~ Pop-up Shoppe: Number Three ~

It really was more of a Mighty Market than a Pop-Up Shoppe this month {Colleen, was that your moniker?}, surfacing at HasBeen Design, a tiny t-shirt printing shop on Portland's east side. Owned and run by Seth and Huy (the gent below draped in OLA), Couchstock 2011 materialized for friends and fans to bid adieu, as the biz will be moving storefronts in the next few weeks.

Vintage threads, handmade dresses, screen-printed tees, crafty musical mixes and OLA scarves adorned the front of the shop, welcoming guests as they came in. Live music played, beer was embibed, goodies were bought, and a lovely time was had by all. Already looking forward to visiting HasBeen's new shop, which I'm sure will be equally cozy, colorful and unique.

Visit Shola, Caitlin and Emily's blogs to hear more about the evening...

Speaking of bidding adieu, I doubt I'm the only one who will be missing Howie (the handsomely awkward, intelligent and lovable man you see above and below) when he moves to far off lands tomorrow. Save travels, friend {and for serious, stop that smoking nonesense!}

~ Beating the Blues: Sunday with Doris ~

I don't care who wins. Or who loses, for that matter.

I just care about their horrendous/stupendous ensembles and goofy acceptance speeches!

And with that, I'll be whistling along to this 1956 Oscar winner as I prepare to feast on tacos and tecate at John, Suze and Ellarie's for the evening festivities.

Here's to Sunday.

~ It's Reel Love: All About Eve ~

60 years ago tomorrow, the 22nd Academy Awards took place at the RKO Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles. Honoring movies released in 1950, All About Eve stole the show, nominated for 14 Oscars. 

It took home six: Best Picture, Best Director {Joseph Mankiewicz}, Best Screenplay {Mankiewicz}, Best Sound Recording {20th Century}, Best Supporting Actor {the marvelous George Sanders} and Best Costume Design {the legendary Edith Head}. 

While watching it again at my sewing machine last night, I realized there's something new to be noticed and enjoyed every time... be it a subtle dig, a gorgeous piece of clothing, a bat of an eyelash or an underlying sentiment. If you haven't yet seen this thoroughly delicious movie starring Bette Davis, "hold onto your seats: it's gonna be a bumpy night..."

Sound Recorder Man & Marilyn Monroe {who had a bit part!}

George Sanders {giddy as a schoolboy}

Edith Head {one oscar for each fabulous dress she designed?}

For those of you who have seen All About Eve, what do you love most about it? Favorite quote?

~ TGIH Returns: Madame Butterfly ~

Kelty and I've been having a blast with shoots like this for over a year now, and this marks our 40th TGIH {shot in Shutesbury last weekend}. If you're not familiar with our Friday shenanigans, feel free to visit Kelty's TGIH archive to browse from the beginning!

~ Heavens to Gidget: Swimsuits ~

One week from today I will be basking {more like reflecting} on the beach in Mexico. I've got a feeling these waters aren't as spandex-optional as the Mediterranean ones I'm accustomed to, so I decided to browse suits at one of my most beloved/despised shops of all time: Anthropologie.

You'd think that minoring in anthropology in college would garner me some sort of clout with these people... but it doesn't, I'm afraid. And this is where the "despise" part of the relationship comes in. The cost to take a dip in one of these babies? Anywhere from $170 to $370 for a one-piece, and $75 to $138 per bikini piece. Per PIECE, man!!!

And then the love part sneaks up on me. Aren't these just smashing swim suits? So colorful, imaginative and exciting {by traditional suit standards, anyway} that I'd even dare to call them "swimming costumes", as they say in Britain.

I doubt I'll reconcile my conflicted feelings for this marvelous/infuriating shop anytime soon, but in the meantime it's inspired me to try to fashion my own affordable and fun "swimming costume". I'll let you know how it goes.

These rants and raves also remind me that it's not always what you wear when you hit the beach, but rather how you wear it. See below for some of my favorite beach bums rocking it in whatever.

~ Grace Kelly ~

~ Karin {mother in law} ~

~ Goldie Hawn ~

~ Joanne {aunt} ~

~ Brigitte Bardot ~

~ Jani {mom} ~

~ Anne Bancroft ~