Left My Heart in San Francisco...

Back from the Bay Area. While happy to be back because of Beans, I'd much rather be back in SF with le cub. T'was a lovely weekend spent with some of my most beloved friends...

Highlights:
- Pinkberry has arrived at LAX!
- Strange turkey cravings due to a glossy issue of Martha Stewart Thanksgiving. Thank you, le cub, for rushing me to Safeway.
- Quality doggie time with Emily and Seal.
- Shopping with the BFF and Jen for one last bridesmaid's dress. Jenny, we hope you like it!
- Romantic dinner with le cub at Top Chef participant, Jamie Lauren's restaurant, Absinthe. The scallops were perfection!
- My first UFC fight.
- Brunch with old friends in my old hood.

Pictured: Unfinished Sculpey head for the vegetarian lion character in my second-year film. His unfinished mane is composed of watercolor sponge bits!

Cover Up

This isn't the dress I ended up picking out, so le cub, if you're looking, no worries, it's still going to be a surprise :) But this Monique Lhuillier Kennedy strapless is quite similar to what I ended up picking out. (Minus the lace obi belt!) With the gown down, I'm on the hunt for a fun necklace that would make me feel less naked on top. Strapless gowns aren't my thing, but there are very few pretty halter options available. That said, a bib necklace would be an easy solution. Thoughts on this Rebecca Koven number? Too bad I'm not blonde... it'd look so nice on a gal with lighter-colored hair...

Mr. Brightside

Le cub and I are in the market for one last lamp for our home.
One for the living room.
I'm loving this Noguchi masterpiece.

Your Place or Mine?

Thanksgiving is being celebrated at my home this year. Le cub and I are cohosting with my aunt Su-su. She is THE best cook. No joke! Her food makes my tummy SMILE. Anyhow, this got me thinking that I should probably set aside some time to finish unpacking all my crap (I moved in mid-July, yet I'm still living out of boxes) AND that I should probably start hanging artwork on the walls - lest my grandparents make a comment about my unintentionally minimalist space.

Photo: Plucked from Apartment Therapy's recent posting about IKEA's Muddus table. I'm drawn to the homemade artwork in the background that's totally channeling Alex Katz or ooh, Marie Laurencin. I love her. What the heck. I'm going to post a a painting by her as well. A portraiture of Coco Chanel, no less :)

Behind

Watching "The September Issue" with Alexis at noon. YAY! Yes, we're a little behind on our movie-watching, but such is the life of a student. Muahahahaha. Who am I kidding? I don't have class until 4pm on Thursdays! Life is very good.

I Knead You

Running some tests. In order to do so, I've got to complete at least one character - armature and all... Fun, fun, fun.

Dream a Little Dream

Wedding this, wedding that. I can't help it. The planning process is so much fun.

Wish I would had taken photos of the assorted dresses I'd picked out for my bridesmaids before sending them out. But because they're no longer in my possession, you've got to do some imagining. The dresses selected are mismatched in texture and cuts, but all come in an ultra-flattering black. As I pulled the collection together, I thought to myself, this is "Chanel gone wrong!" Yay...

As bridesmaids gifts, I'm considering pieces from Elva Fields. The designs incorporate vintage pieces and would look just as good with a plain white tee as they would with little black bridesmaid dresses. See above. Incredibly beautiful. Incredibly fun.

Le cub has yet to formally invite his entourage, but I've already begun to brainstorm "outfits" for them. *teehee* Rather than have the boys rent their attire, if our budget allows for it, we're thinking, perhaps we can buy their attire. We'll see. But boy, oh boy, the boys would look dashing in the above-pictured charcoal grey vest, no? The seemingly-grey, but actually herringbone print tie would be the perfect touch.

Satisfaction

I can't get no... satisfaction.

Stop-motion is much more difficult than it looks.

After trying, and failing to get into a free screening of Fantastic Mr. Fox with my classmate, Alexis, I sadly wandered on back to Burbank to work on my models. I tried to build a wire armature for "Henry," one of the supporting-actors in my film, but was unsatisfied with the final outcome. *scream into pillow* I also began to form Henry's head by wrapping FIMO clay around a ball of foil, but was unsatisfied with that final outcome as well. *more screaming into pillow* Instead of leaving Henry be, I ripped his "skin" off of the foil ball, and well, the above-photo speaks for itself.

I'm a creep.

In Virgin Territory

My first group gallery exhibition. Please stop by if you're in the neighborhood!

Surreal

Yes, le cub and I stepped into a Pavillions on Halloween night. I was thirsty.

Go banana!

Sweet Dreams Are Made of These

Before getting into my sexaaaay Nick Jonas costume yesterday, I honored my wedding dress appointment at Monique Lhuillier's. Needless to say, I left ML's triumphant... :)

With the help of my ML bridal consultant, Megan, and one my bridesmaids, Kathy, we decided on a traditional ivory, lace, sheath gown with an understated lace obi belt. Spring 2010's Bernadette. It was a tad difficult finding a dress that didn't make me look like a cream puff as I'm a mere five-feet tall, but I think we did it! If I were just four inches taller, I would've considered the more editorial, "exciting" dresses, but because I'm teeny, I refrained. But this doesn't mean I won't be changing into something quirkier when the dancing begins :) Wedding gown? Check!!!

And le cub? Wedding suit? Check!!! We were able to take advantage of Bloomingdale's annual men's designer suit sale this past weekend, and after trying on a few "outfits" (that's so not a male word), we decided on a dark gray Theory suit paired with a crisp white shirt and a black skinny tie. Very Mad Men. See HERE. Hehe. The alteration lady couldn't stop ogling my cub. Aww...

BOO!

Le cub and I are, at the moment, devouring pork & napa-cabbage dumpings (yuuum). And when our bellies are filled, we shall head off to West Hollywood (Boys town...) to admire some mind-blowingingly inappropriate costumes! We, ourselves, will be donning less-extravagant costumes. Le cub is heading into public as a banana (again!) and I'm dressing up as the youngest Jonas brother, Nick. Alexis and Jeff are dressing up as Joe and Kevin... sexaaaay! Hope my hunk wig will score me some sweets!

Hope y'all are enjoying your Halloween :)

Boo.

My cousin and her man dressed up as Hall & Oates for Halloween. She tells me she's still in the market for shoulder pads...

I Spy

An eye. Er, EYES!

Been on the hunt for artwork to hang in the guest room, and ooooooh, lookeee what I found. A box o' prosthetic eyes! Okay. Maybe not. This piece is a tad creepy. Am curious to see this box in a home setting though....

Available at 1stdibs.

Oink.

I am a walking bubonic plague. Muah-ha-ha-ha-ha! Dammit, I think I've caught the flu. Don't think it's swine flu, but I'm taking Tamiflu anyway...

Have quarantined myself at home in Burbank in order to avoid infecting others. But I'm clearly on the road towards recovery as there's an abudance of spring green mucus running down my nostrils as I type. Alas, I sit around the apartment with Kleenex shoved up my nose as a test of le cub's love for me... And you know what? He hasn't run away yet!!! I knew he's the one...

And Beans? He doesn't treat me like an Outbreak victim either...
Think he wants to eat my mucus.
Eew.

Diseased

I'm unwell. Feeling sick. Don't think I've caught the swine thang, but ugh........ I hate being diseased.

Perhaps if I watch enough of THIS, I will feel better...

Gobble, Gobble

My classmate, Kevin, is my stop-motion mentor. I have no idea what I'm doing and am lucky to have someone to harass a mere phone call away. Kevin's currently working on a short titled "You're My Ghoul", and above is my contribution to his film... a turkey lawn ornament :) Made out of white Sculpey and then painted with acrylic paint...

Shwanky.

Paper submitted. Midterm taken. Alongside Alexis, Jeff and Christina ("We are Lego!"), we dropped by Celebrity Vault, a gallery in Beverly Hills, to attend Jeff's boss' book launch party. Photos from her book, RARE were on display. My fav was her pairing of Cindy Crawford with a lion. Fierce. More about Nicole (a super nice lady) HERE.

But ooh, there were other photographers' works on display as well. There was a to-die-for shot of a young Mick Jagger with pillowy lips by Gered Mankowitz. Click HERE to see. Available for a whopping $12,400. And ooh, there was a shot of Audrey Hepburn with her doe, "Ip" by Bob Willoughby. Pictured above. Available for $10,000+... both sooooo lovely.

What a wonderful evening. I even spotted some stars! An actor from Nip Tuck was present - as was Aunt Becky from Full House aka Lori Loughlin... :)

Much thanks to Jeff and Nicole for all the fun...

Trial and Error

... will eventually result in trial and success. I'm hoping.

Turning in a paper and taking a midterm for my Disney Imagineering class in a few hours. Ahh...

Pictured: A test head for one of my senior citizens in "Til Death do Us Part" - my second-year film. Made with Sculpey.

1-2-3

1. Caught up with old friends at Osteria la Buca last night. It's an unfussy, unpretentious Italian restaurant on Melrose that's owned by my good friend's friend. Delicious. Funny thing is, I opened my gmail inbox this morning to find a GOOP newsletter recommending the joint. Apparently Gwyneth likes the place too! A must-try. Loved the decor. And the prices are kind as well...

2. Attended an ASIFA screening of Summit & Imagi's Astroboy the night before. Somewhat disappointed. I give it a C+. Luckily I didn't have to pay to see it. At least the complimentary poster handed out was cute.

3. Conan o' Brien. I'm finally going! My friend got tix, and she's taking moi!!! We're soooo painting portraits of him and bringing them to set. Gosh, can't wait for November 3rd. Wonder who's going to be on...

Picture source: Elisabeth (finelittleday) and her son decided to host a lil' tribe war. Too cute.

Modest Tree

I've "clothed" him.
Decided to leave the tree green because I like the texture of the floral tape and did not want to mess up what I'd created thus far by introducing the unknown element, paint. Used a glue gun to get all the lil' leaves on, and am still contemplating whether or not he (the tree), needs more. Thoughts?

OMG, this film is going to be so much fun to make...

Ooh-Ooh-Ooh!

Are you ready for this? OMG, I'm not... but... *drum-roll please* Come December 6th, I'm going to be participating in my very first group art exhibition!!! My friend, Yuan-Yuan lives in San Mateo (yep, the Bay Area) and recently came across a charming chibi taiyaki shop called Sweet Breams. Their website can be accessed HERE. They've been around for two years now, and are not only known for their yummy desserts, but fun small-scaled artwork as well. Anyhow, Yuan-Yuan took it upon herself to set up a meeting between me and their management, and WOO-HOO... I'm going to be showcasing my work in a public arena for the very first time! Specs will be sent to me sometime this week (theme, size and price constraints)... I'm so happy. Week's improving rapidly :)

Pictured: Storyboard panel from my second-year film... a happy heart-attack.

This is EPIC

Hello Kitty's 35, and I'm going to her birthday party!
Read more about this epic event HERE.

My excitement has no bounds!

P.S. No, I do not own a Hello Kitty toaster, but YES, I will be begging for one in our (me and le cub's) wedding registry.

Poetic Justice

There is none. At least not in the "script" that I've been concocting for my second-year film. Since the issues at hand are a tad heavy (think: lonely senior citizens, death of a spouse, suicide...), I thought I'd lighten the film up with rhythmic narration. Big mistake!

I'm so not a poet...
and dammit, I know it.

Pictured: Soviet Bear available HERE.

Like a Virgin

Stop-motion set building is hard-work, but boy, is it fun. Tah-dah! My very first prop. A miniature tree. He stands about 13 inches tall... Will post more photos of him once I cover the tree trunk and branches in paint and clothe him with leaves.

Would love to know if floral tape is receptive to acrylic paint... I'm going to find out soon :)

Rainy Days and Mondays

"... always get me down..."

But a bulldog on a skateboard in Santa Monica? *smile*

P.S. It's not raining here in Burbank, but it sure is dreary.
P.P.S. Lyrics from Rainy Days and Mondays by The Carpenters

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

"... he's going to ask for a glass of milk. When you give him the milk, he'll probably ask you for a straw..."

It's incredibly uncharacteristic of me to be a pushover, but lately I've been giving in to other people's requests and demands contrary to my gut warnings. I walk about with a lump in my throat and a heavy heart, and am disappointed that I have allowed the actions of others to dictate how I feel. Must rid myself of the bad "chi"... UGH.

Quote source: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe

Sketchy

Sketches from last week's life-drawing session... he was a tad flabby. And ooh, he did have family jewels. I just chose not to include them in the sketch. Yes, I'm mean.

CANNOT WAIT.

Eagerly anticipating Wes Anderson's latest project, the stop-motion feature, Fantastic Mr. Fox. Watch the trailer HERE. There's just something about stop-motion animation that's so incredibly magical (more so than 2D and 3D animation, if you ask me)... and it certainly doesn't hurt when a director is able to attract a cast as star-studded as the one this feature's got. George Clooney, Bill Murray, Meryl Streep, Owen Wilson, Willem Dafoe, Anjelica Huston, Mario Batali?!? And ooh, read that Anderson directed the entire flick REMOTELY via email... What the.........

Still excited. Coming stateside on November 13th. My birthday!!!

Beauty and the Beast

I heart Disney, and I heart Kristin Wiig. And while I'm at it, I might as well shed some love for Gerard Butler. Wasn't a fan but became a convert when I saw how incredibly sincere and charming he was while getting interviewed by Bonnie Hunt (I attended a live-taping with my classmates a week ago). The episode featuring his interview aired this past Friday...

Finders Keepers

It's been a long-time dream of mine to own a used Mies van der Rohe Barcelona Chair. This one in caramel (available at www.1stdibs.com) is perfection and would work beautifully with our living room rug. Now if only it came at the perfect price...

Also fun... duck feet lamps. Surrealist, no?! Available here. Too expensive for my home, but I had to post it.

And ooh... a vintage rug for my studio. Was available at Etsy until a cub and cougar snatched it up...

One-of-a-Kind

Man Shops Globe. Have you guys seen this?!? Keith Johnson, the "Buyer-at-Large" at Anthropologie just might possess the coolest job in the world...

Pictured: Shot of the Champs-Elysee from www.sundancechannel.com

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Tis that time of the year, my friends... FALL! It's the most wonderful time of the year, for I'm finally able to bust out my treasure trove of snuggly sweaters, opaque tights (I detest my freakishly pale and imperfectly-formed legs) and ooh, I can finally walk around sipping on hot hazelnut soy lattes without having to break out in sweat. (I live in LA, y'all... I actually crave "crispy" weather...)

In celebration of the new season, I indulged in a lick of Kate Spade (see the Bisous Lips Noelle blouse above), How cute is her latest collection?!? Paired with a skinny belt (black or red patent), this silk top is bananas.

Peepshow

Presented storyboards for my second-year film today. The star of the film will be a lil' suicidal granny named Ethel. Can't wait to build the stop-motion version of her!

Mine.

Imma let you finish, but my cougar cub is the best sig-o (significant other) in the whole-wide-world! (Or at very least, Burbank.)

Yup, yup, yup, he's back in town, spreading joy. After picking him up from LAX earlier today, we grubbed at one of our fav cheap-eat joints, The Beach Hut at Manhattan Beach. And once our bellies were happy and full, we stopped by Single Stone in downtown LA to picked up the ring!

Better photos to come. In the meantime, enjoy these. One of "the ring" and one of "Pon de Lion," the mascot for a popular Japanese donut chain. The spheres that make up his mane are supposed to be donut holes. My vintage engagement ring looks like this donut lion. I love that.

Yard Sale

Lehman Brother's art for under $2,000. You don't have to be a master of the universe to snag works by Hockney, Lichtenstein, and Rauschenberg. Bankers looking for an elegant office decoration - and one with a conversation-starting provenance - should check out the catalogue HERE.

Pick Your Nose

*Tee-Hee* Too adorable not to post. Available at Cox & Cox.

Beam Me Up

Lamp for the guest room is on its way. Doesn't he (yes, it's a boy!) look warm?

Calling Back-Up

Gabe Bondoc's management (yes, even YouTube stars have representation) got back to me and le cub, and we were told that it's too early to say whether or not Gabe would be free to perform for our guests on the big day. Not wanting to be left hanging, I did some research online, and no worries, y'all! Le cub and I have found another soulful crooner in Tini Grey. Click HERE to listen. Of the samples provided, I dig "On and On" :)

Pictured: Doodles of some old ladies. My second-year stop-motion film is going to feature a couple of them.

G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S

Whereas some folks start their mornings with a cup of jo, others (ME!) start their mornings with wedding gown fittings at Monique Lhuillier. *Jillian shriek* Okay, okay, my mornings don't always start like so. I, like you, am a Muggle, so my mornings start with *drumroll please* morning breath. (TMI!) But hey, today was a special day. I awoke to a sea of to-die-for, ivory perfecetion. After stripping down to a thong for Megan, my really helpful bridal consultant, I tried on a bevy of amazing dresses in silk organza, satin, chantilly lace... With much effort, I was able to narrow their wide selection down to two very different gowns. Looking forward to stopping by Monique's atelier a second-time in a week or two to make my final decision. Only this time, I'll be armed with my fashionable sidekicks, Pam and/or Kathy.

Not going to divulge much more - le cub sometimes reads le cougar's blog - but I just can't stop gushing about my lovely experience. Work on your storyboards, Debra. Do it. Meh! I think I'm going to continue obsessing over silk mousseline chiffon for five minutes more... It feels too good.

Pictured: Monique's frothy, ethereal, non-bridal collection from 2007. *swoon*

Mama-maya!

Evening classes for Maya are OOC. Out-of-control. *sigh*

Charmed

A vintage embroidered painting that needs no praise as it speaks for itself. It possesses the charm of a toddler's drawing with the exquisite handiwork of a ridonkulously talented artist. Or ooh... does this not remind you of the works of Andre Derain? Hands-down my favorite find from Elisabeth's Fine Little Shop.

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

Le cub is leaving for Memphis in six hours. That makes me sad. But he's returning on Thursday. And that makes me glad!

Light as a Cloud

Gilles Mendel's message for Spring at J.Mendel was "Specialness, preciousness, and value—with a little something to make you dream." I'm dreaming alright.......... dreaming about the above-pictured dress! I'd pair the fluffy gown with these to-die-for Henry Dunay coral and diamond vintage earrings (previously available at www.1stdibs.com). Yuuuuum.

Also pictured, a crazy-cute polka-dotted number by Vanessa Seward of Azzaro. Perfect for a honeymoon, no?!

Feelin' Like an Animal!

Le cub and I made a reservation to dine at Animal next Saturday - a restaurant run by two cool dudes, Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo. The restaurant opened in Los Angeles in June 2008 to widespread acclaim, and the duo even won Food & Wine Best New Chefs of 2009. As if this weren't enough already, the restaurant also received a James Beard nomination for Best New Restaurant. Mmm... James Beard. All this blah-blah-blah aside, the real reason behind our desire to dine at Animal is that Shook and Dotolo also cater weddings... Should Animal turn out to be an amazeballs culinary experience, we just may be able to check off yet another box on our wedding planning list :)

More about Animal here.

Pictured above: Animals (stuffed) from the Natural History Museum.

Oui, Oui, Oui!

Appointment at Monique Lhuillier's lil' Melrose shop on Tuesday before class. Since le cub and I are having a rather untraditional wedding as is (no church, a married maid-of-honor, no cake), I think I'm going traditional with "the dress." All this said, I'm still tempted to "go nuts" as Alber Elbaz did when designing Lanvin's 2010 Resort bridal looks. Such fun!

Miss Behaved

Le cub and I stopped by Single Stone in downtown Los Angeles earlier today, and together we picked out a vintage engagement ring! The ring is nothing like what I'd planned on or imagined picking (neither a round cut nor an asscher cut), but the moment we slipped it on, we knew. We'd found the one. I can't wait to start flaunting my douchey-bling next week. *annoying Jillian-from-the-Bachelorette-shriek* Photo to be posted.

P.S. Ari and Patty of Single Stone were so lovely to deal with that I opened up a Yelp account to give them the five-star review that they deserve.

Mad, Mad, Mad

Le cub and I are mad for Mad Men. As are the characters of Sesame Street!

Miles

The length of Giovanna's amazing legs. *stubby legs of mine, why do you fail me?*

The name of me and le cub's future baby, if he should be a boy. Repeat "Miles" mulitple times, and you'll start saying "Smiles." *tee-hee*

Happy Hump Day.

Photo by The Sartorialist)

America's Best Dance Class

Last night, before screening Shane Acker's "9" (with the talented Shane Acker himself present), I attended America's Best Dance Class as taught by Milo Levell (who just so happens to be friends with "America's Best Dance Crew" judge, Shane Sparks), at UCLA. Gramps, The Body and I purchased a UCLA Fitness Pass, which translates into endless hours of cardio-fun. (We're going to Kranking tonight. Mind you, I have no idea what the work-out entails...)

Keeping in mind that I'm terribly uncoordinated and possess no rhythm, try to imagine me running through "hip-hoppy" warm-up moves. OMG... seeing myself in the ginormous dance mirrors had me giggling to no end. The class is SICK. And by "sick", I mean, fantastic.

Come join me. Tuesdays from 5 til 6 at the Wooden Center...

Go-Go Gadget

My new (actually old, as it's used) SLR: Nikon D70.
It came highly-recommended by photo-fiends and stop-motion animators alike.
While there clearly are fancier cameras on the market that offer more bells-and-whistles, frankly speaking, I wouldn't know what to do with more features...

So yeah... camera? Check! Storyboards for the stop-motion film to be photographed by this new camera? Er... I'm working on it!

Magic

My classmate, Kevin, introduced me to PES. As Christopher Walkens would put it, "Wowee, Wow, Wow!"

We Are Lego

A fantastic line from this past Sunday's Curb Your Enthusiasm... so good.

Adoring THIS outfit and the lil' weirdo wearing it.

Saw a posting on a bulletin board outside the locker rooms for the Bonnie Hunt Show tix, called the number posted, and woo-hoo! Gramps, The Body and I got tix to sit pretty in the studio audience come October 8th. According to Bonnie's peeps, the audience gets served hot dogs and root beer beforehand. YAY! And ooh, the guests that day are Gerard Butler and Christian Bale (my loves him in "Little Woman"). Bit awesome? Bit sausagey? Wahaha. Me thinks YEAH... and the best part is, it's free.

MIKA. In concert on October 23rd. Trembling with excitement.

Class is back in session in full force. Got my MAYA ass kicked last night. *sniffle*

Pictured: I don't know these guys, but I love them anyway. The pink shoes blow my mind. This photo was plucked from some wedding site.

Oldies are Goodies

Brainstorming for my second-year stop-motion film. My grams would make for a great subject... just sayin'...

This Love is Serious

Dearest Consuelo, How much do I love thee? Let me count the ways... Oh how you never cease to amaze me! Floored by your genius use of color and texture, this Marni-print devotee agrees to disagree (haha, I love it when people say that) with fashion's greatest editors who insist that you should have incorporated more prints in your collection. You and your collection are perfection - just the way y'all are. Come Spring of 2010, I will certainly be lurking in the racks of the Bev Hills Neiman's to get a close-up peek at the work of art that is Marni. Love always, *sign in blood* Le Petit

Pictured above (courtesy of style.com), Marni Spring RTW 2010.

Dear Doctor

Q: Why'd the clown go to the hospital?

A: Because he was feeling funny!

*canned laughter* Sorry. I couldn't resist.

A commission I whipped up two years ago.

Dough Girl

"Like a moth to the flame, burnt by the fire... my love is blind, can't you see my desire?"

I heart carbs, and nothing's going to separate me from them. Oh wait. Nothing but that stoooopid white dress I'm going to have to fit into and be photographed in like no other come August of 2010... That said, I'm devising a game plan. With the help of my friends, "Gramps" and "The Body", I intend to get into shape. Last week, our lil' trio stopped by the Wooden Center at UCLA and picked up fitness passes that will provide us with access to group exercise classes of all sorts. Our first class? America's Best Dance Class. This is the course description:

Love to dance? Want to get a great cardio workout?
You won’t stop smiling in this mostly continuous,
moderately choreographed dance aerobics class. It’s
just dancing for fun and a great workout!

Rrrright. I'm uber-uncoordination, so this should be a trip :)

Bare Necessities

Etsy provides me with endless entertainment.
THESE two hard-boiled egg warmers are freakin' awesome.
SO necessary.

Not Worthy

*drum-roll please* I present y'all with "Dead All Along" by Giles Timms> Like me, Giles is an MFA candidate at UCLA's department of Theater, Film and Television. Diggin' the video's Gorey-esque vibe.