Hi there kids. It has been a crazy past couple of weeks for me (and probably for you, too--end of the school year, summer starting, graduations, birthdays, anniversaries, shopping trips, Mother's Day, Cinco de Mayo, summer food cravings, etc.). Here's what I have been up too:
-My Dad recently moved offices and started a new partnership. I have been helping him move and doing some office administrative work, with potential to help more during the summer. We've hit a few moving-related bumps ("Gee, I wonder what box that file is in), but nothing that can't be overcome with determination and comfy shoes. So far, I think things are going very well.
-And speaking of my folks, they are over in Ireland right now, hopefully having a great time. They told me they aren't going to kiss the Blarney Stone because they had heard from my grandma's brother (a.k.a. Uncle Tiny) that the janitors pee on it. Gross. Gross, yet, somehow, I still would want to do it to say that I did. On a scale of 1 to 10, how weird does that make me?
-I am in my last week of the paralegal program at Fresno City. The program is definitely set up and operated well, but right now the paralegal thing is not for me. I'm looking forward to a very nice summer.
-Amy, our guys, and myself went to Gilroy for our impromptu shopping trip, and were met with much success. Amy and her guy nabbed some accessories, while Stephen and I basically built up our wardrobe to a very solid level. We will definitely make it through a few summers.
-I had a very nice Easter and Mother's Day spent with Stephen's and my family. My weekends are starting (er, continuing) to fill up with birthdays, graduations, fundraisers, and other events. Right now, I am pretty much booked until mid-June. Are your weekends looking about the same? What fun activities will you be up to?
-And, in alignment with this post title, I have started a fabulous school-is-ending-so-let's-celebrate book called The Secret Lives of Dresses. It's fairly new and I'd heard some good things about it, so I thought I would give it a shot since I like clothes, vintage styling, and books with potential to become rom-com movies. I am only a couple chapters in, and it is everything I want it to be, and more. If you tend to wait until the movie to see such wonderful tales, I anticipate that you won't be waiting very long. Yeah, it is that good.
Happy weekend everyone!
.
Showing posts with label Friday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Friday. Show all posts
Friday, May 13, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
30 for 30, Day 18: Just Tryin' To Stay Warm
As soon as I woke up this morning, I wanted to remedy how cold I was. However, since I can't go about my day in a sweatshirt, snow pants and 6 pairs of socks, I decided to go with the following outfit.
Outfit In Theory.
The black cardigan, the jeans, and the red heels are all part of my 30 for 30 haul. The black, white and red all over top is a bonus item.
Outfit In Practice.
Now all I need is a coat and some hot chocolate.
And breakfast. I waited way too long to have breakfast.
Happy Friday!
.
Outfit In Theory.
The black cardigan, the jeans, and the red heels are all part of my 30 for 30 haul. The black, white and red all over top is a bonus item.
Outfit In Practice.
Now all I need is a coat and some hot chocolate.
And breakfast. I waited way too long to have breakfast.
Happy Friday!
.
Friday, February 11, 2011
30 for 30, Day 11: Orange You Glad It's Friday?
I've been waiting all week to get a little punny.
...
Anyway....
I've got a busy day and a weekend full of activities, so I need an outfit that's ready to move. Also, I'd like an outfit that seems a little silly, because that's the type of mood I'm in today.
Outfit In Theory.
The silk blouse, the orange cardigan, the jeans and the red heels are all part of my 30 for 30 swag.
Outfit In Practice.
I think this will work very well for my Friday of hanging out with my folks and running errands.
I also learned with this outfit that sometimes you just have to say "no." I saw that I had a good base going, but then I started to add scarves, necklaces, and all sorts of other accoutrement. I took a picture, and it looked like a real mess.
So, say "no" kids. Say "no" to too many accessories. Be brave, and wear the base outfit sometimes. The cool kids might tease you, but at the end of the day, you'll know you did the right thing.
...
How I went from an "Orange you glad..." joke to a pseudo-"drug"-free-lesson, I'll never know.
Enjoy your weekend!
.
...
Anyway....
I've got a busy day and a weekend full of activities, so I need an outfit that's ready to move. Also, I'd like an outfit that seems a little silly, because that's the type of mood I'm in today.
Outfit In Theory.
The silk blouse, the orange cardigan, the jeans and the red heels are all part of my 30 for 30 swag.
Outfit In Practice.
I think this will work very well for my Friday of hanging out with my folks and running errands.
I also learned with this outfit that sometimes you just have to say "no." I saw that I had a good base going, but then I started to add scarves, necklaces, and all sorts of other accoutrement. I took a picture, and it looked like a real mess.
So, say "no" kids. Say "no" to too many accessories. Be brave, and wear the base outfit sometimes. The cool kids might tease you, but at the end of the day, you'll know you did the right thing.
...
How I went from an "Orange you glad..." joke to a pseudo-"drug"-free-lesson, I'll never know.
Enjoy your weekend!
.
Friday, January 21, 2011
My Own 12 Step Program
It's been a while since I've done an official "Fashion Friday" post on this "blog*," but I figured when I set to a certain task this week that it would be the perfect band-aid for the wound that is the temporarily-but-quite-noticeably-absent feature. I know I've missed it, and we're not all that different, you and me.
About now, everybody is all gung-ho about resolutions. Well, those that don't give up their resolutions on January 4th around dessert time are still gung-ho. Good for you, endure-ers. I know you all are so glad I shared some of my resolutions, but one that wasn't shared but should have been is cleaning out my disastrous excuse for a closet.
Look at it, people. This is what I would wake up to every day. This is where I hoped the appropriate outfit would just leap out of that poorly-lit closet and give me a big morning hug. Alas, never did this happen.
So, I had to organize it. While I am what many consider to be an organized person, this personality trait hadn't made its way into my closet. Call it prioritizing. Call it being busy with other things. Heck, call it plain being messy.
No longer.
Ta-da! (Are your eyes watering, because I know mine are)
How did it happen? How can you make it happen? Will your life be better afterward?
To question #3, YES! To questions #1 and #2, get to reading:
Jennifer's 12 Steps to Having a Better Closet, and Thus a Better Life:
1) Open the closet door, turn on the lights, and accept that things are a total mess. Only berate yourself for about 30 seconds.
2) Make yourself a White Russian so you can properly cope with the closet.
3) Take all your shoes out of the closet. This makes reaching everything else so much easier, which will make you less frustrated during this task.
4) DO NOT TAKE ANY CLOTHES OUT OF YOUR CLOSET YET. (I feel this is truly the secret to getting this done for real).
5) While keeping all clothes in the closet, organize everything you own by color and length. All of the shirts go from lights to darks, and all of your longer items like coats or dresses do the same (wherever they fit in the closet, that is).
6) Relish that a color-coordinated closet looks organized, even if it isn't. Sip your White Russian satisfactorily.
7) Now you can start taking out some clothes: Starting from the lights and moving toward the darks, take out the items that you a) haven't worn in a while, b) aren't sure if they fit, or c) don't care for anymore. I find it's easier sort through your white T-shirts when you know exactly how many white T-shirts you have because they are all sitting right next to the other white T-shirts. Please note that I only have one white T-shirt and used that for example only.
8) Depending on how you feel about the particular piece in your hands, you can try it on if you think you will wear it (really, I mean it: don't go kidding yourself).
9) If you don't care for the piece, I'm a big fan of either finding something new to do with it (e.g. dye it, tailor it, etc.) or donating it. Someone out there can use your clothes.
10) Try on any questionable shoes, like those you haven't worn in a while because they are out of season, or because you secretly hate them because while they are very cute they hurt your feet like crazy. Resist the temptation to keep them because they go with that one skirt from that one time.
11) Return your shoes to the closet in whatever manner you prefer (me, I like using a shoe rack).
12) Put all of your donated clothes into bags whilst both marveling at your accomplishment and finishing your White Russian.
At least that's how I do it; do you have a better strategy?
And how do you like Fashion Friday's return? Happiness, yes?
*And, actually, I'm considering a special theme for the blog in February to make up for the oh-so-many times I've missed a Fashion Friday Blog. Stay tuned.
About now, everybody is all gung-ho about resolutions. Well, those that don't give up their resolutions on January 4th around dessert time are still gung-ho. Good for you, endure-ers. I know you all are so glad I shared some of my resolutions, but one that wasn't shared but should have been is cleaning out my disastrous excuse for a closet.
Look at it, people. This is what I would wake up to every day. This is where I hoped the appropriate outfit would just leap out of that poorly-lit closet and give me a big morning hug. Alas, never did this happen.
So, I had to organize it. While I am what many consider to be an organized person, this personality trait hadn't made its way into my closet. Call it prioritizing. Call it being busy with other things. Heck, call it plain being messy.
No longer.
Ta-da! (Are your eyes watering, because I know mine are)
How did it happen? How can you make it happen? Will your life be better afterward?
To question #3, YES! To questions #1 and #2, get to reading:
Jennifer's 12 Steps to Having a Better Closet, and Thus a Better Life:
1) Open the closet door, turn on the lights, and accept that things are a total mess. Only berate yourself for about 30 seconds.
2) Make yourself a White Russian so you can properly cope with the closet.
3) Take all your shoes out of the closet. This makes reaching everything else so much easier, which will make you less frustrated during this task.
4) DO NOT TAKE ANY CLOTHES OUT OF YOUR CLOSET YET. (I feel this is truly the secret to getting this done for real).
5) While keeping all clothes in the closet, organize everything you own by color and length. All of the shirts go from lights to darks, and all of your longer items like coats or dresses do the same (wherever they fit in the closet, that is).
6) Relish that a color-coordinated closet looks organized, even if it isn't. Sip your White Russian satisfactorily.
7) Now you can start taking out some clothes: Starting from the lights and moving toward the darks, take out the items that you a) haven't worn in a while, b) aren't sure if they fit, or c) don't care for anymore. I find it's easier sort through your white T-shirts when you know exactly how many white T-shirts you have because they are all sitting right next to the other white T-shirts. Please note that I only have one white T-shirt and used that for example only.
8) Depending on how you feel about the particular piece in your hands, you can try it on if you think you will wear it (really, I mean it: don't go kidding yourself).
9) If you don't care for the piece, I'm a big fan of either finding something new to do with it (e.g. dye it, tailor it, etc.) or donating it. Someone out there can use your clothes.
10) Try on any questionable shoes, like those you haven't worn in a while because they are out of season, or because you secretly hate them because while they are very cute they hurt your feet like crazy. Resist the temptation to keep them because they go with that one skirt from that one time.
11) Return your shoes to the closet in whatever manner you prefer (me, I like using a shoe rack).
12) Put all of your donated clothes into bags whilst both marveling at your accomplishment and finishing your White Russian.
At least that's how I do it; do you have a better strategy?
And how do you like Fashion Friday's return? Happiness, yes?
*And, actually, I'm considering a special theme for the blog in February to make up for the oh-so-many times I've missed a Fashion Friday Blog. Stay tuned.
Friday, November 19, 2010
At Least My Feet Are Covered
It has been a while since I've had a fashion Friday, but since I have a bit of a fashion conundrum, I figured I would post my problem here, like a good blogger, and seek the wisdom of my readers.
Every year, Stephen's National Guard unit hosts a Christmas-time event. This year the event is in Sacramento, which should be a fun change from Visalia (no offense to Visalians). They call this event a "ball." This is deceiving.
There is no dancing. There isn't even any music. It's just a dinner and slide show and speeches and lots of men yelling "Hoo-ah!" repeatedly. Not very Cinderella-esque, but I'll let them call it what they want. They defend our country and all that jazz.
Also unlike Cinderella, I have no fairy godmother to produce for me the perfect gown in the perfect shade of blue to match my eyes. It's formal attire required, but I (sigh) have nothing to wear. Such a basic life conundrum, really, and not at all limited only to "balls."
But with the event in two weeks, I think I need to get it figured out--and figured out before everyone is out shopping every second of every day. Anyone know of any good, affordable places to find formal attire?
Thanks for your help, you fairy godmothers you.
Every year, Stephen's National Guard unit hosts a Christmas-time event. This year the event is in Sacramento, which should be a fun change from Visalia (no offense to Visalians). They call this event a "ball." This is deceiving.
There is no dancing. There isn't even any music. It's just a dinner and slide show and speeches and lots of men yelling "Hoo-ah!" repeatedly. Not very Cinderella-esque, but I'll let them call it what they want. They defend our country and all that jazz.
Also unlike Cinderella, I have no fairy godmother to produce for me the perfect gown in the perfect shade of blue to match my eyes. It's formal attire required, but I (sigh) have nothing to wear. Such a basic life conundrum, really, and not at all limited only to "balls."
But with the event in two weeks, I think I need to get it figured out--and figured out before everyone is out shopping every second of every day. Anyone know of any good, affordable places to find formal attire?
Thanks for your help, you fairy godmothers you.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Fresno Fair
Just a brief reminder that this is the last weekend of the Big (x5) Fresno Fair. We got a chance to go last weekend, so our obligatory moment of eating everything in sight was completed wholeheartedly.
Make sure you don't miss yours!
Make sure you don't miss yours!
Friday, September 10, 2010
Free Fallin'
If you're anything like me (and I like to think that you are)...well, not clones or anything...just...similar....
...
Anyway....
If you're anything like me, with autumn approaching your neck-of-the-woods at a markedly-fast rate, you're scrambling.
Scrambling to get in your last summer activities. Scrambling through your calendar trying to find a day open for all these new fall events. Scrambling to find your fall and winter clothes under that super-organized grouping of very important fabrics packed quite nicely in your closet.
And if you're really like me, you're scrambling eggs for you and your husband for dinner. Gotta save those pennies.
Wait, come back! Don't let the cheesiness drive you away! I have links to clothes coming!
....
Thanks. I love you, too.
Mostly, to prep for fall, I'm trying to find my old fall sweaters and other clothes from the bundles and bags of my stuff scattered throughout my new apartment. It can be a task.
As a ploy to keep you from sitting down and truly dedicating actual free time ("free" time--ha!) to hunt down your autumnal attire, retailers are eager to get you into their stores to buy the latest trendy cool weather items.
I am trying not to fall for their tricks.
Tricks include "sales" and "clearance" and "essential fall colors" and "free snow globe with purchase" and "we carry your size."
While I might not be able to indulge in all of the new fall clothes my heart desires (remember, I eat eggs for dinner), I can probably still afford a new item or two this season.
Given my predilection for classic style over trendiness, and my impatience for the cooler weather to JUST GET HERE ALREADY, I will probably choose from:
Neutral colors: Last year, jewel tones and other rich colors were big. This year, you can stock up on this "trend" and build the basics in your closet at the same time. Looks like this and these should work well.
Jeggings: While the name is accurate, creative and utterly ridiculous all at the same time, I have to admit that there is some appeal to the versatility in this clothing item.
Polka dot: It's all about* leopard and red this fall for most of the trendsetters out there, but I can't get over the cuteness factor of polka dots.
Scarves: Great for cooler weather. I like this and this.
Fun shoes: I would like a pair of colorful flats. Can anybody find cute loafers?
Blazers: Which will likely never go out of style. More casual, blazer-related items are also a fav, like this, this and this.
Cardigans: Like this one...paired with polka dots. Sorry, I can't help it.
What are your favorite fall trends? Do you have a least favorite? Either way, happy scrambling!
I don't get a kickback or anything from any of the retailers featured in this post (remember, I eat eggs for dinner). I just like their stuff.
*Wow, I cannot believe I just used that phrase. It's written down. It exists on my blog.
...
Anyway....
If you're anything like me, with autumn approaching your neck-of-the-woods at a markedly-fast rate, you're scrambling.
Scrambling to get in your last summer activities. Scrambling through your calendar trying to find a day open for all these new fall events. Scrambling to find your fall and winter clothes under that super-organized grouping of very important fabrics packed quite nicely in your closet.
And if you're really like me, you're scrambling eggs for you and your husband for dinner. Gotta save those pennies.
Wait, come back! Don't let the cheesiness drive you away! I have links to clothes coming!
....
Thanks. I love you, too.
Mostly, to prep for fall, I'm trying to find my old fall sweaters and other clothes from the bundles and bags of my stuff scattered throughout my new apartment. It can be a task.
As a ploy to keep you from sitting down and truly dedicating actual free time ("free" time--ha!) to hunt down your autumnal attire, retailers are eager to get you into their stores to buy the latest trendy cool weather items.
I am trying not to fall for their tricks.
Tricks include "sales" and "clearance" and "essential fall colors" and "free snow globe with purchase" and "we carry your size."
While I might not be able to indulge in all of the new fall clothes my heart desires (remember, I eat eggs for dinner), I can probably still afford a new item or two this season.
Given my predilection for classic style over trendiness, and my impatience for the cooler weather to JUST GET HERE ALREADY, I will probably choose from:
Neutral colors: Last year, jewel tones and other rich colors were big. This year, you can stock up on this "trend" and build the basics in your closet at the same time. Looks like this and these should work well.
Jeggings: While the name is accurate, creative and utterly ridiculous all at the same time, I have to admit that there is some appeal to the versatility in this clothing item.
Polka dot: It's all about* leopard and red this fall for most of the trendsetters out there, but I can't get over the cuteness factor of polka dots.
Scarves: Great for cooler weather. I like this and this.
Fun shoes: I would like a pair of colorful flats. Can anybody find cute loafers?
Blazers: Which will likely never go out of style. More casual, blazer-related items are also a fav, like this, this and this.
Cardigans: Like this one...paired with polka dots. Sorry, I can't help it.
What are your favorite fall trends? Do you have a least favorite? Either way, happy scrambling!
I don't get a kickback or anything from any of the retailers featured in this post (remember, I eat eggs for dinner). I just like their stuff.
*Wow, I cannot believe I just used that phrase. It's written down. It exists on my blog.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Wear, Sleep, Repeat
If I was a smarter woman, I would not confess my fashion sins so regularly on this blog.
...
Still learning I guess.
Latest fashion sin admission: I am an outfit repeater.
I bet you've done this too.
Sometimes this behavior stems from getting a brand new piece of clothing that you love so much, you justify wearing it 5 out of the 6 days in which you have first owned it. It would truly be a shame to have to put the outfit back in the closet for an undetermined amount of time before it would be OK to bring it back out again. Plus, you should probably prove the versatility of this garment by wearing it as much as possible, right? Right.
Sometimes this behavior stems from not fully putting an outfit away after having worn it. You might be going to an event with people who you haven't seen for a couple weeks and--there it is, in your not-quite-in-the-laundry-but-definitely-not-put-away pile (my "pile" is a chair), saying, "Don't wash me--wear me."
And sometimes this behavior stems from a complete lack of creativity. You have spent some previous moment of your life (probably several stressful minutes) strategically putting an outfit together. You're quite proud of the way you matched your horizontally striped shirt and floral skirt. It's just a little too bad that you established and wore this outfit, worthy of pride, yesterday. A quick internal monologue-like analysis of your day reveals that you won't see the same folks today as you did yesterday. Go for repeat.
I am quite guilty of being an outfit repeater on special occasions for different sides of the family or with different groups of friends. I usually begin my day hoping that my memory is still serving me, that I can remember correctly that I wore this outfit out to Thanksgiving last year with the other side of the family. I will pace my closet for a couple minutes until reassuring myself that if I can't remember, maybe no one else will. I end my dressing experience with deluded confidence that "They definitely haven't seen me in this before." When you have so many similar occasions, you just might need one outfit instead of several.
You should also get some friends with poor memories.
Now you know another one of my fashion sins, and that sometimes I don't hang up my clothes at the end of the day.
OK, pretty much always.
Hey, I never claimed to be perfect.
I'll just leave you with this*:
Kate Sanders: Only you would think that you could hide that powder blue, puffy sleeved, it's kind of a peasant dress, but it's really a questionable disaster of fiber content that you wore to the spring dance. Lizzie McGuire, you are an outfit repeater!
Lizzie McGuire: Okay, I may be an outfit repeater, but you're an outfit rememberer, which is just as pathetic!
*I bet you shamefully remember this movie, too.
...
Still learning I guess.
Latest fashion sin admission: I am an outfit repeater.
I bet you've done this too.
Sometimes this behavior stems from getting a brand new piece of clothing that you love so much, you justify wearing it 5 out of the 6 days in which you have first owned it. It would truly be a shame to have to put the outfit back in the closet for an undetermined amount of time before it would be OK to bring it back out again. Plus, you should probably prove the versatility of this garment by wearing it as much as possible, right? Right.
Sometimes this behavior stems from not fully putting an outfit away after having worn it. You might be going to an event with people who you haven't seen for a couple weeks and--there it is, in your not-quite-in-the-laundry-but-definitely-not-put-away pile (my "pile" is a chair), saying, "Don't wash me--wear me."
And sometimes this behavior stems from a complete lack of creativity. You have spent some previous moment of your life (probably several stressful minutes) strategically putting an outfit together. You're quite proud of the way you matched your horizontally striped shirt and floral skirt. It's just a little too bad that you established and wore this outfit, worthy of pride, yesterday. A quick internal monologue-like analysis of your day reveals that you won't see the same folks today as you did yesterday. Go for repeat.
I am quite guilty of being an outfit repeater on special occasions for different sides of the family or with different groups of friends. I usually begin my day hoping that my memory is still serving me, that I can remember correctly that I wore this outfit out to Thanksgiving last year with the other side of the family. I will pace my closet for a couple minutes until reassuring myself that if I can't remember, maybe no one else will. I end my dressing experience with deluded confidence that "They definitely haven't seen me in this before." When you have so many similar occasions, you just might need one outfit instead of several.
You should also get some friends with poor memories.
Now you know another one of my fashion sins, and that sometimes I don't hang up my clothes at the end of the day.
OK, pretty much always.
Hey, I never claimed to be perfect.
I'll just leave you with this*:
Kate Sanders: Only you would think that you could hide that powder blue, puffy sleeved, it's kind of a peasant dress, but it's really a questionable disaster of fiber content that you wore to the spring dance. Lizzie McGuire, you are an outfit repeater!
Lizzie McGuire: Okay, I may be an outfit repeater, but you're an outfit rememberer, which is just as pathetic!
*I bet you shamefully remember this movie, too.
Friday, August 20, 2010
I'm Scared an Etsy Little Bit
I must confess that for all the online shopping (and way more online window shopping) that I do, I am quite unfamiliar with Etsy.
My full admission is that I find it rather intimidating.
There are so many shops that it seems like it would be impossible to find what you are looking for. Plus, with other online retailers, their sizing is standardized and their policies on exchanges and returns are clear (for the most part). And while I know that a whole slew of Etsy professionals have designed their shops to be just that...
I am scared.
What if the item is nothing like the picture? What if I can't exchange it? What if it falls apart? What if they ignore me like the big-box retailer*? What if that quarter that they have in the picture for size reference is some kind of trick quarter? What if they steal my credit card information?
Ok, so the last one is probably less likely since sellers go through a process to determine that they are generally not crooks. Maybe the one before that is a little far-fetched, too.
Still, it is not completely irrational to feel uneasy about buying an item from the lady next door (and across the country) that you would normally get at a store with salespeople and a cash register. The unknowns, though, are not a good reason to avoid this plethora of clothes and crafts, made with love.
Ignorance is not bliss.
If I were to get over my fear soon, these few shops would be the first places I would turn to in bravery (and leave not long after with an empty wallet).
Audrey and Grace Clothing
Flour Clothing
Lirola Clothing
ANAS by Zorya Clothing
Rak Shniya Vintage Clothing
Sweet Bee Finds Vintage Clothing
Simple Serendipity Jewelry
All Things Tinsel Jewelry
Wicked Mint Pillows (and more)
That's just for starters. Don't get me going on the other stores that have the perfect stuff for everyone I know.
How about you--have you purchased something from an Etsy shop? Do you have an Etsy shop, or can you recommend any? Thanks for your support!
I do not receive compensation from any of the retailers listed above.
*I need a bit of virtual hand-holding during my first purchase with somebody
My full admission is that I find it rather intimidating.
There are so many shops that it seems like it would be impossible to find what you are looking for. Plus, with other online retailers, their sizing is standardized and their policies on exchanges and returns are clear (for the most part). And while I know that a whole slew of Etsy professionals have designed their shops to be just that...
I am scared.
What if the item is nothing like the picture? What if I can't exchange it? What if it falls apart? What if they ignore me like the big-box retailer*? What if that quarter that they have in the picture for size reference is some kind of trick quarter? What if they steal my credit card information?
Ok, so the last one is probably less likely since sellers go through a process to determine that they are generally not crooks. Maybe the one before that is a little far-fetched, too.
Still, it is not completely irrational to feel uneasy about buying an item from the lady next door (and across the country) that you would normally get at a store with salespeople and a cash register. The unknowns, though, are not a good reason to avoid this plethora of clothes and crafts, made with love.
Ignorance is not bliss.
If I were to get over my fear soon, these few shops would be the first places I would turn to in bravery (and leave not long after with an empty wallet).
Audrey and Grace Clothing
Flour Clothing
Lirola Clothing
ANAS by Zorya Clothing
Rak Shniya Vintage Clothing
Sweet Bee Finds Vintage Clothing
Simple Serendipity Jewelry
All Things Tinsel Jewelry
Wicked Mint Pillows (and more)
That's just for starters. Don't get me going on the other stores that have the perfect stuff for everyone I know.
How about you--have you purchased something from an Etsy shop? Do you have an Etsy shop, or can you recommend any? Thanks for your support!
I do not receive compensation from any of the retailers listed above.
*I need a bit of virtual hand-holding during my first purchase with somebody
Friday, August 13, 2010
The Wedding Dress Story
Here it is, in all it's glory:
Stephen and I had a long engagement, so I thankfully had lots of time to find The Perfect Wedding Dress--the one all gals seek.
And seek I did. I sought all over the place. After looking at, literally, thousands of dresses online over a period of several weeks, I found the one I had to have.
It was a Maggie Sottero dress with an A-line skirt, fitted lace bodice with crystal beading, empire-wait satin detail and three-quarter length sleeves.
I think this dress was made for me. It was everything I wanted. Which of course means that nothing was going to stand in my way of getting it. Nothing.
A local bridal shop carries Maggie Sottero so I called them up to see if they had the gown in stock. They said no, but that they could order it if I did decide I wanted to try it at no cost of obligation to me. Since I had a lot of time (read: like, a year and a half) before the wedding that sounded fine and dandy to me.
Life was pleasant for quite a while. I would regularly check the Maggie Sottero website, making sure my dress had a good night's rest, that it had enough to eat, and make small-talk with it.* I dreamed about trying on my dress soon, picking out the rest of my wedding ensemble, and generally looking like a princess. Because real princesses wear sleeves, you know.
My dream bubble popped one Friday morning. I followed through on my normal dress-checking routine when--gasp!--it was NOT on the Maggie Sottero site.
"It must be some mistake," I thought, trying to calm myself down. "I'll call the bridal store."
I explained (read: freaked-out) to the consultant my increasingly-stressful issue, and then waited on hold while the bridal shop called the Maggie Sottero warehouse. Those were the longest two minutes of my fashion life.
The consultant returned to my line: "That dress is being discontinued. Today is the last day to order it, by three o'clock."
I didn't know hearts could sink so quickly. Disappointment--then, irrational panic.*
"I'll call you back," I said. I had gone into crazy bride mode.
At the time, my mom and I worked together, so I called her up and asked if she could come over to my office. I explained to her the situation and how this dress was going to be gone FOR ALL TIME if I didn't order it within the next 4 hours. I would not have the option of trying the dress on. All I could do was head to the bridal shop, have them take my measurements, and hope that the dress fit and that I loved it when it arrived in a few months.
Oh, and I'd have to put half of the $850 the dress would cost down that day. Talk about impulse buying. It didn't matter; I wanted that dress.*
I see now that for my mom it must have been like trying to catch 10 pounds of mud with fishnet stockings. I was spewing so much babble, I was getting to the point of hysterics. I didn't think I was one of those people who would cry about a wedding dress, but having the possibility of this dress taken away FOR ALL TIME was putting me over the edge. She tried reassuring me that life would go on, that I'd find another dress, and that it was too much money for a dress I couldn't actually try on.
After much personal debate and more tears, I put a call into Stephen (who, by the way, is off training in Georgia at this time) to let him know that the dress that I loved (a dress, mind you, that he had no idea about, or interest in) was going to be lost FOR ALL TIME. He tried to console me just like my mom had. He foolishly said things like, "You'll find another one," or "You'll look beautiful in anything."
Poor guy. He was trying to talk sense to a woman flirting with insanity.
I decided lunch was in order. As I ate, I had a revelation (read: "crazy-person" revelation). I couldn't let the dress slip away. I couldn't give up; I just had to get creative.
My creative solution was to do what any whimpering, crazy bride would do in this situation.
Check eBay.
"Maybe, just maybe, the dress will be out there," I told myself. It was just madness at that point. "People sell things like that on eBay, right? Right? RIGHT?!"
Actually, they do. With my total long shot, I typed in the maker and name of the dress and a sample that another bridal shop was getting rid of came up. In great condition. In my size. In the right shade of white.* In my madness, I convinced myself that it was fashion destiny.
"BUT WHAT DOES IT COST?!," Crazy Jen thought to herself. "WHAT IS IT?!"
Ok, for those of you at home who like to play the guessing game, I'll give you a minute...
...
...
...
...
...
Got your guess? Good. Ok, here's the starting bid I saw:
$25.
This initiated full freak-out mode for me.* With a shipping cost of only $25, I thought "I can totally buy a dress for $50 bucks on eBay! If I don't love it, I won't feel like I lost hundreds of dollars, and if I DO love it, I will save a ton of money!"
I suddenly got serious, and shifted from Crazy Jen into Crazy Bidding Jen. I was very closely watching this auction. I had both a desktop and laptop open to the bid (you know, in case one froze or was slow). I basically refreshed the auction every seven minutes. I was on a mission. I was only 19 hours from The Perfect Wedding Dress. One person did try to outbid me once, but because I had pre-set my max bid to, like, $200, and because I was shopping with a vengeance, I was getting this dress. There was no way they were going to take it away from me. My precious.*
The next morning came, and I opened the auction page. There was about an hour left, and I was still the top bidder. I don't think I peed or brushed my teeth until the dress was mine, at which point a did a happy dance and ran to the restroom. The dress was going to be shipped to me within the next three days. Guess what? It was shipping from a shop in Atwater. Yeah.
In three days, it did arrive. And it. Was. Perfect. I seriously loved everything about it. It fit just as I imagined it would and I knew that this dress was going to be the one I got married in.
The kicker? The final cost of the dress, shipping included, was $77.56.
That's the story, now immortalized on the blog.
*Weddings make you crazy.
Stephen and I had a long engagement, so I thankfully had lots of time to find The Perfect Wedding Dress--the one all gals seek.
And seek I did. I sought all over the place. After looking at, literally, thousands of dresses online over a period of several weeks, I found the one I had to have.
It was a Maggie Sottero dress with an A-line skirt, fitted lace bodice with crystal beading, empire-wait satin detail and three-quarter length sleeves.
I think this dress was made for me. It was everything I wanted. Which of course means that nothing was going to stand in my way of getting it. Nothing.
A local bridal shop carries Maggie Sottero so I called them up to see if they had the gown in stock. They said no, but that they could order it if I did decide I wanted to try it at no cost of obligation to me. Since I had a lot of time (read: like, a year and a half) before the wedding that sounded fine and dandy to me.
Life was pleasant for quite a while. I would regularly check the Maggie Sottero website, making sure my dress had a good night's rest, that it had enough to eat, and make small-talk with it.* I dreamed about trying on my dress soon, picking out the rest of my wedding ensemble, and generally looking like a princess. Because real princesses wear sleeves, you know.
My dream bubble popped one Friday morning. I followed through on my normal dress-checking routine when--gasp!--it was NOT on the Maggie Sottero site.
"It must be some mistake," I thought, trying to calm myself down. "I'll call the bridal store."
I explained (read: freaked-out) to the consultant my increasingly-stressful issue, and then waited on hold while the bridal shop called the Maggie Sottero warehouse. Those were the longest two minutes of my fashion life.
The consultant returned to my line: "That dress is being discontinued. Today is the last day to order it, by three o'clock."
I didn't know hearts could sink so quickly. Disappointment--then, irrational panic.*
"I'll call you back," I said. I had gone into crazy bride mode.
At the time, my mom and I worked together, so I called her up and asked if she could come over to my office. I explained to her the situation and how this dress was going to be gone FOR ALL TIME if I didn't order it within the next 4 hours. I would not have the option of trying the dress on. All I could do was head to the bridal shop, have them take my measurements, and hope that the dress fit and that I loved it when it arrived in a few months.
Oh, and I'd have to put half of the $850 the dress would cost down that day. Talk about impulse buying. It didn't matter; I wanted that dress.*
I see now that for my mom it must have been like trying to catch 10 pounds of mud with fishnet stockings. I was spewing so much babble, I was getting to the point of hysterics. I didn't think I was one of those people who would cry about a wedding dress, but having the possibility of this dress taken away FOR ALL TIME was putting me over the edge. She tried reassuring me that life would go on, that I'd find another dress, and that it was too much money for a dress I couldn't actually try on.
After much personal debate and more tears, I put a call into Stephen (who, by the way, is off training in Georgia at this time) to let him know that the dress that I loved (a dress, mind you, that he had no idea about, or interest in) was going to be lost FOR ALL TIME. He tried to console me just like my mom had. He foolishly said things like, "You'll find another one," or "You'll look beautiful in anything."
Poor guy. He was trying to talk sense to a woman flirting with insanity.
I decided lunch was in order. As I ate, I had a revelation (read: "crazy-person" revelation). I couldn't let the dress slip away. I couldn't give up; I just had to get creative.
My creative solution was to do what any whimpering, crazy bride would do in this situation.
Check eBay.
"Maybe, just maybe, the dress will be out there," I told myself. It was just madness at that point. "People sell things like that on eBay, right? Right? RIGHT?!"
Actually, they do. With my total long shot, I typed in the maker and name of the dress and a sample that another bridal shop was getting rid of came up. In great condition. In my size. In the right shade of white.* In my madness, I convinced myself that it was fashion destiny.
"BUT WHAT DOES IT COST?!," Crazy Jen thought to herself. "WHAT IS IT?!"
Ok, for those of you at home who like to play the guessing game, I'll give you a minute...
...
...
...
...
...
Got your guess? Good. Ok, here's the starting bid I saw:
$25.
This initiated full freak-out mode for me.* With a shipping cost of only $25, I thought "I can totally buy a dress for $50 bucks on eBay! If I don't love it, I won't feel like I lost hundreds of dollars, and if I DO love it, I will save a ton of money!"
I suddenly got serious, and shifted from Crazy Jen into Crazy Bidding Jen. I was very closely watching this auction. I had both a desktop and laptop open to the bid (you know, in case one froze or was slow). I basically refreshed the auction every seven minutes. I was on a mission. I was only 19 hours from The Perfect Wedding Dress. One person did try to outbid me once, but because I had pre-set my max bid to, like, $200, and because I was shopping with a vengeance, I was getting this dress. There was no way they were going to take it away from me. My precious.*
The next morning came, and I opened the auction page. There was about an hour left, and I was still the top bidder. I don't think I peed or brushed my teeth until the dress was mine, at which point a did a happy dance and ran to the restroom. The dress was going to be shipped to me within the next three days. Guess what? It was shipping from a shop in Atwater. Yeah.
In three days, it did arrive. And it. Was. Perfect. I seriously loved everything about it. It fit just as I imagined it would and I knew that this dress was going to be the one I got married in.
The kicker? The final cost of the dress, shipping included, was $77.56.
That's the story, now immortalized on the blog.
*Weddings make you crazy.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Put the Shirt Down and No One Gets Hurt
Based on requests, and subliminal messaging (oh yeah), I will be dedicating this Fashion Friday post to impulse shopping.
Not that I have ever done that.
I mean, everything I purchase is planned. My closet is well-stocked because I have strategized. Each piece was a deliberate addition to my wardrobe. I....
I....
I can't lie to you people. You're all such wonderful readers. You deserve better. The truth is that, yes, I, Jennifer Huerta, am guilty of impulse buying. I have purchased clothing on a whim and looked at it days later with disdain as it hung in my closet. All those tagged items just hanging there for months.
I think the idea of impulse shopping can be good. New environment. Fresh ideas via mannequins. Warm pretzels.
It's the buying part that always seems to get me into trouble. "Looking around" is harmless. It's that "picking it up, trying it on and loving it" part that is dangerous.
My Achilles' heel is online shopping; to me, it's that much easier to buy that cute top online or to check out e-bay.* Some of the sites that I frequent even store my shipping information for me.
Darned cookies.
So, to remedy my own sad situation, to save myself from running into debt, and to bring you the best fashion-y post I could this Friday, I've dedicated some time to figuring out WHY I impulse shop.
In my deep, self-revealing analysis (that took several minutes, interspersed with scouring YouTube and enjoying my tea), I've learned something about impulse buying.
Bad people do it.
OK, that's harsh. It's GOOD people doing BAD things. See, we have good intentions with our impulse buying. We think it's harmless. But really, we're not fooling anyone but ourselves.
You and I are usually plagued with any (or all) of the following vices when we decide to impulse buy. And, because my reflection also supplied me with some answers, I'm passing those along to you:
VICE - Ignorance: You truly have no idea what's in your closet. The inter monologue usually goes something like this: "Oooh! I've been needing new boots/a raincoat/neon tights." I'm betting you don't.
REMEDY: You think you're missing this piece (and yeah, you might be missing this exact piece), but you likely have 17 other items that fit into the piece's general category of clothing-ness.** The best thing to do is work with what you have and get creative.
VICE - Deception: Impulse buys promise you something. "I am the missing piece. You'll never have to buy another accessory as long as you live! How have you lasted this long without me?" What they should be saying is, "I hope you like car payments."
REMEDY: The above advice works for this. Plus, don't think that any one piece could make up for versatile styling of stuff you already have. A good portion of the time, you can create some cool outfits with your current wardrobe.
VICE - Greed - You hate this, but...you want things. You want things you don't need. You want things no one needs. "Oh, it's the newest fall color?! Well, then, I have to get something in that color! My summer stuff will never work." You convince yourself that new = better.
REMEDY: A lot of colors work year-round. This goes for cuts, patterns, etc. Your closet probably already has all the stuff you need--and could want--for fall.
VICE - Jealousy: You also hate this: You want things that other people have. "Co-worker/so-and-so celebrity/cool kid wore something just like this. I bet I could rock it!"
REMEDY: They may have looked good in it, but is it really your style? Just make the little sacrifice and don't buy this item. And hey, maybe you can borrow it. Unless you saw it on a celebrity. Then you're probably out of luck. Anyway...
VICE - Stupidity: You've totally lost your mind: "Ah, buying this will make me look thinner!"
REMEDY: Know your pitfalls. If a shirt promises to slim you/highlight your eyes/raise your children, and this is something that preoccupies you when you are not shopping, just walk away.
VICE - Loftiness: You have big aspirations, but haven't really planned out how to execute them. "I've been meaning to transition my style into a more contemporary-romantic-goth look."
REMEDY: The best thing to do is plan. Plan plan plan. Think through what you actually want to wear. If this means making over your closet one piece at a time, so be it. Just don't make that first piece an impulse buy.
VICE - Weakness/Susceptibility: It's shiny. It's new. It promises so many things. Maybe it's catching you at your most vulnerable. "Oh no! My best friend is moving away/My football team lost/Facebook is down." You convince yourself that having this clothing will fix things: "This will be way better than my current three-quarter sleeve red cable-knit sweater! That thing is pilling, This sweater will never do that! Look at the quality--and it's cashmere!"
REMEDY: The impulse buy that will do you a lot better during this time is a cupcake and a talk with a good friend. Text them so that the Facebook thing doesn't make you even sadder.
In general, chances are good that you have options other than impulse buys (like borrowing clothes and reexamining your own closet) to refresh your current wardrobe. To keep from making impulse purchases, you really should try to avoid these vices and implement the remedies when needed. You should also try to avoid using so many exclamation points during your inner monologue; you could go totally deaf. Take it easy.
Hey, that request was fun. Maybe I'll take some more requests. Have any? Have a good weekend! (Oh no! I'm doing it, too!)
*I still have to share my wedding dress story with you people. Maybe next week.
**You've probably figured this out by now, but sometimes I make up words.
Not that I have ever done that.
I mean, everything I purchase is planned. My closet is well-stocked because I have strategized. Each piece was a deliberate addition to my wardrobe. I....
I....
I can't lie to you people. You're all such wonderful readers. You deserve better. The truth is that, yes, I, Jennifer Huerta, am guilty of impulse buying. I have purchased clothing on a whim and looked at it days later with disdain as it hung in my closet. All those tagged items just hanging there for months.
I think the idea of impulse shopping can be good. New environment. Fresh ideas via mannequins. Warm pretzels.
It's the buying part that always seems to get me into trouble. "Looking around" is harmless. It's that "picking it up, trying it on and loving it" part that is dangerous.
My Achilles' heel is online shopping; to me, it's that much easier to buy that cute top online or to check out e-bay.* Some of the sites that I frequent even store my shipping information for me.
Darned cookies.
So, to remedy my own sad situation, to save myself from running into debt, and to bring you the best fashion-y post I could this Friday, I've dedicated some time to figuring out WHY I impulse shop.
In my deep, self-revealing analysis (that took several minutes, interspersed with scouring YouTube and enjoying my tea), I've learned something about impulse buying.
Bad people do it.
OK, that's harsh. It's GOOD people doing BAD things. See, we have good intentions with our impulse buying. We think it's harmless. But really, we're not fooling anyone but ourselves.
You and I are usually plagued with any (or all) of the following vices when we decide to impulse buy. And, because my reflection also supplied me with some answers, I'm passing those along to you:
VICE - Ignorance: You truly have no idea what's in your closet. The inter monologue usually goes something like this: "Oooh! I've been needing new boots/a raincoat/neon tights." I'm betting you don't.
REMEDY: You think you're missing this piece (and yeah, you might be missing this exact piece), but you likely have 17 other items that fit into the piece's general category of clothing-ness.** The best thing to do is work with what you have and get creative.
VICE - Deception: Impulse buys promise you something. "I am the missing piece. You'll never have to buy another accessory as long as you live! How have you lasted this long without me?" What they should be saying is, "I hope you like car payments."
REMEDY: The above advice works for this. Plus, don't think that any one piece could make up for versatile styling of stuff you already have. A good portion of the time, you can create some cool outfits with your current wardrobe.
VICE - Greed - You hate this, but...you want things. You want things you don't need. You want things no one needs. "Oh, it's the newest fall color?! Well, then, I have to get something in that color! My summer stuff will never work." You convince yourself that new = better.
REMEDY: A lot of colors work year-round. This goes for cuts, patterns, etc. Your closet probably already has all the stuff you need--and could want--for fall.
VICE - Jealousy: You also hate this: You want things that other people have. "Co-worker/so-and-so celebrity/cool kid wore something just like this. I bet I could rock it!"
REMEDY: They may have looked good in it, but is it really your style? Just make the little sacrifice and don't buy this item. And hey, maybe you can borrow it. Unless you saw it on a celebrity. Then you're probably out of luck. Anyway...
VICE - Stupidity: You've totally lost your mind: "Ah, buying this will make me look thinner!"
REMEDY: Know your pitfalls. If a shirt promises to slim you/highlight your eyes/raise your children, and this is something that preoccupies you when you are not shopping, just walk away.
VICE - Loftiness: You have big aspirations, but haven't really planned out how to execute them. "I've been meaning to transition my style into a more contemporary-romantic-goth look."
REMEDY: The best thing to do is plan. Plan plan plan. Think through what you actually want to wear. If this means making over your closet one piece at a time, so be it. Just don't make that first piece an impulse buy.
VICE - Weakness/Susceptibility: It's shiny. It's new. It promises so many things. Maybe it's catching you at your most vulnerable. "Oh no! My best friend is moving away/My football team lost/Facebook is down." You convince yourself that having this clothing will fix things: "This will be way better than my current three-quarter sleeve red cable-knit sweater! That thing is pilling, This sweater will never do that! Look at the quality--and it's cashmere!"
REMEDY: The impulse buy that will do you a lot better during this time is a cupcake and a talk with a good friend. Text them so that the Facebook thing doesn't make you even sadder.
In general, chances are good that you have options other than impulse buys (like borrowing clothes and reexamining your own closet) to refresh your current wardrobe. To keep from making impulse purchases, you really should try to avoid these vices and implement the remedies when needed. You should also try to avoid using so many exclamation points during your inner monologue; you could go totally deaf. Take it easy.
Hey, that request was fun. Maybe I'll take some more requests. Have any? Have a good weekend! (Oh no! I'm doing it, too!)
*I still have to share my wedding dress story with you people. Maybe next week.
**You've probably figured this out by now, but sometimes I make up words.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Are You Sure You Want To Eat That?
I've learned that I have a little too much to say about fashion. And even though we're wrapping up my first ever themed-week of blogging--food--I wanted to get a little fashion fodder in.
Well, at least fashion-related fodder.
Since we are about as far away from Girl Scout cookie season--a season I look forward to very much--as you can get, I thought it would be the perfect time to share this "vintage" sugar cookie recipe, and to get into the bigger idea of "vintage" food.
And, I think we can all agree there is a difference between "old" food and "vintage" food, so I won't go there.
Anyway, I really enjoy learning about the foods eaten by people from a different time and even a different culture. I have this same fascination with vintage fashion; how people dressed for the time and place they were in was always so fitting and flattering. With food, every people has worked with the natural ingredients around them to develop culturally relevant (and very tasty) food. But, as the world marketplace has grown and food is flown around the world, plus the modern kitchen's capabilities (read: microwave), we've modified what we eat and when we eat it.
In a very similar way, we've grown out of "vintage" recipes (like ones requiring you to baste a roast for 6 hours) in favor of newer ones (or, ones that other people prepare for us that we reheat and consume.)
However, being that I can't easily let anything go (or is it that I want to eat everything in sight?), I want to give some classics a try. Much like my desire to revive classic drinks, certain recipes shouldn't be discounted just because that same "food" comes in a convenience form (read: wrapped in a plastic tray and heated on medium for 5-7 minutes.)
Going beyond cooking in one of these, I think reading something like Fashionable Foods (which looks fabulous) may better fit my desire to blend vintage fashion and food into my modern kitchen.
Do you have a recipe for some classic but gone-by-the-wayside dish that's worth the extra effort?
Oh, and how did you like the themed week? Was it as fun for you as it was for me?
Well, at least fashion-related fodder.
Since we are about as far away from Girl Scout cookie season--a season I look forward to very much--as you can get, I thought it would be the perfect time to share this "vintage" sugar cookie recipe, and to get into the bigger idea of "vintage" food.
And, I think we can all agree there is a difference between "old" food and "vintage" food, so I won't go there.
Anyway, I really enjoy learning about the foods eaten by people from a different time and even a different culture. I have this same fascination with vintage fashion; how people dressed for the time and place they were in was always so fitting and flattering. With food, every people has worked with the natural ingredients around them to develop culturally relevant (and very tasty) food. But, as the world marketplace has grown and food is flown around the world, plus the modern kitchen's capabilities (read: microwave), we've modified what we eat and when we eat it.
In a very similar way, we've grown out of "vintage" recipes (like ones requiring you to baste a roast for 6 hours) in favor of newer ones (or, ones that other people prepare for us that we reheat and consume.)
However, being that I can't easily let anything go (or is it that I want to eat everything in sight?), I want to give some classics a try. Much like my desire to revive classic drinks, certain recipes shouldn't be discounted just because that same "food" comes in a convenience form (read: wrapped in a plastic tray and heated on medium for 5-7 minutes.)
Going beyond cooking in one of these, I think reading something like Fashionable Foods (which looks fabulous) may better fit my desire to blend vintage fashion and food into my modern kitchen.
Do you have a recipe for some classic but gone-by-the-wayside dish that's worth the extra effort?
Oh, and how did you like the themed week? Was it as fun for you as it was for me?
Friday, July 23, 2010
Unpretentious Dress
I wanted to take this Fashion Friday to discuss something pretty important to me: dressing modestly.
I'm not going to lecture anyone reading this. If you were ever a teenage girl (which applies to maybe, I don't know, half of my readers), you've probably been lectured to, at least once in your life, by your mom/grandma/other authority figure about modesty.*
Instead, I want to help you make modest dressing a reality.**
Today, I want to discuss--naturally--the clothes. Too often, I don't know where to look for the modest pieces I have in mind. Too often, I've walked into a store, found a great piece (say, a navy, V-neck, cotton, seemingly-knee-length cocktail dress--just for example) and discovered when putting it on that it would be appropriate only when swimming. And, too often I've looked for modest clothing, but the retailers have only supplied "dumpy" or "tent-like" clothing.
You ladies know this struggle.
So, I wanted to help you find garb you won't have to second guess, and won't make you self conscious.
I know I've already linked to Shabby Apple, the modesty-focused women's online dress retailer, but here are some other online retailers to cover your basic modest fashion needs.
Shade Clothing
DownEast Basics
Sweet Innocence Dresses
Christa Taylor
I seriously have dozens of thoughts and resources on modest fashion, and it will be a topic I revisit often. In the meantime, do you have any go-to modest retailers? Or, thoughts about modesty in general?
I do not receive compensation from any of these retailers.
*If you were ever a teenage boy, and this was a prime issue of discontent for you, let me know. I'm curious about guy's struggles with modesty, or how they feel about "modesty."
**To me, there's a lot more to modesty than selecting the right clothes versus the wrong clothes. It's really a mindset. Modesty is about understanding your worth. It's about helping people see you, and not getting distracted by the clothes you've halfway wrapped yourself in. It's really a topic that I enjoy discussing from many practical perspectives. (A couple resources discussing modesty that I found helpful/interesting are here and here.)
I'm not going to lecture anyone reading this. If you were ever a teenage girl (which applies to maybe, I don't know, half of my readers), you've probably been lectured to, at least once in your life, by your mom/grandma/other authority figure about modesty.*
Instead, I want to help you make modest dressing a reality.**
Today, I want to discuss--naturally--the clothes. Too often, I don't know where to look for the modest pieces I have in mind. Too often, I've walked into a store, found a great piece (say, a navy, V-neck, cotton, seemingly-knee-length cocktail dress--just for example) and discovered when putting it on that it would be appropriate only when swimming. And, too often I've looked for modest clothing, but the retailers have only supplied "dumpy" or "tent-like" clothing.
You ladies know this struggle.
So, I wanted to help you find garb you won't have to second guess, and won't make you self conscious.
I know I've already linked to Shabby Apple, the modesty-focused women's online dress retailer, but here are some other online retailers to cover your basic modest fashion needs.
Shade Clothing
DownEast Basics
Sweet Innocence Dresses
Christa Taylor
I seriously have dozens of thoughts and resources on modest fashion, and it will be a topic I revisit often. In the meantime, do you have any go-to modest retailers? Or, thoughts about modesty in general?
I do not receive compensation from any of these retailers.
*If you were ever a teenage boy, and this was a prime issue of discontent for you, let me know. I'm curious about guy's struggles with modesty, or how they feel about "modesty."
**To me, there's a lot more to modesty than selecting the right clothes versus the wrong clothes. It's really a mindset. Modesty is about understanding your worth. It's about helping people see you, and not getting distracted by the clothes you've halfway wrapped yourself in. It's really a topic that I enjoy discussing from many practical perspectives. (A couple resources discussing modesty that I found helpful/interesting are here and here.)
Friday, July 16, 2010
Hats Off
That's right folks: the intuition that tells you my cheesy title reflects what I'm going to talk about today is spot on!
I have the smartest readers around.
I think that the dissolution of hats in modern society is a huge bummer for us all.* Not a generation ago, hats were a staple of everyday life, making their way into the urban, suburban and rural communities. The farm worker and the president each relied on the hat for their jobs.
Now that is breaking down barriers.
But just look at what the world is like now: Fashion suffers because there are fewer accessorizing options. Our hair gets bleached. The sun gets in your eyes.
It's nearly tragic.
Since I love me some vintage styling, I have linked you to some fine vintage-based modern options (other than a baseball cap when you're dashing off to a haircut) to help repair the void hat-absence has left. Here's a brief list of generally enjoyable head gear**:
Hat 1
Hat 2
Hat 3
Hat 4
And here's a vintage video with some of the stars of yesteryear wearing their millinery best. It's pretty fun.
Have a hat-full weekend in the heat!
P.S. I'm not alone!
*Stephanie, we need to "bring hats back!" (*snickers*)
**No, not that type of head gear. Sorry to give you scary orthodontist flashbacks.
I have the smartest readers around.
I think that the dissolution of hats in modern society is a huge bummer for us all.* Not a generation ago, hats were a staple of everyday life, making their way into the urban, suburban and rural communities. The farm worker and the president each relied on the hat for their jobs.
Now that is breaking down barriers.
But just look at what the world is like now: Fashion suffers because there are fewer accessorizing options. Our hair gets bleached. The sun gets in your eyes.
It's nearly tragic.
Since I love me some vintage styling, I have linked you to some fine vintage-based modern options (other than a baseball cap when you're dashing off to a haircut) to help repair the void hat-absence has left. Here's a brief list of generally enjoyable head gear**:
Hat 1
Hat 2
Hat 3
Hat 4
And here's a vintage video with some of the stars of yesteryear wearing their millinery best. It's pretty fun.
Have a hat-full weekend in the heat!
P.S. I'm not alone!
*Stephanie, we need to "bring hats back!" (*snickers*)
**No, not that type of head gear. Sorry to give you scary orthodontist flashbacks.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Foodie Fashion
Lately I've been talking about fashion on Fridays, but today I am thinking more about food (skipped breakfast=grumpy goose).
Also, on a completely unrelated note, I may have not done a very good job planning what I wanted to discuss today.*
However, someone has come to my rescue--and they didn't even know it.
When I opened up Twitter this morning, the combo I didn't know I needed was staring me in the face.
I follow Alisa Manjarrez (@alisa_m_), a Fresno gal who always has something cool to share. Today, it's food you can wear.
Yes.
While not a new concept, my experience is that the costume creations are always original, and never stay together longer than 17 minutes. Good times all around, I think.
Since I am hoping to do a food week coming up here soon, and hit a lot of different topics, her post produced the perfect storm for me to share it. Plus, it's funky.
Take a look here. I dare any of you to actually wear this stuff.
What? Oh, when you heard "food blog" and thought you would get a recipe? Well, she's submitted recipes through @TasteFresno before, so this might get you through the weekend.
Now, if I can just get someone to buy me breakfast.
*They are totally unrelated. Don't give me that look.
Also, on a completely unrelated note, I may have not done a very good job planning what I wanted to discuss today.*
However, someone has come to my rescue--and they didn't even know it.
When I opened up Twitter this morning, the combo I didn't know I needed was staring me in the face.
I follow Alisa Manjarrez (@alisa_m_), a Fresno gal who always has something cool to share. Today, it's food you can wear.
Yes.
While not a new concept, my experience is that the costume creations are always original, and never stay together longer than 17 minutes. Good times all around, I think.
Since I am hoping to do a food week coming up here soon, and hit a lot of different topics, her post produced the perfect storm for me to share it. Plus, it's funky.
Take a look here. I dare any of you to actually wear this stuff.
What? Oh, when you heard "food blog" and thought you would get a recipe? Well, she's submitted recipes through @TasteFresno before, so this might get you through the weekend.
Now, if I can just get someone to buy me breakfast.
*They are totally unrelated. Don't give me that look.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Dress, or Repress?
Because I keep my promises, and because I recently received my Shabby Apple order (thanks for all your guidance, readers!)*, I am in the mood to talk dresses.
I seriously love them. Growing up, I was a little bit of a tomboy, and if I hadn't been in Little Hoopsters and received all those white T-shirts, I don't know what I would have worn to school.
But now, I wear dresses whenever I can, especially at events where people give me that concerned face that says, "Hmm, I'm not as dressed up as her--am I missing something?"
Why you ask? Well, you had to know that I would answer you in list form!
Dresses rock because:
a) They are the skirt and beyond: A dress is a skirt plus a top--you get all the benefits of wearing a skirt, yet you have limitless possibilities for tops (sleeveless, blousey, multi-colored, etc.) Did you hear that? LIMITLESS!
b) They are classic: You know all those outfits your grandma claims were her favorite, that she took such good care of, and that lasted for three decades? Yeah, those were all dresses.
c) They're occasional: I don't mean infrequent. I mean that for the big moments in your life, it's a dress that gets the job done. Prom: dress. Wedding: dress. Afternoon tea: dress (and fabulous hat!)
d) They are it: I know that like me, you have struggled--nay, agonized!--about trying to match the darned (but very cute) skirt with something in your closet. And, sometimes, you are just not up for the challenge. Ergo, dress. It comes with a top--attached! The dress eases an aching brain, and for that, I love it.**
And now--that's right--the linkadees to my favorites. The most fabulous dresses on the internet (at least for this week):
The Basics
The LBD
Cute for the office
The Colorful
Blue and loving it
Fifties with flair
Let in the sunshine
The Food-Related
Pistachio ice cream, huh?
I think when you wear this dress, you have to eat cupcakes. With sprinkles.
Just Plain Fun
Safari vs. urban jungle
Cute
Adorable!
Anyone think of any other attributes of dresses that make them extra awesome?
I do not receive any compensation from any of the retailers featured in this post.
*Yes, I know I need to upload some photos soon, and a photo of the dress will be included. It looks pretty much like the ad, except for being life-size.
**I am counting a) and d) as totally different things. I do not want to hear any complaints.
I seriously love them. Growing up, I was a little bit of a tomboy, and if I hadn't been in Little Hoopsters and received all those white T-shirts, I don't know what I would have worn to school.
But now, I wear dresses whenever I can, especially at events where people give me that concerned face that says, "Hmm, I'm not as dressed up as her--am I missing something?"
Why you ask? Well, you had to know that I would answer you in list form!
Dresses rock because:
a) They are the skirt and beyond: A dress is a skirt plus a top--you get all the benefits of wearing a skirt, yet you have limitless possibilities for tops (sleeveless, blousey, multi-colored, etc.) Did you hear that? LIMITLESS!
b) They are classic: You know all those outfits your grandma claims were her favorite, that she took such good care of, and that lasted for three decades? Yeah, those were all dresses.
c) They're occasional: I don't mean infrequent. I mean that for the big moments in your life, it's a dress that gets the job done. Prom: dress. Wedding: dress. Afternoon tea: dress (and fabulous hat!)
d) They are it: I know that like me, you have struggled--nay, agonized!--about trying to match the darned (but very cute) skirt with something in your closet. And, sometimes, you are just not up for the challenge. Ergo, dress. It comes with a top--attached! The dress eases an aching brain, and for that, I love it.**
And now--that's right--the linkadees to my favorites. The most fabulous dresses on the internet (at least for this week):
The Basics
The LBD
Cute for the office
The Colorful
Blue and loving it
Fifties with flair
Let in the sunshine
The Food-Related
Pistachio ice cream, huh?
I think when you wear this dress, you have to eat cupcakes. With sprinkles.
Just Plain Fun
Safari vs. urban jungle
Cute
Adorable!
Anyone think of any other attributes of dresses that make them extra awesome?
I do not receive any compensation from any of the retailers featured in this post.
*Yes, I know I need to upload some photos soon, and a photo of the dress will be included. It looks pretty much like the ad, except for being life-size.
**I am counting a) and d) as totally different things. I do not want to hear any complaints.
Monday, June 28, 2010
HI STEPHANIE!
This weekend, at various locations and with a variety of beverages in my hand, I learned that real people read this blog. Real people who have jobs. Real people that actually want to take time to know how I feel about martinis. To me, this is very interesting and humbling and cool. If you are reading these words right now, thank you. You made this blog that much more fun.
And you may not know it, but you also make this blog interactive.
Many of these real-life readers offer advice. Sure, some have comments about what I wrote about, but most have tons of ideas of what I should be writing about. Part of this is great; their editor-like precision gives great ideas and sparks creative juices, all without the pain-inducing red pen. However, some of these topics are not exactly in my expertise. I mean, when I write up a post, I try to make sure I have hazy experience with the topic.
So, to demonstrate how scary things can get when I haven't lived what I'm writing about, I've picked up the various suggested topics and done a mashup. This is partly because I couldn't justify a whole article on any of these suggestions, but mostly because I really like the word "mashup." Plus, by my writing up these suggested topics (read: reader demands), you will: a) get a good laugh because you have suggested one of these topics, b) get a good laugh because you do not understand what the heck I am talking about, but still enjoy the randomness, or c) not laugh and just take a look at this weirdness. Read below if you dare:
Stephanie is my sister. Stephanie has requested a blog post dedicated to her. Stephanie is funny. She will tell you this persistently, even if you agree. She has tons of energy and loves having a good time (preferably at Disneyland). Stephanie does not read this blog. Stephanie, however, does interact daily with people who do read this blog. Stephanie gets irritated when people bring up the blog. MAKE SURE TO MENTION THE BLOG TO HER! HI STEPHANIE! (te-he-he)
If you know me, you know that my faith is a big deal to me. What is a big deal to my husband is that I am not political, in the sense that I pick a side to be on. Sure, I have my convictions, but when it comes to doing the right thing and solving some problems out there in the world, I think there needs to be more cooperation between parties than warring to see whose idea "wins." It's better that things get fixed.
HI STEPHANIE!
I have never owned a pair of cowboy boots. I do not ride horses. In fact, most animals, to me, are one step above horror movies. Pets are scary things, and animals that are 10X larger than Fido are reasonably 10X more intimidating. The fact that I need specific footwear around them worries me greatly. My favorite pair of boots are my Uggs. I might wear boots one day. The day they are bedazzled.
HI STEPHANIE!
In an effort to avoid ostracizing my male readers* I will now spontaneously list out words I think of when I hear the word "man." Cave. Beer. Fire. Mustaches. Football. Steak. Barber shops. Extreme cage fighting. Grunting. Men, all of these topics hold hope for a future blog post.
Actually, after finishing this post, I think a lot of these topics would be good for expansion. Thanks editors! Keep up the suggestions because they are lots of fun (for me at least).
We will return to logically coherent, one-topic posts tomorrow. Enjoy the rest of your job today.
HI STEPHANIE!
*Thanks for sticking through all the Fashion Fridays fellas. I will hit some men's fashion topics in the next few weeks.
And you may not know it, but you also make this blog interactive.
Many of these real-life readers offer advice. Sure, some have comments about what I wrote about, but most have tons of ideas of what I should be writing about. Part of this is great; their editor-like precision gives great ideas and sparks creative juices, all without the pain-inducing red pen. However, some of these topics are not exactly in my expertise. I mean, when I write up a post, I try to make sure I have hazy experience with the topic.
So, to demonstrate how scary things can get when I haven't lived what I'm writing about, I've picked up the various suggested topics and done a mashup. This is partly because I couldn't justify a whole article on any of these suggestions, but mostly because I really like the word "mashup." Plus, by my writing up these suggested topics (read: reader demands), you will: a) get a good laugh because you have suggested one of these topics, b) get a good laugh because you do not understand what the heck I am talking about, but still enjoy the randomness, or c) not laugh and just take a look at this weirdness. Read below if you dare:
Stephanie is my sister. Stephanie has requested a blog post dedicated to her. Stephanie is funny. She will tell you this persistently, even if you agree. She has tons of energy and loves having a good time (preferably at Disneyland). Stephanie does not read this blog. Stephanie, however, does interact daily with people who do read this blog. Stephanie gets irritated when people bring up the blog. MAKE SURE TO MENTION THE BLOG TO HER! HI STEPHANIE! (te-he-he)
If you know me, you know that my faith is a big deal to me. What is a big deal to my husband is that I am not political, in the sense that I pick a side to be on. Sure, I have my convictions, but when it comes to doing the right thing and solving some problems out there in the world, I think there needs to be more cooperation between parties than warring to see whose idea "wins." It's better that things get fixed.
HI STEPHANIE!
I have never owned a pair of cowboy boots. I do not ride horses. In fact, most animals, to me, are one step above horror movies. Pets are scary things, and animals that are 10X larger than Fido are reasonably 10X more intimidating. The fact that I need specific footwear around them worries me greatly. My favorite pair of boots are my Uggs. I might wear boots one day. The day they are bedazzled.
HI STEPHANIE!
In an effort to avoid ostracizing my male readers* I will now spontaneously list out words I think of when I hear the word "man." Cave. Beer. Fire. Mustaches. Football. Steak. Barber shops. Extreme cage fighting. Grunting. Men, all of these topics hold hope for a future blog post.
Actually, after finishing this post, I think a lot of these topics would be good for expansion. Thanks editors! Keep up the suggestions because they are lots of fun (for me at least).
We will return to logically coherent, one-topic posts tomorrow. Enjoy the rest of your job today.
HI STEPHANIE!
*Thanks for sticking through all the Fashion Fridays fellas. I will hit some men's fashion topics in the next few weeks.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Issuing the Skirt
You would never know it by my super-pale skin (read: glow-in-the-dark), but I love the summer. I love that it is like, eighty-five degrees, when you wake up.* I love the overall casual vibe. And, one big thing I love about summer is skirts.
I actually love skirts year-round, but they are often neglected in the winter because, well, pants are warmer. But, if you are like me, and relish skirt-wearin' weather, you probably feel this way because:
a) You get to: Doris Day, Rosemary Clooney, and ladies, I’m with you—I enjoy being a girl. Skirts are strictly female fashion. Based on the exclusivity factor alone, skirts are awesome.
b) They're uniquely feminine: Skirts give you that alluring, desirable hourglass figure. They are inherently girly. Plus, you can twirl in them, and there are days I live to twirl.
c) They're dressy: Skirts automatically make you look like you tried harder this morning than yesterday, when you wore pants (or pajamas, if you are lucky enough to work from home).
d) They're ladylike: You stand up straighter. You keep your legs together. You might even curse less. I mean, not at all. You never have.
e) They're flattering: I’ll let Stacy London, co-host of TLC’s What Not to Wear, take this one. “It's much easier to find a skirt that's flattering. With pants, you have to consider the rise, the width of the hips, the legs, and how they fall on the tush.”
f) They're easier than pants: ...Especially during restroom breaks.
By now I know you are just dying (read: not bored enough yet) for me to link you to some of my favorite skirts. Well, here you go!
For all your school-day needs
For your next picnic
For gallivanting in some Mediterranean countryside
For fun!
For the office (or "The Office" if you like watching TV in character)
For a stroll along a hidden creek
For my closet
Do you have a favorite skirt style, color, or overall feel? I'd love some more recommendations!
Dresses will receive their own post very soon! (Speaking of dresses, somebody's Shabby Apple order came in...and I'll try embedding a picture soon!)
I do not receive any compensation from Banana Republic, ModCloth, Macy's or Ann Taylor, except for the satisfaction of a skirt-search well done.
*I mostly feel this way because I HATE to be cold. Yes, I understand this is confusing because my honeymoon was indeed in Alaska. I'm a complicated gal.
I actually love skirts year-round, but they are often neglected in the winter because, well, pants are warmer. But, if you are like me, and relish skirt-wearin' weather, you probably feel this way because:
a) You get to: Doris Day, Rosemary Clooney, and ladies, I’m with you—I enjoy being a girl. Skirts are strictly female fashion. Based on the exclusivity factor alone, skirts are awesome.
b) They're uniquely feminine: Skirts give you that alluring, desirable hourglass figure. They are inherently girly. Plus, you can twirl in them, and there are days I live to twirl.
c) They're dressy: Skirts automatically make you look like you tried harder this morning than yesterday, when you wore pants (or pajamas, if you are lucky enough to work from home).
d) They're ladylike: You stand up straighter. You keep your legs together. You might even curse less. I mean, not at all. You never have.
e) They're flattering: I’ll let Stacy London, co-host of TLC’s What Not to Wear, take this one. “It's much easier to find a skirt that's flattering. With pants, you have to consider the rise, the width of the hips, the legs, and how they fall on the tush.”
f) They're easier than pants: ...Especially during restroom breaks.
By now I know you are just dying (read: not bored enough yet) for me to link you to some of my favorite skirts. Well, here you go!
For all your school-day needs
For your next picnic
For gallivanting in some Mediterranean countryside
For fun!
For the office (or "The Office" if you like watching TV in character)
For a stroll along a hidden creek
For my closet
Do you have a favorite skirt style, color, or overall feel? I'd love some more recommendations!
Dresses will receive their own post very soon! (Speaking of dresses, somebody's Shabby Apple order came in...and I'll try embedding a picture soon!)
I do not receive any compensation from Banana Republic, ModCloth, Macy's or Ann Taylor, except for the satisfaction of a skirt-search well done.
*I mostly feel this way because I HATE to be cold. Yes, I understand this is confusing because my honeymoon was indeed in Alaska. I'm a complicated gal.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Slipping Up
Men, this is not your blog post. We're doing Fashion Friday from the very basics, if you catch my drift. Thanks for understanding. Go ahead and listen to some more of the alluring Melody Gardot. Watch the World Cup. I'll see you Monday.
I need a new slip. Yes, ladies, I only have one--and I own no Spanx or any other kind of figure helpers. As a new-in-the-work-world woman, I haven't needed one except for special occasions (like tomorrow's wedding! Yay, Nicole and Brett!). But now, a slip is needed for pretty much all of the skirts and dresses I love wearing. Since skirts are totally necessary in this heat, I have to get on the ball. And, since I am the kind of woman to shop prepared, I've been doing some research.
But as I did, I decided I need to rework my whole undergarment strategy.
See, it has been my nature to go with a standard slip that can work with anything. Something inconspicuous that would never impose itself on you, like a good-mannered young man on a first date. But now I am a new women. A new woman with opportunity. And with this opportunity, I think I'm going to take the boring, required work/dress/life staple, and turn it into a super-awesome modest fashion piece!
So, instead of a plain, barely-there slip like this, I'm thinking I could have way more fun with this.
or this
or this
OR THIS
That way, everyone gets to enjoy a little bit of my vintage-style petticoat, and not enjoy, well, everything the slip is supposed to take care of. Best of both worlds!
As you can see, I'm a seriously considering getting a slip/petticoat from Vintage Hem. And why not? They even have a blog that shows pictures of women wearing their slips/petticoats with all sorts of modern dresses and skirts! It makes wearing one seem like a real possibility!
What do you think, ladies? Is this a realistic dream, or would it be a fashion slip up?
I do not receive any compensation from Spanx, Macy's, Vintage Hem, or any of the link sources in this article.
P.S. I plan to do a lot of modest fashion blogging in the future because it is a topic that really interests me. LivingModest.com has some great resources if you are interested in learning more.
P. P. S. While I may enjoy Fashion Friday, I'm not the only one! Check out one of my favorite Fashion Friday/modest fashion writers, Hallie Lord, here and here. Faith and Family is where I first heard of Vintage Hem and Shabby Apple.
I need a new slip. Yes, ladies, I only have one--and I own no Spanx or any other kind of figure helpers. As a new-in-the-work-world woman, I haven't needed one except for special occasions (like tomorrow's wedding! Yay, Nicole and Brett!). But now, a slip is needed for pretty much all of the skirts and dresses I love wearing. Since skirts are totally necessary in this heat, I have to get on the ball. And, since I am the kind of woman to shop prepared, I've been doing some research.
But as I did, I decided I need to rework my whole undergarment strategy.
See, it has been my nature to go with a standard slip that can work with anything. Something inconspicuous that would never impose itself on you, like a good-mannered young man on a first date. But now I am a new women. A new woman with opportunity. And with this opportunity, I think I'm going to take the boring, required work/dress/life staple, and turn it into a super-awesome modest fashion piece!
So, instead of a plain, barely-there slip like this, I'm thinking I could have way more fun with this.
or this
or this
OR THIS
That way, everyone gets to enjoy a little bit of my vintage-style petticoat, and not enjoy, well, everything the slip is supposed to take care of. Best of both worlds!
As you can see, I'm a seriously considering getting a slip/petticoat from Vintage Hem. And why not? They even have a blog that shows pictures of women wearing their slips/petticoats with all sorts of modern dresses and skirts! It makes wearing one seem like a real possibility!
What do you think, ladies? Is this a realistic dream, or would it be a fashion slip up?
I do not receive any compensation from Spanx, Macy's, Vintage Hem, or any of the link sources in this article.
P.S. I plan to do a lot of modest fashion blogging in the future because it is a topic that really interests me. LivingModest.com has some great resources if you are interested in learning more.
P. P. S. While I may enjoy Fashion Friday, I'm not the only one! Check out one of my favorite Fashion Friday/modest fashion writers, Hallie Lord, here and here. Faith and Family is where I first heard of Vintage Hem and Shabby Apple.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Weight and Punishment
I thought I would dub this Fashion Friday,* because I am in the mood to talk clothes.
Since summer is basically here (100 degrees next week—yikes!), I get to put the sweaters away and bust out my pretty, airy, and girly summer clothes.
Which would be exciting if they fit.
I am taking full responsibility for this. First year out of school was kind of an all-you-can-eat smorgasbord, dedicated to freedom from ever doing homework again. I need to exercise way more (which implies that I haven’t taken a two month hiatus, right?). And, maybe now that the wedding is over, I don’t need to keep “taste testing” food for it.
Really, this is all my fault. As a way to take full responsibility, I am buying a new dress (as punishment for my weight gain, of course). My wallet is taking one for the team.
But which punishment to select?
Dress A
Dress B
Or, Dress C?
How’s a girl to choose? Your thoughts?
All dresses are from Shabby Apple, a fabulous online dress store that does not pay me a cent to say so.
*On other Fridays, it will be Food Friday, or Faith Friday, or something else. It’s my blog; I’ll flip-flop if I want.
Since summer is basically here (100 degrees next week—yikes!), I get to put the sweaters away and bust out my pretty, airy, and girly summer clothes.
Which would be exciting if they fit.
I am taking full responsibility for this. First year out of school was kind of an all-you-can-eat smorgasbord, dedicated to freedom from ever doing homework again. I need to exercise way more (which implies that I haven’t taken a two month hiatus, right?). And, maybe now that the wedding is over, I don’t need to keep “taste testing” food for it.
Really, this is all my fault. As a way to take full responsibility, I am buying a new dress (as punishment for my weight gain, of course). My wallet is taking one for the team.
But which punishment to select?
Dress A
Dress B
Or, Dress C?
How’s a girl to choose? Your thoughts?
All dresses are from Shabby Apple, a fabulous online dress store that does not pay me a cent to say so.
*On other Fridays, it will be Food Friday, or Faith Friday, or something else. It’s my blog; I’ll flip-flop if I want.
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