The Last Outfits!

I wore two outfits today. One I put together in complete haste and was not happy with, and the other I was completely happy with. Both outfits were donned in order to enjoy meals. For brunch, we went to Roscoe's, and for New Year's Eve dinner I went to my amazing friends' Josh and Brady's.

As I was talking and toasting in the New Year with my mom, my aunt, my mother-in-law, HaHa and Richard, my aunt reminded me that I was supposed to wear this lace dress she gave me last year. The dress was from a yard sale my neighbors across the street were having. I put the dress on for Christmas, but decided that I should save it for New Year's, but of course, I forgot.

So, I may wear the dress tomorrow. It is still a "special" day right? First day of 2011.

I will have several follow up posts. Not sure how often they will come, but they will be posted.

One of these posts will be devoted to the contents of this garment bag I was given by the very sweet mother of my adorable friend. The bag came with a note that said "Do Not Open Before January 1". I also received some other "gifts" this week that I feel obliged to show. They are all very awesome!

Who knows, with the contents of the garment bag, and my other gifts, I may not have to shop in 2011 either!

Time will tell...

Happy, Happy, New Year to you all!!!










Outfits:

Day: Shirt: Cousin hand-me-down. Forever 21.

Dress: Friend Hand-me-down. Ann Taylor.

Dress: Goodwill.

Skirt: salvation Army.

Night: Sequin Jacket. One of my beloved friends gave this to me in high school. She had great taste.

Wife beater: Target. I got these when I was pregnant with Charlie. They were a pregnancy staple!

Pants: Express. These pants were bought for a friend's wedding.

Shoes: Thrift store. They have sequins, but they are not so comfortable for long wear. They may be in the "out" pile!

Birthday Gumbo!!!

Tonight I had the honor of attending a birthday party for one of the sweetest and most stylish ladies I know! A true beauty and gracious hostess, she served us a magnificent and delicious gumbo, as well as a bevy of tasty treats and libations!

It was a fabulous party. The guests were delightful, the conversations were intriguing, and the music, was on point! I am so glad I got to go, because the rest of my day was pretty hectic.

At said party, I was given a new moniker by my BFF, Pollyanna. I am now going to be known as "The Swirl"(as in down with the...), when I order cappuccinos and do karaoke!  I like it so very much!

So, it is 1:42 a.m. I think I have only gone to bed before midnight once this whole break. I have also not woken up before 10:00 a.m. more than once...

Maybe my next project should be about getting to bed early...

One day left!!!

Outfit:

I have a "day" look and a "night". I took the boys to the optometrist today, so I opted for basic "mom" gear. I jazzed it up at night for the party!

Day: Shirt: Cousin hand-me-down. Mossimo.

Pants: Goodwill. Mossimo.

Shoes:Wanted.

Night: Under Shirt: Goodwill. Isabel Marant.

Jacket: Some thrift store long, long ago. I couldn't resist the sequins! A. Buyer.

 Pants: Same.

Shoes: Goodwill. Jelly Beanz.

Three More No Repeat Days!

Okay people this is one of my final three outfits!!! Final three! Awesome, dude!

I took a page out of HaHa's book, (which was really my book, of course), and decided to go poncho with my skirt. Why not, right? This is all about experimenting and mixing it up. So, that was my inspiration.

Interestingly, when I was enjoying my 15 minutes of kid-free time of the day, leafing through a much appreciated copy of Vogue brought to me by my mother-in-law, I found a picture of a woman wearing a look not quite unlike mine and HaHa's. So, my fashion instincts are not so wacko after all...

I was going to write about the gift I was given today in a garment bag with a note that says: "Do Not Open Until January 1st", but I'll talk about that tomorrow!

I gotta get some sleep!

Outfit:

Skirt: Salvation Army. High School purchase. This is probably the seventh time I've worn it this year. (I can't wait to see if I'm right!)

Sweater: Cousin hand-me-down. Tulle.

Skirt: Thrift store. Another oldie-but-goody!

Boots: Fresh friend hand-me-down. It rained again today!

Three Days to Go!!!

Can it be possible?! Do I really only have three days left of thinking about whether or not I've worn two or three items of clothing together already? Three more days of taking pictures of myself where 99% of them are horrid? Three more days of posting? Three more days where I am forbidden to shop?!

Heck Yeah! Three days to go baby! Boo-yah! I am almost at the finish line!!! Yippee!!!

I will probably have a few follow up posts, as mandated by Richard. Maybe tomorrow I'll let him post for me. I must say,  I have found that the blogging of this project, as well as the support and attention from my lovely readers, really, truly, kept me honest and motivated. I don't know if I would have kept my promise if I had just made it to myself. In fact, I believe I tried not to shop the year before last and I fell off the wagon pretty quickly. So, I really, really, thank you all for giving me the time of day!

Today, while driving to pick up my lovely mother-in-law at the train station, I got forced onto some carpool express way with no exits! I think it was going to LAX. After about 6 miles of driving (that felt like 10), I saw an exit for the 710 freeway, which happened to be ending. I was in Alhambra! All from one bad right turn.

Lucky for me, the train was late. So, I didn't have to feel horrible for making my mother-in-law wait in the dark, cold, night!

Outfit:

This outfit is so much better in person! So delicate, yet strong. I waited until the last minute to take my photos, and the light was not good. I then took them inside before dinner, but I was distracted. I was going to take them again right now, but I don't have the energy. At least you can see it's not a repeat!

Shirt: Goodwill. Isabel Marant.

Skirt: Thrift store. I got this many, many years ago. It was a dress, but I cut off the top. It was very frilly and not my style when I cut it, but I probably would wear it the original way today if I could! I think it is homemade.

Dress: Thrift store. Another ancient find. Joan Leslie by Kasper.

Shoes: Haha picked these out for me, and I rather like them with this. I probably would have chosen differently! Goodwill. Jelly Beanz.  




 

Four to Go!

Four more days! Four more days and then?... I have a few ideas!

Today our pediatrician called and said that Leo's throat culture from LAST Monday cam back positive for strep. So that's a whole week Leo's been around other kids and people, giving him many opportunities to infect them! Yay! I guess the rapid strep test has around a 5% percent chance of a false negative. And here I thought that Leo might just be one of the lucky folk who are immune to the streptococcus bacteria.

So, could this be what I've been fighting? I don't think so, because my throat doesn't hurt, but I'm going to call the doctor tomorrow to see if I could be carrying strep even if I don't have symptoms.

Why am I so interested in finding out, you ask? Because one of my dearest and loveliest and most creative and amazing friends is moving across the country in three days with her family, and I would hate to get them sick, even if I feel like I'm fine...

Outfit:

Since I'm not at work this week I don't have to worry about what I look like! I really only have one goal: Do Not Repeat! I think I'm in the clear, but I shouldn't jinx myself!

Dress: Thrift store. This was a puffy, ruffled, shoulder-padded dress that I deconstructed.

Pants: Thrift store. Bottom half of an adorable jumpsuit I cut in half for some strange reason.

Jacket: Goodwill. Ann Taylor. I have promised this jacket to a lovely lady up north who adores it. I like it fine, but I am not super attached to it!

Shoes: Capezio. These are dance sandals I bought when I was playing Eve, as in the first woman, in a show seventeen or so years ago. Frightening! I was in college. Seventeen years ago... I'm old!

HaHa is attached to her skirt. I convinced her to wear it on her shoulders so that it wouldn't get destroyed in the park!

Staving off Sickness!

I started feeling a little achy last night, and woke up feeling bad. I stayed in bed a long time, made some chicken soup, and am nursing a hot toddy as I write.

I feel better than I did earlier, and with a little luck, I'll wake up feeling back to normal. With all of the sickness that has been through our house of late, I'm surprised I managed to last this long

Maybe I was waiting for Christmas!

Teena Marie passed away today. She was a major musical presence in my house growing up!  For a thoughtful tribute read, r.i.p. lady t. 

She will certainly be missed.

Outfit:

Sweater: Cousin hand-me-down. Mossimo.

Pants: Goodwill. This is the Express "Editor" pant. I like the cut, but I feel that these are slightly tight. Richard said they look "fine", and that I just "need different underwear". I guess by that he means a girdle. Maybe they will fit better after the holiday season is through!

Still Rockin' the skirt

Shoes: Friend hand-me-down. Nine West.

Merry Merry!

Santa came to our house last night! I thought he might only leave a bunch of coal, but he surprised me. What also surprised me was the joy I got from watching the kids open their gifts. While I'm not the biggest fan of Christmas, I am a fan of children getting excited about Santa!

I must thank the lovely and generous Santa's who supplied the kids with very thoughtful and lovely gifts! the children were delighted, and I know they will use and love them for a long time.

HaHa got THREE babies and a tea set! I was amazed at how adept she was at serving and sharing her "tea party" with us. How did she learn about tea parties?

I'll have to ask her!

Outfit:

Perhaps I was subconsciously inspired by "Black Swan", which I saw last night. There is a little bit of a dance feel to this outfit...

Dress: This was a give away that my best friend gave to me years ago. It used to belong to a T.V. actress!!! Ooh -La-La! Ann Taylor. In truth, it is the perfect shape for my body type (pear).

Sleeves: I made these many years ago by cutting off the sleeves of a leotard and attaching them in the back with a piece of elastic. I haven't worn these in many years. I can't say that I'll wear them again, either.

Shoes: American Eagle.

HaHa enjoys a tea party with her new friends.

HaHa got this lovely skirt today!

Flower: My cousin gave this to me on Thursday. I love it!

Dear Santa!

A lovely day. A lovely night, and, I saw a movie in the theater for the first time since May!!! Yay!

Thanks mom!

Without Jacket!

Charlie left a few notes for Santa. Three of them on behalf of his stuffed friends Alvin, Weather Bear, and Pouncing Puppy. They were very sweet. I'm glad my humbug spirit hasn't worn off on my kids!

I am actually looking forward to the kids reactions when they wake up in the morning. We told them we were hopeful that Santa would not leave them coal, but we weren't sure what would happen. Charlie's response was that "Diamonds are made from coal". Always the optimist, that one!

Anyway, for those of you who celebrate Christmas, I wish you a very MERRY one!!! Ho-Ho-Ho!!!
Outfit:
Tank: Friend hand-me-down.

Khaki shirt: Cousin hand-me-down.Converse.

Jacket: Salvation Army. I got this in high school. I love the print so.

Skirt: Thrift store. Another high school find.

Shoes: These bad boys were a hand-me-down from my FRESH friend. American Eagle.


Charlie's Letters:

Winter White!

I put on a completely different outfit this morning, but I decided to change because I though it was a little bit too fancy for today. I decided I would save it for Christmas. So stay tuned!

I opted instead to wear this mix of creams and white. Perfect for the day, and risky because I was surrounded by red wine and chili this evening. I also made a little Christmas punch, and, of course I spilled a few red drops down the front of my shirt right off the bat.  But that's what life's all about, right? Red stains on a white shirt.

I had an amazing evening seeing friends and family that I just don't get to see enough. I also got to tell my dear friend Tony that I am a jerk and very sorry for missing his birthday! In my defense, I was still in the hospital with HaHa on his birthday. However, that is really no excuse.

I hope to never forget Tony's birthday again because he is a truly amazing and talented person and I am very lucky to know him! So, happy belated birthday Totoro!!! You're the best!

Outfit:

Long sleeve shirt: Goodwill. James Pearse.

Sweater(Under): Old Navy.

Sweater (Outer): Cousin hand-me-down. Mossimo.

Skirt: Goodwill. This is a dress I cut off.

Skirt (Under): Salvation Army. I believe I got this in high school.


Shoes: Kenzie.

Battle of the Babes!

It's a good thing that toddlers are so small. If HaHa were he same size as me, and we were in a battle,  like we were just a few hours ago, she would absolutely win. First of all, she refused to put on her pajamas. Then she screamed when I told her she had to take off her five necklaces before bed, and insisted on sleeping with an old bill she seized from a book I was reading. She also was having melt-downs about not having enough toothpaste, which is like candy to her.

After all of this, she finally settled, but then changed her mind and decided that she wanted to "go downstairs" to see grandma and Aunt Janine. I spent the next half hour holding her still while she tried to escape my clutches. It was horrible and I was glad when she finally gave into sleep.

We have also been having a lot of battles over clothes. Believe it or not,  HaHa has a very keen sense of what she will and will not wear. Usually, every outfit battle begins with a "bathing suit" (an actual bathing suit or a pair of bloomer-like bottoms). It's amazing to me that she is so enamored with bathing suits, because I would do anything to avoid getting into one! I guess that's the joy of being a baby; your world view is minuscule. Societal pressure means as much to you as your mother saying,"It's time for bed". Body image does not exist. You are the perfect expression of presence in your body and your body is full of joy and cuteness!!!

Ah... to be young again!

Outfit:

Had very serious outfit deja-vu, but think I am just being paranoid... Ah well, only eight more days that I have to think of this stuff!!!

 HaHa in a victory pose after getting her way!

White shirt: Gift from friend.

Sweater: Cousin hand-me-down. Old Navy.

Skirt: High school find. Salvation army.

Boots: Friend hand-me-down. Outside wear.

Shoes: American Eagle. Inside wear!

The Midnight Shuffle!

Oh-oh-oh...
I'm doing the midnight shuffle.
Staying awake.
I love the late-night bustle.

Staying up all night,
Is the life that thrills me.
But when I see the morning light,
Oh- It kills me...

Thankfully my mom and aunt are here and they've been letting me sleep in!

I don't know why I decided to write that little diddy. It has a tune, but I am not tech savvy enough to upload it here. I'll hum it for you when I see you!

Outfit:

Basic black with a flair.

Top: Goodwill. I bought this when I was pregnant with HaHa, and I've only worn it once before, with a baby bump in tow.  It is more summer worthy, but I haven't worn it this year, so I decided to throw it on! Si'en.

Sweater: Cousin hand-me-down. Tulle.

Skirt: Forever 21.

Shoes: Friend hand-me-down.

Aman-About-Town!

Tonight I went out to celebrate my very sweet friend Aman's birthday! His party was at a cool little spot on the Sunset strip called Libertine. There was an awesome band and they played some great songs including a rockin' cover of MGMT's Electric Feel. I really love that song. It is good.

So, after a lovely night out, I arrived at home at 1:30 to a room full of men playing poker in my living room. I went into the back room to do my post, and I promptly fell asleep. Now it is 2:37 a.m. and I have to decide: decent post, or bed?

I think I am going to go with bed. I am so, so sleepy. Long day at The Espy compound.


By the way, at this time, 2:47 a.m., the boys are STILL playing poker. And it's a work night. Oh, well...

Tomorrow is another day!

Outfit:

Top: This is a vintage dress I found in a thrift store long ago. The hem is a little short for my taste, so I decided to throw a skirt over it.

Skirt: George.

Shoes: American Eagle.

Give 'em the Slip!

I have had a longstanding love affair with vintage slips and nightgowns. The delicate fabrics, the lace, and details have always made me swoon. I really, really adore them. However, I can't really go around town wearing my slips and nightgowns for all the world to see.

I can however, wear my slips and nightgowns all around my house. And I do. Sometimes. More often I can be found wearing sweat pants when I'm hanging at home on a Sunday. But today, 12 days before my final non-repeat-outfit, I am taking advantage of my slips, as well as my need to not repeat!

The rain made for lovely accompaniment to the day. I love the pitter-pat upon the roof.



Outfit:
I am wearing 3 slips all together, but you can only see two.

Under slip: Thrift store. Calvin Klein.

Pink tank: Old Navy.

Half slip: Thrift store.

Sweater: Cousin hand-me-down! Mossimo.

Shoes: None.

Mi Familia!

Today we had our annual "Festivus" party on my maternal side of the family. I must say, I have a truly awesome family! We had a wonderful time catching up, reminiscing, and eating copious amounts of  delicious food.

My cousins, my aunts, my uncles, my little cousins, mates of cousins, are superbly entertaining, and sweet and beautiful and lovely and we had a wonderful day!

I also got a very sweet phone message from a friend I've known for 28 years! She is the best, and I'm glad that I can still call her friend after such a long time!

HaHa stayed up until midnight. Could she be genetically programmed for late night shenanigans?! It is 2:55 a.m. right now and both Richard and I are typing away on our keyboards, finishing business we should have completed long ago...

I do know that writing when I'm in this state is not so hot. At any rate, family, I love you!!!

Outfit:

Going for a Christmas palate!

Shirt: Goodwill. I love this shirt. The print has birds in it!

Skirt: Goodwill. I love this skirt. It has sequins!!! Forever 21.


Shoes: American Eagle.

Fallin' in Soup!

Tonight I made soup. I often forget how lovely a soup can be. I rarely make it for the family, but I am thinking it is something I should do more often. Soup is good food.

I had a wonderful day at work. The kids were so excited and sweet, and the morning started with a fabulous concert!

Who could ask for more?!

Outfit:

Sweater: Goodwill. Lux. I seem to like things from this brand...

Shirt: Cousin hand-me-down. Mossimo.

Pants: Cousin hand-me-down again! Gap!

Shoes: Mossimo.