All the Shoes I Own #7: Clark's Desert Boots

Clark's desert boots in sand.

LOVE these. Another pair of men's shoes that I couldn't find in my size and didn't have the patience to try and find online, so they're about 1.5 sizes too big. Ooops! I really like the way that these wear in, and it's such a classic style, I would wear them in every color. I'm thinking I might try and find a women's pair in chocolate brown for fall. Though the men's version comes in an oakwood suede with checkered lining... decision decisions.


disses and kisses @toomanyronis

Robyn "Indestructable" Music Video

I'm a pretty huge Robyn fan. I even got my dad hooked on her (and damned if he isn't the coolest dad on the block bumping "Don't f***ing tell me what to do!"). Here's her latest video, it's pretty risque (NSFW I guess). And the song is pretty awesome. So overall, I'd say it's a win win. Tell me what you think!


Robyn 'Indestructible' Official Video

Viktor and Rolf, they are my soulmates.

Viktor & Rolf Spring 2011, via Style.com.

I want to do one million collages and homages to this collection. It's the stuff my dreams are made of. If I'm being honest (and I am), I would wear EVERY piece in this collection – those last three gowns would be saved for really important things, of course. Like my wedding day? Check, decision made.

PS I can't wait to show you the amazeballs Katherine Kwei bag I got tonight... it's so so pretty and so good.

newsy? @toomanyronis

Dress Like A Stained Glass Window

National Cathedral / Erickson Beamon earrings / Lanvin ring / Alice + Olivia cardigan / YSL heels / Sass & Bide dress / Margiela bag

Last night there was a special on channel 13 about blowing glass and stained glass, which made me ruminate on how much I love it. I love colored glass in pretty much any incarnation, but have especially fond memories of the stained glass at the National Cathedral in Washington DC (pictured above at left), which I saw on a school trip in 8th grade (and bought my dad a tie printed in the stained glass design).

Then, trolling the "What's New" section of Net-a-Porter tonight, saw the Sass & Bide dress... and thus the above was born.

tweeter @toomanyronis

Nicki Minaj x Will.I.Am "Check It Out"

Oh Nicki. How I love you. The Black Eyed Peas, not so much, but Will.I.Am on his own, okayfine. This song is dangerously catchy (what's not to love about the Buggles sample!?!). She looks pretty cute in this one and the hip-hop-steampunkers get kind of mesmerizing after a while... I hope you like it, it's about to get major air time in the office.

get on a roni @toomanyronis

Opening Ceremony is Killing Me

Alexander Wang sweater / Cacharel blouse / Cacharel knit dress / Middle images via Color Collective / Suno x Loeffler Randal platforms / Charles Anastase wedges

The Opening Ceremony pre-sale email lured me in this morning, and left me scrolling, clicking and drooling for far too long. I adore these pieces for Spring, and the yummy colors and prints. The middle two images are from my latest blog obsession, Color Collective. It's so beyond good I don't even know what to say about it.

All the Shoes I Own #6: French Connection Platforms

FCUK strappy platform heels.

Got these on sale at French Connection (which, for the record, has incredible sales). The shop girls sold me by telling me that they looked better on me than on the giant poster of Alexandra Richards in the store. Yeah... I'm easily persuaded into buying things. But for the record her toes really looked fucked up.

These give me a lot of height and are slightly teetery, so I don't wear them on a very regular basis. They do have a certain sass that I love, though, and the satin-covered buttons on the sides are a really sweet detail.

find me @toomanyronis

What I Wore Today: Dim Sum at Golden Unicorn

French Connection blazer, Gap linen shirt, random jeans, Converse shoes, Forever 21 necklace and shades.

This morning we got up on the early side of things to go to Dim Sum in Chinatown with some friends. It was so. good. Any meal that revolves around buns of any sort is fine by me.

Then we came home for football and food magazines, and all the fall recipes for turkey, pie, stuffing, and pumpkin desserts of all kinds has me really excited for Thanksgiving. We're cooking this year (!!!) and I can't wait to try out some of the many autumnal recipes I've discovered. In the meantime, we picked up two mini pies (apple and pumpkin) from The Blue Stove to enjoy tonight. Can't wait.

thanksgiving tips and secrets appreciated @toomanyronis

Kanye's "Runaway"

In case you missed it last night, Here's Kanye's "Runaway." It's definitely pretty and worth watching if you have a half-hour to spare, lots of long shots in slow-motion and such. The basic story line is that a phoenix crashes to earth and Kanye takes her under his wing (PUN INTENDED).

Hope you like it.

What I Wore Today: Brunch at Sel de Mer

Forever21 Jacket and top and necklace / Lucky jeans / Nike dunks

Here's what I wore to Saturday brunch at my favorite spot, Sel de Mer. I had an incredible bowl of mussels in herbs, and I can't wait to try the spicy mussels with chorizo next time. I got this faux shearling jacket at Forever21 earlier this week, and wasn't sure if I was going to keep it. But after wearing it today, it was just too cozy to return.

Here is how I'm spending my Saturday:

November issues.

and...

Block printing!

Stay tuned for more.

Tweeter. @Toomanyronis

Let Me Smang It Girl

Just a little something to carry you through the weekend. I assert that this is a brilliant, hilarious joke, and that Yung Humma and Flynt Flossie (with that hot Tummiscratch production) are musical satirists of the highest caliber, not in fact mislead rappers with a dream. Their "label" is called Turquoise Jeep Music. So.

"I'ma have you lookin' like a Wild Thornberry." In case you forgot who the Wild Thornberrys are, here's a refresher photo.

True Prep

Kate Spade book clutch / Stubbs & Wootton slippers / Kate Spade glasses / Moschino blouse / Stella McCartney skirt / Jacket / Kate Spade necklace  

I'd love to wear this to work someday. I'm not usually this lady-like, but I've been yearning for a pair of Stubbs & Wootton slippies like these for a lonnnng time and just can't bring myself to spring for a pair. Kate Spade is KILLING it lately, especially with the book clutches (which are much more affordable than the Olympia Le Tan versions), and their and accessories have never been more appealing. Bow blouses are another must-have right now, seems like everytime I have an OOO moment it's over one like this sleeveless white version or the spotty D&G blouse I posted yesterday.

What do you think of this look?

don't be tardy @toomanyronis

All the Shoes I Own #5: Liberty Print Nike Dunks

Nike Liberty Print Dunks

So for those of you who used to read this blog when it was primarily a hip hop venture, you may remember me posting about these in my very first weeks of blogging. They originally retailed for something like $180 (I think?) which put them out of my league...

Until I found them at an Opening Ceremony sample sale around this time last year (one size too big but f*ck it) for TWENTY DOLLARS. I'm overthemoon obsessed with liberty print everything, so I coddle these a bit. They're my pride and joy. Sometimes I look at them and feel jealous of myself. JUST LOOK AT THEM.

did you hear that? @toomanyronis

Sperry, You're Killing Me

Clockwise: Rockstar boater / Quilted boater / Leopard bahama / Quilted Santa Maria / Corduroy Abacos / Olive Chukka / Northstar Boot / Suede 7 Eye

It's obvious that Sperry is trying to give me a heart attack and/or bankrupt me. Please feel free to send me any of these in a size 8. I love those quilted biddies, but the suede chukkas miggghhtttt be my favorites. But just don't make me decide okay? The tall boys are pretty fiery... gah okay clicking away now. The rest of you keep drooling.

T'will you tweet? @Toomanyronis

My Style, Then and Now

D&G chiffon blouse / Mawi earrings / J Brand corduroy jeans / Charlotte Olympia heels / Bottega Veneta clutch

Ahhh, another trip down sartorial memory lane. Let's just come out and say it: I look like a pissed off bitch in this photo. And I'll tell you why: it was the first day of school (I think 4th grade), and on the first day of school you have to gather up every iota of COOL within you and bring your A game to class. None of these iotas could be spared or misplaced for the sake of my mother's lens.

My brother, Elliott, on the other hand, looks RIDICULOUSLY badass. His cool points far surpass mine, with his albino ass hair, elastic-waist-highwater-light-wash denims and of course, the box-fresh Cons. A+ my friend.

While I would probably wear a purple cord dress if I could find one, I'd definitely opt for some cord skinnies. The D&G bow blouse – I mean... it's just so good.

See the first installment of My Style, Then and Now HERE!

Rockin' robin: tweet, tweet, tweet. @Toomanyronis

What I Wore on Sunday

Wearing my dad's wool sweater / BDG cigarette jeans / Pour La Victoire boots / American Apparel scarf / H&M sunnies.

Here's what I wore on Sunday for a walk across with BK bridge with my boyf's parents (clearly taken before I dropped my camera into a whirlpool of death). We had a gay old time strolling in the sunshine, and spent the afternoon drinking G&Ts outside on 2nd Ave. This outfit is pretty uninteresting, but boy, it sure was weather-appropriate.

Don't be a twat. @Toomanyronis

2 Pictures

Left image via mood; right from personal scan.

I love the small pop of blue on the chap's shoes, and the yellow+white pattern at the geisha's waist.

I'm all atwitter. @Toomanyronis

Two Things I Swoon For

Rag & Bone Eleanor pants, Esquivel Oxford Cloud.

These are two things I would do many immoral and potentially unethical things for. The Rag & Bone pants are so beyond amazing (enough so that I felt the need to show you them five times), but the Equivel blue-ombre oxfords are just about the gorgeous-est shoes I've ever seen. I would hold them in my arms and sing them a lullabye to sleep every night. Sigh.

Now accepting donations to the Better Roni Fashion Fund!

Bird, bird, twitter's the word: @TooManyRonis

All the Shoes I Own #4: Kenneth Cole Reaction Sandals

In light of the previously mentioned Kenneth Cole dinner I went to tonight, it's only appropriate that the latest installment of "All The Shoes I Own" be a pair of Kenneth Cole Reaction sandals that I bought in college. They are super comfy, and the sweet, simple design is one I'll continue to love for years to come.

In fact, I wore these on the night my boyfriend and I had our first kiss. We danced the night away at Savalas (before they banned hip hop and rap), smooched a bunch, and the rest is history. Update: together we just successfully murdered five mosquitos from the renegade army that has been torturing us for weeks. Go Team Teamwork!

What I Wore Today: Kenneth Cole Dinner

Forever 21 top, Chloë Sevigny for Opening Ceremony skirt, Phi heels.

Tonight, I was fortunate enough to attend an event on behalf of StyledOn to preview Kenneth Cole's Spring 2011 collection. There were a lot of pretty incredible bloggers there, so many in fact that I didn't get a chance to schmooze with as many as I would have liked, but I did get to chat with Keiko Lynn, Arielle of Something Navy, Wendy of Nitrolicious, and other babes.

The dinner spread was incredible, and the table was made of clear plexiglass filled with things from nature that represent Cole's inspiration for the Spring collection (Desert, Mountains, and Rain Forest). Unfortunately, I missed the fact that the center of the table was cut out and filled with water, and I casually set my camera down and accidentally ended up dunking it. My trusty boyf helped me to give it a rice bath when I got home, so my fingers are crossed that it will work again and I'll be able to retrieve all the photos I took of the evening. In the meantime, here is a look at what I wore to the event tonight, taken with my shoddy old digi from 2002. I don't wear these heels often, but I do love them, especially since I scored them for $50 at the Phi final sample sale. Lucky me!

Just Listen Before You Judge Me

I'm not a Gleek. I think it's weird that people refer to themselves as Gleeks and I think it's weird that there are millions of kids doing their homework to Glee compilations right now. That said, tonight Ante showed me a clip of a near-makeout sesh on Glee, which was pretty cool. And then I had to know, "What songs did they sing? ... Okay I'll just watch one." Which led to me watching all the video clips of the songs, without any of the context.

Me: "Did the blonde girl do a duet? Why not? Why is she pissed at her? Why is he pissed at him? Does the kid in the wheel chair get a duet?

Ante was very patient. BUT, this one, and I gotta say... shit like this makes me get why people like this show. I still think that for the most part, it's ridiculously uncomfortable to watch, but damn they can sing. And a Barbra / Judy duet cover?! Of two incredible songs sung at the same time?! I've already listened to it four times. Please do yourself a favor and watch, and then watch the original from a 1963 episode of The Judy Garland Show after the jump.

TOLD YOU.




Fun fact, Barbra was 21 when this was filmed, and got an Emmy nomination for her appearance on the show. She got her big break when someone from the Tonight Show (then hosted by Jack Paar) discovered her singing in a gay bar in the village called The Lion and booked her for the show! Love Babs.

All the Shoes I Own #3: Brown and Tan Nike Air Max 90s

Nike Air Max 90s

The first post of sneakers! Prettay exciting. I love these. I loved them so much when I saw them that even though they didn't have my size, I bought them a size and a half too big (they fit great with thick socks!). Truth be told I have a lot of shoes that that applies to, 'cause most stores don't carry small men's sizes, and I don't like many of the girls styles that are out there.

They're pretty worn, but probably one of the most comfortable shoes I own. Can't wait to show you more!

Hit me on my beeper: @Toomanyronis

Club Monaco + Shopbop + Partytime = Fun!

Man Repeller Leandra and me. The gaze of love.

Last night Casey, Leandra and I got the chance to preview the Club Monaco collection that went on sale on ShopBop.com today, and it was a fun fun fun night. I got to chat with Katy of Sugarlaws again, which was lovely, and met some other new friends in the online/blog world too! For the photo above we picked pieces from the collection to dress up in, and I LOVE the blazer I wore. Overall it was a wonderful time, a great collection, and good people.

Check out the whole story on StyledOn, and see my favorite pieces from the collection below!

What I Wore Today – Goth Mouth

Elizabeth & James sweater, FCUK dress, Uniqlo socks, BCBGeneration heels.

Gotta love the cobblestones of Soho. Here's what I'm today, I'm a little chilly but I don't trust the weathermen when they say it's going to be "cool." I'm wearing my "Va Va Violet" lipstick again, which was maybe a bit much for this outfit but I'm obsessed with it. Now I'm off to the launch party for Club Monaco's new e-retail venture on ShopBop, should be fun, and I get to see my long lost life-mate and über blogger and also funny gal, the Man Repeller. I miss her. Fun will be had by all.

I NEED A HAIRCUT. BAD.

Twitter is a chill place for friends to hang out. @Toomanyronis

My Style, Then and Now

Me in 1995, my style now: Topshop floral tee, Asos suede harem pants, Zara suede pumps, Giles & Brother necklace.

I recently went through a few boxes of old photos at my parents' house in Portland, and had a really fun time giggling at the clothes I used to wear. And at my disobedient hair. Not quite sure what I'm doing in this photo, sitting in my driveway... but the locket I am wearing was a gift-with-purchase from a VHS of the *then* new Secret Garden. My bestie Hannah and I saw it with our moms in the theater, and she bought the VHS with locket for me for my birthday. True friendship. and I still have it!

Anyway, I love this outfit (from when I was about 10), and wish I had those pants to this day. Here is how I would translate this to my 20-something life. Those LV-esque pumps from Zara are TOO too delicious. I'm pining for them prettay hard, but not sure I can spare the hundo! Decisions decisions...

Stay tuned for more "Then and Now" posts to come!

Send me a joke on twitter! @Toomanyronis

All The Shoes I Own #2: Black Aldo Bandage Heels

Aldo croc-embossed bandage heels.

Not much to say about these, but I do love them. I bought them for a StyledOn-sponsored event last winter, and wore them while dressing, pinning, and herding models backstage. I'm definitely looking forward to wearing them more this fall!

Also, I think I'm going to start doing two "All the Shoes I Own" posts per week, one of girlier shoes, and a second of sneakers. Can't wait to show you the sneakerrrsssss!

Sunday Strata!

Print: "Grassy Girl" by Tierney Gearon via 20x200.

This morning I had my bestie Cara (author of the INCREDIBLE food/lit blog, Yummy Books) over for brunch, and I served a spinach and cheese strata with bacon. The best thing about a strata is that you prep the whole thing the night before, then simply wake up and pop it in the oven. Here is a quick pic, with another and a link to the recipe after the jump. PS – Cara gave me the gorgeous baking dish, it really makes the meal, don't you think?

Van Loon's Geography #1: "The Human Touch"

from Van Loon's Geography

Happy Sunday all! As I mentioned in an earlier post, I used to buy books from the $1 carts outside to the Strand to rip up for collages. There was one book, however, that is particularly close to my heart and which I thought I would share with you. It's called Van Loon's Geography, and is a sweetly illustrated look at both the geography of the world and human interaction with the landscape. While many of the illustrations are hyper-simplistic or crude, it is a really, really wonderful book and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I have. I'm going to post one illustration per week (or so), and will share the reverse of each scan for those who are interested in the text.

This particulary image, captioned "The Human Touch," was the first in the book, and gives a good ideal of what's in store. I hope you like this, but either way I'd love some feedback! The reverse is after the jump... xo.

What I Wore Saturday - Football in the park!

Upper Playground hoodie, H&M shorts, New Balance shoes, H&M sunnies, customized Roni earrings by Melody Ehsani.

Here's what I wore to the park to play football with the boys. I ended up just playing Sudoku on my phone because I'm not very coordinated. These are my customized Roni earrings that I worship and adore – I have three pairs of them! Sometimes people ask what it means, and since explaining what a Roni is (which I have yet to do on this blog, though I will eventually... I swear!) is kind of time consuming and difficult, I generally point to Bobby Brown's "Tenderoni" (embedded after the jump), which usually gets a laugh from those who remember the song. It's R&B gold, just good old-fashioned 90s babymaking music. More on my alternative definition to come...

...and the New Balances are box fresh! I've never actually owned a pair before, and while I think they have a kind of unfortunate association with high schoolers and backpack rap, these are super sick. Love the single pop of hot pink against the ultra soft gray. And they're ridiculously comfy! Call me a convert. Now back to football, hot dogs, podcasts, and general bro-ing out with the bros.

Enjoy "Tenderoni" below.

Sesame Street Spoofs Old Spice MUST SEE

Honestly, you have to see this to believe it. Grover is spoofing the Old Spice guy (and yes, it really is Sesame Street!). WATCH.

2 Pictures

I love the hazy pink that comes out in these two pictures.

What I Wore Thursday: Blurred-Print Dress

H&M dress, Club Monaco sweater, Se by Sam Edelman flats.

Still figuring out how to use this new camera... but this is what I wore to work today.

I wore this dress to fashion week last season only to discover that the same dress (in brown) was the uniform for all the IMG girls working in the tents. It was prettayyy embarrassing... but I survived.

Oranges 1¢ + Grapefruit 5¢

Left, Louis Vuitton SS 2011.

Viktor & Rolf SS 2011.

Versace SS 2011.

 @Toomanyronis

Kenzo Spring/Summer 2011

Kenzo SS 2011, Background.

Love love love. Just a few of my favorites from this collection...

Let's be friends on twitter! @Toomanyronis

What I Wore Wednesday – Humpday Slump

Topshop jacket, boyfriend's t-shirt, Gap jeans, Converse All Stars, vintage scarf.

This is what I wear when I've put off laundry day for nearly a week. Oops! Though I will say, never underestimate the power of a leather jacket to make you feel better about what's going on underneath. I love this one from Topshop, it's perfect for cool-not-cold days and for layering with colorful pieces. This scarf was given to me by mom, I look forward to wearing it every year.

A Package!

Got a wonderful package from my mom today, including an earring I left in Portland over the summer, two bars of chocolate, two issues of Bitch with a sticky note attached ("A curious magazine – but smart"), the earmuffs I wore until I was about 10, and three packages of Zotz (which I was just tweeting about!)...

and... a new camera! It's actually technically not that *new* (Panasonic Lumix) but it's new to me – my mom got an upgrade for her birthday, and since my little guy (circa 2002!) pretty much crapped out in the Poconos last weekend, I asked if she'd be willing to part with her old one for a "long loan." I'm so excited to play with it and take some wicked awesome photos. Now I just have to study the damn manual...

(Thank you for the comments! I adore reading your notes!)

Holler on twitter! @Toomanyronis

Poppy and Gold

via, Clockwise: Vogue UK Nov. 2010, Valentino, Stella McCartney, Chloé, Chanel.

Lara Stone on another gorgeous cover, and some favorite looks from Spring 2011. So hard to narrow down from so many gorgeous collections, but I'm having fun trolling Style.com like a maniac.

Basketweave Braids at Alexander McQueen

Beauty photos via Style.com.

There is so much more to share from this beautiful collection, but I couldn't wait to post the hair. By far my favorite of the season, no year, no... decade? I'm really obsessed. I'm trying to think of a Halloween costume that could somehow necessitate that I do this to my own hair. Any ideas?

More on McQueen to come!

All The Shoes I Own #1: Oh... DEER! T-strap Heels

Oh... DEER! T-strap Heels

Today begins a new feature on A Better Roni! I have a LOT of shoes, and I've decided to start archiving them here. I very rarely get rid of shoes, and I think they all deserve a moment in the sun. That being said, I plan on posting the good, the bad, and the ugly – maybe it will motivate me to clear some out!

I bought these beauties at a shoe store in Portland called Imelda's, which was right next door to the Cold Stone Creamery I worked at during the summer after my senior year in high school. There is something so perfect about the red suede heel, I think that's what sold me on them. I should really wear these more, but they are so pretty I think they deserve special occasions.

Stay tuned for many more, including my prized sneaker collection. Hope you enjoy!

2 Pictures

As I may have mentioned, one of my most favorite blogs is DesignLoveFest. It's written by graphic designer Bri Emery, who does a regular feature called "2 Pictures," and I adore it. Here is an example of one of hers I particularly love:

2 Pictures via DesignLoveFest

I used to buy old picture books from the $1 racks outside of The Strand and cut them apart to use for collages, and a few days ago I stumbled upon a huge envelope full of forgotten clippings. I scanned them this morning at the office and started fiddling, and the result is my first attempt at 2 Pictures.

A pale comparison, I know. But two pictures that I love, and love together.

Akris x Aviation

As I was clicking through runway photos from Akris on Style.com tonight, Ante was clicking through photos of an unbelievable relic of Russian aviation: a hulking warplane sitting abandoned in a rusty shipyard. We were geeking out over these crazy/kind of gorgeous pictures and I sort of fell in love with the colors, and started seeing similar shades in other images as well. Random, yes... but enjoy.

All plane photos via russian aviation livejournal, runway photos of Akris Spring/Summer 2011 via Style.com