I Am Gonna Stand My Ground.
Item: Jacket Color/Fabric: Blackish, pleather Designer: Wet Seal Where Purchased: A gift from my sister Years Owned: ??? Possibly over ten?
Well, tonight I have for you an oldie for sure. I can’t remember when I got this jacket, as a very thoughtful gift from my wonderful sister. But I feel like I had this, quite possibly during college. Which would make it very old, indeed.
I’m not sure.
I am sure, though, that I have loved this dearly. It’s just quirky enough to be super cool, and it is a blessing in a rainstorm. It kind of feels like it’s made out of rubber, the pleather is so thick.
However, I think it’s been a while since I’ve worn this.
The only occasion where I can 100% remember wearing this is when I went to see my friend Erica at Kenyon College. I don’t recall the occasion. I think that it may have been a sort of Cross Country Championship, and I went to cheer her on.
Wait. That was the first time I went to Kenyon. That was during our freshman year of college, and it was a sad trip. It was the first time that I remember feeling all of my high school friends becoming adults, and discovering new lives, new paths, and new facets of themselves that had not yet seen the light of day. A tumultuous time. Not a bad time, necessarily, but not an easy time, either. But it’s just hard to understand, and hard to accept. I guess it would be what one calls “Growing pains.” I sure felt the pang. I shed many tears after that trip.
This second trip, though, when I wore the jacket, I no longer remember why it happened
Maybe I just wanted to spend time with my friend.
I do remember that there was some sort of costume party that wasn’t Halloween, and I was given a strange gown to wear that I loved so much I slept in it.
I sort of feel like I made that up. Or maybe dreamed it.
There is another memory of the gown, though, and being smushed in a pickup truck with all three of us in the front seat.
Being happy.
And I wore this jacket, and I remember Erica’s then boyfriend, now husband saying that it was the coolest leather jacket he’d ever seen.
“It’s not leather,”I told him. “It’s pleather.”
“Kerry, you shouldn’t tell people that. I would have thought it was leather,” he chastised me.
I always get chastised by men for saying things like that. I have a hard time with compliments, I guess. Usually if someone tells me that they like something I’m wearing, I’ll say, “Thanks. It only cost $1.”
I remember that habit made my friend Andy disgusted. “Stop saying things like that! Women do that all the time, and it’s degrading. Just say, ‘Thank You’ and smile, and let me believe that it cost hundreds of dollars.”
I’m still struggling with this concept. Obviously.
Anyway. Erica and Ian and I went to a party, where I did my usual amount of spastic joyous dancing, most of the time with a really fun girl who I didn’t know.
I thought that we were enjoying music and celebrating life.
And I was completely oblivious to the fact that she was looking for something more until she tried to kiss me when we went outside to cool off.
“Oh!” I said, utterly surprised. “I’m engaged, I’m sorry.”
I didn’t know what else to say. So I just went back inside and danced.
Which seems to be a technique I’ve used many times in my life…
I wish I could remember more of that weekend, but it’s left me.
And I can’t decide how I feel about the jacket. I do still think it’s really cool. But maybe the black has come off too much at this point, maybe it’s passed the ‘good beat up’ point and entered the ‘ bad run down’ point’. What say you?
**I have loved this so, but it’s time to part. There’s a lot left to love, though, if someone wants to try!
Easy In? Whatever.
Item: Coat Color/Fabric: Moss, nylon/faux fur Designer: Spiewak Where Purchased: Urban Outfitters Years Owned: 7
I hate January. I ‘m willing to give February the benefit of the doubt, but so far, I am skeptical. Winter is just no friend of mine.
And it’s been the worst week of the worst month.
So I am not in the best of spirits tonight, but usually writing this perks me up a bit. Let us see!
My theme, and this is very original, so be prepared, is outerwear!
I have too many coats and jackets. My surplus of outerwear my exceed any other clothing type or accessory I own, excepting, of course, shoes.
My plan is to get toss two coats by next week.
The first coat that I offer for your thoughts is a nice and toasty one. This is made by a company called Spiewak, which makes actual flight jackets and warm things and has been around for many, many years. They are a little expensive.
This one, I bought for $1.
Yes, this is one of those fabulous finds from the Urban Outfitters dollar rack in East Lansing, Michigan.
This was one of the best treasures I found there. It had a little sister, and they were almost twins. The sister was black, and had a little fur collar instead of a hood. I decided to sell that one on eBay.
It was one of the most exciting moments ever to have happened on an internet auction site! Seriously,during the last five minutes of the auction, we had half a dozen people crowded around a single laptop, cheering excitedly every time I hit “Refresh.”
We watched the jacket go from $5 to $18 to $32 to $45 to $63!
And I only paid a dollar for it!
I felt exactly like Rudy.
After that, I tossed around the idea of selling the green one, also. But I ended up keeping it, and I have worn it oodles of times. Such as here:
This is when our friends Deke and Andee came out to visit us. It was in March, and if I posted all of the coats involved with that weekend, I would write for an entire week!
Andee didn’t bring a warm coat, for some reason. They live in the tropics of Columbus, Ohio.
Here, it was Andee’s first snowboarding experience, and my second. My first one happened in Michigan, and it was so bad that I missed two days of work afterwards.
Armed with this knowledge, our husbands thought it seemed like a good idea to let us putter down the mountain on our own, with my vast troves of experience to guide us, while they sped down like Olympians.
“Meet us by the start of the easy trail!” Nate called over his shoulder as he showered us in a wake of snow.
Almost three hours later, we reach what seemed like the bottom, and were presented with a a problem; a splitting of the trail.
There was an arrow pointing to the left that said “Apache” and one straight that said “Navajo” or something similar. And one that pointed to the right that said “Easy In.”
“Which one is the ‘easy trail’?” I asked.
“That one says ‘Easy’ on it…” Andee answered hesitantly pointing to the right.
So we went to the right and saw a lift. We should have realized that there was a problem, since as we stared at the lift in confusion for about ten seconds, 27 skiiers zipped around us and flung themselves gracefully into the lift without missing a beat.
“Is this right?” Andee asked.
“Hmm.” I answered, tripping over my feet, on our third attempt to get up into the lift.
20 minutes later, we were airborn!
“Does this look like the right path?” I asked.
“Hmm.” Andee answered, as we climbed higher and higher and higher, over top of a shiny, vertical slope.
And before I know it, we’re at the top of the highest peak. The Black Diamond.
“We’re just going to ride this back down!” I shout to the lift attendant. “We made a mistake!”
He stops the lift. It’s apparently against the rules to ride a ski lift down. This is something that I feel should be explained during the half-hour when you’re struggling to get onto the lift.
We had to ride a little emergency vehicle to find a guide to take our sorry stupid selves back down the the mountain.
I was beyond humiliated. I wanted to cry, but my tear ducts were frozen. But at least the view was breath taking!
I wanted to kick Nate when we finally see him again. But I couldn’t, because I had frostbite on both of my feet.
Can you believe that I haven’t been snowboarding since?
Back to the coat. I do like it. My only complaints are that it’s a touch too big, and it doesn’t cover my bum. I do like a nice, thick bum cover on a winter’s day. But it does keep my torso nice and cozy!
**I’m keeping this one around; it is nice for snowboarding. Just in case I ever do that again.
January’s Penultimate Reckoning!
First of all, I want to thank you all for the wise words regarding my post yesterday and my book, Your support means a lot to me, truly. I’m not sure yet, exactly, what that support will means in terms of planning, and my courage, but I am certain that it means a lot. Now I just have to translate it into something that makes sense to me.
I’m almost caught up to myself. with these weekly reckonings! In the future, I will be more timely and consistent with the reckoning, but I don’t like doing it every week. Thankfully January is flying past, and next weekend will be the last one for a bit!
And so, let’s get down to it, shall we?
Up first, my Murder Mystery blouse (here). I love this little cami, and I haven’t worn it out yet. Almost 78% voted for it to stay, and I agree. I will wear it more. Also, I will have more murder mystery parties. Who’s in?
Next, my airport pants (here). This is hard! 75% voted to keep, but there is a part of me that agrees with Cat’s suggestion that maybe they are just too big. I think that I will keep these for now. Sometimes a girl needs a pair of pants that are just a little bit too big…
And, a big, fat skirt (here). So a couple of people think this is ridiculous. They may not be wrong. It’s so ridiculously full. But also, sort of awesome. This did make it on stage in Bye Bye Birdie, and I kind of fell in love with it. It’s one of my favorite costumes. I know I am being very lenient today, but I need to keep this.
Now, a very un-proud moment in my life (here), and a tee. I have had this for so long, it’s hard to think of tossing it. But I think that since I’ve laid out its whole, awful story to the world, I can set this free. This isn’t easy, but farewell, masterful paint job.
Next up is a silly dress (here), but I happen to love it. Yes it’s shiny and flashy, but there’s a backlace, and cute sleeves, and a ruffle. And everyone seems to like it as well. I will keep it, and if I can find a way to dance in it without sending flying chains everywhere, I’ll do that, too.
Oh, my non-weather-appropriate tank (here)! One of my favorite tales, and, who can say? Perhaps one day this will be one of my favorite tops? It’s not, yet, because I haven’t owned it that long. But I will keep it, and we’ll see where this relationship goes.
Ha, a wardrobe malfunction (here)! So many parts of this day are now hilarious to me, when, as the events unfolded, I was completely distraught. Perspective. It’s important. And so easy to lose. Especially if you’re me. Anyway. This didn’t get a single vote against it. And it’s cozy. And this winter is terrible. So I will keep. It’s on probation, though. Let’s see if I wear it more.
Now for a gown (here). I am on the fence about this one. It’s a strange thing. And I am collecting some very fabulous gowns in the costume closet, so I wonder if this is really necessary. I don’t feel much for this, even though I love the memory of my Glamor Shot. I think I will cut this loose.
Next, a dress (here). Ok, maybe this is a tad small. But the hard part, really is just getting into it. Once it’s zipped, it’s not painful at all. That’s the part that matters, yes? I keep it.
And the last item on the agenda for this evening, a golden jacket (here). I am surprised by the number of people who supported this piece. I really want to love it. I just don’t. I know that the second I get rid of it, I will need it for some show or another. I think I just have to go for it and let it go. I think this will be my most epic fail in terms of hope and investment and payoff for a piece of clothing. It’s sad. I just couldn’t make it work. No one can say I didn’t try, though.
And by ending with that jacket, I have an idea for a theme for next week. My first theme week! It should be fun!
Stay warm, folks.
That may or may not have been a hint.
A Corner, Turned.
Item: Sweatshirt Color/Fabric: Raisin, polyester/rayon/spandex Designer: Mossimo Where Purchased: Target Years Owned: 4
What an eventful Saturday! There was a very fun rehearsal, some relaxing, more sugar than a hummingbird, one Christmas tree successfully dismantled, and Sex and the City. Plus, I nearly burned down the house with a careless microwave setting. No fire, thankfully, but I did end up with some very scorched Rubbermaid. Excitement!
Speaking of Sex and the City, it’s been so long since I’d seen it. And, oh, I love it so!
I watched the entire series on my treadmill (not all at once, of course!) shortly after we’d moved here. It’s hard to tell what I loved most; the city, the fashion, or Carrie Bradshaw.
It might be Carrie. I wish I had more Carrie-ish stories to tell you.
She makes me hate all of my clothes, though. Except she did help me eliminate some buyer’s remorse for the completely over the top piece I got last week and will tell you about soon. Carrie would absolutely wear it, so I might just keep it.
Anyway, what can I do when I hate my wardrobe except write about a sweatshirt?
There was a time when this was my favorite sweatshirt. It had quite a lovely drape, and graceful batwing sleeve. Plus, it’s cozy and soft. I loved it.
Then I washed it, and, surprisingly, it shrunk a little. Now it doesn’t drape quite as nicely.
I wore this three years ago when we took a little jaunt to Tennessee, in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg is sort of like Orlando with Dolly Parton. It’s a mixture of obnoxious and good old fashioned fun. Nate was judging a gymnastics meet there, and I came along for the fun.
I also went to finish writing my book.
I didn’t end up having a choice, since I sprained my ankle the first day we were there. I was shut up in a room, by myself, with a laptop. And so, I wrote.
Mostly it was wonderful. There was a baby that cried, without ceasing, for two days that was very distracting. And then I got thrown for a bit of a loop when Heath Leger died. I felt such sadness and confusion, and I’ll never forget it.
But still, I did it. I wrote the ending. I waited until Nate came back from the meet to type the very last word, so that he could take a picture. This is it:
It was a lovely retreat for writing, with the fireplace, and wooded balcony. I really couldn’t have asked for better.
But it’s bitter sweet to see this photo. My face just kills me. The excitement. And I just can’t believe that three years has gone by, and I have essentially done nothing at all with my book. Three years! It’s so much time to waste. I did squeak in a few minor revisions, I think. But really I’ve just let it drift away.
An old friend I hadn’t seen in a while asked me about it yesterday, and I felt ashamed to tell him that I’d done nothing with it, hadn’t even tried. Packed it away, buried, and forgotten it. I wanted to cry.
I still have some corners that I need to turn in my head, some barriers that need to be crossed. And right now I don’t have any idea of how to get there. But I am determined to keep trying.
I’m certain that I haven’t worn this sweatshirt since that day. I just look at it and remember that I was wearing this on the day that I finished my book, and it makes me feel like a coward for letting it go. And too sad to wear it.
Should I, though? I can’t understand why I associate this with a feeling of failure rather than accomplishment, but I do. And I can’t make it go away. Should I keep trying?
**This might be a talisman. Maybe there is a type of magic in it. I feel I have to keep it, until my novel is satisfactorily completed.
Little Devil On My Shoulder.
Item: Vest Color/Fabric: Black, cotton/lycra Designer: La Rok Where Purchased: Next Boutique Years Owned: 0.5
Tonight, something of a luxury. A vest. Vests are funny. They are more of an accessory than clothing, I feel, sometimes. One never needs to put on a vest, the way one might need to put on a sweater, or a jacket. Vests don’t really add much warmth. Really, they are for aesthetic purposes only.
I thought of this tonight, because we had a rockin’ Chamber Of Commerce Mixer at the gym tonight, and I saw two radically different displays of vest wearing. The first was the suede type, complete with bolo tie and plastic fork in front pocket. The second was of the sweater variety, worn over a turtleneck with candy canes. See! Someone else who just can’t let go of the holiday festiveness!
And I was reminded of this gem of a vest.
I do love it. It’s a little Rhythm Nation-ish and makes me feel like a rock star. I would like to wear it when I have a rock band. Or maybe just when I have time to play Rock Band again.
But the fact is that it makes me feel a little silly. It was purchased on a whim. La Rok makes kick-ass rock star clothes, for sure, but they just cost too much. Even at 75% off, it’s an investment thast I need to consider carefully.
I really didn’t consider this one carefully.
I have a condition. I don’t know exactly what to call it, except maybe Temporary Shopping Insanity. It is an honest to goodness condition, though. When I get to a big fashion sale of some sort, such as the Next Boutique Summer Sale, I get dizzy. My breath is short and shallow. I develop hot flashes. And then I start changing colors. This is no joke.
You should have seen me in the dressing room of Last Call last weekend- giant purple blotches on my check and neck. It’s very embarrassing.
The prospect of having to decide does me in, I believe. And so sometimes I don’t think things through.
Things that don’t help- voices in my ear, urging me on. Mostly Nate. Sometimes Tiffany from Next.
She has the most amazing and inimitable style I’ve ever witnessed a human being possessing. Sometimes she’ll pull something out, and say “Kerry, I’m surprised you’re not getting this.” And I’ll be all like, Oh! Yes! I forgot all about this and I need to have it! But really she could just hand me something, without a word, over her shoulder without even looking at me, and I would want to buy it. The woman has an amazing gift.
That’s what happened with this vest.
Don’t get me wrong- I do love it. And if we’re going to get into the Yes, but do you need it? game I would just stop writing and get rid of all of my clothes except yoga pants and MAC uniform tops. That’s all I really need.
But the fact is, I’ve only worn this once. And that was for the strike/cast party of Rocky Horror. I didn’t really wear it to the party, since I got into the hot tub pretty much instantly. So I guess…I just wore it to strike. This is ridiculous.
Utterly.
I need to rectify this situation, and give this vest something fun. I would have thought to wear it when we go see American Idiot for the third time next week, but I already have invented an outfit and it will rock. I don’t think that I can toss this until it’s really had a chance to shine. I mean rock.
**This has had a chance to shine! I was wearing it when I met Billy Joe Armstrong from Green Day. Soon, I’ll tell that story. For now, though, it stays!
At First Sight.
Item: Tee-shirt Color/Fabric: Orange, cotton Where Purchased: American Eagle Years Owned: At least 10
Tonight for your consideration I have an orange tee-shirt. I found this today when I was in the basement, staring at the mountain of empty boxes that house our Christmas decorations. I stared for quite some time. While I stared, I thought about carrying the boxes up the stairs and then taking down the Christmas decorations, putting them into the boxes, and then carrying the boxes back down the stairs. It seems that I should do this before the neighbors start whispering that we are crazy and friends are embarrassed to come over.
Logically, I know this and even accept it. I just could not will my hands to find the strength to pick up the boxes.
So I turned the corner, and saw a little corner of orange fabric sticking out from a garbage bag. I knew instantly what it was.
Maybe it’s sort of cheating to write about this shirt, since it was already a victim of a closet clean out. But the truth is that I have three garbage bags in the basement full of clothes that I no longer want in my closet, but am not 100% ready to kick out of my life. I feel much safer knowing that they are in the basement. In case I should need them.
And, well, ok, so the situation has never arisen where I should need this particular tee. However, I can think of three pieces that I rashly eliminated and then desperately wanted back. Two of them, an adorable flowered 60’s modish dress and a pair of classic striped city shorts, had already walked the plank and were lost to me at the Goodwill. One I had not tossed, was able to rescue, and had a delightful time on stage in it.
And I was so very happy when I saw this tee. So certainly, it can’t be that bad of a thing to keep huge garbage bags full of clothes that you don’t wear in your basement. Not as bad as, say, leaving Christmas decorations up all year round.
Anyway. This is the tee that I was wearing the very first time I ever laid eyes on New York City.
It was an IBM sponsored trip to see the Yankees play at the old Yankee stadium, shortly after we moved here, and this was what I thought was the most appropriate shirt I could wear. Even though it’s vaguely Mets colored. But it looks sort of uniformish and sport related, right? It has a number on it. And the sleeves are slit to show off my guns. Athletic perfection!
Except that I wore it with a denim skirt that flew the coop years ago. That really wasn’t the most practical choice for climbing up the bleachers into the nose bleed section.
It was ok, though, since our tickets were only $5. About half of the price of the beer.
I don’t remember who played, or who was really there. I was meeting many of them for the first time and felt very shy. And the game was ever so boring. I think that there was only one actual hit in the game. It was like watching paint dry.
But the excitement of being in the real Yankee Stadium, and so close to Manhattan, and the thrill of hanging out with a new crowd, and the realization that this was something we could do whenever we wanted made it a very fun game. All that, and the hot dogs.
When the game ended, I climbed up to the top to look out of the little windows and try to see Manhattan. It was there! All shiny and glittery and magical and I loved it. That is what you call love at first sight.
So was I right in tossing this top? I don’t really see myself wearing this. Although I do love the color. Maybe I just needed to tell a little story about it before I finally let it go.
And please don’t think that I am crazy for keeping my Christmas decorations up and hoarding clothing in my basement.
**It’s time to part with this one. Would anyone like an orange Tee?
Let’s Start At The Very Beginning.
Item: Vest/Tank Dress Combo Color/Fabric: Black, cotton Designer: Express Years Owned: 1.5
First on the agenda tonight is a clarification. I have put my eBay selling on hiatus for a bit, while I puzzle out ways to make it better for me. I don’t want to scrap it altogether just yet, because I like the (admittedly few) random readers it brings to this site. So I think I will try again when I have a little more time to invest in my listings and descriptions and such. Maybe in the spring.
In the meantime, if there is ever anything that I have decided to toss that you would be happy to supply a new home for, just let me know and it’s yours! It helps a great deal with the agony of the separation if I know a piece is headed to grand new adventures with someone I love.
At the end of this month, I’ll sum up all my reckonings thus far for you to consider what might be a nice addition to your closet, or the closet of someone you know. Exciting!
All I might ask in return is a posting of you wearing the fab item, on Facebook or some other such venue, explaining how you acquired it. Fun, yes?
On that note, I’ve been doing much thinking about how I got started with this project that I love so dearly. Do you believe I remember what I was wearing the night the idea was conceived?
Ok, maybe not the night it was conceived. This idea actually was conceived in my office at the gym. Most likely I was wearing some type of spandex pant and a tee-shirt with the MAC logo on it. I remember talking to Juli about something very random, as per usual, and then saying that I was going to go home and start writing stories about my clothes and when I wore them.
We laughed.
“I would read that!” she said.
“Hmm,” I said.
And that little sprout of an idea started to grow bigger and become more defined.
I decided that I would make it a blog, and that I would write about a new piece of clothing every week.
But I had tried to have a blog before, on a writer’s site, and would manage to eke out a few sentences filled with the angst of the unable to write, and it just made me feel worse.
Every day. I had to make a commitment to write every single day, or I would just stop trying.
The very first person I told my idea to was Kevin. It was night, and we were by his pool, making smores and waiting for Nate and Vicki to get out of their show.
Kevin was utterly enthusiastic. We chatted excitedly about the details, whether to sell the discards on eBay or not, the difficulty of formatting a blog and if I could do it on my own. These sort of details.
And then there was night swimming.
I love night swimming. One, it makes me think of the REM song, which is gorgeous and never fails to make me cry. Two, it makes me think of growing up, the giant light in my parents’ pool, and swimming after a frog I precociously named Theseus. Three, it reminds me of house sitting with my sister and not being able to shower in the house for some reason, but lathering up with shower gel in the pool and singing “Twilight” because that was the name of the gel. And four, it’s just fun.
That was a wonderful night; pizza, smores, friends, night-swimming, blog planning, and this outfit. All good.
And even though I felt like I might explode with excitement to start writing that night, it still took me a few weeks to pull everything together. The rest, as they say, is history.
Now for the ensemble. I had purchased this to wear in Hawaii, and I don’t think I did. I thought it would be good for hanging out at the beach, and then make an easy transition into going out. It just didn’t end up being a necessary transition, but I still like it. It’s very comfortable- I can just throw it on and still feel put together.
I wish I could wear it now, in fact.
Stupid winter.
**This is just nice and easy. It stays.
Yet Another Week Of The Reckoning!
I have struggled with the decision to reckon again, since I have only posted two new pieces this week. But in the end I felt like I needed to, since I did make a bit of a vow at the beginning of the year. And since I’ve already broken one vow this week, I figured I should stick to something.
On with the show!
First up is another LBD (here). And this is a hard one. It’s such a comfy, cozy dress, and yet sexy as well. These pictures are, I think, some of the very worst I’ve ever taken. And yet 71% voted for it to stay. But I am not feeling such love for this, at the moment. I think I have to ignore the masses, and let this one go. We have had some wonderful memories, but it’s time to part. I think.
Now, a gem (here). I love this sweater. I mended it with my own two hands, gently and lovingly, and I cannot part with it yet. And 85% agree, so that’s that. Oh and Angelica? Surprisingly, it is legal to have wine on the Metro North, so we are not all lawbreakers! That night.
Next, a hard one (here). The first dress Nate ever bought me. No, I haven’t worn it in years. No, I’m not sure if it will fit. But no, I can’t get rid of it. Nate says that I can wear it in India some day. So it stays, but I’m moving it to the costume closet. Which, incidentally, is getting quite large.
And, a tee (here). So here’s a weird thing. I keep getting hits from this tee, and I’m not sure why. There are many searches for “Sarula” and also “Black Widow Honey”. I have tried to figure what this is all about and I still do not know. Can anyone fill me in, please? I don’t think I can make a judgement on this until I know what this is.
Now (here). My plaid jacket. I wanted to love this- truly I did. But, alas, it just never quite happened. When words such as “hoe down” are mentioned in conjunction with my clothing, I feel it is time to say goodbye. So…goodbye, Equus jacket.
Well. (here) I don’t even know what to say about this dress. This is one of those really truly difficult decisions. There is no way in God’s green earth this this is ever going to make it onto my person again. But do I have the fortitude to toss it? I’m not sure that I do. It’s just so historical. Probably the second most historical piece of clothing I have. The first being about to come to light at some point during this week. I think I have to let this go. But not to a stranger. Is there a good home anywhere who might find a use for this little dress? Otherwise, maybe it goes into the costume closet. Which is quickly becoming the apparel version of pleading the fifth…
Next, a tunic (here). I have become a bit infatuated with this again snce I wrote about it. Perhaps it was the Beatles reference, which I totally get, Maria, or mabe the Monty Python talk. But I am very fond of this again, even though I haven’t worn it yet. I feel that I will. Also, 75% voted for it to stay. I concur.
Oh, this sweater (here)! I love this. I love the neckline, and the bow. I think I will try it with a tube top under, as per Liz. If it still itches me, then I have to get rid of it. But that seems like it should work…probation!
Now, a blouse (here). Not a single person voted to toss this. And I did wear this to the MAC Christmas party and felt fab in it. Plus there is the Spain in it now…I keep this. Si. PS- Annie, you looked pretty great at the party too!!
Last, but not least (here). My golden skirt. Yes, this does bring to mind work parties and allergic reactions. But also I think of Degas, which is nice. And on an unrelated thought, I want to wear this in France. So it has to stay at least until I make it there. Keep.
Those are my ten items for the weekend. I’m getting caught up! This week will bring a profusion of writing, I declare. I cannot wait!
Hither And Yon!
Item: Blouse Color/Fabric: Black/purple/grey, silk Designer: Rebecca Taylor Where Purchased: Neiman Marcus Years Owned: Almost 2
I have been so excited for this moment all the day long! I have been looking forward to getting back to my usual routine- for a while, anyway. I’ve missed my writing, and your feedback, more than I can say. It’s like a part of me has been dead this week.
The demands of having a full time job, and working on a production, and writing every night proved to be impossible for me these last two weeks. But, now that Bye Bye Birdie is up and running, I’ll have a few weeks of normalcy to enjoy before The Drowsy Chaperone gets too crazy. And I promise that I’ll start posting really fun things and juicy stories to make up for my exhausted absence.
The first order of business, though, is to make a confession. I have fallen. I have broken the sacred No Shopping Vow.
Yes, I have broken the vow, and very heartily. But it’s not as bad as it sounds, I promise. Because I had no choice, you see. The sale that I have been saving myself so steadfastly for, which usually happens on President’ Day, came one month early! Apparently, there was such a overflow of clearance merchandise at Woodbury Commmon that they had to start the sale early to make room for Spring Collections. What else could I do except assist in this noble mission? Ok, there might have been some overly dramatic sobbing as I wondered where I could possibly fit shopping into my too packed schedule. And a great deal of guilt with the ponderence of breaking The Vow.
Somehow, I overcame every obstacle, and found my way to the bargains, like a warm and welcoming beacon of shining light guiding me home.
But I only had time to hit two stores, my very very favorites, Barney’s Co-Op and Last Call Neiman Marcus. I did very, very well- I got my very first Chanel! And also a Fendi piece I can’t wait to tell you all about, Marc Jacobs, Helmut Lang, Roberto Cavalli, Theory, Michael Kors, and of course Rebecca Taylor, among others.
I’m not sure what it is about Rebecca Taylor, or why I own more of her pieces than any other designer. I just know that everything will fit exquisitely, and make me feel feminine and luxurious and sexy all at once. Plus, there is always that vintage vibe that I’m crazy for.
For example, this blouse. I know that this isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. There’s the pattern, the voluminous sleeves, the contrasting panel in the middle, the ruffles on the shoulders. It’s too much for some to take. I happen to adore it, though. Especially tucked into wide legged pants.
I’ve worn this a few times, for Thanksgiving last year, and sometime around Christmas, I believe. The first time I wore it, though, was for Lizzie’s birthday.
Incidentally, also my very first tapas experience. It can be hard to talk Nate into the concept of tapas, with such tiny little portions. He wasn’t even into it in Spain, except for all-you-can-eat tapas. But since it was Lizzie’s birthday, and she picked a tapas restaurant, he had no choice but to concede.
And we had a fantastic time! Many rounds of tapas, champagne cocktails, getting to meet Lizzie’s dear friend Beckie…it was wonderful! What a great tapas and cocktails outfit this blouse made!
Then Lizzie wanted to go dancing. So we hit the scene in New Paltz. With trendy young college kids. This is not really a dance club sort of blouse. I felt very old, and out of place.
I didn’t let that get in the way of boogieing down, hard core, though. Of course not!
The evening was topped off with meeting up with Juli and Dan, from my work, and proceeding to fire Dan for the first time. I’ve probably fired him a baker’s dozen times by now, at least…
I’m too tired at this moment to elaborate on anything.
Suffice it to say, I still love the blouse. And I can’t wait to hear some opinions about it!
**I really do love this strange blouse. I don’t think I’ll ever find another like it, so I’m hanging on to it.
White Snow/Black Bears.
Item: Dress Color/Fabric: Black/White, silk Designer: White House/Black Market Years Owned: 8
Well, it seems that I’ve had a request for more items that I have not worn in years, and therefore can more easily sacrifice. I’m haven’t decided if I can easily sacrifice this particular piece yet, but verily I have not worn this in years. And years. Most likely at least seven and a half years.
I bought this on a trip to Annapolis to see Nate’s sister Sara and her husband Ryan. I think it may have been our first ever trip there, and sadly there have not been enough of them throughout the years. When we visited in 2003, we were still living in Michigan. Now that we live half as far, and being that they are are nearest relatives, we really need to get out there more often. It’s a travesty.
And not only because we love Sara’s wonderful little family. But Annapolis is a very charming, very hip little town. I like it quite a lot.
This was also my first time in a White House/Black Market store. I think I only own one other thing from there- I was smitten at first, and then discovered they that they are a pretentious little chain with nothing to really back up that arrogance. I mean, even the name annoys me. Seriously.
But I loved this dress, with its shiny seed beads, and drapey back:
Plus, it felt so soft and luxurious. It would be the perfect little something for Formal Night on our Alaskan cruise!
Alaska is the one trip that I haven’t ever discussed in this format. Mostly because it was not a trip about fashion in any capacity. I think that this dress and an awesome vest are the only clothing I still own from that trip.
Plus, it was the most unattractive I’ve even been in my life, I think. Even including the “Hey, world!” years. Evidence:
Ooo. My theory is that being on such a thing as an Alaskan cruise aged us both by about 10 years. Yikes.
But Formal Night was a blast! We ate with a trucker and a librarian from Indiana, an elderly couple from England, and newly weds from Malta.
I only remember this because Alaska has been the only trip I’ve ever made anything resembling a scrap book for. It’s really just a photo book with captions, but the cover is decoupaged beautifully with our itineraries, pictures of eagles, and phrases like “Jammin’ Salmon.” And inside, the deck plan of the Norwegian Wind (wouldn’t want to forget that!), the ship we chose mostly due to its chocolate buffet.
I don’t know where this crafty streak came from, or where it’s gone since. I haven’t even sorted through my pictures from Spain yet.
However, I do remember Formal Night! After dinner, we grabbed as many complimentary champagnes as possible, and headed to the Ballroom for a Glen Miller ball.
It was wonderful. I happen to love Glen Miller, and so did all the old folks. There was only one other couple besides Nate and me who still had all their original teeth. It was adorable. Watching these beautiful senior citizens put on their finest and sway the night away was just priceless. The dance floor positively radiated with love.
I think I even cried a little.
Someday we’ll go back to Alaska, probably when we are seniors. I’d like to go soon, and not take a cruise, though- to get to see more wildlife. I did not accomplish my heart’s desire, which was to spot a puffin.
One of these days I will spot a puffin.
I’ve never worn the dress since. Maybe to a wedding. I like it in theory, but it just doesn’t come off as sexy as I might want it to. I think it’s the neckline- the black just makes me think of a tank top and makes it too casual. I think I would like it better if it swooped like the back. I love the shape of it and the fabric, though. What say you?
**This is leaving me, but I do think it’s lovely. It needs a nice new home!
I Am What I Wore 