I haven’t been doing too much unnecessary buying this year, so whenever a little package comes to me in the mail or I get something that isn’t a bill it pretty much brightens up my day.
1., 2., and 3.: My friend Mona from Florida sent me the prettiest Valentine’s gift yet–a little box full of treasures, like vintage photos (so pretty I had to scan them and put them on my Flickr page), an old valentine, a little tin of Sweet Georgia Brown pomade, and because she’s too nice to me, three beautiful bottles of Chanel nail polish. I haven’t painted my nails yet because I can’t decide which one to pick first
4: I actually got this little bustier from the New Zealand designer Juliette Hogan last year but haven’t been brave enough to wear it. I’m going to try to wear it this spring, though. I had our model wear it at Monday’s shoot and she looked cuter than I ever could in it. Today Jamie showed me some of the film photos that came back, and in the prettiest photo of all Stephanie is wearing the Juliette Hogan top and high waisted shorts and I can’t wait to show you.
5: A strange (but good) Urban Outfitters spring preview book with Harmony Korine photos/drawings. When Drew asked me how I liked it I said, “I can’t even see the clothes,” and he teased me for being grumpy. But I do like one picture with a white dress. The other book isn’t a surprise or gift . . . I bought it. It was too good not to. I’m completely late to the game and just discovered all the wonderful-but-confusing Japanese clothing pattern books out there. If the dresses in this book don’t convince me to work on my sewing I don’t think anything will.
I love the japanese sewing books, they really are fantastic. But have you ever sewn before? Im just asking because although the diagrams are brilliant in the books, you do need to understand the basics of sewing first, and i dont want you to get scared away from all sewing just because your first try doesnt work out so well! there are pattern companies out there that really hold your hand all the way through, which is kind of how i learnt to sew in the beginning. I know most of the pattern companies have really ugly looking pattern pictures, but you have great taste and can make whatever you like, it doesnt have to look like the cover picture. I would recommend Betsy Ross patterns as a good start if you’ve never sewn before though, because she has pretty patterns with seriously great instructions.
Maybe I’m wrong though, if you can sew a little already, or you have someone who can help you out, ignore what i’ve just said, the stylish dress book is wonderful, and I can’t wait to see what you make!
I’ve sewn a few Built by Wendy patterns . . . . I know basics, but there are lots of things I need to learn still. I thought I could just figure out the instructions by looking at the pictures, and I can watch tutorials online to learn things I don’t know yet.
Yes, it’s super confusing!! I’m trying to find the easiest, simplest pattern to start with.
Oh, if you’ve sewn before, you should be fine. The diagrams really are amazing, I was really worried before i ordered mine because I can’t read Japanese, but it turns out that the Japanese can fit into a few little pictures, all the information that we westerners would probably need 3 pages to write out…
Yeah, the diagrams are really good! And I copied out a pattern and didn’t find it that confusing. My thing is that there are a lot of sewing steps and techniques that are beyond me, but hopefully I can learn as I go.
woooahhh!! Apparently I’m later to the game than you, I have never heard of these Japanese pattern books before – but geez louise they look amazing! I’ve never understood why most sewing and pattern companies have such a hard time putting together current, appealing, fabrics and styles and with good photography. The japanese certainly got it right from the looks of this book! I may have to order this for myself. Keep us updated with your progress and how you’re liking it!
You should order it! There are two other books that are just as pretty. I can’t understand US pattern companies either. It’s so hard to find a good simple pattern. The ones in these books are amazing! I’m just hoping I can figure them out, ha ha.
i love receiving gifts in the mail too. the chanel nail polish is lovely. i was tempted to get myself some the other day. i really hope you could show us some of the stuff you make. (: oh! maybe you could try wearing your top with one of your black maxi skirts so it’s not that daring. you’ll still be wearing something comfortable.
1. I wish I had a friend that randomly sent me Chanel nail polish, ha! The shade of pink on that one is the shade that I have been trying SO HARD to find as a V-neck or even as a dress. It’s so hard to find that color in clothing!!!! Ugh!
2. I love vintage valentines!
3. You probably won’t want to answer this, but I noticed you’re very self-deprecating and humble. It’s very admirable since many bloggers seem a bit too into themselves, but I wondered if you ever feel jealous? I find myself to be humble like you as well, and lately, I’ve been trying to conquer my own insecurities and jealous issues but I don’t know how to go about it. Sorry if that seems too honest! Just wondering.
Fun post
Anne, aww, you’re nice! Well I’d probably say that I’m insecure and that I’m too hard on my self about just about everything. I don’t like the way I look, I always wish I had a lot more brains, etc. . . . As for jealousy, I think that just about every person deals with it sometimes. I do, for sure. Anja of Clever Nettle did a good post on girl jealousy over the internet and how sometimes to get your head back in order you just have to quit following certain blogs. It’s different on the internet (and especially fashion/life style blogs) because everything seems filtered through rose-colored glasses and most people don’t want to whine or bring up the not so interesting parts of their days. Nobody has a perfect life, but sometimes they want it to seem like that (and I’m sure I’m guilty of that too!). Not sure if that’s what you meant.
love these photos!
Your photos are always so unique and creative. Definately an inspiration to me!
What a great gift from your friend! I would love to receive such a box!
Your friend is lovely, the vintage photos are such a delicate gift. And Khaki Vert is a gorgeous color, it goes perfectly well in every season, I think you will love it.
Ale
if you need a help with reading japanese , let me give you a hand!
love from tokyo xx
Such lovely gifts! That bustier is wonderful, I have been looking for one for quite some time x.x.
Casie Jean
love those days when the mailman brings lovely packages and not bills! I have two of those Chanel nail polishes and I’ve been trying to hunt down that green! go for the green first! ^,^
Hello! I wish I had such a nice frinds sending me all those cuties. These pictures are absolutely beautiful. Not even mentionig Chanel nail polish (green one got me the most)…
And I can’t wait to see you wearing your bustier, though I can understand why you might not have been brave enough to wear it yet
Have a lovely day!
What a fabulous friend to send you delightful treats for Valentine’s! The postcards are adorable and I love the pink polish.
Oh wow, love that top! And I want that Stylisch Dress book!!!
x
ANPOVB
yay for Chanel nail polish! the pinks the best! Its my favourite nail polish at the moment.
Rajrang
Great pictures! i love allmost all in your blog! great style!!
Yay for good mail days!
Loving all those nail polishes Mona sent you… Really loving the “Black Pearl” color. Off to check out that Japanese sewing book too–I always drool over those! 
♥ Casey
such an adorable valentine gift! even sweeter that it was snail-mailed to you.
Such lovely things you’ve received in the mail … parcel surprises are the best!!