Aught-Eight, Aught-Nine
Monday, January 12, 2009 at 9:11PM 
Last year at about this time I wrote a post recapping the year that was and mentioned a few objectives for the year ahead. I still don't believe in resolutions, mind you, but looking back I found that writing up some of my silly ideals really did help me keep them - or at least, do them more often. So, why not make such a post a tradition?
In January, I heard an interview with the amazing Astrid Kirchherr who almost single-handedly revamped fashion as we know it.
February was a pretty big month! I shared some history on Inez Milholland (one of my faves!) and was lucky enough to visit Los Angeles - inspiring one of my all-time favorite posts. I also reviewed Dana Thomas' fabulous book Deluxe - something I still talk about even a year later. I shared some thoughts on Louis Vuitton's emo advertising, and tied Dior's Fall 2008 collection to Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66.
In early March I met Annie Liebovitz at the Legion of Honor Museum, took a brief hiatus, but came back with a doozy of a post that tells you everything you ever wanted to know about the ladies of the Hitchcock movies.
April brought a shopping trip to Target (one of many), had some fun with my Diana camera, and aspired to be like Anouke Aimee in Un Homme et une Femme.
In May, Poetic & Chic was named among the Bay Area's best style blogs by SFBay Style, found Whole Foods incredibly stylish, met Wendy Brandes in person, and made fun of Banana Republic.
June brought some eccentricity in the form of Simon Doonan's new book, as well as some Coutorture bloggers! I also got critical of Louis Vuitton's new marketing plan, and shared a little bit about myself.
Poetic & Chic turned two years old in July, and Jill Sherman named me the recipient of a Brilliante Weblog. I also visited a really fantastic craft fair at Fort Mason, and let myself get more than a little obsessed with the mysterious Marchesa Casati - another of my all-time favorite posts. Another all-time favorite came in July when I wrote about red shoes and their eternal appeal.
August brought a popular post about Mad Men style, went shopping at The Gap, and virtually-shopped the J.Crew catalog. I also wrote a lot of posts about Fall trends, with some of my favorites being "Peel me a Grape", "Crush me some Ice",and "Skin Me a Peach", (save the fuzz for my pillow.) I entered my apartment in Point Click Home's Happy Chic contest but didn't win, and revived the always-popular "Ten Things" column...
In September I wrote about how eco-totes are the new "It" bags, rediscovered a vintage family cookbook, and shared my morning routine.
At the beginning of October I got into the habit of walking home from work and taking pictures at the same time. I made a trip to New York, visited Burger Joint, and admired the Bergdorf's windows. I wrote an impassioned plea to help save Edith Wharton's beautiful home, fell down and caused myself serious and inconvenient injury. I finished on a high note though with an incredible morning with my Mom, the de Young Museum, and Yves Saint Laurent.
November had me admiring the mid-century style of a Judy Garland film, and got really angry at Google. I said goodbye to an amazing icon, met someone who really knew how to wear vintage, fell in love with Sofia Coppola's Miss Dior Cherie advertising, and celebrated technicolor Christmas trees. Before wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, I shared some thoughts on Anthropologie that stirred a few opinions...
In December I brought out my book on the Wiener Werkstatte and compared it to the current state of fashion, shared some thoughts on the season, made fun of Rachel Zoe, and wrapped things up by asking the Party Gods to make men less schlumpy.
Wow! A bigger year than even I had thought! It still tickles me pink to look back and see how far my site has come, even just in the past year!
For myself, I suppose I should say that while I didn't maintain my entire list from last year, I did improve in a lot of areas. I definitely do the dishes every night now, I am a lot more hopeful overall, and have cut way back on the un-ladylike swearing I used to do. (But I still slip every now and then.) I got rid of my car, which is one of the best things I've ever done and I absolutely love getting around either on foot, by bus, or by cab. I've also really improved on paying bills on time, and have put a lot of thought into what I *really* want to do.
To that end, yes, I did also work on my book - at least a book. It wasn't the book I had thought of when I wrote my list last year, but I got approached by a publisher late last year to write a prospectus for a project that could very definitely happen later on in 2009. I really want it to happen and I'm thrilled to the gills at the opportunity. Can't mention too much more now, but when I know more you will too! In the meantime, my character studies will have to wait.
Also, in the "what I really want to do" category - I am hoping to launch my own fashion venture in the coming weeks - probably on Etsy. Again, as soon as it's ready, I will share with everyone!
What else do I hope for in 2009? Here's a new list (with some old items). I will...
cook more for friends
not turn the TV on as soon as I get home
work on my book
buy less, but buy better
buy organic
keep my houseplants alive & thriving
drink more water throughout the day
go to restaurants I haven't been to yet
reach out to new acquaintances and hopefully become new friends
write down my ideas
sketch
take hot baths
read & follow recipes instead of making them up
stay focused at work
be encouraging of friends & colleagues
be patient
develop my "blogger" friendships into real friendships
vacuum more
read more
smile more
clear clutter
use simple dinner parties as an excuse for a good bottle of wine
light candles, just because
create for the joy of it
take more pictures
check Facebook less often
go on a really fun date
be optimistic
be a believer
be open to the possibilities
New Year's images from Martha Stewart.com, Paris Daily Photo, and Art Deco Blog.
Reader Comments (1)