In Defense of Thrift!

Last night at the theater a friend asked, "What are you wearing?" I replied, "a dress". He then asked: "Is it from Goodwill, or Forever 21?" Ouch! Very snarky! After I got over being offended, I thought about it and I realized that he had a point. In the past few years I have bought more things at Goodwill than any other place. Forever 21 is probably second. In addition to those, I've shopped at Gap, Old Navy, and Anthropologie. Very sparingly, of course!

This weekend, a friend I went to high school with, and I were talking about our glory days. He commented that when we were in high school, a private school, it was much hipper to wear clothes from thrift stores, than to wear labels and expensive things. Of course, there were some kids who were into that stuff, and I did go through an ESPRIT phase in 7th grade, but for the most part, labels were out. We were artists. We were anti-establishment (at least we thought we were). We were individuals. Why would we go to a retail store and buy something everybody else had? Much cooler to crawl the aisles of some second hand store and find a vintage polyester jump suit, bell bottoms, or an old T-shirt.

As I got older, the habit stuck. Scouring the aisles was akin to a treasure hunt. It was meditative, and it was satisfying. Much more so for me than retail therapy. It also quelled the guilt I felt about consumption. Thrift store items had already been bought and purchased. They were recycled. They were not adding dyes and bleach into the ecosystem. They were not using new resources. Little children were not being forced to make them in factories. This gave me comfort. 


Now, in direct contrast, is Forever 21. I'm sure this seems like a contradiction. You have to wonder how they make the stuff so cheaply? I met someone who said they had "sweat shops" in L.A., that her mom worked there, and that it was awful. I have since avoided the store, even though it is a delightful cornucopia of trendy fashion!

Outfit:

One of the "trends" for spring is tribal prints and accessories. I thought that I ought to challenge myself and my closet by keeping up with the fashion Joneses. I actually think this shirt is pretty ugly, and I think I bought it because of the detail on the back (and it was 4 bucks!) I was shopping with a group of gals for a birthday celebration last November. After my year is up, I can see this in the give away pile!


Shirt: Forever 21. In honor of my friend!

Jeans: Cousin. Gap.

Shoes: Miz Mooz by Gazith.

Jacket: Old Navy Maternity. I still wear it, when I get the urge.

I've included a picture of how I dressed up my dress last night for the play! This was taken at 12:30 a.m. and I really just wanted to be done!

Spring Forward!

Today spring is definitely in the air. At least here in Los Angeles it is! It is one of those perfect days. Neither too hot nor cold, breezy and bright. It is one of those days when you understand why so many people live in Southern California. Although, some are apparently leaving as California falls deeper into an abyss. It is very hard to see the state suffering, when it has held such promise in the past. Now over 50% of graduating high school seniors can't pass an exit exam, and the state is close to bankruptcy. Yikes!

I am going to see The Piano Lesson at The Broad Stage tonight. This inspired me to wear something that could go day to night with just a few changes (namely shoes). The Broad Stage is actually located on the site where I attended Kindergarten through third grade! Madison Elementary was a fantastic PUBLIC school, and I have many fond memories of that place. It will be nice to be back on those grounds and feel the spirit of '79!

Outfit:

Dress: This is a Goodwill find, of course! This is the first time I've worn this. I am not sure what inspired me to purchase this. I must have been in a mood. It's very school teacher circa 1950. It is in perfect condition!

Shoes: Airwalk.

The Bu!

After a birthday party Leo had to attend, I drove the boys out to Malibu. Their godfather Brady was visiting, so we couldn't miss out on the chance to see him! As far as birthday parties go, to me, this was one of the best. First, because the family asked for no gifts, only donations to Haiti (or any other charity you wanted to support). And second, because they did not give party favors. I really hate party favors. I dislike them because most of the time they are plastic crap that fall apart that the boys don't need. Or it's candy, which the boys also don't need. The other thing I don't like about party favors is that my children now expect them and ask at the end of every party, "May I please have a goody bag?" I've always felt it weird that you expect a present when it's not your party. Can't the birthday boy or girl have their special day? Does everyone have to get something? I hate it. I also hate the toys that they get at the dentist, the doctor, or the restaurant. Why does there have to be a reward? Why can't the experience be the reward?

On the beach, we had a fabulous time and it ended with Charlie getting hit in the head by a flying  surfboard! Apparently, it had not been properly secured. It knocked Charlie down. Too bad I didn't get it on film because Charlie keeps saying he wants to be on YouTube. I'm sure that would have gotten a lot of views! When we got home and Charlie washed his hair, we realized he has a HUGE bump on his head!
Poor Charlie. Thank goodness it didn't hit him in the eye or mouth!


Outfit:

Even though we were beach bound, it is still a little chilly. Sundays are very hard for me to get dressed. It is the day of rest!

Shirt: Forever 21. This was a pregnancy purchase because it is very stretchy.

Sweater: Clothing swap. Alfani. 

Pants: Old Navy. These are my too big kick-around pants.

Shoes: Fit Flops.


Hat: This was knit by the boys' other godfather Josh! He is multi-talented! It is so lovely!

This is Leo sabotaging my photo!

Bug-A-Palooza!!!

Today the whole family went to participate in Leo's schools' annual fundraiser. It is a silent auction with activities and food, and it is always a wild time. All of the parents in the school work really hard to put this festival together, and my/our contribution this year was getting The Monte Carlo Band to play!

Before the big day arrived, I was starting to have second thoughts about the band performing because a: we're not really a kids band, and b: I was a little freaked out about singing in this situation because it just seemed a little awkward. I don't know why. We got to perform right after Lisa Loeb which was exciting for me! I wanted to talk to her about her VH1 show that was on a few years back because I watched several episodes and was curious as to what happened. She said she has a baby, so I guess it all worked out!( It was a dating show). She was great, and she just seems like a really cool, easy person.

Now, I have to give a shout out to the AMAZING people in this band. I was doing this as a labor of love, but they were doing it out of the kindness of their hearts. They are my heroes and I think we rocked the house! One of the highlight was the bass player Steve's rendition of Ring of Fire which included a spoken word section Steve created that was brilliant! He was perfection, and this is the perfect opportunity for me to mention that an organization Steve works with is having a fundraiser soon. The group is called A Circle of Twelve. They are having a their event on March 27th. It is: A Rose Among Thorns, a stunning one-woman show featuring acclaimed stage and screen star Ella Joyce as Rosa Parks. Details are on the website!

Another highlight of this afternoon was Maura singing the Led Zeppelin version of Rock and Roll. She killed it, like she always does, and the whole band sounded fantastic! I am really lucky I get to sing with such pros! Oh, a third highlight was Hollis coming up and joining us on stage. She really wanted the mic... I am not surprised!

Outfit:

Shirt: I wore this two days ago. My cousin gave it to me. Forever 21.

Skirt: Thrift store circa high school. In honor of the bugs! Vintage. Also worn in Re-Fashionista and V-Day.

Skirt #2: Thrift Store circa high school as well! Vintage.

Shoes: Predictions. They don't really match, but this was a costume of sorts.

This is my Rock Lobster face!

In the Dumps!

Rather than wait until I get home to post, I opted to do a rush job on my lunch break. Every room in the building was occupied, so I decided to go where no one would interrupt my embarrassing ritual: The Dumpster Area. The light was a little sketchy, but I figure you can see the silhouette, textures, and colors of this outfit just fine.

I got several compliments on this outfit, and all eyebrows were raised when I said this sweater was from Goodwill. Two of the people commented that I "have a good eye." Another said I must know where "the good Goodwills are." I guess I do have a good eye, but mostly what I have is patience. Either way, it was nice to get complimented on my outfit choice today. I threw it together in a flash, and I wasn't feeling too great about it. However, I'm sure there's a lot more of that coming. I'm not even at day 100 yet!

Of course, I ran out of time on my half hour lunch to finish posting. Then,  I had to leave work in a rush to pick up Leo by 3:30, go get Hollis, and get to Mar Vista Recreation Center (they have great classes!) for the boys 4:15 skate class. After that, we headed home, but with traffic and child wrangling, I did not arrive until six. So, I am posting late after all. On days when I sub, I don't know that I'm subbing until 6 or so in the morning... It is what it is!



Outfit:

Multi-Colored Knit Sweater: Goodwill. Rabbit Rabbit Rabbit Designs.

Khaki Green Tank: So old I don't remember where I got it.

Black Skirt: Forever 21. Pregnancy purchase that has made it through 3 pregnancies (and post 3)!

Belt: This was a gift from my aunt about 20 years ago. She has amazing taste and it was from the Sundance Catalog.  She is a gifted seamstress, and has a brilliant eye!

Shoes: American Eagle. Same as yesterday!

Elements!

I was back in science again, and the Thursday schedule is brutal! There are back to back classes from 8:30 to 12:30, with no break! Luckily one of the groups was lagging and I ran to the bathroom. We worked on the periodic table of elements and it was a lot of fun. The kids were great. Later in the day, another class was working on claymation movies they made about the food chain. Pretty awesome stuff!

After I made Charlie a tuna sandwich, because I did not have time to make one this morning, I only had about half an hour for lunch. I did not have time to do my post, as I thought I would. Even now, I don't have time. I should be making dinner...

Okay. In light of the fact that it is late I will keep this brief. I got home and the light was working against me. I imported pictures and you couldn't see the black shirt because it blended in with the tree trunk. I moved inside and those were just as mediocre. I need the light! I also realized that I am not a huge fan of this outfit, so I had to psych myself out to pose. In the first one, I'm pretending to sing "boys, boys, crazy boys" from West Side Story. In the bottom photo I decided to show you how the majority of my pictures look because I am the least photogenic person ever. At any rate, I am happy that America's Next Top Model is back on because I might get some pointers, and Andre Leon Talley is the new judge! Peace out!

Outfit:

Mock Shirt/Sweater: From Cousin. Forever 21.

Skirt: Salvation Army. High school find. I like the sparkle and the zig-zag action. I thought it was a nice compliment to the dots on the shirt.

Shoes: American Eagle.

Here I was trying to look like I was "walking". Yikes!

Humpday!

Today, after picking up Leo, I ran into a lovely woman I know. Her son, a truly remarkable child, was in my class last year. She was looking very chic, with a gorgeous cream colored sweater-coat, and a jewel tone purple sweater underneath. She had on a scarf, and I think dark jeans with boots. Fabulous! I couldn't get all the details because I was eying Leo as he rushed though the stands at the Farmer's Market. She told me she had been looking at my blog and it had given her a little inspiration! I was very excited to hear this! This is what the whole point of my project was/is: To find inspiration in the clothes I have collected, and to mix it up!

I could, if I had to, wear jeans every single day of the year. I love jeans and I wear them a lot. Maybe it's because I NEVER wore them when I was younger. I was much heavier, so I always wore skirts and very, very, baggy pants. Anyway, jeans have only been a staple of my wardrobe for the past 10 years or so. Wait, I am digressing, but I do hope this blog gives a little inspiration to a few stuck-in-a-rut fashionistas!





Outfit:

I am wearing khakis for the first time in my life! My cousin gave me two pair of Gap Khakis with the tags still on. Two different styles. I am lucky that I have stylish relatives and friends. If I didn't, would my closet look totally different?... Food for thought!

Shirt: Goodwill. Campus Casuals. Totally 80's, and it has birds on it! My shirt yesterday did too!
I wore this on Back to School Never Felt So Good. I guess I can wear this about three more times, max!

Undershirt: This is a black leotard I cut the sleeves off of that I've had forever.

Pants: From Cousin. Gap.

Shoes: Predictions. I think everyone should have at least one pair of red shoes!... If they want to, of course! 

The kids decided to join me for a photo. They know people like to see them!

Science is Real!

Hey Ya! Back in the wonderful science room, and I decided to pay tribute to They Might Be Giants with my blog title today. I loved them when I was younger and now I have passed the torch on to my kids. Their latest and greatest kid album, Here Comes Science, is a lot of fun and has been running through my mind all day. I especially love the song Meet the Elements, and I love watching Charlie do his funky interpretive dance when it comes on. He points to objects made of the element being sung about, and it makes for some good chuckles. The whole family recently saw They Might Be Giants at Royce Hall, and I had a very surreal moment of being "the elder" generation. Flashbacks of seeing them play in my 20's appeared before me, and I had to laugh at how quickly time is moving! The science teacher left me with a wonderful lesson plan, and it is ALWAYS a treat to be in her class. She really knows her stuff!

I did not know what I was going to talk about today, but I always manage to blab on about something. I will pass on a little article Richard sent me this morning in an email. I am not sure if he is trying to tell me something, or if he just thought this was interesting. I do need some extra cash since taking this year off...  Hmmm... boobus cheese!

Outfit:

I wanted to wear something super cute, but it is really hard to dress up when you know you're going to be on the floor and in the trenches with kids. I kept the bottom functional and tried to make the top "professional".

Long sleeve tie blouse: Thrift store. This is clearly a 70's or 80's number and I got it when I worked in admissions. I love the rich colors and the funky print.

Blue Sweater Vest: I bought this at this very cool shop on Jay Street in Manhattan. It had all of this very interesting knit wear and I bought some things for friends and this when I happened upon it years ago.

Jeans: These are jeans I bought from Old Navy just after Leo was born. They really don't fit all that well, but I keep them around, because that's the kind of girl I am!

Shoes: Same as yesterday. Predictions. Several years old.

Weird Science!

I am subbing in science again, and no, it isn't weird, but I needed a title. When I was a kid I watched Weird Science a million times with my best friends Pollyanna and Sarah. We loved it, and we were in love with Ilan Mitchell Smith. At least I was. I think we all were. So cute, that one! To this day, I can still quote choice lines from the film, such as, "You're stewed buttwad!", or, "In your race for power and glory, you forgot one, small, detail." Why is it these lines come with ease, but I can't remember the birthdays of some family members?

Interestingly, we were working on tornadoes in science and that's just what my morning was like! Everything was a rush and a blur, and I grabbed this green sweater  and worked my way down. I am a tree today, mirroring the browns and greens of one of our earthly ancestors. My shoes also have flowers, so Mother Earth is my inspiration!

I just made that up, but I do love me some trees and Mother Earth!

Also, I would like to thank those of you who have been kind enough to look at this blog and share it with others. It really, truly, means a lot to me!

Outfit:

Green sweater: From Cousin. Old Navy.

Brown Beaded Collar Shirt: Hand me down from stylish friend! I.N.C.

Brown Pants: Goodwill. MODA International. I have 5 pairs of brown. I bought 3 and two were given to me.

Shoes: Predictions.

Funday!

Woah, boy, this is the latest I've ever published a post! I feel like a slacker, but I can't be a slave to my blog, right? It was a fun and busy Sunday. It started with waking up with the kids and keeping them in one room trying to stop them from using their natural volume level, which is the equivalent of shouting. I then came downstairs, made pancakes for the kids (we had our nephew sleep over last night), and rushed to get dressed before I had to get out the door to pick up pizza for band rehearsal.

Rehearsal went longer than it was supposed to, but we had a lot of fun and got to catch up. The people in the band are all very talented and they rock. I got to hear about Tim's second week on the "orange juice" fast. I had never heard of this one, but he has had nothing but orange juice for two weeks and he feels great. Previously, he had not been feeling well, which is why he started it. I also got to meet Marc's mom, who is a beautiful and looked too youthful to have a 30-something year old son. I got to hear about the new loves and new exes of some, and then we played and it was fabulous! Music is a balm!

I returned home and my wonderful and sweet friend Wendy (creator of I heart Guts) came by to visit with her amazingly adorable son. Soon after, another nephew dropped by for a quick hello and just as it was getting close to din-din, my amazing and dear friend Josh came by with his very sweet dog Eddie. Josh is the bee's knees and he is also the kids' godfather! I had to choose between blogging, or quality time with friends and family, so blogging lost. It is very hard for me to get dressed up on Sundays. I will try to get back to my project

Outfit:

Purple Tee: Coincidentally, Wendy gave this to me. It is from Crowded Teeth. This woman makes really cool stuff. Her site is great! I wore this shirt in Tuesday Review.

Purple Long Sleeve Shirt: Forever 21. I decided to go double purple in memory of fourth grade!

Jeans: From Cousin. Gap.

Shoes: Airwalk.

Sweater: Salvation Army. Express


This is Jordan who claims he is now taller than me. I say not quite yet!

Pot Luck!

I stayed in bed as long as I possibly could. I have to thank Richard and my Aunt Janine. We are going to the final parent pot luck for Leo's class. One last time to mingle before we go our separate ways in June.
There will be Margaritas and tacos. What more could a girl want?

I am not writing a lot today. I am hoping the blog police don't report me. I waited until 5:30 to take my pictures, so the light was against me. I went back between flash and no flash, and the pictures were a little dicey.

Outfit:

Lace Empire waist shirt: Isaac Mizrahi for Target. I got it for 7 bucks!

Grey Pencil Skirt: Goodwill. Zara.

Sweater: Friend hand-me-down: H&M.

Shoes: Patricia Field for Payless. I was looking for shoes for the boys and I saw these. They were on sale for 12 smackeroos.

By the way, it just started to pour, so I may be heading to the shin-dig in my handy dandy rain boots!

5!

It's Leo's Birthday today. He is five. I stayed up until 2:00 a.m. making mini-cupcakes for his class. They don't take that long to make, but I didn't get started until 1:00. The party last night was great. It was open bar, and they had sushi! Yay! I met some great people, and I talked to Christina Aguilera also! I don't usually bother celebrities (any L.A. native has seen their fair share and we have enough sense to know they deserve some space), but I just wanted to tell her how brilliant I thought her rendition of "This is A Man's World" at the 2008 Grammys was. Richard won tickets, and of all the people we saw that night, hers was the standout performance. When I told her this she said, "Awww... Thank you, Shelayna. Now I feel at peace in my soul." Just kidding. She said, "Thank you. Thank you very much." And then kissed me.

Kidding again!

I was out of the house ALL day. From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and I kept my coat on the whole time! It was cold. We had a lovely birthday celebration at Leo's school. The children said very sweet things to Leo. We are very lucky he gets to go to a school where they put so much thought into the teaching and the environment. Tired. Must sleep...

I have two outfits to note. What I wore to the wrap party last night, and what I wore covered up all day today!

Last night:

White Dress (worn as shirt): This was my wedding dress (I wore it over the pink skirt I wore to Pee Wee). It was summer and it was a surprise wedding. Forever 21. I tucked it in and kept the jacket buttoned! I think I got away with it!

Black Jacket: Thrift store. Jones New York.

Jeans: From Cousin: Gap.

Shoes: American Eagle. These are some of the most comfortable heels ever!



















Today:

Pink shirt: Goodwill. Scott.

Polka dot Wrap Shirt: Salvation Army. I've had it forever.

Jeans: Castoffs of a friend. Express.

Shoes: Predictions. My mom just sent them to me. I left them in Massachusetts two summers ago, so that I wouldn't have to worry about bringing tennies when I go. Last year I went with one pair of flip flops, and that was it for footwear!

Sleep Deficit...

I sit in front of the screen, for the first time since I've started really, and know not what to write. A blankness fills my mind and I realize I only slept 5 1/2 hours last night! Therefore, I am tired and at a loss. I never used to need so much sleep, but I guess that's part of getting old.  Back in the day I used to go out to a club, stay until last call, go out after last call, roll in to bed at 3 or 4 and wake up to babysit at 8:00 a.m! I had a regular Sunday morning gig from 9-12, and I never missed it. I was always on the go...

Now, I am on the slow-go.

Tonight, I am joining the amazing Ayiko for a wrap party. I wanted to mention that she is the person who coined the phrase "Treats" that I used in quotation marks a while back. I should have quoted her then, but I didn't. She uses "treats" to mean a variety of things. She might say:  "Hollis has treats in her nose", or  "He tried to show me his treats, but I looked away." Needless to say, she is a riot!

Oh, there is a website for Intact America where you can take a circumcision quiz. I got 6 out of 9! Let me know how you do!

Outfit:
Military Style Jacket: I also got this at a clothing swap, from my very stylish and wonderful friend Jaime. She is an educator extraordinaire, and she founded an incredible tutoring company called Academic Success. She is an inspiration!


Teal Scoop Shirt: This was a gift. It came with a cropped sweater trimmed with faux fur and lace. I guess I'll be wearing it at some point. I am wearing the top backwards. I may turn it around for the party tonight... We'll see!

Maroon Cami: This is by Calvin Klein. I got it ages ago, and it is on it's last legs/straps?...

Jeans: I scored these bad boys at a clothing swap! J. Crew. I always wear them with a long top because they are tighter than I like.

Shoes: Mossimo. From my admissions days!

This is Hollis sneaking in front of the camera saying "Cheese!" My little HaHa!

The Sub!

Got called at 6 a.m. to work in science and 5th grade. I love being a substitute because you get to see different styles of teaching, lesson plans, and classroom management. I also enjoy seeing where the children are in each grade, and what they are capable of. Fun, fun, fun!

In science I was lucky because there were three baby ducks and I got to play with them! They were so adorable and funny. They were also are quite stinky for such little beings. I guess I could say the same for my HaHa Bear!

After being at the zoo yesterday,  I really don't have to go back to another zoo ever. I had not been to the Los Angeles Zoo in probably over 25 years, but we had passes, so I thought I'd take the kids on their day off. I explained to them that I really don't care for animals in captivity, but I tried to be a good sport. I really hated seeing the animals in their tiny "habitats". It  just seems so unnatural. The best part about the zoo was watching Hollis' face when she saw each animal. She looked astonished and delighted as each new creature appeared before her.  I also got to see Charlie's Virgo tendencies come to life before my eyes. He was fixated on the map and following it to "The Smarty Pants" (chimps) and "The Orangutan-gos" (Orangutans). I just wanted to walk and see what we happened upon. We went head to head the whole time, but I admire Charlie's fervor and determination! I survived the zoo alone with the three wildest creatures in L.A.!!!


Outfit:

Print Shirt: I got this at some crazy store in the Bronx when I was staying with my good friends. It's label says: Pink Collection!

Brown shirt underneath: Clothing swap. Sweet Pea.

Jeans: From Cousin. Gap.

White Sweater: Salvation Army. Express.

Shoes: American Eagle.