Hi!
Sorry it took so long to do this video. With three kids, it's hard to find the right time to do anything these days. In any case, here is the video as I promised. Please excuse 1) the shoddy editing job 2) my rambling and 3) anything else that comes across as annoying. If you have any questions, please comment below. You can find Amazon Warehouse on Amazon.com's site or by clicking here. This video is best viewed in full-screen mode. I suggest you add the site to your favorites bar so you don't have to go looking for the link every time.
Happy shopping!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Giveaway! F21 Fringe top
Hi!
To commemorate the end of January (really, is a reason needed?), I'd like to offer another giveaway to Izzygetsbizzy readers! It is a fringe-shouldered top from Forever 21 and is brand new with tags. The shirt is a 1x but has amazing stretch and would probably fit a 2x. To enter, all you have to do is 1) follow my blog via Google Connect or BlogLovin' and 2) comment with your email addy below. I will use a random number generator to select the winner. Be sure to enter by Sunday at 5pm! The winner will be announced and notified on Monday!
To commemorate the end of January (really, is a reason needed?), I'd like to offer another giveaway to Izzygetsbizzy readers! It is a fringe-shouldered top from Forever 21 and is brand new with tags. The shirt is a 1x but has amazing stretch and would probably fit a 2x. To enter, all you have to do is 1) follow my blog via Google Connect or BlogLovin' and 2) comment with your email addy below. I will use a random number generator to select the winner. Be sure to enter by Sunday at 5pm! The winner will be announced and notified on Monday!
fringe-licious!
Sunday, January 29, 2012
DIY: Studded tee
Hi!
I fell the other day. Hard. I was returning something to Old Navy and my foot got caught in my (wide leg) pants. I felt myself falling forward and I couldn't stop what I knew would be painful contact with the pavement. And it was. Falling in a public place is the absolute worst. My fall was actually quite embarrassing because people actually walked around me to avoid my crumpled body. I was angry because I knew I would be the subject of someone's conversation for the day. After I hit the pavement, I quickly got back up but my ego (and knee...ouch!) were badly bruised. I'm sharing this story because I don't think I will be wearing wide leg pants anytime soon. They should really consider having a disclaimer written on the tag. Something like: "Falling with these on is an inevitability so proceed with caution....or, better yet, just don't wear altogether". *Sigh*
I wanted to share with you the results of a quick DIY project I embarked on recently. I'm particular partial to the studded shoulder trend so I made it a goal to replicate it the same style on the cheap. I purchased some pronged studs from BeachHeya via Etsy for $4.40 and a black knitted dress from Forever 21 for $8.80. Any knitted dress from Forever 21's main range fits like a tshirt on me which is exactly the look I wanted to achieve for this project. If you want to save some dough, almost any tshirt with sleeves will do.
What you will need:
-1 old/new long-sleeved tee (the thicker the fabric, the better)
-pack of studs. I got mine here.
-pair of scissors or any pointed object (you will need the pointed ends to close the prongs...using your fingers will also work but is not recommended)
-ruler or straight edge (optional)
-tailors chalk or any water/air soluble marking tool (optional). Use this if you want to create a template on which to place your studs. Make sure the chalk you use is visible on your fabric.
Step 1: Arrange your shirt so that the sleeve is fully extended. Make sure it is straight and free of wrinkles/folds:
Step 2:
Using chalk
Draw the design on your sleeve with the chalk. If you want a "clean" look (studs the same distance apart), use the chalk and a ruler to draw even lines. If drawing lines won't work with the fabric, make dots instead making sure the distance between the dots are even:
Free form
If you are seeking more of a free form look, then chalk is not necessary. Place your studs wherever you want!
Step 4: Start placing the studs one at a time. Check to make sure the stud is positioned correctly before closing it. Hold the fabric taut around the stud and close the legs of the prongs. It is very important that you hold your fabric taut around the stud or else you stud will not adhere securely to the fabric and the design will look very bunchy. If you like the way it looks, use the tip of the scissors to close the prongs. I love the pronged studs because you can remove them if you make a mistake. However, I don't recommend you reapplying the same stud more than two times or else the prongs will weaken and eventually break off. When in doubt, just use a new stud.
Step 5: Do the other shoulder and you are done! Remove any visible chalk likes with a slightly damp rag. Make sure all the prongs are fully closed because you do not want any prongs to prick you when you wear your shirt!
I fell the other day. Hard. I was returning something to Old Navy and my foot got caught in my (wide leg) pants. I felt myself falling forward and I couldn't stop what I knew would be painful contact with the pavement. And it was. Falling in a public place is the absolute worst. My fall was actually quite embarrassing because people actually walked around me to avoid my crumpled body. I was angry because I knew I would be the subject of someone's conversation for the day. After I hit the pavement, I quickly got back up but my ego (and knee...ouch!) were badly bruised. I'm sharing this story because I don't think I will be wearing wide leg pants anytime soon. They should really consider having a disclaimer written on the tag. Something like: "Falling with these on is an inevitability so proceed with caution....or, better yet, just don't wear altogether". *Sigh*
I wanted to share with you the results of a quick DIY project I embarked on recently. I'm particular partial to the studded shoulder trend so I made it a goal to replicate it the same style on the cheap. I purchased some pronged studs from BeachHeya via Etsy for $4.40 and a black knitted dress from Forever 21 for $8.80. Any knitted dress from Forever 21's main range fits like a tshirt on me which is exactly the look I wanted to achieve for this project. If you want to save some dough, almost any tshirt with sleeves will do.
-1 old/new long-sleeved tee (the thicker the fabric, the better)
-pack of studs. I got mine here.
-pair of scissors or any pointed object (you will need the pointed ends to close the prongs...using your fingers will also work but is not recommended)
-ruler or straight edge (optional)
-tailors chalk or any water/air soluble marking tool (optional). Use this if you want to create a template on which to place your studs. Make sure the chalk you use is visible on your fabric.
Step 1: Arrange your shirt so that the sleeve is fully extended. Make sure it is straight and free of wrinkles/folds:
Using chalk
Draw the design on your sleeve with the chalk. If you want a "clean" look (studs the same distance apart), use the chalk and a ruler to draw even lines. If drawing lines won't work with the fabric, make dots instead making sure the distance between the dots are even:
Free form
If you are seeking more of a free form look, then chalk is not necessary. Place your studs wherever you want!
Optional
To get a rough sense of how many studs you need, you can quickly place the studs prong side up on the sleeve like this:
If you like to wing things like I do, then you can skip this step. If necessary, use your chalk to make any adjustments.
Step 4: Start placing the studs one at a time. Check to make sure the stud is positioned correctly before closing it. Hold the fabric taut around the stud and close the legs of the prongs. It is very important that you hold your fabric taut around the stud or else you stud will not adhere securely to the fabric and the design will look very bunchy. If you like the way it looks, use the tip of the scissors to close the prongs. I love the pronged studs because you can remove them if you make a mistake. However, I don't recommend you reapplying the same stud more than two times or else the prongs will weaken and eventually break off. When in doubt, just use a new stud.
A fully closed prong
This shirt is a bit smedium (small + medium) but I still look fab! ;-)
I recommend hand washing the shirt by hand and letting air dry. These studs are great for all types of fabrics! You can even use the studs to jazz up a denim/leather jacket! Go crazy!
If you like this DIY project and would like me to feature more, please respond below! Thank you for reading! <3
Monday, January 23, 2012
Playing dress up...
Hi!
Saturday was my six year anniversary and I spent the better part of the weekend nursing a cold. The original plan was to go to a hoity-toity restaurant in Boston and then go dancing afterwards. Those plans immediately changed after the it began to snow and it continued for most of Saturday. We ended up seeing Underworld in 3-D which had lots of blood and gore (which of course my hubby loved). So while he was fist-pumping the air and growling loudly every time someone got speared through the chest, I was holding a Kleenex to my nose and trying not to drip, drip, drip, into my popcorn.
I also misplaced my ATM which I was entirely vexed about. I have Bank of America and, I don't know about you, but I absolutely hate having to go into the bank to talk to a real person. While frantically looking for my card, I did a run through of the convo I would most assuredly have with the banking rep.
Me: I lost my ATM and would like a new one
Them: Great! please have a seat. Would you like to try some of our stale peppermint candy?
Me: Just the card please
Them: I notice you own a home. Have you considered refinancing?
Me: My ATM card?
Them: Ah, yes! Let me just go in the back and retrieve the paperwork you'll need to sign. It takes only seconds to get but I like delaying the whole ATM replacement process to piss customers off. So what I'm really gonna do is stop by Ron's desk and describe in detail how I got trashed last night. I'll periodically send someone over to assure you that it will only be a "couple minutes more". My office is devoid of anything eye catching and distracting so you'll be forced to wait in misery--staring at those ubiquitous office posters that say things like "Courage", "Ambition", and "Perseverance"--wondering why the hell you bank here in the first place.
Me: Great, let's try to make it quick then shall we?
Luckily, I ended up finding my card thus avoiding that whole exchange. Izzy for the win!
One of the more productive things I did this weekend was clean my bedroom. I hate cleaning but I love finding things I haven't worn in forever. So needless to say, my attempt at cleaning quickly turned into a huge dress-up session. I tried on a million things but only took pics of a few outfits.
Saturday was my six year anniversary and I spent the better part of the weekend nursing a cold. The original plan was to go to a hoity-toity restaurant in Boston and then go dancing afterwards. Those plans immediately changed after the it began to snow and it continued for most of Saturday. We ended up seeing Underworld in 3-D which had lots of blood and gore (which of course my hubby loved). So while he was fist-pumping the air and growling loudly every time someone got speared through the chest, I was holding a Kleenex to my nose and trying not to drip, drip, drip, into my popcorn.
I also misplaced my ATM which I was entirely vexed about. I have Bank of America and, I don't know about you, but I absolutely hate having to go into the bank to talk to a real person. While frantically looking for my card, I did a run through of the convo I would most assuredly have with the banking rep.
Me: I lost my ATM and would like a new one
Them: Great! please have a seat. Would you like to try some of our stale peppermint candy?
Me: Just the card please
Them: I notice you own a home. Have you considered refinancing?
Me: My ATM card?
Them: Ah, yes! Let me just go in the back and retrieve the paperwork you'll need to sign. It takes only seconds to get but I like delaying the whole ATM replacement process to piss customers off. So what I'm really gonna do is stop by Ron's desk and describe in detail how I got trashed last night. I'll periodically send someone over to assure you that it will only be a "couple minutes more". My office is devoid of anything eye catching and distracting so you'll be forced to wait in misery--staring at those ubiquitous office posters that say things like "Courage", "Ambition", and "Perseverance"--wondering why the hell you bank here in the first place.
Me: Great, let's try to make it quick then shall we?
Luckily, I ended up finding my card thus avoiding that whole exchange. Izzy for the win!
One of the more productive things I did this weekend was clean my bedroom. I hate cleaning but I love finding things I haven't worn in forever. So needless to say, my attempt at cleaning quickly turned into a huge dress-up session. I tried on a million things but only took pics of a few outfits.
I got this skirt from Talbot's and it is still online in their outlet section (although not in this color). It is very comfortable and flowy...a must buy!
...a slight adjustment with the belt so the banding of the skirt wouldn't show....
Bodysuit: American Apparel (sign up to receive 15% off a future purchase!)
Skirt: Talbots
Scarf (used as a sash): Marshall's
Shoes: Gap
Laptop case used as clutch: ASOS
Necklace: American Eagle
Earrings: F21
My pouty model stare down....cower in fear!
Dress: F21
Does anyone remember when this dress came out on the Torrid site? It was straight bedlam! I've literally worn it once in the 3 years I've had it. I put a belt on to give the illusion that it was a skirt and a top. I probably should've thrown on a necklace but I couldn't find one that suited my fancy.
Dress: Torrid
My serious pose. My hubby always tells me I look better when I smile. I'm always like: "what are you trying to say, I look like crap all the other times???" Sheeeesh!
The action pose. I always wonder what photographers tell models to get them in their "action" poses. Pretend you're a bird. Pretend you just learned that you won the lottery. Pretend to do the stanky leg. Pretend you just saw a mouse. This pic is: pretend you have something in your hair and you're trying to get it out...oh yeah, smile while your doing it"
Jumpsuit: Torrid
Necklace: Free People
Close-up of my earrings which I copped for 3 bux on ASOS! I don't think they're there anymore.
Thanks for reading my blog! I know you have several options in terms of fashion blogs and I am so happy and honored to be one of them!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Olivia's Butterfly
Hi!
I hope everyone had a great weekend! I was an absolute bum all weekend and I loved every second of it! When you're a mom of 3 kids, it's hard to find down time. My hubby was off from work this entire weekend and was kind enough to give me a break from the kiddies for a little bit.
You know that giddy feeling you get when you discover a new store that you've never shopped before? Well, I had that same feeling when I stumbled on Olivia's Butterfly on Etsy. As many of you know, Etsy is not the most navigable site on the internet. There are literally thousands of different shops with no easy way to filter through them all. Most of my favorite vintage pieces were discovered after hours scouring the site. Luckily, you can save some of your time scouring through Etsy and add Olivia's Butterfly to your favorite shops list! Olivia's Butterfly is a vintage shop whose pieces consist of colorful, bold print and edgy designs with a lot of personality. She carries items for petite and full-figured women. When I saw this vintage skirt suit, I knew I had to have it as I'm all about bold colors and especially stripes. The suit is a medium but has amazing stretch. I'm loving the military buttons and the shoulder pads! Since the suit has a lot of spunk, I decided to style my hair accordingly opting for a side coif with spiral curls that I picked out with a comb. Also, it was completely coincidental that I had these amazing ASOS court pumps that match the green in the suit to a T! Pat on the back for Izzy!
I hope everyone had a great weekend! I was an absolute bum all weekend and I loved every second of it! When you're a mom of 3 kids, it's hard to find down time. My hubby was off from work this entire weekend and was kind enough to give me a break from the kiddies for a little bit.
You know that giddy feeling you get when you discover a new store that you've never shopped before? Well, I had that same feeling when I stumbled on Olivia's Butterfly on Etsy. As many of you know, Etsy is not the most navigable site on the internet. There are literally thousands of different shops with no easy way to filter through them all. Most of my favorite vintage pieces were discovered after hours scouring the site. Luckily, you can save some of your time scouring through Etsy and add Olivia's Butterfly to your favorite shops list! Olivia's Butterfly is a vintage shop whose pieces consist of colorful, bold print and edgy designs with a lot of personality. She carries items for petite and full-figured women. When I saw this vintage skirt suit, I knew I had to have it as I'm all about bold colors and especially stripes. The suit is a medium but has amazing stretch. I'm loving the military buttons and the shoulder pads! Since the suit has a lot of spunk, I decided to style my hair accordingly opting for a side coif with spiral curls that I picked out with a comb. Also, it was completely coincidental that I had these amazing ASOS court pumps that match the green in the suit to a T! Pat on the back for Izzy!
Vintage Skirt Suit: Olivia's Butterfly via Etsy
Necklace: F21
Earrings: Ashley Stewart
Shoes: ASOS
A close-up of my hair and my recently-acquired highlights!
Monday, January 16, 2012
Announcing the winner of the F21 tench coat...
CONGRATS TO SHADE FOR WINNING THE TRENCH COAT!
THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED! LOOK OUT FOR ANOTHER GIVEAWAY BEFORE THE END OF THE MONTH!
<3
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Me, myself and I-kat...
Hello!
Today is a harem day. I know I've been wearing a lot of harem lately and I'm sorry. Actually, I'm not sorry. They are soooo comfy and flattering that I can't help but wear them. I initially wore my kimono top that I got from TJ Maxx some time ago. I have a love hate relationship with kimono sleeves. I love that they are very flowy and accommodate larger arms but I don't like the fact that they make your shoulders look broader than they are. I opted against wearing it because I felt the top was a little bit too thin and breezy to be wearing outside. The top I selected I got from Marshall's and it has been in my closet for a while. The sleeve is also a kimono sleeve but I happen to prefer the silhouette of this shirt over the other one. I am also in love with the bold ikat pattern. I've found a lot of great pieces in the Juniors section of TJ Maxx and Marshall's. I have several pieces that don't really fit as they should (they either don't close properly or are too short) but they look great with high waisted skirts or pants. Lesson: Don't allow what a tag says to limit your fashion options!
Today is a harem day. I know I've been wearing a lot of harem lately and I'm sorry. Actually, I'm not sorry. They are soooo comfy and flattering that I can't help but wear them. I initially wore my kimono top that I got from TJ Maxx some time ago. I have a love hate relationship with kimono sleeves. I love that they are very flowy and accommodate larger arms but I don't like the fact that they make your shoulders look broader than they are. I opted against wearing it because I felt the top was a little bit too thin and breezy to be wearing outside. The top I selected I got from Marshall's and it has been in my closet for a while. The sleeve is also a kimono sleeve but I happen to prefer the silhouette of this shirt over the other one. I am also in love with the bold ikat pattern. I've found a lot of great pieces in the Juniors section of TJ Maxx and Marshall's. I have several pieces that don't really fit as they should (they either don't close properly or are too short) but they look great with high waisted skirts or pants. Lesson: Don't allow what a tag says to limit your fashion options!
Me and my absolute favorite fashion accessory!
First top: TJ Maxx (juniors size medium)
Second top: Marshall's (juniors large)
Pants: Torrid (size 3)
Belt: eloquii
Shoes: Old Navy
Necklace: Free People
Earrings: ASOS
Clutch: Payless
Baby: My uterus
_____
Don't forget to enter the giveaway for the Forever 21 trench! Entries won't be accepted after Friday at 5pm EST!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
En-trenched: A giveaway!
Hello Everyone!
As promised, I am offering a giveaway this week! It is a brand new with tags Forever 21 trench coat in a 2x. It features a dramatic notched collar, front welt pockets, long sleeves, and a buttoned storm flap. It also includes a self-tie belt that brings in the waist. To enter this giveaway all you have to do is 1) Follow my blog via Google Connect or Bloglovin and 2) comment below with your email addy. The contest will end on Friday at 5pm (EST) and the winner will be announced on Monday. I will be using a random number generator to select the winner. Good luck! <3
As promised, I am offering a giveaway this week! It is a brand new with tags Forever 21 trench coat in a 2x. It features a dramatic notched collar, front welt pockets, long sleeves, and a buttoned storm flap. It also includes a self-tie belt that brings in the waist. To enter this giveaway all you have to do is 1) Follow my blog via Google Connect or Bloglovin and 2) comment below with your email addy. The contest will end on Friday at 5pm (EST) and the winner will be announced on Monday. I will be using a random number generator to select the winner. Good luck! <3
Don't you want this jacket?
Monday, January 9, 2012
The one with the side coif
Hi Everyone!
It took me longer than usual to get ready this morning. Unlike most people, I never put my clothes out the day before. Instead, I awake with a general idea of the kind of colors and textures I want to wear--both of which are affected by my mood. Today I woke up feeling a bit risky. I took out my braids from the day before and styled my hair as you see below. What do you think? If I had more time, I would have used a small curling iron to achieve more of a curly look. I'll probably play around with the style more and will be sure to share those results with you.
The pants you see are from Forever 21 and were purchased as part of their B1G1 promotion. I love the harem style of the pant because I believe it does a great job at concealing my tummy. I played around with a couple of top and necklace combinations and couldn't really figure out which looked best. I ended up wearing my Dorothy Perkins shrug to work which provided more warmth than the other top.
Also, sorry for the clothes tag you see poking out! I was going to retake the photo but then I thought against it--there is nothing wrong with a fashion "boo-boo" now and then! ;-)
It took me longer than usual to get ready this morning. Unlike most people, I never put my clothes out the day before. Instead, I awake with a general idea of the kind of colors and textures I want to wear--both of which are affected by my mood. Today I woke up feeling a bit risky. I took out my braids from the day before and styled my hair as you see below. What do you think? If I had more time, I would have used a small curling iron to achieve more of a curly look. I'll probably play around with the style more and will be sure to share those results with you.
The pants you see are from Forever 21 and were purchased as part of their B1G1 promotion. I love the harem style of the pant because I believe it does a great job at concealing my tummy. I played around with a couple of top and necklace combinations and couldn't really figure out which looked best. I ended up wearing my Dorothy Perkins shrug to work which provided more warmth than the other top.
Also, sorry for the clothes tag you see poking out! I was going to retake the photo but then I thought against it--there is nothing wrong with a fashion "boo-boo" now and then! ;-)
The top is a long cardigan from F21. I just tied the ends and tucked them in the sides of the shirt.
...with a different necklace...
...with a different top...
Cardigan: F21
Shrug: Dorothy Perkins (purchased in London several years ago)
Turtleneck: Zara (they offer free shipping and returns to the US! And the shipping is super speedy!)
Pant: F21
Shoes: ASOS
Bead necklace: ASOS
Earrings: F21
Bangle: Ashley Stewart
Bangle: Ashley Stewart
Statement necklace: Anthropologie
Clutch: F21
Friday, January 6, 2012
Mime-time...
Hi Everyone!
It is Friday!! *does happy Friday dance* The Old Navy ponte pants I wanted to wear today were dirty and so I went into my closet to see what I could find. About a year ago, I bought these suspender pants from ASOS and I couldn't remember for the life of me why they were waaaay in the back of my closet. Anything that is relegated to the waaaay back of the closet is there for one of 3 reasons: 1) either it's flawed in some way, 2) it no longer fits or 3) is so ugly you can't even remember what drove you to buy it in the first place. I tried to remember if the pants fell in any of the above categories and I couldn't remember for the life of me so I chalked it up to an error on my part and put them on. Ok, so they were back there for a reason. First, two of the buttons meant to hold up the suspenders were missing. I immediately fixed that problem with safety pins. Ok, what else? Ahhhh! I remember! The pants do this weird gape-y thing in the back when the suspenders are on. Seriously, the gape was so huge, I was able to fit a cantaloupe back there! Luckily, when the suspenders are down, the gape is not so bad so I am resolved leave them down at least for the time being. I did want to share some outfit pics with you despite my gapeyness.
My shoes, which you can't really see, are Pour La Victoire and the color is called Oxblood. I got them several years ago from Urban Outfitters but never wore them. I throw all my shoes in the bottom of my closet so when I pulled these out, they looked pretty beat up even though they were new. I think I may have to invest in a shoe rack at some point. Anyways, the shoe bottoms are super smooth and I almost broke my neck when I walked into the building of my job. I kinda played it off like I was looking for fallen change or something. I think the security guard knew because he smirked. Dagnabbit.
Disclaimer time. My fly is down for a couple of this pics and didn't realize this until afterwards. I really liked the pics so let's all agree to look the other way on this fashion faux pas shall we? ;-)
Have a happy weekend everyone! Look out for a contest next week and my Amazon Warehouse Deals video! <3
It is Friday!! *does happy Friday dance* The Old Navy ponte pants I wanted to wear today were dirty and so I went into my closet to see what I could find. About a year ago, I bought these suspender pants from ASOS and I couldn't remember for the life of me why they were waaaay in the back of my closet. Anything that is relegated to the waaaay back of the closet is there for one of 3 reasons: 1) either it's flawed in some way, 2) it no longer fits or 3) is so ugly you can't even remember what drove you to buy it in the first place. I tried to remember if the pants fell in any of the above categories and I couldn't remember for the life of me so I chalked it up to an error on my part and put them on. Ok, so they were back there for a reason. First, two of the buttons meant to hold up the suspenders were missing. I immediately fixed that problem with safety pins. Ok, what else? Ahhhh! I remember! The pants do this weird gape-y thing in the back when the suspenders are on. Seriously, the gape was so huge, I was able to fit a cantaloupe back there! Luckily, when the suspenders are down, the gape is not so bad so I am resolved leave them down at least for the time being. I did want to share some outfit pics with you despite my gapeyness.
My shoes, which you can't really see, are Pour La Victoire and the color is called Oxblood. I got them several years ago from Urban Outfitters but never wore them. I throw all my shoes in the bottom of my closet so when I pulled these out, they looked pretty beat up even though they were new. I think I may have to invest in a shoe rack at some point. Anyways, the shoe bottoms are super smooth and I almost broke my neck when I walked into the building of my job. I kinda played it off like I was looking for fallen change or something. I think the security guard knew because he smirked. Dagnabbit.
Disclaimer time. My fly is down for a couple of this pics and didn't realize this until afterwards. I really liked the pics so let's all agree to look the other way on this fashion faux pas shall we? ;-)
My serious "So-what-I'm-wearing-suspenders-and-my-fly-is-down" face
Top: Zara
Pant: ASOS Curve
Shoes: PLV
Bag: 7Chi
Earrings: ASOS
Have a happy weekend everyone! Look out for a contest next week and my Amazon Warehouse Deals video! <3
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Zig to the Zag and opening up...
Hi All!
It is cold as heck here in Boston! I left the warmth of my house, stepped outside, and turned right back around to go back inside! I was born and raised in Boston and I swear I am not used to these temps! It seems ridiculous to be wearing short sleeves right now but here I am...
I went to Old Navy yesterday to return some pants I had purchased and saw a zig zag pattern out the corner of my eye. I had seen the shirt before during one of my previous visits but didn't pay it any attention. When I saw it again, I grabbed it and held it up. $7! I rushed to the checkout like a giddy schoolgirl and resolved to wear it the next day.
ETA: Fully aware the shirt is visible through my pants in the pic! It's the flash of the camera that makes it more noticeable than it is i real life I promise!
In deciding to start a blog, I thought alot about how much information about myself I would divulge to my readers. Initially, I thought keeping it fashion focused would be best as I assumed that no one would care about my personal life. I have demurred from that position as of late because I believe that sharing my struggles and joys could provide insight/perspective to someone who is going through something similar (or not). In my daily life I try to be as forthcoming and candid as possible with people I meet. I do not think that it should be any different for my blog. I thank you all for reading and hope that my opening up does not scare anyone off! Let's start shall we?
I have a son and he is five. He has special needs. It took me a while to even come to terms with that phrase because I am a person who is 100% anti-labels. I have been advocating for him since he was born and am fighting now to get him the services that he needs and deserves. I am a social worker by training (I have my MSW) and know plenty about advocating for those not able to do it for themselves. However, as a parent with a child with special needs, I have had to navigate through very turbulent and scary waters. I have crossed paths with people who want to remind me how "complicated" he is and that he will never be in a mainstream school. Who tell me that he will need meds for the rest of his life and that I need to "hurry up" and get this diagnosis or that diagnosis. In my frustration and anger, I have yelled at everyone and no one only to come to this realization: I have to be an advocate for my son. I have to be an advocate for him because no one else will. In life, sometimes you have to advocate to be heard, to be validated, to be understood, and to be made to feel that you are a human-being. Some people want to push their views and values on you and claim to know what is best for you. Do they? Do they have your best interest at heart? In many cases they do not. Only when you realize that only you can determine what is best for you can you then effectively advocate for yourself. Thatisall.
It is cold as heck here in Boston! I left the warmth of my house, stepped outside, and turned right back around to go back inside! I was born and raised in Boston and I swear I am not used to these temps! It seems ridiculous to be wearing short sleeves right now but here I am...
I went to Old Navy yesterday to return some pants I had purchased and saw a zig zag pattern out the corner of my eye. I had seen the shirt before during one of my previous visits but didn't pay it any attention. When I saw it again, I grabbed it and held it up. $7! I rushed to the checkout like a giddy schoolgirl and resolved to wear it the next day.
ETA: Fully aware the shirt is visible through my pants in the pic! It's the flash of the camera that makes it more noticeable than it is i real life I promise!
Top: Old Navy
Bottom: F21
Belt: Old Navy ($5!)
Shoes: Old Navy
Necklace: American Eagle
Earrings: ?
Bag: 7Chi
In deciding to start a blog, I thought alot about how much information about myself I would divulge to my readers. Initially, I thought keeping it fashion focused would be best as I assumed that no one would care about my personal life. I have demurred from that position as of late because I believe that sharing my struggles and joys could provide insight/perspective to someone who is going through something similar (or not). In my daily life I try to be as forthcoming and candid as possible with people I meet. I do not think that it should be any different for my blog. I thank you all for reading and hope that my opening up does not scare anyone off! Let's start shall we?
I have a son and he is five. He has special needs. It took me a while to even come to terms with that phrase because I am a person who is 100% anti-labels. I have been advocating for him since he was born and am fighting now to get him the services that he needs and deserves. I am a social worker by training (I have my MSW) and know plenty about advocating for those not able to do it for themselves. However, as a parent with a child with special needs, I have had to navigate through very turbulent and scary waters. I have crossed paths with people who want to remind me how "complicated" he is and that he will never be in a mainstream school. Who tell me that he will need meds for the rest of his life and that I need to "hurry up" and get this diagnosis or that diagnosis. In my frustration and anger, I have yelled at everyone and no one only to come to this realization: I have to be an advocate for my son. I have to be an advocate for him because no one else will. In life, sometimes you have to advocate to be heard, to be validated, to be understood, and to be made to feel that you are a human-being. Some people want to push their views and values on you and claim to know what is best for you. Do they? Do they have your best interest at heart? In many cases they do not. Only when you realize that only you can determine what is best for you can you then effectively advocate for yourself. Thatisall.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Another year...
Hi Everyone!
I hope you all had an enjoyable New Year's! I spent my New Year's hosting a sleepover with my daughter and her friend. I didn't think they'd be up as late as they were but I guess 3 year-olds like to get down like everyone else! Watching them made me realize how much older I am getting. You know you're getting old if 1) sitting "indian style" hurts your knees and 2) you feel like you've been beaten by a gladiator after sleeping on the floor for 30 minutes. This morning I was so not in the mood to dress up in anything but all black. What changed my mind was my skinny jeans I got from Eloquii a few weeks ago. Now I know I did a review on the jean and it wasn't a glowing review. But something about them being 50% off was enough to change my mind. Also, the red jean is so vibrant in person that I instantly fell in love with them the moment I put them on. I decided to buy the 14W so I could achieve a more fitted look. If you recall, the size 16's in my video review were very ripply in the thigh area. These fit perfectly and because they are a size smaller, the inseam is the perfect length. So what does one wear with a bright red jean? A tuxedo jacket! There is something about the black, white and red color combo that I can't get enough of. If you look back at my previous posts, you'll see a similar pattern in this regard. I feel that the jeans give the outfit the perfect pop while not detracting from the style of the jacket. What do you think?
I hope you all had an enjoyable New Year's! I spent my New Year's hosting a sleepover with my daughter and her friend. I didn't think they'd be up as late as they were but I guess 3 year-olds like to get down like everyone else! Watching them made me realize how much older I am getting. You know you're getting old if 1) sitting "indian style" hurts your knees and 2) you feel like you've been beaten by a gladiator after sleeping on the floor for 30 minutes. This morning I was so not in the mood to dress up in anything but all black. What changed my mind was my skinny jeans I got from Eloquii a few weeks ago. Now I know I did a review on the jean and it wasn't a glowing review. But something about them being 50% off was enough to change my mind. Also, the red jean is so vibrant in person that I instantly fell in love with them the moment I put them on. I decided to buy the 14W so I could achieve a more fitted look. If you recall, the size 16's in my video review were very ripply in the thigh area. These fit perfectly and because they are a size smaller, the inseam is the perfect length. So what does one wear with a bright red jean? A tuxedo jacket! There is something about the black, white and red color combo that I can't get enough of. If you look back at my previous posts, you'll see a similar pattern in this regard. I feel that the jeans give the outfit the perfect pop while not detracting from the style of the jacket. What do you think?
Tuxedo blazer: F21
Silky chemise: Old Navy
Jean: Eloquii
Shoes: Old Navy
Earrings: ASOS
Necklace: The strap from an old clutch
Can we take a second to talk about resolutions for 2012? Do you make them? I've resolved to shop less, volunteer more, and be more active. I'll be happy if I can achieve at least 2 of the 3!
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