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.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

The Loud Family!

We drove up the coast today to the beautiful and placid Paso Robles, where my beautiful and placid mother-in-law lives. Placid, that is, until we showed up with our rowdy bunch of extremely loud people.

I am loud by nature, I think. In fact, when I was a young girl enjoying Christmases with my mom's side of the family, the decibels would reach such magnitudes as to practically shatter one's inner ear. The working title of my mom's clan was "The Loud Family". And we were. We would play games and erupt in such a cacophony of excitement that the walls would literally vibrate. Literally.

Now, my father is also loud. Extremely loud. Loud like he shouts when he is excited and he is talking to you loud. I  have a loud voice and the ability to project my voice on a very grand scale. However, one thing I believe I have that other people in my household don't have, is the ability to tell when being loud is not appropriate. And it is not appropriate in Paso Robles. At least not in many of the places we spend time.

Now, lest I get into trouble,  I would like to state that Richard is pretty good about reading social cues. However, there are times when he gets so caught up in an idea or moment, that he forgets to turn down the volume. Very much like my father. Hmm...

The boys are so loud that we've had their hearing tested. They shout instead of talk. It can be quite embarrassing. Especially when we are around mild mannered children who use inside voices when they are inside. What a concept. This concept however has not made an impression on the Espy kids.

As I write this I wonder if Richard thinks about these things, or is it something only a woman would do?...Analyze and pick apart their offspring's behavior. Do guys do this? I need to know. Maybe it's time for another poll...

Outfit:

Shirt: Under layer. Forever 21. This was a pregnancy purchase a few years beck.

Shirt: Top layer. My mom gave e this shirt a very, very long time ago. I believe she got it at a thrift store. The thread is faded, and I dyed the shirt long ago because it had some paint stains. I love it even though it is very worn.

Belt: I made this by pulling off a bow on a skirt that I didn't think worked. It's two pieces tied together.

Skirt: Thrift store. I washed some of my New York clothes yesterday, and I pulled out my trusty skirt that I wore twice while there!

Shoes: zoe & zac.

With my red, blue, and gold I felt like I was channeling wonder woman's color palette!

Below I have included a photo my stepson Jordan made for me. He just took a photography class at SMC , and he got an A! He took some lovely portraits of the kids and he shows some promise as a photographer! You can see him in the photo if you look closely! Thank you, J-Dawg!

9 comments:

  1. Nice going J Dawg. I hope you stick with this photography thing. It's really a great skill to have.

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  2. That's amazing Jordan. Super proud of you. Maybe you'll let me go on photo excursion with you when I finally get another camera!

    Hope you're all having fun.

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  3. I think I know who my wedding photographer is going to be... if I can afford him. Jordan, can I pay you in cookies and high fives?
    :)

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  4. those kids are some of the best ones I know. Who cares what other people think? Your mom let you be you, so it's only fair that you do the same. They'll probably all be at the head of something. I think HaHa will be President - but only if she wants to be :)

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  5. I love your posts. If you and your family are half as fun as your blog, then I would love your "Loud Family". Maia told me about your blog. I will definitely follow you. Hope to see more fashion.
    Love,
    Adrienne
    http://adriennesummerjohnson.blogspot.com/

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  6. Maia is absolutely correct. I let you be you. I too agree that Hollis may one day be the President (if she wants to). I love Jordan's picture, I was there when he was trying to get it right. I think he tried at least 15 times. Tell him good job. Enjoy the rest of your vacation.

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  7. Thank you all for the encouraging and thoughtful comments! They make me very happy!

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  8. i love the pic, jordan's got some talent!

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  9. I'll tell him you said so! xoxo-S!

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