Where You Goin? Barcelona. And Madrid. And Mallorca!
Item: Jumpsuit Color/Fabric: Black, polyester/spandex Designer: Lapis Where Purchased: Marshall’s Years Owned: One
Hoorah! As you are reading this, I am somewhere high up in the clouds, on my way to my baby. And Spain!
In case you are wondering what I’m wearing as I float far, far way, you’re in luck! It’s this outfit! Plus a really cozy sweatshirt trench. I wanted something that would be easy and comfortable, but not wrinkle. And also something I would still fell a little glamorous in once I disembarked in Mallorca. This jumpsuit fits the bill. It’s jersey, so it doesn’t wrinkle, and it’s all one piece, so it won’t get rumpled and un-tucked. Genius! And the scarf is very comforting to me- Nate brought it from India the first time he went, and it’s soft, snuggly and chic all at once.
I will wear the sweatshirt trench, which is also soft and cozy, for my flight, and then take it off when I reach my departure. It’s like an entirely new outfit! Awesome.
What I can’t decide at this moment in time is what my feet will be wearing. I’ll let you know at a later date.
So this is something that I purchased at an event so titillating that my heart is racing ever so slightly at the mere thought! The Marshall’s Final Clearance event. This happens twice a years, and things get marked down to $5, $3, and my favorite, $1. What joyous happenings! I just grab and grab and grab.
This piece was $3, and worth every penny! I wore this to a Rocky Horror rehearsal this spring, then threw on a some jewelry and wore it to see Sweet Charity at Trinity Players in Poughkeepsie and go to their cast party. It made the transition so easily! That’s my favorite thing about this.
I went to the cast party because I was originally a part of the cast, but I had to drop out in April when I needed surgery on my hip. Trinity only rehearses on Sundays, so they have a long rehearsal process, and I made it halfway through. I had spent many Sundays with this cast, and they were all such wonderful people. Honestly, one of the sweetest casts I’ve ever known.
I ended up seeing the show twice, and at times I felt crushed not to be on the stage. But mostly just proud of the entire cast, and especially the lead, Carolyn, who is such a wonderful person, and so wonderfully talented. Um, and gorgeous! I feel blessed to have gotten to know her during this show, and I was amazed at how she grew into her character.
And also my friend Cate, who filled in for me with very little time to spare and did an amazing job. She is always magnetic on stage, and I love to watch her perform.
The cast party was wonderful, even though I was still on crutches and pretty uncomfortable. The food was fantastic, and the director gave out awards to the entire cast. It was such a supportive, positive and joyous atmosphere. Truly a family. I’m so glad to have been a part of that, however small!
I know that you are wondering what will happen to this project while I’m off concurring Spain. Have no fear! I really hope to continue in real time when I can. And when I can’t I will have some back-up posts go up, like this one. I am hoping not to miss much. But, here are some fun Halloween-related clothes coming soon, so stay tuned!
**This was a great piece for travel! As far as wrinkles go. As for convenience of using the restroom…not so much. But that’s what you get with rompers!
Over The Moon!
Item: Capris Color/Fabric: Olive, cotton Designer: Roxy Where Purchased: Pacific Sun Wear (!) Years Owned: 12?
This is it everyone! My very last post before my journey. It’s really real! It’s happening! I still can’t believe it. My dearest wish is that I sit on the plane and all my little stresses from the past weeks melt away, and I can relax entirely, and actually sleep. We shall see!
Well, these capris are something I have hung on to for years, watching them gradually fade into the distressed look. I did honestly consider them for the Spain trip, and then they didn’t make the cut.
I can’t remember the last time I actually wore these, but I know that I have worn them numerous, numerous times through the years. Back then I thought that Pacific Sun Wear was the absolute coolest clothes store around. Period. I remember thinking the clothes were so expensive, but splurging every now and again for something I could not live without. Such as these.
Perhaps the most vivid in my mind is in July, 2000. Our Honeymoon!
It was our very first trip together, alone. And it was magical! We spent some days at Disney world, and then went on to Vero Beach. Or, as I preferred to call it then, Orchid Island. Vero Beach is actually on a little island called Orchid, and I thought it sounded much more exotic than Vero Beach. When people asked me where we were going on our Honeymoon, I replied, “Oh, Orchid Island. It’s this lovely, secluded island in Florida. You’ve never heard of it? Well, you should. It’s beautiful!” I tried to pretend to be wordly and sophisticated.
I think that little affectation was a result of getting married so young, and being fully aware that it is generally looked down on to do so. As though it is somehow not classy. Sort of “Back-woods.”
We might have been teenagers for some of the attitudes we got.
Especially on our Honeymoon, since we did look like actual teenagers. We stayed in this absolutely unique resort called the Driftwood. It was created by an eccentric man named Waldo, who decorated it with antiques, and hodge-podge remnants from shipwrecks and beach finds. It’s amazing and peaceful, and there’s no where in the world quite like the Driftwood.
This is what we looked like:
All together, now: awww!
We drove all the way to Florida, and all around it, with our car still decorated in Just Married regalia. It was sort of like being in a continual parade- people love that stuff, and are ridiculously nice to you when they see it. But I think we were too shy to tell any of the places we stayed that it was our Honeymoon, because we got no extra-special Honeymoon treatment. Tragic.
I am not going to be shy about telling the places we’re staying in Spain that it is our 10th anniversary!
I don’t know if I should keep these. Or if I am strong enough to let them go. They are without doubt the very last piece of clothing I still have from my Honeymoon. But they are a little snug, and very faded, and not so much my style these days. I shuddered slightly just typing the word capris. But they do have their purpose, and I do think their cute. Hmmm.
And so I must leave you. Please stay tuned, I do have some things planned. And I really hope to be able to write in real time whenever possible during my Spanish getaway. If I should miss a day or two, would you be so kind as to go back and catch up on any posts you may have missed, and vote like crazy? When I am back I will have a serious Day Of Reckoning. Oh, I will miss you all, and thank you so very much for supporting my project. Until we meet again!
**These are going. Would anyone like them?
Project: Not Remotely Runway
Item: Sweater Color/Fabric: Lavender, cashmere Designer: Express Where Purchased: Value City (tears) Years Owned: 10?
Oh I made it through another week! By the skin of my teeth. I think I’ve discovered why I haven’t been sleeping. It’s because I have no compartments. My life would be so much easier if I had little boxes to file thoughts away in my head. Many people are good at doing that. They can have a bad day at home, put it into a box, and go to work as though nothing has happened. Or the other way around.
I simply am utterly incapable of doing that. My head is a deep, violent ocean, with everything tumbling around all together; thoughts bumping into dreams, songs floating around with fears, words sailing by with regrets, sounds diving deep with worries, pictures bobbing next to hopes. A big ol jumbly mess.
Hence, insomnia. When there is much on my mind.
One of the many wonderful things on my mind this very instant is Project Runway. Even though I’ve been underwhelmed and rather bored by the last two challenges, I have loved this season, and it reminds me of the first season, which I watched after the fact during a weekend long marathon when I was sick. But I was so excited by it that I decided to make some clothes.
Ok, make is a little too generous. I can’t really use a sewing machine, but I am pretty nifty with a needle, I must admit.
So I grabbed this little cashmere sweater that I got for $2 on the Value City clearance rack. I loved it, and wore it on many occasions, none of which I can remember at this moment. But it got a little moth-hole right in the front of it one year. I couldn’t wear it, but it’s cashmere, which is like a drug to me. And I couldn’t bring myself to let it go.
Well, lightning struck me during that first season of Project Runway. I would turn the moth eaten sweater into a cardigan! It would be lovely, and so practical! Maybe I could start a career of designing clothes (this was an unemployed time in my life)!
I don’t think the end result is a disaster, but it’s not what I had envisioned. I didn’t think about how little fabric would be left after I cut in in half and finished the edges. Plus button holes are a bitch to make, and I couldn’t make them even.
Then I just sewed it closed. And sort of liked it!
It’s far from perfect, I know. It is a tiny bit odd. It does come very far away from the body. But it’s sort of flattering, at the same time.
At first, I wore it in its new incarnation a great deal. I was proud. “I made this!!” I thought, and sometimes said aloud to complete strangers.
Over time it grew to “I…made this. ?” And then I felt a little ashamed of it.
It’s been a long time since I’ve worn this. I really am not sure if I ever will. I still like the color and the fabric. Of course.
Sadly, I will miss the finale of Project Runway due to Spain. But, Go, Mondo!!
**I’ve kept this, and haven’t worn it, but it was adorable on stage in Bye Bye Birdie! Also, cheering for Mondo again in Project Runway; All-Stars!
Is She Outside-In Or Inside-Out?
Item: Dress Color/Fabric: Black/white, cotton Designer: Elie Tahari Where Purchased: Last Call Neiman Marcus Years Owned: Four
Whew. It is 11:30 at night, and I’ve just finished scrubbing my basement floor. I’m kind of fond of this not-sleeping thing. I’m getting lots of projects done!
Gracie seems better today, thanks to everyone who sent her some love! I’m still really worried about leaving her.
I will not bore you with my computer issues this wwek, which have been prolific, but I will say that I cannot wait for my live-in repairman to be home!
Today I am offering a strange little dress. I know it may not appear all that odd at first glance, but just you wait.
This is one of my “Damaged Goods” finds at Last Call in Woodbury Common. I am addicted to the Damaged Goods section. I find wonderful things, overlooked by the masses for a teeny little flaw. Sometimes, the pieces are not even damaged, just rather odd. Those are the ones that I love best. I think sometimes shoppers aren’t creative enough to visualize what might be done with something a little fashion-forward, or unusual. Then I swoop in!
There was nothing wrong with this particular dress. I think it was passed by because here is how it was intended to look:
It was just too washed-looking for the average consumer. But I thought that it would look splendid inside out! So I rescued the poor dress.
It might seem like it was inteded to be a revesible dress. But it was not. The tags were firmly in place, so I had to remove them, and take out one or two little stitches, but then it worked perfectly inside out!
I have worn it the proper way at least once, but mostly I wear it inside out. And I love the way it fits me. It’s like it was tailored for my body. Plus it is light as air, very sheer, but not while wearing, which is important. So I confess that I have worn this more than a single time.
Here is the time I remember best:
This was my 29th birthday, and one of my favorite birthdays of all time. We were in perfomances of Company , one of my favorite shows of all time, the last Harry Potter Book had just come out, (or was it the penultimate? Can’t remember), and the fifth (fourth?) movie was opening on midnight of my birthday. Exciting times, indeed!
We had dinner at the Amadillo Grill, whose spicy carrots and toasted cocnut margaritas haunt my dreams, and then went on to the movie at midnight.
This was the first time I had really hung out with my friend Cat and her husband Jonathan, and I knew that they would become some of my favorite people.
My friend Renee was there, who used to work at the MAC with me, and who is the most lovable ray of sparkling sunshine.
And Diana, whom I have not seen in ages, butnever fails to make me laugh. She is somewhere in NYC, hopefully dressed all in black, sitting at a bar, and crying. That is my idea of honest-to-God sophistication.
My dearest Annie was there, also, and gave me one of my most beloved dresses, a fun yellow number that I wore in Tommy.
And Kevin and Michael connected with us at some point, perhaps just for the movie. And also Chris and Tori, I do believe.
A fine assemblage of amazing, amazing people! And I night I will never forget.
The dress, though, is actually starting to look a little worn on the right-side out side. I can always wear it inside out, though, right? Or should I let it go?
Oh, and you can also vote on yesterday’s, so if you have time, go back and check it out. Please and thank you!
**This is a keeper!
Tommy James and Planted Wedding Dancers.
Item: Blouse Color/Fabric: Cream, cotton Designer: Nanette Lepore Where Purchased: Neiman Marcus Years Owned: Six
Oh, what a night I had last night! I took my dog, Gracie, to the Emergency Vet, mostly because she had a relly odd episode last week, and then much vomit last night, so I panicked and took her in. And I think it was mostly to give me some peace of mind before I leave. This little dog is the moon and stars to Nate and me. I can’t imagine how we could ever live without her.
Anyway, I tried to get up early to finish writing this, but found myself unable to leave the bed. So I will have to finish a little later than I hoped.
This blouse is one that I’ve worn many times. It’s sweet and flirty, and I really like it. The color, though, is the exact shade of Trixie’s skin, so I felt like I needed to add something to break it up. Enter the necklace.
The good thing about the insomnia is that I’ve been hyper-creative and ambitious. I started making jewelry last week, and have been relatively unable to stop. Sometimes I am so in love with the pieces I’ve made that I sleep with them next to my bed. Yes, I am that lame.
I have not slept with the necklace, yet, but I do quite like it. The large turquoise stone is a gift Nate brought back from India last year, and the rest of the stones were a bracelet from my dear fiend Laura. It was one of those wirey wrap bracelets, and I didn’t like how it fit on my wrist, but I knew it would make a lovely necklace.
This blouse needs a necklace I think. Here’s a picture of me wearing it without:
This was the day after our friends Jen and Casey got married, and these are some of our oldest friends in the world. Casey was Nate’s gymnastic teammate growing up, and Bryan coached them both. Brayn and his girlfriend at the time, Andee, are the reason Nate and I met.
Jen and Casey’s wedding was wonderful. It was on the Penn State campus, which is gorgeous and green and ancient, and I loved it!
We danced like crazy all night, and was amazing to be able to spend so much time with people so close to our hearts. I feel as though it’s my job to keep the dance floor going at a wedding. There’s nothing more awkward than when everyone just stands around at a wedding, and no one dances except by fumbling through the Macarena or Electric Slide. Shudder.
I try to add some good time comic relief with my patented brand of no-pride dancing. I will do whatever comes into my head. I am not shy about it. I will boogie like Elaine from Seinfeld if that’s waht it takes.
Sometimes Nate helps in my endevor. Sometimes not. This time, though, he did! And we were so successful, some of the bridal party offered to hire us for their weddings.
I think Planted Wedding Dancer would be a fantastic occupation. I’m going to look into that further.
The evening ended with two strange, really long phone messages, and one awesome one. It went something like this: “Hello, Carol, oh what? Kerry. This is Tommy James. I’m sorry you couldn’t make it to my show. Have a nice night!’
In case you don’t know, Tommy James is the genious songwrite behind such awesome ’60’s tunes as “Crimson and Clover” “Mony Mony” and “I think We’re alone Now.” My parents and my sister and her husband went to his show and met him afterwards and asked if he would leave me a message. And he did! What a lovely creature.
I was so excited, having grown up listening to his music, and still love it. I screamed a little, actually. Eveyone thought I was nuts.
They probably aren’t wrong.
The day after the wedding was very relaxed. We got to see some of the college town and hang out with our buddies. I wish we could do it again!
Jen, Casey, Julie, and Bryan, I love you all so!
**I’ve decided to keep this one. It’s sweet!
Spontaneous Eruptions of Joy!
Item: Skirt Color/Fabric: Camel, cotton Designer: Gap Years Owned: 6
I was having a perfectly lovely day today. Finally, things are coming together, and it really feels real that I am leaving for Spain in five days.
I’m not sure when it dawned on me. It was sort of simmering and building until I walked an my office and this noise, sort of like a “screeelleeeah!”, escaped me. It was part squeel, part yodel, and part operatic trill. Juli looked at me and laughed.
“What was that?”
“Um I don’t know. I couldn’t help it. I guess I just got very excited about leaving!”
“Yeah,” she said and returned to her schedule.
It was a spontaneous eruption of joy, and it felt fantastic!
There was a time in my life when this skirt would cause such a sound to occur. I loved this immediately because it was such a vintage shape, with the subtle pleats. I felt like I was walking straight out of the 1950’s when I wore it.
I obsessively love vintage clothing from every era. Except, perhaps the 80’s and the 90’s. I’m baffled as to why those awful trends are needing to return. I entirely got my fill of them during the actual decades.
Well, I decided to wear this on a trip to the city in the late summer of 2006. My friend Robin was working at a radio station, and she won three tickets to see The Wedding Singer on Broadway. And she had no interest in seeing that.
I did, though! If it’s free, I will see anything on the Broadway. I love just being there. It doesn’t get old for me.
Nate and I asked our friend Arek to go. And on the day of the show, I rode to Poughkeepsie with Nate, and sat in a Starbucks, writing, while Nate worked for a few hours. Then we were going to catch up to Arek, since he also worked at IBM, and leave for the city around noon.
Then Nate got sick. He had very little interest in going to begin with, and not feeling well put him over the edge. He flatly refused to go with me.
I was so upset! But Arek still wanted to go and convinced me that we’d have a great time.
An understatement!
It was a completely perfect day. We headed downtown, and just hung out. And I quite loved my outfit.
Then we decided to look for the Magnolia Bakery. I had never been there, but Arek had, and thought he knew where it was.
A lie.
After hours, we finally found it, and then one minute later discovered that it was clearly marked on my map the entire time. Ah, well.
We refueled on sugar and butter, and the cupcakes were delicious (but if you live in the Hudson Valley, you need to try my friend Josie’s cupcakes. Moxie Cupcake. You’ll love them!).
We just started walking. We ended up at a bar advertising $3 Mojitos, and said, “Yes, please!” We were the only patrons at the bar, and the drinks took a full 10 minutes to prepare. That’s how you know you are getting a quality Mojito. A quality Mojito should be muddled for a minimum of five minutes. And this was the best Mojito I had ever had. By far. Leaps and bounds. The tragic part is that I have never found that place again. It’s as though it faded into the bricks, like it never existed. A Mojito mirage.
We had two each, and started telling secrets. Delightful!
By the time we stopped for dinner, we were the best of friends. And we ended up calling a mutual friend that was obsessed with the Wedding Singer to come and join us for the show. He had 20 minutes to get to the train station to make it in time for the show. And he did! He must have sprinted.
It was a relaxed, easy going, totally chill day in the city. I had never had a day like that there before, and I saw an entirely new, secret and seductive side to New York City.
And I miss Arek.
The skirt, though, I may have fallen out of love with. It seems frumpier in the picture than I thought I looked. What do you think, y’all?
**I still haven’t decided on this one. Help. Help.
We’ll Take A Cup Of Kindness Yet.
Item: Blouse Color/Fabric: Rose, silk Designer: Rebecca Taylor Where Purchased: Next Boutique Years Owned: Three
I would like to start this evening with a truly heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been supporting me in my project. Last week I had the most views I’ve ever had! That’s so exciting for me. Thank you so very much!
I am also further postponing the Day Of Reckoning, since I am just too fatigued tonight to weigh such lofty decisions. So there is still time to get in votes for this round, or recruit anyone who might enjoy my silliness.
Tonight I felt like I wanted something pretty and girly, after the tee I posted yesterday. Plus, I felt horribly unattractive all day today. So I picked something I feel lovely in.
This is a blouse we had at Next Boutique about three years ago. And I loved it. It was one of those pieces I stared at every day, and fell a little more in love with all the time. By the time I finally got to purchase it, we already had a storied relationship.
I love the color of this blouse, and how the neckline show off the very best part of my shoulders. It’s romantic and sexy all at once, which is hard to pull off. And, oh, the fabric! Like a gentle caress. I like very tactile fashion. I want clothes that not only look great, but feel great as well. And I’m a sucker for really nice silk.
I bought this at the Winter sale at Next a few years ago. I sang to it, ever so softly, as I enclosed it in my arms. This was the day when I learned a very important fashion rule. When making my purchases, I told the girls who were working that I would just take them home in a shopping bag.
“Kerry,” she said to me. “One does not fold Rebecca Taylor. Rebecca Taylor must be hung.”
Oh.
Color me educated!
I have since tried to take very good care of this blouse, because, honestly, I do rather tend to lose my reverence for clothing once I’ve worn it. It’s like how a new car loses so much of its value the second you drive it off the lot. I devalue everything after I’ve worn it a single solitary time. I seem prefer fashion virgins. I guess that makes me a bit of a creep. But it’s not intentional. I truly can’t help it.
This blouse, though, I’ve tried to treat with the respect it deserves. I haven’t worn it much. More than once, though, I’m fairly certain.
I know that I wore this to a New Year’s Eve party, but I can’t remember which year. I think it will be three years ago this year.
My friends Richard and Donald have an annual party that is astonishing. They have this amazing open space, and everyone brings dishes, and it’s such a feast of food and friendship and fun.
I wore this blouse with a short sleeved velvet blazer, and these shoes:
These are one of my favorite pairs of shoes. They are so sleek and low-cut that they give an ample amount of toe-cleavage. Since that’s pretty much the only type of cleavage I’m rocking, I appreciate that!
I felt fantastic, and had a fantastic time. It was one of the first times I got to hang out with a truly fabulous couple, Jen and Michael, and we had such fun! And many of my dearest friends were there. I want to be surrounded by people I love on New Year’s Eve, and so I was for this one!
Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t too kind that night. We left shortly after the fireworks display (of course there were fireworks!) to be sure to get home safely.
I can’t remember if I’ve worn it since. I remember that I had planned to wear it to a smashing gala in the city, but those plans fell through. I might have shunned this for a spell out of disappointment.
But I love it. You can try to tell me to toss this, but I think I might just stick my fingers in my ears and hum loudly.
**I can’t live without this blouse. One day I will wear it again!
The Vault Of Nostalgery, Opened!
Item: Teeshirt Color/Fabric: Rainbow tie-dye, obviously. Cotton. Designer: Mrs. Erica Pitkin Where Purchased: Through Eastwood High School Athletic Dept. Years Owned: 14
Today, I have opened my Vault of Nostalgery. Yes, I know that nostalgery is not actually a word, but I like the way that it sounds. Say it out loud. “Nostalgery.” Fun, right?
Plus, everyone has a little trove of memories of things past, and everyone calls it a different name. It could be “The Memory Box.” Or ” Stuff I have Collected Throughout The Years.” Or “The Deflated Hope Chest.” Or “Little Trove Of Memories Of Things Past.” Anything Goes!
I actually have two. One is in a locked blue suitcase underneath my bed and has a lot of papers in it. The other is a drawer of clothing in a dresser in my spare bedroom. That’s the vault that I opened tonight.
I went into the spare bedroom to make the bed and tidy up before my brother-in-law comes to house sit while we’re in Spain. And I started putting some clothes into the dresser, into three of the four drawers. I couldn’t remember what was in the fourth drawer. Little did I expect the Vault of Nostagery!
Some things in that drawer I will write about. Some made my vision a little watery. Some I will absolutely, under no circumstance, ever, ever write about. And then there is this tee-shirt.
This is one of three high school-related tee-shirts that I still own. I actually have one from elementary school. For what purpose? To stay shut up and forgotten in a drawer with a ridiculous name? I will certainly, or most likely, never wear them again.
This one, though, this is my favorite. My friend Erica designed it, and to this day she is the single most gifted artist I have ever known. She has a living magic inside her, and I admire and covet it greatly. That’s not something that happens to many people.
The shirts were for our Cross Country team during my senior year. Cross Country was an entity that I loved and hated simultaneously. I was horrible at it. I hated every single step that I plodded through, double so if that step happened to be in a moving body of water or up a hill. Ugh. I wanted to be on the team because it was like a little Tribe of Fierce Warriors. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?
The tee-shirts were clever and unique. It was quite a hassle to procure the rainbow tie-dye tee-shirts, though. The company that did the silk-screening thought we were insane. And I guess that we may all have been, ever so slightly. It was some of the best times of my life!
Here’s what the back looked like:
Yeah, it’s morse code. That’s how clever we were! And even more clever than we had intended; when we wore the tees to meets, the other teams would want to know what it meant. It drove them mad. Surely it was some strategic message or inspiration that would power us through! We were forbidden to tell, and all other teams were intimidated.
This is the message, in case you are rusty on your morse code; I feel safe telling it now. “wel to jun.” I can’t tell any more than that, or I’d be forced to kill you all. All ten of you.
Here is a picture of me wearing this: 
That’s also my senior year. And that was my short haircut! Ha. This was on vacation, I think over Thanksgiving that year. We went to Florida, and it was cold and rainy, but I can’t remember where we went. I had fun, though, apparently. That’s one of my more classic dance moves, just in it’s infancy.
Man, though, I miss those high school days. The friendships. The laughter. The drama. The clothing!
Would I want to go back? Absolutely! To watch. I wish I could gather everyone together, sit down in a movie theater and just watch our escapades of those years and laugh. And, who am I kidding, cry buckets.
But I would not want to live through it again. I loved it so, but once was just fine with me.
**I may not keep all of my old team shirts, but this one, I have to. It’s special.
The Beginning Of The End, Part Two: I Plead
Item: Dress Color/Fabric: Brown/Turquoise, polyester Designer: Lux Where Purchased: Urban Outfitters Years Owned: 4
This is your last day to get those votes in, everyone! I honestly do value your feedback, and it will help me greatly when I come to the Day Of Reckoning, which I think will happen on Monday now. Please please vote!
That’s all the begging I will do tonight. I’m actually feeling almost tired, which is awesome because my insomnia has been relentless this week.
Today , I biked for Breast Cancer, cleaned my house, carried four large tubs of decorations up and down the stairs, and had a fierce dance Battle Royale. Maybe that’s why I’m starting to feel sleepy.
Tonight’s dress is a relic from my work conference shopping spree in Philadelphia from Annie. We each bought bought one of these. Actually, we bought multiple matching, or near matching clothes that day. And sometimes she’ll wear something that I decided not to buy, and I’ll think, “Crap. I want that” And vise versa. Yet another reason why time travel would be awesome.
I liked the little flutter sleeves on this dress, and how the patterns are so completely different. It’s very interesting, but I wish it wasn’t so shear. It’s hard to find the right undergarment for it. I think that’s why I haven’t worn this more.
However, I did decide to wear this when Annie and I went to see Jekyll and Hyde at County Players in 2007. I like to wear a dress when I go to the theater. Most of the time it’s my only chance to go out for the weekend. And I get so tired of wearing gym clothes all the time that a dress feels so refreshing. Plus, it’s the theater! I think everyone should dress up, always. I have so many clothes that I remember wearing to a theatrical production of something, but I can’t remember which show.
So I’m not sure why I remember that I wore this dress to this show, but it’s true. I also know that I wore my blue suede shoes:
I love the architecture of these shoes. If you look at the base of the shoe, you can see that they leave the teeniest footprint ever. Hysterical!
Well, it was the first time I had ever been to a County Players show, and I was amazed by how large the theater was, and how packed. The show was sold out, so we had to sit in plastic chairs in the front row on the side of the stage. But it was fantastic, anyway! Very entertaining. I had never seen it, and didn’t know anything about it, so I had no idea what to expect. I loved the dramatic music, and was blown away by the female lead. What a voice! And so lovely! The male lead was great also, but since he was rehearsing Company with me that summer, I knew to expect that from him.
Anyway, this lovely singer had all these long, thick curls, and I didn’t realize that it was a wig. So when she came to help out with Company for a weekend, I did not realize who she was. I can’t remember exactly when I figured it out- but I remember thinking “Oh she’s even prettier with her real hair!”
Her name is Maria, and I was able to be in Tommy with her last summer. She is just as charming as her voice, and makes the best cookies known to man. What I can’t figure out is how she stays so skinny. I would have a never ending conveyor belt of cookies leading directly into my mouth if I could make them that well! Maria is one of those people who I always have a wonderful time with whenever I get to see her, even though it’s not as often as I’d like.
Plus, she is fierce advocate for saving all my clothes, and that means a lot to me, since she never scoffs at my fashion faux-pas when I am brave enough to post them.
Perhaps that’s why I remember that this is what I wore to Jekyll and Hyde.
But should it stay?
**I’ve decided to keep this. It’s fun!
Strange Things Are Afoot.
Item: Tank Color/Fabric: Olive, cotton Designer: Sparkle and Fade Where Purchased: Urban Outfitter Years Owned: 4
Ah, well, it is time again to make some decisions. Sunday night is my cut off for votes on this round. Please vote. It’s the democratic way! I have heard some protests, about not knowing enough about fashion to vote. I object! If you’re very, very wrong, I won’t listen to you any way, so there’s nothing to fear. Please go back and vote if you haven’t yet. It’s fun!
Also, if you’ve enjoyed reading along to my closet clean out, will you tell your friends for me? I would be so excited and proud. Yet humble, of course…
Ok, that being said, I lay before you today a tank top that was one of my dollar finds. Somehow, this has ended up being my Rehearsal Tank. I’m not sure why I don’t wear this in real life. Maybe it’s too lingerie-like? But the lace is fake, and that’s kind of weird. Like one of those tuxedo tee-shirts. But what do you want for a dollar?
Anyway, the first rehearsal I remember wearing this to was the one for Company where we were going to practice stripping. Since I’ve already written about that, here, I won’t repeat myself. Except to say that I think it was rather sassy of me to chose something lingerie-like for that rehearsal.
I also remember wearing it to a Cabaret rehearsal. And, surprise! It ended up being a photo shoot that none of us knew about.
Cabaret was one of the most difficult shows I’ve ever done. It was so close to in time to Company, and I was transitioning from being the Front Desk Manager at MAC to a Personal Trainer. My schedule worked like this; open gym and work desk from 5:30am until 2, shadow Trainers from 3-6, and be at rehearsal from 7-11. And repeat. Needless to say, I was exhausted.
Plus, the choreographer had little patience for me because I wan’t a trained dancer. So it was a difficult rehearsal process.
Since we didn’t know the pictures were happening, none of us brought make-up or wore costume appropriate clothing. We shared a single tube of red lipstick, and wore gloves and black wigs with our rehearsal clothes.
I believe the lovely and talented Jen Kiaba took the pictures. It’s all a little hazy in that time due to lack of sleep. As sad as I was about my make-up free and sleep deprived appearance, this shoot resulted in one of my favorite pictures ever of Nate and me: 
Beautiful shot, Jen! Nate looks positively angelic! And I don’t like his hair long as a rule, but it looks great in this picture. Very… soap star-esque. Dare I say…Fabio??
I had forgotten about this picture until I found it, randomly, in my MySpace account today. Here is the caption; “yea…baby do your work…my baby is gettin educated”. I don’t know who wrote that, because I certainly didn’t! But it’s sort of brilliant. I like it. I guess that’s what was happening…
The other quite hilarious and totally random thing that transpired from that photo shoot was this:
One day at rehearsal my friend Chris said “Did you see your face next to Susan Sarandon the Poughkeepsie Journal’s website?” Well, no, I had not!
We never found out why this happened. But my face was the banner on the entertainment page for a little while. Definitely one of the weirdest things that has ever happened to me.
Focusing now on the top- is it worth saving if I only wear it to rehearsals? I guess I do always need rehearsal clothes. What say you?
**I haven’t worn this, even to rehearsal. But still I can’t toss it. I can’t decide!
I Am What I Wore 