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When I was a little girl I had this ritual where I would take out all of my favorite books and line them up in neat rows. Then I would open the books up to my favorite pages and stand above them and soak them all in. I did this often, but never told anyone. I’m not sure why. Today, out of the blue, I decided to relive this odd little old ritual. I started out simple, but then the ritual took a drastic turn. The pleasure of turning the pages to my favorite parts was no longer enough. (Must be the influence of my days as a book designer.) Because now I have to make sure all the different pages and size of the books make for a good composition. And instead of just wanting to align them, I got carried away (and this is embarrassing) for 4hrs looking through all my art books. I sometimes very reluctantly have such an appreciation/obsession for book design. Sure the content has to be there to start, but the labor that goes into carefully laying out each page so that the flow of the book compliments the subject is incredibly hard to do. With art books, I never purchase them if the content and design are not perfectly woven together. Come on,  just look at this one eye spine (above), where the image wraps around the entire book leaving this freaky little detail to peek out of your bookshelf. Yes, and that’s how 4 hrs flew by. At the end, the “soaking-in” moment was taken over by me standing on a ladder, sweating to photograph this layout. Oy.

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I had a simple realization the other day that smacked me over the head—hard. I started blogging to document things that interested me, pure and simple. For a while there I forgot that for the pure momentary pleasure of “being liked”. Nothing wrong with that, except when it takes away from what you’ve so carefully curated. Ok enough of this serious BS, enjoy the pictures guys and have a good night!

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There is a perfectly legitimate reason for these pants. It’s almost identical to the very famous Martinique (banana leaf) wallpaper, originally created  for the Beverly Hills Hotel in 1942. I first came across the pattern in the Golden Girls (my favorite TV show ever) back when I was just an elementary school girl. I had no idea what was really going on in the show, especially in Blanche’s bedroom, but I was glued to that wallpaper. I had never seen such bold patterns on a wall before, and thus began my dream of one day owning a home just so I can cover it with the Martinique wallpaper. Oh yes, and it’s still going. I have yet to own a home but I sure can afford to own these pants!


Top: AA cropped to

Bottom: Michael Kors

Shoes: Joe’s Jeans
Jewelry: Surrounded Body Necklace by Brook&Lyn

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I’m often asked who takes all the photos on my blog. All my outdoor outfit photos are taken by Brian, my husband. Everything else is me. When Brian does take my photo, it’s a grueling process. We often bicker in the middle the road about everything from exposure settings to what makes for a “good composition”. By no means would we ever call ourselves “photographers” but we both have strong opinions when it comes to this subject matter; hence the lack of outdoor outfit shots on my blog. But in the midst of 102 degree heatwave, it all came together on this shoot. I mostly like the fact that I look like another prop. I have more images to share from this day but I thought this single photo needed its own post. Good job Wits!

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I didn’t mean to go butch when picking out this outfit but I look like one tough cookie! I’m really digging this don’t-mess-with-me look. It must be in the power of my new jeans. Cargo pants originated back in 1930’s for purely military purposes. The pockets as you probably suspected were used for easy access to ammunition and radios. Mine also have fully functional pockets, but at the most I would use them to store snacks.


Top: AA tee, sleeves cut-off

Bottom: Skinny Cargo Hudson Jeans available at Barneys

Shoes: Gap

Bag: Balencaiaga
Belt: Vtg Alexis Kirk

Necklace: Surrounded Double Roped Necklace by Brook&Lyn Jewelry

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When I saw this dress in Uniqlo I snatched it up right away to wear with my favorite Surrounded Double Roped Necklace. This dress has everything I love right now, the soft coloring, interesting draping (looks like water ripples to me) and the best part, it only cost me $30! Not to mention if you’re having one of those not-so-flat-stomach days, its the perfect distraction!


Dress: Uniqlo

Shoes: Dolce&Gabbana Peep toe snake skin sandals

Necklace: Surrounded by Brook&Lyn Jewelry


Don’t forget to follow me on twitter to get the latest news on everything Brook&Lyn.

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Some of my prize possessions in the color nude.

1. 1970’s vintage muscle man coffee cups…makes me happy everyday

2. Marc by Marc Jacbos Bag…my go-to bag for photo equipment

3. 1920’s vintage silk scarf…with perfect rope fringe accents

4. Oatmeal owl soap on a rope…found on my last trip to RI

5. Hand bound book…made while I was studying in Basel, Switzerland