fashion A/P Saddle Pad-- English Riding Supply

These boots are really comfortable, once broken in. They are the epitome of equestrian style, and can be easily worn outside the barn, too.

Ariat© Heritage Field Boot-- Ariat International

Joules Zenena Polo-- The Cheshire Horse

Need I say any more? This obviously has a place on my personal Juicy charm bracelet.

Horseshoe Charm-- Juicy Couture

Love from:

ETL

And We Shed What Was Left of Our Summer Skin

2008-11-07T16:55:00.002-06:00

It is getting cold, folks. Je deteste ça. I take back all the wishes I ever made to the weather gods asking for cooler temperatures-- I don't like long sleeves that much!! Now I am stuck in the more cozy goods of my closet 'til April. Sadness.

However, this corduroy blazer in cheerful saffron does brighten things up considerably. With stripes and plaid ballet flats it stands out in a sea of North Faces and Uggs. I only wish I could wear the fedora in school as well; unfortunately, our dress code prevents this. I was going to try and wear black for the rest of the week (mourn with me, fellow Republicans), but I couldn't bring myself to do it...too depressing.

Fedora: Vintage, Blazer: Gap (outlet), T-shirt: Urban Outfitters, Necklace: Urban Outfitters, Jeans: Levi's, Shoes: Old Navy

Do you like the Union Jack with my horse show ribbons? It's my favorite corner of my room-- so colorful! And don't ask me why I photographed my shoes in the sink...it seemed like the cool thing to do at the time...

Love from:

ETL

Kill Me Now

2008-11-04T07:36:00.005-06:00

IT'S ELECTION DAY, Y'ALL!

And I'm not eighteen.

Love from:

ETL

Will You Catch Me If I Fall?

2008-11-02T14:11:00.005-06:00

Despite the many things I love about summer (no school, traveling, more daylight, & general laziness), I do believe that fall is my favorite season. The new seasonal clothes, the few weeks of perfect weather (65˚ and sunny with a light breeze), my birthday (October), Halloween, and the trees! I love when the trees change colors; this year has been especially beautiful. Here I am, frolicing in the autumnal glory:

Beret: Urban Outfitters, Earrings: Urban Outfitters, Sunglasses: Ray Bans, Shirt: Gap, Jeans: Old Navy, Shoes: Converse

Love from:

ETL

HaHaHalloween

2008-11-01T17:43:00.004-05:00

How was everyone's Halloween? Mine was fantastic; Halloween is actually my favorite holiday of the year. Sadly, I didn't get much into the spirit of Halloween other than deeming my outfit a "lumberjack" costume, as I was in plaid flannel and boots! Next year's Halloween resolution: to create a mind-blowing costume...we'll see if that actually happens...

However, I did do my fair share of screaming as we had a scary movie party; we viewed Amityville Horror and Red Dragon. Amityville Horror...not so much. Scary, but not so much. Red Dragon is another story entirely. The prequel to Silence of the Lambs, this movie is a-mazing-- one I definitely recommend!!

Tinkerbell, a hippie, Anne the ballerina, and me, the lame lumberjack.

Beret: Urban Outfitters, Shirt: Urban Outfitters, Tank: Gap, Jeans: Levi's, Boots: Old Navy (not pictured), Handbag: Urban Outfitters

On a different note entirely, some friends & I created a new sport: Rotten Tomato Baseball. Very simple. Very entertaining. Very messy.

Love from:

ETL

Haute Turkey

2008-10-30T09:45:00.001-05:00

No, it's not the name of a new dish for Thanksgiving, but my next project for French class! We are studying clothing, and have been assigned to create an outfit for a paper cut-out of a turkey! Like a sort of paper doll, I guess. It's meant to be pretty basic, with cardstock T-shirts & skirts, but I have decided I want to take it one step further and make my own "Haute Turkey".

I believe, that since it is French class, I should recreate a runway look from a French designer. The medium for my outfit may be fabric, it may be paper; I have not quite decided. I have this weekend to think of an idea-- I will be perusing Style.com! If you have any ideas for me, suggestions are much appreciated!!

Some of the outfits I was initially attracted to:

Christian Dior Fall 2008 Couture Collection

Chanel Fall 2008 Couture Collection

Or we could always just make it a Karl turkey ; )

Love from:

ETL

Bloggers: REPRESENT!

2008-10-27T09:28:00.004-05:00

Please go vote for the lovely, stylish Wendy of Hand It Over for the Teen Vogue snapshot contest. It would really be a nice thing to do.

Love from:

ETL

Some High Class Hounds

2008-10-22T14:32:00.008-05:00

Wow. I've been away quite awhile now. Horse show last weekend, mountains of homework...the list of excuses goes on & on.

But in my spare time at school (when I could be doing homework), I've been perusing the Spring '09 RTW shows on Style.com (a.k.a. the online Bible). As I went through the looks from the Chanel show, I of course fell in love, as we do every time Chanel produces a show, with the suits. You have to understand that I have become quite the connoisseur of skirt-suits from my dog-showing experiences. In my humble beginnings when I would attempt to accesorize my show outfit, my mother would shake her head and tell me that I needed to be more dowdy. Sad, but true. And although these looks would never fly in the show ring, I can still covet them:

Love from:

ETL

Homecoming '08

2008-10-14T15:28:00.008-05:00

Photos from Homecoming 2008...pretty fun evening, even if I'm not really a dance person. Dinner was great (Indian Oven in the Old Market + Ted & Wally's ice cream), and the after party was a blast. My dress was Ralph Lauren (Blue Label?) that I got at a Polo outlet over the summer; it was originally around the $700 mark, purchased for $50!

Dress: Ralph Lauren, Shoes: BCBGirls, Handbag: Target, Earrings: Target, Bracelet: Juicy Couture

Love from:

ETL

Is It the Stillness That Makes You Shake

2008-10-12T19:36:00.005-05:00

Just having a weird, dark day. Hung out with a friend, watched The Virgin Suicides, which was depressing, but beautiful. Kirsten Dunst is a-mazing; for sure one of my favorite actresses. When I got home it was crazy dark out all of the sudden, and I figured it was good light for some pictures, as featured below.

I'll post homecoming pictures soon (or when I feel up to it)...

Everything- Urban Outfitters

Love from:

ETL

Wild Child

2008-10-03T17:07:00.003-05:00

When I proposed to wear this out of the house, my mother gave me a look and said cautiously, "It's kind of wild." Well, for me it kind of is! But I am particularly fond of this combination, between the (faux) leather jacket, enlarged gingham, and floral-printed leggings. And hey- I got plenty of compliments on the tights!

Anywho, I hope to get my dress back from the tailor's soon so I can do a homecoming post! So pumped for next Saturday!

Jacket: Urban Outfitters, Dress: Roxy, Leggings: Target, Boots: Blowfish, Sunglasses: Ray Bans (vintage)

Love from:

ETL

No, I Did Not Crawl Into a Hole and Die

2008-09-28T18:42:00.004-05:00

I was just making up all my homework from last week! That is the last time I miss three consecutive days of school! ={

But it was still a fun trip; didn't do any winning, but we got to spend some quality time with the litter of puppies one of our dogs sired (he's their dad)! Here are the pics:

Cute, no? And here are the pictures we took for kicks & giggles of the mother and father:

Mother: Ch. Three D Van San Tickled Pink (Cally)

Father: Ch. Three D Van San Rumor Has It (Widgeon)

Love from:

ETL

On the Road...Again

2008-09-17T08:58:00.002-05:00

Sorry, folks- I won't be available to post until next week since I'm at a dog show until Sunday! This time it's the Sussex Spaniel National Specialty, where all the Sussex in the country come and compete for Best of Breed out of about 85 dogs (believe me, that is a huge entry for our little breed)! It's also exciting because we get to meet the puppies one our dogs, Widgeon, sired (he's their dad); expect a multitude of puppy photos when I return!

Love from:

ETL

Currently: Floating

2008-09-12T21:53:00.003-05:00

I'll let you know when I get back down ;)

Love from:

ETL

We Gonna Celebrate, 'Cause It's A Holiday

2008-09-01T21:59:00.006-05:00

Overall, a good holiday weekend. I went to a "down-and-back" horse show Saturday, which was of course, quite a romp. I didn't get in until 3 a.m. Sunday morning! Having an extra day off was nice!

We went to a nice quiet dinner at our country club tonight with the family- here's the outfit:

Vest: Urban Outfitters, Tank: Forever 21, Skirt: Old Navy, Shoes: Seychelles, Bag: Gap, Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters

And here's a really nice sunflower- one of the few things growing in my garden that is NOT a weed.

This key I got while antique shopping at Second Chance in the Old Market. I have always wanted to find old keys to use as pendants- and I've finally done it! I look forward to finding more to add to this chain. I also bought these charming photographs:

Who is she? Where is this? Was she on holiday?

I've decided she is called Gladwys. She enjoys listening to the radio and has a beau who calls on Sundays with flowers.

This is Leroy. He is 7 years old.

Holy crap! It's a Saddlebred! I nearly died when I saw this :)

Don't you think that these ladies would most likely be named Midge & Maud? They like to exchange silver napkin rings at Christmas.

I will definitely be making a return trip sometime soon- I love antiquing! So many more dishes, jewelry, keys, and photographs to find!

Love from:

ETL

Love's Gonna Get You Down

2008-08-24T14:36:00.012-05:00

"Ça va?"

"Je suis en retard."

"Pour que?"

"La vie."

(I doubt that this makes any sense- I'm only in French 2!)

Agh. School's been getting me down a bit. Homework, for once, has started to scare me. A 4.0 is looking like it's going to take some work this semester. Sorry for the lack of posts.

Typical (boring) weekend; but here's a nice Sunday outfit that made my life (a little) better:

(Shirt: Forever 21, Skirt: Behnaz Sarafpour for Target, Bracelet: (silver) vintage Ann Klein)

And here are some new shoes from Target:

(Shoes: Target, Tights: (above) Kohl's, Socks: (below) Target)

I think that they'll work a variety of purposes, such as the "feminine" and "bookworm" looks shown above. BTW, I highly recommend any of those books as shown in the second picture ; )

Love from:

ETL

I've Only Been Away About, Oh, 10 Years?!

2008-08-23T18:12:00.004-05:00

Sorry about the long-overdue post! The first full week of school has been insane. Getting back into the swing of things and getting used to all my new classes has sapped most of my energy & free time. And the homework! I've never had this much homework in my life! I welcomed the weekend with open arms...

So in one of my rare moments or freedom, I decided to acid-wash some of my old skinny jeans. I got the idea from Emma, of All In Your Innerspace. See her awesome results here. These were just a cheap pair of $20 jeans from Target, mind you, so my life would not be over if they didn't turn out so well...but they did! After about a half hour of bleaching, washing, and drying, the acid-washing was complete! Coincidentally, I am allergic to bleach (the fumes did not bode well as they stank up the house)!

I completely encourage you to try this super-fun D.I.Y. The results are really funky, and it doesn't cost a dime. Instructions here.

The color is more accurate in the first photo- my bedroom lighting seems to have turned them peach in the second two...

P.S. As my father posed the question, why is it called acid-washing when bleach is a base? Gotta love science, folks.

Love from:

ETL

Project Runway...Really?

2008-08-13T21:02:00.008-05:00

They've fooled me. Again. I really thought Jerell & Stella had it; and I thought Blayne "holla at your boy" was a goner. But of course I'm wrong. Of course.

The designers were paired up to create a look for Brooke Shield's character on the show Lipstick Jungle that would go from day-to-night. Initially, the judges were all over this look Jerell & Stella created:

Instead, Keith & Kenley won with this ensemble. It's fine. Really. I like it...but...I thought that the above team would win. Grrr.

And now we come to the bottom two. The above look was from Blayne & Leanne. Ew. Not only was the look gross, but Blayne had a serious attitude problem with the judges. That should have sent him home, stat.

Instead, Kelli was sent packing for "lack of taste" in this suit (with bustier underneath). It wasn't pretty, but...

Maybe I'm just losing it.

P.S. I am however counting the minutes until next Wednesday's drag queen episode!!! Is the Birdcage anyone else's favorite movie?

Love from:

ETL

The Last Days of Summer

2008-08-12T12:15:00.005-05:00

I start school tomorrow (ick), and so for the past week I've been trying to finish up all my summer to-dos, such as all the homework I have to do today!

One of the most important things on my list was going out to dinner with my equine friends at the Melting Pot. With people going to college and moving barns, we only get to really see each other twice a year; but with every visit it's like we're back at another show, just like the "old days".

Dress: Roxy, Vest: Urban Outfitters, Scarf: Urban Outfitters, Shoes: (not pictured) Old Navy

Love from:

ETL

Currently Coveting:

2008-08-09T16:20:00.003-05:00

I'm definitely not a fan of any rodents, but I am in love with these Marc by Marc Jacobs mouse flats!

Also available in black/white on shopbop.com. In the September issue of Teen Vogue they were also featured in vivid shades of blue, pink, and red.

Love from:

ETL

Back & Better Than Ever!

2008-08-05T21:26:00.006-05:00

Home at last! Now I've really got to scramble and get my act together before school starts on the 13th! Toooooooo early! GRRR.

Anyway, I've just spent the last half-hour not calling my driving instructor to schedule a way-overdue driver's ed test, but downloading this month's free tracks from the blog at Urban Outfitters.

Every month my favorite store ever has about 20 FREE songs posted on their site for listening & downloading. This basically makes my life. As much as I love iTunes, previous years of constant purchasing (songs for only 99 cents! albums for 10 dollars!) has left me kind of broke. These penniless tracks are manna from heaven as far as I'm concerned; and UO has great tunes! Here are my favorites this month:

Lolita- Throw Me The Statue
Furr- Blitzen Trapper
The Old Days- Dr. Dog
Boneless- The Notwist
Willow Tree- Chad VanGaalen

Check 'em out here!

Love from:

ETL

On The Road Again

2008-07-26T21:27:00.004-05:00

I will once again be traveling, this time to the fabulous Mountain Valley Cluster dog shows in Salem/Roanoke, VA. It will be quite a romp.

However, it is highly unlikely that you will see any blogging activity from me for about a week. So adieu, mes amies!

Pictures from last year of Sussex Spaniel puppies. This is our breeder, Dee Duffy, with one of the "Sorority Girls" (it was a litter of 5 bitches). Cute, no?

Love from:

ETL

Plain White Tee

2008-07-23T17:52:00.006-05:00

It is truly miserable here. The humidity is oppressive. I feel like I no longer breathe, but swallow the air. The joys of Nebraska.

But the one thing you would never be caught dead wearing in this heat is white. White just begs to be destroyed in the summer. The hazards of grass stains, bugs, dirt, and (gasp!) sweat stains are far too many. However, I was in a daring mood this afternoon; and as the sky threatened rain, I clambered onto my roof to give you these variations on the white tee.

Hat: Urban Outfitters, Tee: Target, Scarf: Urban Outfitters, Belt: Wet Seal, Jeans: Old Navy

Shirt: GO International for Target, Shorts: Forever 21, Shoes: Old Navy, Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters

Dress: Delias, Belt: Old Navy, Sunglasses: Fossil, Earrings: Urban Outfitters, Necklaces: American Eagle (bronze) & Urban Outfitters (silver)

And are you totally pumped for Project Runway tonight?! I am!

Love from:

ETL

Project Runway Season 5

2008-07-16T21:15:00.005-05:00

Sorry I haven't posted in forever!!! It's been crazy, and it's looking that way for awhile. Vacation & horse show last week + hometown dog show this weekend= lots to do.

Anyway, Project Runway Season 5 premiered last night on Bravo (9/8c). As always in the beginning of the season, I find it hard to follow everyone. I like it once we've narrowed it down to at least 8 contestants so that we get more personality- and drama. Didn't spy anyone to immediately fall in love with yet, either. Guess that will have to wait 'til the competition thins out.

But should Jerry have gone home?? Of course the raincoat was a disaster, but Stella's "dress", for want of a better word, was a complete nightmare! AGH! Stella's get-ups need to go as well...maybe she'll go home soon?

If I see any more leather, I swear... However, I am in love with Leanne's glasses. The girl gets an A+ in the accessories department for these specs and cute shoes, but her dress didn't impress me much. Maybe next time.

How did you feel about this episode? Anyone you think is our Season 5 winner?

Love from:

ETL

After The Love Has Gone

2008-07-09T17:07:00.007-05:00

So after I was done being a hippie in the "woods" (or the back yard, whichever you prefer), we went for lunch at Relish. Now I'm kind of a picky eater, but my brother is terrible! And this place, which had great food for adults, had the worst kids' menu I've ever heard of! It consisted of: Grilled Chicken, Ruby Red Trout, and Buttered Noodles. Ruby Red Trout?! Who on earth under the age of 10 is seriously going to consider that? No one in our family- my brother opted for the grilled chicken. Here's my dad's Chicken Corn Chowder soup in a fantastically ugly bowl:

Anyway, we made Round 2 of downtown Breckenridge. I was dying for a pair of these plaid (Burton?) snowboard pants for spring break '09. And they were on sale! Darn it... But my mom & I had already hit up Lucky Finds again, where she purchased a Ralph-like silk scarf and I found the most perfect blue skinny jeans from Cello Jeans (I can't find a site- but I'll keep looking!). Love the back pocket detail!

We made a return trip to Goods, where I tried to convince my mom to buy these sunglasses. She wouldn't. She just wanted to wear them lopsided:

Love from:

ETL

I Woke Up Feeling A Little Hippie...

2008-07-09T14:14:00.007-05:00

Actually, that would be a lie. The first thing I really had to consider this morning was the bizarre dream I had about taking an amoeba to the hospital for an emergency surgery. Don't ask me...

But I decided after that that today was a hippie day. I even have my own hippie name: Barley Sunshine. My mother made it up for me after a day trip to Boulder last summer, where we saw "hippie moms" at a playground. Well, here's the outfit:

White Indian Paintbrush- which is illegal to pick in the state of Colorado. In fact, it is illegal to pick any wildflowers!

Look at me getting all nature-y. It's great. Especially since I'm allergic to grass, and certain varieties of trees. I'm a real outdoors-type ;)

However, I would like to ask you all for your opinions and ideas. The jeans I am wearing here, Levi's 504 Slouch Straight, are a tad difficult for me to place with outfits. I love them dearly, and they fit & look great, but I've gone so long just wearing everything with skinny jeans (and now wide-legged jeans, too) that I don't know what to wear them with! It's a mental outfit block that I can't get over; help!

Vest: Urban Outfitters, Tank (white): Old Navy, Tank (grey): Gap, Jeans: Levi's, Sandals: Old Navy, Bag: Old Navy, Necklace: Urban Outfitters, Headscarf: Gap, Earrings: Target

Love from:

ETL

A Ralph Lauren Blue Label Dress for $50? Priceless.

2008-07-07T20:42:00.014-05:00

So I went outlet "malling" today in Silverthorne, and as I mentioned to my (generous, fantastic, I just love her) mother, we pretty much have that place down to a science. Even some of the best stores are pretty hit-and-miss. But anyway, we started with the Gap. This curry-colored corduroy blazer will add a preppy touch and make things pop a bit, I think?

Blazer: Gap outlet, Shirt: American Apparel, Shorts: Forever 21, Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters, Necklace: Forever 21

And of course, it matches my sunglasses ;) The shirt, by the way, is a concert souvenir from my most favorite artist, Andrew Bird. I implore you to give him a listen, as well as one of his earlier groups, Andrew Bird's Bowl of Fire; there are so many different sounds between each of his albums, that there is sure to be something for everybody. Here's the shirt:

Our next stop was the Polo Ralph Lauren outlet. The title of this post does not leave much to the imagination as to what I found there, but I'll go into a bit more detail. A lonely 75% off rack of Blue Label items (I'm pretty sure it was fall 2007) caught my eye with a simple flash of tartan. I am a sucker for plaid. Pulling it off the rack, I ascertained that it was a Royal Stewart tartan silk dress with a black lace detachable ruff. It was love at first sight.

My mother fell all over it, of course. I absolutely had to try it on for her. It was perfect. Nearly; being a size 6, it needs a nip & tuck in a few places. But that's not much. The fact that it was $49.99 as opposed to the original $698 just sealed the deal. My mother still made me swear up & down that I would wear it to homecoming. I won't post pictures now, but check in around September, and you'll see the whole ensemble.

After finding the dream dress, we hit up the Old Navy outlet. Metallic grey sweater, dark wash skinny jeans, dove-grey T-bar heels, and printed flats. Hmmmm, I think I have a slight obsession with grey, no?

Sweater: Old Navy outlet, Shirt: Forever 21, Jeans: Old Navy outlet, Hat: Urban Outfitters, Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters, Necklace: Target

Love from:

ETL

Currently Coveting:

2008-07-06T14:49:00.007-05:00

These boots from Chanel's Paris-London 2007/08 collection. J'adore! Hmmm...sadly, I don't see these in my immediate future =(

Check out the official site; it's a great place to peruse on a rainy Colorado afternoon- like today.

Love from:

ETL

Ahh, The Glories of the Self-Timer

2008-07-05T16:48:00.003-05:00

I am just minorly obsessed with this outfit of late. Oh, and the fedora- the fabulous fedora. Did some scoping of the boutiques in downtown Breckenridge today. My personal favorites are Goods, and a new find, Lucky. They had $15 Juicy Couture earrings! $15!!! And necklaces for only $28!

Before my mom and I do any serious damage downtown we have to hit up the outlet stores in Silverthorne. Coach, Polo, Nike, Gap, Banana Republic; it's a great place, but can be kind of hit-and-miss.

Shirt: Forever 21, Skirt: Tara Jarmon for Target, Hat: Urban Outfitters

Love From:

ETL

Well, Here We Are in "Colorful Colorado"

2008-07-04T18:23:00.005-05:00

Here I am, sitting at my mom's MacBook that the entire family is going to try to share for the next week. Yikes! Not a pleasant thought- but I will post when I can!

You know, I think it's incredible that I can just sit and really do nothing for a 9-hour drive. Yes. Nine hours. Between all the driving I do for dog & horse shows, 9 hours no longer fazes me (it's the 17-hour drive to Roanoke, Virginia that gets me!). Just a book or two, and I'm good to go.

So pretty out there. More to come- keep reading!

Love from:

ETL

Storm's A-Brewin'

2008-07-02T16:39:00.008-05:00

Good old pioneer jargon. Right now it's looking not too kindly outdoors, and a swim meet I was slated to attend has been cancelled. Ooh! There's the lightning.

Thankfully it's not looking like last Friday's storm, which caused much damage and just made people upset in general. Wish I could give you pictures of the inky wallcloud that came straight out of the west, the trees bending & snapping (not at all like Legally Blonde!), or the hail nearly shattering our kitchen window. Not so- I was skipping like the high hills for the basement! Luckily, we did not lose power, like so many of my unfortunate friends. Our damage was pretty minimal, but I still got pictures:

Love from:

ETL

Salut, Mes Copains!

2008-07-01T15:25:00.005-05:00

Hey there! This is a brand-new photoblog I've created and I am excited to share with you all the pretty photos and things that delight me most...

Above are photos highlighting my annual summer trip to Colorado. I am so pumped for the trip this year- the pictures will be fantastic...

Keep reading for the next week-and-a-half; I will begin posting the minute I get there!

Love from:

ETL