The Tortoise Always Wins in the Long Run

Remember how I was smelling specs and candy once upon a time?  And then I felt quite defeated? 

Well, the day has finally arrived. 

Guess what was on my doorstep.

It was like Christmas in August.

Have you ever seen anything so glorious?

I had five pairs of tortoise shell frames, just calling my name.  They did.  They said "Tommy.  Tommmmm-eeee.  Wear us.  Wear us."

So I did.  Repeatedly.  From the pictures, they may look identical, but I seriously loved 4 of the 5 pairs I picked out to try on.  (Sidenote: You definitely need to get on the wait list at Warby Parker if you're interested.  I signed up a few months ago.)  I discounted one and possibly two frames because they're too similar to what I wear now, but the competition remains fierce. 

And let's just face it.  There's a really good chance I may buy more than one pair, at $95 each, plus a donated pair for each purchase.

My anti-blog friend Emily took several pictures of me in each style, but I couldn't bring myself to post them.  I think maybe it's the demo-only plastic lenses, but my entire eye area looked red.  Like Us Weekly red.  Like drugs.  It wasn't good. 

At any rate, I'm beyond excited.  I have four more days to deliberate, lean waaaay into the mirror (I'm blind), and lust over eyeglasses.  I will almost surely order from Warby Parker.  And I will blog about said purchase.

Thanks for reading, as always.

My, My...So Resourceful

My pal Lexie introduced me to a really cool brand called Resource Furniture.  It's a line of completely multi-functional and ingenious pieces that are sort of like IKEA meets Transformers. 

Are you short on space but long on possessions?  Check out the video below for a demonstration of several products.  The clip is 6 1/2 minutes, but it's neat to watch, even if you're not in the market for new furniture.  Thanks, Lexie!

iLike Byrd & Belle

Although I don't remember where I first saw a mention of these cool products (probably a blog), I'm glad I bookmarked the Etsy site for Byrd & Belle. 

Angie, the super efficient shop owner, makes really awesome tech-friendly cases out of felt and leather for pretty much iAnything, even laptops.  She has a couple of shades of gray felt and then brown or black leather, along with a gray or green lining.

Last week I bought a case just like the ones in the pictures* for my iPod, and I love it!  If you're looking for this type of product for yourself or as a gift for someone else (lucky them), consider this shop, won't you?

*from Etsy site, used with permission

Epic Concert Goodness

Last night I had the extreme pleasure of seeing Ray LaMontagne and David Gray in concert here in Nashville.  My anti-blog* friend Emily took me as a special treat/early birthday present. 

I really don't know what to say about the show.  It was the best concert I've ever seen.  Both performers gave it their all, although Ray is more still overall, and David sort of flails about.  Ray did a few songs from his new album (which I will be picking up shortly) along with favorites like Trouble, Jolene, and You Are The Best Thing.  David sang literally every song that I know of his, including Babylon, Be Mine, and This Year's Love.  It was just epic.  He only did a few of his new songs, but they were also stellar.

And the final encore when they both came out and played together?  Shut.  It.  Down.

The show was originally scheduled for The Grand Ole Opry, but after the flooding that happened here earlier this year, they moved the venue to the Bridgestone Arena.  They also donated 20% of proceeds to the Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity.  That was just one more reason to eat it up.

*Emily says that she would rather have the real thing.  I guess she has a point.

If I Wore a Cap...

...it might just have to be this one. 

What is that phrase?  A thing of beauty is a joy forever?  Yes, that's it.  I think that these shoes definitely qualify.  The other day I noticed them in Cole Haan, and the color and cool sole caught my eye.  Then, upon closer inspection, the name of the style had me.  Thomas.  Of course.

A captoe does not usually appeal to me, but these are different.  Plus, they're a little dressier than I usually wear.  (Most of the time it's a smart looking loafer.)

As with most things, I'm going to wait them out and hope they go on sale.  You likey?   

If Ya Want My Blogspot, and Ya Think I'm Specs-y...

...come on, sugar.  Let me know.

Wink! 

I want to thank the awesomeness known as Dapper Paper for working with me to design to a new blog header.  It's something I've had up my sleeve for some time now, and after considering several options, they were head and shoulders above the competition. 

They have great style and an excellent blog as well.  (The first link for them will take you to their well curated Etsy shop.)  Check them out the next time you need some graphics in your life.

Thanks, Elizabeth and Chris!

And bear with me as I tweak my layout.  I'm not the most tech savvy person ever, but I'm still having fun.

It's In The Bag

I need another bag like I need a hole in the head.  I have two overnight bags and a couple of tote bags and a work bag and some reusable grocery bags and probably some bags under my eyes soon, if work doesn't change.

However....I saw this bag a few days ago

over at Manifold Destiny.  (That's a really cool blog that features a sort of best-of the interweb for style, generally geared toward the menfolk.  It's a nice change from the norm of makeup brushes and whatnot.  No offense, ladies.)

This bag is seriously in line with my aesthetic, and it looks massive and durable.  Plus, it retails for $135, which is not unreasonable.  My guess is that it will go on sale eventually, too.  Won't someone please talk me off the ledge when that day comes?

(Remember how I blogged about LL Bean Signature a while ago?  I knew it would come back around to haunt me.)