TRTMYSLF

As I said, Spring has sprung. The sun is showing up a little more often these days and so is the trash that jerky litterbugs thought they could hide under the snow. Sunny yet brisk afternoons make me want to throw open the windows and clean. I didn't do that, but I did, for the first time ever in my life... do this.

(I don't condone people who put their dogs in clothes. I think it's gross. But my dog is very handsome and he wanted a spring accessory. He told me.)

Yesterday, I brought a bag of things to consign at Nu Look. I did a little shopping while they sorted my things and I certainly had Spring on my mind.

I realized I literally have very few warm season clothes that fit me. I scoured the racks for cute tank tops and light sweaters, trying to stay open minded about color, something you get used to when you shop thrift or consignment either way.

Thrift Shopping Rule #1: Do not wear make up to shop. EVER.

That goes for you retail ladies too, because it sucks to get your gross make up stains on the necks of brand new shirts, but also because you're cheating yourself out of things that make you look good. You should go to the stores fresh faced, as in... your skin. No foundation, nothing. That way, when you try things on, you are able to pay attention to the color. Does it wash you out? Does it bring out your eyes? Exaggerate red spots? You get the point.

I tried on quite a few colors I would never have picked for myself, but still thought they wouldn't work. Mostly, because I'm drawn to yellow, mustard and gold in things, (I'm a Leo and a sun sign.) but that color looks horrible on me in my winter skin. Give me 2 months in the sun, and we'll try again.

I landed on a couple things in boring gray, (clockwise from top left) a long sleeve tissue-tee from J Crew to get me through the transitional weather. A ruched tux-esque tank from Diesel. The diamond in the rough was a BRAND NEW tank from Free People (one of my favs) that just reminds me of South America for some reason, and I love it. Topped the pile off with a pair of REALLY well fitting jeans for $8, which apparently retail at Kohl's, so I'll be headed there.

The accessories were the tops though.

I picked up these adorable spring Mary Janes by Kenzie. They're surprisingly comfortable for being so cute.

and...

the...

best...

part....

Dun Dun Dun Duhhhhhhhh!

$50. No pen marks on the lining (yet), no nothing. Perfect shape. I love Nu Look.

My sister is currently judging my "arrival" into adulthood and says I'm finally there. I would have though when it was my 18th birthday and the subsequent decade to follow, plus the man, the kid, the dog, the house, etc.

But no, because I have something that came in a little blue box (Tiffany's) and a Coach purse (second hand!) I have arrived. I'm a woman. I can deal with that.

I think what she means is that I'm finally and officially chic and grown up in HER eyes, and it's about time.

Experiment in Color

Yesterday I was headed to a showing of my friend Jessi's dance troupe : Wicked Sister. Knowing I'd be sitting in a theater style chair for 2 hours, I had to think comfortable. I'm not extremely artistic in anyway, but I figured being around arty types, I could use some sort of bright obnoxious color that I wouldn't normally wear anywhere else and see if it worked.


I, of course, anchored it with something boring so I would feel more comfortable.




I might have been wise to cut my head off in this picture. That deer in the headlights thing isn't working for me. However, as an explanation, my camera was literally FALLING from it's perch as this picture was taken. I love my camera, and I would take a bullet for it.





This is a locket I found at a garage sale a million years ago. I'm guessing it was a watch at some point, but that piece is gone. Now, I can put things in there if I want. Like lifesavers.

I always need lifesavers.

Monday Day : 2/09/09 Coffee Casual

Green Shawl Sweater (Dolce Vita) + Gray boatneck Tee (lux) + Homemade [but not by me] stretch faux-denim jeans + Leather knee boots (Frye)

My schedule today does not involve much. I'm working from my home office and meeting a colleague for coffee soon before spending the remainder of the afternoon with Justin, my man-friend. Today is a balmy 37 degrees here in Minnesota. It's cloudy, probably going to rain and.. in case you didn't know, it's Monday. For all these reasons I've decided that today needs a pop of color in an otherwise gray world.

I've had this shawl sweater for about 3 years. It's something I picked up at a Savers Thrift Store when I needed something fancy to wear to a Donor Dinner. I wanted to hide my belly (at the time) so I took one piece of the length of the sweater and wrapped it around my waist, securing it with a beautiful vintage brooch. Now that the sweater is aging, it's really more casual chic and pefect for days where your body can't decide between warm and chilly. The gray t-shirt is worn in and soft as silk and these jeans, which are more like leggings and made from a stretch blend fabric with denim like stitching and pockets have never fit me until this month.

It really is amazing the way "fitting" into a pair of pants or a dress feels like such a massive accomplishment. It's an easy way to measure where you are if you are on a weight loss adventure. Not "fitting" into those items however, can be absolutely detrimental to your day and the mood you hold throughout.

I know I've spent hours obsessing in front of my bedroom mirror, tossing clothes here and there because "nothing fits." How often have you said that to yourself? Sometimes, its just about rethinking what you'll wear.

Belly feeling bloated? Wear a cute wrap sweater to hide the evidence. Flat butt? Wear a tiered skirt to add volume. When all else fails, go for a big bold necklace to draw attention up towards your face.