The Uniform!

As you can see, I've worn jeans three days in a row. This, in addition to wanting to expand my wardrobe horizons via my own closet, is one of the reasons I started  this project. I'm sure many of you appreciate the ease and accessibility of denim. You can dress it up, dress it down... It's comfortable. practical, fashionable, but it's a trap. The denim conspiracy pulls you in and makes you weak.

So, I am going to try to avoid jeans for the remaining 14 DAYS OF THIS CHALLENGE!!!
14 days left!!! I can't believe it! Almost done, almost done! I still have to put up a photo stream of each day, and I wanted to do a tally of my most worn items and such.

Right now, however, I want to get some shut eye. what else is new? Maybe I'll start a sleep blog next.
Or lack of sleep blog...

Outfit: I decided I would go basic today. This is an outfit you would normally find me in, minus the pink belt. When you work with first graders, denim is the go-to fabric!

Shirt: Gift from Richard. It's a thermal, for the cold day.

Tank (under layer) Urban Outfitters circa 1993. It is totally falling apart! 

Jeans: Cousin hand-me-down. Gap.

Belt: Friend hand-me-down.

Shoes: American Eagle.

Baking in the Night!

Tonight I am baking, so that will leave me at another day of not being able to write anything of interest. However, I will still do my obligatory post and list the items I am wearing.

I am making brownies for the kid's teachers, and I am on my fourth batch so I am a little wonky. I did not get enough sleep yesterday, and I really want to go to sleep this instant, but I have to shower, and make lunches, and get HaHa down, and you know how one thing builds upon the other and the next thing you know hours have passed...

Two more days before winter break. The kids are absolutely nuts. It's amazing how wound they get. Makes me wonder about year round school. By the way, wearing a jacket and pumps, is a sure-fire way to get compliments!


Okay. Enough. Outfit:

White shirt/vest: Thrift store. Max Studio.

Dotted Shirt: Thrift store. I took the very puffy long sleeves off this shirt long ago.

Jeans: Cousin hand-me-down. Gap.

Shoes: Carlos Falchi. I love these shoes, but they are on their last leg!!!

3 Hours 'Til Dawn!

It is very, very, very late... Or perhaps it is early. 3 hours away from dawn. What else is new?
 When Richard and I are up at the wee hours we often wonder how many other parents are out there like us. We decided that if there are other parents up at two and three in the morning (not wrangling ill or non-sleeping children) (and not in rock bands), they are probably meth addicts or insomniacs. But we are neither. We are night owls. Plain and simple.

Oh, how I would love there to be two shifts at school. I'd take the 10 to 5 shift with all the little night owl babies! That would be swell. Alright, I do need to get a little shut eye before school!!!


Good Night!!!


Outfit:

Dress: Goodwill.

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

Pants: Given to me by my lovely cousin Taylor!!! Gap.

Boots: My Fresh Friend's mom gave these to me!

Clindamycin!

How could it be that so close to the finish line I am faltering? In part, I think it is because I am still experiencing the fallout of last week. Oh, and Charlie has strep throat, so I'm pretty sure that that is what HaHa had, but I have to wait to get her blood test results back to know if my hypothesis is correct. Apparently, it's going around...

Wash your hands!

As I mentioned yesterday, HaHa is in some crazy PTSD state, so I have been in constant stress mode. And now, as I sit here I realize I must wake her in mere moments to pour two and a half teaspoons of clindamycin down her throat. Oh well, I guess it's time to wrap it up!

Outfit:

When I threw this on, I kept having that nagging feeling that I've worn it before. Of course, that's understandable seeing that I am 17 days away from the completion of One Closet, One Year!!!
In actuality, I wore almost the same exact thing, but it was my gray striped shirt that I wore with this skirt. So, I did NOT break my rule! Ha!

Shirt: Friend hand-me-down. Forever 21.

Skirt: Goodwill. Forever 21.

Shoes: Goodwill. Kenzie.

Exhaustion!

This is what happens when you're exhausted. My outfit and pictures are lacking. I just didn't have the energy to keep taking photos. I had a rough day, and it seems to be turning into a rough night. HaHa is experiencing some sort of PTSD, and refuses to sleep alone. She wakes up every time we put her down, so she's tired, and we are too.

The boys are also suffering because right now, they're an after-thought, and I'm cranky.

I know this too shall pass, but right now, it's exhausting.
I am including some photos from the beginning of the saga that I just got from my phone. You can really see how horrible HaHa was.


Outfit:

Shirt: Old Navy.

Pants: Gap.

I am including some photos from the beginning of the saga that I just got from my phone. You can really see how horrible HaHa was.

Me and HaHa in the ER.

HaHa being transported to UCLA.

The next day at UCLA. This is how she looked when I arrived.

Highs and Lows!

Today, I must say, I experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. My day started at 5:00 in the morning with a nurse telling me not to allow HaHa any food or drink because they wanted to give her a CAT scan in a few hours. I did not know why they wanted to perform this test, but it was so early that I simply went back to sleep. At 7:30, a new doctor came in to talk to me about the scan. I asked a few questions, and found out they had felt a rather large lump in the back of HaHa's throat. They had taken an x-ray, but it was inconclusive.
At any rate, the following 4 hours of not letting HaHa drink or eat while we were waiting for our pediatrician, the attendings, and the radiologist to decide whether or not a CAT scan was warranted, were a series of low moments. I won't even get into the fact that this whole ordeal could probably been avoided if HaHa's doctors listened to us more carefully, and didn't misdiagnose her in the first place (but that's another very long story).

Now the highs. HaHa did NOT get a CAT scan, we were discharged, and I got to celebrate my fabulous friend Jaime's birthday! Even though I was exhausted, I would not have missed the chance to celebrate this amazing woman! She really is the best! Her party was also the best and I got to dance and revel in the glorious company of humanity!

Another low: Seeing a limping raccoon with a missing tail run down my friend's block.

Another high: Richard and HaHa were awake when I got home at 1:00 a.m.!

Outfit:

Yesterday Richard brought a few jackets for me to wear so that I could avoid a repeat.

Shirt: Emma & Sam (same as yesterday).

Jeans: Goodwill. (same as yesterday).

Shoes: American eagle.

Jacket: Goodwill.

For Jaime's party I decided to go all out with my leisure suit madness. After all, it was a special occasion!

Suit: Goodwill.

Shoes: Patricia Field for Payless. I got these bad boys for 12 bucks!

Still Here!

Still in the hospital. Still exhausted. We hope to be home tomorrow. HaHa is definitely on the mend, as evidenced by the photos. Seeing her brothers for the first time in three days was very healing.

Some sweet little and big angels stopped by and kept me company today.

Thank you, Angels!

And thank you to all of you who reached out to us, sending love and prayers, and well wishes!!!

I feel very blessed!

Outfit:

Last night when I realized I would not be going home I was sad because I was going to have to repeat by default, but then I realized that I had thrown a purple shirt in my bag yesterday because I was going to wear it under the purple sweater! I also had my gray striped striped shirt in my bag because I was going to wear it under my mauve button down blouse a few days ago.

Anyway, I was saved by my obsessive need to have "enough" stuff. I am a total bag lady and can often be found carrying abundant amounts of many things.

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

Purple shirt: Emma & Sam.

Jeans: Goodwill. Gap.

Shoes: American Eagle.  Charlie threw up minutes after this picture was taken. He made it to the bathroom, thanks to my maternal instincts! Good save!!!

Don't Panic!

This is Richard, subbing in for Shelayna tonight.

Hollis is fine. She had an infection, and had stopped drinking. She was very dehydrated, and needed i.v. fluids. She's back to normal, but we have to wait for the results of the bacteria cultures to make sure she gets the correct antibiotic before she gets to come home.

Thanks everyone for your concern. 

Here are the blurry,  iPhone under fluorescent pictures for tonight.

Outfit: Not a repeat.

Shelayna is worrying desperately!

Hollis is paying no attention, because she has chocolate ice cream.

Hollis on the phone saying, "It ain't no thing!"

Ha Ha in Hospital...

I can't really post now. It seems ridiculous and utterly impossible. My brain is heavy with worry and I can hardly breathe.

I don't know anything yet. HaHa is being fed fluids through an IV and being tested. Please send her your thought and prayers, and send her home fast.

Outfit: Not a repeat.

Still Sick HaHa!

So the rash that I thought I saw developing last night on HaHa's cheeks, was all over her torso today. After having an argument with Richard about what a "rash" was, he agreed, after looking at her, that HaHa did, indeed, have a rash. So we called the doctor.

As I was speaking to the doctor, I could hear screaming children in the back ground, so I thought she was at the ER or something. As I was telling her my homeopathic treatment remedies I have used in the past she said, "Excuse me, for one moment", and put down the phone. I heard her walk away and give her kid a "time out" for making such a racket while mommy was "on the phone". Her kids are 3 1/2 and 1 and 1/2.

I guess mommy doctors know the clarion call of toddlers too!

On a completely different note, I just found out that two of the most stylish and amazing women I know are writing about "Clothes Stories" here: http://theclothesstory.blogspot.com/ 

The outfits I have seen them wear over the years are to die for, and I am so excited I get to see some of the outfits I've missed! (Like Holly's Silver Stella McCartney Jumpsuit).

Outfit:

Sweater: Cousin hand-me-down. Mossimo. Very soft.

Skirt: Cousin hand-me-down. Ralph Lauren. Thank you cousin! See said cousin perform on Friday night! Very funny!

Shoes: American Eagle.

Sick HaHa!

I have given HaHa antibiotics, something I really hate to do, especially after reading the many side effects, most of which HaHa would not be able to tell us about. I am also freaking out a little bit because it looks like she is getting a rash on her cheeks, one of the "serious" side effects listed on the Patient Prescription Information. Or maybe I am just thinking that she has a rash because I am a Nervous Nellie. I'll wait until Richard gets home and see what he says...

At any rate, I've got to go. I have to go stare at HaHa.

Oh, I have a new equation: Sick HaHa + Nervous Nellie= Lame outfit and pictures.

Outfit:

Sweater: Clothing swap. J.Crew.

Shirt: Gift. Loupilou.

Pants: Cousin hand-me-down. Gap.

Shoes: Mossimo.

Poor Baby!

It is really horrible to watch your child suffer. I cannot imagine having a child with a serious illness. It must be the worst. HaHa spent the entire day in Daddy's arms, and now she is in mine. She cries at every move and touch, and she has had a fever since Friday.

Richard is taking her to the doctor's tomorrow. Mostly because she is just not herself.  I am hoping her fever breaks tonight, but I don't think that's likely.

I took the boys to a birthday and commiserated with some moms about the challenge of raising two boys close in age. Apparently, I'm not alone.

On the way home the boys and I made up songs and had a good time. They beat boxed and I sang.





Outfit:

Shirt:Forever 21.

Sweater: Friend hand-me-down. Alfani.

Pants: Cousin hand-me-down. Gap.

Leather jacket: Friend hand-me-down. Aldo.

Boots: Dansko.

Checking Out!

Totally wiped after the inspiring conference, driving straight from San Diego to my writing class, and coming home to a sick child. So, I will keep it short and sweet.

It was great to be back home, safe and sound. Now I will go sit with HaHa!

Outfit:

This is a combination of Thursday and Friday's outfit.

Thursday's Skirt + Friday's Pants(and belt) = New Combo!!!

Shirt: Goodwill. Citron (Skirt).

Pants: Goodwill: Next.

Sweater: Hand-me-down from cousin. Merona

Shoes: Fit Flops (not pictured). (Hee-hee).

Small World!

Another lovely day here at POCC! I ended up running into two women I knew by complete coincidence! One was an amazing woman I used to work with, and the other randomly sat down next to me and said I looked familiar. When I saw her name tag, and the school she worked at, I realized that she was the lovely women who hired the rockin' band I sing with for her son's Bar Mitzvah! This was five years ago! What are the chances? 3000 people at this conference, and dozens of workshops, and we end up at siting next to each other. Amazing.

I also got to see Earnest Green, one of the "Little Rock Nine, speak. His presence and presentation was a welcome reminder of how far we've come, and the work we still have left to do. Amazing.

After the day's business, I got to attend an "alumni mixer". We had good food, good conversation, and I was with people that I truly admire and love... A- Ma-zing!!!

Thank you universe!!!




Outfit:

Jacket: George.

Sweater: Goodwill. New York & Co.

Pants: Goodwill. Next.

Shoes: Mossimo.

POCC!

I am at the NAIS People Of Color Conference. I had a really fantastic day and I am so lucky that the school I work for believes it is important for educators to continue to learn and grow!

As I have been saying everyday for awhile, I need to get some zzz's! I arrived at 2:00 a.m., went to bed at 3:00 a.m., and had to be at the opening ceremony at 8! Needless to say, I'm knackered! I did actually take an accidental nap which caused me to be late to dinner with our group.

I do hope that I can write a more engaging post one day. By the way, this is the first time I have ever stayed in a hotel by myself in 37 years! It is also the first time I have been alone overnight since August of 2008! Crazy huh?

Outfit:

Shirt: Goodwill. James Pearse.

Skirt: Goodwill. Citron. Third wear in the last month!

Shoes: Fit flops. I packed cuter heels, but I was walking a lot...

A diagram of "Microaggression" a topic I went to a workshop on today. Very thought provoking and insightful!

The view from my window!

San Diego Bound!

I have to drive down to San Diego in mere moments, so this may be my shortest post ever. I got home very late, and Richard had a Clippers game to attend, so I am not leaving as early as I would like, but if I get there around 1:oo a.m., which is when I think I should arrive, it won't be much later than my usual bedtime, and I will NOT have to get up as early as I would if I were going to work. At least I hope not. I could be mistaken, however. I guess we'll see. I'll tell you all about it tomorrow!!!

Richard just asked if I was writing about my dread and trepidation at leaving the kids with him alone for three days. I told him "no". I just hope they eat at least one home cooked meal (I am making marinara sauce for them right now in the hopes that tomorrow Richard will make pasta to go with it!) 

xoxo!

Not my shortest post ever.

30 day to go!!!!

Outfit:

Might I go out with a fizzle? I have been too tired to be inspired, but I am hoping to get my mojo back soon! Sorry about the horrible photos. It was a rush job!

Shirt: Forever 21. I got this when I was working in admissions. It was good at the time, but I think it doesn't fit me well. It's going on the out pile!

Sweater: Cousin hand me down. Forever 21.

Pants: Goodwill. Moda International. These I got right after I had one of the kids, and they also do not fit right. Out they go!

Shoes: American Eagle

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.