90 Days To Go!

I made it through another day without repeating! Yay! I also made it through another day without physically harming one of my children! From the moment I picked the boys up it was melt-down mania. Everyone, from me to Haha, was cranky. Even Jordan got into the mix! Even though I deal with a teenager daily, I am not mentally ready to be navigating these pubescent waters.

Anyway, I could go into the details of the melt-downs, but I will not. I am desperate to get into bed before midnight after two nights of hitting my pillow at one a.m. So I will try to make it happen.

Right now.

Outfit:

Shirt: Forever 21. I bought this when I was pregnant, and it seems not to fit that well. I belted it to make up for the poor fit, and to hide a stain!

Belt: This was a gift from my fabulously talented and brilliant Aunt D. She used to sew me clothes when I was a little girl. She is the arbiter of taste and style! And very generous.

Pants: Goodwill. I.N.C.

Shoes: zoe & zac.

Rockin' Out!

I just got home at 10:30 (p.m.), after being gone since 7:10 this morning. I went to work, had parent-teacher conferences, grabbed the boys, picked HaHa up from daycare, took Leo to get new sneakers, dropped the kids off at Richard's office, and drove straight to rehearsal with the Monte Carlo Band.

We have a wedding to perform at on Saturday, so we wanted to get in one last practice. We also have a new guitar player. He is really great, and he sings. The more voices, the merrier! I have to say, despite the oppressive heat in our rehearsal space, we rocked! And we had so much fun. It is really great to sing and play with a bunch of skilled and talented musicians. And they are. I am the least talented of the bunch.

Anyway, when I got home, I was shocked to be greeted by my little HaHa bear! She came running to the door shouting "Hi mom!"  She seems to be a night owl like some other people I know...

I didn't bring my camera to work, so I had to take my photos when I got home. I dislike the indoor light, but at least you can see that I am not wearing a repeated outfit!

OUTFIT:

Wrap shirt: I scored this at a photo shoot! Deletta.

Butterfly skirt: Salvation Army. I got this in high school. It's falling apart, but I love it!

Green dress (under layer): Friend hand-me-down. Ella Moss.

Shoes: Predictions. This is the last time I will wear these. They have a hole, and they stink!

Post-poning!

Well, I've been sitting in front of this computer for about an hour, and I got nothing. Oh sure, I could write about my work day, my very hectic arrival home, my thrown-together in a flash dinner, or my mid-evening meltdown where I lay down on my bed and thought, "Why, why, why?", but I will not. Instead I will tell you, patient reader, that the outfit I walked out of the house with, was not the one I ended up with. That is, I re-arranged my garments as they were not working out.

My skirt, which I had pulled up, kept slipping down as went about my business, so I had to re-adjust. I actually like the second styling better, and I think it's a lot more flattering. It also proves that if you play with your clothes long enough, you might be pleasantly surprised!

 On the right is my original look.  On the left is my quick fix for my failing garments! It was much more comfortable!






Outfit:

Shirt: This was a gift. I am wearing it backwards. Loupilou.

Skirt: I got this in Texas at Marshall's in 1989! It's a keeper!!! 

Shoes: zoe & zac.

Strange Heat!

The weather is messing with my wardrobe challenge. Here I am getting ready to sashay into my fall outfits, and,-BAM! It's hot!.. East coast hot.
Desert hot.
Melt-my-head-off hot.

So, I have to stretch my summer style a bit longer than I'd like, but I guess it helps to keep me on my toes.

Today I got the best compliment I could get when I had two friends tell me that I "inspired" them to look at their closets with a "fresh eye". One on them said, and I quote, "I'm really challenging myself to find different combinations of tired pieces of clothing." The other friend said the outfit she was wearing was the direct result of reading my blog! Yay! That's what I want to hear! I was so happy! And so flattered! Especially since they are awesome powerhouses of femininity and style!





Outfit:

Shirt: Straight from my brilliant friend's company I heart Guts! Her designs are the best, and they're anatomically correct!

Skirt: I got this from a thrift store at least 9 years ago. It was a dress and I cut off the top. Silly me!


Shoes: Fit Flops.

 

270 Days!

It's been a looooong weekend and I am spent! Today I went from wedding brunch, to band rehearsal, to the annual party my school throws! Wow! What a day.

And it was fun.

That's about all I have in me right now. Tomorrow is another day.

If you want to read a thoughtful and well written post, check out my Fresh Friends' PSA, "In Defense of Children".

Outfit:

Shirt: Goodwill. Old Navy. It's a maternity shirt.

Dress: Hand me down from friend. Ella moss.

Shoes: zoe & zac.

Weddings and Proms!

Richard and I just got back from the wonderful wedding of our fabulous friends Hillary and Phil! I am still giddy from the lovely fete which was officiated my talented and dear friend Tony. He did an amazing job, and the bride was absolutely stunning. Her Monique Lhullier dress fit her to perfection, and was, as Richard noted when we drove home, "The prettiest dress in the building." I guess that's fitting for a bridal dress! She also scored it on Craigslist!

My prom picture!

I myself, as I mentioned before, wore my prom dress. I wore it to another wedding 9 years ago, and it's been tucked away ever since. When I pulled it out it had some issues, but I think it came together nicely. The fabric is so gorgeous, but it is falling apart, so I doubt I will wear it again. When I bought it at a vintage store in high school the tag on the dress said "40's", so it's been around for a while.

I need to get to bed, so I will throw in the posting towel!

Outfit:

Dress: This is a dress I bought in a vintage store on Wilshire in Santa Monica in 1991.

Slip: Thrift store. I attached the top of the dress to the slip straps for more stability.

Shoes: Irregular choice. These were my wedding shoes!

The Pants!

I finally decided to break out the awesome pants from my thrift-store-leisure-suit-score of yore. In addition to them being ultra-awesome, they also have the excellent quality of being an unworn element! This makes it extra-easy for me to know that I have not inadvertently repeated a combo of clothes! I have a few of these unworn items left, and they are my lynch pins as I get closer to the end. Heaven knows I'm going to need them!

Richard and I finally went out for our anniversary dinner. Thanks to his mom for sending us, and my aunt for baby sitting! We went out early because it had been a long day. A fun day, but a long one. This morning I had the pleasure of playing "Apples to Apples" with First Graders. A little girl brought it in, and it was hysterically funny helping them navigate the adult version. 

I have to mend my prom dress for tomorrow, so I need to keep my post short! Happy Friday! Until tomorrow!!!




Outfit:

Shirt: Hand me down from talented and stylish cousin.  Old Navy.

Pants: Thrift Store. I bought this so long ago, I don't remember which one.

Shoes: Fit Flops.

Deja-Vu!

I got dressed quickly this morning and as I sat in traffic on the 10, I had an "Oh-no!" moment. I was certain that I had miscalculated, and was wearing a repeat outfit. I knew I've worn this tunic multiple times. I knew also that I've worn this skirt more than once. But I didn't think I had paired them together. However, as I cruised in my car I had the sudden feeling that I had made a mistake and simultaneously ended my project. Although some have protested, if I repeat, it's over. Mark my words!

So, as I sat and wondered, I knew there was only one way for me not to fret the whole way to work. I called Richard. I knew the post I had in mind. It was the day HaHa wore my hat and put her hands on her face. I told him to look in May. He did. Not there. Try April, I said. He did, and he found the post, Death and Taxes (you can see why I was skered). I asked him to read the outfit details and when he did I knew I was safe. I dodged a bullet. This time...

The thing is, for the most part, I remember every outfit I've worn this year. Or, if I don't remember every outfit exactly, I remember what pieces I've worn with what. Somehow, in this addled brain of mine, I've managed to keep it straight. And I only check my photos if I think I've worn something together, which has only happened a few times. I'm kind of amazed. Especially since I can't remember most things. I chalk it up to sheer stubborn luck!


Outfit:

Tunic: Goodwill.

Skirt: Goodwill. Forever 21. I was going to leave it in nyc because it has a stain, but I figured I could wear it under things.

Shoes: Mossimo.

HaHa rockin' her "glasses". She is a funny bee! 98 days to go!

Brown Town!

Brown is my new black. Well, actually, I haven't been into wearing black since my early days in New York. I don't even own a pair of black pants anymore, although I used to wear them all the time. These days I love color, and prints, and brown. I love me some brown.

I think brown perfectly compliments so many colors. It is warm and strong, and it reminds me of chocolate.

And coffee.

And skin.

I am down with brown. And I have 99 days to go!

Please excuse the short post. I was literally falling asleep when I wrote this.

Outfit:

Ruffle top: Goodwill.

Purple shirt: Forever 21.

Brown pants: Goodwill. I.N.C.

Shoes: Predictions.

100 Days To Go!

So, last night was Richard's monthly Monday poker night. Once the kids were in bed I decided to check my email. There was a message from my friend saying she would hook me up with a flight to San Fransisco (she's a high roller), since I always say I'm going to go but never do. I was feeling restless and needed to get out of the house. I hopped in the car, drove to LAX, and decided to catch a last minute round-trip flight to San Fransisco to meet my friend for a drink!

April Fools!

Last night was poker night, and I did drive to LAX. However, the truth is that I drove to LAX to pick up my world-traveling mother-in-law! She had just flown in from Thailand. She was supposed to arrive next week, but she cut her trip short because there is discontent brewing in Thailand, and there might be a strike that would shut the airports down.

LAX was surprisingly congested for a Monday evening, and the cops were everywhere. They were giving out tickets like hot cakes! It kind of seems lame to pester people when they are simply desperate to pick-up or drop-off someone and the airport is a disaster. It can be so tricky to navigate and negotiate those crowded lanes.

However, I digress.

My mother-in-law and I had a great time discussing her trip, as well as some of Thailand's intriguing cultural and historical details. For example, I did not know that Thailand was a kingdom with the world's "longest-serving current head of state". She also regaled me with tales about climbing thousands of steps to get to a breath-taking temple, playing tennis in heat and humidity, and the unique texture of Thai mangoes! We also discussed my return to school and the kids, of course. There was much to discuss, and I'm sure we could have talked for hours! However, duty called, just as it is calling now. Ciao!

Outfit:

This is a perfect example of an outfit I would never have put together if I weren't doing this project, but I was happy in it!

Knit Shirt: Hand me down from friend.

Under Shirt: Hand me down from friend. Old Navy.

Skirt: From Cousin. Ralph Lauren.

Shoes: American Eagle.

LAX!

Long story. Short post. That's all I can say for now as it is 12:33 a.m., and I have to get up at 6:30. It's a school night for goodness sakes! That said, you have to go with the flow and enjoy the now as much as possible.

I did. So now I am going to bed. And...

Oh!  The  Hanson's shirt, as my cousin pointed out is NOT 17 years old. It's Probably more like 13 years old, which means I bought it when I was 24. But, ohhh man, I can tell you- 24 feels like 17 years ago.

Apparently, someone who read this post also rocked the same shirt back in the day! Awesome! I guess I could ask her when she got it for confirmation.

Outfit:

Tee Shirt: From friend. Crowded Teeth (perfect for first grade!)

Sheer blouse: Thrift store. Very old.

Skirt: Hand me down from friend, which she got from a friend. Old Navy.

Shoes: American Eagle.

263 Days!

It's been 263 days of NO shopping, no swapping, no thrifting, no sifting (through racks of clothes, that is). I have been sifting through my closet, and I realize that when my time with this project is up, I am getting rid of a TON of stuff I've been holding on to for years.

For starters, I have a lot of clothes that don't fit properly. Because I've gotten so many clothes via handing down from friends, and clothing swaps, many of them are off in one way or another. Also, I have a lot of things I've kept for sentimental value, or because they are "nice", or "I might wear them someday". Whatever the case, come January, if I don't love it, it's gone!

Now, the main reason I was sifting through my closet this weekend is because I am attending a wedding on Saturday, and I was trying to figure out what I am going to wear. I tried on a few dresses, and I realized that they need to go. They just aren't me. I also tried on a bunch of other things and I realized that they aren't right either. For a gal who plans to wear her prom dress to a wedding this weekend (clothing nostalgia anyone?), this is a good sign. I think it's time to let some things go. I will, however, keep everything I love, and everything that fits.

By the way, I have gotten rid of tons of clothes over the years. Just the other day I was thinking about all those clothes. Hundreds and hundreds of items. Why did I ditch them? And, more importantly, why did I buy them in the first place? As I start to think about my future shopping adventures, I realize that mindfulness is order. I don't want to end up here again in a few years!...

Or do I?

Outfit:

T-Shirt: I got this in NYC at least 17 years ago. I thought it was funny. Today I had band practice, so I thought wearing the optimistic rockers would be a good idea!

Shirt (under): This was a hand me down from a friend. I threw it under my Hanson's tee because it has a low halter back. Lux.

Skirt: Thrift store.

Shoes: Fit Flops. 

Fashion or Style?

My post inspiration today comes from The Sartorialist. I have been meaning to write about this particular post of his, because I think it pretty much expresses how I feel about fashion. He asks, "What is more important, fashion or style?" He follows up by saying that at the few fashion shows he attended he had seen "some very "fashionable" young ladies. But, they always come up short when compared to the young ladies doing their own thing". I tend to agree with him. Of course fashion inspires style, but there is nothing better than seeing someone marching to the beat of their own style drum. There is also nothing worse than seeing someone dressed to the nines in the latest and greatest fashion trend only to find that they look-a-like-a idiot.

Case in point: Two very stylish and fashionable ladies, Natalie Portman and Cat Deeley, sport a dress from the highly lauded Lanvin. However, the dress, as high fashion as fashion can be, looks terrible on both of them. It should have been left on the runway. I also feel ill when I see skinny jeans or bubble skirts. Very few people look good in these items, and they should be avoided. People should also be mindful of what looks good on their particular frame, and what they feel good in. Wearing something you feel good in makes all the difference.

Unless, of course, it's a bubble skirt...

When I was in New York I had a little fantasy that I would run into Scott Speedman, a.k.a The Sartorialist,  and we would have coffee and a chat. Alas, I did not. Maybe one day. Perhaps he'll be roaming the streets of L.A. soon. Scott, I'm ready for a cup o' joe when you are!

Outfit:

Green shirt: Got this in NYC at least 15 years ago. I don't remember where.

Vest: Goodwill. Urchin.

Pants: Forever 21.

Shoes: Fit Flops.

Day 261! 104 to Go!

I fell asleep on the couch tonight. This is a sign that I have not been going to sleep early enough during the week. And in truth, I know this to be the case. I find getting myself into bed a difficult task. However, unlike my other half, I will crash and burn on the weekends. I might sleep until noon on Saturday and Sunday, if I am able. I am keeping my fingers crossed for tomorrow! I could use some long and luxurious shut-eye!

I realize that I am in the home stretch now. All I have to do for these last 100 days is keep my eye on the prize, and my wardrobe rotating! I feel pretty confident that I can come up with 100+ new combinations from my closet. That said, more and more I leave the house with that "Did I wear this already?" feeling. I have to do my "Pic of the Day" addendum soon! I hope this will make it easier for me. I also have to remind myself that I am supposed to be "mixing it up". Working with 6 and 7-year-olds is very conducive to jean wearing!

Outfit:

I had to wear black on top for a little presentation I was part of this morning. I also had to wear a hat. I chose this floral number that I got when I was in high school. I found this hat on Venice Beach and I fell in love with it. I wore it all the time, and, I even bought two because I lost one. I thought it was the greatest. Wearing it today I realize that it is really like a chef's hat gone wrong. At least I have the common sense to no longer sport said chapeau! Ah, youth. A time for experimentation.

Black shirt: Goodwill. Forever 21.

Sweater: From cousin. Mossimo.

Jacket: Jones New York.

Jeans: Goodwill. Gap.

The kids.

Shoes: Predictions.

Spider Webs.

Feelin' himself!

Turn-Around!

Oh, how the mighty have fallen! HaHa must have read my post yesterday because she went from terrific to terror in no time flat. She was quite unlike herself today, crying and screaming, and carrying on. It made me realize how grateful I am that I did not give birth to constant criers, and, it made me wonder what in the world was wrong with her? Does she have the pre-terrible twos blues? (try saying that three times quickly)

I guess she must have had an off day. Perhaps it's because she was wearing shoes two sizes too big... Perhaps it was because she was wearing a mismatched outfit... I don't know.

When I was putting the boys to bed she was jumping on me, and dragging pillows about, and hiding under the blankets. After I left the boys she was doing all kind of crazy things, including dumping out my fresh out-of-the-dryer laundry so she could play in the basket. Oh well.
                  Tomorrow is another day!

Leo has a contemplative moment.

Outfit:

White shirt: From cousin. Old Navy.

Floral shirt: Goodwill. Clio. (I threw this on because I wanted to make sure I did not repeat.) HaHa's daycare provider said that Lilly of the Valley is her favorite flower, so this shirt will be going her way soon!

Skirt: Salvation Army. This was a dress that I cut. I'm wishing I had kept it intact. Oh well. Hindsight.

Shoes: Predictions.

Brother and sister.

Sweet Beans!

Getting back into the full-time swing of things has been a pretty gentle transition. However, I realized today that I went from being with HaHa 24/7 to 7/24. It's really strange. Yesterday I had to work late and I barely saw her. It made me feel bad. I can't imagine not having spent the last year with my little HaHa bear. She is the sweetest bean in the world!

There are some other sweet beans in my life, and they are the children in my new class! Getting to spend time with them these past few days has been splendid. They are very smart and funny, and interesting to boot! I think I am going to have a blast with them these next few months. I am also working with a new teacher who is really great and a lot of fun. Good times!





Outfit:

Dress: Goodwill.

Shirt: Goodwill. James Perse. (same as yesterday)

Skirt: My mom gave it to me! Express.

Shoes: Predictions

Postponing the Post!

I have been sitting in front of the computer for an hour thinking about posting, but not posting. Let's call it: "Procrastiposting". The truth is, I am tired and I don't have anything illuminating to pontificate about. Another truth is that it is difficult to post everyday, especially after a late night "at the office". We didn't get home until 8: 30 and the kids didn't get to bed until 9. I could have fallen asleep with them, but I had to do my post...

So, short and sweet today, okay?

Outfit: I got dressed this morning with the intention of changing into my newly rediscovered sparkly bell-bottoms. However, as it got closer to the evening activities I realized that jeans were fine. And yet, this is one of the reasons I wanted to do this project: The Jean Trap. Wearing jeans everyday, just because it's easy... Oh well, I'll try to avoid jeans tomorrow! 

Shirt: Goodwill. James Perse. This is the first time I've worn this shirt this year!

Sweater: Hand me down from cousin. Mossimo.

Jeans: Goodwill. Gap.

Shoes: Predictions.