Deep Thoughts: Free from Baggage

Aiming for a happy medium between these two

I'm a classic over-packer. "What? Four pairs of shoes for 24 hours in Chicago is unreasonable?!"

I always begin with sparse intentions, carefully planning outfits and accessories but end up throwing in half my closet at the last minute, "just in case." Faced with the daunting task of packing for a 9 day excursion to Morocco is extremely challenging in itself, but I'm also limiting myself to one (!) piece of checked luggage, so this time I'm determined to tote along only the bare necessities.

My initial instincts to channel Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca were regrettably, but quickly discarded, because as much as I'd love to don fedoras, khaki trench coats and elegant two piece suits, these don't exactly scream low maintenance, nor do they save room in my suitcase. Also considering Morocco is an Arab influenced nation means I've got to go a little more, ahem, conservative than I normally do, while still managing to be (and look like) myself.

Here's what I've decided to bring:

• Charlotte Beach Pants and Jumpsuit
• Leggings in gray and black
• Alexander Wang and American Apparel tanks
• Burnout tees
• Cardigans in gray and black
• 2 swimsuits: loeffler randall and ella moss
• 2 or 3 jersey dresses
• A crazy DVF dress that's probably only appropriate when worn in Africa
• A giant Cynthia Vincent tote so I have plenty of room to bring back gifts for friends

Help! What am I forgetting?

Atticus Spring Soiree!

So cute it hurts to look...newest Atticus models, our friends Jon and Skye

What's better than warm weather, great music and unbelievable deals? Nothing that we can think of!

Join Atticus as we toast Spring with an afternoon soiree this Saturday, April 17, 2010 at 12 p.m. Stock up at the first farmers' market of the season, then stop by for refreshments and an extra-special performance from Brooklyn based musician, J.M. Airis.

If that's not enough incentive, we're also offering fantastic one-day only deals on our newest Spring merchandise!

The more you spend, the more you save:

Spend $125 Save $25
Spend $250 Save $50
Spend $500 Save $100
Spend $750 Save $150
Spend $1000 Save $200

Music starts at 1 p.m. See you there!

What Are You Wearing?

Last night in my geology class (yeah, that's right...don't make fun of me) my group members switched our research project from volcanos to earthquakes. As everyone was discussing what we could do for the project, my contribution was, "I can wear my Hope for Haiti tee!". It must have still been on my mind this morning while getting dressed because it was all I could think of to wear. Today I'm wearing

-To Haiti with Love tee

-Current/Elliott cropped skinnies

-LnA black Scoop Neck tee

-Black Hunter Wellies

What are you wearing?

What Are You Wearing? Rainy Day Edition

Dreary weather may create somber moods, but I love it. There's nothing better than cozying up in bed, listening to thunder and rain, or in my case, letting Lorrie Moore and the melodic tapping of my ancient G4 lull me to sleep during the first spring storm. Maneuvering treacherous elements in style requires a bit more finesse, but you needn't let cloudy skies keep you from looking bright.

Investing in rainy weather gear is a must for any urban dweller (or pseudo urban dwellers who rarely venture beyond their 10 block concrete playgrounds). Fashion forward rubber boots, candy-colored slickers and delightfully fun umbrellas keep you from focusing on how miserable it is if forced to venture beyond your bed. And with nearly every brand churning out adorable, not to mention affordable, accessories, your weather wear is an opportunity to punch it up and have fun.

My favorites:

• Hunter Wellies
• A classic trench coat
• Marc Umbrellas
• Plush tights (to keep the chill at bay)
• A waterproof nylon bag

Photos 'borrowed' from Mr Newton and Vogue

What Are You Wearing?

I absolutely hate out of season weather. Not because of the sunshine, people finally going outside or the drum player serenading me outside of the store. I hate it because my instincts tell me not to dress in clothes that don't involve five different layers, Uggs and jeans. However, I refuse to look the part of a junior high girl with my shorty shorts, flip flops, tank top and pasty white skin on the first day of April in Wisconsin. So, I compromised and didn't wear full Uggs, real denim or long sleeves. Today I'm wearing:

-Current/Elliott Cropped Skinnies in Bluebell

-LnA Zipper Pocket Tee

-Splendid Cardi

-Ugg Dakotas

-An assortment of House of Harlow jewelry

What are you wearing?

In The Bag: Alison

Administrative authority by day and graphic design guru by night, Alison Monday also knows her way around a kitchen, a sewing machine and the blogosphere. One would assume such a creative chameleon would carry a bag jam packed with remnants of her many projects. Instead, being the super cool girl she is, she carries only the necessities. And some rock candy.

Bag?
Ashley Watson

What's in your bag?

iPhone, 2 pairs of sunglasses, business cards, keys, wallet, iPod, toiletry bag that looks like a cassette player, a blue reusable shopping bag and rock candy

Notes On: Pants

Though most of the comments I make regarding my distain for wearing pants are facetious, I really have taken somewhat of a hiatus from wearing the garment. The pieces that I once couldn't get through the week without wearing (Current/Elliott bf jeans, Acne skinnies and my old Gap camouflage cargos) were collecting dust on the top-most shelf of my closet while I rocked leggings, skirts and dresses for the duration of the dark season. Then came the fall runway shows, and suddenly it appeared the fashion world was once again obsessed with pants. Fixated on pleated trousers from Ann Demuelemeester, leather crop pants at Isabel Marant and velvet at Alexander Wang (which I'm sure I'll come to love by the time they hit the retail floor), I was inspired to pull down my old faves and create some updated looks. In anticipation of what I'm predicting to be the summer of many things including pants, I am offering you a list of the looks I plan to wear in heavy rotation:

1. Acne Gin Chinos in navy rolled at the ankle with an Alexander Wang Classic T and driving flats

2. Current/Elliott Captain Trousers in army (coming soon!) with a beater and my C/E Bomber Vest

3. Splendid Harem Pants with a worn in t-shirt and my trusty Acne jean jacket