Cold Hands, Warm Heart.
Item: Sweater Color/Fabric: Grey/black, wool/acrylic Designer: Lo Ri Where Purchased: Marshall’s Years Owned: Nearly 2
Here is a tale about a wonderful sweater, and a wonderful day. It was sometime in February of 2009, deep in the bleakest mid-winter, when I heard some news that warmed my cockles. My lifelong favorite-to-the-point-of-obsession band ever would be playing The Late Show for an entire week! I refer to U2, and if you aren’t aware of my geeked-out obsession, read here, or here. It’s bad, I know. I can’t even apologize for it. It’s just one of my weaknesses…
Yes, I had been to two tapings of the Late Show previously, but both times the musical guests left something to be desired. I had always dreamed of how spectacular it would be to see some sort of epic band in that old, hallowed studio. But dared I dream of seeing my lifelong idols? Well, yes, I dared… But I never really thought it might happen.
So of course when I heard that I had five chances to get tickets, I applied immediately. Then I waited, and waited, and waited.
And then, at work, I got the David Letterman call. All you have to do is answer a question correctly, and they give you tickets. Neither time they had called me before had I ever been nervous. But this time, nerves. Thankfully, I got an easy question and passed with flying colors!
Getting the tickets turned out to be the easy part. The hard part was deciding what to wear. I needed to find something that looked nice enough to get me close to the stage, but warm enough so that I didn’t expire from hypothermia in the blustery city.
I think I only had about a week to prepare. It was arduous, and after having tried on every winter weather appropriate piece I owned, it was off for an emergency trip to Marshall’s.
Then, as if in a dream, I found this sweater. It was just the right amount of polish and warmth, and I especially loved the back:
Perfection!
The actual day of the event I, I don’t remember much of. I’m sure we did other fun things in the city, erhaps ate some delicious food, but I had a one track mind. I had big plans. One, find Bono. This time, actually remain coherent enough to speak English words. Two, schmooze my way to Letterman upgraded seats.
Mission one was accomplished by waiting outside of the Late show studio. It was freezing, and we were standing on a block of solid ice. My lovely sweater kept my torso nice and cozy, but the toes did not fare as well. Or Nate’s. He complained, and deservedly. But still, he waited with me. Even though he could not have cared less. He loves me, apparently!
I had planned clever things I would say to Bono. Perhaps I would ask if the weather ever got that could in Ireland. Maybe I would ask if he was satisfied by how their new record came out. I was confident that I could be witty and charming.
And then he came out. Always, I am struck by how wee a man he is. Tiny. But very sweet.
He smiled, and chatted, and signed things. I have never wanted an autograph. I don’t really get the point. I just wanted some sort of human connection, a conversation.
All of a sudden, he was right in front of me.
“Bono,” I said, feeling slightly dizzy. Then I mumbled. Something came out about my hands being cold. I asked politely if he might warm them up.
“Oh,” he said, and chucked.
We had a deep, meaningful conversation.
But he did take my hand, and then posed for a picture. Here’s what Nate got:
There was a perfect moment, when Bono is leaning in to me, smiling happily, not looking like he is frightened of me. Nate missed that moment. A guy next to me got it, though, beautifully, and he said that he would send it to me. But I forgot to get his name or email or anything.
I have searched for that picture, hoping it would turn up online somewhere. To no avail.
I still believe that, one day, I will find it.
I do like the one I got, though. You can really see my crazy, in all its glory…
As for mission two, that was much easier. A simple squeal, a mention of Bono holding my hand, a glimpse of my fabulous outfit, and somehow we found ourselves in the front row.
Which was awesome, since I got to dance. My parents got to see me dance on the television, which made them very happy. And I was right; it was a fantastic venue to hear a great band play!
Someday, though, I will manage to have a not creepy conversation with Bono.
Perhaps we could discuss Spider-man? I do have much to say about that…
**I love this chunky thing. I’m keeping it!
Fa La La La Laaa!!
Item: Dress Color/ Fabric: Black, rayon/nylon/spandex Designer: Calvin Klein Where Purchased: ideeli.com (Red Sales still going! Go here) Years Owned: 1.5
Merry Christmas to all! I wish you peace and fashion! And many happy (and painless!) returns!
It’s been a bit of a tumultuous holiday so far. The Dotson Homestead was stricken by a nasty stomach virus, which Nate seems to have conquered (and by conquered I mean staved off), and I have been battling with for the last day. Have no fear, I will not fall!
I did not sleep much last night, though, and so I missed the Christmas church service this morning.
Last year, I wore this dress to the Christmas service. It was one of my ideeli Red Sale finds, and I was ever so eager to wear it! I usually have a difficult time deciding how to dress on Christmas morning. I want to be festive, but it’s usually cold. And plus, church. So I don’t want to be too festive. Sequins, say, would not be appropriate.
I think I may have missed the mark with this dress. It’s a little too…formal? Black? Cocktail-y?
Not that I feel the need to blend in with the charming old ladies and their poinsettia and snowman sweaters… But it just didn’t feel right. I could not wait to get out of it and back into my pjs.
The rest of Christmas is all about the pjs.
There’s just nothing like spending two entire days almost entirely in pajamas. The thrill is diminished ever so slightly by being sick, however. Being sick in pjs is just not quite the same as being happy and sloth-like in pjs.
There is still magic in the air, of course. It’s snowing here, the gentle, soft kind that looks like glitter in a snow globe.
Surrounded by family, (although not surrounded all that closely due to the threat of the stomach sickness), there are treats, and presents, and love, abounding.
It’s all very wonderful, and I’m off to enjoy it.
I hope you have a magical day!
**This is classic, pus it’s a part of my LBD Project, so it stays!
Waggings And Wattles.
Item: Blouse Color/Fabric: Purple, polyester Designer: Go! Where Purchased: Target Years Owned: Two
ggggggggggggggggy7u That was a Merry Christmas wish from my sister-in-law’s dog, Pebbles. This year, we only have four doggies in the Dotson Homestead, instead off the usual 8. But still, there are creatures crawling all over me.
I have worn this blouse a few times, and the last time I can recall was a year ago in the summer- my Summer visit to Ohio.
This was a special trip- Nate had not met my little nephew Eli yet, and it was my second time to hang out with him. And, of course, he was a new little man. Almost five months had passed since I last saw him!
That’s the hardest part of being so far away from my family: the children.
Months can go by, and not much transpires in the world of adults. But monumental changes happen in the world of children.
Last night, we got to see our neice, Aida. We haven’t seen Aida since May. She’s such a smart little lady. She just sits back and takes everything in. I think she is most likely plotting to take over the world.
My nephew, on the other hand, has always been like a rocket. He just goes, goes goes! When I saw him a year and a half ago, at about six months, his energy was just starting to blossom. He had perfected this technique I like to call “The Wattle Grab.”
Here’s how it worked: he would sit in your lap and pretend to be all cute and cuddley. There would be much giggling, and maybe even some cheek patting. And then- in for the kill. He would sink his tiny little fingers with their razor sharp nails into the soft flesh right underneath the chin (otherwise known as the wattle) and squeeze. And squeeze!
How much could this possibly hurt? It’s just a six-month-old baby, for Pete’s sake! I’m sure you are wondering.
Let me assure you: It is a lot. A great deal of pain.
For one thing, the flesh of the wattle is very tender and supple. It is seldom exposed, so the skin is not much hardened against the trials of life. That’s probably one of the reasons that wild animals will attck the throat. Well, that and the jugular, I suppose.
For another thing, baby fingers are endowed with super-human strength. Pound for pound, they have as much crushing power as a steel vice grip. No one knows why this is. But it’s a fact.
Here’s a picture of Eli and me, seconds before the Wattle Grab:
Just look at the innocence! It is overwhelming. No wonder I fell to his charms. The next picture in this series is in mid Grab, with my face contorted in agony, and Eli’s in mischief. I failed to upload that one before I left for Ohio, so you’ll just have to use your immagination.
I love this picture, except it is not my favorite hair cut. It’s a little too Shelly Duvall in the Shining for my taste.
But the blouse is cute, yes? My only complaint is that it’s too wrinkle suseptable. I’m not the biggest fan of polyester, but this one does actually feel nice. I have to admiely that I merely like this blouse. I’m not in love with it. Looking at it doesn’t make my heart beat faster. It is a great color. though…
**Another hard choice, but I’m surrendering this. Takers?
A Strange Feeling Of Absolute Harmony.
Item: Sweater/Tunic Color/Fabric: Blue/white, cotton Designer: Shae Where Purchased: Anthropologie Years owned: 1
Ah, what a whirlwind! I have had such an interesting week. Interesting seems to be a bit of an understatement, but it’s the only word I can think of at the moment which comes close to briefly summarizing what went down.
But here I am now, safe and sound in Ohio, trying to catch my breath a bit and get back to writing on a schedule.
This tunic I happened to wear in one of my favorite days of this past summer. It may have technically been early fall, but since my summer was very full of shows and rehearsals, it felt like summer to me. It was one of the only days I had a chance to just sit back and enjoy living.
A boat trip had been planned, I believe, but it had to be cancelled. So Nate and Vicki and I went to the Kingston Farmer’s Market. Something wonderful exists there, something that I feel very privileged that Vicki revealed to me.
The Bag O’Cheese.
For $20, the cheese gurus will grab and grab and grab cheeses and stuff them into a bag until it is practically bursting. It’s hard to say which is the best part; the mystery unfolding as each cheese is pulled from the bag and identified, or the actual tasting and rating of the cheeses.
Both are good.
But here’s what we did; we set up a buffet on our front porch, which the cheeses, crackers, some wine, a bowl of baby tomatoes, and pastries all lived in happy harmony. I opened the windows and put together a little playlist of French music to complete the ambiance.
A large portion of the music was from the film Amelie, which is one of my all-time favorites. For some reason that I am unable to recollect, I saw the movie at the theater with one of Nate’s teammates, Louie. I bawled like a baby throughout most of the movie, and then sat weeping as the credits rolled.
It was exactly what I wished my life could be.
Louie just sat there in polite silence, not knowing what was wrong with me.
When the credits finally ended, he touched my shoulder.
“Um, Kerry? Should we go?’
I did manage to find my feet and exit, but Louie kept talking and talking to me.
I did not want to say a word. As long as I was silent, I could still pretend that my voice sounded like Amelie’s, and that I was, in fact French.
The illusion did not last for long.
But I did feel entirely French that sunny afternoon on my porch, in my striped tunic, skinny jeans, and red ballet flats. And a large portion of our cheeses came from France. I had never felt quite so indulgent, in both food and in relaxation. It was wonderful and ever so luxurious.
The tunic, though, is not as perfect as I want it to be. It is maybe a little too long, and the shirt portion is just a little too sheer. I have to wear something under it, or else it looks odd. It is quick and easy, though, being only one piece. And I do still find it adorable. What do you think?
**No, it isn’t perfect, but I do like it. We’re staying together for a while longer.
Mirrors, Mirrors, On The Walls.
Item: Skirt Color/Fabric: Gold, polyester Designer: Simply Vera Where Purchased: Kohl’s Years Owned: 2
Tonight, a splendid evening. Such love. Such food. Such beauty and friendship. So many reasons to celebrate!
And I feel much more in the Holiday Spirit. But, still, tired. It will be a swift one tonight, I am afraid.
This skirt is an odd thing. I thought of it tonight because I received some lovely, lovely gifts from a very thoughtful husband today, purchased at Kohl’s.
I have mixed feelings about Kohl’s. I used to be very fond of it in former days, so much so that it was one of the places I registered at when I got married.
Now I hate them.
Maybe hate is a little bit too strong. My anger has slowly dissipated throughout the years, and now it is more of a mild, grey haze of dislike.
Kohl’s stole my wedding presents.
Ok, well, technically, some creep in a restaurant in Lansing stole my purse, which contained many gift cards from Kohl’s that I received as wedding presents. And even though I had been at Kohl’s that very day and there was a computer record of my gift cards, they did not have the capacity to cancel the cards, and so they would not generate new cards for me.
Please remember that we were but poor college students when we were wed, and those gift cards were the sun and moon to me. I was not going to use them for clothing; there were real, first home supplies that we needed and were unable to receive.
For a while this incident made me angrier than anything else that has ever happened to me. I even wrote a strongly worded letter to whom it may concern at Kohl’s headquarters. But I never got my wedding gifts.
I boycotted Kohl’s for many years. And then my curiosity was piqued when Vera Wang started her inexpensive Simply Vera Line there. There are always nice things in that line, and I have swallowed my pride to buy some of them. But I don’t smile at any employees. I’m very scowly.
This skirt is kind of weird, for sure. I could not even get it onto Trixie in any form that looked normal. But I like it. It’s great for travel. It doesn’t get wrinkled, and it is very compact. I brought this on my first trip to Europe, and wore it in Prague. Here is one of my favorite pictures, ever:
This is on top of Petrin Hill in Prague, which has a beautiful but steep climb up to a mini Eiffel tower sort of thing, an observatory, a rose garden with roses in full bloom, even in chilly autumn weather, and this strange Hall Of Mirrors.
The mirrors were definitely a tourist trap. I was expecting a maze, something to get really lost in. Maybe people running around in masks. Lots of disembodied laughter. I hoped to be afraid and disoriented and maybe even cry a little.
It turned out to be pretty lame.
What was not lame was the view from any where on the hill, especially in the tower. Spectacular.
The magic of Prague is not in any silly maze, or any building, statue, or artwork. It’s just the city itself. That’s what I felt in my heart on Petrin Hill.
And I did manage to have another upsetting incident at Kohl’s; I lost my favorite pair of sunglasses at the one here in Kingston. Stupid Kohl’s.
**Jury is still out on this skirt…
Let The Madness Begin!
Item: Sweater/Dress Color/Fabric: Plum, cashmere Designer: Rebecca Taylor Where Purchased: shopbop.com Years Owned: 2
I am standing on the edge of a great, yawning chasm, and feeling very likely to tumble in. Actually, I have no choice but to tumble in.
It’s the Holiday Madness.
It began today. Today is a marathon of theatre.
Tomorrow is a marathon of work, then a dash to the city for some high-flying, very expensive disaster.
Tuesday, I will work all day, then scurry home to pack and wrap (which I cannot believe hasn’t happened yet) and load up the car.
Early Wednesday morning, off to Ohio we go for my Toledo Surprise.
It is crazy, and stressful, and too fast, and exhausting, and I will love every single second!
I cannot wait.
I will do my best to keep up with my posts, but this is the time where things will get a little tricky.
So. This sweater I have been dreading to post, but I know that I have to. It’s something I most likely should not have purchased in the first place. It’s not my size.
Some things, though, I am powerless to resist. Baby animals. Food that contains sugar. Cashmere. Procrastination. A free drink. Massage chair demonstrations. Rebecca Taylor. Anything associated with Bono. Celebrity gossip. Clothes that are purple. Just to name a few.
This sweater is three of those things. Indeed, I could not resist.
It just fits weird. It almost works perfectly, but falls a little short. It’s just a touch too loose fitting, and kind of hangs like a bag if worn as a dress.
Sometimes, I will cinch it, and wear it over jeans as a sweater, like this:
I realize that this is not much, if any, more flattering than the first version. But try to imagine it on someone with hips, and a much cooler belt than I had time to locate for this purpose.
This version never really quite works for me, either.
I have thought, many times, about creating something entirely new out of this.
I imagine cutting it up the center, rolling the sides in a little, adding a few buttons, and creating a cozy, large collared sweater coat. I think it would be beautiful!
I haven’t done this yet for three reasons: One, I do already own a purple sweater coat. Two, Nate is vehemently against this plan. Three, I have yet to master button hole creation.
I do wear this though, as it is. I wore it two years ago to Christmas with my mom’s extended family. It is always a festive occasion, with amazing baked goods and snacks, and a gift exchange which has often caused tears, shouting, elaborate scheming, and the capacity to scar one for life. And yet, every year, we try again! Whether that makes us all masochists or optimists, I do not know. But I look forward to it every year!
Ah, ok! Late for the marathon! To summarize, briefly. My favorite aspect of this sweater is the flowing bell sleeves. Not only do they look beautiful, they are lined with silk and feel amazing. I would hate to give those up. And also the thick, cozy cashmere. What to do?
**I Wore this just two days after writing about it- to see Spiderman: Turn Off The Dark. The night the actor fell into the pit. Does that mean it should go? I’m just not sure.
The One-Hundredth Post Extravaganza!!!
Item: Dress Color/Fabric: Black, Acetate/Acrylic Designer: Badgley Mischka Where Purchased: TJ Maxx Years Owned: 1.5
Oh, frabjous day!! It’s my one-hundredth post! I have been looking forward to this all day. Even though it is late, and I am tired, I am just filled with joy. Nothing can stop me tonight!
So all week I was wondering how I would commemorate this milestone. And last night, it occurred to me. Why not write about somethings that I have never worn, for a change?
There are many, many things. I know that it is silly, but I simply can’t help it. Some of the things are just so magical that they are waiting for the absolute perfect occasion. And some of the things need a few alterations I haven’t gotten around to making yet.
So here it is. A little peek into the depths of my obsession. A glimpse of my probable madness, if you will. The skeletons in my closet.
Up first, one of the strangest pieces I own. And yet, I am enthralled with it. This is something that I had found at TJ Maxx when it was full price, and could not bring myself to purchase it. It haunted my dreams. I am not kidding. There are a few things that I have decided not to buy, only to feel such heavy Non-Buyers Remorse that I literally cannot sleep. Sometime I will make it back to wherever the missed opportunity was, and recitfy my mistake. Sometimes, it’s just not possible, like things I have passed by in the City.
And sometimes, I am too late. These become tears that will hang inside my soul, forever. Mostly, they are shoes.
This dress, though, I had to go back for it. Kevin happened to be with me. It was not the first time he has seen the shopping demon possess my body, but I think it may have been the most intense.
The dress was not in the dress rack. I searched, and searched, the entire rack, all the way to size 24. Nothing. Did that mean it was gone? Of course not! People leave things in the wrong rack all the time.
What else could I do, except search every last rack?
It was not an easy process. I had nearly given up, when I saw a lovingly familiar glint of shiny black fabric popping out of the lingerie rack. It was my dress! And marked down, too!
I chortled in my joy.
When Kevin saw the dress, I think he was a little mystified. It’s not an easy piece. The architectural shoulders sre not for everyone. But it reminds me of the amazing Balenciaga campaign a few years back with Jennifer Connelly. Mixed with a bit of Mad Men. I have not worn it because I have not found the right event, and also, it needs to be taken in a touch.
Item: Camisole Color/Fabric: Merlot, silk Designer: Philosophy di Alberto Ferretti Where Purchased: Marshall’s Years Owned: 3
Next up, my most treasured cami. And what a find! This I found on the clearance rack at Marshall’s. It still had (and still has) its original price tag on it: $533. $533, for something I could literally wad into a ball and shove into my pocket. That is the wonderful world of fashion! Good thing, though, I only paid $20 for it.
This is just so luxurious. It’s that thick, really supple silk, rather then the floaty, diaphanous kind. You can see how nice it feels by Lucy, making sweet love to it. Yeah. It’s that nice.
I’m not sure why I haven’t worn this. I’m sure I could have thought up an outfit for it. It may be actual lingerie, but I could not wear it as that. In my mind it will forever be $533, and not $20.
I don’t think I will ever be a $533 lingerie type of girl.
Item: Dress Color/Fabric: Cream, silk Designer: Vera Wang Where Purchased Last Call Neiman Marcus Years Owned: Nearly one
And now, a lovely dream of a dress. Remember here (https://voltee.wordpress.com/2010/09/30/some-people-think-that-laughter-is-sexy/), when I let some of you convince me to keep this gown so that I might have a Vera Wang? Well, I have another that I did not admit to. Here it is! This still has its original price tag, also; $595. I bought it for $24.99. I don’t usually like to mention how much I pay for things, but in these cases, I think it’s great fun. I mean, how many people can top that sale? I think I should enter a contest.
The trick is just to never stop shopping. If you just do it continuously, you are bound to find a steal or two. That’s simple statistical probability.
Anyway, this was on my oft praised Last Call damaged rack. But it has no defects that I can see, other than the price tag states that the size is different than the actual dress size. I’m not sure that that warrants taking almost $600 off of the price, but I did not complain.
I did plan to wear this, once. Over labor day. My sister wanted to do a photo shoot with Nate and I for our tenth anniversary. I thought this would be great, since it’s sort of wedding-ish. It didn’t work out then. Nate says that he has no clothes nice enough to accompany this dress. Maybe someday.
Item: Blouse Color/Fabric: Black/pink/white, silk Designer: Robert Rodriguez Where Purchased: Last Call Neiman Marcus Years Owned: Nearly one
This one is just a little crazy. There’s the asymmetrical-ness, there’s the floppy shoulder bow, there’s the rhinestone and beaded explosion underneath the floppy bow, there’s the semi-kimono sleeve. It’s a lot going on. But I really love it. The beads sound just like Roses dress in Titanic when I move. As I’ve mentioned in a past post, that’s one of my favorite sounds ever. I just need to find somewhere to wear this.
Item: Gown Color/Fabric: Pink/lack/yellow, silk Designer: Notte by Marchesa Where Purchased: ideeli.com ( I still think you should go here: http://www.ideeli.com/invite/voltee) Years Owned: Nearly One
Finally, my all-time favorite piece of clothing. I don’t have many words for this gown, except that Nate really picked it out and bought it for me, and it makes me feel undeservedly glamorous. It is made for a 7-foot tall stick insect, however. I either need to try to find some sort of rack like device, or have about 2 feet cut from it.
I’m scared to change it. I love it so.
But I think I could make an unbelievable scarf from the material cut off. I should do it.
And freakin wear the gown!
Well, there you have it. I just gave you a taste tonight, since I truly enjoyed this, and plan to do this again someday. I don’t want to give away all of my secrets at once.
I am also planning to keep doing this past the new year. I am having too much fun to quit now. Here’s to 100 more!
Thank you, sincerely, for reading.
**I am keeping all of these, and I have never worn any of them. Deal with it.
An Exercise In Redundancy.
Item: Sweater Color/Fabric: Grey, Merino wool Designer: Banana Republic Years Owned: 7 or 8. Maybe.
I can’t believe that Christmas is less than 10 days away. I just can’t believe it.
I am such an utter, unprepared wreck this year. I don’t understand why I can’t get anything done. I feel like there is a bandit sneaking in to my… something, and stealing hours away from me. I just don’t know where they’re going. I don’t feel like I am any more busy than I have been during other Christmases. I feel like I have less on my plate, actually. I just seem to be less able to cope with anything these days.
We’re still plugging away at the Christmas decorating. My heart just never got into it. I kept thinking that it would come, one day, and it did not.
Nate took matters into his own hands and went all kamikaze with the decorations this year.
I hope he will go kamikaze with the cleaning up after Christmas, too, because I have an inkling that my heart will not be in that, either.
Who can say where my heart is these days?
It did swell a little with love when I pulled out this sweater tonight. This is something that usually only comes around for Christmas. Or some other such special event.
I’m not sure why. It’s not like it’s very expensive, or all that fancy. It does not scream “Special Occasion.”
And yet I still feel like it’s special.
I can’t even remember when I got this. It feels like I’ve kind of always had it.
I think maybe I got it at Eastwood Town Center in Lansing. That has the best Banana Republic in the world there. I spent many an hour there after working at La Senorita. Conveniently, it was both across the street from where I worked, and on my way home. A sweet set up, that!
Sadly, I can’t think of any precise situations when I wore this. I’m sure I have worn it to a Christmas celebration or something. I know that it’s been to church, probably a few times. I think that I may have worn it to a funeral, but I can’t remember whose. I try not to remember clothes and funerals. It just gets too sad.
I am ashamed to acknowledge that this has been a common theme this week, this Unremembering thing. Who can say why? It’s driving me crazy, I have to tell you.
I have been sitting here, doing quite a bit of focused thinking, firing up the rememberer with all my might, and nothing. Not a spark.
But I am still trying. I know I’ll get my groove back eventually. I hope.
I think this all I can do for today, though.
Tomorrow, a different story. Tomorrow is a special day. Stay tuned for special surprises!
I do like this sweater. I want to get it out into the world more, and not keep it shut away for something special. Good idea?
**This is so soft and cozy. Also pretty. I want to keep it.
You Are My Density.
Item: Jacket Color/Fabric: Gold, leather Designer: Sienna Studio Where Purchased: neimanmarcus.com Years Owned: 5
Well, I have been on such a streak this month in presenting my well hidden, yet unrelenting metallic clothing fetish, so I thought I would just keep it going!
Here is an old relic that I have always been a little suspicious of. Even as I was putting it on Trixie, I narrowed my eyes and glanced at it sideways.
“Metallic Scuba Jacket, whose side are you on?” I asked it. “Are you cool or are you tacky?”
The Metallic Scuba Jacket just shone at me in golden silence.
I bought this in, yet another, moment of online shopping weakness.
I remember running out into the living room, with that fresh, just-purchased glow about my cheeks, exhilerated.
“Nate!” I exclaimed joyfully. “I just bought a gold leather jacket!”
He blinked. “Do you need a gold leather jacket?”
“Well…”
“How much was said gold leather jacket?”
I told him, realizing that, when spoken aloud, the number seemed much higher than when displayed on my computer screen.
He just looked at me.
“But it was $300 off!” I protested.
More staring.
Sometimes I think that I will buy anything, anything at all, if it is discounted enough. Even Hammer pants, say. Well, that’s not exactly true. Show me Hammer pants that cost $20, and I will not look at them. But show me Hammer pants that once cost $400 and are now marked down to $20, and I will snatch them right up. And be secretly thrilled by my fashion-forwardness.
It’s ridiculous.
I have worn this jacket, though. At least twice.
Once was when we went to visit our friends Brad and Beckie. Brad and Beckie have a very no-nonsense view of fashion. Lots of sweatshirts. I think that they think I’m crazy sometimes. I’m very self-conscious of this imagined scrutiny. So I always try to assemble sensible outfits when we see them. Such as, wearing a shirt with big holes in the sleeves for a cold, autumn football game (Here).
Or, wearing a Gold Metallic Scuba Jacket. How very practical of me!
I wore it with jeans, and my favorite rocker tee. You know, to toughen it up. I thought it would be a nice contrast.
In hindsight, I think that may have been a failed outfit. But I can’t think of a better way to wear this and not look like a pageant mom or something.
We were making a foray into Boston, a town I just can’t seem to get the point of.
I’ve really tried to like it, honest. It is so seeped in history that I think it must have a lot to offer. And it just hasn’t offered it to me yet.
I have heard it said that one is either a Boston person or a New York Person.
I am a New York Person.
Maybe I will never fall in love with Boston. Maybe we are just destined to be acquaintances.
I would love to see more of it than Irish Pubs and places where people smash crabs with rocks and boys wearing polo shirts with their collars flipped up.
Maybe we’ll make a trip in the Spring. It’s been much, much too long since we’ve seen the Perrys. Maybe this time I can wear something made out of meat.
**This was hard, but we have parted ways. This one was donated to the Center, and even survived the flood. I hope to see it on stage, soon!
I Am What I Wore 