Call Me Dorothy

10 Things: Fashion Trivia

2009-09-09T11:25:00.000-07:00

This week's 10 things post...drumroll please...
10 things you may or may not know about fashion!
I looked really hard, so hopefully you fashionista's will learn at least a little something! Let me know if you learn something, or if you have fashion facts of your own to share!

1. The Lacoste crocodile is considered to be the first logo to appear on garments.

2. Stiletto is a Renaissance-era Italian word for an assassin’s narrow-bladed knife.

4. Hurbert de Givenchy met Hepburn during the filming of Sabrina in 1953, and is credited for creating ‘The Audrey Hepburn look’. He went onto design the wardrobe of many of Hepburn’s most loved films.

4.Vogue was launched in 1892 as a weekly society magazine – it wasn’t until Conde Naste took it over in 1909 that it really took off.

5. Although we all get skinny jean fever, boot cut jeans are still most popular. Larissa Noble, director of denim design at 7 For All Mankind says boot cuts make up 46% of sales (wide leg jeans make up 35%, straight leg denim comes in at 12%, and skinny jeans make up a slim 7%).

6. A clothing item is technically "vintage" only if it comes from between 1920-1960. After that, the piece is considered "retro"

7. Bermuda shorts are called Bermuda shorts because in Bermuda in the 1930's it was illegal for women to show their thighs, so locals and tourists just lengthened their shorts to the knee.

8. The contemporary stiletto was invented in the 1950s by Italian shoe designer Salvatore Ferragamo, who made his first pair for Marilyn Monroe in alligator skin. The models back then were tame by today's standards, with heels no higher than about 3 inches.

9. The first Chanel suit was released in 1923.

10. In France, the term haute couture is protected by law and is defined by the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris.Their rules state that only "those companies mentioned on the list drawn up each year by a commission domiciled at the Ministry for Industry are entitled to avail themselves" of the label haute couture. The criteria for haute couturewere established in 1945 and updated in 1992.

Camping!

2009-09-06T12:46:00.000-07:00

Oh yes, I camp yall. A girl who lives south of the Mason-Dixon better go camping every now and then. By the time this is posted, I will beheading up a gorgeous mountain to camp by a waterfall tonight. Any big plans for the holiday? I hope all of you are enjoying your Memorial Day!

Fall 2009 Trends

2009-09-04T12:35:00.000-07:00

Fall is quickly approaching. Here's a little heads ups on what will be going on this fall. I'm super excited about some of these looks.

(I do know what designer each piece is from, i just dont have time to post it right now. im just trying to get this post up because i have to study! i will post them later, but if you really want to know who a certain piece is by, just email me!)

Welcome to the 80s! (again)

In keeping with back to the 80s, bigger is apparently better as far as shoulders! Thankfully, from what I can tell, these shoulder pads wont make you look like a linebacker, but have a grace that really appears slimming. The look is often contoured down towards the waist so it doesn't have a bulky look at all.

Forget everything you know about metallics and sequins being just for the night. Designers are breaking them out for the daytime and bringing some much needed sparkle to gloomy (and often gray) fall and winter weather.

Pink was all over the runway looking chic on everything. If you're a little scared to be pretty in pink, start slow with just a hot pink bag or shoes.

Big, chunky knits. Mixing color and pattern, layering of chunky knits over leggings was all over the runway. This look keeps with the shoulder pad look..its really popular right now to create the inverted triangle look, tapering down to a tiny waist. Also making a statement on the runways were knit and fur cowls.

Over-the-knee boots dominated the runway in New York, Milan and Paris. Worn like leggings with the ever-present bold-shouldered jacket and mini skirt.

Leggings Liquid leggings and shiny tights will be the standout choices for this season, but fishnets, ribbed knit tights, and animal prints are all important layering pieces.

Asymmetrical shoulder lines

Leather. Jackets and pants...preferably NOT together (please)

2. American Movie Classics

Think Katherine Hepburn and Joan Crawford. 40's. 80's isnt the only decade thats back.

Button-down shirts nipped at the waist as shown by Ralph Lauren are reminiscent of Katherine Hepburn in the mid 1900s. when paired with slouchy menswear trousers or cigarette pants it is ultra-chic.

more Shoulder pads and nipped waists.

The little black dress, of course. Always in style. Also seeing a lot of sheath dresses.

Novelty patterns Create the layered effect that is so prominent this season. Tweed, plaid, and pinstripe are just a few of the patterns seen on the runways that evoke memories of classic American film stars.

3. Barely there Boudoir

Lacy Bralettes

Molded corsets

Pairing something lacy, sheer and tight with slouchy pants or a men's jacket.

4. Rouching everywhere!

Stress.

2009-09-02T09:01:00.000-07:00

We have all heard (over and over) how good working out is, not only for your physical health but your mental health as well. As a soon(-ish) to be health care professional, I thought I would do a post on stress and its affect on your body. Also, I'm hoping writing this will encourage me to go get moving! Stress is the emotional and physical strain caused by our response to pressure from the outside world. The stress response is the body’s way of protecting you. When working properly, it helps you stay focused, energetic, and alert. In emergency situations, stress can save your life – giving you extra strength to defend yourself, or urging you to slam on the brakes to avoid an accident.

But beyond a certain point, stress stops being helpful and starts causing major damage to your health, your mood, your productivity, your relationships, and your quality of life.

Under sudden stress, you will get a burst of exceptional strength and endurance, as your body pumps out stress hormones:

Your heart speeds up
Blood flow to your brain and muscles increases up to 400 percent
Your digestion stops (so it doesn't use up energy that's needed elsewhere)
Your muscle tension increases
You breathe faster, to bring more oxygen to your musclesPsychologist Connie Lillas uses a driving analogy to describe the three most common ways people respond when they’re overwhelmed by stress.

When stress is a constant factor in your life, it can cause many affects on your body:

chronic fatigue
digestive upsets
headaches
back pain.
stress affects the blood cells that help you fight off infection, so you are more likely to get colds and other diseases.
increase blood pressured
increased risk of stroke.
increase the risk of heart attacks
worsen asthma or cause an increase in frequency of attacks
triggers behaviors that contribute to death and disability, such as smoking, alcoholism, drug abuse etc.
diminished sexual desire
inability to achieve orgasm.
stress makes it harder to take other steps to improve health, such as giving up smoking or making changes in diet.

Stress also causes mental and emotional affects like

Irritability
Self- Esteem problems
Depression
Can make you feel jumpy/shaky
Feeling of hopelessness

Crazy Stress Facts:

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, two-thirds of office visits to family doctors are for stress-related symptoms.

Stress-related mental disorders have been called the fastest-growing occupational (work-related) disease in the U.S.

Physical activity is one of the best methods of managing stress. It benefits your stress levels in a few basic ways.

1. Exercise is physically and mentally strengthening, allowing your body to withstand the effects of stress.
2. Exercise stretches muscles that have grown tight due to stress.
3. Exercise requires the mind to focus on the activity at hand, rather than whatever is currently stressful.
4. Exercise burns adrenaline stores, built up from minor daily stresses, and releases endorphins, which cause a calming effect on the brain (this is the "high" you might feel after a workout).
5. Exercise increases your oxygen intake.
6. Boosts self-esteem and overall feeling of wellness.

"Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, releases hormones, stimulates the nervous system, and increases levels of morphinelike substances found in the body (such as beta-endorphin) that can have a positive effect on mood. Exercise may trigger a neurophysiological high-a shot of adrenaline or endorphins- that produces an antidepressant effect in some, an antianxiety effect in others, and a general sense of "feeling better" in most."
-Michael H. Sacks, M.D.: Exercise For Stress Control

If you didn't read any of that or if you didn't find it at all motivating or interesting..maybe these power pics will do the trick!

10 things: i lust

2009-08-31T08:39:00.000-07:00

Ready for a self-centered, greedy post? Ok!

So to try to better control spending (I'm a student for one more year yall!), I've decided to set aside anything more than $50 that i like. Then I think about it, get the money together and buy it, IF, a week later I still want it as much as i did at first. So, here are this week's things...I will let you know if I end up buying any of them after I let the week long time limit pass ;)

10 things I am lusting after right now.

They are all over the place. A little bit of everything..

Tory Burch. Saks. $235

Silence & Noise. Urban Outfitters. $58

Steven Alan. $495

Anthropologie. $78

Steve Madden. Lulus. $99.50 sale!!

Anthropologie. $88

Shabby Apple. $108
Not the greatest pic. You have to look at the details of this dress-- fab!

Badgley Mischka. Saks. $338.
You can get a better idea of the bag by looking at the other pics on the saks website. I'm a little bit in love with it.

Nanette Lepore. Neiman Marcus. $348

Modcloth. $89.99
This is such a steal! And I know for a fact that these boots are well made and do NOT look cheap...my friend has a pair and they are great. Plus, she wears them all the time because she's not afraid of messing them up because they were such a great price.

Literary Body Art

2009-08-25T18:09:00.001-07:00

For the millionth time, I love reading. I love books. I love words. The other day I happened to stumble across (literally, i was using stumbl e upon) a tattoo that quoted my favorite ee cummings poem. I thought it was beautiful and it got me started looking around for litarary tattoos. Below are some of my favorites.

I'm not really one to have tattoos all over, but I do think these are beautiful and fun and speak loudly. All of them are from books or poems that I love and have read and reread.

A quote (paraphrase from the 11th book of The Illiad.

A picture of Harriet, from the book Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh. I loved this book so much..I used to play "town" and carry around a notebook just like Harriet.

EE Cumming's entire poem, I Carry Your Heart In My Heart.

The drawing from Shel Silverstein's poem Invitation.

“If you are a dreamer, come in,
If you are a dreamer, a wisher, a liar,
A hope-er, a pray-er, a magic bean buyer…
If you’re a pretender, come sit by my fire
For we have some flax-golden tales to spin.
Come in!
Come in!”

Harry Potter- A quote from Dumbledore to Harry in The Sorcerer's Stone about a mirror who shows whomever looks into it their greatest desire.

Emily Dickenson's poem Not In Vain.

"IF I can stop one heart from breaking,

I shall not live in vain; If I can ease one life the aching, Or cool one pain, Or help one fainting robin Unto his nest again,

I Shall not live in vain."

Max, from Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak.

From The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Sam tapped her hand on the steering wheel. Patrick held his hand outside the car and made air waves. And I just sat between them. After the song finished, I said something.

“I feel infinite.”

And Sam and Patrick looked at me like I said the greatest thing they ever heard. Because the song was that great and because we all really paid attention to it. Five minutes of a lifetime were truly spend, and we felt young in a good way.

From Emily Dickenson's poem Hope Is The Thing With Feathers

"Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches on the soul,
And sings the tune- without the words,
And never stops-at all,

And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.

I’ve heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,It asked a crumb of me."

Charles Bukowski, For Jane

225 days under grass
and you know more than I.
they have long taken your blood,
you are a dry stick in a basket.
is this how it works?
in this room
the hours of love
still make shadows.

when you left
you took almost
everything.
I kneel in the nights
before tigers
that will not let me be.

what you were
will not happen again.
the tigers have found me
and I do not care.

Excerpt From Truman Capote's Breakfast at Tiffany's

“But you can’t give your heart to a wild thing; the more you do, the stronger they get. Until they’re strong enough to run into the woods. Or fly into a tree. Then a taller tree. Then the sky. That’s how you’ll end up if you love a wild thing. You’ll end up looking at the sky. But believe me- it’s better to look at the sky than to live there. Such an empty place; so vague. just a country where the thunder goes and things disappear…”

Molly Bloom's soliloquy from Ulysses by James Joyce.

“…I was a Flower of the mountain yes when I put the rose in my hair like the Andalusian girls used or shall I wear a red yes and how he kissed me under the Moorish wall and I thought well as well him as another and then I asked him with my eyes to ask again yes and then he asked me would I yes to say yes my mountain flower and first I put my arms around him yes and drew him down to me so he could feel my breasts all perfume yes and his heart was going like mad and yes I said yes I will Yes.”

Harry Potter "Mischief Managed" tattoo.

from The Lorax by Shel Silverstein

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not. "

What do you think about tattoos? Do you have any?

10 things: 10 fun, time wasting websites.

2009-08-20T09:15:00.000-07:00

I know I missed last weeks 10 things post..im sorry! Wont happen again (soon).

Also, I am still working on the 10 things: breakup songs series. We've got the angry songs coming up soon, which are always fun! Hopefully next week!

When I need to just relax and zone out, sometimes you can find me on one or more of these sites. They are all great for wasting time, relaxing, waking up with your coffee and for when you need a smile.
Im not even going to mentioon Facebook, the ultimate time waster(/stalker's aid) or youtube because I am sure you all already spend enough time on those!

1. FML

site where people can write, in a line or two, something that happened to them. These can be sad sometimes, others are hard to believe and many of them have made me laugh out loud. Great time waster! The format is always the same.. Today_____something happeneds___. FML. Fml= f my life. Im sure you can figure that out.

An example from this site:
Today, I went on a date with a guy for the first time. We went to Starbucks and got coffee. We talked for awhile, and we weere joking and having a good time. Suddenly, he put his hand on my stomach and said, "soon, this will be plump with my seed." FML

2. Stuff white people like

A blog format site listing stuff white people like, obviously. It pokes fun at middle/upper middle class white society and it is very funny. Examples of stuff white people like: vegan/vegitarianism, david sedaris, awarness, gifted children, yoga.

3. Texts from last night

Ever woken up from a crazy, alcohol filled night to find a weird text on your phone that you dont remember? Maybe from someone you dont know? Or maybe you sent one that made no sense? Or, you may have sent one to your friend when you were a little out of it..hopefully they dont know about this site yet. If they do, you might want to check and see if its on there! This is the site for you. Each text shows the are codes of the phones they were sent from. If the texts are between two people in one are code, the 2nd number will have a 1 before the area code.
I once laughed so hard while (time wasting) on this site that diet coke came out my nose..ouch. Be careful!

Examples from the site:

(201): I'm smoking weed out of a trumpet
(908): I just did a slip and slide down the hall way of my apartment building
(201): Tie

(570): why did i make a hit list last night containing only McDonalds?
(1-570): you tried to order a magarita mcflurry and when they said they didnt make those you tried to call 911

(818): I can only speak casual parseltoungue, im not bad though. just the general, "wheres the bathroom?" "open the chamber of secrets" that type of stuff

4. Stumble Upon

Click here for details. This is a great site. It can also be added to firefox as part of your web browser. Basically, you fill out information on things you like (fashion, design, movies, cooking, politics etc) and you click the "stumble" button and it stumbled you around the internet taking you to pages it thinks you will like. You can then give feedback on wether of not you liked this site which helps to further specialize what the program finds for you. I've found great recipes, fun blogs, design ideas, music and more unsing stumble!

5. Psychotic Letters From Men

A hilarious blog containting..you guessed it...psychotic letters from men! The one posted right now is about blogging, read it! This site is run by a man actually, and he only picks the best crazy-men stories. Also, he varifies them so they are definitely real! If you have any crazy letters from men..send them in to him!

6. Free Rice

Free Rice is a vocabulary game site. It will show you a word and you will have to choose (from a list) the one word that describes the meaning of the word you were given. For every word you get right, the site sponseers will pay for 10 grains of rice to be given to help end hunger. 10 grains of rice is not much, but if you play a few minutes each day while tons of others are doing the same, it could make a difference. Through this site, 43,942,622,700 grains of rice were donated in 2008.

7. The Best of Craigslist

Craigslist is great for apartment hunting, buying pets, buying furniture...dating, um not so much. It's actually pretty creepy to look through the personals and I wouldnt recommend it. The "best of craigslist" are pretty funny though. Careful, you will want to stop and then you will see another heading that looks to god to pass up..this trend can go on for hours!

8. Found Magazine

A site full of letters, notes, lists, signs etc that people found on the street, in library books, grocery carts (all over really). Some of these random things from random people can convey such emotion. I have laughed and been deeply touched when looking around this site. Also, sometimes its just weird..which can be fun too! I find it so interesting to get a glimpse into some anonymous persons life.
To see something of theirs that they thought no one else would see. It can be funny, but sometimes its heartbreaking. Even the most simple ones, like this:

I picture a soon to be divorced woman tearfully putting this post it on a pot of chili and leaving it for her husband. Maybe he threw it away and thats how it was found. I hope not.

Im not sure who I picture writing this one...any ideas?

9. Fail Blog

A blog showing fails. Epic fails. This site will make you laugh and will probably make you lose faith in humanity a little..but whatev. It's funny ya'll!

10. Post Secret Im sure mose people know about post secret by now. There are books full of post secrets. All started by a man who had people anonomously mail in a secret on a post card. Some of them are published on the site. I would totally recommend getting one of the books..i can look through them for hours! I sent my own post secret in once. So far, I havent seen it on the website or the book! Here is one from the site.

Let me know if you visit any of these sites and what you think! What are your fav time wasting internet stops?

Style Inspiration- Emma Watson

2009-08-18T16:23:00.000-07:00

Emma Watson first captured audiences as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter movies. The world quickly took note of this beauty's fresh, sweet style. She is both unique and classic.

Emma tends to wear elegantly dramatic looks for red carpet events and wears a stylish but more subdued look for her day-to-day. This girl is not just another pretty face with a good stylist. She is fashionable herself, she is smart, articulate and humble. A much needed positive role model for younger girls. She just may be a fashion icon for the younger generation of girls..we shall see!

We never want to completely copy someone else's look, but I think it is great to appreciate and take pieces from the styles of those we admire. a lot of dramatic That's what style inspiration is! Below you will see a few pics of some of Emma's great looks and ways you can emulate her style.

Emma mixes very girly pieces with more masculine ones, dramatic with classic, and frilly with structured.

A classic white skirt goes beautifully with this very structured leather top.

Asos. $58.85

Banana Republic. $80

Nordstrom. $38

This light and very feminine dress is so classic. When paired with a leather studded cuff the look is reinvented and inspired.

F21. $27.80

Betsey Johnson. $365

For the bracelet, i suggest you search for one on Etsy and get something one of a kind. When I searched "leather cuff" there were more than 4,000 results!

This is a great casual look for when the weather starts getting cooler.

Grab a jacket like this one from Urban Outfit ters which is a steal at $138. Put it together with some dark wash skinny leg jeans, flats and a scarf.

Here are a few more pics of Emma looking fab. If any of these looks really strikes you, let me know (email me at callmedorothy@gmail.com) and I would be more than happy to take the time find the specific pieces or look alikes for you :)

Kreativ Blogger Award

2009-08-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you Clare (at Clarabelle) for the Kreativ Blogger award! (I put the pic of it on the right side of the page, my 2nd award so far!)

Those of you who do not know this girls blog need to check it out! She is very witty, a great writer, has fab style and comes up with the best posts!

I would like to pass this on to:

Haute World

Under Lock and Key

and

Always Carried Away

who all really do have lovely and creative blogs.

Sweet nostalgia

2009-08-10T16:22:00.000-07:00

Okay, school just restarted for me and with that and work I have been so swamped this week. Im so sorry for the lack of posts, but I am working out a system...regular blogging will pick up again very shortly. Please, please, please keep checking back..I dont want to lose any of you wonderful readers and your fab comments!

As I've said before, I'm a big reader. I loved reading when I was young too. I was recently going through some boxes and found a box of books from my childhood book shelf. I have to admit, I got a little misty ya'll...

Looking at those books brought back some of my first memories..of being read to by my parents, reading to my younger siblings while laying in our bunk beds, of books that I read over and over. I've already posted about Eloise, so here are some others.

I'm sure some of you have connections to a few of these books as well. If not, I would love to hear about your favorite childhood books!

The Giving Tree- Shel Silverstein

"Once there was a tree
and she loved a little boy.

And the boy loved the tree
very much.
And the tree was happy."

This book teaches a lesson about selfishness and also about unconditional love. It is sad, but it is honest and true. It is sad in the same way that life is sad yet there is still joy in this story

.

Make Way For Ducklings by Robert McCloskey

I loved reading about Mr. & Mrs. Mallard and their children and I really loved the drawings.

Love You Forever by Robert Munsch

“I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always
As long as I’m living my baby you’ll be.”

My mom used to read this to us and I loved this book.

When I got older I realized it got a little weird and creepy when the drives over to her adult son's house to sneak into his room (through the window, note the latter on the car!) to hold him and sing to him like she did when he was a baby. But..because of the overall sweet message of this book, and the memories, I'm willing to over look that creepy-overbearing thing.

The BFG by Roald Dahl

"The matter with human beans
is that they is absolutely refusing to believe in anything
unless they is actually seeing it right in front of their own schnozzles."

I was a big Roald Dahl fan and read all of his kids books. This one was one of my favorites. I so badly wanted to believe that there was a BFG who would blow good dreams into my ear at night and take away all the bad ones. Actually, I still want to believe that.

“No book is really worth reading at the age of ten which is not equally worth reading at the age of fifty.”
-CS Lewis

Longing for fall.

2009-08-08T15:00:00.000-07:00

I love autumn. It is my favorite season. I love the crisp smell in the air, leaves crackling beneath my feet, the mountains changing color. I love fall clothes...scarves, jackets, boots, layering. I love Halloween and Thanksgiving, love knowing Christmas is right around the corner.

It has been hot and humid lately and my car AC recently broke. So, as I drive around sweating, I keep reminding myself that autumn will be here soon.

Come soon!

Looks under $50

2009-08-06T00:23:00.000-07:00

I do love buying great designer pieces, but I also love a good bargain. I searched through some sale items to find complete looks for $50 and under. These are great steals! When you are bargain shopping, its important to remember that the things you buy probably wont last very long. The quality definitely wont be as good as higher priced items...but you can find some really cute stuff. If you can get a couple of looks (or even one) off of cheaply prices items, they have fulfilled their purposes. It's great for the i-have-nothing-to-wear-but-i'm-broke dilemma! The only problem is that you can quickly run out of closet space when stocking up on all of these deals!

For A Girls Night Out

f21 $13.50 f2 1 $19.50

f21 $7.50 f2 1 $6.80

Total= $47.30

For A Casual Lunch Date or a Trip to the Park

f21 $12.00 f21 $7.50

f21 $11.50 f21 $4.80

f21 $4.80

Total= $40.60

I used forever 21 for this post, but I can play this under 50 game with a few different stores. Let me know what you guys think of the look, and if you like this kind of post I would be happy to do more of them! I am also working on another fashion icon/style inspiration post and it should be up sometime this week! Have a wonderful weekend!

Send To Phone

10 things: Break Up Songs Series pt.1

2009-08-03T12:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, I have been working in this post for what seems like forever. This past year I have been going through a really tough break up (broke up just weeks before my wedding actually).

I am a music lover and have deemed myself the Queen of Break Up Music. (hopefully, i wont need to use my powers much more..so i would like to pass it on to all of you!)

This is this week's 10 things post. It is broken up into multiple posts to be my 10 things posts for the next couple of weeks.

This week we will be going over "classic" break up songs and songs for right at the time of break up, when everything just happened, when you are still reeling.
In the next couple weeks I will cover the following stages:

angry

acceptance

im single!

for all of your break up stage needs. It does come in stages.

As an added bonus, we will cover some songs for you if you are the dumper instead of the dumpee.

If you, or anyone you know is going through a tough break up make them a CD of these songs for all the range of their emotions. So, without further ado...

Classics

Love Is A Battlefield- Pat Benetar

"We are young, heartache to heartache we stand
No promises, no demands
Love is a battlefield"

These Boots Are Made For Walking- Nancy Sinatra

"These boots are made for walking,
and that's just what they'll do
one of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you."

I Will Survive- Aretha Franklin

"Weren't you the one who tried to hurt me with goodbyes
Do you think I'd crumble?
Do you think I'd lay down and die?
Oh no not I.
I will survive"

50 Ways To Leave Your Lover- Paul Simon

" 'The problem is all inside your head', she said to me
The answer is easy if you take it logically
I'd like to help you in your struggle to be free
There must be fifty ways to leave your lover "

Wild World- Cat Stevens

"Now that I've lost everything to you
You say you wanna start something new
And it's breakin' my heart you're leavin'
Baby, I'm grievin'
But if you wanna leave, take good care
Hope you have a lot of nice things to wear
But then a lot of nice things turn bad out there"

You Give Love A Bad Name- Bon Jovi

"Shot through the heart
And you're to blame
You give love a bad name"

You're So Vain- Carly Simon

"You had me several years ago
When I was still quite naive
Well, you said that we made such a pretty pair
And that you would never leave
But you gave away the things you loved
And one of them was me"

You're Gonna Miss Me- 13th Floor Elevators

"Oh! You're gonna miss me, child, yeah, yeah.
I gave you the warning,
But you never heeded it.
How can you say you miss my lovin,
When you never needed it?"

Heartbreak Hotel- Elvis Presley

"Well, since my baby left me,
I found a new place to dwell.
Its down at the end of lonely street
At heartbreak hotel."

The Winner Takes It All- Abba

"But tell me does she kiss
Like I used to kiss you?
Does it feel the same
When she calls your name?
Somewhere deep inside
You must know I miss you"

The first stage post-break up is the "oh my god, what just happened?" phase. Even if you know its coming, if this was an important relationship that feeling is inevitable.

This was a hard stage to compile songs for, as you feel so many emotions. Regret, sadness, anger, disbelief, shock. This is like the seconds after a bomb blast when you realize you are still here, but everything is different and you don't know where to go from here. Sometimes you're relieved, sometimes is the last thing you want. In my case, it was both. I tried to make this a diverse list.

What Just Happened?

If It's The Beaches- The Avett Brothers

"Don't say it's over
Cause that's the worst news I could hear
I swear that I will
Do my best to be here just the way you like it
Even though its hard to hide
Push my feelings all aside
I will rearrange my plans and change for you"

All Hail The Heartbreaker- Spill Canvas

"So tonight I'll sit and pick apart your pictures
And overanalyze your words
But the truth is that I've never fallen so hard
It's taking everything in me
Just to forget your sweater so far "

Fight Song- Appleseed Cast

"This is the end, there's nothing to keep.
This is the end of you and me.
As the ice comes down it's the end,
As the lies come out it's the end,
As the tears flow out it's the end."

You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go- Bob Dylan

"Dragon clouds so high above
I've only known careless love,
It's always hit me from below.
This time around it's more correct
Right on target, so direct,
Yer gonna make me lonesome when you go."

Sharp Hint Of New Tears- Dashboard Confessionals

"My sighs they ring victorious

And fog this tinted glass
And it’s clouded
And so is my head.
The hint of these new tears are sharp.
I try to choke them back
But it’s useless.
I'm useless against them.
They're beating me with ease."

Nothing Better- The Postal Service

"Will someone please call a surgeon
Who can crack my ribs and repair this broken heart
That you're deserting for better company?
I can't accept that it's over...
I will block the door like a goalie tending the net
In the third quarter of a tied-game rivalry."

Where Does The Good Go?- Tegan and Sara.

"Where do you go with your broken heart in tow

What do you do with the left over you
and how do you know when to let go
where does the good go?
where does the good go?"

Love Is Hell- Ryan Adams

"God, what have I been drinking?
I could be serious but I'm just kiddin' around
I could be anything, anything but sticking around
Love is hell Love is hell"

Keep Breathing- Indrig Michaelson (this song is actually good whenever you are overwhelmed.)

"The storm is coming but I don't mind.
People are dying, I close my blinds.
All that i know is I'm breathing... now."

Goodbye My Lover- James Blunt

"I've kissed your lips and held your hand.
Shared your dreams and shared your bed.
I know you well, I know your smell.
I've been addicted to you.
Goodbye my lover.
Goodbye my friend."

Stella. Love it.

2009-07-30T12:39:00.000-07:00

Stella says "The clothes in the campaign are looking quite fierce, and we wanted to contrast them with the innocence of Bambi." Love, love, love this.

I'm also loving all of these, on sale from the Spring/Summer collection.. Available at stellamccartney.com

Balboa clutch. . $379

Silk Twill Boat Neck Carney Top. $179

Habotay Silk Short. $269

Washed Linen Clutch. $399

Book Post: The Time Traveler's Wife

2009-07-28T19:33:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry for my infrequent posting and absence in the blogging world lately, I've been really busy..as soon as i get some time, I will check out all of the posts I have missed!

Okay people, this is one of my FAVORITE books of all time! I have read it no less than 5 times and listened to in on my ipod a couple of times too. If you like audiobooks, this is another great one.

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffeneger

Henry DeTamble is a librarian who suffers from a genetic disorder that causes him to shift backward and forward through time. Without a moment's notice, he disappears, leaving behind his clothes and everything else, and arrives naked at another time in his life. Sometimes he even meets a different version of himself.

In present time, when he is 28 years old he meets art student Clare Abshire, who is 20. This is his first time meeting her, but she has known him since she was 6 years old. He discovers that he has been appearing in Clare Abshire's life since she was a young girl. He does not begin to travel back to when Clare was young until after he had met Clair in present time and fallen in love with her as his time travel pulls him to people and moments of importance.
Clare, however, has loved Henry her entire life.

Henry's time travel means arriving naked and vomiting at some other moment of his life, always vulnerable and sometimes in danger. For Clare, loving a time traveler means long days and years of waiting for him to reappear, and never knowing at what age or in what shape he will arrive.

Although Henry is the time traveler, the novel is ultimately Clare’s story, a story of great joy, and pain.

Told through an interweaving of Henry’s and Clare’s distinctive voices, this novel is about love, and about fate, about the way two people are meant to be together, and how they are torn apart.

This has just been made into a movie starring Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams. I am always super wary of any of my loved books in movie form...but at least they picked Rachel McAdams, she is one of my favorite actresses and I think she will play Clair well. The movie will not be as good as the book, it never is. It will not be able to express everything the book does.

So go see the movie..but please,please,please read the book. I really think you will be glad you did.

The 10 Commandments of Fashion

2009-07-25T10:29:00.000-07:00

My first "10 things" post! I've been super busy this week and haven't been able to post much, but I'm back!

Here are The 10 Commandments of Fashion. These are my ever constant rules even though fashion trends and individual style are always changing. These 10 things are very important, and will always help you stay looking your best.

1. Thou shalt be you.

Fashion is all about expressing yourself. Individuality. Showing yourself to the world through your clothes and the way you present yourself.

2. Thou shalt wear the right underwear.

Get a bra that fits! Please, no more quad-boob (aka muffin boob). Make sure your bra is supportive and perfectly fit to your body. No more panty lines. No more, no more! Sometimes the right underwear is no underwear.

3. Thou shalt dress for thy body.

Figure out your body shape and go with it. If you are curvy, don't try to force something that only really looks good on stick figures. If you are shorter, learn what to wear to make make yourself look taller and learn what length skirts and dresses will elongate your legs.

image from stylehive

4. Thou shalt not follow trends blindly

You do not need to follow every trend that comes through the fashion world. Some things wont work for your personal style and will look out of place. Would you jump off a cliff because everybody else was doing it? Don't allow the current powers that be to dictate everything you wear. Not that you shouldn't be "trendy" just choose things that work for you.

5. Thou shalt only buy and wear clothes that fit.

No more "i really want these shoes but they only size left is 1/2 a size too small...i can make it work". No more "AFTER my diet I will fit into this". Buy clothes that fit you now. Period.

6. Thou shalt not spend beyond thy means.

Bargain shop, girl! Also, having the new "it" bag means nothing if you don't have any money to go out and show it off. Chanel don't pay the rent baby.

7. Thou shalt not forsake thy full length mirror.

You need to look into a full length mirror before you leave the house. Check out the hair, makeup, clothes, shoes, accessories. Make sure everything gels and the entire look fits and is well put together.

8. Thou shalt respect thy fashion elders.

Vintage!

And classic, timeless pieces.

9. Thou shalt not shop aimlessly.

I don't mean you shouldn't shop just for the fun of it. I mean that every purchase you make should have thought behind it. What can I wear this with? When will I wear it? What does it match? If I have nothing to wear it with, do I like it enough to buy other things to go with it? Will I wear it enough? These thoughts will not only save you money, but also keep you from having those random pieces in your closet that you never wear.

10. Thou shalt have fun!

Fashion is fun. Expressing yourself is fun. Shopping is fun. Don't make fashion and style too much work!

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10 things.

2009-07-22T19:35:00.001-07:00

Thinking more about this blog schedule thing, I have been thinking what exactly I will be doing on my blog.

I love doing "get the look" pieces so I know I will be doing a lot of those, and incorporating those into other things such as the "fashion icon" posts.

I will also occasionally post things about books and movies. Something else I do (compulsively) is make lists. So I decided each with I will do a "10 things" post. I don't want to designate a day, but each week I will post a list of 10 things. They may be 10 things about me, 10 things I need to do, a fashion 10 things list etc. Not too much of a formula, just 10 things.

I will do the first 10 things post this week..so I hope you will check back for it. :) Please bare with me as I try to decide what I want to use this blog for!

Music That Moves You

2009-07-18T22:17:00.001-07:00

Well, actually, music that moves me...but i hope it will move you too!

My taste in music is all over the place, but here are some artists and songs that I have been loving lately. Let me know what you think!

Enjoy!

Ingrid Michaelson. The Way I am.
the begining of this video reminds me of a bad dream...but it gets better. and the song is just so good!

She & Him. Why do you let me stay here?
i love zooey deschanel. i also love this song! i also love that white dress she's wearing on the beginning of the video. ok, i couldnt help myself. i found some cute dresses inspired by the one in this video. see the bottom of the page.

Tegan and Sara. Where does the good go?
there isnt a music video for this, so the video is just the lyrics. lame. i know.

Ray LaMontagne. You are the best thing.
I desperately want a boy to sing this to me. Isnt that sad? Also, I think this would be a great first dance song at a wedding. If any of you are getting married, feel free to steal my idea. I'm thinking its going to be a while for me!

Pair any of these dresses with a bow and some flats to grab Zooey's look.

Lul us. $58.

Revolve C lothing. $206

Luv Charlie. $190.

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Style Inspiration- Catherine Deneuve, Fashion Icon

2009-07-18T17:05:00.000-07:00

For my second "Fashion Icon" piece I was thinking I would do a current fashion icon, someone making big waves right now. Instead, I had to go with another timelessly classy woman, Catherine Deneuve. Also, she is still ridiculously chic. There is not much to say about this woman except that she looked great, she looks great and im sorry, shemakes smoking look really cool.

I know a lot of people love Brigitte Bardot and think she is the epitome of classic French fashion, but for me, Catherine beats her every time.

Her Style:

Innocent and almost girlish.

While still being very sexy.

Classic and tailored.

With a bit of a french flair.

Channel Catherine:

Wear YSL. Deneuve was a good friend and muse of the design er and wore tons of YSL.

Quintessentially french, Deneuve did not wear much makeup. Lining your eyes while keeping your other makeup light and fresh will help you get the look.

Fab hair. Sexy bed head hair, a chic updo or half back. Also, wear bows!

Wear Chanel No. 5

Age Gracefully. Stay elegant, classy and chic.

Get the Look:
Shopb op. $198

Modcloth. $17.99

Neiman Marus. $395

Shabby Apple. $60. (on sale! serious bargain!)

Lord and Taylor. $115.

(in black or white) S inger 22. $866.

Heels. $108

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My First Blog Award!

2009-07-16T21:15:00.000-07:00

Yay! I got my first ever blog award today, which I totally was not expecting! Actually, I didn't expect to have so many readers and blog friends so quickly. So thank you! to all of the people who have been reading my blog consistently and who have been commenting.

And thank you! thank you! thank you! to trishiekoh at Under Lock and Key for my first award.

Now the really fun part..I get to pass it on!

To:

Clarabelle

Extra Dressing on.the.side.

Iva Messy

Dapper Kid

Somewhere In Between

Thank you for all having wonderful, inspirational and creative blogs and for being so sweet and helpful as I start my blogging journey!

Blog Schedule?

2009-07-15T17:04:00.000-07:00

I've been noticing that a lot of people have a kind of schedule for their blog..usually with catchy little names like "Fun Fridays"-the day I show you something fun! or "Tasty Thursdays"- the day I tell you about something tasty! When I used to just read blogs occasionally and not write or really keep up with any in particular, I thought that was soooooo annoying...but now I think I understand the reason. I've only just started blogging but I feel like things are a a little helter skelter and all over the place. I know that it's good to have some organization, and something your readers can look forward to. Also, It would be nice to know what kind of topic you were going to post about and be able to plan ahead a bit. On the other hand, I don't want to have to scour the Internet looking for an inspiring picture for "Without Words Wednesdays" (-the day I post a picture, without words!) if I don't feel like it.

So, basically, I am undecided on the idea of a schedule. I could use some other opinions!

What are your thoughts on blog schedules? Do you use them? As a reader, do you find them fun? helpful? annoying?

Ooooooo I absolutely love The Plaza!

2009-07-15T05:45:00.000-07:00

"I am Eloise.
I am six.
I am a city child.
I live at The Plaza."

With those opening lines, I fell in love with Eloise. If you dont know this little girl, you need to. Kay Thompson was said to have created her as a mix of herself as a child and of Liza Minnelli (Kay's goddaughter) who was often left at The Plaza while her mother was away.

I wanted to be Eloise. I loved her. I loved her for wearing Kleenex boxes as hats and toe shoes on her ears to lunch.

I loved that she had her run of The Plaza and that her mother knew the owner. I liked her imagination and I liked that she was bad, bad, bad! I liked that she slithered, slomped and sklonked her away around. She was mischievous, cute, and, at the age of 6- an international traveller.

"Sometimes I throw a temper fit...but not very often."

I really loved Nanny. I got the habit of repeating things 3 times from reading Nanny so much.

"Nanny is my nurse. She wears tissue paper in her dress and you can hear it. She is English and has 8 hairpins made out of bones.

She says that's all she needs in this life for Lord's sake."

"Nanny says she would rawther I didn't talk talk talk all the time.

She always says everything 3 times like Eloise you cawn't cawn't cawn't. Sometimes I hit her on the ankle with a tassel. She is my mostly companion. "

Some of my most used sayings come from Eloise. I got a lot out of these books growing up.
It is just recently that I'm appreciating a whole new thing about the series...the fashion! Oh my Lord. This little girl had a specially made Dior dress! And, her mother knows Coco Chanel!

And he really did work with the illustrator and design an Eloise dress! It is in the picture below on the right. The left is Eloise's spy outfit from her trip to Moscow, of course!
We "always travel incognito" ;)

Some more beautiful Art (by Illustrator Hilary Knight, who, btw, now works at Vanity Fair) showing Nanny and Eloise at some fabulous stores in Eloise in Paris :

Cartier.

Hermes.

"Oh my Lord
There's so much to do
Tomorrow I think I'll pour a pitcher of water down the mail chute.

...Ooooooo I absolutely love The Plaza!"

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Good Morning!

2009-07-15T04:57:00.001-07:00

A year of cooking dangerously.

2009-07-13T19:08:00.001-07:00

I want to see this movie! I love Julia Child.

Julie & Julia.
trailer here
Meryl Streep, Stanley Tucci and Amy Adams are in this movie, which almost makes it worth seeing regardless of the plot. It looks really good.

It is based on two true stories set in two different times. One half of the story is based on 29 year old Julie Powell (Amy Adams). In August 2002, frusted with her cubicle working lifestyle Julie begins a "deranged assignment" to cook all 524 recipes in Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking in 365 days. She chronicles her failures and successes in a blog, which was later turned into a book. I read the book and it was pretty entertaining!

The film also covers the years Julia Child (Meryl Streep) and her husband Paul (Stanley Tucci) spent in Pari in the 40s and 50s.

Anne Taintor

2009-07-11T20:01:00.000-07:00

I dont have time for much of a post today, so I thought I would share with you one of my favorite things.

I am in love with Anne Taintor.

I have a ridiculous amount of her products. They are so funny and I am always able to find an AT flask, journal, post it, file folder, luggage tag, sticker, compact (the list goes on) that says the PERFECT.

Also, the prices are really reasonable.

This weekend I have a lot going on. I dont need to get into detail, but I think I can sum up my weekend in just a few words, with AT's help.

and

Take what you will from that ;)

Look through the site a little bit...which do you like the best?

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Book Post: Love Is a Mix Tape

2009-07-10T20:12:00.000-07:00

I realize that I have been doing a lot of fashion centered posts, and that is not all that I want to share. I have decided to start posting my recommendations for reading. I am an avid reader, and I fall in love with books. When I really love a book, I can't wait to share it. I am going to post a new recommendation every now and then with a little of info on each book and some good quotes so that you will be able to get a feel for the story and the writing style.

So, for my first book post...

Love Is a Mix Tape: Life and Loss, One Song at a Time
by Rob Sheffield.
*this story is non-fiction. It is a memoir, and one of the most original I have ever read.*

Music critic Rob Sheffield's memoir uses 22 mix tapes, one at the beginning of each chapter, to tell the story of his wife, Renee, "a real cool hell-raising Appalachian punk-rock girl", from the time they met in 1989 to her sudden death in 1997.

Love is a mix tape, a collection of moments. Rob uses a song on a mix tape (maybe one they made for making out, or doing the dishes, or sleeping) to tell his story of meeting, loving and losing Renee. His writing is honest and I love that he uses everyday language that makes you feel like he is talking directly to you.

You will laugh as he tells about how he fell hard, and awkwardly, for his punk rock Appalachian girl. You will cry when he writes so frankly about the emotions following the death of a loved one, and as he begins his journey to continue without her.

I also listened to it on Audio book while driving on a long trip.
If you like audio books at all, this is a WONDERFUL one to buy. Rob Sheffield narrates it himself and you can totally hear his geeky-ness, passion and pain in his voice. This is a wonderful, honest love story. And, it's set where i grew up! I'm just a real cool hell-raising Appalachia girl too!

Quotes:
"It’s the same with people who say, ‘Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.’ Even people who say this must realize that the exact opposite is true. What doesn’t kill you maims you, cripples you, leaves you weak, makes you whiny and full of yourself at the same time. The more pain, the more pompous you get. Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you incredibly annoying."

"For two weeks, I lay awake at night and said Hail Marys over and over to stop my heart from beating too fast. I suddenly realized how much being a husband was about fear: fear of not being able to keep somebody safe, of not being able to protect somebody from all the bad stuff you want to protect them from. Knowing they have more tears in them than you will be able to keep them from crying. I realized that Renee had seen me fail, and that she was the person I was going to be failing in front for the rest of my life. It was just a little failure, but it promised bigger failures to come. Additional ones, anyway. But that's who your wife is, the person you fail in front of. Love is so confusing; there's no peace of mind."

"But for me, if we're talking about romance, cassettes wipe the floor with MP3s. This has nothing to do with superstition, or nostalgia. MP3s buzz straight to your brain. That's part of what I love about them. But the rhythm of the mix tape is the rhythm of romance, the analog hum of a physical connection between two sloppy human bodies."

Rob and Renee.

Have you read this?
Does it sound like something you would like to read?
Any book suggestions for me?
I would love to hear from you!

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Style Inspiration- Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Fashion Icon

2009-07-09T09:40:00.000-07:00

"No one else looked like her, spoke like her, or was so orignial in the way they did things. No one we knew ever had a better sense of self." (Sen. Ted Kennedy)

I decided to do a little series on

women who inspire style. My fashion icons and inspiration. Jackie is an obvious choice, she took American fashion to a new level. Here are some of the staples of Jackie style and some great pieces you can buy to exude effortless chic.

Oversize Sunglasses. Jackie started wearing these over 40 yrs ago, and we all still wear them!

Chic.

Simple, monochromatic palettes. I

found lots of pictures of Jakie in one color from hat to shoes. It was always a simple color and a simple silhouette.

Classic.

Bateau Neckline. Elongates the neck. Also loved by Audrey Hepburn.

Simple.

Sheath Dresses. Feminine, simple and practical. The sheath dress is sexy and figure hugging while still being refined, classy and conservative.

Effortless.

Pearls. A string (or several) of pearls can instantly complete a Jackie look. You dont need to spend a lot of money on these, even Jackie had fake pearls!

Elegant.

Three quarter length sleeves. The three quarter length sleeve is classic Jackie. Three quarter length sleeves make the arms appear longer and are perfect for highlighting a great bracelet or watch. Many of Jackie's coats had three quarter length sleeves, which she would sometimes pair with white gloves. This look instantly channels 60s glamour.

Sophisticated.

Simple Accessories. Less is more.

Elegant.

“I think her style was very optimistic, when you really felt that America could accomplish anything. Optimistic in a luxury sense – in the sense that she was living the life everyone wanted to live!" (Cynthia Rowley, designer)

For you, darling...
Some of these are pricier than I normally like to go, but another thing we can learn from Jackie, is to invest in good, quality pieces.

Carolee. $150.
Target. 39.99

J.Crew. $138

Modcloth. $69.99 Urba n Outfitte r s. $39.99 J. Crew. $180. Revolve. $345.

Urban Outfitters. $24

Urban Outfitters. $18.

To complete the J.K.O. look I need to invest in an Hermes scarf, and a Gucci New Jackie bag, of course. I've got to be accurate ;)

Tell me who your style inspirations are!

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Jillian Harris, The Bachelorette

2009-07-07T09:31:00.000-07:00

I've never watched The Bachelorette until this season, and I have been watching it every week with a couple girlfriends. It has been really entertaining to watch. Let me give you my thoughts.

Jake was the only one she even had a shot with. He was serious and ready, she got freaked out about how serious he was, then 2 weeks later is saying to everyone that she needs to know how the really feel, if they love her, if they want to get married..blah blah blah.
As far as her final 3: Ed has a girlfriend. He's super cute, but has a gf.(thanks reality steve!), Kiptyn is not that into her (read the body language!) and his mom was SCARY looking. Reed is funny and adorable but totally neurotic (um, hello, fondue?! family date?!).

Oh, and I think it's gonna be Reed who can't get it up. Probably because he's too scared to do it on hotel sheets.

I like Jillian, but I like her stylist more. I dont really care if she finds love, but I do care where she gets her clothes.

Below, my fav Jilly outfits and where you can get them!
Plaid Shirt and Belt:
She looked adorable in this plaid shirt and belt.

Here are some affordable plaids and belts.

Forever 21. $17.80

Urban Outfitters. $48. U r ban O ut fitte r s. $20.

Mod Cloth. $19.99 Anthropolog i e. $48.

A nthrop olo g ie. $42.

Denim Dress and Adorable Floral Cardigan

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this. It is super cute. I couldnt find this exact dress, but I found a couple similar and some that are a little different but would still be cute. I bought the cardigan!

Delias. $14.99 <-- cant beat that!

Macy's. $89.

Lulus. $29.

Lul us. $37.

Red Boots, Black Dress. Probably my favorite!

Exact Boots:Aldo. $109.98.

Available in other colors. I like grey and purple!!
These are on sale and only have select sizes left, probably gone soon!

Similar Dresses:

Saks. $480.

Bloomingdales. $368

. E-dress me. $72.

Bloomingdales. $332.

The one above is a little different, but I think this one would be really cute with the boots too.

There were some other things she wore that I loved, but this is all I'm going to do for right now. Which outfit do you like? What do you think of Jilly (and/or her stylist)?

Guilty Pleasure: The OC

2009-07-05T15:56:00.000-07:00

I have several guilty pleasures that I used to keep in the closet but dont really try to hide anymore, Im not that cool. If you are going to start hating me because I'm "that girl" that secretly loves The OC, Stop reading now. Hopefully someone can relate. I know some of you 20somethings must have watched it!

I mean, I can't not love Seth's witty quips. Ryan's Wife Beater. Marissa's Clothes. Summer's Pill Poppin Stepmom. It's great.

I didnt feel well today so I spent a good portion of this rainy Sunday laying in bed watching DVDs from the 3rd season. I havent watched this show in a looooong time, and i forgot how amazing it was.

Remember when Ryan's brother tries to "force himself" on Marissa and she beats him over the head with driftwood? Then Ryan finds out and goes to fight Trey...but Marissa shows up right as Trey is strangling Ryan and is about to beat him to death with a phone! So, she grabs Trey's gun and shoots him in the back.

And, it must be noted, that all of this happens while Marissa is wearing this chanel necklace.

That is good TV.

Christmas In July..?

2009-07-04T21:31:00.000-07:00

Above is what I should have worn for the 4th of July festivities. Its red, white and blue. It has the chic nautical feel. Cute, right? (BTW, I threw that together on my new favorite site!) Now, I dont have Chanel earings...or a $2,000 Balenciaga bag.. but..you know, something like that.

Unfortunately, the picture below is closer to what I actually wore:

I'm sure people who saw me had questions. Why are you wearing sweatpants and a sweatshirt in July? Why are you carrying a brown bag that doesn't match? Aren't you hot? Why do you look so pissed off? Good Questions. I will answer them.

#1.
I used to like July 4th a lot. Actually, I got engaged on the 4th of July. Then we ended up calling off the wedding shortly before it happened. It was awful. Obviously. That is one of the reasons everything has changed recently and I know I'm not in Kansas anymore.

Anyway, so now this holiday has some very tough memories. I haven't seen him in a long time, but there is only 1 big fireworks display in our town. I always go, and so does he. We always went together. This year, I knew he would be there with "her". Yes, she was the other woman, and yes, she is now his girlfriend. I was absolutely dreading running into them. I know it's going to happen eventually, and I thought today might be it. I mean I was DREADING..I was terrified of it. It's crazy to me how one person can evoke such paralyzing fear, even after the time that has passed.

So, I laid around the house all day thinking about how I was going to wear something super cute, do my hair, put on make up and generally look cute and act happy just in case I did see them. The problem was that I couldn't get the motivation to make any of this happen. About an hour before we had to leave I had a crying fit, threw some stuff around and was so emotionally exhausted that I no longer cared what I wore. And I suddenly felt the need to feel safe and protected, so I put on sweats..comfort clothes. It was supposed to be part comfort, part F-you-I-dont-care-if-I-see-you. So that's how winter clothes happened in July. And something you should know about me, I hate, hate, hate being improperly dressed for something. I was definitely improperly dressed among the summery, festive clothes. I was just too out of my mind at the time to care.

#2.
See answer to question 1....screaming. crying. throwing. exhaustion.

#3.
I am very hot. .

#4.
I look pissed off because I was hot, I looked like an idiot and I scared my dad with my mega tantrum. Then I didn't even see him. Freaked out for nothing and let the thought of someone else control and ruin my day.

These things are happening less and less (thank God I didn't have a blog around Christmas, who knows what I would have written) but they are still so hard. You know how people say that it takes 1/2 as long as you were with someone to fully get over them...I really hope that isn't true, because I would still have a long time to go.

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Quarterlife Crisis? Must read.

2009-07-03T15:03:00.000-07:00

This is a great link to an article on eyeweekly. com.
Below is the quiz from their site to let you know if you are having a Quarterlife Crisis. If you are, read the article.

Am I having a Quarterlife Crisis?

1. You make an impulse purchase. It’s
a) gum.
b) a Marc Jacobs dress that you can’t afford.
c) your fifth beer on a Monday night.

2. You stop dead in the street and can’t breathe. Panic attack. You deal by
a) going home and taking a bath.
b) sending an angsty Tweet from your iPhone.
c) registering for a dating website and marrying the first person you meet.

3. You wake up in the morning and dread going to work. You
a) start scouring Monster.com for a better job.
b) call in sick for the second day in a row and watch back-to-back episodes of Saved By The Bell.
c) quit your job and apply online to seven different graduate programs.

4. You take up a new hobby. It’s
a) fostering cats.
b) Second Life.
c) unprotected sex with strangers, because having a baby might give your life some structure and purpose.

5. You step on something odd as you come in your front door. It’s
a) water, because you just cleaned the floors.
b) a dust bunny, because you don’t vacuum.
c) a cockroach, a pile of unopened bills, and a $300 vintage comic book you ordered on eBay when you were drunk last week.

6. You’re hanging out with friends. Everyone is worried about
a) the calories in beer and nachos.
b) their tangled dating lives.
c) turning 30 and moving back into their parents’ basement.

7. You rent a movie. It’s
a) Helvetica, a documentary about a font.
b) The Last Kiss, where Zach Braff gets engaged and then fucks it up.
c) A triple bill of Fight Club, Withnail & I and Betty Blue.

8. You wake up to a furious beeping sound. It’s
a) 8am.
b) 9am, and you’re late for work because you keep hitting snooze.
c) 3pm, and it’s your smoke alarm.

9. The two words that best describe how you see the future are
a) “limitless possibility.”
b) “option paralysis.”
c) “total desperation.”

RESULTS:
Mostly a): Nothing is wrong with you. Except that being this well-adjusted is slightly abnormal.
Mostly b): You’re not in crisis, yet, but you’re starting to show some signs. Time to think about a five-year plan.
Mostly c): You’re in full-blown Quarterlife Crisis–mode. Immediately get to a shrink, and hang tight: the storm will eventually pass.

Follow the yellow brick road..

2009-07-03T13:37:00.000-07:00

When I was little, maybe around 5, I was obsessed with the Wizard of Oz. I remember having a Toto piggy bank, a Dorothy basket (with Toto inside), a Glinda the Good Witch doll and I'm sure I had other things. My parents tell me that for a while, I wouldnt even let anyone call me my own name. I would just say "Call me Dorothy!" and refuse to answer until they did. I wanted to be Dorothy.

A recent chain of events has left me feeling like I am Dorothy, and it's not awesome like I thought it would be. Dorothy was taken away from everything she was familiar with and thrown into this weird place. Thats where I am now..not in Kansas anymore. At the risk of sounding really cheezy, I am following the yellow brick road right now, seeing where it can take me..and hoping it is somewhere good.

I went through the breaking-off of an engagement a few months ago, lost a job and started a new degree course. All of my closest, dearest friends have recently moved away and I am still here. Basically, everything is changing..I am just doing my best to keep up with it and move forward.

I could go into some more metaphorical BS about how the lion, the tinman and the scarecrow are all parts of me, looking for fulfillment on this journey...but I dont think this is going to be that kind of blog.