Did you fall off the world?

That's the cute, little kid way of asking, hey, where've you been? The answer for me is: right here. And I mean, in the past year since I actively updated this blog (sorry), I literally haven't gone anywhere. Ok, so I do move around, a little, sometimes. ;)

In all seriousness, I'm pretty much in the same place I was one year ago (minus the sweet apartment I technically could not afford). I'm still living in the Boston area, though I was bent on high-tailing it to New York long ago and never looking back. I still visit New York; I wave to it from a distance and yes, sometimes blow it a kiss. I still have dreams of staying there on a more permanent basis. But the longer I'm here in New England, on the south "shuah" (that's "shore," sort of), the more Mary Lou's coffees I gulp down and treks to the beach I make, even - and especially - on snowy winter days, I realize just how much I've become attached to this strange and charming place. The honeymoon isn't over quite yet.

I'm still writing. Still making music. Still telling stories. The fact that my day job involves writing at all still thrills me. Not that it's all roses, of course; on the difficult days, 15 hours in, when I'm ready to flee and do something easier, I remember when things were "easier," when I was doing some job and not my calling, and how much harder that actually was. So at this point, I'm grateful, happy to be where I am and doing what I'm doing. As the saying goes, "Wherever you go, there you are."

And speaking of going places, although I claim contentment in my surroundings, I still feel that pesky ol' travel bug biting me now and then. While I sometimes make mini road trips around the region, truth be told I don't get out much (curse of a writer; chained to the desk). I keep daydreaming about buying a plane ticket to some place far away, or selling my Neon (yup) for a VW van and following all of Route 66. Well, enough of the daydreaming... Dreams are just reality waiting to happen. :)

This is the year I'm going to stop daydreaming and do something. Call it a late New Year's resolution; who says you can't make them in March? After all, the weather has decided that it's still very much winter, so I'm thinking I have some leeway. Besides, I haven't even started my ramped-up diet and exercise plan yet. Whoops. :P

Of the many goals I want to accomplish, including publish a novel (or ten), record an album (or 50), win a Pulitzer, fly to the moon... Traveling to Europe is pretty high on my list. So now that I'm determined to make it happen, soon, it's just a matter of which country (or countries?), and when?

And, oh, yes-- what to wear? (Lest we forget that this is a fashion blog...)

And another "oh, yes"... How to do it on the cheap? See, I'm not a best-selling author or award-winning journalist, yet. I'm not a trust fund kid (although I'm sure I'd be great at that!). I am by no means independently wealthy or, well, wealthy at all. But I have dreams, darn it, and that's why God made credit cards. Er, I mean, that's why I'll search for travel deals and save my pennies. And buy less shoes. ;)

Some of my lovely blogger friends are already in Europe and know of many wonderful places to wander to, I'm sure! Will you help me? And let me know what you're looking forward to this year, and how in the past year you've changed. I'll ask you what I ask all of my story sources when I'm looking for a scoop (I swear, it works): "What's new and exciting?"

I'll tell you what's new and exciting for me... After months of hemming and hawing last spring, I finally caved and bought my very first Taylor guitar. It was a splurge but a calculated one; I cut back my spending and put the guitar on layaway and spent months making weekly payments (the guys at the local music store must've liked me, since usually the layaway policy is for 30 days). I didn't buy the Cadillac of Taylors, but this one still took quite a bite out of my income. I picked one of the least expensive American-made guitars that Taylor makes, because buying American is important to me; that was a priority in my purchasing decision. It was the right decision. I took the guitar home in September, the day after I went solo to a Jason Mraz concert and fell in love with music all over again. The next morning, I couldn't stand just making payments anymore; I wanted to bring that beautiful mahogany guitar home! So I marched into the music store and forked over the rest of the money. Now, I play my Taylor daily. And I've started a band. Life is good.

Wow, a long post, but we've had catching up to do! I hope to hear from you, and how you've been. Tell me, what's new and exciting for you this year?

Love,
Erin

Emily & Erin Part Deux: Playtime in Plymouth

Emily posted some fun photos taken in Plymouth during her visit last week. I agree with her reflection, how sad it can feel to look back, a mere week later, and realize your shortlived vacation has ended... and it already feels like it happened long ago. For me, well, it's been a few years since I've taken a proper vacation (i.e. at least a week long), but when one works several part-time jobs, you never earn any personal days or paid time off. Now that I work full-time, I plan to remedy this by taking a week off next month to read, write and frolic... I can't wait!



But back to last weekend... Saturday was a wee bit hectic, since we daytripped up to Portland, Maine. Sunday was a little more laid back, and we took our annual Summer stroll around America's Hometown, Plymouth, MA. Plymouth might be smaller than Portland, but it's every bit as cute. And, as Emily pointed out, it's jam-packed with tourists! It's easy to blend right in with the crowd... and, that way, no one looks at you funny when you and your friend are taking goofy or pose-y photos!



Plymouth may get crowded at times, but it's definitely a picturesque town where one can find a little serenity. I'm a greedy little nature lover, and like getting to have my greenspace and ocean views all in one spot! Just give me some ponds, trees and sea... I'm one happy little hippie!
Even if I don't exactly dress like one... at least, not all the time.



This look reflects my typical daily style: easy dress, comfy (but cute!) footwear, biiiig bag (if it can't fit an Olsen twin, it's not big enough!), and some kind of floral adornment (like my giant necklace, here). Lately I fear I'm falling into a bit of a style rut, since this is what I wear nearly everday... and in the colder months, I just add tights, boots and a pea coat! Is it lazy or just plain efficient? A sartorial point to ponder...

Full disclosure: my workday "uniform" is even more boring: Embellished tank or tee with a cardigan, jeans, maybe pumps if I'm feeling energetic, and my huuuuge black bag from Aldo that goes with everything. I started out wearing dresses and skirts to work every day, but my office is just too freezing for that! So the jeans that used to hang, ignored, in the corner of my closet are now back in daily rotation. Yeah, good for them.



I thought Emily's Sunday outfit was really cute! And practical for roaming around town. Her style is so sweet and refreshing. She's like a walking Victorian tea set! I especially love the fun, rockabilly touch her minty green "Wayfarers" lend to an otherwise prim ensemble. Ok, so she's a Victorian hipster. Betcha never heard that one before. I dub it "Austen indie-chic."

As for me, I guess I'd call my look "polished bohemian." As in, a hippie who showers (sometimes). And puts on peep toes.

Well, I'm already looking forward to my next joint adventure with Miss Emily! Where, oh, where will we turn up next?

Summer's still got another month left! What are you dying to squeeze in before temps dip and leaves start to fall?

Emily & Erin Part Une: Pret-a-Portland

Emily of Resplendent Tranquility and I had a smashing good time over the weekend. We spent Saturday rambling and roaming about Portland, Maine, searching for thrfited treasures, tasty treats, and some good old-fashioned American architecture to photograph and admire. Our mission was happily accomplished... Despite four-plus hours of lovely Boston-New Hampshire traffic. We passed the time blaring some old school cassettes from our nineties childhood (back when we first became friends, aw!)-- everything from Mariah Carey's Daydream and Ace of Base's The Sign (getting fellow travelers stuck on I-93 to dance and clap along made for quite the roadtrip party!) to a pretty hilarious acoustic demo of mine (ouch), even the soundtrack to Sailor Moon. That's right. We two Sailor Scouts enjoyed scouting a relaxing weekend in a nautical town... and were quite suited for it, I think...

















Portland is certainly a quaint and beautiful city. I loved visiting but don't know if I could ever live there... it's a little too far north for my tastes (this weekend I was sooo cold in my little cotton dress!), and I like the size of and pace of life in Boston. NYC is my favorite, of course, but Boston is a close second in my heart.

You can view more photos like these on my Flickr account, if you are thus inclined. Stay tuned for Part Deux of our epic weekend adventures. There may or may not be a video! But I'll never tell...

Are you having fun adventures this summer?

Summer breeze

I hate to say it, but it's nearly the end of July and summer is just breezing on by. Oops, I didn't mean to rhyme (or maybe I did).

Lately I've been sad about it. I miss being a little kid, and spending all summer barefoot in the grass or at the beach, slurping on popsicles and smoothies and not having anywhere to be. Man... being an adult is a bummer!



So I squeeze in mini-moments on the beach, dreaming of days where I can just soak up the sun and be lazy. Sitting in my cube, that sure sounds appealing. Ahhhh.



My laptop is currently broken, so the next few "outfit posts" I share are a few days... or weeks... old. I'm getting my haircut tomorrow but probably won't be able to share any pictures of that for a while. How will it turn out? We'll have to wait and see!



Not that you don't have better things to do. I mean, really. It's summer! Go be all summer-y. I'll be sitting here, slaving away, living vicariously...

On the Quarterdeck

If you've seen the 1987 movie "The Witches of Eastwick," you might recognize this spot. Cher's character ran a quaint shop on the waterfront of their idyllic seaport village... This is The Quarterdeck, a former bait shop turned quirky trinket trove, located smack dab on the Scituate Harbor.

In it, you'll find vintage military buttons, beaded jewelry, nautical decor and other assorted odds and ends. So if you're itching to decorate with an oceanic theme (or just need a cute spot to dock your boat), this is the seaside stop for you! Or you could do like me, and just spend a little time hanging out on the deck...

Broad stripes & bright stars

Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave...



Fact or fiction? Betsy Ross sewed the very first American flag (making her an early American designer, methinks). Some doubt the truth behind the legend, labeling it a mere folk tale from days of yore, questioning the existence of Betsy Ross herself. But I'd like to point out that Ms. Ross is on my family tree-- otherwise I couldn't call myself a card-carrying member of the D.A.R. ;)



So I'm paying tribute to dear great-great-great.... great... oh, it goes on... Aunt Betsy with a flag-inspired ensemble. This sweet striped sundress was an $8 thrift store find... paired with some $5 Gap flats purchased last summer, it's the perfect choice for a laid-back July 4th. My red Neon, Layla, and guitar, Big Red (yes, I'm rather fond of naming inanimate objects), provide the obligatory pop of color... and make the look utterly all-American.

Happy Independence Day!

After berry-picking

summer 10 045, originally uploaded by erincathleen.

After a quiet summer evening spent picking blackberries in my own backyard,I feel like quite the New Englander.

Normally I wouldn't post photos of myself makeup-less and wearing just a t-shirt and workout leggings, but my mom decided to trail me with my camera... and there you have it. Au natural, in nature. I must admit, I rather like the results...

Attempting to post photos from my Flickr account. What do you think... how's the image quality? It's good to try something new.

Speaking of which, these blackberries are delicious... :)

June is bustin' out all over!

Because it's June! June, June, June... remember the song from Carousel? I'm an old movie/musical theater buff, so I hope you know what I'm talking about! Well, I'm super-stoked here on the Cape because this summer, June is indeed busting out all over (unlike last year, *cough cough*). Last year we didn't have summer until August, and it was over way too fast. So this year I plan to revel in the summery-summerness of it all. I'm talking about beach days, road trips, carnvial rides, cotton candy, iced tea-lemonade... the works!

Summer is especially gorgeous here on the coast (which is why all the tourists flock here, of course). Lazy days at the beach are a given, along with strolls along the waterfront, stopping for a lime rickey refreshment, locally-made ice cream (you can actually "meet" the cows! And trust me, they really are happy cows) or hot, fresh fries (I say "no" to the fried clams and lobster ice cream, but if fish is your thing then be my guest! You would be in the right place). But my favorite summertime fixture is the weekly farmer's market. You'll find simply the best warm weather produce New England has to offer: corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, summer squash, scallions, beets, and my perennial fruit favorite, blueberries! The best part of a coastal farmer's market? Literally shopping for your groceries... on the coast. As in the ocean is your backdrop. It's nice. :)

It often strikes me as odd, how I would up living in a place where most people want to vacation, whereas I always wind up vacationing in the place where most people (myself included!) want to live: Manhattan! So while many of you are gearing up to pack your beach totes, I'm stuffing my duffel bag with my city essentials: maxi dresses, flat sandals, sunglasses... ok, so maybe our travel picks would be similar! Anyway, I plan to spend as many weekends city-bound as possible this summer. Am I nuts for wanting to leave my little oceanside haven behind? Or is there something better awaiting me in the urban jungle? Maybe a few months of pounding the pavement will have me craving the beach bum lifestyle...

So what's cooking at Ip & Audrey this summer? Lots! I have two planned giveaways, from our friends at L.A. Vintage and CSN Stores, so check back in the next week and enter away! I've been adjusting to my new work schedule lately, so that means blog posts will need to be scheduled, too... or else they'll never happen! Expect some new content over the next few weeks, including a redesign courtesy of a very talented artist friend. :) It's my first collaboration on this blog, and I'm excited to see how it turns out and how you like it! I love having Audrey Hepburn as my header picture (as this blog is named for her), but let's face it: the FTC is cracking down on blogging guidelines, and image copyright is a pretty big deal. And besides, I've wanted to create something original for a while now, but I don't have much design experience. I can draw and edit photos, sure, but web design is a whole 'nother story! I'm learning little by little, but I'll leave the techie stuff to the experts. :)

So... how are you spending your summer?

Fascination street

Thank you all for your insightful responses to my last post. Sorry for being a tad emo. I didn't mean for my frustrations to strike a nerve with anyone, but thanks for bearing with me. You were all so sweet and understanding and helpful, which I truly appreciate!

I love the suggestion to focus more on photography as opposed to just fashion. That really is something that makes me happy and that I'd like to have more time for... I also covet a digital SLR, and maybe a vintage SLR, too, that would make my geeky-photog fantasies come true. I need soft focus! And I'd like to get majorly dorky and photograph nebulae. Oh, yeah. My first foray into photography (aside from 35 mm and Polaroid shots taken for fun in childhood-- I used to pose my Barbies!) was when I took astronomy my senior of high school. We learned to develop film the old-school way for the purpose of astronomical photography, but I never got that far... I wound up swapping that course for film studies and stuck to photographing more earthly subjects. Maybe someday soon I'll scan and upload some of those early dark room pictures. Photography is an endless source of fun and fascination, and I love capturing the little odds and ends that make up my world.

So here are some photos from, oh, you know, around...


Wee! Hope you had fun. Stop by again soon! More fun and frolicking to follow... :)

Making the most of a blustery day

When the wind is freezing and the weather unpredictable, I remind myself why I'm lucky to live in New England. While I'm tempted to bundle up and stay indoors with a snuggly afghan and cup of tea, it's more fun to witness a storm tearing up the Atlantic coast.

These pictures were taken on a particularly wintry day last week. Don't let my spring attire fool you: it was cold enough to wear a parka, and yet there were surfers defying the icy blast and riding the waves. In my thin floral skirt and ballet flats, I decided to be a little daring, too, but the best I could do was pick up my camera and watch.

I think this look was inspired by my Irish heritage. I can picture a fairskinned ancestor of mine sitting seaside in a chunky Aran sweater and floral-patterned dress, letting her wavy hair swirl in the misty breeze, perhaps dreaming of what lay beyond the Gaelic coast.

She probably skipped the sunglasses, though. And maybe she would've lasted outdoors a little longer than me. After just a few chilly moments, I scurried back home. Good thing my outfit photographed even better indoors:

Top: Derek Hearts (purchased somewhere in New Jersey)

Skirt: Thrifted
Tights: Target
Flats: Old Navy
Sweater (previous photo): Candie's (Kohl's)

And the best part about living in New England? When the weather turns warmer, I can return to the very same spot on the beach, hopefully to enjoy a less chilling breeze. During those moments where I wish I could be somewhere else, I think of how the sea will always be there; and, luckily for me, it's practically my backyard.