On Saturday morning I went to breakfast with my BFF to 22 Doors (405 15th Ave E Seattle). The BFF and I have hauled up at 22 Doors before (during the windstorms last year). We loved it there for two reasons. They had Burgers (which is exactly what we were craving) and Cute Bar Tenders who didn't bock at us for wanting (more than one) shot of Tequila at 2:00 in the afternoon on a school day (he also didn't mind when we skipped out for a minute to the card and knickknack shop next door to buy a Cow Creamer). So, we went again for brunch and it was perfectly delicious. We both sipped the homiest, freshest, most perfectly executed bloody Mary we have ever had (It was both creamy and spicy with just enough vodka). My BFF had a Veggie Omelet with caramelized onions, sweet peppers, and yummy cheese. I had the Huevos Rancheros which was elegantly executed on a small corn tortilla, topped with a modest amount of spicy black beans, atop were two perfectly poached eggs, and encompassed with the most perfect pico de gallo. The only poor part of the meal is that our toast was strangely un-toasted. And we only cared because we were both carving the jam that comes in the little packages.

So, we like 22 Doors for brunch because:
It's not Pesos.
They have a creative, yummy, and a foodie like brunch menu.
The make excellent Bloody Mary's
It's on 15 in the Capitol Hill Neighborhood which is the love child of Madrona and and Capitol Hill (Broadway).
It is the last place in Seattle where there is free two hour parking.
It was not too full and there were no babies*

* I like babies. I work with Babies everyday and think they are wonderful. However I do not always want to be around babies, I hope you understand.

p.s.

I have now purchased several colors of the Wanted Ballet Flats from Shoe Pavilion online. I can't help it. Everywhere I step someone asks me if I am wearing "tory's". If they only knew...

Oh, and, it seems most colors are sold out in the 7-8 size range. I've made friends with the manager of the SF's store who has all sorts of sizes not available on the Web. If you need the hook up, email me and I'll pass along the info with the notion that you will keep it with the utmost confidence.

p.p.s

I'll be at the Post Secret Reading this evening at 7:30 @ Elliot Bay Books with my BFF (one is never to old for a BFF). Then we're off to get Crepes and Vino on the Hill at 611 Supreme. Come say hello and we can lock pinkys and transmit secrets telepathically. I'll keep your secrets tuck right underneath my collar bone just in case you need them at a moments notice

A long time ago before Rock and Republic branded asses with a GIANT obstructive R  - I was romantically involved with an amazing pair of low slung, dark washed, thick as can be denim that made any ass righteous. It wasn't long after I found my lover that they made the move  - as most once fantastically cut denim labels eventually do - to the mass mass market. And to do so, you must create an insignia so your denim can be 1) copied by low end retailers and 2) recognized from more than 100 ft away.

As you know, I'd given up all hope on great denim for fall, thinking we'd, ehem, I'd be stuck in black trousers and dresses for the next few months. Until...I took an evening walk yesterday and stumbled into Kuhlmans (I know I have been talking and loving Kuhlmans a lot lately, but I have to say they are the last of the original lovely boutiques in this city that have not sold out to insanely high prices and Juicy Couture or BCBG. They continue to have high quality unique pieces that are brought into the store with purpose, reason, and with a high amount of thought involved. Plus they have shop boys and girls who actually know what they are talking about.), again. I discovered Kasil Denim for women. Now I totally aware I am like a year late on this. And, I have been aware of Kasil denim for that long (the dater owns a fantastic pair). But its just now I have tried them on. and wow. Just wow.

I am fond of these, Kasil Gwen




and these, Kasil Haley




Both ~ $200.00 available at Kuhlman's. They have limited stock.

(I did notice they run a bit big as they are meant to be worn low on the hips, so I went a size down as I am too old to be slinging things on my hips)

You  can't see much of a difference in the photo, but trust me, when you have them on your body they are TOTALLY different. They are well cut, thoughtfully tailored, with well executed color and texture. Each with the right amount of stretch. Thanks Kasil. You've restored my faith that good denim, really good denim, is still available for purchase.

ps- Who do I know in Dallas?

Did Anyone notice that tonight's sky looked like it was painted by Bob Ross?  The clouds were were perfect "schwoop, schwoops" and mountains were happily sitting close to one another, friends for a lifetime.

I've made a promise this winter to stay warm as often as possible. I am far too old to convince myself that running around in a party top in the dead of winter (or the early fall for that matter. burrr. It's been cold, huh?) is a good idea. Or bearable. I have been on the hunt for 1) a longish sweater in black and 2) a "puffy" coat in black, with or with out a hood. I wanted something reasonably priced, and not to "juicy couture". I wanted something devoid of bells and whistles and opulence. Not easy to come by in this day-in-age where more is better (glitter, fabric, logos, buttons, etc.).

Good News. I FOUND THEM!




I found the Jacket at Kohl's, original price 160.00 on sale for $100.00 (purchased by my mother, Thanks Mama!), Kohls online or in-store.



Ben Sherman Cable Knit Sweater, $144.00, Kuhlmans on First Ave in Belltown.

If you need me. I'll be here and there staying warm, simple, and fashionable. If we happen to bump into one another? Let's dash into the first place that warms bourbon the old fashion way and tell stories about when we thought we knew it all.

I've been stepping lightly since we turned the corner to October. It's a deceiving little month - everything on the outside always seems lovely, but at the core there are tiny molecules planning a party where I stand alone in the corner and never get asked to dance. I can say, October, you have started on a path to betterness. Last year brought one of the loveliest days of love thus far and a few of memories I'd tattoo on the inside of my eyelids (if that was the sort of thing I did).

Let's continue gently together, okay?

Over the weekend I did have a chance to check out Vera Wang's new line at Kohls. What's Kohls you ask. GREAT question. I had no idea this store existed. Think, Marshall's with a dash of TJ max and a 1/4 c. of Target. There are 3 Kohl's stores in our area (who knew!?). Two north and one south.

I got this (with out the belt):



49.99, Simply Vera @ Kohls

I considered these:





each about 50.00, Simply Vera available on line or @ Kohls

I have to say. The images on the site do not do the line justice. The clothes fit well-ish and the colors are rich and the fabrics lush for the price. Some items ran HUGE, so be careful when ordering online. You are most likely safe with your standard size (S,M,L) for sweaters. I'd go a size or two smaller in dresses/skirts. And if you are a small in tops or blouses, you're screwed. Sorry.