Almostyou

Heavy

2011-06-16T22:46:00.004-04:00

When I was in the seventh grade, I watched one of my best friends starve herself. I was 12 years old. And I had no idea what to do about a friend whose ribcage was becoming increasingly more prominent when changing for gym every day. I didn't know how to respond to a friend who insisted that her leggings were supposed to be baggy. I wasn't sure how to handle a friend who gave away over half her lunch everyday and complained about how fat she was. And I wasn't the only one. Our other friends were just as lost, concerned, and frightened as I was. Thankfully, her parents were paying attention and took her to a nutritionist before it got entirely out of hand. I remember how relieved I was when that happened. And I remember how ticked off she was. She was angry that she had to eat and record everything that she ate everyday. She was even more angry that we made her stick to it. Eventually though, she became comfortable with food again and with her body and by high school was one of the most healthy and fit girls to grace the halls. I'm scared to think of what might have happened if her parents hadn't noticed; hadn't intervened.

I'm thinking about all of this because last night I stumbled across the blog of a young girl who describes herself as walking the line between dieting and anorexia. After scrolling through a few pages of her blog, my heart hurt so bad. It upsets me to no end the way that girls are primed to hate their bodies with such ferocity to quite literally launch an attack on themselves. And it makes me even more angry to know that I, also, have fallen prey to that special department of self loathing (among others). I am grateful, and lucky, to have been blissfully unaware of my weight for the vast majority of my life - and once I discovered that weight was something to be concerned about, to be perfectly satisfied with my own.

In the more recent past, I've struggled with the weight gain that followed a fast (done for religious reasons). I should have realized, but didn't, that the fast would totally destroy my metabolism. And I should have been prepared for the weight gain. But wasn't. And I freaked out. None of my clothes fit anymore. I felt awful all the time. I hated looking at myself. I experienced a level of self consciousness I hadn't felt in a long time, if ever. I initiated a full on assault on my body, trying to whip it back into shape, not thinking that what I needed was to give it time to regulate itself back out again. After a year of struggling, I finally figured it out. This year for Lent, I gave up two things: 1) eating anything that wasn't a healthy meal, prepared with my own hands and 2) the scale. I had never owned a scale in my life before. But somehow in the past year, I convinced myself that I needed one, and dutifully weighed myself daily in the way that only the obsessive do.

I am proud to say that though I did go back to indulging in junk food when the opportunity arose after Lent was over, I have not stepped on a scale since. Over the course of that 40 days I found peace with myself and my body again. I remembered that I didn't need the scale to dictate my worth to me. And I hope hope hope that the other girls and boys out there who struggle with this are able to find the same soon enough to enjoy the rest of their lives.

In other news, I still wear clothes. And sometimes even manage to capture some photographic evidence of that fact.

Dress: Converse One Star x Target

Cardigan: Hand-me-down from Mom

Hat: Mossimo x Target

Shoes: Kate Spade

Bag: Betsey Johnson

Bracelets: Gift from Lebanon and Vintage

Earrings: Jess LC

Inspiration - Perspiration: Outfit Edition

2011-05-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

For those of you who may be as of yet unaware of Cake Wrecks, the woman who writes it occasionally does an Inspiration vs. Perspiration post in which she shows the inspiration for a couple's wedding cake, and the cake that they end up getting from their "professional" baker. It is hilarious and sad all at once, and if you haven't checked out Cake Wrecks before, I can assure you that you will waste hours of your life giggling at that pictures and snark.

Feeling a bit lacking in the inspiration department lately, I took to the internets to find some. And find some I did. Not too long ago Steffy of Steffy's Pros and Cons wore this, and as I started to think about how I could translate it with my wardrobe, I was also reminded of this outfit from The Glamourai. So taking these two outfits with similar basic elements but the personal spin of each lady, I created my take on it and here I present to you my own version of Inspiration and Perspiration. Thankfully, I am not a professional, and nobody's wedding will be ruined if I flop miserably. What do you think? Did I do these two lovely ladies justice, or should I hide in shame?

Blouse: Vintage

Skirt: Vintage

Shoes: Aldo

Bag: Betsey Johnson (eBay)

Earrings: Kendra Scott (Gilt)

Priorities

2011-05-20T22:30:00.003-04:00

I have been a crazy person lately. I don't like to be a crazy person. It just happens sometimes. My latest bout of crazy has been induced by the impending end of my lease and subsequently the need to find a new place and move. I hate moving. And I hate apartment hunting even more. My roommate and I are going our separate ways (she will be graduating from her Masters program soon and could end up anywhere after that), so staying where I am now is not an option. My options were initially narrowed down to two categories. 1) Buckle down into adulthood and buy. 2) Continue renting. With the housing market what it is right now, buying is a very tempting option, and so I started looking. However, I quickly realized that I wasn't comfortable rushing into buying a place and I wasn't rolling in time. So I decided to rent for now while continuing to look for a place to buy. Decision one has been made, awesome. Now my options are further divided into two. 1) Rent a nicer place that has everything I want but is more expensive. 2) Rent a totally adequate place that doesn't quite have everything that I want, but is significantly cheaper. This is the decision that has just about killed me over the last two weeks. And you know what? That is absolutely INSANE. Look closely at those two options again my friends - I am choosing between great and totally decent. No matter what I decide to do, I will have a lovely roof over my head and a place to bathe. This is not life or death. So why so whacked out about it? I have no idea. All I know is that thankfully I got a grip on myself, gave myself a good hard shake and stern talking to, and made the decision to stop being crazy and be thankful that my "hard decisions" are between good and better. I am blessed to have all that I have and I need to start acting like it. Oh, and in case you're wondering, I also decided to go with the less expensive place. It won't have a washer and dryer in the unit and it won't be in the most ideal location for my commute to work, but it will totally suffice while I continue to look for a place to buy and it will allow me to save my money more quickly for a larger down payment.

My friend often insists on taking pictures of my derrière, with or without my knowledge. Obviously, I'm not running to post these pictures online, but I thought I'd give him the satisfaction of having gotten at least one posted. Satisfied?

Jacket: Mike & Chris (Revolve)

Polo: Isaac Mizrahi x Target

Jeans: BDG (Urban Outfitters)

Shoes: Jessica Simpson (TJ Maxx)

Bag: Betsey Johnson (eBay)

Shoes, Toilet Paper, and the Occasional Disappointment

2011-05-14T11:39:00.002-04:00

I tend to be a fairly thrifty person. I grew up in a household where extra was extra and not in the budget. As a result I have no problems with purchasing off brand, no name, super on clearance items. In fact, that's how I shop for the most part. However, there are two items on which I will always be willing to pay more for the good stuff - toilet paper and shoes.

I tend to have sweaty, smelly feet so swathing them in plastic or man made materials only exacerbates the problem. Not to mention, my feet are my foundation. I am on them all day. They carry me to and through everything I have to do and they deserve a little extra attention. So natural materials, whether they be canvas, leather, or satin, etc. are where it's at for me.

The same goes for my bum. It's important to me. I'm willing to pay a little extra to take care of it.

So, you can imagine my disappointment when these shoes fell apart on me. I did get them on sale at TJ Maxx, but at the time that I bought them, what I paid was A LOT of money for me. But they seemed to be of good quality and craftsmanship and I figured they would last me a good long time. Michael Kors, you really let me down on this one.

Shortly after these pictures were taken, I went grocery shopping. While I was loading my groceries into my car, I had the sensation of my foot sinking into the ground. I figured that I'd stepped into some soft tar that's often used to fill cracks in parking lots, but when I looked down, I was on solid ground. After more careful inspection, I realized that it was my heel coming loose from the shoe! I'd only worn these babies out a handful of times. How could they be falling apart?! Getting my groceries home and up into my apartment was interesting and now these shoes are waiting to go to the cobbler. I'm expecting/hoping, that it will only take a bit of shoe gluing to fix them, but I have say that I feel a bit betrayed. I have Target shoes that have suffered more abuse and held up better than these!

I'll just have to be more careful next time I go shoe shopping. You certainly can't trust that a design name/house is always going to put out a quality product. Lesson learned.

Jacket: New York & Co.

T-shirt: H&M

Skirt: Vintage

Shoes: Michael Kors (TJ Maxx)

Ring: LowLuv x Erin Wasson (Forward)

Belt, Necklace, Bangles, Sunnies, Clutch: Vintage

May Flowers

2011-04-30T09:32:00.000-04:00

With the amount of April showers we've been having this month, I am expecting some Botanical Gardens in May. For serious. This week especially had been non. stop. rain. So when the Sun finally peeks his head out from behind the cloud cover, I take full advantage and run outside to expose my skin and sear the eyeballs of anyone unfortunate enough to cross the path of my phosphorescent legs.

It was crazy windy when we took these pictures, and I spent a good amount of time trying to keep my hair under control. This was dumb. 1) Because it was futile and 2) Because it caused me to make faces like the one above. Eventually I let go and let the Wind have it's way with me. This was definitely for the best.

See what I mean? Now, if I could only get my hair to do that all the time..

Blouse: Liberty of London x Target
Shorts: Forever 21
Shoes: Isaac Mizrahi x Target
Purse: Vintage

2011-04-23T08:04:00.002-04:00

Last weekend I spent a good chunk of time pulling out my Spring clothes and hastily shoving my winter clothes into a dark corner, hopefully not to be seen again for a long, long time. Of course this means that this entire week has been cold and rainy. I have awesome timing. Also, Life likes to play games with my head.

I love love this sweater. It's so soft and drapey. But after wearing it only a couple of times last year it developed a hole right in the chest area. I tried to wear it a couple times with something underneath, but I didn't really enjoy wearing a holey sweater. At least I didn't want that sweater to be holey. So last weekend, I also watched a few tutorials on youtube about darning, and sealed up that hole with needle and thread. It didn't turn out quite as well as I would have liked. The repair is noticeable (although not in these pictures), but it looks kind of a like a little logo patch if you aren't really paying attention. Since the vast majority of people aren't really paying too much attention to my clothes, I decided that was good enough.

Sweater: H&M

Skirt: ?, Clothing Exchange

Shoes: Mossimo (Target)

The Grass is Green on My Side

2011-04-16T09:10:00.003-04:00

There are very few signs of Spring still in Michigan, but one that I did notice earlier this week is that the grass is turning from that stale, dried out yellow, to a fresh, lush green. Even little changes like this excite my little heart. I know I've gone on and on about it before, but it was a long, cold, hard winter for me this year, and I am Beyond ready for a change.

In other news, today is Record Store Day, so I need to clean myself up and head out to see what I can find! Also, I am in desperate need of a haircut. Maybe I can get Josh to squeeze me in today and work is Magic.

I hope you all are enjoying your Saturday!

Dress: burlapp (ideeli)
Cardigan: Forever 21
Shoes: White Mt. (TJ Maxx)

Just Like Heaven

2011-04-14T21:53:00.005-04:00

Last Sunday was Incredible. Perfect. I wanted it to last forever. In the morning as I was getting ready for church, the forcast was for Thunder Storms and the sky looked like it might deliver, so I dressed accordingly. By the time I'd finished lunch with my parents though, the sun was shining bright, the sky was blue, and dare I say it? It was almost Hot! I promptly altered my plans for the rest of the day so that I spend every precious moment outside enjoying this phenomenal weather. I also altered my outfit accordingly. No need for tights, rainy day shoes, or a long sleeved jacket when the temperatures are spiking to almost 80 degrees! (Does anyone know how to make the little degree symbol?) I proudly presented my DayGlo legs to the public and spent the entire day, into the late evening, walking around downtown lazily, oggling vintage goodies, and eating good food.

We also found a wall that loves me! Or thinks that I am love. Which could be possible.

Trench: H&M
Dress: Doo.Ri (Shopbop)
Shoes: Nine West
Bag: Let Them Eat Cake (gift from Michigan Blogger Meet-Up)
Sunnies: Vintage

Hello, Sunshine!

2011-04-12T08:06:00.003-04:00

It's been a while. I've missed you. Feel free to stick around as long as you like.

Love always,
Elizabeth

Exciting times around these parts lately. Between births and birthdays, grandparents and family time, hunting for the New Place to Live and sweet sweet Sunshine, I've been on my toes and running. But in the best, and happiest way possible. Hope you all are feeling the Sunshine Bliss too!

Jacket: Vintage (Gift)
Blouse: Vintage
Jeans: Proenza Schouler (Target)
Belt: Lands End (Sears)
Shoes: 7 For All Mankind (Shopbop)

Falling Into Spring

2011-04-04T13:55:00.002-04:00

This weekend had that perfect balance of scheduled activity and open space to fill slowly and contentedly. There were birthday dinners to attend, a milonga to DJ, rehearsals and a performance. And then there were long, lazy lunches of wings, wedges, baseball, and good conversation and opportunities to go stomping around in the woods. It was lovely.

It's an interesting time of year right now. Purportedly Spring, yet no real signs of Life yet. Instead of moss and leafy greenness, the woods have melted away the snow to show off all of the dead leaves from months ago, as crunchy and dried up as the day they fell to the ground. With my wool skirt, cashmere sweater, and knee socks, I felt right at home in this Autumn atmosphere. Baring my knees however did feel like a BIG step toward Spring and Warm. Thankfully we took these pictures when we did, because about an hour later the rains that would last the rest of the weekend began and my bare knees felt a little out of place again. But the idea of new Life following the rain is an exciting one.

Occasionally my friend will taunt me while taking my photos. I, of course, always handle this with class and dignity, because I am a Lady.

Sweater: Isaac Mizrahi (Target)
Denim Blazer: H&M - last seen Here
Skirt: Vintage
Boots: Steve Madden (TJ Maxx)

The Library on Wheels

2011-04-02T09:55:00.003-04:00

I was a voracious reader when I was growing up. One of my favorite activities was going to the public library, wandering through the stacks, and eventually coming home with a pile of books up to my head. I had to check out so many because I was always worried about running out of reading material before the next trip to the library. In the summers, however, this concern was pacified by the emergence of the Bookmobile.

The Bookmobile is exactly what it sounds like, a mobile (bus) full of books. Growing up in a town that prizes education above all, we had an incredibly thriving public library system that included this gem of a bus in the summers, delivering reading right to your neighborhood! It came once a week and for me it was like the ice cream truck, only better because I was actually allowed to get something from this one!

When you stepped on the bus, a kindly bus driver slash librarian would greet you with a warm smile and hello before you moved on to the stacks of books on shelves lining the entire bus. It always felt like such a magical place to me, so cozy, and warm, and full of wonderful things to read. I never missed it if I could help it. Along with the Bookmobile came a Summer Reading Program where you earned stickers and other prizes for reading a certain number of books. It was fun for all ages. The youngest earned prizes for books being read to them, and there was an adult program so that they wouldn't feel left out either. I had friends who were more interested in the prizes and so would race through reading a bunch of Dr. Seuss-esque books to claim their goodies. I was never one to be bribed though. The goodies were nice, but I was less interested in those than I was in the pride of having read 10 or 12 or however many amazing books during the course of the summer.

I currently live in an area that I would call more commerce than residential, so I don't expect to see much of the Bookmobile this summer. But I do live within walking distance of one of the library branches. Maybe I'll go check out the summer reading program for adults. I'll let you know how it goes.

Sweater: Mossimo (Target)
Skirt: Vintage
Belt: ASOS
Shoes: Dolce Vita

A New Day, a New Challenge

2011-04-01T07:58:00.000-04:00

What with all of the bustle of my ever-collapsing closet (the one I installed with my own two hands is still standing!), followed quickly by the 30 for 30 challenge, I never let you in on my New Year's Resolution/Challenge. I'm not generally one for New Year's Resolutions, but as the end of 2010 was approaching, I began thinking about all of the improvements I had made in my life during that year and all of the improvements I still wanted to make. I am in an eternal battle with Stuff it seems. For as long as I can remember, really, I've hoarded and kept all sorts of stuff - convinced that I would someday put it to good use. In the past couple of years, I have begun to really battle that notion and to clear out the extraneous stuff en masse. But it hasn't nearly been enough. Also, a couple of years back now, I ended up unemployed for an entire Summer (that is a story for another day). That Summer left me in a significant amount of debt. I since have found a good job and then an even better job, and am financially stable, but still trying to pay off the last of that looming debt. Debt is a Beast to get out from under, avoid it at all costs. Finally, I have been saying that I would prefer to own quality pieces in my wardrobe over quantity. And I've meant it every time I've said it. I just haven't acted as if I've meant it. Put me in front of a Target clearance rack and I will find every adorable, cheap thing on it, and go home with it all. Only to give it away a couple of months to a year later in one of my regularly scheduled clothing exchanges, sometimes still with the tags. Sure it was cute. Sure it was cheap. It was still a waste of my money.

Taking all of these things into consideration, I gave myself one Challenge to stick to for the year. I am allowed to buy One Quality Piece (clothing, shoes, bags) for my wardrobe per month. One item that I love so much, it will satisfy me for the entire month. It is a year of carefully considered consumption. And thus far, I couldn't be happier about it.

Some might say that one item per month is still a lot. Those people would probably be right. Most sane people probably do not buy ridiculous amounts of clothing the way that I do. And I feel that I should be more than satisfied with 12 quality pieces by the end of the year. All the while continuing to trim the contents of my current closet. I want to have a very well edited selection of clothing from which to choose by this time next year.

These leopard heels were my January piece, and I intend to wear them often and for a long time to come. In February, I bought the Erin Fetherston blouse (which is on deep discount at the Outnet right now!). March's item you will see very soon.

Coat: Gap
Turtleneck: Mossimo (Target)
Skirt: Vintage
Heels: L.A.M.B. (Rue La La)

Scarf: Target
Bracelet: Vintage

A Wrap Up, A Giveaway, and the Shoes that Weren't

2011-03-31T11:04:00.003-04:00

Although it has been weeks since I completed the 30 for 30 challenge, I am only just now getting around to wrapping things up in a nice little bow. I’ve spent quite a bit of time thinking about the challenge and trying to gather up my feelings about it. They are mixed. I think it’s a super great idea. I love the creativity and appreciation of one’s own closet that it fosters. I think that my issues with the experience lay not with the actual challenge so much as with the outside circumstances that affected both my mood and my ability to participate in the way that I would like. Doing this challenge exactly during the point of winter where the season has begun to eat my soul was both a blessing and a mild form of torture. I very likely would not have dressed myself in Outfits with a capital O during that time if I hadn’t had only my challenge items to work with. As it was, I still managed to skimp on the Outfitness of many of my combinations. When waking up is a chore, getting dressed is like climbing a steep and rocky mountain. Winter is not my season. Winter also offers a very limited timeframe in which to enjoy the Sun. Being that I work for a living and am thus doing so during the vast majority of those precious few daylight hours, taking outfit photos became difficult – a race at the end of a very dreary day. I missed photographing many outfits because of this, and as I mentioned in my last post ended up wearing around 40 different outfits, never knowing which day I would be able to squeeze in a quick photo session. To add to all of this, I chose a pair of fun heels (pictured above – preview of the next outfit post!) because up until that point it had been a relatively dry winter and I thought I would be able to wear them at least a few times. Of course, that is when it started snowing en masse about every other day for the rest of the month. So that took my 30 items down to 29. Soon after I wore a beautiful blouse that added a touch of color to my mostly neutral choices, and a seam ripped open during the course of the day. This really bummed me out as that was its first outing and I really loved the blouse. Thankfully, when I emailed the company, they immediately looked into getting me a replacement and when they couldn’t, sent my money back. So now my wardrobe choices were down to 28. 28 items, 40 outfits, in the center of an unending Winter. What I learned about my choices? The green H&M dress is one of the most versatile pieces I own. The black Nine West boots were a worthy purchase (I wasn’t sure when I bought them). I’m so glad that I started wearing that amazing purple suede pencil skirt! As much as I love my neutrals, color is a good thing. I feel like I deserve some sort of medal. But of course, I don’t. So instead I’m giving you all the opportunity to win a pair of very bright, shiny, medal-y bangles by C.C. Skye! I am also extending the deadline to next Sunday, April 10, 2011. This should give all five of you who read this time to think of a very amusing limerick. I would love to see these go to a good home. Place your poetic goodness in this post and I will pick a winner bright and early Monday, April 11! Tomorrow I will be back with an outfit full of color and the 30 for 30 item that never got a chance.

A Momentous Occasion

2011-03-28T08:00:00.000-04:00

That's right, folks. I am FINALLY posting the thirtieth outfit of the 30 for 30 challenge. I bet you didn't think I would make it. But here I am. At the end and out of breath. And just to show you that there are no hard feelings, I decided to do a giveaway to mark this momentous occasion! I bought these CC Skye gold and yellow enamel bangles from Billion Dollar Babes quite a while back because they were a good price and so so pretty. But I should have known better. I have the wrists of a malnourished five-year-old. Why on earth I thought I could buy bangles online, I will never know. I've tried to wear them on several occasions, because hello, pretty, but each time I get frustrated and take them off before too long as they just won't stay on my wrists. So, I have decided to send them to the person who writes me the best limerick. Your chances of winning are pretty good too, since all of about three people actually read this here blog. So write away, and may the best limerick win! A winner will be chosen on Sunday, April 3, 2011.

Dress: Calvin Klein (Marshalls)
Skirt: Converse One Star (Target)
Boots: Nine West
Bangles: CC Skye (Billion Dollar Babes)
Umbrella: H&M

There's Nothing Else I Can Say

2011-03-25T08:34:00.002-04:00

I have nothing to say today. But I did wear some clothes the other day. Hooray! It's also possible that I was falling asleep while these pictures were being taken. I'm not sure what that's about. I hope you have a bright and cheery day filled with smiles and chocolate drops. :)

It was very cold and windy when we took these pictures. Today is actually kind of similar. It's almost as if the weather is playing into my outfit posts...

Sweater: Mossimo (Target)
Dress: H&M
Belt: H&M
Boots: Nine West
Scarf: Target

Why Does it Always Rain on Me?

2011-03-23T08:11:00.000-04:00

When we took this pictures, I was excited that it was raining instead of snowing. Then a couple of days passed and it actually got WARM. Today the weather is about the same as then, but I'm not finding it nearly as exciting. Being so ready for the warm weather to come, this final (I hope) assault of Winter is less than welcome. But I should have known it was coming. Winter never lets go that easily.

Cardigan: BDG (Urban Outfitters)
Blouse: H&M
Skirt: American Apparel
Boots: Nine West
Umbrella: Urban Outfitters

Remembering Your Bright Eyes

2011-03-19T10:16:00.004-04:00

During the formative years from about 18-22, the band Bright Eyes played an integral role in my musical upbringing. I would lay on my bed for hours listening to the albums on repeat, in succession, one song at a time. I was melancholy and Conor Oberst made it okay to be melancholy. More than okay. He made it right, perfect, and beautiful to be melancholy in that moment. Despite the inner turmoil I was going though, I felt supported and validated - two things that I needed desperately at that time in my life. As the years went by, I grew up, got better, developed healthier coping mechanisms, and drifted from Conor and Bright Eyes. The music always held a dear place in my heart, and I continued to buy and listen to every album that was released, but it didn't hold the same place. I didn't need it the way that I had before.

When another friend of mine, who had loved Bright Eyes right along with me, and I found out that Conor was releasing his final album under the moniker Bright Eyes and going on one final tour, we knew that we had to go. It was the end of an era and we needed to be a part of it. The show was this past Monday, and it was fantastic. It didn't hold the same thrill as the first show that we had gone together to see, but it was exactly right. It was perfect to hear the old songs along with the new, and hearing the growth, and seeing the man again, verified that he was doing the right thing. Bright Eyes was Conor's youth alongside my own, and it only makes sense that he would wrap up this period of his life and move on to the next. I am happy to preserve the memories that I have of that period and to see where Conor goes next with his career.

Blazer: Paul & Joe (Target)
Top: Proenza Schouler (Target)
Dress: Sparkle & Fade (Urban Outfitters)
Boots: Nine West

White Out

2011-03-18T07:21:00.000-04:00

As I pull together these photos that were taken a mere 10 days ago, I remember the old saying about Michigan: "If you don't like the weather, wait 10 minutes." In this case, it took a tad longer than 10 minutes, but I am currently sitting in my apartment with all of the windows wide open, happily welcoming the balmy 60 degree breezes. So freakin' lovely I can hardly stand it. There are only a few small patches of snow remaining from the mountainous piles that existed only days ago, reminding us how quickly things can change.

On the note of life-altering changes, I am keeping Japan in my prayers these days. And if you wanted to donate something to relief in Japan, but haven't had a chance to do so yet, I've compiled a small list of links for various ways to donate.

American Red Cross

LCMS

Alexis Bittar is donating 100% of proceeds from sales next week 3/21-3/27 to relief in Japan.

Kelly Framel of The Glamourai is donating 10% of sales from her shop to American Red Cross relief.

There are of course many other ways to donate, and I encourage you to do so in any way that you see fit.

Sweater: Christian Dior (Freecycle)
Button Up: Mossimo (Target)
Trousers: Merona (Target)
Boots: Ecco (Von Maur)

Grandma Chic

2011-03-16T08:00:00.000-04:00

On the whole, I love my new hair. However, every once in a while, I will see a picture of myself and be reminded strongly of my grandmother. This is not a terrible thing. My grandmother is a beautiful woman, and I am honored to carry on her genes. It is just something that struck me. Once you pull all of the hair out of my face, the similarities become more striking. And when I wear an outfit like this, well, let's just say that I'm embracing a Grandma Chic look. And I'm perfectly content with that.

Blazer: Gap

Blouse: H&M

Trousers: Merona (Target)

Boots: Ecco (Von Maur)

Rounding the Corner

2011-03-10T08:02:00.002-05:00

I'm going to be honest with you. The 30 for 30 is exhausting me right now. And I think this has much less to do with the actual challenge than the weather. Winter is exhausting me right now. Therefore getting up and getting dressed in the morning seems like more of a chore than it should. I still have amazing outfit combinations to try with my 30 items. More than I will get to during the course of the challenge and so, I am sure, will end up trying some other time. But I just don't want to. I just want to pull on all of my coziest clothes and call it a day. I guess in a way, this challenge has simply forced me to get dressed in the morning each day in some semblance of an Outfit with a capital O for the past 30 days. I'm positive I would have been much more lazy otherwise. Not that I haven't figured out ways to be lazy within my 30 items... Where there's a will, there's a way, I suppose. Anyway, I can feel myself rounding the corner and preparing to sprint down the home stretch. I'm ready for the rest of my closet. But more than that, I'm ready to feel the sun on my skin again.

Sweater: Sarah Spencer (Clothing Exchange)

Skirt: Converse One Star (Target)

Boots: Nine West

Earrings: Thrifted

The Last of the Snow...I Hope.

2011-03-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

Although I have lived my entire life in the fine state of Michigan, I have little to no tolerance for Winter. I think it's sort of okay for the first couple of weeks, but quickly grow weary. This year, I managed to simply resign myself to the grey and the cold and got on with my business in a regular sort of manner, mostly ignoring the unpleasant weather. This worked very well for me up until a couple of weeks ago, when my body, brain, and soul gave a resounding cry of misery. My energy for Winter has been completely depleted, and at the moment everything feels like suffocating a little bit. But just as the snow from this very hill has melted more and more each day from last Tuesday until it almost being completely gone today, my hopes for the end of snow and the beginning of Life are growing larger each day.

Soon.

Last Tuesday, to get my mind off of the Winteriness of the Outdoors, my friend and I took to the warm indoor alleys for Bowling! And you know what that means? Another double post!! Yaaaaaayyy!

From Business Casual to Bowling Chic this Dove Blouse does it all.

Business Casual

Maxi Dress: Sparkle & Fade (Urban Outfitters)

Blouse: Erin Fetherston (Gilt)

Blazer: Gap

Boots: Nine West

Belt: PTO Thrift

Bowling Chic

Blouse: Erin Fetherston (Gilt)

Cardigan: BDG (Urban Outfitters)

Jeans: Tara Jarmon (Target)

Shoes: On Loan from Bowling Alley

Belt: Relic from my Youth

Playing Catch-Up

2011-03-08T07:55:00.000-05:00

I am so far behind on posting. Oy vey. This weekend I was out of town again - this time in Waterloo, Ontario for a tango workshop weekend. I was hoping to have an internet connection to continue posting my backlog of outfit photos, but there was no such connection. Nor was there much time had there been a connection. I will tell you what there was though. Dancing and laughing, in abundance. Friday, directly after work, five of us piled into a car, and began our four hour journey to Waterloo. Although it was close quarters, packed three deep in the back seat of a Honda Civic, we had an absolute blast, giggling over the finer points of stamps in passports, and dancegagements - none of which would seem even remotely funny if I attempted to type them out here, in that obnoxiously "you had to be there" sort of way - and fueling up on goldfish, doritos, gummy bears, and pretzels. The four hours passed quickly and happily and soon we were pulling up to the Button Factory and trundling up the stairs, carried by the melodies of DiSarli. And from that moment, the weekend whirled in a way that only days full of activity and joy can. There were workshops, and catching up with old friends, music, dancing, and making new friends, and miles and miles of laughter resounding in our wake. It was a joyful weekend and all too soon it was the Sunday evening milonga, and the end. Piling back into the car, the five of us had bonded so much during the weekend, that the giggling came even easier and with more frequency than on the ride up, and we learned that the fellow at Tim Horton's was even more scattered than we, which seems impossible, yet it is true. Pulling into Ann Arbor around midnight, we were blissed out on tango and friends, and I have to believe that sleep came easy for all of us that night.

Monday morning however, was tough. As was the rest of the day. One should never be required to work the day after a tango weekend. It's just too much to ask.

This coming weekend will be another tango filled weekend, but this time it will be here in Ann Arbor. I can't wait.

These pictures were taken last Monday behind the Chipotle, right after we ate there. It was frigid and incredibly windy. Bitterly cold and bloated on burrito is probably not the best way to take photos, but I am committed to this 30 for 30. You hear that? Committed. Or perhaps by the end of this, I should be.

Sweater: Mossimo (Target)

Skirt: American Apparel

Boots: Nine West

Necklaces: Gifts

Bracelets: Vintage

2011-03-04T08:00:00.002-05:00

Rather than driving the two hours back to Ann Arbor late Friday night after the fashion show and drinks, I took Tieka up on her generous offer to stay at her place. Heather also took her up on this offer and the three of us trekked back to her adorable apartment and crashed. After a long hard night's work playing, sleep was welcome and blissful. And the morning was lazily spent chatting and watching Conan with Tieka, her husband, and Heather. Once we'd all fully woken up and dressed for the day. Tieka, Heather, and I headed back to Grand Rapids to meet up with some of the other ladies for brunch followed by a little shopping. There is nothing better than eggs, hash browns, and chattery girls on a Saturday midmorning.

After shopping, where I scored some awesome heart earrings, and Kate snatched up an AMAZING unused Dooney and Bourke bag - the really classy kind, not the covered in candy colored monogram kind - we all received the Tieka treatment again for our outfit photos.

This set of photos rounds out my weekend remix of the sweater. And looking back at these pictures, I think I definitely should have worn a belt. Oh well. Live and learn.

Photos courtesy of Tieka

Sweater: BDG (Urban Outfitters)

Dress: H&M

Jeans: Gap

Boots: Cooperative (Urban Outfitters)

*It Means Tango Dance Party

2011-03-02T19:21:00.003-05:00

The incredible guilt I felt for creating an almost identical remix for this sweater as a previous outfit, caused me to give the sweater it's own little weekend remix. You've seen Friday's version, when it was taken to Grand Rapids for the Michigan Blogger Meet-up. This is Sunday's version. (I'll post Saturday's as soon as I have the pictures in my grubby little paws.)

Sunday I threw a Birthday Milonga* for my roommate. This means I needed to get dressed in the morning and have that outfit be able to carry me through the entire day of church and running last minute errands to and through the milonga in the evening. There's no rest for the wicked, don't ya know? This means that not only did I do the final weekend remix of the sweater, but this is another two in one post! Hurrah!

Despite all of the last minute running around, the milonga* went off without a hitch and we all had a blast. I think the Birthday Girl liked it too.

Ever since I started dancing tango, I've shied away from red shoes. I found them very intimidating. They're just so SO. I stuck to the neutrals that I love, black, tan, and metallics all the way. In the past year, I started dabbling in the world of colored tango shoes. Green, purple, pink, they were all suddenly finding a home in my shoe collection. But still no red. Red was still scary. Until I found these beauties. The deep crimson made them so wearable and covet-able. I knew they would be mine. Sunday was their debut and I couldn't be happier with them. Welcome to my feet, Red. It was so nice of you to join the party.

Sweater: BDG (Urban Outfitters)
Dress: Merona (Target)
Belt: Lands End (Sears)
Tights: Merona (Target)
Boots: Ecco (Von Maur)
Bag: Gift from Michigan Blogger Meet-up!
Tango Shoes: Comme il Faut

Coolest Ladies in Michigan

2011-03-02T08:01:00.002-05:00

Images courtesy of Tieka

On Friday, I drove up to Grand Rapids to meet up with some of the coolest ladies residing in the State of Michigan for the Michigan Blogger Meetup. I seriously feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to meet them all, and I am hoping for, and expecting, some really great friendships to follow from this past weekend.

After a later than anticipated departure (I hate the Secretary of State), and a longer than anticipated drive, and the to be expected driving in circles to figure out exactly where the venue was, I finally arrived at the St. Cecilia's Music Center just in time to meet the ladies inside and sit down to wait for the show. We used this time to chat and get to know each other a little bit more, and of course compliment each other on amazing outfit choices. I'm still smiling about Kate's flower covered dress that made her look like a cupcake in the best possible way.

The actual fashion show, may have been low on fashion, but the hair and make-up were amazing and the band, Alexis, kept things entertaining. We were practicing the lead singer's dance moves for the rest of the night.

Images courtesy of Andrea

After the show, we headed over to a local bar to continue the chatting and have some drinks and appetizers. We also all received a bag of goodies from Tieka who organized the whole event. Following this we headed up to a neon lit walkway where we all received the Tieka Treatment for our outfit photos. We capped off the night with dancing and lots of laughter.

Photos and Video courtesy of Tieka

Heather, Andrea, Sara, Cat, Lauren, Alex, Samantha, Kate, Anna, Tieka...I can't wait to see you all again soon!

Outfit details...
Sweater: BDG (Urban Outfitters)
Dress: H&M
Skirt: Vintage
Booties: Calvin Klein (Marshalls)
Belt: H&M
Necklace: Vintage
Clutch: Merona (Target)

P.S. This is outfit 17 of 30.

Bumble

2011-02-26T08:22:00.002-05:00

It's true. I am a working girl. The kind in an office. Not the kind on a corner. But I have been dutifully trying to work my 30 for 30 closet into interesting, yet office appropriate looks. This is not easy. Too often in my eyes, the interesting looks are not office appropriate and the office appropriate looks are not interesting. I think finding that happy balance will continue to be a work in progress for me. Thursday, however, I think I struck that balance pretty nicely. In celebration, I promptly found a corner in which to work it. ;)

Blazer: Paul & Joe (Target)

Dress: Calvin Klein (Marshalls)

Sweater: Mossimo (Target)

Belt: PTO Thrift Shop

Shoes: Calvin Klein (Marshalls)

Deja Vu (Not the Strip Club)

2011-02-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

You may be looking at this outfit and saying, "But Elizabeth, haven't we seen this outfit already?" to which, I will say "No!" Well...okay...maybe you sort of have. Saturday, Sunday, and Monday outfits were all lost to Life and Weather (I think that brings my total of lost 30 for 30 outfits up to 6!). The return of the cold weather and and all of the snow that the sun had worked so hard to melt, has completely fuddled my brain, I think. When I got dressed on Tuesday morning I thought I was putting on a totally unique (admittedly simple and cozy) outfit. It wasn't until we were in the middle of taking pictures that I realized it was eerily similar to this outfit. Sigh. BUT! It is not the same! I will list the differences for you.

1. Grey Shirt vs. Black Sweater
2. Purple Patent Belt vs. White/Grey Patterned Belt
3. Purple Plaid Scarf vs. Frothy White Necklace
4. Short Relatively Tamed Hair vs. Long Wild Hair

5. Crisp Outdoor Photos vs. Blurry Indoor Photos

See! It's a complete REMIX! It just looks like the same outfit. I mean really, I think I should be able to wear every outfit again, just with my new hair and call it a Remix. Right? Okay, fine. I'll do better next time. I promise.

Yesterday Kendi posted about how she hates winter. As I read her post, I simultaneously wanted to yell "Amen, Sister!" and punch her in the face. Because in this very post she is baring her gorgeous gams in the Texas sun, while I'm spending half an hour digging my car out of it's parking spot and crouching in the snow like a little Winter Buddha. This is Winter. And I am so Over It.

Don't give up little grass!

Sweater: BDG (Urban Outfitters)
Top: Mossimo (Target)

Trousers: Merona (Target)

Scarf: Clothing Exchange
Belt: H&M

Serious Business Snow Boots: R2 (Macy's)

Cupcake Wars

2011-02-24T07:50:00.015-05:00

So I learned something last Friday. And that something that I learned is do not get into an argument directly before taking outfit photos, especially when the sun is setting and it is bitter cold out. You should not do this because you will then look as though you are suffering from some sort of tragic illness in all of the pictures, even if you're holding a Party Time cupcake, and there will be no time to retake the photos once you've sorted the argument out. Even worse, if you are participating in the 30 for 30 Challenge, you will feel compelled to try to salvage and post the pictures anyway to prove your outfit happened. I am sorry.

Notice how you can see GRASS, and all the snow has MELTED?! Well, that changed very quickly....

Sweater: Christian Dior (Freecycle)

Thermal: Mossimo (Target)

Dress: H&M

Shoes: Cooperative (Urban Outfitters)
Necklace: JewelMint

Coat: Gap

With Bated Breath

2011-02-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

I'm sure that you've all been waiting with bated breath to see my haircut after my last post. And so I took a very timely blogcation. But I'm back! And without hair! I love it. I love it. Iloveit. If you don't love it, that's totally fine, but don't waste your breath telling me about it, because I love it.

On a completely separate note, I am currently so full of delicious Indian food that all of my blood is being pulled away from my brain and to my stomach for the digestion party. As a result, I am in no position to type something coherent. Instead, I will succumb to the food coma and leave you to the pictures.

Top: Proenza Schouler (Target)

Skirt: Converse One Star (Target)

Tights: Target

Boots: Nine West

Scarf: Target

A Final Appearance

2011-02-17T20:39:00.010-05:00

These photos were taken on Wednesday, mere hours before I went in for my haircut. Changes are on the horizon, my friends. Watch out!

You will also notice that my 30th item has arrived! A gorgeous silk blouse with a softly hued bird print. I can't wait to wear this sucker with Everything.

The only issue I'm having with this blouse is that the top button keeps slipping open. Does anyone have any brilliant fixes for an issue such as this?

Dear Hair,

We've been together for such a long time. And we've had our ups and downs. Gone through our many phases. You've always been there for me, whether I wanted you to be or not. And you've generally been good to me. But, you know me. I'm fickle. I get bored so easily. Just when we settle into a routine, I begin to itch for a change. So, I hate to say this, but most of you is going to have to go. I'm sure we'll meet again. We always do.

See ya around, Hair. It's been real.

Love always,

Elizabeth

Blazer: Paul & Joe (Target)

Blouse: Erin Fetherston (Gilt)

Skirt: American Apparel

Tights: Target

Boots: Nine West

Earrings: Target

Necklace: Gift

Belt: From a Dress

Photographers, Magicians, It's the Same Line of Work

2011-02-16T12:00:00.000-05:00

I know. I know what you must be thinking every time you visit my blog. Elizabeth, you're so photogenic! The camera must love you! Where did you learn to pose and smile so effortlessly? Did you go to a special school for it? Were you Valedictorian? Well, my friends, I would love to answer Yes to all of those questions. But if I answered Yes, I would be lying. And as I am not a liar, I will not answer yes. But I will tell you my secret - my photographer is actually a magician. I kid you not. I have absolutely no idea how it happens. He tells me "stand here" and I stand there and then I just kind of fidget around for a while, poking at things with my toes, watching squirrels and birds play, and occasionally asking "are we done yet?" (especially when it's exceedingly cold out). And after a while, he says yes we're done and proceeds to show me all of the amazing photos that he took. And I am amazed each and every time. I am amazed because 1) he has yet again put up with my obnoxious behavior, and slight whining and 2) he has also managed to make me look like a put together human being. I know it's not the camera that's magic, because I've tried to take the pictures on my own, and we all know how that has turned out. It's definitely the photographer. I'm going to try to get him to develop a stage show. I'll even offer to be his Lovely Assistant. I figure I owe him after all.

Today is my Photographer's birthday, so be sure to wish him a Happy one! Also, we'll let you know when we take this magic act on the road and come to a town near you!

Blazer: Gap
Blouse: Tulle (Moxsie)
Trousers: Merona (Target)
Boots: Ecco (Von Maur)
Scarf: Target

Love or Something Like It

2011-02-15T12:00:00.000-05:00

Most years on Valentine's Day, I am on the apathetic to slightly bitter side of emotions. This year, however, I decided to embrace the spirit of Valentine's Day fully. This change has nothing to do with being in a relationship, because I am not. It has more to do with the fact that Life is Good. Last year I vowed to myself that 2010 would be good. It had to be. I needed it to be good more than I needed anything else at that time. And on the whole, it was. There were, of course, the not so great things, but I feel that the good in the past year far out weighed the bad. I finally broke completely free of a toxic relationship. I gained new, positive friendships, and strengthened some already amazing friendships. I got a new, better paying, job. I moved into a new, incredibly fancy apartment that I still haven't quite gotten used to calling my home. I began cooking more for myself and others. I learned that contrary to my own beliefs I actually Love, not hate, cooking. I began working out regularly and taking care of my body. And more important than any and all of that, I began to find some peace and happiness with myself. I admit that I am still searching for some direction (this is one of the goals I'm working on this year), and I still have some ongoing self improvement projects in the works (I will elaborate more on some of these in future posts), but I am in a Good place right now. Life is Good. And so this Valentine's Day, I celebrate my Love of Life, and my Love of Me. And these, I think, are my most important lifelong projects. I hope that you are all in Love right now too. With whatever or whomever that might be.

Dress: Merona (Target)

Sweater: Mossimo (Target)

Tights: Target

Boots: Nine West

Belt: Madewell

Ode to Big Hair or The Earth is Melting

2011-02-14T12:00:00.000-05:00

Sunday, I decided to take these few remaining days of masses of big hair and juice them for everything that they're worth. So I encouraged my hair to it's most natural and wildest tendencies. This was helped by the fact that with the temperature reaching 40 degrees!! I didn't have to wear a hat, thus allowing my hair full freedom and reign to fly wherever it pleased.

This skirt was the last thing that I added to my 30 for 30 wardrobe. I had initially considered leaving the 30th spot open to be filled at a later date if I felt that I needed something while dressing during the Challenge. However, while I was giving my closet a final glance, this sweet little Miss was staring right back at me, reminding me that I have never worn her out of the house after bringing her spectacular purple suede self home from the thrift store. I knew that this would be the perfect opportunity for me to bring her into the fold of my wearable wardrobe and make good use/justify the purchase. I am SO glad that I did. I have so many outfit ideas for this skirt just within the confines of my 30 for 30 wardrobe. So many that I'm actually afraid that I won't be able to get to them all. The problem with my 30 for 30 choices is that they ALL go together. I'm pretty positive that I could wear anything there with anything else, and there just isn't enough time to display all of the amazing combinations. Of course this means that I'll just have to keep remixing them after the Challenge is over. Which probably is the real goal behind this whole thing isn't it? Well Kendi, you win. I will be remixing until the day I die simply out of the fear of never being able to try every combination possible.

As I mentioned earlier, it was so beautiful out. Positively Balmy! As a result, the accumulation of ice and snow that has been covering this corner of the Earth started melting and dripping and dropping and seeping and spreading in puddles all over. It made for wet walks and surprise rain showers when passing under an awning, but it was totally beautiful and worth it. Even the birds and small critters came out to sing and play! One squirrel in particular totally wanted to be my friend. But I didn't have any food to share, so it went digging elsewhere.

Dress as Top: H&M

Skirt: Global Identity (Vintage)

Tights: Target & Marshalls

Shoes: Calvin Klein (Marshalls)

Necklace: Forever 21

Belt: taken from shorts from F21

Bracelet: Gift

Bag: Vintage

The Blogger Bun

2011-02-13T20:13:00.010-05:00

When I got dressed yesterday, my plans were lunch with the family, quality snuggle time with the niece nugget, and a haircut. Add to that the fact that my phone was telling me it was a tropical 33 degrees outside! And you have the inspiration for a very easy breezy outfit. I wanted to be comfortable and I wasn't concerned about the state of my hair since it would soon be washed and cut. The lunch and snuggling went as planned. Unfortunately, as I was leaving the house for my haircut, I got a text from my friend and stylist saying that he was really sick and could we reschedule. Being the quality friend that I am, I only whined minimally and then conceded that his health was more important than my hair. So, my friends, I will call this turn of events my take on The Blogger Bun.

Blouse: H&M

Jeans: Gap

Shoes: Cooperative (Urban Outfitters)

Interlude

2011-02-12T11:45:00.000-05:00

One of my friends from tango brought his camera on Monday night and was playing around with taking pictures during the practica, and he sent this one my way. I think it's a really beautiful photo and I wanted to share. This captures perfectly what I like to call Tango Face. It's the moment of complete serenity as you become lost in your partner and the music and move as one four-legged animal. It's a feeling I think everyone should experience.

In this particular moment, I'm dancing with a friend who I hadn't danced with in ages. We are becoming reacquainted with each other in the dance, and we are actually working quite hard on some things. But I think you can hardly tell that from my face. I've found that the more I let go of my tension in the dance, the better it works. I think this also applies to Life. So that is what I am working on. Letting go. Letting it work.

The Process

2011-02-11T21:54:00.012-05:00

Today, I thought I'd share a small bite of the process involved with taking my photos in these colder months. After finding a location, we'll generally take a few test shots to see how the lighting is before I shed my external layers.

Yes, that is my Michelin Man down coat. And yes, I need it in this weather. Also pictured is my giant work bag. And yes, I need that too.

Thankfully, my photographer always manages to get shots of my most flattering moments. Such as when I'm discarding my warm protective layers.

What can I say, he knows my best side.

Now comes the part where I chin up and pretend that it is not somewhere along the lines of -11 degrees outside, and SMILE...or you know, the closest approximation.

Eventually I gave up and had to put my mittens back on in addition to the hat and scarf that never came off. Sometimes it's just too cold!

After this, we went out for burgers! Very necessary.

Cardigan: BDG (Urban Outfitters)
Dress: H&M
Tights: Target
Belt: Madewell
Shoes: Cooperative (Urban Outfitters)
Hat: Maria Paola Calugi (TJ Maxx)
Scarf: Clothing Exchange
Mittens: Target little girls section

Bag: Target

February Flowers

2011-02-11T12:00:00.002-05:00

There was just no time to take pictures on Wednesday. So that outfit will just be added to the lost outfits of the February 30 for 30 challenge. Casualties of the cause. However, I am so confident in my picks, that I don't think I need to worry about those losses. I'm continuing on confidently in my 30 for 30 march!

Thursday, it was BITTER cold out. Bright and sunny and cold, cold, cold. So I did what any girl would do. I found the brightest, happiest mural of flowers I could find, and I pretended that the chill couldn't permeate.

Shirt: Mossimo (Target)

Sweater: Mossimo (Target)

Jeans: Gap

Belt: H&M

Shoes: Cooperative (Urban Outfitters)

Earrings: Gift

Welcome to Haphazard Cooking

2011-02-10T20:01:00.008-05:00

With your host, Almostyou! *applause*

Tuesday evening, we really aimed to take pictures outdoors where we have the most luck with lighting for my camera. But it was soooo cold and I really REALLY didn't want to take off my outer layer of warmth. So we decided to head back to my apartment, cook dinner, and play around with indoor lighting until we could make it work. Really I did all of the cooking, and my photographer did all of the playing around with lighting and camera settings. And chasing me around the kitchen, trying to get me to hold still long enough for a picture. I'm not one of those cooks who has all of the ingredients prepped and ready to go before they start. I'm one of those cooks who is hurriedly prepping my ingredients as I go. It makes things more exciting that way!

Still some blurriness that we need to figure out. Although that probably had something to do me constantly moving too. And my crazy eyes. I'm not sure how to fix that. What can I say? Red pepper just has that effect on a girl.

Black Sweater: Mossimo (Target)
Grey Cardigan: BDG (Urban Outfitters)
Belt: From a dress
Trousers: Merona (Target)
Necklace: PTO Thrift Shop
Ring: Made for my mom in high school.

A Short Story

2011-02-08T20:50:00.001-05:00

Once upon a time, I had beautiful feet. Then I started dancing tango. Now I have calluses the size of Kansas. The end.

Yesterday, I ran straight from work (I was there late again) to tango (we wanted to be there a little bit early to take pictures and practice before everyone else showed up). As a result we ended up taking pictures inside and ended up with a lot of pictures of questionable coloring. My little point and shoot struggles with indoor lighting. But we found a bunch of fake flowers and Valentines Day decorations all over the place, so that pretty much made up for the lighting difficulties. I hope.

It also turns out that since I was way too exhausted to post my pictures last night after getting home from tango, I'm posting them today. And apparently Everyone is wearing their blazers today. I did not wear my blazer today. I wore it yesterday. And I will probably wear it again tomorrow. But I am posting the pictures today. So, I think that pretty much counts, right? I don't know if you noticed, but my eyes are saying "Argue with me and I will kick you in the bits." So I suggest full agreement.

And because someone asked to see the way my Saturday daytime outfit turned into my Saturday night milonga outfit, but I didn't have any pictures to show for it, I decided to snap a few of how my Monday daytime outfit turned into my Monday night practica outfit. Nothing to drastic, just shed a bunch of layers and strapped on those dancing shoes!

I didn't mean to threaten to kick you in the bits. I was just kidding. Really. Hug it out?

Blazer: Gap

Dress: Calvin Klein (Marshalls)

Boots: Nine West

Earrings: Vintage
Necklace: Vintage
Tango Shoes: Comme il Faut

Blending into the Background

2011-02-06T18:58:00.012-05:00

Oh my goodness, guys. I've been staring at this screen for about 15 minutes. I've been burning the candle at both ends for a while now, and my brain is officially fried. Can the pictures do all of the talking today? Is that okay?

Proof that I do dress appropriately for the winter before I disrobe and run off to jump into snow piles....

Can you see me?! I'm practicing my blending skills so it's totally understandable if you can't.

Coat: Erin Fetherston (Target)

Hat: TJ Maxx

Scarf: Target

Mittens: Gift from Russia

Sweater: Christian Dior (Freecycle)

Maxi Dress: Sparkle & Fade (Urban Outfitters)

Boots: Nine West

Necklace: JewelMint

Earrings: Vintage

Clutch: Merona (Target)

Two! Two! Two Outfits in One!

2011-02-06T01:05:00.012-05:00

Today's goal was to be as cozy as possible during the day, and then transition seamlessly into tango-wear for night. And of course all within the framework of my 30 for 30 wardrobe. I'm just going to go ahead and call this a win.

The sweater dress, sweater tights, sweater sweater combo ended up being the perfect thing for Snowpocalypse Round 2 today. I had a ton of fun jumping around in the snow, followed by cozying up with some anime online.

When it came time for dancing, I didn't have to worry about changing, and was able to give my full attention to unearthing my car. The switch to tango-mode was as simple as removing the sweater and tights, and adding some earrings and strapping on my dance shoes. Perfect.

When we came in the house from the snow rompery, I thieved a pair of slippers. I think they totes complete my outfit. What say?

Sweater: Sarah Spencer (Clothing Exchange)

Dress: H&M

Tights: Marshalls & Target

Boots: Nine West

Clutch: Merona (Target)

The Starting Line-up

2011-02-04T23:21:00.007-05:00

I have a secret to tell you. I've actually been wearing my 30 for 30 clothes since Tuesday (February 1st), except for Wednesday. Wednesday I didn't wear clothes. It was Snowpocalypse 2011 and I decided to stay home, in my p-jammers all day and disinfect our entire apartment from the germs left behind by our sickly weekend house guests. It was a good day. But I did not get dressed. As for the other days, I didn't take pictures, and I'm too lazy to recreate those outfits. So for all intents and purposes, today begins my 30 for 30 challenge. And let's just say that I got off to a very comfy, casual start. Also, transparent. That's my other secret. When I get hungry, you can see right through me. It's crazy.

We took these pictures on the way into the restaurant where I quickly became solid and opaque again.

This, of course, is my "I'm ready to put my coat back on and eat" dance. It's pretty hot. I know.

Cardigan: BDG (Urban Outfitters)
Shirt: Mossimo (Target)
Jeans: Tara Jarmon (Target)
Boots: Cooperative (Urban Outfitters)
Earwarmer Headband: Self made
Clutch: Merona (Target)
Scarf: Target

30 for 30 Clothing Draft

2011-02-04T18:03:00.012-05:00

So it was a big day at Chez Garcia today. For today was the February 2011 30 for 30 Clothing Draft. There were a lot of hopefuls, and more favorites than could be feasibly be chosen. But I'm very satisfied with my picks and confident that they will take me successfully through this 30 for 30 season in high style.

And now, I present to you the Almostyou 30 for 30 Team!

On Jackets we have: (from L to R) Paul & Joe, Gap

On Pants we have: (From L to R) Merona, Gap, Tara Jarmon

On Tops we have: (from L to R) Mossimo Supply Co., Mossimo, Proenza Schouler, Divided, Mossimo, Tulle

On Sweaters we have : (from L to R) BDG, Christian Dior, BDG, Sarah Spencer, Mossimo Supply Co.

On Skirts we have: American Apparel, Converse One Star, Global Identity

On Dresses we have: (from L to R) H&M, Merona, Calvin Klein, H&M, Sparkle & Fade

And rounding out the team on Shoes is: (clockwise) Calvin Klein, Cooperative, L.A.M.B., Ecco, Nine West

I look forward to showing you what this team is made of very soon.

P.S. You may have noticed we're one player short. She's en route and will be here soon!

Snow, Snow, Go Away!

2011-01-27T19:28:00.004-05:00

Snowy days are meant for cozy clothes, cozy couches, cozy hot chocolate, and cozy books. In short, you're meant to be warm and cozy on a day such as today. Unfortunately, I was stuck in an office in front of computer for more hours than I would have liked, although in an admittedly very cozy outfit at least. So when I finally got home this evening, I decided to replicate the sort of day I wished I'd had. It was lovely even if it only lasted a short while. Now, I need all of this snow to be cleared up quickly, as I have a long day on the road ahead of me again tomorrow!
In case it wasn't abundantly obvious, I was stuck taking my own pictures again tonight. But it's good practice for me. I will choose to view this as an opportunity to learn and improve, rather than sulk and complain.

Cardigan: Mossimo (Target)

Striped Sweater: H&M

Maxi Dress: Sparkle & Fade (Urban Outfitters)

Fishy Necklace: Vintage (eBay)

Tights: Target

Cozy Book: Everything is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer (highly recommended)

Life Cont.

2011-01-23T21:32:00.012-05:00

In other Life news, my first niece, Luciana Elizabeth, was born on November 30 at 8:42 AM, weighing in at 8lbs 3oz and 20 3/4 inches long! She is the most precious, beautiful, tiny little peanut that I have ever rested my eyes upon. I am totally and completely smitten.

My brother called to inform me of the news around 9:00 AM, and I was stuck in another city with meetings for work, but as soon as my first meeting was over (and second was thankfully cancelled), I drove straight to my parents' house, hopped in their car, and we were off to the hospital where little Lucy was waiting to meet us.

Luckily for my sister-in-law, the labor and delivery was a fairly quick process. Luckily for Lucy, this meant she didn't have that strange squished newborn head. Luckily for me, she DID have that wonderful new baby smell. I don't know why they smell so good, but you know that they do. It was very difficult to share with the grandparents, and parents, but you know, we managed.

I, of course, came bearing gift of shoes. I knit these suckers up for her just a couple days prior to her birth, and while I do not normally condone the wearing of Uggs, and as her aunt and godmother will forbid her from wearing grown-up versions, everything miniature sized (and knit!) is so much cuter!

And we've all been able to see each other every couple of weeks at least since her birth. Thank goodness for only living an hour away!

Sneaking a kiss from the slumbering Princess while we were visiting for my brother's birthday about a month later. Obviously my brother was all but ignored. I think he understood.

All together now: AWWWWWWW!

Proudest Abuelito Ever.

Outfit details from my brother's birthday celebration.
Dress: Tucker (Target)
Sweater: Gap (Clothing Exchange)
Belt: Vintage (AA PTO Thrift Shop)
Tights: Target
Boots: Jeffrey Campbell (Urban Outfitters)
Sweet Silver Headband: Stolen from the wrapping of one of my brother's gifts

Healthy Snack: Orange

And if you're wondering, I, of course, got Lucy her first pair of Leopard Print Heels for Christmas. What else could a good Aunt possibly get for her first, and most adorable, niece?

Wrapping Up

2011-01-21T19:42:00.009-05:00

So, I have one last shoot that was taken before the end of the year and the extended hiatus of my blogging. I will tie it up in a nice neat little package and share it with you now.

On Halloween, my friend and I took a road trip to a Corn Maze. The corn was mostly shriveled, trampled, and generally dismal in appearance by this point in the season. It was also very windy and COLD that day. Despite these things, or maybe even because of them, my friend and I had a blast, stomping around the maze, finding the check points, and solving the barnyard mystery!

I feel that my outfit failed me on several counts. Not least of which being that my tights wouldn't stay up. Luckily, my friend so thoughtfully caught me in the midst of the delicate process of hoisting them back up so that I could share the moment with you. I will tell him that you say "Thank you."

I was also not dressed nearly warmly enough for the chill. I swear it was warmer when we left town! But you can't win them all. You can just document, post for the world to see, and then move on, and try not to make the same mistake again. Only different mistakes for me, please!

On the way out, we found this ruinous truck, which kind of made up for the saggy tights. Mostly.

Jacket: Urban Outfitters

Undershirt: Sparkle & Fade (Urban Outfitters)

Thermal: Sparkle & Fade (Urban Outfitters)

Jumper Dress: Free People

Saggy Sweater Tights: Target

Boots: Steve Madden (TJ Maxx)
Bag: ? (eBay)

What happens when the computer stays off?

2011-01-18T18:50:00.006-05:00

If you responded "Life," go ask your boss for a raise, my friend, because you have what I like to call deductive reasoning skills. So, a lot of life has happened to me in the past couple of months. Some of it good and some of it not so good.

Starting where I left off here, with my spectacularly good intentions of going through my wardrobe and picking out my 30 items for the 30 for 30 challenge...well I really meant it when I said that. But you see, Life had other plans for me. Those other plans revealed themselves the next evening when I got home from a long day at work revved up to pick out my 30 items. I walked into my room, and halted causing my friend to bump into me from behind. Then he saw what I saw and said "You really have the worst luck, don't you." Staring at the contents of my closet sprawling into the middle of my room, I said "Yes" and turned around, walked back out of my apartment and went to straight to tango. I wanted to be mad. I wanted to cry. But I mostly just stared into space, apathetic. It's true - I have terrible luck. I'm almost too used to this sort of thing happening to get angry about it anymore. My beautiful large closet, in my beautiful large apartment had collapsed. For once in my life I had a closet that could actually fit everything in it comfortably, not realizing that the closet wasn't really so comfortable with that situation.

That night when I got home from tango, I walked past the mess of clothes and spare linens oozing out of my closet, trying not to think about the wreckage, and climbed into bed. I would deal with it tomorrow.

The next morning, I was thankful to have the day off work (thank you Veterans for your service), mostly because I wasn't about to dig through that pile of wreckage in the wee hours of the morning to find an outfit. No thanks, I would have worn the exact same outfit as the previous day. As luck would have it (for my co-workers), I didn't have to even change out of my p-jammers. I steeled myself to the task at hands, and began emptying my closet of all of it's contents. I wish I'd taken pictures of the mess, but I wasn't in that frame of mind. What I do have are pictures of the damage in the desolate space.

Clearly a sturdy system...

Always looking for the lesson, and the silver lining, I decided that this was sign that it was high time I conducted another purge on my closet. So I took a picture of the mountain of clothing now inhabiting my bed, and sent my tango ladies an invitation to the next installment of our Clothing Exchange.

Over the next couple of weeks, I spent every evening, trying on, sorting, and purging my way through that mountain. Every morning, I would get dressed off of the top. This provided daily sartorial challenge, interest, and frustration. Finally, however, I sorted through everything and I was ready to put my much lighter load back into my closet.

The building manager came out the night before the Clothing Exchange, and put that sucker back up. He even added a few extra support bars, just in case. I was confident that this would be more than enough to hold my clothes securely. After all he's added more support and I had reduced the load by a significant amount! This was great! The next morning, I prepared for the evenings festivities, putting all of my clothing carefully back into my closet (oh, and so beautifully and perfectly organized. Exactly what I always wanted my closet to be!), cleaned like a maniac, and purchased and prepared edibles.

The ladies arrived, bringing neglected clothing of their own to add to my mountainous contribution, smiles, and general good cheer. The evening was perfect. I will have to tell you of my love of the Clothing Exchange on another occasion, because this tale is far from finished. At the end of the evening, the ladies carted off their hauls and I folded, boxed, and bagged the remainder to go to Salvation Army. Cleaning up the debris from the evening, I felt great satisfaction and happiness. There is nothing better than sharing good clothing and good cheer. And as I went to bed that I night, I smiled so happily at my perfectly organized closet.

This went on for a week and a half. Every day smiling in the morning and in the evening at my beautifully organized closet. In the meantime, the year was drawing to an end, and I was having dreams of finishing the organization and final unpackings of my room before the New Year began. As I got home one afternoon from work, filled to the brim with plans for finishing off my room, and finally FINALLY being done with it, I walked in and halted. You have got to be KIDDING me. You CANNOT be SERIOUS! There on my bedroom floor, sprawled like that unfortunate soul who gets too exited about ALCOHOL and passes out in the middle of the party before midnight, was my closet in all of her no-longer-hanging-up glory. I turned around, sat myself on the couch, turned on the TV, emailed the building manager, and proceeded to look for new closet systems on my own. I informed my building manager, that I would like him to please just come and remove everything from the walls, and patch it up and that I would be building my own closet, thank you very much.

The next weekend, amid family, and funerals, and general business, I bought and built myself a new closet. It is now a week and a half since I put that closet up with my very own hands, and it is still in place, smiling happily back at me every morning and every evening.

So now, finally, I have a closet to hold my clothes. Pray that it stays up for me, won't you please?

Where the Sidewalk Ends

2010-11-09T21:46:00.009-05:00

As I'm slowly catching up with my blog reading, and picture sorting, and life organizing, I realize that I missed the 30 for 30 train. Oopsie. I'll be getting myself and my 3o items organized this week and hopping aboard (fashionably) late, as always.

In the meantime, I will continue to catch up on old photos...

Jacket: a.y.k. (eBay)
Dress: Isaac Mizrahi (Target)
Boots: Steve Madden (T.J. Maxx)
Tights: Target
Bag: Madewell

P.S. Alex? Are you lurking?

Black & White, and Red All Over

2010-11-08T18:14:00.014-05:00

I did not fall into a bottomless pit never to be seen again. I did fall into a very deep pit (of work), but people are seeing me again. Rejoice as desired (my preferred method would be to dance a jig, but to each his own.

I have a pile of photos and posts to get to, so that is what I shall do.

scratchin' ma knee

Jacket: New York & Company

Dress: Ellison (Modcloth)

Sunnies: Vintage (eBay)

Bag: Madewell

Boots: Cooperative (Urban Outfitters)

Nails: OPI Damone Roberts 1961

Superwoman

2010-10-22T19:02:00.015-04:00

I don't have a ton of time, as I'm running out the door in just a moment to go see Band of Horses and the new Jenny Lewis outfit, but I wanted to post since it's been a couple of days and I'm a bit behind!

I had so much fun while we were taking these pictures. I was actually swinging high enough to kick the tree in front of me. And I love how I look like I'm just hanging in the sky like a superhero. I would make an awesome superhero. My super power would be twirling at the speed of light. What would your super power be??

Dress: Simply Vera (Kohl's)
Belt: From another dress
Scarf: Target
Tights: Target
Shoes: Mossimo (Target)

Bracelets: Gift from Lebanon, Great-Grandmother's, and self-made friendship bracelet

Please Take Note of the Objects in the Background...

2010-10-19T21:00:00.009-04:00

After a weekend of making friendship bracelets, and watching excessive amounts of Good Luck Charlie, sometimes a girl just has to bust out the faux fur to go to work. Granted I didn't wear the jacket all day in the office (although you should never put such a thing past me). However, I was the recipient of a bit of a stink eye while walking into work from some woman. My glamorous lifestyle was offensive to her face apparently. I suppose you can't win them all.

I do think that after having purchased this lovely last year and proved it's usefulness in my wardrobe by wearing it perhaps in excess, I should be allowed to add another faux fur piece or two to the collection this year. Maybe a vest, or a scarf, or a bag...or all three! My wallet groans, but my heart squeals with glee at the prospect.

Shopping cart.

Garden hose.

Tarp covered mystery.

Getaway car.

Jacket: H&M
Sweater: Mossimo (Target)
Dress: H&M
Belt: Vintage
Necklace: Vintage (Salvage Life)
Tights: Target
Boots: Ecco (Von Maur)

Bag: Vintage

It's All a Warm Up

2010-10-14T18:29:00.012-04:00

I'm feeling very drained today. I'm not sure if it's the cool grey skies or the far too late night at B Dubs after tango last night (reminder to self, don't do wings and wedges so late at night again), or any of the number of tasks I've been juggling, but whatever it is, it's catching up to me this evening. I was going to try to get to the gym after work to swim some laps, but I can tell now that there is no way that is going to happen. Instead I will work on sorting through more boxes. That at least is a nice sedentary task that will make me feel as if I've accomplished something without having to exert too much effort. I also should make sure that I am well rested for this weekend. I'll be in charge of two totally awesome kid-folk while their dad and my friend run off to New Orleans to get engaged. So much fun. I've already demanded that I be the flower girl.

Based on Tuesday's outfit, this outfit, and this outfit, I can see that I'm already beginning to trend toward my cool weather uniform. For the past couple of years, once the weather cools down I seem to live solely in black, navy, and grey. I somehow manage to wear some iteration of those colors almost everyday throughout the entire winter. And actually, based on Wednesday and today's outfits (not photographed, but don't worry there will be enough navy, black, and grey to numb your brains as the winter approaches and hangs around much longer than you feel comfortable with) I'm almost fully immersed in it.

Blouse: Paul & Joe (Target)
Cardigan: Hillard & Hanson (Kohl's)
Skirt: H&M
Shoes: Mossimo (Target)
Locket: Gift from Grandmother
Bracelet: Great Grandmother's
Clutch: Vintage (Salvation Army)

Wood Nymph

2010-10-12T21:16:00.020-04:00

Sunday again, was too gorgeous of a day to stay inside. So I neglected my unpacking, cleaning, and sorting for one more day to go frolic in the woods of another park, eventually collapsing on a blanket in the grass, allowing the trees above to rain down their leaves on our languidly lounging bodies. The day had an air of magic (there was even a Quidditch game happening nearby in the grassy open) and a dreamlike quality. During the photo shoot, I felt a bit like a wood nymph, playing, wandering, and discovering anew the world around me.

I mentioned it in my last post, and I will say it again - I couldn't have dreamed up a better weekend.

Dress: Vintage (Value World)
Bracelet: Great Grandmother's
Ring: Macy's
Shoes: Restricted (Urban Outfitters)
Toes: Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in Fuchsia Power

Here Comes the Sun

2010-10-10T20:28:00.012-04:00

This weekend has been absolutely perfect in every way. The sun came out for what might be it's last hurrah of the season, and I resolved to take advantage of every second of it. In Michigan these precious moments of Fall are fleeting and thus made all the more precious by it. Yesterday, we went grabbed some Jimmy Johns, and went to the park to enjoy some sunshine, geese, and relaxation. It was absolutely divine. I was also excited that it was warm enough to wear this outfit before packing it away with my other Summer items and to test this hat out after snagging it on super clearance at Target. It was an absolutely gorgeous day and I can't think of a way that I'd have rather spent it than watching dogs, chatting with geese, and lounging on a blanket in the sun.

Hat: Target
Sunnies: Re-worked vintage by The Glamourai
Top: Patrick Robinson (Target)
Skirt: H&M
Bracelets: Gift from Lebanon, and great grandmother's
Ring: Target
Bag: Vintage (eBay)
Shoes: Seychelles (DSW)
Nails: petites Color Fever in Candy Green with Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Hidden Treasure.

Caught in the Act

2010-10-09T09:45:00.007-04:00

I still haven't gotten used to this taking superfluous pictures of myself thing. And I still haven't really told anyone about it. So yesterday when someone I know jogged by as we were in the middle of photo shoot mode, I got really awkward and uncomfortable. I'm sure that she thought something really weird was going on when I kept stammering and not really answering her questions. Yeah, I'm smooth. I think I also turned a delectable shade of red. After she left, I was still feeling extremely awkward and uncomfortable and as a result very shy in front of the camera.

What you don't know is that in general, I get very shy in front of cameras. I'm always a little bit wary when they start coming out. So either I try to hide, or I ham it up big time, so I look goofy on purpose. Taking pictures for this blog has been a nice exercise for me, and I'm very lucky to have a photographer who makes me feel super comfortable while we're taking pictures. He just needs to maybe stop talking to me the whole time because then we end up with a ton of pictures with me mid-word. Don't worry, you will see what I mean soon, when I pull the Bloopers post together.

Blazer: Paul and Joe (Target)
T-shirt: Gap
Jeans: Meli Melo
Shoes: Jessica Simpson (TJMaxx)
Bag: Matt & Nat (eBay)
Earrings: Erica Weiner (Modcloth)
Ring: Target

....

2010-10-08T20:21:00.008-04:00

And then some days the words are just sucked out of you.

Shirt: Vintage Lord & Taylor (AA PTO Thrift Shop)
Trousers: Gap
Shoes: Dolce Vita
Belt: H&M
Cuff Bracelet: Great Grandmother's
Ring: Erica Anenberg (ideeli)
Nails: Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in Wet Cement

Sk8r Boi err Grrl

2010-10-07T22:56:00.011-04:00

I am afforded the opportunity to meet some very interesting characters in my line of work. Yesterday, I met with a gentleman who had been a rodeo champion in his younger years and spent much of our visit talking about how he was going to "rope" me and trying to convince me to come see his horse. He, in fact, said that he would bring his horse in for his next visit. I let him know that I would make sure the staff was prepared for it.

Today, I met with another fine gentleman who is convinced that I look exactly like Avril Lavigne. He was quite surprised when he found out that not only did I not "hear that all the time," but in fact, I had never heard it before at all. When I started probing a little bit to find out what exactly our similarities are, thinking maybe it had something to do with my excessive use of eyeliner, black sharpied nails, and fake tough girl attitude. Instead he said that my eyes, nose, mouth, whole face really just bore a striking resemblance to her. I'm still not entirely convinced. What do you think?

Cardigan: Mossimo (Target)
Blouse: Vintage (AA PTO Thrift Shop)
Trousers: Erin Fetherston (Target)
Belt: H&M
Boots: Ecco (Von Maur)
Bracelet: Gift from Lebanon
Nails: Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in Wet Cement

He's Baaack!

2010-10-04T08:13:00.001-04:00

My photographer, that is. But it's been so long since we've done this thing, that when we decided to snap a few pictures before grabbing a quick dinner, it ended up being more giggling and awkward posing slash photo taking more than anything else. Also, I think he gets a special kick out of catching me at my worst moments. So much so that I'm thinking I should do a Bloopers post. Just to, you know, show him that I'm TOTALLY FINE with him taking horrible pictures of me. So fine, that I will show the world. So there, Mister.

Feel free to consider this post a sneak preview, as there were next to no pictures with me not making some sort of crazy face.

Cardigan: H&M
Blouse: Paul & Joe (eBay)
Jeans: BDG. (Urban Outfitters)
Shoes: Seychelles (DSW)
Bracelet: Gift from Lebanon
Clutch: Merona (Target)
Nails: Sinful Colors, Summer Peach
Sloppy Ponytail: All Me

Working Girl

2010-10-03T10:00:00.001-04:00

I have been travelling a lot for work the past couple of weeks. Recently as I was driving to Toledo, I encountered one of the most ridiculous drivers I have ever seen. After honking at me for taking a whole two seconds to move my foot from the brake to the gas pedal when the light turned green (slow reaction time, obviously), she proceeded to whip past myself and the car in front of me (passing on the right, mind you) and then fly through not one, but two solidly red lights in a row. I watched this disaster as I continued to be a good law abiding citizen. At the third light she came to, she was forced to stop, having been caught behind other law abiding citizens who actually stopped at the red light. While she was stuck there, I pulled up directly behind her. I wanted to wave and smile and say "Remember me? You broke several laws in order to leave me behind." But, you know, I didn't. In the end I was directly behind her until she pulled into a turn lane and I pulled up next to her. She was chatting on her phone and had a pink rosary hanging from her rear view mirror. Presumably to more easily say her Hail Marys as she violated every traffic law known to man. So in the end, all of her rule breaking gained her only the length of my car. Let that be a lesson to you, kids. Breaking the rules gets you nowhere. Well maybe it gets you a ranting post on some random person's blog. But who really wants that?

My evenings have been eventful as well. And by eventful, I mean horrifyingly stressful. This past weekend I was hosting these fine folks for our 9th Anniversary tango festival.

This means that they took over my room for a week. And that means that I had to actually finish unpacking and organizing and clean the place so that it looked decently habitable, rather than thoroughly transitional. And THAT means that I mostly ended up shoving a ton of stuff in my closet or the study at the very last minute, completely freaking out about everything. I also did end up sorting through a ton of stuff prior to the mad dash and I'm quite proud of the amount of stuff I have decided to pass on to the Salvation Army. Someday my parents may no longer have to worry that I am eternally on the verge of having to go on Hoarders. I got my room back this week, so the closet has erupted back out onto my floor, but the sorting and simplifying continues.

Right now, I leave you with some more of my super skilled self photography.

Blazer: Isaac Mizrahi (Target)

Blouse: Vintage (Salvation Army)

Trousers: Erin Fetherston (Target)

Shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction (Marshalls)

EDITOR'S NOTE: I just realized that it looks like I'm still standing outside of the Rite Aid. Don't worry, I made it home. This is actually my balcony. I figured if it's good for Susie Bubble, it's good for me too!

The Circle of Life or A Walk to Rite Aid

2010-10-01T20:20:00.000-04:00

The weather was so beautiful a couple of weeks ago that I decided to go for a walk after work. After reading All Lacquered Up's review of the new Maybelline polishes, I wanted to check them out for myself. So I set off in the direction of Rite Aid.

On the way, a hawk landed a couple of feet in front of me with something attached to his leg. As my earthy crunchy indignation began to flare up at the horrifying effects of litter and pollution, something peculiar happened. He began to pick at...no..eat the leg attachment. Then I noticed the long furry tail on the leg attachment. Then I realized that this was dinner, not pollution and I settled down, took out my camera and captured a few photos of the event.

Satisfied that the circle of life was still in tact and not at all being disrupted by pollution or nosy girls with cameras, I continued on my journey to Rite Aid. Conquering the nail polish aisle with sale prices! I emerged victorious and emboldened. So much so that I set up my bitty tripod on a ledge and took my outfit photos right there. So brave!

All of this conquering and posing took a lot out of me so I obviously had to stop at Jimmy John's for a sandwich worthy of the valiant. Then I skipped all the way home and basked in the glow of my evening for several hours.

Sunnies: Vintage (eBay)
T-Shirt: Gap
Jeans: Lux (Clothing Exchange)
Shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction (Marshalls)

Lighting, please?

2010-09-16T18:50:00.007-04:00

So, I didn't fare much better with the lighting situation on Sunday either. I was leaving Meijer after searching desperately for a new mirror. Since moving into my new apartment, I haven't had a mirror and have generally just been getting dressed and hoping for the best. But, wanting to do a serious deep cleaning of my closet, I needed a mirror to assist with the process of figuring out what needed to go and what could be altered and what should stay stay stay. So anyway, leaving Meijer, the sun was setting and I really wanted to get my pictures in before that happened. So I trotted over to a grassy area just beside the store. Yes, I took my outfit pictures next to Meijer. There were probably more than a few people who thought I was a total nutty person. Buuuut I'm learning to not care. As you can see, I was really struggling though to figure out where to place the camera in relation to the setting sun and my body. I swear I will figure these things out one day...

Sunnies: Vintage (eBay)
Blouse: Liberty of London (Target) Worn backward for the sake of decency.
Skirt: Patrick Robinson (Target)
Clutch: Merona (Target)
Shoes: Gap
Nails: Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in Gunmetal

gRainy Day

2010-09-14T21:19:00.011-04:00

It rained all day on Saturday. And by the time I decided to take my outfit pictures inside, it was pitch black out. I struggled a lot with the lighting and the pictures are ummmm not great, shall we say. But I figure if I keep documenting all of these failed attempts at taking pictures of myself, I'm setting a nice low bar. So when I post halfway decent pictures, everyone will be amazed. What can I say? That's just how I roll.

Blouse: Simply Vera (Kohl's)
Jeans: Lux (Urban Outfitters)
Shoes: Seychelles (DSW)
Clutch: Merona (Target)
Nails: Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in Gunmetal

Labor Day Leopard

2010-09-11T19:12:00.008-04:00

While I was visiting my brother and sister-in-law for Labor Day, they showed off their new fancy pants SLR camera that they bought in preparation for my niece's grand entrance into the world! Well we of course ended up taking pictures. And I of course made them take several of me by myself. I have to take advantage of situations like this! And then several days later, I of course had to spill the beans to my sister-in-law about the blog in order to get the pictures. So here they are in all of their Labor Day splendor! You will notice when my brother started choosing my poses for me. That's when things REALLY get attractive.

This picture is special to me, because I'm growing my mother out of my head. This is of course a trick that I reserve for only the most special of occasions. Like Labor Day.

Blouse: H&M
Jeans: Lux (Urban Outfitters)
Necklaces: The Glamourai and Forever 21
Bag: Madewell

You Changed the Rules on Me

2010-09-11T10:51:00.003-04:00

An old friend of mine recently sent me an email asking if I still kept a journal. She'd gone back and read my old old livejournal and felt that I should still be writing and chronically my thoughts. That flattered me immensely and gave me more motivation to keep up with this blog and make it something totally real for me. The desire to write in a more public forum again was one of the biggest motivating factors in starting this blog in the first place. But that email also made me a bit sad and nervous in a way. The years of my life that I kept that livejournal were not good years in my life. The writing was not always happy. It was true and it was honest - something that I promised I would be, to myself and to others always. Having that journal lurking out there is a reminder of what I've been through and how far I've come. It's also a reminder of how far I can sink. I mostly like to think that these days things are infinitely better. And for the most part, they are. But I still have my days. I still find myself wandering in unfathomable depths at times. And I suppose ultimately, it's good to remember that too. To remember that I am human, that at times I will stumble and at times I will fall flat on my face. Also to remember that no matter how far I go from that self, I will always be that self. Last night I went and read those old old entries, and so much of what I had written those years ago, still rings true today. So I suppose I'm here to remember who I am, and to learn who I will continue to be, because the spectrum all eventually amounts to the one person that is me.

If you're here reading this, I hope that the self exploration doesn't become tiresome. Because I frequently find myself having to start all over again. Once I feel I've gotten a handle on the Rules and can Trust what will be around the corner. The Rules change, the Trust is dashed, and I'm left scrambling to find my footing all over again. That's what Reality is, I suppose.

Someone Worth Fighting For

2010-09-10T16:01:00.001-04:00

I am.

Jacket: UO
Blouse: Liz Lange (Target) Yes, you read that right.
Trousers: Gap
Bag: Madewell
Shoes: Alexander Wang

A Symphony in Brown

2010-09-05T19:51:00.000-04:00

So here's the thing. I really did take pictures on Friday. It was very awkward, I tried to do them quickly out on the patio while my roommate was supposed to be taking a nap, but her "nap" lasted all of five minutes, so I think she probably saw me going back and forth from my camera out on the patio and probably now thinks I'm a total crazy person. But whatevs. On top of that, the pictures really really sucked. And the outfit wasn't really that great either. I totally did the super causal Friday thing. So casual and comfy that I wore the exact same outfit again on Saturday. Yes, I do that. Until, of course, I changed for the Lady Gaga show. My roommate took some pictures of that, just because she wanted pictures of my Lady Gaga outfit. Once I get them from her, I will post them. Until then, you can just admire my fun nails that I did for the show.

Today, I attempted to take pictures on my own again, and with minimally better results. Please excuse the awkward, mildly angry, morose looking faces. I don't do well with self timer photos obviously. Also please excuse my barren apartment, we're still settling in.

Despite the story that my face is telling, I actually had a very nice day. I got new towels and a bath mat(!) at Target today. I've never owned real bath towels or a bath mat until this day. I previously used old beach towels to serve both functions. I feel like a new woman! I'm also currently lounging on my freshly washed bedding with a brand new pillow swapped in place for a ratty old one. And I have a day with my family to look forward to tomorrow. Life is good. Generally speaking.

Maybe tomorrow I'll even convince my brother to take some outfit pictures of me! But that would require me telling him and the rest of my family, by association, what I'm up to with this blogging business. I'm not totally sure that I'm ready for that. We'll see.....

T-shirt: Gap
Necklace: The Glamourai
Skirt: Patrick Robinson (Target)
Shoes: Restricted (Urban Outfitters)

What?!

2010-09-03T00:49:00.000-04:00

Finally! I'm posting again after how many eternities? I'm not sure, but I think it's probably a lot.

These pictures were actually taken long ago before I moved into Chez Fancy Pants. And while that move happened a MONTH ago, I am still slowly working my way through all of my boxes. This means two things. 1) I don't have nearly enough time to myself and 2) I own WAY too much stuff. I am hoping to actually make significant strides toward remedying both of these problems. I have some serious purging plans in store for both my objects and my extra curricular activities.

On the day that these pictures were taken, the sky was clear and sunny, the birds were singing, and my photographer was still in the country. Bliss. Today, the sky is gray and wet, the birds are taking cover and perhaps starting to pack their bags to move South for the coming Winter, and my photographer has gone home for a very long vacation, leaving me to fend for myself with a tripod. Opposite of Bliss. We'll see how that goes.

Also, guess what else happened today? If you guess that I was hit by a car in the parking lot at work by a woman who claims I was in her blind spot but who I'm pretty sure meant "I didn't look at all before reversing at high speeds" then you would be 100% correct and would be deserving of lots of wonderful prizes. Sadly, I have nothing to give you. But I do have a nice new dent in my car. Poor Sheena (my car). She may be a punk rocker, but I don't think she appreciates the abuse. Speaking of Sheena and abuse, I'm thinking it's time to finally get her a new set of wheels in the next week or so. Perhaps that will help soothe her emotional and physical wounds.

Well, until tomorrow, when I brave the solo photo shoot. Preferably not in the rain.

Cardigan: Acquired at a clothing exchange
T-shirt: Plato's Closet
Trew: Urban Outfitters
Bracelet: Coach
Shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction (TJ Maxx)

Purple Thumb

2010-08-02T22:54:00.000-04:00

Yesterday G and I moved into our fancy new digs with the heroic efforts of some incredible men. There was sweat. There was blood. But thankfully, there were no tears. We are so lucky to have such generous and strong bodied/spirited friends. I think everyone walked away last night with at least one battle wound from being on the front lines all day. My favorite from my own wounds is what is now turning into a purple thumb - be careful in your choice of a heavy lifting partner when moving a couch that will need extra work getting through a door. We will definitely be throwing a party in their honor. Just as soon as we dig ourselves out from under all of these boxes!

Today was a whirlwind of tying up final details in the old places, getting cable and internet set up, starting the unpacking process. Tomorrow will be more of the same. But I wanted to take a few minutes before a night of blissful sleep to post some photos of a time before purple thumbs and bruised thighs. When frolicking on piles of lumber was the most adventurous part of a day.

My little concrete structure was special to me. Two days later the lumber was replaced with concrete slabs and lots of caution tape. I really wanted to climb all over that too, but there was just no time with the move. Next time.

Sunnies: Target

Jean Blazer: H&M

Dress: H&M

Belt: Came with another top

Shoes: Urban Outfitters

Bag: Vintage

Polish: Purple Pulse, Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure

The Day is Today

2010-07-28T19:30:00.000-04:00

I am embarking on a journey. Please come with me.

Two weeks ago I moved out of my old apartment. This weekend, I will move into my new super luxe apartment. In the meantime I have been living with my parents, in my old bedroom, with a closet the size of a peanut. Having only left unpacked the amount of clothing that will fit in the peanut, and having not really paid much attention to what exactly I was leaving for myself, dressing has been a bit more of a challenge. But one that I have accepted and mostly appreciated.

Tunic: Anna Sui (Target)
Pants: Simply Vera (Kohl's)
Sunglasses: ?? (Target)
Bag: Vintage (eBay)

2008-05-27T23:57:00.000-04:00

The girl with the shaved head would have her bachelor's and her master's and would be well into adulthood and still would not feel the comfort or security necessary to bring up the events that happened inside the ice cream truck. Relationships, intimate and working, with men and women alike, would be affected by her reticence, her anger, her temper, and what partners and teachers and employees would call a difficulty with trust. Shying away from physical contact, the girl would repel people. She would be defiant, resistant, abjectly negative. The girl with the shaved head would not be happy with all the anger that was inside of her, nor with how she moved through each day, and she would work diligently on addressing these things, and while this work would not be easy, nothing in this world that matters is easy. The girl with the shaved head would be a work in progress for quite some time, as all of us are.

Excerpt from Beautiful Children by Charles Bock