What My Clothes Say... and What I Wish They Did

Because of my expanded waistline, a large amount of my clothes don't fit or are uncomfortably tight. Fun! So, I've been thinking a lot about my wardrobe, what it says about it, and what I wish it would say.

I'm back in some fat jeans that I saved from my bigger time in Boston and a fair number of my nicer tops are too small, so I'm in older jeans and t-shirts. Combine that with increasing humidity of impending summer and my hair is fizzy and unmanageable. All in all, I'm looking - and feeling - less than stellar.

But this is not a sob story! No! Instead, I'm trying to look at this frumpy clothing situation as a way to revamp my wardrobe and recharge myself. This will either happen before Australia, or more likely, during my trip before my boyfriend joins me.

Clothing I'm interested in - flowy tops that hit past my hips, skinny jeans that fit, comfortable but sky high heels. Maxi dresses with short sleeves. Sundresses in simple, bright colors. Tissue thin cardigans. I already got my long lusted after Hunter boots. New glasses. New bathing suit - ideally black one piece tube top with a halter top.

Shopping friends - any ideas where I can find these sort of fun stuff? I'm a bit tired of my current wardrobe, so any help/guidance would be appreciated!

PS. Sorry, I'm posting this a day late, but yesterday was CRAZY sauce: roller derby championship, graduation party, and show at Black Cat, were I got kicked in the face twice and had a panic attack. Fun.

Back from the Dead: A Melodramatic Return to Blogging

So, even though I do a great deal of writing for my 9 to 5 (read: actually more like 9:30 - 6. 6:30 plus), I find that I've been mentally writing blog posts recently. As if I'm not spending enough time in front of a computer screen, my brain is driving me to bring out my trusty 2006 MacBook and prop it up on my knees while I watch back episodes of Bones.

I've decided to ease back into the online world. Huzzah! And because I'm a three year old and deal well with boundaries and limited choice, I've decided to (try to) stick to a strict posting schedule and themes.

Tuesday: progress on my quest to be a healthier me - workout stuff, weight loss goal updates, food I'm eating, ways I'm motivating myself to get off my bum.

Thursdays: media that I've enjoyed or currently enjoying - movies, books, TV shows, music, viral videos, etc.

Saturday: pretty things I like - clothes, design, favorite outfits through the week.

I know that there are entire blogs dedicated to each of these things but eh, I've got a bit of an attention problem and also, I can only deal with so much structure. An entire blog about me losing weight would get tedious - "Lo, I can either be skinny and sad or fat and happy!". All about fashion - "Look, I'm wearing leggings and boots, how original and iconic." And just media? "Disco never died, it just took up residence in my heart." So, I figure if I pepper all these various sentiments over the blog throughout the week, it would be more interesting.

So, without further ado: Pretty things I like!

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Ready for originality? I just bought these beauties.

[Image from Zappos.com]

In case there isn't enough detail in the photo for ya, those are tall black Hunter boots. So, even in these lean times of saving dollars for going to Australia (3 weeks from today!), I laid down $125 for rain/snow boots. And I have to say, the first time that I got to try them out, even though it was just a small drizzle, I was super happy to have the protection. And because they are lined, I'm pumped for winter - a horrible place to be at the beginning of the summer. Not only because of the boots but also because I'm always. warm.

As an aside, good time to say that I'm always super super warm, bordering on hot. Seriously, I wear sundresses when it is 60 degrees out. Tank tops and flip flops once it is 50. I only break down and wear gloves if I'm biking or outside in windy weather for more than 5 minutes. All of this is to say that I'm looking forward to cooler weather not only to lower my core temperature but also to try out my new purchase. Because I'm just the type of person to buy expensive seasonally inappropriate stuff.

New Specs

So, I've had the same glasses for over four years now and am feeling like I need some new frames. There is a place online - Warby Parker - where I can test drive five pairs and at only $95 a piece, I might get two pairs.

What do you think? Only grabbed 3 here, so feel free to go peruse the site and tell me what you think I should also try. I've got a round face, so those are the only ones I looked at. But with 5 frames to try, I can mix it up.

Brighten Up Any Rainy Day

Wouldn't say no.

Small things that have changed my world

- an arm case for my iPod so that I don't have to carry it while I work out. I did this for way, way too long.
- suitcase with four spinner wheels. I like it so much, I'm sometimes just walk around my house, spinning my luggage. JUST BECAUSE.
- greader, even though it has been entirely too long since I'm on top of it on a regular basis.
- baked cheetos. so amazingly delicious.

You know what your day needs?

Animal mugs

Drinks are better out of an elephant.

Consume!

Shirts I Want





Shirts I Recently Purhcased


And yes, I fully plan to wear all of these to work.

Bullets

- I'm 99% sure that I'm willing to buy what will be one of my most expensive pairs of shoes but I don't want to buy them online without trying them on first. I need to find a brick and mortar storefront.
Karel, shut up. I know you hate them.

- I remember her story on FAO Scwharz from a long time ago but rediscovering her today has been tops. If I ever make it up to New York, I will have to find her. Not in a creepy, stalker way but in a fan of her self-deprecating humor kinda way.

- I know that many people have already given to help out Haiti, and I'm impressed with the American Red Cross's text giving campaign, though mostly from a way to use social media to mobilize people than as a way to help people in need. I'm not going to slight anyone who gives and is trying to help, but I recommend checking charities out on charitynavigator.org before giving. The American Red Cross only gets three (out of four) stars. I chose Doctors Without Borders, because in addition to getting four out of four stars, they are taking down an inflatable hospital. Moon bounce healing FTW.

I Will Annoy You

I'm almost done with my Christmas shopping, at least for my family. My two large immediate families.

Go ahead, hate me. It is ok, I would normally hate on go getters like me.

Eenywho, there are a few family members who I'm still working on, so I can't show particular things, but I also wanted to point out that my lovely friend Karel is having a sale until 7 December.

Check out sunshower designs for tres pretty stuff! Until 7 December! Woot!

PS. One thing I will show you, because I think it is a bit overwhelming for the person in mind but maybe you know, not for... me. Hint, hint. SO. GLORIOUS.
Yum.

Wannabe fashion blogger

So, I don't have the check book or the time to be a dedicated fashionista, but I do follow several fashion bloggers. Today, the independent line M641 was featured on Broke and Beautiful.

What do you think?
Sam says that I need to let go of the Renn Fair, but I think I like it! And while I love getting huge deals at the big chains, I do like to be a hippie sometimes and support independent outfits.

Boooooots

If I own these boots in black, am I allowed to buy them in gray or red?

Either would make my Renn Fest costume pop.

Recession Shopping

I will have to take photos of my other amazing finds, but for starters, I got this beauty for $25. Find of the century. Go Nana.

To come- amazing apron skirt, maxi dress of my dreams, recycled tote, and best bowl this side of heaven.

Retail therapy, I <3 you.

Extremely Important Poll

Which Natty Boh shirt should I get?



or
Pro Orange
- I don't have an Orioles shirt and unless I have a strong affinity for a player, I like sports shirts that don't have players names on the back. I like to feel I'm supporting the whole team. I now wish I had gotten a Red Soxs Edgar Renteria shirt, but that's a whole other ball of wax.
- With the orange shirt, it is good for the entire baseball season.

Anti Orange
- I miss the little curl.
- Would only really be suitable at baseball games or other Baltimore pride events.
- I think I will still kinda want something with the old school Orioles smiling cartoon bird on it.

Pro Green
- Um, hello? MARYLAND FLAG. SHAMROCK. I could proudly display my regional and familial heritage while proclaiming my taste in cheap beer.
- Green goes with so many more things.
- Have I said MD flag? Because it counts twice.
- Good transition from my green miniskirt to a more family appropriate St. Patty's Day outfit.

Anti Green
- Really made for just the one day a year.
- While Orioles and Natty Boh are very Baltimore, it can be argued that other cities have a stronger claim to St. Patty's Day. That being said, my Irish family connections are through Charm City.
- MD flag. I get enough flack as it is with all my pro Maryland sentiment. Do I really want to add fuel to that fire?

Things I've Bought Recently That've Made Me Feel Good

A haircut. It has been a year in the making, but look- the bangs!
Luck ring from South Moon Under. Totally copied my little sister on it, but I could use all the luck I can get.My fancy brown flip flops have been on their last legs for quite some time, so I figured it was high time to replace. Again, South Moon Under FTW.

Yup, I that girl who buys the same piece of clothing in multiple colors. But I don't care because IT HAS A BIRD SILHOUETTE. I had to take down the 11 swallow decals today, so I figure two shirts is an equal trade. My new place will still have the three penguins, three cranes, and one condor, so I'm not totally birdless.

What I Did Not Buy Because It Was A Bit Too Pricey But Am Sorely Regretting And Will Be Checking Back At The Store In A Week And See If They Will Sell It To Me For Less
Yes, that is a gold beaded mini dress with an open back. And if you ask "But where could you where such a thing?", I say , "EVERYWHERE, EVERY DAY."

Etsy, my love for you grows

I love it when people turn me on to Etsy shops because it gives me just that. much. more. to want to buy. Just what I need, right?

But what do I love even more? Contests! And winning things!

Head over to Softspoken and Oh! How Lovely! to participate for yourself. See how nice I am, sharing the wealth? Though if you win, you need to give me something in return. Like a milkshake. Or a kitten.

Heading to the other side

So those of you who know me on the 'book or talk to me in real life already know this, but in March/April, I'm heading to AUSTRALIA to visit my little sister!



Isn't she cute? I'm super excited. I haven't been to Australia since I studied abroad there myself six years ago. And I haven't been out of the country since Peru last year.

I guess that can come off sounding a bit like a brat- omg, it has been, like forever, since I've been ANYWHERE?! But I grew up traveling, and living, abroad and I do really think that it is a major part of my life, my connections to other countries. While in Australia, I will be looking for jobs and trying to set up informational interviews, not because I necessarily think that finding a job there will be easier but I certainly won't get one if I don't try.

I also recently applied to a job that is mainly administrative, which I can do and well, but what I'm most excited about is the international aspect of the program I would be supporting. As much as I love DC and the Maryland area (you know I do!), the prospect of getting to do something international is something to keep me going through my last semester.

Odds and Ends

Each of these deserves its own post, but I went to Haverford happy hour tonight and have a slight headache (but I won a Class of 2012 water bottle!), so you'll forgive me if the post is a bit lack luster.

- OMG Old Navy is having a crazy online sale! I usually delete all the emails they send me automatically, but boy howdy, am I glad I saved this one. Through 2 February (that's only until MONDAY!), you get half off all clearance items. Promo code: HALFOFF

Soon to be mine: ALL OF IT.

- I got the most adorable business cards from Moo and I'm kinda in love. They also love me and passed along this code to me to share with my friends (read: you!). If you've never ordered from them before, use the code HHM65P and get 20% off one product. Oh and I get entered to win a FREE Flickr Pro account. No big.

- I'm graduating in May- I may have talked about this once or fifty million times- so the job search is hanging over my head. But my question to you: should I also apply to paid summer internships? Pros: paid, in my field, some include housing. Cons: only for the summer, some are full time and I would have to give up my sweet gig at Oceana. Discuss.

The things I want

As it is the beginning of the year, resolutions are aboundin'. I'm not doing anything too formal but am trying to consciously eat out less, be more active, and do less shopping.

Which means that I won't be getting this. But it doesn't stop me from wanting it.

In other news, I emailed a number of past and present museum contacts in an effort to network myself into a job. And while I still haven't heard back from most, I did have one person get back to me to say that she has contacts in AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND. I mean, I am wanting to stay in DC and a scattering of other cities, but if I find a great place to work in an other English speaking country, then take this as your invitation to come visit me!

YES!

YES, yes, yes.

Um, I may have a little bit of state pride.

Last Minute

If anyone out there is looking for a last minute gift for me, I wouldn't be upset to see this under the tree. Etymology and reference materials- two of my favs.