What's this? A NEW BLOG?!

Hey everyone. It's been a while, huh? Sorry about that :-)

If you liked this blog, head over to our new site, My Closet Garden. Change is good, right? That's what the new site is about. We still love you, and I bet you'll still love us. Hope to see you there!

Love,

- Bug (I'm still your Bug, right?)

Route 66

Your requests have been answered - a blog post! Sorry about the long wait, work can get in the way of the creative juices. I had a very special day a couple of weekends ago. One of my childhood dreams came true! I meet Peter Tork from The Monkees!

It was a quick decision. I called the fan club number and made reservations for three at Club 66 in Edgewood, Maryland. It's a small town located on the outskirts of Baltimore and a favorite of Peter's.

He walked in to the joint, looking cool and relaxed. Nobody made a fuss, no rushing to catch a gander. Instead he made his way around the small room and introduced himself. When he made his way to me, my heart pattered quicker. I told him the usual fan story, about my Dad giving me their record. He nodded and told me about the upcoming Monkees concert and how Davy Jones just spoke with him that morning. My heart fluttered.

He played a few songs as well as we sat eating the delicious lunch that was provided. Afterwards everybody lined up for pictures and signatures. I beamed as Boyfriend snapped a picture and then Peter said goodbye with a hug.

What a wonderful day!

Hat: ModCloth

Shirt: nooworks

Skirt: Edme & Esyllte

Sweater: can't remember - lost it a week later at a dance party :(

Shoes: Top Moda

Four Sides

Tuesday's Forecast: Rain!

TOPSHOP Yellow Heart Umbrella

Chooka Lime Polka Dot Rain Boot

Reversible Red Raincoat

Raindrop Smile Crocheted Amigurumi

The Night Before

While others are lounging near their television sets today, I will be at work. And as everyone else lets the hours pass, as they fall further and further into their crossed-legged positions, I will be remembering the time before work and before president's day. The night before.

I was focused on the large field lying before me, dead grass swaying. My hat and jacket reminded me of the song that inspired this trip. Boyfriend framed each shot as I stared further out into the open space.

I had imagined this trip months ago after watching the video. I hoped for explosions and tanks rolling up beside me as I darted away, but only whispers of the Civil War remained.

I was told that I looked like Buster from Arrested Development, and I don't disagree, but my real inspiration was the Beatles and their military-inspired set. Staring out your office window will be hard when you know the field sways just an hour away.

However, I have plenty of time this summer to escape away from the city. I anticipate long trips through Virginia and Maryland, as I follow the sun.

Hat: Military Surplus

Black Blouse: vintage

Jacket: thrifted

Skirt: thrifted

Boots: Bongo

Love Made By Hand

Valentines Day can be arranged to perfection without having to rely on the old 1-800-Flowers routine. Instead, Etsy is bursting with handmade pink and red goodies. Above is my favorite find of all - an enormous crotched broach made by mojopastyle.

My Top Picks:

1950's Party Dress

Seaberry Ocean Soap

Milk Glass Pedestal Vase (choose your cut flowers wisely)

Love Me Valentines Card

Natural Perfume

Whippie Pie Sampler Pack

Brother, May I Borrow Your Hat?

Every sister wants a brother. She may already have two wonderful, pretty sisters, but still secretly she wants a pal to play remote control cars and video games with. And who says brothers can't share clothes? Mine can and did this past weekend.

He just had to go and get that hat -tempting me to buy one for my very own. Every time he leaves the house I can feel my jealousy grow as I follow his over-sized yarn pom pom down the road.

He finally turned it over to me and I didn't waste any time. To the park I went to casually flaunt my new crown. And I didn't return home until it was dark and impossible for city dwellers to see my hat. Brother looked a little worried when I came home, but I reassured him that every thread was still in place.

Hat: Etsy - sunshineindie

Shirt: Arden B.

Heels: Pink Studio

Jeans: Free People

Purse: vintage

Spring Queen

When the first signs of spring begin to peak out from under the snow, I will be ready - spring crown in hand.... or on head. Every spring I dream of decorating my curly locks with a floral vine. This year I will mark it off my list. Whichgoose from Etsy designs all sorts of pretty accessories, all very fitting for weddings and princesses alike. I adore their crown of flowers, very inspiring for the coming season.

A Permanent For The Occasion

My hair received a trim and curl this evening. My forehead now covered neatly with a fringe curtain. My style did not include the permanent - these ringlets come and go as they please! After every haircut, I think of the Wizard of Oz scene when the merry group gets haircuts and makeovers at Emerald City. The lion, looking very adorable with his red bow, declares, "And I got a permanent for the occasion!"

The First Book of Jazz

Jazzy tunes filled the air tonight as Boyfriend and I ate dinner at a small cafe near our house. The sway of bodies narrowed my perspective of the two piece band - saxophone and piano. The performance led me into an internet search for anything Jazz. I came upon these neat vintage illustrations from The First Jazz Book by Langston Hughes.

Langston Hughes was an American poet, playwright and columnist who very much enjoyed the wonders of jazz. He wrote this tribute in 1955. It includes the history and highlights the form. He address many different elements such as work and slave songs, homemade instruments, ragtime and improvisation. And the illustrations are worth peeling back the vintage cover.

Hands But No Arms

What time is it? Now - and I'm due in for work. I hurry and gather my lunch bag, boots and purse. Its so early...8:00 a.m. I yawn and stretch. I tug at the lids of my eyes, making them 'closed for business'. But, then I realize the clock is a ticking and I must scatter forward.

It seems like work week mornings are always the hardest. A lazy Sunday however involves awakening to the smell of breakfast cakes and a visit to the local antique store. Last weekend I stopped by Jean Pierre Antiques. A large clock located on the left wall keeps the time.

I love antiques, almost as much as I love vintage clothes. The tapestry chairs and delicate china lining every crook and corner of the store appealing to my buying senses. As soon as I walked in I was overwhelmed by the soft scent of various candles flickering.

I didn't end up buying anything - towering clocks don't fit very well in my apartment. I have low ceilings. But I did almost buy a candle and a few do-dads. The time continued to tick as I walked around the store, gliding my hands across each treasured piece. "Maybe next time," I thought as the store's wooden door closed behind me.

Blouse: ? (we've been friends for a long time)

Skirt: Anthropologie

Boots: Duo

Bow Hair Band: ShoeFly

CHOCOLATERIA

Spring couldn't be any closer, well...in my mind. Despite sliding all the way to work today, I managed to push the ice covered sidewalks away and dream about the many sun shadows that cover the path. The new spring collections are mainly to blame, especially Chocolateria. These clothes are amazing - perfectly vintage 'ohhhh!' triggering.

A Hamburger, Juicy and Rare

My niece Anna gave me a special treat over the holidays and I neglected to share it with you...until now. Introducing, Mini Delicious Hamburger Cookies! This cute little snack is easy to make. Just build your own little burger with the ingredients listed below.

Vanilla 'Bun' Wafers

Red 'Ketchup' decorating icing

Yellow 'Mustard' decorating icing

Peppermint Pattie 'Burger'

And, remember, "There is nothing in the world that can compare with a hamburger, juicy and rare."

Check out the recipe here!

Toasty Scarf

Hello bloggy friends!! Its been a long time and I apologize. I recently accepted new employment and I also have been working with a local artist designing a new blog site. This year is off to a good start and so is this week. My lovely mom sent me a new scarf in the mail that she crocheted all by herself. The package included a note that said, "Happy Lora Day!"

Many months ago I sat beside my mom on the couch catching up on life. As per usual, the conversation steered towards fashion and I mentioned a scarf that I had recently discovered. Breakfast themed, this scarf included toast slathered with pads of butter all linked perfectly around the neck. She took a look at the picture and proclaimed, "I think I can make that scarf!" And she did - thanks, Mom!

These scarves are very popular at the moment, prices ranging from $60-100.00. My mom made it for me for less than $20.00. You can find scarves just like these on Etsy. They also have other food themed neck warmers including; cupcakes, bacon and eggs, grapefruit and pancakes. A delicious selection, indeed!

My belly rumbles every morning as I take my new ritual commute to work. The cause of course is the tasty scarf around my neck. I stock my lunch bag with delicious snacks to appease my cravings for toast. Later this week I will show off my new stylish, eco-friendly lunch accessories - stay tuned!

Toast Scarf: made by Mom

Coat: Y apparel

Purse: vintage

Jeans: Free People
Boots: thrifted

Mary Tyler Moore

Flung into the air, her little beret twirls and gently returns to her hand. She didn't anticipate the hype her hat toss would receive, but Mary Tyler Moore will always be remembered for her beret and cute 70's wardrobe.

She has always been an inspiration for me. Many months ago I watched her preform the perfect housewife dance beside her popular husband, Dick Van Dyke. Now, I'm hoping to see Netflix add The Mary Tyler Moore Show to the instant queue so I can drool over her professional office wear and flippy hairdo.

Like the hat above? It's on sale at Ruche!!!

*statue picture taken by ChicagoGeek