one closet, one year!

I was getting dressed for a friend's birthday party and I didn't know what I was going to put on my body. I looked in my closet and it seemed empty, unpromising. I've had these moments before; everything was old, ill-fitting, or blah. I thought to myself, "Ugh! I have NOTHING to wear!" Then I began rifling through my closet and saw a forgotten shirt I loved and many more, and I realized I was crazy. I had plenty to wear, and plenty to choose from. My closet was FULL of treasures! At that moment I decided I would take a year to explore my closet and to add NOTHING new to my wardrobe.

I would create a NEW outfit for each day in order to maximize my wardrobe and shake up my style.

Basically, I would try to "snap out" of my fashion rut, and appreciate what I have.

It was my New Years' project:
One Closet, One Year.

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Open House!

We went to an open house for a stunning camp very, very far north of L.A. called the Bar 717 Ranch - Camp Trinity. It has been in business since 1930. We are hoping to send Jordan there for a week or two this summer, and we might even go to family camp all together!  It is very rustic, with outdoor sleeping, a swimming hole, and animals a-plenty! The idea of being able to be out in nature and away from the city is very appealing. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

Richard rolled in this morning at 4:30AM, not so fresh from his monthly Saturday night poker game. I let him sleep as late as possible, then we had to head out. I got to spend the night alone, which was quite nice and allowed me to finally watch the original Grey Gardens. This has been on my list for years, and I wanted to watch this one before I watch the HBO version with Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange. It has been on my DVR forever.

Later this afternoon we are going somewhere that I really can't talk about right now, but I will later! It inspired me to wear this flow-y skirt. Richard, who claims that he doesn't need a lot of sleep, just nodded off in the middle of a question I was asking. I guess I'll be driving!

Yesterday was the first time I got a little worried about repeating, and I have to figure out how I can get a page up where each outfit can be seen by date quickly. I also need to reiterate that this is NOT a fashion blog. It is a lifestyle/style blog, with the main focus on non-consumption.


Outfit:

Tan Sweater: From Cousin. Mossimo.

Print Wrap Skirt: Thrift store find from long ago.

Blue Halter Dress: New York street fair many, many moons ago.

Shoes: Capezio dance sandals. This outfit would be great with the sandals I left at my mom's!

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Rainy Day Yay's!

We made it back from Costco just before it started to pour copious amounts of rain! It had rained a little before we left (thus the boots), but it was clear when we left and we did not bring raincoats or umbrellas. I usually avoid going to Costco like the plague. Something about it drives me nutso. Maybe it's the fact that Charlie and Leo act a fool up in there, and I am stuck looking like the horrible mom who can't control her kids... Of course, Richard never has that problem when he takes them. They are little angels on his watch. I was happy that both boys said "Thank you", every time they took a sample from someone.

We ran into a family friend who's little boy is now seven. When I first met him he was one and I was pregnant with Charlie. A group of us took the Goldline to Pasadena on the first weekend it ran. This little boy was the sweetest, most adorable boy ever. I wanted to steal him! I can't believe how the time has flown!

Today, I got dressed and then changed my outfit because I didn't want to "waste" an outfit I really loved by wearing it only to shop and then come home. I realize I should have made a weekend clause that says on days when I am going to be inside the house for most of the day I could wear anything I want, but I am sticking to my original plan. On the way home, my mom called and told me she sent me a pair of sneakers I left at her house last summer. I remembered I also left a pair of brown platforms! I am excited because it is a neutral shoe that I could really use right now. And the sneakers can be useful when I  finally retire my holey shoes. They were already in my collection, so it is not cheating!

Outfit:

I knew I was going to wear rain boots, so I started there. Everything else I just threw on. Coincidentally, Jordan wore a shirt professing love as well. I find this shirt always makes for pleasant conversations with strangers. Today's was with a woman from England who said, "I bet you're glad you're not there now!" We talked about New York and England and she gave me a sample of Progresso soup. It was salty.

Shirt: From New York street vendor circa 2003. 5 bucks. I got it to replace the super tight one I used to wear in my 20's!



Skirt: From my admissions days. I got this at Walmart in Hanson, MA, also for 5 bucks.

Jacket: From cousin. Mossimo.

Boots: From Ayiko. Leo wanted to ham it up when he came out as I was taking pictures! I think he looks adorable. Charlie is looking over my shoulder as I write this and he reminded me about Dad's no more than three per paragraph exclamation point rule!

Friday, February 26, 2010

Re-Discover!

I went on a field trip to the Re-Discover Center with Charlie's class today. It was a joy to see his class in action. They are an adorable and smart bunch of kids! I got out of bed later than I should have, so it was a mad dash to get out of the house on time. I grabbed my jeans and threw the rest of my outfit on quickly. I started with a "mom" top (from my admissions days), so I could look like I'm dressing my age for a change. I added the velvet jacket for fun.

When the kids and I got home they had to clean up before we could go to the library to check out a movie for Movie Night. When we got there, the security gate was down inside the building and a few people were gathered outside discussing how they keep cutting back the hours because of the furloughs. It was nice to have a political discussion with total strangers. While I was talking about the "Govenator" and California, the boys wee walking along a wall with a little boy who was entertaining himself. I love how children connect without hesitation. It was a very lovely moment of humanity!

Outfit:

Maroon Top: From friend. I.N.C.

Tank(Underneath): Old Navy.

Velvet Cap Sleeve Jacket: Forever 21

Jeans: From Cousin. Gap.

Shoes: Airwalk. I had to retake the pics from earlier today, so I snapped a photo of C&H! Charlie's totally awesome striped red pants are from Goodwill!!!

Tech note...

Shelayna was rushing like a chicken with her head cut off this morning, trying to get ready to attend a field trip with Charlie's class. In her race for power and glory, she left the cable to upload her photos at home. She will upload pictures later today to prove she is not wearing a repeated outfit. Happy Friday!

Thursday, February 25, 2010

FaceHook!!!

I literally can NOT go on facebook without getting sucked into the vortex of voyeurism and commentary! I look at pictures of friends, click on their links, read their articles, and spend way too long in the FB universe. I love all the funny quips, interesting observations, and information that is being passed back and forth. That said, I avoid logging on due to the aforementioned facts. I actually think they should rename it "Time Suck".

I just asked some people in the faculty lounge as I wrote this, whether or not calling it "Time Suck" was offensive, and they said "No". They also said that they were all told they "had to" join facebook by family members and friends and now they are in the same predicament: addicted to the FB phenomenon.  It hooks you, it pulls you in, just like a hit of Ben & Jerry's!

By the way, I was informed that The Vagina Monologues that my friend is directing as a fundraiser for V-Day  has a cast that includes Marla Gibbs and Nina Hartley. It's for a great cause, so, go see it!

Outfit:

Long Sleeved Shirt: Goodwill. James Pearse.

Purple Racerback: Jack and Aimee.

Magenta Belt: From 70's dress I got rid of long ago... (Slightly wishing I hadn't...)

Jeans: From Cousin. Gap.

Shoes: Airwalk

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Strawberries for Leo!

Last night Richard told me someone tried to hack into my blog! Besides the fact that I don't know who would want to do something like that, I also don't see what the person would do, unless they have a bunch of old photos of me shopping or in outfits I've already worn. Maybe they'll hack in and write some outrageous post that will get me shut down, or maybe it's these women who are doing something similar who snubbed me when I tried to join their group. Maybe they want to sabotage me because they see me as competition. At any rate, Richard told me not to worry about it. Richard also told me that my poses are getting "better". I replied that "better" means not looking at the camera. I am not particularly photogenic. I always pull bad faces because I worry about my crooked teeth and gummy smile. It's a shame that my years of braces didn't pay off.

A few people asked me about a necklace I wore several days last week. (Pictured here) It was made by my best friend's older sister who is like my big sister too. I guess I met her when I was 9 and she was 15! I didn't have any siblings, so I was in heaven. She is an incredibly talented singer and jewelry designer and she is also producing and directing The Vagina Monologues, for the third year in a row, as a fundraiser for V-Day. She has such a big heart so if you feel like supporting a great cause please go see it!

Outfit:

Purple Cami: Old Navy. (Under Sweater)     Green Wrap Shirt (Unwrapped): Clothing Swap

Purple Hooded Knit Pullover: Maternity Wear from Old Navy. The hood also helps to hide my problematic hair!

Grey "Editor" Pant: Express, but I got them at Goodwill, of course!

Shoes: Airwalk

Today Leo, Hollis and I got Strawberries at the Farmer's Market after school!

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Non-Buyer's Remorse!

I had a fine time with the 7th graders. They were quite funny and mostly polite. They did try to pull a few "fool the sub" stunts, but I'm too old to fall for any of that. Right as I was waiting for the class to come in, the Director of the middle school saw me and asked where the regular teacher was. I said I was subbing and he informed me that there was a visitor from another school who was going to observe the class. She was the head of the drama department at her school, and I was mortified! Not only was I teaching middle-schoolers in a subject I've never taught before, I was going to be "observed". I quickly explained the situation and suggested that the visitor might want to lead some exercises, as she was an expert, but she had recently undergone a throat operation and declined. I was a little unnerved, but I was prepared and I do know how to lead a class. I'm nothing if not bossy! A few times I asked her if she had any thoughts or comments to add, and she had some great advice for the kids. After the class, the woman was very complimentary to me, so I thanked her for her input and secretly hoped she would pass her thoughts on to the director. Good press never hurts.

Last night I had a moment of regret when I realized I should never have passed up the Lacroix jacket. Not for me, of course, but I'm sure I could have sold it, or given it away to the right person. I went back to the Goodwill with Hollis hoping it might be there among the rubble, but, alas, it was not. I even made a second trip back with Hollis and Leo, still, nada. I may, if Richard gets back early enough, go back one more time today. Three's a charm, right?... And hope springs eternal!

Outfit:

I thought it was time for a dress, so I started there. I needed to rush out, so it was a quickly thrown together outfit. I realized as I tried to find the right shoes, that I should have purchased a neutral-toned flat. This is one of the missing pieces in my collection. I had these great snake-skin flats that were the same style as the red shoes I wore yesterday, but I got rid of them because they were pretty worn. I'm wishing I hadn't. I'm sure I could have squeezed another year into them!

Dress: This dress is exactly like the green dress I wore on MLK. It is by Ella Moss. It was given to me by a friend.

Shirt: I got this orange poppy print from Goodwill when I was working in admissions. Jones New York.

Shoes: My Capezio dance sandals circa 1993. I wore them when I was playing Eve in The Apple Tree at NYU.

Rusty, formerly known as Cocoa Butter Formula, got cozy with my coat as I was taking pictures. He's a great kitty!


Monday, February 22, 2010

Improv!

The skate party was a blast! I had not been skating at a rink for a long time and the feeling of flying as your wheels glide across the floor, cannot be topped. I wore the skates I have had since I was 17. I decided not to drive when I was 16 and got skates to transport me about Santa Monica. My skates got stolen, so I got a new pair. They remain with me to this day. We've had some good times, those skates and me. I love them so!

Today I am going to work with 7th graders on improvisation. I will actually be working at the school I attended from 7th through 12th grade! I will be teaching in a theater I used to take classes in. Surreal! I used to love improvisation when I was into all that drama stuff, so I think it will be a lot of fun. I'm not sure how I will be with the teenagers seeing as I have such a hard time with my step-son, but I'm hoping for the best. I really do have an affinity for the younger kids, probably because their easier to impress... or control. Either way, wish me luck! I tried to invoke the spirit of the angry model today... Glad this camera is not high-def because you would be able to see my   Mo'Nique-esque leg hair!!!

Outfit:

Black Shirt: From cousin. Mossimo.

Black Tunic under shirt: Forever 21. It was a pregnancy purchase.

Belt: This red string belt belongs to another dress.

Skirt: Vintage. From Salvation Army, purchased in high school. I thought it was fitting for today.
 Shoes: American Eagle. Same as yesterday!
I've included a photo of the sparkly jacket I wore last night, and my homies in their gear!

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Party Time!!!

Today I get to go to TWO parties! One for a seven year old boy, and one for a grown woman at Moonlight Rollerway. I decided I needed an outfit that could ‏take me through the whole day, although I do plan to add a sparkly jacket for the evening.

Yesterday my friend wanted me to address the feeling of not being able to buy anything at Goodwill and I can honestly say that after the initial letdown, I was fine. In a way, it's liberating. Kind of like the time a few months ago when I lost my cell phone. Besides the minor inconveniences it entailed, I felt free in a way I had not felt since the good old days when all I had was voice mail. I wasn't being called or calling someone every minute and it was great! I called it a "phone-cation". It was fun. And yesterday, I had a built in excuse, every time, NOT to buy. Even if it looked great, even I "needed" it, even if I loved it, it had to go back on the rack! Freedom!

Outfit:

White knit shirt: From cousin. Mossimo

Blue Sweater: I got this at a clothing swap and it came with a skinny black patent leather belt. It is from Express.

Jeans: From cousin. Gap.

Shoes: American Eagle.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Goodwill Hunting!

So sorry for the late post again. I was very exhausted from last night and wanted to sleep as late as possible. I had a 10 a.m. plan to go with my awesome-stylish-gorgeous-sister-friends to Goodwill. Although I could not buy anything, I agreed to be their personal shopper, and find them some fabulous loot! It was not without some difficulty. There were several items I would have immediately dumped in my purchase pile. But, alas, I could not. However, I was happy to be in their company and girl out. We had some very funny moments including one pictured below, where we found identical hideous jackets. The ladies left with some fab finds including an awesome denim jumpsuit perfect for the rollerskating party we're going to tomorrow night!

P.S. Ayiko (in middle) wants everybody to know she did NOT comb her hair today because she too, was rushing to get out of the house!

Outfit:
Scarf: I believe my mom got this for me at Walmart.

Striped Tank: Goodwill. American Eagle.

Sweater: From Cousin. Merona.

Pants: Forever 21. 
Shoes: Fit Flops

 
This is a vintage Christian Lacroix P.J. found. Sadly, nobody bought it.

I love the color coordinated rows of clothing! So soothing!

Friday, February 19, 2010

Pizza Pajama Night!

I had to rush out of the house this morning to buy supplies for the boy's preschools' annual Pizza Pajama Night. I got a little irritated picking out an outfit today because it's a little hard to psych yourself into getting dressed up when you know that all you are doing the whole day is chauffeuring around people under the age of 7. I'm sure this is why there are so many "Mom Makeover" shows. What's the point of looking nice if you're going to get stained, and smelly, and see no one other than your offspring?

I just got home at 8:47 and I left the house at 10:00 a.m.! Hollis was a total trooper driving all over town. Lucky for me, it didn't start to pour until after I got the boys!

I think it's hard to tell that the shirt and pants I'm wearing are a chocolate brown.

Shirt: I Heart Guts.

Sweater: From cousin. Mossimo.

Pants: From cousin. Gap.

Jacket: From cousin. Mossimo.

Shoes: Wanted.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

The Check-Up!

I ran out of the house this morning to get to the doctor's by 8:00 a.m. I missed my yearly check-up last year, so I thought I better get myself to the doctor in 2010. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, right? I got dressed in a hurry and I as I drove on the freeway I started to worry that I had worn this outfit before. But I haven't. I checked. I have worn every piece in this outfit, just not together. And, when I wore the tree shirt, I wore it under a sweater that I never took off.

As I undressed and put on the required check-up gown, I prepared myself for the awkward small talk building up to the dreaded moment when I needed to get my feet in the stirrups and "scoot down". I wondered if there are any women who enjoy pap smears. Porn stars, exhibitionists, Annie Sprinkle? (see Public Cervix Announcement) I don't know. But I am assuming most women would rather do anything. I can't explain why it's so horrible, but it is. I guess I should focus on the fact that it could potentially save my life. Right?

After I got two vials of blood drawn, I drove to pick up HaHa and we went to visit a friend that I had not seen for a very long time. She is an amazing woman and teacher and she really opened up a whole new world to me when Richard and I took her Supported Birth class. I learned so much about the physiology of birth, the history of birth, and we had great discussions about parenting, labor and relationships. It was a really fabulous, thoughtful class and I highly recommend it to expecting parents, or people who want to learn more about childbirth.

Outfit:

Grey Sweater: From friend. H&M.

Tree Shirt: This was given to me by the amazing art teacher that I work with. Each child in my class last year made a leaf, and she painted them by hand, on a tree on this shirt from American Apparel.

Green Shirt: Clothing swap. Old Navy.

Brown Pants: From cousin. Gap.

Shoes: Fit Flops

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Lissie!

Lissie was absolutely amazing and the look on my face in my picture today is the bliss I felt listening to her phenomenal vocals and wonderful songs. Her voice just cuts through the noise and pierces your heart. She is the real deal. She also brought tangerines from her tree for everyone in the audience!

After the show I got to have some much needed girl time where we discussed race, post-birth "treats"(Ayiko's word) and everything in between. I wonder if guys talk about this stuff. I'm thinking not, but maybe they do and they pretend that they don't.

I have a confession. Although Lissie was blissful, I just took horrible pictures today and I didn't feel like re-taking them. I thought the bliss line would fly, but I realize people aren't that dim. I also have to run because it's a Farmer's Market day and if I don't get to Santa Monica early, I'll be late to pick up Leo.

Hollis is still under the weather, but I do think she is getting better.

It is 75 degrees today! 

Outfit:

Green and white knit shirt: Mossimo from Target. I got this when I was pregnant. Not sure if that was a good idea.

Shirt underneath: Marc by Marc Jacobs.

Pants: Isaac Mizrahi for Target.

Shoes: Fit Flops.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

The Hunt!

I have an interview this morning so my post will be a model in brevity. I wanted to wear something that will take me into the evening (change of shoes, perhaps). Tonight, I am going to The Hotel Cafe to see Lissie. I opted for red, white and blue because what could be more American than job hunting right now?

I have been told by Richard that I am allowed no more than three exclamation points per entry! Will I survive?!

Outfit:

Jacket: Goodwill. Ann Taylor. I love the fabric and the tailoring.

White shirt worn as vest: Salvation Army. I got this shirt at least 10 years ago, but I have only worn it once or twice. I've kept it all these years, despite the low wearage. It's from Max Studio.

Flower Print Shirt: Forever 21. They often have killer prints.

Jeans: Goodwill. Gap.

Shoes: American Eagle.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Following Up



First of all, I can't believe I left aunts and uncles off of my love list! Some of my first loves were my aunts Diane, Janine, Julie, and I adore my uncles Van and Broderick! I also have much love for my Aunt Mary and Aunt Mona. My life would be very different without them all. I am so thankful for their wisdom and warmth, their humor and kindness, their support and influence, and of course, their love. When I think of their lives, I am amazed by the many accomplishments and contributions they have made to the world! They are truly an amazing bunch!

Next, I wanted to explain my comment about doctors in yesterdays' post. I was feeling peeved because the doctor who saw Hollis in urgent care, was very dismissive when I told him I suspected a UTI. Even though I explained that her fever had gotten worse over four days, that she hadn't eaten, that she was lethargic, and that she had cried painful cries then said "Pee-pee", he diagnosed her as having a "virus", and only gave me a bag to catch Hollis' pee in because I insisted. He also did not leave follow-up paperwork, so that I could not get Hollis' urine analyzed without seeing another doctor in urgent care. I had given Hollis some unsweetened cranberry juice after we saw the doctor and the following morning my friend called to find out how Hollis was. After I told her our saga and that Hollis still had a fever after 5 days, she told me about something called D-Mannose and I thought that rather than go back to urgent care I would try it.

I went to Erewhon to pick up the remedy and I was overwhelmed with the beauty of the day. The sun was shining and I smiled thinking that it is winter, and yet, here I am wearing sandals. I gave Hollis some D-Mannose mixed with cranberry juice, and a few hours later her fever was gone and she ate food for the first time in four days. She also played for the first time in several days! So, although I have no way of proving that she had a UTI in addition to her viral infection, I am pretty sure her very high fever was caused by one. Actually, I still have her urine in the fridge. Maybe, just maybe, I'll get it analyzed just to prove my case!

Outfit:

Stayed home today, still on the mend!

Grey tank: Urban Outfitters a million years ago!

Turquoise Cami: Goodwill. From Express.

Brown pants: Goodwill. Moda International.

Shoes: None! I always prefer being barefoot!!!

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Be Mine!





I did make it out for a couple of hours last night! Even though HaHa was ill, I did not want to miss my friend Lilly's birthday party. She is a special lady, and I always think birthdays are some of the most important days to celebrate. We were invited to dress up for one of the many upcoming events in the month: Mardi Gras, Chinese New Year, President's Day and Black History Month. I was going to dress up as Harriet Tubman, but then decided to go with Valentine's Day instead because I was pressed for time.


To those of you concerned about HaHa, I thank you for your support. You all know there's nothing worse than a sick baby. We are taking care of Hollis after a disappointing day spent in urgent care. It amazes me how quickly doctors diagnose patients and dismiss them. Hopefully Hollis will be on the mend soon!

I hope you are all spending your day with the loves of your lives. Friends, pets, husbands, wives, children, boyfriends, girlfriends, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, cousins, neighbors, food, yourselves, or any other love I have left out! Happy Love Day!

There are two outfits today. One I wore to the party. And what I'm wearing today. I'll start with the party outfit.

Dress: This is a vintage dress I got from one my most tasteful friends at a clothing swap. I thought the roses would be good for Valentine's Day.

Shoes: I got these shoes for my surprise wedding. They were on sale for $3.99!!! They are a brand called Irregular Choice and I love their designs. When I saw them I knew they would be perfect, even before I knew they were on sale.





Today's outfit:

Brown Shirt: Representing chocolate, this shirt was given to me by a very fashionable friend.

Pink Slip Under Layer: This is a Calvin Klein undergarment I found at Goodwill. I love nightgowns!

Floral Skirt: Flowers for the day. Skirt from Goodwill. From my admissions days.

Pink belt: Thrift Store.

Shoes: Dance sandals. I cut the wrap-around ties meant to go up the leg and just tie them at the heel.