Ouchfit!

Today I really hated my outfit. Perhaps it is because I got dressed in the dark. My outfit was giving me grief, and I wasn't really comfortable all day.

That said, It was not a repeat! This dress is going in the out pile as well. I realized today that empire waist dresses are not so great on me. It is very important to wear clothes that flatter your shape. I learned this on "What Not To Wear". Just kidding. I learned it through trial and error. I am very grateful for clothing. Thank you clothing. You are great. I love you.

But not today's outfit. I don't even like you. Sorry.

Outfit:

Dress: Goodwill.

Skirt: Goodwill. Forever 21.

Shirt: Clothing swap.

Tank: Old Navy.

Boots: Dansko.



My glass vase that I found at The G.W. (I am going to start calling Goodwill the G.W.)

Free Fashion!

My friend Ally, sent me this link to a group of people who have begun a "Free Fashion  Challenge", wherein "15 Fashion Addicts Worldwide Stop Buying Clothes For One Year". I can honestly say, "been there, done that!" And, they are allowed to swap, so I think my challenge is a bit more challenging. However, they are committed to not consuming, so I guess swapping fits the bill.

I also would not describe myself as a shopping addict. In fact, I don't really care for shopping that much. Except thrift store shopping, when I'm in the mood. I know I've said it before, but for me the fun in thrift store shopping is the surprise and the hunt. You're not presented with a rack of ready to wear clothing, you have to find it, and it's fun!

Anyway, apparently there is something the air of late, that is leading people out of the stores, and into their own wardrobes for inspiration... Could it be recession? Environmentalism? Realization that one has enough?

I'm not sure, but I do know that I wish the Fashion Addicts well on their "withdrawal". They have 345 days left. There's a count down on the home page!

Outfit:

All my pictures were stinkin' up the joint today. But I really liked my outfit. I thought it was very "school teacher".

Print shirt: Forever 21.

Sweater vest: I got this at a little shop on Jay street in New York. Can't say what the name of it was! It was a long time ago.

Skirt: You've seen it many times this year! Salvation Army. High School purchase.

Shoes: American Eagle.

Dinnertime chez Espy!

Temptation!

I went to Goodwill today to look for a chair. Really. Richard and I had gone to Ikea on Saturday to buy a new mattress for Charlie, and to replace a broken chair that we've been living with for too long. The mattress Charlie has been sleeping on the past few years was mine when I was younger, so it is at least 25 years old. Possibly older. Said chair kept falling apart after repeated gluing and hammering.

However, we did not find a chair at Ikea. So, I thought, "why not check out Goodwill?" When I walked into Goodwill, I immediately spotted some intriguing fabrics calling me from the shirt rack. "Shelayna!", they beckoned, "Come check us out." A purple shirt with macrame collar, a vintage Gap plaid shirt, an empire waist apple print, a metallic print shirt that was probably from the 70's. Ugh! So many treasures. Items too good to be true!

I couldn't help myself, so I browsed through the dresses. A little "window shopping" never hurt anyone, right? Oh, the dresses were magnificent! A vintage leopard print, eyelet shift, fabulous floral dress, and many more. I found two that I thought my Fresh friend would love, so I picked them up. After that, I hightailed it over to the furniture section so I could avoid any more lusting over previously owned garments!

Dresses for fresh friend!

 I did not find a chair, but I did find a pitcher and a very cool bowl. I'll post pictures of them tomorrow. I also think that when I am allowed to shop again, I have to be careful when I go into Goodwill! There is temptation all around!

Outfit:

Sheer vintage shirt: Goodwill.

Striped shirt: Friend hand-me-down. Gap.

Jeans: Big Sunday. Blu by Malibu Jeans.

HaHa explores the park in a poncho!

Sweater coat: Goodwill. Forever 21.

Shoes: Wanted. They are completely worn out on the bottom, and they are my only sneakers!

Laundry!

A few night ago I laundered my light "hand washables". I had been putting it off for a while, but once I washed them, I loved looking at them hanging in the bathroom, an array of creamy colors and delicate fabrics.

Oh, the possibilities! Yesterday's outfit, and today's, are the direct result of my domestic duty. It's nice to have some some inspiration as I head into my final days of One Closet, One Year. I was particularly fond of my outfit yesterday, but when I got a comment about it, I had outfit-deja-vu-panick! I checked, and I'm in the clear, but boy, I will be glad when I can get dressed without thinking about it first.

I hope I don't slip back into my jeans everyday habit!

By the way, this is day 331! I better keep my head in the game, and watch out for already worn combinations. Here's hoping!

Oh, I have to give a shout out to the amazing and lovely Pollyanna for  putting my little HaHa night owl to sleep! Thank you, P! I owe you one!

Outfit:

Shirt: Goodwill. Mossimo.

Jacket: Friend hand-me-down.

Skirt: This is a dress that I cut into a skirt. I got it at a thrift store seven years ago.

Under skirt: Salvation army. Same as yesterday.

Shoes: Mossimo.

Beachy Keen!!!

We spent the day at Malibu. Beautiful, placid, Malibu. It was lovely and fun and sweet and happy and I got to see some people that I haven't seen in too long.

Days have turned into months and- BAM, just like that, a baby I last saw when he was two months old, is one! Crazy!

I just started falling asleep while posting, so I am going to keep it short and sweet!

Outfit:

Shirt: Cousin hand-me-down. French Connection. I'm wearing it backwards!

Skirt: Salvation Army. High school purchase!

Sweater: Thrift store. J Crew.

Shoes: zoe & zack.

Giving Thanks!

I am thankful for all of the gifts in my life. The good times, the bad times and everything in between.

I am thankful for my amazing family and awesome friends.

I am thankful for the wonderful people I work with. The adults and the children.

I am thankful for the delicious meal prepared for us by the extraordinary and kind chef Palver.

I am thankful that today I got to "unplug" and read magazines, listen to the radio and hang at home. I kept my cell phone off and tucked away my computer. I did laundry, I baked, and I barely ate anything, much like yesterday, so I could stuff myself with all the Thanksgiving foods I love!

This turned out to be a mistake. I think that not eating much in two days made my stomach slightly smaller, so I got full really fast. And, this is the first Thanksgiving I can remember ever, that I did NOT eat desert!!! Me not eating desert is a big deal. I'm not really sure why I didn't. I guess I was too full.

I will have some pumpkin pie tomorrow, though. Actually, pumpkin-sweet-potato-pie! Yummy!

Oh, I am  also thankful for you kind souls who give my blog the time of day! Thank you all, so much! I hope you all had a wonderful and peaceful Thanksgiving!!!

Outfit:

Shirt: Salvation Army. I got this in high school. I love the texture and color.

Sweater: Fresh friend hand-me-down. H&M.

Skirt: Thrift store. Zara.

Shoes: Old Navy.

Missed Calls!

Today I had a missed call at 8:35 a.m.. It was from my friend's husband and he didn't leave a message. I called him back, but he didn't answer. I called their house phone and left a message. Nothing. Twelve hours later and I still hadn't heard from him/them, so I started to worry.

What if something happened to my friend? Her parents?...

I started to really worry. I called them and it turns out that he was calling to let me know that he has Richard's jacket in his car. I'm trying to figure out what it is in me that expects bad news because I  generally think of myself as an optimist...

Food for thought! Happy Thanksgiving!

Outfit:

Dress: Cousin hand-me-down. Forever 21. I realized today that this dress does not fit me well. It's going on the "out" pile!

Shirt: Goodwill. Mossimo.

Shoes: Old Navy. All three kids wore their Halloween costumes this morning. HaHa kept hers on most of the day. She actually wanted her bee costume, but I couldn't find it, so I gave her this one!

Thanksgiving Break!

When you work at a school, there is an ebb and flow to things. Just when it seems that everyone's nerves are fraught and the kids are getting too cray-cray, there's a break! It almost always seems that every day off is perfectly timed. Or maybe the kids act a little wilder because they know there's a break brewing... I'm not sure. Chicken and egg, I guess.

At any rate, these last two school days before the break were breezy and fun. Everyone was excited and  gratitude-filled. Thanksgiving is favorite holiday of many for good reason. I can't wait to give thanks this Thursday!


The sweet potato pound cake was a hit! I highly recommend the recipe. The people at work loved it! Speaking of work, I stayed at work late with HaHa, and it was a lot of fun. She helped me take down a block wall, go through my desk, and copy a bunch of papers. All the while she was cheerful and sweet, the perfect work companion!

Outfit:



Loving the relationship between green, gray, and metal!

Green shirt: Goodwill. Kenneth Cole.Third time I've worn it this year!


Grey sweater: Cousin hand-me-down. Mossimo. Worn a lot.

Velvet jacket: Forever 21. Third time wear.

Jeans: Goodwill. Gap. Lots o' wear in these bad boys!

Shoes: Wanted. I realized today that I only have three pair of casual closed toe shoes. None of them really went with my outfit. Oh well!

When we got home, HaHa decided to be "Buzz ight yee" complete with heels! She was very funny kicking and punching and studying herself in the mirror!

Sweet Potato Pound Cake!

It is 2:45 a.m. as I type this post. I am waiting to take a sweet potato pound cake out of the oven! To be fair, I started making the cake after dinner. However, one thing led to another, and the next thing you know, I'm lying down near HaHa's side and falling asleep. Falling asleep was at 9:00 p.m. It's become a new ritual.
I fall asleep with HaHa at 9, and wake up at midnight. I Work from midnight to 3 a.m. and go back to bed until 6:30 a.m.! Believe it or not, it's a pretty good strategy for getting enough sleep, and getting the stuff I need to get done, done!

Because we have never sleep trained HaHa, and because her sleep habits are pure, unadulterated evil, I have decided that it's better to lay down with her at a reasonable hour, rather than wait until it's 11:00 p.m. to deal with her madness. I am hoping that once I am not working full-time I will have the energy and will power to do the stay in bed face-off. Trouble is, she has been climbing out of her crib since she was 15 months or something like that. (It's here, somewhere on the blog, but I can't find it.)

Anyway, the point is, we can't stop HaHa from getting out of her bed and coming downstairs. Much to our chagrin. So I guess what I really need to work on, when winter break comes around, is making HaHa love her own bed so much that she never wants to get into ours. Easy as pie, right?!

Outfit:

Green shirt: Goodwill. Lux.

Jacket: Goodwill. Ann Taylor.

Jeans: Big Sunday. Blu by Malibu Jeans.

Shoes: Goodwill. Kensie Girl. They're white. And it's after Labor Day!

Parties!

Today we went to a birthday party for one of the sweetest boys in the whole world! It was a perfect party filled with friends, food, and fun!!!

We were up in the Palisades, over-looking the ocean, and the view and scenery was stunning!

It is Sunday, so I am taking the day off. Everyone deserves a break now and then, right?


Outfit:

Dress: Cousin hand-me-down. I tied it in two places to make it shorter. See original dress here:

Skirt: Goodwill. Forever 21.

Sweater: Clothing swap. Express.

Shoes: American Eagle.

Aunt D!

I had a wonderful day with my family in celebration of my amazing Aunt Diane! It is so wonderful to be with people who have helped take care of you, influenced you, and inspired you in a myriad of ways. People who love you no matter what, in spite of, and just because. People who understand you, who make you laugh, and people who rock! I am lucky to have many of these people in my life. Blood relatives and friends alike!

On a different note, Richard ate so much garlic yesterday that when I walked into the back room upon arriving home, it smelled like a deli! And he was upstairs! Frightening. The stench that emanated from his body was so horrible that I had to sleep in a different room. I'm not kidding. Hor-i-ble. This was first time since we've been together that I have opted to sleep in a different room. Actually, it might be the second time. I think I slept in a different room when I was sick once. Once. Okay. On that note, let me get to my outfit!

Outfit:

Dress: Forever 21.

Skirt: Goodwill. Forever 21.

Shoes: Mossimo.

Sweater: Clothing swap.

Belated Props!!!

Yesterday, while I was rattling off trivial facts of the day, I forgot to mention the most important fact of all!!! It was my Aunt Diane's, the brilliant and beautiful matriarch of our family! I'm sorry Aunt D! I thought her birthday was today. What can I say? I have yet to get my i-Cal together.

Anyway, Aunt Diane is the best, and I am so grateful she was born because our family would not have been the same without her!

Happy Belated, and many more! See you tomorrow!!!

Today was a real TGIF day. After a very busy and crazy week, it is nice to have a couple of days to get my sleep on!

I had a kindergarten parent dinner that was lovely and fun, and, amazingly, the group of parents I was sitting with, and I, did NOT talk about our kids!!! There were a few kid comments, naturally, but they were said in passing. We talked about New York, the seats in Disney Concert Hall, FIDM, Sondheim, and some other topics I can't get into right now...
It was a lot of fun though! And the food was scrumptious!

Outfit:

Black Sweater: Cousin hand me down.

Leopard wrap top: Le Chateau, circa 1997. I wore this 10 days ago.

Skirt: Goodwill. Zara.

Sweater coat: Goodwill. Forever 21. One of the last things I bought before I started this project!


Shoes: American Eagle.

Pajama Day, Hey!

It was Pajama Day today. This gave me the opportunity to not have to get "dressed" today, which, of course was a nice breath of fresh air. I wonder what would happen if the whole world went to work in their pajamas for one day...

By the way, today it is Mickey Mouse's birthday! I guess he was "born" when he debuted in "Steamboat Willie" on this day, in 1928.


It is also Great American Smokeout Day! Although it sounds like a day for pot heads to gather and celebrate, it is actually a call for smoker's to quit for at least a day. It is the 35th anniversary, and according to statistics smoking is on the decline! I wish someone would tell my two-pack a day father that!

On a completely different note, my neighbor, along with her sister who is visiting, was kind enough to to bring me a plate of the most scrumptious and amazing brownies ever! Thank you, lovely ladies! They are dee-lish!!!


Outfit:

Nightgown: Thrift store. I have a weakness for old nightgowns and slips! I bought this years ago!

Robe: A gift from Richard. Courtesy of the Los Angeles Clippers.

Shoes: Fit Flops.

For the Birds!

I love this skirt very much. I get compliments on it whenever I wear it, and I found it at Goodwill! It was made by a company called Citron,  that makes very beautiful clothing. I have a few other items from Citron that I've received as gifts. They all have exquisite fabric and lovely detail. That said, I would have bought this skirt whether it was made by Citron or Old Navy. I just really love the print.

The other day when I was at school, I saw a women wearing a red jacket with the same crane print! She's had it for years, and its one of her favorites too!

I wore this skirt in it's regular form on November 4, for the first time this year. I saved this skirt for the end of this project because I was going to wear it everyday for one week, in 5 different ways (weekend excluded, of course). I decided against it because I didn't want kids asking me why I was wearing the same thing everyday. Today I had a little girl in my class eye me, then  ask, "Is that a skirt?". I asked her how she knew, and she remembered me wearing it awhile back.

Anyway, I may or may not wear this skirt another way before my year is over, but, one thing is certain: this is a skirt I will keep!

Outfit:

Sweater: Cousin hand-me-down: Mossimo.

Skirt (worn as dress): Goodwill. Citron.

Boots: Dansko.

Menopause?!

I don't know what is going on with my body, but tonight I had the thought that maybe I am going through early menopause! Physically exhausted, irritable, hot, (and I'm usually always cold)... When I lay down to read to the kids, which turned into Leo reading to me before I read to the kids, I put my head on the pillow and felt super relieved and comfy.

 Now, I must admit that the three proceeding hours included three major melt downs from the three kids, and driving home in L.A. traffic. These things could make anybody irritable right? I think so. Or maybe it is my pesky hormones going cray-cray after seven years with three pregnancies and 4 years and 8 months of nursing that continues despite my efforts to discourage any partaking of "bah-bah". I tell HaHa no, and she persists, squeezing every last drop she can out of my sad and exhausted mammary glands. She actually tells me when they are "done"... Anyway, qqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqq


I am tired and I needs to get some zzzzz's. Case in point, see the above qqqqqq's! (made by mistake as I was drifting)(honest!)

Outfit:

Top: Forever 21. This was in impulse on sale buy, and it's going bye-bye after this year is through!

Sweater: Cousin hand-me-down. Forever 21.

Pants: Isaac Mizrahi for Target!

Shoes: American Eagle.

Late Again!

We got invited last-minute to dinner because there was a broken freezer and food that needed to be cooked and eaten. Of course that means that we got home late and now I'm off schedule and I have sworn that I'm going to get to bed early, and now it is 11:04 and I have to cook shrimp so that it doesn't go bad and I have to make lunches and shower, and I feel my early bed time slipping away as I type...

So, on to outfit!

Outfit:

Striped shirt: Friend hand me down. Gap.

Pants: Goodwill. It has a matching jacket!

Belt: Goodwill. My friend's daughter called it a "whale belt".

Jacket: Friend hand me down. Aldo.

Shoes: Fit Flops.

Tay-Tay and K.K.!

A little angel, named Aunt Janine, let me sleep in until 11 today!!! Yay!!! I got to bed at 1:30 a.m., after my rockin' night, and I was pooped after a hectic past few days.

Sometimes I am so tired I can actually feel fatigue in my bones...

Anyway, It is the birthday of two of the loveliest ladies I know! My sister, Kim, and my genetic half- sister-a.k.a.-cousin Taylor! They were born on the same day in the SAME year! Some qualities they share, besides being related to me are:

Beauty, intelligence, kindness, humor, courage, and just down-right amazing-ness!

I could write a book about all of the things these ladies have done over the years, because they have done a lot! Oregon Shakespere Festival, a one woman show, moved to Japan, single mom at 23, gone back to school (they both did that one). For the rest, you'll have to guess!

Can't write a lucid post, of late. Writer's block, or post-traumatic-post syndrome?...

Happy Birthday little sisters!!!! You're the greatest!!!

Outfit:

Print shirt: Friend hand-me-down.

Under dress: Goodwill. Old Navy.

Skirt: Salvation Army. High school purchase!

Shoes: American Eagle.

Rockin' the Bat Mitzvah!

I just got back from a fabulously fun Bat Mitzvah! I love Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. They are good times. Before our rockin' hora extravaganza, there was something called the "Havdalah", which was very beautiful. It almost made me and  Maura,  the other female singer in the band, want to convert.


It was a great crowd, which always helps, but my favorite moment of the night was when a young boy came up to the band and asked me, "Do you know any Ke$ha?" I answered very matter of factly, "We're too old." 

He gave me a funny look, but I spoke the truth.


Two outfits for November 13:


 





 
Day: 

 Shirt: Thrift store: Clio.


 Jeans: Clothing Swap. J.Crew.


Shoes: Fit Flops.




Night:

Shirt: I got this in New York at least 15 years ago, and I have no idea where I got it. Someplace down town on Broadway.

Pants: Express.


Shoes: American Eagle.


Jacket: Goodwill. Jones New York.

The venue was very dark, so I couldn't get a good shot.  I took my photo in our "Green room" behind where we were playing...But at least you know it's not a repeat!