Midwest Memories: Part 1: Illuminating Indiana

There's something very interesting about returning to the place you came from, where roots are fully in the ground and you are always remembered. I feel like my family in California is small, but when my dad and I traveled to Indiana it seemed like there was family around every corner. I even discovered that my dad's cousin is a weaver. Check out her site, www.loominarias.com for vibrant, colorful, gorgeous scarves and shawls handmade in Indy. Mindy has 3 looms in her home, and her backyard is actually on a channel. The water above is from the channel when we were on her boat. Do you see the swan up top? And the picture at the bottom is from the Indiana State Museum (www.indianamuseum.org). I enjoyed taking in both the living and static history of this state and learning how I am connected to it. Though it had been 17 years since I last traveled to be with these family members, they welcomed me back graciously. And those places I thought I had forgotten about, suddenly came back to the forefront of my memory. We never really forget where we come from.

I Want, I Want

I want to thank Christine Wallace for this amazing pair of pear earrings. They are stunning, truly.

Christine sells on Etsy, and every day it seems like I am roaming the site, finding many new things to wish for. Jewelry especially is a weakness for me, as so many pieces cost a pretty penny, and it truly feels impossible financially to own everything I want. In truth, I could order one of each from the pages of Jewelry Affaire, but alas, that is not the reality of life.

In thinking about wanting you have to think about needing. When growing up, my mum was very careful to point out that I "wanted" things I did not "need." It's true, we forget that we have basically everything we need and want most else. We live in a society that fuels pushing the "want" button so much that it's hard to stop.

I have wanted a great many things in my life (Miu Miu pumps, a Mini Cooper, a bigger closet, a career, just to name a few ... ) but today it occurred to me that my wants have changed. It can be a pleasant surprise to realize that you'll gladly forgo a dress in order to save for the things you crave so badly. It's refreshing to see you have grown overnight, content that finally you have everything you need and the only wants left are those for a secure future.

There are endless lessons to be learned from jewelry. I want to learn more ...

Art in the Dark

My friend Tali was recently apart of a wonderful fashion event which helped out this great cause. The only thing more fashionable than making a statement is standing up for something. Helping out others is always in vogue. The theme of this show was Art in the Dark. They dimmed the lights and everyone wore black. Even in the dark Tali's pieces could be seen, as they stood out with amazing pops of color. Tali meticulously painted these clothes for a look that is fun and so expressive, so full of life, the things you want to see in a young designer. She truly has a fresh eye on fashion and brings expert styling to her line. I'm so happy to announce that I will be working with Tali on a future issue of Altered Couture. I am so lucky to have found a great artist who can also be a great friend, and to have two amazing guy friends who were willing to watch a fashion show with me! I love discovering new designers and their dazzling duds! Thanks again Tali for inviting me. I'm your newest fan : )

Swinging From the Chandelier

My new favorite hotel/casino in Las Vegas is the Cosmopolitan. Everything was decked out in crystal and pink. The Chandelier Bar was breathtaking! I can't wait to stay at this hotel. Talk about indulgent. The drink in the pictures is a Sage 75, very yummy.

Cheers!

Sugar, Sugar

One of my new favorite places in the world is the Sugar Factory. They have the candy stores with the couture pops in a few of the hotels, but the biggest shop is actually combined with a restaurant, bar, and chocolate lounge in Paris, Las Vegas.

This place is utter heaven! I got a few baked goods (cupcakes and a red velvet brownie - by the way, this is the best brownie I have ever had!). Then the next day we stopped in for breakfast. My friend ordered amazing red velvet pancakes. The crepes and chocolate French toast were also excellent. But the biggest treat was the cocktail goblet we got, that actually smoked. It was delicious! I was totally happy here and cannot wait to go back for more cocktails, cupcakes, crepes, and candy. If you go to Vegas, this place is a MUST!

On a sweet side note, the shirts we are wearing in the pictures are from Le Doux Swimwear. They totally hooked it up and gave us free bathing suits and shirts at the Encore Beach Club.

A sweet vacation indeed!