SEAFOOD MARKET

Today I went to a small seafood market a few miles away. It is wonderful and so eccentric... like my lovely little town. The ceiling is sprayed and painted to look like the surf is breaking above your head, so you are down with the catches. And the quality of the local and imported seafood? Mmmmm, so good!

DECO

{Mosaic Panel Bracelet}


I hope that this becomes a trend. I love the art deco motif.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE

The last two weeks have been non-stop. My uncle in California had a serious health issue, which prompted my mom and two aunts to fly out there to be with him and his wife. He's pulled through the worst of it, and the women returned home Wednesday. So, to make sure our Christmas would be as low-stress for mom as possible, I did everything possible to get her Christmas shopping, wrapping, etc, done before then.

And today, we can all relax and celebrate another successful holiday survival.

May you all have a blessed holiday time, and enjoy your loved ones.

A REFLECTION....

A few weeks back, I noticed that the Anthroholic blog link was not working. It was stating the blog had been made private. Not being an Anthro-blogger, and only a casual fan of the line and site, I mentally shrugged and removed the link. Little did I know of the massive shit-storm that had struck the blogging community.

While browsing another fashion blog, the author made reference to Kim and their IRL friendship, and how devastating what Kim had done was to her personally. "WTF? Kim from Anthroholic? Fraud? How can I find out more?" Googling 'kim anthroholic scandal' unleashed a plethora of posts and reactions.

The basic gist: she had set up a "personal shopper" service through her blog, where she would purchase Anthropologie items and ship them to help individuals defray shipping costs to their countries, or by hunting out difficult-to-find items for them. For a fee. Now, this practice isn't completely unheard of in the blogging community, particularly with Anthro-bloggers. The vast majority of fashion bloggers are warm, friendly, and generous to a fault. And that's why Kim's actions caused such an uproar.

She'd pocket the money, and use whatever excuse possible to put off her clients for as long as possible. Reading the accounts of her victims, and believe me, they are indeed victims, she acts like a middle schooler who's trying to con the teacher into giving her more time to complete an assignment.

From the information I've read, I'd classify her as suffering from oniomania, or shopping addiction. Let me stress that I am not a qualified mental health expert, nor do I know Kim personally. I'm just saying, as a casual observer, if she isn't intentionally defrauding these individuals, then oniomania makes sense. I have had episodes of oniomania, which I turned to as a means of easing my depression, which could have spiraled rapidly out of control, had I not sought the help of medical professionals.

As a member of the fashion blogging community, I can't help but think that the materialism and flippant use of words like "need" and "want" can contribute to this disease, or even feeling like keeping up with the Jones'. I will make a point of being real with you readers about my spending, lusting, and manner of obtaining the items I present on here. This scandal has bothered me greatly, and I hope the best for Kim and her victims. May they recieve restitution, and may she find the help she needs.

RIDE 'EM COWGIRL

I disappeared from everywhere but the Facebook recently. To be quite frank with you all, I've felt myself slipping back into the dark passenger of depression. It's due to forces outside my control, which makes a control-freak like myself feel even worse. But, I've battled through to the other side, and while it's still cloudy, I can see the sun coming back. (Cheese-fest, I know.) So, I took the time I needed to get myself and my surroundings back on track. Things are looking up.

Moving on to the outfit, I went over to a friend's to eat Chinese, drink beer, play dominoes, and chill out. Since we were in our semi-cold snap, I busted out the boots. I'm using any excuse to wear my Fall wardrobe!









Top: Forever 21
Jeans: Diesel
Boots: Fryes
Necklace: gift

Happy Monday, lovers!

AN HONOR

I got an email this afternoon, stating that a blog entry I made was going to be posted on BlogHer! I am super stoked. It's an honor to contribute, even in a tiny way, to such a wonderful site for female bloggers. I wrote a brief article on my adoption and how I have tried to find out who I am.

I hope to continue to contribute to the BlogHer family.

(OOTD, and apology post coming up next.)

ETERNAL SUMMER

Because I have such a bad habit of lusting for fall, I decided to atone for my sin by dedicating a post to the beauty of an (almost) eternal summer. Just a heads up, this will be a photo-heavy post. I'll have some additional commentary, but I'll let the beauty of my home shine through on it's own.



{Technically, this is The Keys, but I loved this little guy, and had to add him.}






(I may or may not add more photos.)

Life's a beach, lovers!

VINTAGE AFFAIR

One thing I've been increasingly searching for is vintage items. I've heard the argument, and use it to my advantage, that there is a reason old fashions are donated to Goodwill. Obviously, with the various re imaginings of past fashions coming back into vogue, going for the true article is a wise way to avoid trendy pricing and quality.

If you're lucky enough to live near a number of thrift stores, spending a day off browsing can pay off big time. Get friendly with the workers. Be a regular. Ask questions. If you find out when local stores send their excess stock, you can hit a jackpot of nice, current threads without the retail price tag. If you are friendly with a worker, they may set aside some items for you.

Even better, volunteer. I know that my church thrift has some amazing pieces, and that the volunteers get first pick of the donations. You can find out if your local thrifts have similar policies. If they don't, another trick people I've worked with have done is to hide a particular item in a hodge-podge area, where it's less likely to get snapped up. So, if you volunteer, or are a thrift hunter, check those overflowing miscellaneous piles first!

If you are not a fan of thrift stores, there is always EBay. If you are tenacious and determined, you can find some amazing things for very good deals. I paid less than $30 for a pair of vintage Gucci loafers and vintage Salvatore Ferragamo heels. Those were both on my lust list for AGES. And for less than a tank of gas. BOOYAH.

Start an affair with vintage today!

UTILICAPE

You read that right: utilicape.

Here's ASOS's version.

{Now on sale for $54.89!}

That is the only fashion-related item I found with a quick (read: lazy) Google search for "utility cape". When I tried for "utilicape", the only results were for the domain ultilicap.net. Psh, whatever. I was surprised to not find any Batman references, since I always figured that if anyone would need a utilicape, it would be the Caped Crusader. For Pete's sake!


{Not you, Pete.}

My quest for the utilicape came as a result of various sources indicating that capes will be "in" this fall. After perusing a number of adorable options, I thought that the ultimate find would be the utilicape, so that I could look chic and carry my purse contents sans purse. Fabulous, I know, right? Sadly, not only were most of the current options outside my price range (roughly $25), but I did not find a single option that would satisfy my utilicape desires. Should I find that one cape for me, I'll have to modify pockets in it.

It's a tough life I lead, lovers.



Happy Hump Day!

BEATBOXING ROBOT

At least, that's what my Android notifications calls my text message tune. I kind of like it. Dick-dicka-da! Dicka-dicka-da! Beat. Box. Ing robot.

In contrast to my hopes of one day owning a robot that will beatbox for me, and not those canned beatboxing like on keyboards, is the retro clothing vibe. I love the polka dots and stripes and classic cuts and nautical themes and all of it. Were I not in my mid-20s, I would so totally rock these hot pants.


{Inside the Lines}

SO CUTE. I would slap my vintage polka dot blouse on this baby.


How do you feel about retro trends?

RED SCARE

I returned from the Keys yesterday, and snapped the above portrait. Yes, I got far too much sun, so please forgive me for slacking off the next few days. I'll be laying in a tub of aloe vera and sipping a painkiller smoothie.

Talk to you soon!

FLEA MARKET EXPLORING

{I love vintage books. The smell cannot be beat!}


I went to my flea market today, just since I haven't been in ages. Even though it's always so hot walking among the stalls, the smells are amazing! Funnel cake, fries, hot dog vendors, fresh fruit and flowers, leatherwork, and animals. So great to see what's happening there, even if I only found a ring this time around.



{Mmmmm... fresh.}













{Welcome to Florida!}

COLOR ME SURPRISED

Yes, yes, I'm reaching for a title with this one. I usually go with the title that makes me giggle the most. An excellent business plan, I feel.

Since Spring is here, I've been warming up to the idea of crazy bold colors, in particular, honeysuckle. When the news of Honeysuckle's reign filtered down into my happily ignorant bubble, I admitted it was pretty, but NOT FOR ME. I've always equated various shades of pink to various ditsy girls I've encountered, and college life only cemented that belief in me. So when it comes to overtly feminine things, I shy away or try to make it tough and hard-edged.

But the last month, I've grown more and more fond of this tough, bold, unforgiving color. My nails are painted with a matte version as I type this. While thrifting yesterday, I bought a honeysuckle pantsuit, to be worn seperately, of course. And thanks to my insatiable Ebay addiction, I've got a tulip skirt in the same hue heading my way. I think it's fair to say that this color is definitely going to be one of my favorite Spring/Summer playthings.










{I will upload pictures of my shame tonight.}

WANNA BANG ON MY DRUMS ALL DAY

Remember how I said we were creeping towards 80? Yesterday, we blew through it with a high of 87 when I was driving home. We're expected to keep cracking 80s, until an April cold front brings us to mid-70s, before busting back up. Holy Toledo! I told you spring was short around here.

Speaking of short, I'm on the prowl for some cute, breezy, sophisticated shorts. I'm too old to say my cutoffs are, like, totally hot, and am no longer "barely legal". I'm a grown-up, sassy lady, and should project that more. Hell if I'll let being an adult mess with my fun-loving lifestyle, though!

Another item on my wish list are soft, cozy tops that clean well. I don't want to pay a ton at the drycleaners because my nephew spit-up on me. I'm thinking basics, cotton, lightweight, loose fit. Do any of you have suggestions? I'd love some feedback before I get a boobful of baby spit!

I have a feeling that little guy is going to cause more than just wardrobe changes. I can't wait to meet him! (And I promise not to "baby-out" too much here. Pinky promise.)

HIT ME WITH YOUR BEST SHOT

By now, the devastation in Japan is on everyone's radar. Waiting to hear from family and friends from Japan to the West Coast was nerve-wracking, and luckily, everyone I know is alive and well. For those who are not as fortunate, there are tons of charities, listed on this page (found via Yahoo! and I Am Style-ish), where you can donate. Also, news has come out that if you text to donate, the funds may not be given to the charity until 90 days later. So, if you can donante another way, please consider it. My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this.


-------------------------------------------------------------------
Goodness, has it been an action-packed few weeks at Fashion Rihab Land! Not only has work been picking up, but we were in the process of relocating our office while running our usual call volume. Needless to say, quite a few of the techs have called in with the Moving Flu over the course of the relocation. (If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter, you've read my relocation updates.) I'm so blessed to have all these tough men working with me. Though, to be fair, moving 25 years of accumulated plumbing and A/C parts, equipment, and junk is no small feat.

No small feat that was mostly done by the ladies. Good thing the women in my family are made of some stern stuff. *flex*

Now that things are settling back down, I convinced some friends to go out and decompress. I love my ladies.



{Bar in Downtown. Where you'll get FUBAR.}






{I am totally FUBARed.}




{YEAH.}

Shirt: Alternative Apparel
Vest: Vintage PIKO
Jacket: Forever 21
Jeans: dark wash cigarette UO (uncuffed)
Shoes: Forever 21 (at least 3 yrs old)
Earrings: Forever 21
Rings: thrift store find
Purse: Carryland (didn't match, but I'm a lazy purser)

SUPERBOWL HANGOVER

Holy Toledo, you guys. We Packer fans know how to party, and the Superbowl win was cause to celebrate many different things. I'm not the only fashion blogger who watches football, but I am one who was pulling so hard for my home state boys. And seeing my future ex-husband Aaron Rodgers visiting Disney World the next day, only an hour's drive from where I live, was magical. Great job, Pack. This gal thanks you each from the bottom of her heart.

(I’m a little cranky because I didn’t have Matthews’ treeroot arms rocking me to sleep while I patted Rodger’s buns and Kiesel’s beard. With Palamalu’s hair covering me like a blanket. Is it Fantasy Friday yet?)



Real post to come tonight!

BACK TO BASICS

The secret of any great wardrobe is twofold: basics and personal style. It's like building a house; you can't pick the paint until you've laid the foundation. And if the foundation is bad, it doesn't matter how nifty your trinkets look when the house collapses. So if you've got the wardrobe essentials, then you can put your personal stamp on it.

Obviously, you need to keep several factors in mind when building your essential wardrobe: your body, your climate, and your lifestyle. As cute as they are, strappy stilettos aren't a good match for schlepping through a blizzard. Likewise, merino is so not a good idea at the Equator. I recommend that you take these factors into account while going through your closet and pulling out all the basic pieces you have. Once you have an inventory, determine what needs to be built upon, and what you should parse from your closet. After the basics are mastered, styling and personalizing is a cinch. (Of course, organization at all stages is key!)

As a Florida girl, my basics will differ from many of you. Here's my wardrobe essentials....

FOUNDATION
* Bras - I get sized by a local shop twice a year. The lifespan of most bras is six months before the band starts to go. My fitter recommends a new bra that hooks on the outermost hooks, so I can extend the life by going in on the hooks. I recommend three colors (nude, black, white) in each of three styles: strapless, push-up, and racerback.
* Panties - I firmly believe there is no such thing as too many panties. After the three main colors (nude, white, black) in preferred styles (thong, string bikini, boyshort), you can go crazy with it. Just remember to watch the shelf life on these too!

TOPS
* Tanks - Multiples in black and white. Straps that are wide enough to cover bra straps, or else have a bra top built into the tank. These are summer and fall lifesavers. Just be careful of deodorant marks.
* Tees - Multiples of these in black, white and gray. I prefer the look of V-necks, but I also have ones with a U-neck.
* Button Down - At least have one of these. White, black or a jewel tone.

BOTTOMS
* Jeans - In this day and age, denim is king. I think a good basis for jeans would be 1 white pair (any cut), 5 dark wash bootcuts or trousers, 2 dark wash skinnies, 1 dark wash flare, and 1 dark wash wide leg.
* Dress pant - I like to have one pair of muted gray plaid, wide leg dress slacks. For the rare occasions I go to a trade conference or have a meeting with creative directors.
* Leggings - These are my version of sweatpants. Pairs in black, navy and gray. Some are for casual errands, others are for working out.
* Shorts - Mostly Bermuda length, although I have a few dress shorts with higher waistbands and hems. 1 pair khaki, 1 pair gray, 2 pairs black, 2 pairs white, and 1 pair of skorts. I have a few terrycloth shorts for working out.
* Skirts - Maxi's are another sweatpant alternative, primarily in black and navy. Knee-length and A-line in black, muted gray, and white. Pencils in black, navy and white.

DRESSES
* LBD - The beloved little black dress. I prefer a deep V-neck and back, A-line, full skirted in a delicate, flowing fabric.
* Wrap Dress - At least one in black, maybe patterned. At or just above the knee.
* Sheath Dress - At least one in a neutral color.

OUTERWEAR
* Leather Jacket - Splurge item, if used a lot. I can make do with cheapies and knockoffs. Sometimes can get lucky at the thrift stores or flea market.
* Blazers - Neutrals. Way to pull an otherwise casual outfit together. Nice to have on hand.
* Cardigan - Any light to medium weight sweater for office work. Again, in neutrals.
* Gloves - Handy (*kneeslapkneeslapkneeslap*) and great for sudden snaps, but are always getting lost.

ACCESSORIES
* Belts - 1 black, 1 brown, 1 metallic.
* Purses - 1 black leather, 1 brown leather, 1 metallic. Clutch preferably.
* Scarves - Neutrals. Neck kerchief, large oval, and bandana sized.

SHOES
* Pumps - Black. Round toe. Stiletto.
* Tennis shoes - For workouts.
* Sandals - Wedges and thongs. Sand doesn't like leather, so mostly cork or fabric.
* Flats - 1 pair black ballet flats and 1 pair pink/nude ballet flats.


There you have it! It's seems like so much, but with this foundation, you can do so much more with your style.

FRIDAY FANTASY

Happy Friday, darlings! I hope you all are having a lovely day, and have some fun plans for the weekend! We've had semi-normal temperatures here the last few days, upper-70s, but have another cool front rolling in tonight. With all the switching between sweaters and tanktops, I am over the novelty of winter and am ready for Spring. So, this is what I will be wearing in my daydreams this weekend, while huddling in my ratty hoodie and cursing my weathermen.



River Island Red Super Skinny Jeans

I'm really into bright colors in my wardrobe, for some reason. I think these would be a super awesome addition to my Jean Army, and make for some interesting challlenges for me to style. I'd play up the retro vibe, but my hair can't hold a curl worth a damn.



ASOS BLACK Petal Maxi Skirt

Maxi skirts and dresses are like a fashionable answer to sweatpants for me. Got a bunch of errands and very little time? Throw one on and book it! Still look low key in a hurry, without falling into a frumpy rut. This skirt looks like it would be a fun update to pair with basic Tees and flats.




Banana Republic Matilda

I love how the ribbon design amps this Tee up. I see Lex from My Mama Made It/Made by Lex do designs like this all the time. I adore her work, and her blog is absolutely darling. If you haven't seen it yet, you should do so soon. Every time I read it, I get a hankering to do something craft-y. (I am not a craft person.) Maybe I could DIY this top!

(No, I could not.)





My future ex-husband Aaron Rodgers and the rest of the Pack play the Chicago Bears this weekend! As a fan, I am amped and confident that we will advance to the Superbowl. As a superstitious fan, I will be hiding in the bathroom and straining my ears to hear the action while the game goes on. Go Pack!



Ah, fantasy... I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

{RINSE & REPEAT}

New lens test. I'm rather pleased with it. Next test is to see if it works well for the OOTDs.


{see title}

BREAK IT DOWN NOW

After a little break from the blog, I am ready to bring you lovely readers the same lack of scruples and high fashion sense as always. The stress from dealing with Teleplan Camera Repair was too much on top of my usual levels of work and personal conflict. That was exacerbated when Boss Man decided to charge only the office staff a dollar for every negative comment made during the day. Anyone who has ever worked customer service knows how hard it is to deal with the public at large. Very few good ones, very many horrible ones, and a few shining examples of pure crazy.


Not that I was a bump on the fashion log during my break; I've read articles, dissected "What's Hot" in my loving way, found some great areas of inspiration for my personal style, and FINALLY GOT MY CAMERA BACK. Not to mention getting my wicked awesome Halloween costume put together! And yes, my first OOTD will be my costume. Parties start tomorrow night and go all weekend! *dance*


A pictorial update will occur this night. Hark!