high waisted shorts

I know that most trends weren't made for all body types but I have been on a mission to make the high waisted styles work on me. I have tried on a hundred pairs from different stores but my body shape is pretty square so I always end up looking like Spongebob Squarepants. I refused to stop searching, declaring to my boyfriend that "I will get myself in a pair of high waisted pants." (He was most likely thinking, "Less talk about what pants you're getting into, more about how to get you out of them).

Alas, I have finally found a pair that fits! I realized I was trying on ones that went too high (below the chest does not work!). These Sparkle & Fade shorts sit right at the waist and the belted, paper bag top helps to make the illusion of a slimmer waist. 

Alice Ritter

Check out the slideshow of the Fall '11 lookbook here.

Banksy

Imagine my pleasant surprise when I stumbled upon a Banksy while walking around in Park City, Utah. It was snowing out and you can see a few of the flurries in this photo. I just love his work. 

PS. Have you guys seen Exit Through The Giftshop? If not, you should definitely add it to your Netflix queue. 

Daisy eau so fresh

I normally wear Marc Jacob's Daisy, which I love, partly because it was named after a character in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, The Great Gatsby. I'm thinking about switching to this lighter and more floral version, Eau So Fresh, for the spring. 

wedge shoes

I tried wearing heels to work the other day and I really don't know how people do it. The walk to the subway alone was unbearable, staying in them for the rest of the day was almost impossible. I am determined to be able to function in heels so I think I'm going to give these wedge shoes from Aldo a try.   They look proper enough for work and the rubber wedge heel actually seems comfy.

flannels

I pretty much live in flannel in the winter. I'm sure I look like a boy but it's just so darn comfortable. I looked at my closet the other day and thought, "I may have a problem."

A few weeks ago I started cracking up when I was doing my boyfriend's laundry (pictured below). It appears we have the same problem. At least we can share. : )

TOMS shoes

These would be perfect to wear on a summer bike ride. (Is summer here yet?)

P.S. - TOMS is expanding to more than just shoes!

pretty dress

I kinda need this dress for spring. Wouldn't it look so cute with a pair of brown oxfords?

helping hands

I wrote my first post for Refinery29 today about products you can purchase whose proceeds go to help with relief efforts in Japan and spreads the message. Every action, no matter how small, counts. We are all citizens of the same planet. 

(Print by Nan Lawson)

mia madre

I came across this photo of my mom the other day and I actually thought it was me at first glance. (That's a little compliment to myself. : ) ) 70's style is coming back this Spring and I wonder if I'll walk around looking like her mini-me. I never could pull off blue eye shadow quite like her. 

(I think I'm going to give her a call today to remind her how beautiful she is and how much she's loved).

notecards

I love writing and receiving notecards so I was so excited when I found these on Rue Renee's Etsy store. It's even awesomer that she's a fellow Astorian. (Yay Queens!)

These Thank You notes came in handy this week following an interview I had. Although, I definitely didn't want to part with them and debated sending two different interviewers one card. (Don't worry! I spared two in the end).

cats

It was only a matter of time before Mr. Gustavo made his debut on Mi Piace. I am such a cat lady. Doesn't he look so dignified in front of the book shelf? I feel like he should have a pipe, mustache, and British accent. 

Also, I thought this was so funny for those who don't like (non ti piace) cats. 

bikes

Can I live here? 

(As seen on You Are My Fave)

angry birds

I was curious about all the hype so when I got my iPad for Christmas the first app I downloaded was Angry Birds. Oh yes, it is as addictive as everyone described. And now, while I'm pulling slingshots on my iPad, I could have this Angry Bird plush toy from Urban Outfitters hanging out with me.

So angry. So cute.

recipe notebook

Most mornings I stand in front of my closet thinking, "I have nothing to wear," even though my clothes fill up four closets and a dresser. I do the same thing in the evening, standing in front of the open refrigerator, at a loss for dinner ideas. I've made so many recipes but when it comes time to cook, I can't think of one. 

This Recipe Notebook from Anthropologie would be the perfect remedy. I could jot down all my recipes in one place and refer to it when I'm planning a meal. 

one shoulder wedding dress

I've found my wedding dress! OK, maybe I'm getting a little ahead of myself here. I'm not even engaged.   But sometimes, when I'm sitting at my desk, I go into mini panic attacks about completely irrelevant topics. Does this ever happen to you? I'll be sitting in the office worrying that I don't know what to do in case of a shark attack. (Is it punch them in the nose or poke their eyes out?)

Today, I worry that I don't have a dream wedding dress in mind, should someone ask for my hand in marriage like right now. (Which is more unlikely? A shark attack in the office or someone proposing?)

OK fine, I'll just take the feather hair piece for now. 

(Dress by BHLDN)

typewriters & flea markets

I went to a flea market in Raleigh, NC a few weeks ago and spotted this 1940's typewriter. I circled past it a million times wondering how I would get the 50 pound, non functioning object on the plane back to NYC. I imagined myself on the security line. 

"Excuse me, Sir. The sign says you have to take out your laptop, but what about typewriters?"

I had to buy it just to see the faces of the other passengers.

Ciao. Hello.

When I began studying Italian I could form only the most basic sentences, limited to the few vocabulary words I could memorize. While my verb conjugating skills were still rusty, I would manipulate my conversations around describing things that I like and dislike, surely, leaving me to appear less sophisticated than I am.

My vocabulary has expanded since, but sometimes it’s just simpler (and more fun!) to speak (and act) like an eight-year-old. My name is Nina. This is a blog about things I like, and sometimes, things I don’t like.

Tanto piacere (So nice to meet you).