Day 20- the chignon

My new favorite "classy" hairstyle.  I know. I know.  Every day becomes my favorite!  This one I found here.  Lauren Conrad has just launched her new fashion site.  You guys should go check it out if you have some time.  She's got some great advice and tutorials.  ANYWAY! It's pretty huh?!

I love the darker hair from the bottom!  My hair looks soooo dark!  I swear I'm naturally blonde!

In lieu of a video tutorial, I thought these pictures were sufficient.  If you still are having trouble with it, let me know and after the 30 days I'll post one.  Stuffing the tail into the bun is a little bit tricky.  It took me awhile to get it in there.  So be patient with it and just pin what you need to!  Love you guys!  Let me know what you think!  

Click to enlarge

le Pain Quotidien: a double entendre

judging from the irrationally inconsistent weather – warm, humid, breezy, and rainy – spring has definitely arrived and is here to stay. spring in the city is absolutely gorgeous. central park is greener than ever, every restaurant now has outdoor seating, and my favorite part: girls are opting for dresses. including me.

but before i get to the outfit of the hour, let's discuss the title of this post.

1. Le Pain Quotidien (translation: THE DAILY BREAD) – a boulangerie chain scattered throughout the city where you can find fresh-baked bread, french pasties, soups and such. when in doubt, carbs will always do the trick.

2. Le Pain Quotidien (fashion translation: THE DAILY WARDROBE NECESSITY) – simple, timeless pieces that can be worn wherever, whenever. i.e. a white, long cotton linen dress. when in doubt, keep it fresh n white.

all together now: i took a walk in my 'hood in the upper west side and had a sudden craving for some good ol' bread with some extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar to dip. a visit to Le Pain and a local grocer got me exactly what i wanted. it's the littlest things that make me soo happy.

dress: zara

necklace: from my roommate Eric's collection

wing ring: f21

triple spike ring: noir

arty ovale ring: ysl

boots: dolce vita for urban outfitters

bread: le pain quotidien

and now for some more inspiration.

a recent purchase from opening ceremony!

have a beautiful weekend!




inspiration photos via ilovewildfox

Day 19- the fishtail braid

Did you guys miss me?  I know, I know.  How dare I leave you.  But I had tons of shopping to do today!  Because, well remember how you helped me win that photo shoot?  It's scheduled for Saturday if it doesn't rain, and we had NOTHING to wear!  Yeah, you know I bought all new clothes and am making Brian and Boston wear rags.  Ha ha JUST teasing!

This was an easy day.  I love the fishtail braid.  It's huge in Cali right now.  You can either wear it back like I did, or to the side like the four-piece braid.  Totally up to you!  If you wear it to the side, just put your hair half up to the side instead of the middle.  Did I need to specify that?  Cause I did!

Hair tutorial:

TO VIEW PRIVATE VIDEO CLICK HERE

"Coordinated Plan for a Woman's Wardrobe" McCall's 1964

I think the emphasis here was on Woman...this was intended for the mature, older woman. You were to wear muted tones and "handsome tapestry" while your hippy kids were wearing rainbows and afros.

"The whole trick is starting with a congenial, fashion right color (not necessarily a basic) and resisting all temptation to change your plan on impulse."

Is that understood? Resist all temptation!

Aligator Death Roll and a "Bye"!

There is going to be a "bye" today.  "Can she do that" you ask? Yes.  I can.  Cause I'm Abby.  And I do whatever I want around here. Ahahaha!!  Just teasin.  Seriously though, I am so swamped! PLUS my mom left on vacation and I have no one to take pictures! Don't worry, I'll make a neighbor or my cute little husband help me. But tomorrow- SO BUSY! I love you guys and will be back Friday. And Saturday! AND THEN EVERY DAY AFTER THAT!!

K love you, buh bye!

Don't think I'd let you get away without a video though!

Poor little Bosty, so upset with the rain.  He did this ALL day today.  I would pick him up and then he'd just point at the window and grunt a little bit.  I'd tell him no, it's too cold, and he'd freak out.  So I'd put him on the floor and he'd start death rolling like a little alligator.  It was cute at first.  Then it got really old.  I still love him though!

Day 18- the hairbow

Who listened to Jessie's music?  I did.  I've been jamming out to her "Dance in the Rain" album all day long.  It's so cute, Boston totally dances and shakes his head to her songs!  Besides being an amazing vocalist and performer, Jessie runs a wonderful non-profit organization called Ivy Girl Academy.  It is a confidence and leadership training for young ladies.

I am telling you.  Any moms out there of young girls, you should be interested in this.  Jessie is the most inspiring person I know and she is amazing with the youth.  Check out her site.  For those interested, I attached her video that explains just a little bit about Ivy Girl!



Day 18- The Hairbow

This is one of my most absolute, hands down, favorite hairstyles.  At first I thought it would look silly on me but then... it didn't!  At least I don't think so anyway!  Inspired by Lady Gaga and toned down a lot!  And don't mind my roots :-)

Hair tutorial.  Enjoy!

TO VIEW PRIVATE VIDEO CLICK HERE

Day 17- The Knot

Alright folks. We've got the first official sponsor to welcome! Many of you might have heard of the beautiful Jessie Funk.  She is amazingly talented and probably the most driven, kind-hearted person I have ever been privileged enough to meet.  I cannot say enough wonderful things about her.  I have been a fan of Jessie's music since I can remember and am so honored to have her on my blog!!

Her music is inspiring.  Her voice is SOOOOOO beautiful!  Play that video below and just take a little listen- do it for me.  In fact.  While you're at it, you should go listen to her new country album "Dance in the Rain" on her website.  I'm hopelessly hooked.  So go go go and check out her website.  You'll be glad ya did!

And hairstyle number 17!  Cute huh?!

hair tutorial:

TO VIEW PRIVATE VIDEO CLICK HERE

REFINERY 29 RESERVE: these are a few of my favorite things

REFINERY 29 RESERVE is genius. simple as that.
it's shopping for everything you want; things that are brand spankin'-in-season-NEW but for half the price, specially chosen by R29 editors to get you exclusive deals on all your favorite brands.

this week on the RESERVE: 80's Purple and Loeffler Randall.

80's PURPLE
spend $50 and get $100 on... E V E R Y T H I N G.

mine mine mine

report signature bergen platform $198

nOir asymmetrical four-ting set, $96

matthew williamson wayfarers, $350

LOEFFLER RANDALL 

buy $100, get $200

LR x SUNO erin lace-up wedge, $645

ondine criss-cross flat, $325

so if these don't tickle your fancy (which is close to impossible), check back every week to see what new deal R29 Reserve has in store.

happy shopping!

L'AMOUR FOU: THE STORY OF YVES AND PIERRE

on a drizzly sunday evening, i decided to take myself out on a date to see the film, L'amour Fou (2010), at the Paris Theatre on 58th and 5th Avenue. without seeing the trailer to this documentary, i expected it to be a chronicle of the late Yves Sant Laurent's career, but as the film began, i quickly realized it was so much more. narrated by Yves' lover/YSL co-founder/business partner of 50 years, Pierre Bergé, L'amour Fou (translation: Crazy Love), takes us behind-the-black-rim-glasses of the greatest couturier of our time, with an intimate tour of their many homes, including their chateau in Norway and Marrakech. Bergé talks about Yves' success, his stints of depression, and with clips from interviews past, we really get to see how close their relationship was.

in one interview in particular, Yves was asked: your favorite poet? He smiles and says: Pierre Bergé.

weaving through the film are clips of Yves and Pierre's art collection being boxed up and collected by Christie's – a decision that Pierre easily made to auction off their museum-worthy collection of art. the film ends with the grand auction at the Grand Palais in Paris, where Pierre sits and claps after each piece he and Yves hand-selected themselves gets sold (for upwards of  millions of Euros). it was bittersweet and heart wrenching.

i laughed and teared up a bit and in the end was greatly inspired. if it wasn't for the love and support of Pierre, would Saint Laurent have ever been the YSL we know him as today? not so sure. that's why i am counting my lucky stars for being where i am today, with the love and support from my family and friends.

the trailer for L'AMOUR FOU: