Thursday, March 5, 2009

Dog Days

I may have mentioned before that our two dogs, Itchy and Moose, are living with my parents while E and I are in the midst of this move; we probably won't have them with us until we buy a place again as finding an apartment to accommodate all our needs as well as allow a 70lb-plus pup (Itchy) proved to be a little too difficult. Living with Itchy in an apartment could have been a bit of a nightmare anyway, as he is rather fond of barking at odd noises, but it doesn't make E and I wish they were with us any less.


And as much as I miss them on a daily basis, I am not sure there is anywhere I miss them more than I do here at our home. They are as much a part of this house to me as the walls and the roof. Even when E was deployed, even when he was missing from this place, they were here by my side.

To not have them here never feels right-- I half expect to look out the back window and see Itchy sunning himself in the yard or to glance up and notice Moose sleeping on the shelf of the coffee table (his favorite spot.) Since my "boys" are heavily on my mind right now, I hope you won't mind indulging in some dog-adoration here at Under A Paper Moon.















For those of you who have pups by your side or waiting for you at home, give them some extra pets today; I wish I could do the same.
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Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Utilitarian Chic

Earlier, I pondered what type of weekender bag I'd love the most if I were getting one for my road trip today. I considered some bags with fun prints, but I equally love the idea of utilitarian-chic totes with buckles and leather...

When I look at each of the following bags, I can imagine exactly how I'd want to travel while carrying them. I'd be driving a lovely vintage car or hoping on-board a private plane, perhaps one I'd pilot myself.


I'd wear a crisp white button-down with a well-cut pair of linen pants (ones that miraculously never wrinkle, natch) and a pair of bronze metallic sandals. And I'd have a pair of aviators to shield my eyes from the sun.

This outfit is pretty close, and I wouldn't complain about looking like her!
Jonathan Miller

And, of course, I'd be jotting off to some exotic locale, such as Morocco for a long weekend (never mind that such a trip wouldn't likely entail only a weekender-size bag for me...)


Where I'd take a glass of tea under this rooftop tent and watch as the sun set.


-Sigh-

Oh. Right. The bags!

I carried a white bag nonstop a few summers ago, and by the end of the season, it was definitely showing its wear. I know how impractical a bag like this is, especially for travel, but I can't help but lust after them all the same, including this lovely one from J.Crew.

I'd more than happily carry the gorgeous Balenciaga Giant Weekender in Sahara or almost any of the multitude of colors in which it is available.

The six-pocket extra large travel bag by Valhalla certainly looks roomy enough to carry all the things I could throw in it, yet it retains a stylish appearance too.


I love the Mulholland Safari Bag in waxed canvas; the bag, like many of its Mulholland counterparts, makes me a little weak in the knees-- a bit masculine, yes, but still oh-so-chic. And I'm positive it's a bag E would be happy to carry too.


I saw this tool bag mentioned months ago on Urban Grace; with its canvas and leather exterior paired with an interior full of pockets and dividers, I was instantly intrigued with the idea of it as a weekend tote-- I have been ever since.

I am about to hit the road, sadly, without any of these beauties, but I am excited all the same. I love a little roadtrip with some good tunes and a sunny day!
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Packing Light

I am a horrible packer.

I don't lack the ability to arrange things well in my suitcase or car, rather I seem to lack the ability to limit what I bring. I always wonder what I'll actually be in the mood to wear and even sometimes what array of activities I might do, so, it is rather inevitable-- I overpack.


I'm getting ready to head home for about a week (to work on our house as we continue getting it ready to put on the market.) While normally a trip of this length would entail stuffing my large suitcase to the brim, since most of my spring clothes are still at our house, I don't need to take quite as much with me this time.


I would love to have a new weekender-size bag to throw my things inside, and I can't quite decide which of these bags would make the final cut if I were getting one for the trip (ok, so I might actually need two...)

I might love a bag with a fun print...

This bright orange and white bag from Anny & Me seems perfectly suited for summer.

I adore this DrikaB bag; even with its print and detailing, it still appears neutral enough to pair with a variety of outfits and color palettes.

I don't love looking at this many cars while sitting in traffic, but I do love looking at them on this Orla Kiely travel tote.


I'm not sure which of the above Virginia Johnson bags, available at Beklina, I would want the most, but I am sure if I were taking a trip to the beach, I would love to have either at my side.

Stay Tuned-- more possible bag options later today!
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