Necessities: Trench Coat

I want a trench coat.  It's as simple as that.  It's getting to be that weather where it's not cold enough for the North Face, but it's raining, and a black wool coat is just not going to cut it (not to mention I keep forgetting to take it to the dry cleaner so it's still covered in little white dog hairs).

DVF Spy Ruffle-Trimmed Cotton Trench Coat

Miu Miu Pleated Twill Trench Coat

I think these are just beautiful, especially the classic style of the Miu Miu coat.  You can find them here and here, although at $565 and $1,295, respectively, I don't think I'll be finding them in my closet any time soon.  Since my life isn't just one big game of "Let's Play Pretend," I also found some reasonably similar and vastly less expensive options.

Anne Klein Ruffled Collar Trench Coat

DKNY Belted Rain/Trench Coat

Lauren by Ralph Lauren 

Emery Belted Trench Coat

Found here, here, and here, their prices average out at $149.  Now all I need to do is go find time to try some of these on!  I almost never purchase a coat without trying it on first since they tend to be such an important part of one's wardrobe.  After all, what other item do you wear almost every day?

What items do you need to get through the spring weather?

Sunday Comics

I have decided to provide you all with a special treat every Sunday.

There will be a cartoon, or cartoons, subject matter of my choosing (I feel this is fairly obvious), every Sunday from now on!  I had hoped my first post could look a little cleaner, but both my markers and my scanner were sassing me into oblivion, so this shall have to suffice for this week.

Have a beautiful Sunday!

Even if it's raining, I've decided it's spring.

As I struggled to get my bangs to behave yesterday morning, I should have realized that some time between my trip to the gym and the end of my shower, it had begun pouring rain. I know, sad face. But, since I have no class on Fridays, I refused to let that fact dampen my spirits. I resolved to undertake a project for which I previously had lacked both the time and motivation: baking my own bread.

Inspired by the challah featured on Cupcakes and Cashmere the other day, I selected that as my first adventure into bread.  I followed the same Smitten Kitchen recipe as Emily (it's like I know her!), and I was equally impressed with the results.

My dear friend Lauren undertook this adventure with me, and her narration of the braiding was invaluable.  I still managed to mess it up, but the messiness did not have an impact on the delicious flavor.  The bread was the perfect density and had just enough taste of egg to be delicious without being overpowering.

Since it took an awfully long time to make, with all the rising time factored in, Lauren and I got quite hungry.  I found this recipe last night while cruising Tastespotting, and it seemed like the perfect dish for a rainy day at the beginning of spring.

Spring Green Herbed Orzo Salad

This was the only picture I managed because I was too busy devouring its all-encompassing deliciousness.  I left out the parsley in the original because I just don't like the way it tastes, and I used frozen peas instead of fresh.  It seems to me that it worked out perfectly fine, since I could barely breathe I was eating it so fast.  All in all, I'd say the day goes down solidly in the win column.

Vice Report: Week of 3/28/11

In addition to this being my weekly vice report, I'm participating in Kori of Blonde Episodes' linkup today, called "Fashion Fridays," so make sure you check out the posts from all the other participating bloggers!

This week's vice was a whole outfit (which is perfect, since it's "Fashion Fridays").  Since last Friday, I have worn this outfit four times.  Twice as an outfit for a whole day, once to an evening meeting on Monday (the pictures below), and once during my headshot shoot (from which I'll hopefully have a really cool photo to show you guys soon!).  And if any of you think that's gross, all I have to say is that the blazer and skirt are dry clean only, so let's not pretend that I wasn't going to wear them multiple times anyway.  You do it, too.

Zara Blazer, J. Crew Shirt, Fossil Skirt, Steve Madden Shoes, 

Banana Republic Necklace, Gifted Bracelet

As you can see, I refuse to make a normal face.  I won't do it and you can't make me.  The one with the creature hands is my particular favorite, although I do enjoy my faux wistful look off in the distance. You'd almost think I'm looking at something other than El tracks. 

I am in love with this blazer.  I got it at Zara in the fall, but couldn't really figure out how to wear it until recently.  The shirt was one of my impulse purchases back in February when it was randomly 50 degrees one week, and I adore the gold color of the stripes.  It also has buttons all the way down the back, which I'll enjoy showing off when I don't have to layer anymore.  The wool skirt was another of the treasures I dug out of my closet at home, I got it at Fossil two years ago, and I like how it toes the line between fancy and casual.  I was forced to put my coat on, as it is still uncomfortably cold here, and I thought I'd let you all know that we still have the shovel and bucket of rock salt on our front porch in case it snows again.  Boo.  I hope it doesn't, it actually wasn't that cold today.

Thanks to my roommate Quinn for taking the pictures with her fancy camera!  Hope everyone has a great weekend!