Department of Color

New Year's Resolutions for 2012

2012-01-01T05:30:00.000-06:00

I get way more excited about New Year's Day than I do about the other winter holidays. I enjoy the quiet of the day, and also the fact that it represents a fresh start.

Last year, I only set two new year's resolutions. I liked the way that worked out, so I'm going to do that again this year.

So, without further ado, here they are:

The perpetual FITNESS goal. There it is again. :) I have a feeling this goal will always be on my New Year's list.

As mentioned in a previous post, my main desire is to shrink my midsection. Specifically, I want to achieve a healthy hip-to-waist ratio.
Exercise more autonomy in my life. This is my bigger, "deeper" goal for the year. :)

Though I've always been a very independent person, there are certain areas of my life where I tend to feel like I need to get permission or approval from others before I proceed.

This tendency originated, I'm sure, from my family upbringing. Growing up and into my young adulthood, I was always the "dependable" sibling, the one who was expected to be available to take care of things for others. I rarely did anything without first checking to make sure that someone else hadn't already made plans for my time or money.

I have since set some healthier boundaries (thank goodness!) but I still sometimes hear an annoying little voice in my head, telling me that I'm being selfish when I'm acting on my own behalf. Or that I'm being unappreciative when I let go of something that's not serving me.

So I intend to spend this year asking myself, "Is this me?" and "Is this what I really want?" -- not just as these questions apply to the acquisition or decluttering of things, but also as they apply to decisions about how I spend my time.

Many years ago, during a time of transition in my life, a dear friend introduced me to the poetry of Mary Oliver. One poem that made an impression and has stuck with me throughout the years is The Journey. Every few years --and it usually happens when I'm ready for some sort of change-- I remember this poem, and I find it and I read it again.

Every time I read The Journey, I think I understand it. But every time I read it, I also realize that I understand it even better than I did the last time.

This time, I understand that it's all about this word I keep hearing in my head, autonomy.

The Journey
by Mary Oliver

One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice--
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
"Mend my life!"
each voice cried.
But you didn't stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do--
determined to save
the only life you could save.

The Journey was originally published in Dreamwork, which, in my opinion, is a poetry book worth owning.

They said what I've been thinking

2011-12-21T10:00:00.000-06:00

Frank Chimero on Your Shit, My Stuff, Goldilocks and Making the Bed You Sleep In. This is a piece about the process and importance of choosing the things that you live with.

Jesse Thorn on Why this matters. This is a piece about the significance of clothing and dress, both as a form of communication and as an expression of beauty.

2011 New Year's resolutions: how did I do?

2011-12-19T05:30:00.000-06:00

I know, 2011 isn't quite over yet, but it will be before you know it. I thought that now would be a good time to look back and see how I did.

So here are the two resolutions I made last January:

Get fit. For me, "getting fit" means losing about 30 pounds and getting stronger.
Use the "good stuff" first. I have a bad habit of saving and not using my nicer cosmetics, clothing, linens, dishes, etc. I don't know why I do that, but it has to stop, because it's crazy!

The "getting fit" part is progressing. But I'll admit that I didn't make a real effort to start on this goal until very late (September?) and my weight hasn't dropped as quickly as I'd hoped.

I have managed to lose about 13 pounds, but I haven't lost more than a couple of inches off my waist. To make matters worse, I fear that much of the weight is coming off of my hips and bustline, which I didn't particularly want to reduce! (Or at least not more than my tummy!)

So. I need to figure out how to get more fat off of my belly and less off of the other parts. :) I've read that one's diet is what makes the difference in belly fat, so I'll have to be stricter about carb control. *Sigh*. It won't be easy.

On the bright side, I've decided that I don't necessarily want to lose 30 pounds after all. 20 might be more appropriate to achieve the shape I'm after.

You see, I'm extremely small-boned and petite, and I was always very thin until I hit my mid-30s. It was my natural state. So I've always felt that I needed to be that thin to feel normal and healthy.

But recently, when I lost an inch off my bust measurement, I remembered my old bra size-- and, um, well, I decided I didn't necessarily want to go back to that. :)

Truth is, I've come to enjoy having a few more curves than I did before. So, I've decided that I'm going to do what I can to flatten my stomach and tone up the rest-- to look reasonably fit. But I'm not going to concern myself with becoming "thin"again.

...

Now on to the second resolution: To use the "good stuff" first.

I think I'm doing pretty well with this one. In fact, I think I'm regularly using almost all the things I purchased this year, and most of them are things I consider "nicer" than what I had before.

I think there are a couple of keys to my success with this particular goal:

1. I got rid of a lot of old stuff that wasn't optimal for my needs.

This is easier said than done. For me, it meant donating some perfectly good clothes and household items. But these things were not what I really wanted to be using or wearing. And as soon as they were out of the house, I started using some better things that I'd purchased more recently.

In the case of beauty products, it was even more difficult. I had so many barely-used products, and it didn't seem right to toss them all in the trash.

But eventually, I decided that if the product broke me out or was otherwise poorly suited to my skin, it would have to be discarded. No use keeping things that did more harm than good.

Other things, such as makeup items that are still usable but are not my favorites, have been put away in storage. I might pull them out and use them after I've used up my newer purchases.

2. I've stopped buying so much stuff! And what I do buy is better: better quality and better choices.

For the most part, I now avoid buying new things until right before I'm ready to use them. And when I do buy a replacement for something (such as new dinnerware, or a new sweater to replace a ratty one), I make an effort to upgrade the quality, that is, to buy a slightly better version of what I had before.

This way, I'm ensuring that a) I got the full desired use out of the old item, so there's no reason to keep it around; and b) I'm always looking forward to the "upgraded" version, instead of feeling guilty about using it.

Since my newer, higher-quality purchases are put to use right away, I'm actually becoming accustomed to using my nicer possessions on a regular basis.

It doesn't feel so strange anymore to be using my "best" things every day. There simply isn't much else to use.

---
I'm really happy with the success of my second resolution. I feel like it's helped me to better refine my personal style, and to live better overall.

It's also inspired me to get really serious (again, for real this time!) about clearing out the excess STUFF from my home. I cleared a lot of clutter last year, but there's still plenty more to clear from the nooks and crannies of my house.

I see a 2012 decluttering resolution in my future. :)

2011 makeup favorites

2011-12-17T15:05:00.001-06:00

Wow, it's been a long time since I wrote a makeup post! (Warning: Way-too-long makeup post ahead!)

Anyway, here are my current favorites:

Keep in mind, I don't wear all of these every day, nor is this all the makeup I own. These are just the things that I love the most and reach for most often: the tried and true, and also a few new things that I'm just really enjoying at the moment.

I like looking at packaging, so the picture above shows everything closed...

And here's (mostly) everything opened. Clockwise, from lower left to right: Diorblush in Bois de Rose (Rosebud), Armani Sheer Blush 5, YSL Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils in Noir Radical (sample), Estee Lauder High Gloss in 10 Rose (sample), Urban Decay Matte Eyeshadow in Naked, Guerlain Meteorites Perles in Teint Beige 02, Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in 065 Rosy Nude, and Estee Lauder lip pencil in 21 Fig.

Here's a closeup of the lip products. As you can see, the Rosy Nude lipstick and the Fig pencil look almost identical, and they are, pretty much. I rarely wear these together. Instead, I'll usually combine the lipstick with a slightly darker liner (such as Chanel Mordore/Nude, a deep red-brown), blending the edges well with a lip brush. Or, when I'm in a rush, I'll often apply the Fig pencil alone over a shiny balm such as Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream (filling in my lips entirely with the pencil, in this case). The Fig pencil also combines nicely with paler pink or peachy lipsticks.

In the picture above, the lip colors look much browner and warmer-toned than they are in real life. In reality, they are more like a neutral mauve-rose-beige shade, good for a "my lips but better" look for people like me whose lips are deeper-toned.

The gloss, though it's called "Rose", is actually more of a peachy-pink shade with gold sparkles. Don't worry, the sparkles don't look like glitter on the lips. They just add a pretty shine which, combined with the color, has a really nice brightening effect. I think this particular shade of gloss can make just about any lipstick look better.

I rarely wear these blushes together either. As you can probably tell from the picture, Armani Blush No. 5 (top) is really more of a contour shade. Nevertheless, (and what you can't tell from the picture), it is rosy enough to wear alone for those times when you don't want to wear an obvious cheek color. When I do wear it as a contour, I usually apply a brighter pink color on the apples of my cheeks.

I've seen No. 5 referred to as "Photoshop for the face", and I have to agree.

The Dior Rosebud blush is just a nice rosy pink, a very natural shade for every day wear, or to carry in your bag for touch-ups. As you can probably tell from the photo, I don't use the highlight part very much. But it's nice, very subtle. The little brush in the compact, by the way, is remarkably good; I use it to apply the blush, and I like the result.

The only downside of the Dior blush is that it doesn't seem to have a lot of lasting power on me.

And here is one product that I bought just because I thought it would look pretty on my dresser. :)

I'd always wanted to try Guerlain Meteorites powder, and so I finally splurged on this canister. And I quite like it.

It's basically just a loose translucent powder. The finish is matte-- this is not a highlighter or a glowy mineral powder-- but it does produce a nice brightening effect. My skin is really dry right now, so I can't comment on its oil control capabilities.

I bought the Meteorites Beige 02 shade for my light-medium skin tone. But if I repurchase, I'll probably try out the 03 shade, which is designated for "golden tones". I find the 02 shade takes just a tad too much warmth out of my skin tone. I have to use it sparingly.

Bottom line, though, this product does the job of setting my makeup, and it feels luxurious to use.

And this is my everyday/lazy-day eyeshadow: Urban Decay Matte Eyeshadow in Naked.

I bought this on a whim, and now I don't know how I ever lived without it.

I happen to like it for a very specific reason: It is the same medium-tan shade as my natural eyelids (which are naturally shaded), but without the red tones which can make me look tired. So it basically neutralizes the red tones of my lids without "blanking out" the natural contour as some lighter shades might do.

I think this is a good "no-makeup" shade for those of us who tend to wear deeper colors on our lids. It might not be as good for people who want to brighten their lids.

This product has excellent lasting power as well, and the texture is lovely and it blends very easily. I never even bother with a primer when I use it. (Your mileage may vary!)

As for the YSL Faux Cils mascara, it's also a new discovery that I happen to be loving. It makes my lashes look great, and I'm not even sure how or why. They just look bigger and better than they ever have before.

Faux Cils is not the blackest mascara I've ever used, but it somehow makes my lashes look really black. Go figure. It does seem to hold a curl very well, and it thickens without clumping. I still haven't decided if it's worth the high-end price, though. Before this, I was using a much less expensive L'Oreal mascara (Voluminous) which was almost as good.

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You may have noticed that I didn't list any foundations, concealers, or face primers among my favorites.

The reason is that my skin type has changed, and so I'm having to search for new base products.

My skin used to be so oily that even the most long-wearing, mattifying, oil-control foundations would get shiny on me within a few hours. But that is no longer the case.

My skin is now normal-to-dry; and as the weather gets colder, I'm finding that it also has a tendency to flake. And I've found that if I use products that are too thick or heavy in consistency, they can make my skin look dull.

So as I search for a new foundation and/or primers and concealers, I'll still be looking for longwearing products. But they'll have to be extra lightweight, smooth-textured, and non-drying.

I'll try to keep you all updated if I happen to find any such miracle products. ;)

What a minimalist buys

2011-12-15T21:27:00.000-06:00

I haven't purchased many clothes this year. It was mostly because I planned to lose weight, and didn't want to invest in new things that might not fit me in a year.

But it's also because I'm just generally hesitant to spend money on clothing. For whatever reason, I have a tendency to underestimate my wardrobe needs. Unlike many people, I don't have a ton of forgotten things hanging in my closet. Instead, I have constant shortages because I always take too long to replace things that need replacing.

One positive side-effect of this personality quirk is that when I do finally settle on a new purchase, it's usually something I love and wear often. Here are some of my favorite recent purchases:

1. Abalone and freshwater pearl drop earrings. The ones above are from Overstock.com. They're very inexpensive but fun to wear. I found similar ones at my local World Market store.

World Market is one of the few brick & mortar stores where I actually enjoy shopping. You never know what you're going to find there. I always stop by the jewelry section whenever I visit. (The quality of their jewelry varies; I replaced the ugly hooks on my abalone earrings with some nicer ones purchased at the craft store.)

Image: Sarenza.com

Image: europeanwardrobe.com.au

2. Bloch Arabian Ballerina Flats. OMG. I love these shoes. They're so comfy. Bloch is best known for its dance shoes, and these really do feel (almost) like dancing shoes.

Mind you, they are soft but not cushiony, and have no arch support. Expect to "feel the floor" when you wear these. :) They are all leather, including the sole, and the inside is made of the softest suede lining, as seen in the second picture above.

I bought them in black and will probably buy another black pair. In my dreams, I'd love to have a pair in every color. They are great for everyday wear with jeans. I bought my shoes at Zappos.com.

Image: Journelle.com

3. The Chantelle Rive Gauche full-coverage t-shirt bra. I was so happy to have discovered this bra. I have it in black and beige. They make the "Rive Gauche" design in several different versions, including demi and full-cups, foam-lined and lacy sheer, etc. This t-shirt bra is expensive but totally worth the price. I find the shape so much more flattering than that of my old Victoria's Secret bras, which, in my opinion, gave too much of a rounded, almost flattening shape. The support of the Chantelle bra is also better, and its straps stay in place better as well. I bought mine from Nordstrom.com.


Image: Target.com

4. Long-sleeved t-shirts from Target's Merona line. I like these for layering under sweaters. And I'll admit, I often sleep in them, too. :)

They tend to run large and stretch with wear, so I recommend buying a size smaller, especially if you plan to use them for layering. Occasionally you can find them in a rayon/cotton blend, which is also nice. These are a wardrobe staple, so I always stop by the t-shirt section when I'm at the store, to see if they have any of my favorite colors.

5. Michael Kors trench coat. This is the trench I finally settled on after a months-long search. I bought mine at Nordstrom.com; it's also available at Bluefly.com.

I'd previously purchased a more traditional design by London Fog. But I kept going back to the store to exchange it for a "better" size. Finally I realized that the size was not the problem-- it was the cut of the coat that just wasn't right for my figure. It was too long (even the petite version) and the princess seams were not flattering on me. (I've since decided that princess seams are never flattering on me.)

I much prefer this shorter coat, which is shaped with inconspicuous side darts at the bust, and a less traditional but still classic, simple shape. And despite its simple styling, it has nice features such as a removable warm lining, so it's suitable for a variety of temperatures. (It also has a removable hood, which I did remove.)

Several reviewers on the Nordstrom site complained that the belted waist is too high on this coat, but I happen to like the higher waistline. Lower waistlines tend to hit at the widest part of my middle, making me look frumpy; but this higher waistline hits above my belly and thus has a slimming effect on me.

6. Oh, and I know I've mentioned them before, but I'm still loving the Walmart jeans I purchased last summer. They've held up remarkably well. They are strictly for casual wear-- not to take the place of "premium denim" by any means-- but they fit great, are comfy, and keep their shape all day.

Note: The picture on the Walmart site looks kind of frumpy. But trust me, they just look like regular casual jeans. Nothing frumpy about them.

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So that's what I've bought so far. I've wanted to buy sweaters and blouses and skirts and dress slacks, but I'm having a heck of a time finding what I want, in my size. It doesn't help that I tend to ponder my purchases too long; everything is sold out by the time I'm ready to buy!

Oh well, I'll keep shopping, and hopefully I'll find some new "autumn" clothes before winter is over.

Where I shopped: Apparently, I love the Internet

2011-11-07T12:49:00.000-06:00

When I look at the places I shopped this year, it's very clear that I prefer online shopping to brick-and-mortar shopping.

The reasons:

Good service matters to me. A lot. And if I'm going to have to wander around a store for help, or if I have to deal with snobby attitudes from sales associates (which seems to be a frequent problem around here), then I'd rather just stay home and order online.
I like instant anything. I guess I'm impatient and lazy. I'm more than willing to pay a little extra for anything delivered electronically. I love instant video, music, e-books, audiobooks, etc. Even when I'm ordering items that have to shipped, I'm more likely to order from sites where I don't have to re-enter my payment information in the order form. (I am the target customer for Amazon's "One-Click" service!)
I prefer to try things on at home. In my own bedroom, with realistic lighting and my own mirrors. I don't mind making returns by mail, either. In my case, mail returns are usually faster and more convenient than a trip back to the store.
It's hard to find good quality at local stores. I have to travel to The Big City to find higher-end items. It's not a huge distance, but it's a hassle; and there's no guarantee that I'll find what I'm looking for. I think it's easier just to find things online and have them delivered to my door.
It's easier to find rare or vintage items online. I love the vintage Italian sewing machines that I bought on eBay, the affordable decants (samples) of expensive or discontinued perfumes that I found at ThePerfumedCourt.com, and the rare music recordings and obscure books that I've found on Amazon.

Having said all that, there are times when I truly enjoy a local shopping experience. And I've found that the more "local", the better.

For instance, I love the atmosphere of secondhand shops. Where I live, we have an abundance of thrift stores, used-book stores, and flea markets. Thrift shoppers are, for the most part, a fun bunch to shop with. I guess it's because we are all (or mostly) there to treasure-hunt. Any purchase is usually the result of a pleasant surprise; and since the prices are always right, there's little worry of buyer's remorse. Plus, every purchase is helping a local charity, or at least a local small businessperson.

Another type of shopping I enjoy is the local community market, and also our town festivals which are a frequent occurrence here. At these events, I can usually find great fresh produce or garden plants, and products handmade by local artisans. Again, there's always a positive atmosphere and the knowledge that I'm helping out the local community with every purchase.

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When I consider my other shopping trips, to places like Target, Macy's, or Ulta, I can think of a few good purchases I made there. But they weren't terribly enjoyable experiences. And in some cases, they cut into time I could have spent doing more productive things-- such as going to the gym, reading, or enjoying my hobbies.

I think I will make more of an effort to plan my wardrobe and to purchase more of it online (thus eliminating those last-minute trips to the mall); and also to patronize our local artisans, farmers, charity shops, and small businesses.

Smart shopping and not-so-smart shopping

2011-11-06T11:31:00.000-06:00

When I took a look at my list of places I shopped this year, it was pretty easy to spot the one category where I made my smartest, most satisfying purchases:

Housewares. (We're talking cookware, food storage, furniture, pillows, towels, etc.)

This also happens to be the one area where:

I tend not to purchase many items.
I usually pay full price.
I am not very emotional or impulsive; most purchases are planned.
I look for good quality but not necessarily the top of the line. I don't like having things that feel too "precious" to use.
I immediately get rid of the "old" when I buy something new to replace it. New purchases are put to use immediately.

My overall spending in this category was the lowest of all other categories, probably because I didn't buy many things.

But the main reason I feel smart about my shopping in this category is that I like and use everything that I bought. There is no waste.

-----------------------------------------

And then there is the category where I'm most likely to over-spend:

Cosmetics.

I'm pretty sure that over-spending or over-buying is a common problem among those of us who enjoy beauty products. The reason being that it's hard to tell if a product is going to be compatible with your skin or coloring, until you've actually used it for a while. Over time, you may settle on a few favorites. And then the seasons change, or you get a little older, or there's a change in your daily routine or environment ... and suddenly your old favorites don't work quite the same anymore.

So you go shopping for new favorites, and the cycle of trial-and-error begins again.

I'll be the first to admit that I love hearing about new products and trying them out. It's fun, and I have no qualms about allocating a portion of my budget for things that I use to pamper myself.

But I do hate the cluttered piles of half-full bottles and the what-was-I-thinking colors that tend to build up in my cabinets and drawers over time.

Here's how I typically shop for cosmetics:

I buy more than I can ever use.
I often seek out "gifts with purchase".
I sometimes buy colors that don't suit me, just because they look pretty.
I do insist on good quality.
I tend to keep old products around, "just in case" I can find a use for them, or because they were expensive and I feel guilty about tossing them.

It was very eye-opening to look at the list of purchases I made this year, and comparing it to what I've actually used.

So while I'm not going to stop buying beauty products (because I do seriously enjoy them), I'm going to make a better effort to use more of what I already have, and to make fewer purchases. And I'm going to stop seeking out gifts and samples, because the truth is that I rarely use them.

And, I'll be decluttering and clearing out a large portion of my makeup collection. Because I now realize that I truly will not be using that lipstick that I bought five years ago, no matter how "special" it was back then.

Where I shopped and what I learned

2011-10-26T09:27:00.000-05:00

I'm ready to delete that list in the right column of my blog, the "Where I Shopped in 2011" list.

I don't dislike the list. I'm glad I kept it. I've learned some things about myself. I've avoided repeating some mistakes, because I looked at the list and remembered a negative shopping experience or a bad product. I've also been reminded of good shopping experiences, and how I want to have more of them.

But I'm just tired of seeing the list there. I'm done with it.

In the next few posts, I'll tell you what I learned.

Random thoughts about my style this fall

2011-10-14T08:48:00.000-05:00

First random thought: I feel funny talking about "my style", as if it's something that anyone else would or should pay attention to.

I grew up nerdy, eventually upgraded to preppy, went through a quasi-bohemian phase, and gradually settled into a nondescript casual style for most of my adult life. Most of my jobs have never demanded anything more polished than a clean top, jeans, and sneakers. I've sometimes dressed up a little more, just because I liked clothes; but I didn't have to.

In the last year or so, however, my workplace environment has become more formal. The current management is more image-conscious than past ones; and so although I was already in the process of upgrading my wardrobe, I'm now feeling an extra push to develop and wear a more professional look.

So I'm moving toward a more neutral, understated look with my makeup: "nude" lip colors instead of my usual bright shades, and very simple eye makeup. I'm liking this look more than I expected to. Besides, it's giving me an excuse to try out new lipsticks, which is always fun. :)

Since my skin has changed-- it's no longer as oily as it used to be-- I'm finding that my favorite primer/foundation/powder routine isn't working as well as it used to. So I'm sampling some new products. Wow, there are so many to choose from, and so many possible combinations! I hope to post an updated "longwearing makeup" routine in the near future. (My past posts on longwearing makeup receive more hits than any other on this blog.)

With regards to clothing: I'm feeling increasingly drawn to a classic look: straight skirts, blouses (as opposed to knit tops), and pumps or ballerina flats. I'm even looking at jackets, after years of shunning them in favor of cardigans. (Writing this description, I worry that it reads as a severe look. But it's really not, by my standards. It's just a more dressed-up version of my usual minimalist vibe.)

I'm currently feeling very inspired by 1970's Yves Saint Laurent fashion. My memory of fashion in that era has been jogged by recent films (have you seen L'Amour Fou?*), certain blogs, and, believe it or not, Facebook. Reconnecting on Facebook with my high school classmates has reminded me of some school trips we took to France in the late 70s, and of one of our teachers in particular, who embodied the stereotypical "French woman" style. (I hope to blog about her eventually, as well.)

So that is what's been on my mind, style-wise. I have lots of blog posts in my head but I never seem to have time to take or gather pictures and then write it all down in an organized fashion. So I suppose this will have to do for now. :)

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Oh, and if you're still reading, here's a quick fitness update:

I've lost 8 pounds and 2.5 inches off my waist. I've lost that much weight on previous attempts, but this is the first time I've had such quick fat loss around my middle. I think the low-carb thing is working.

When I say "low carb", keep in mind that I'm still eating fruit and the occasional starch. But I've also upped my protein and fat intakes. My main sources of protein are eggs, fish, and tofu.

I still have at least 2 more inches to lose, in order to reach my goal.

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* And if you're still still reading :) -- here's the movie trailer for L'Amour Fou. It's a documentary about the life and career of the late Yves Saint Laurent, as narrated by his life partner, Pierre Bergé , during preparations for the auction of their magnificent art collection.

Note: Blogger cuts off part of the viewing screen; please double-click on the video to expand it to full-screen so you can view the full width.

I'm going to miss Steve Jobs.

2011-10-06T10:34:00.000-05:00

You've probably already seen this by now, but today is a good day to watch it.

The first computer I ever used was a Macintosh, and I've been using them almost exclusively ever since. I am never separated from my iPods (--yes, I carry two with me everywhere I go), and when I decide to buy a tablet, it will be an iPad.

I am, and always have been, addicted to elegant design.

I'll admit, I'm worried about what will happen to Apple now that Steve Jobs is gone. I'm old enough to remember what happened the last time he left Apple. I just hope he inspired enough people there, so that they'll be able to keep up the standard of innovation that he set.

Fitness motivation

2011-09-07T21:27:00.000-05:00

I've had this video on my YouTube "favorites" list for years. It's most effective the first time you watch it, and it's also most effective if you don't know anything about Matt Scott or the Warhawks. (I didn't.):

I do watch it whenever I feel like talking myself out of exercising.

But lately, I've been loving the gym. Although I go alone and keep to myself while I'm there, I find it an inspiring place to be. Sure, there are all the beautiful young bodies, and seeing them can be intimidating if you're feeling insecure. But there are always at least a few older and rounder people there, too. I tell myself that if they can show up every day, so can I. And I hope to inspire them in the same way by showing up every day.

As for the "beautiful" people, well, I find them inspiring too. I know they've worked for those bodies. If I can achieve anything resembling that level of fitness, I'll be happy.

Speaking of beautiful people, the guy who hands out towels at my local gym is a Johnny Depp look-alike who says "I appreciate it" as you hand him your membership card.

"I appreciate it."

Hey, every little bit of motivation helps, so if you find it, use it!

Next on the to-do list

2011-08-21T22:26:00.000-05:00

"Working out is modern couture. No outfit is going to make you look or feel as good as having a fit body. Buy less clothing and go to the gym instead. --designer Rick Owens

For the past few years, I've been working on redefining my personal style.

It all started when I realized that I felt like a misfit in my own clothes. The image I was projecting (a granola-crunchy frugal environmentalist) wasn't the real me. Now, don't get me wrong. The real me does care about the environment and my pocketbook. (Frankly, I think that attention to both are necessary for survival.) But I don't feel compelled to broadcast those concerns via my daily outfits.

No, the message I prefer to project is that I care about beauty and creativity and happiness. I want to have fun with my clothes, my makeup, my hair. I love glamour and I don't feel the need to hide that love! :)

So when I decided to pull myself back from the brink of frumpiness, I first took a hard look at my makeup. It was outdated. While I enjoyed applying my makeup, I felt like I'd never progressed beyond what I'd learned from my college friends in the 1980s.

So, I started watching video tutorials on YouTube, amassed a huge collection of new tools and colors, played a lot, and eventually settled into a new, more modern look that I'm currently very happy with.

Next came skin care. My interest in makeup had led to an obsession with the condition of my skin. I wanted a better canvas for my newly-acquired makeup skills. So I began researching products and ingredients, and voilà, I cracked the good-skin code and managed to clear up and smooth my complexion.

In the process of my style quest, I've also found a great hair color and a new haircut that feels more "me" than any other I've ever had. And I'm gradually upgrading my clothing wardrobe to reflect my true style aesthetic.

But before I can invest in, well, some "investment" pieces, there is one task I need to complete. It's something I've been avoiding, because it's not as easy as watching tutorials or buying stuff.

I feel like I need to work on the shape of my body.

I want to lose the excess fat around my belly, and I want to improve my overall muscle tone. My posture is pretty good (thanks to years of recreational ballet classes) but I want to get stronger. I believe that physical strength contributes to confidence, which in turn leads to an overall more elegant look.

So ...

I love the gym--really, I do!--but for some reason I have a difficult time actually getting myself there on a daily basis. Nevertheless, I've renewed my gym membership and I've committed to showing up every day.

To lose the belly fat, I've decided to go with a low-carb diet. I'm basing my decision on reporting done by Gary Taubes and research done by Christopher Gardner (watch video of his study results here). This research shows that low-carb diets are more effective for weight loss as well as for disease prevention, and that insulin plays a huge role in weight regulation. Controlled carbs = controlled insulin = controlled weight.

I'm a vegetarian, so I won't be cutting out all carbs, or eating tons of protein (which Gardner advises against, anyway). Instead, I'll simply be avoiding sugar, pasta, and refined/processed foods. I'll also be increasing my fat intake to control hunger. I'll eat more eggs and nuts, and I might introduce some fish into my diet. (I've read that there's no real substitute for fish oils.)

I know it sounds scary to increase fat intake. But I have faith in this research. Case in point, I've already been eating this way for about a week, and I've lost an inch off my waist.

We shall see how it proceeds.

Fashion Challenge tag

2011-07-25T14:08:00.005-05:00

The Vivienne Files tagged me to participate in the Fashion Challenge. What fun!

Fashion, for me, is just that-- something fun that I enjoy reading about, mostly on blogs and occasionally in a magazine like Vogue or Bazaar. I like pretty clothes but I can't always be bothered to dress up. And more often than not, I am downright puzzled by the process of "styling" an outfit. I am certainly no expert or authority on fashion.

My own style tends to be simple and minimalistic, verging on boring. I'm working on the "boring" part, because it can quickly slip into "plain" and "dull" if I'm not careful. Most days, my goal is just to look presentable, approachable, and not invisible.

So, here are the questions I was asked for the challenge:

(1) What International brands would you like to try on, and why?

Yves Saint Laurent (new or vintage) and vintage Balenciaga.

I've actually seen some Balenciaga couture gowns up close, and let me tell you, they are unbelievably beautiful and interesting. I couldn't find a web site with photos that do them justice; but if you're interested in learning more about his designs, this book, in my opinion, is the best one available.

Source: Amazon.com

And I love the YSL aesthetic. I think all (o.k., most of) his designs look very wearable and timeless. And I always liked his use of color. This short video, I think, displays the wearability of his designs:

(2) If you received something you didn't like, what would you say to that person?

Nothing (or rather, "thank you"). As the saying goes, it's the thought that counts. And even if it's a thoughtless gift, I'm too polite to say anything negative.

Now, if it was something very expensive, and it was given to me by someone very close (as is always the case with expensive gifts), then I might suggest an alternate gift. Luckily, this has never happened to me. Most people who are close enough to give me something expensive are wise enough to seek my opinion before the purchase. :)

(3) Do you prefer giving or receiving?

I really don't care for either. I'm not big on gift exchanges.

Though every once in a while, I will spot the perfect gift for someone, and then I'll surprise them with it. I do like doing that. And, I do enjoy wrapping presents. So I guess you could say I prefer giving.

(4) Do brands influence you when you buy something?

Yes. I don't purchase things for prestige, and I don't buy things just because the brand is popular; but I do tend to be very brand-loyal. If I buy a product and I like it, I'll seek out other things from that same brand.

I tend to become overwhelmed when I shop. Sticking to a few favorite brands and stores limits my choices and makes the shopping experience much easier for me.

(5) From 0 - 5, what do you think about the blog that tagged you?

Of course, it's a 5! I look forward to reading it every day. She is extremely talented at putting together lovely and wearable wardrobes for everyday elegance. It's a must-read if you are interested in a disciplined approach to wardrobe planning. She describes and illustrates the process in a way that makes it so easy to understand.

(6) Your wish list?

Once again, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed at the thought of fall wardrobe shopping. There are plenty of things I need, but the budget is limited.

That said, there are a few things that keep popping into my mind for autumn:

Silk blouses. I'm kind of sick of knit tees. A silk blouse will give me the softness and drape that I love, but with a little more interest and structure than a plain pullover top. In fact, I'm thinking of investing in some sleeveless silk tops for the remainder of the summer.
A classic trench coat. I got rid of my old one. I felt it was too casual and boxy. So now I need to find a new one before the weather gets cold.
Jewelry. It's always the last thing I buy to finish an outfit, and I'm embarrassed to say that I often just don't get around to buying it. This fall, I plan to make a concerted effort to finish my outfits with appropriate accessories!
Sleepwear. It is way past time to refresh my sleep wardrobe. :)

I'm supposed to tag four more people, but I'm opting out of that rule this time. Instead, I invite anyone who is reading this, to answer any or all of the above questions, either in your blog or in the comments here. Have fun!

Summer solstice

2011-06-21T22:43:00.000-05:00

In the summer of 1986 I met an interesting young man who fell in love with me and made it known that he wanted to marry me. This all happened within the span of about a month, and it happened before our first real date.

At the time, I was in a very free-spirited stage of my life; (this is probably what appealed to him). But I was also in the middle of a very stressful transition in my life, and it was all too intense for me to handle. I got scared and dumped him.

He said we had a lot in common, and he was right about that. We both liked going to the theatre, the opera, art exhibits. We were both intellectual types, and both kind of snobby about it. (I wouldn't have admitted this at the time, but I accused him of it.) Twenty years later I learned (through the grapevine) that we'd ended up in the same profession, something completely different than what we'd each studied in college.

A year after I rejected him, he married another girl. I was happy for them. Not much later, I moved to another city and mostly forgot about him.

Except that sometimes, when I want to go to the opera and I can't find ANYONE to go with me, I will think of this guy (let's call him L.) L. would have gone to the opera with me.

These thoughts always make me chuckle and shake my head and roll my eyes. Because having a convenient date to the opera is not a reason to commit your life to someone.

A couple of days ago, I had a chuckle when I thought of a funny story about L., from all those years ago. I wondered what he was up to now. I looked him up, and learned that he had recently died.

L. was not my first boyfriend or my first crush or my first love. I'm not sure I even loved him at all. But he was the first man who fell in love with me, for reasons I couldn't comprehend at the time.

I guess that's why the news of his death hit me so hard. I never would have expected to grieve someone whom I've barely thought of since I last spoke to him, decades ago. But I've been feeling terribly sad since I heard the news.

I think what I'm really mourning is the idea of having someone in this world, who woke me up to the idea that I could be that special. He was the first, and now he's gone.

(For what it's worth, I am still unmarried. L. went on to marry and divorce twice. Yeah, the "what ifs" have been proliferating in my mind! Sigh.)

Today, I friend of mine suggested I celebrate the summer solstice by lighting a candle for someone who has crossed to the other side.

With gratitude, I am lighting a candle for L.

Spring shopping (or not)

2011-05-05T10:02:00.004-05:00

Just a quick post because I need to get that "Winter" post off the top of the page! We are well into spring, and where I live, most days are actually starting to feel like summer.

Fashion is on the back burner for a while, because my cushy office job has temporarily turned into a "dirty job." O.k., so I'm not cleaning sewers or collecting owl vomit. But I am working in an environment filled with 100-year-old dust, dirt, and mold. It is not horrible, but neither is it inspiring me to think about my wardrobe. Mostly, I just think about how not to ruin my clothes.

[Pausing to say that I had written a mini-treatise here, which was lost when my laptop battery died! Aargh! Oh well, below is the abbreviated version.]

So anyway, I was in need of some "throwaway" clothes, so I took a trip to the Evil Walmart. And I was pleasantly surprised.

I've hated and avoided Walmart before it was fashionable to do so. Shopping there has always been a nightmarish experience: narrow, jumbled aisles, dirty and crowded parking lots; not to mention their questionable labor practices and the fact that they have a habit of building huge stores which they later abandon, leaving big empty buildings and parking lots in the middle of town where we used to have trees ....

But I needed some cheap clothes, and I wasn't finding anything that fit me at other discount stores. So I reluctantly ventured to the new Walmart store that recently sprang up near my home.

And I was pleasantly surprised. Not only was the store (and parking lot) clean and well-designed, but I also happened to find the best-fitting jeans and tees that I've found in a long time. Seriously-- these jeans fit better than my "designer" jeans from Macy's. (If you're looking for a higher waistline, try the Levi-Strauss line at Walmart.) And the tees, while obviously cheaply made, have a very flattering cut for my body (meaning that they are not too clingy around the waist, but still have a bit of shaping so they don't look boxy either).

So, I think I'll be shopping at Wal-Mart for my casual wear.

As for the issue of questionable labor practices: My philosophy on that has always been that most clothing brands (including expensive ones) are made in China or other developing countries. So my preferred way to lessen my impact is to buy less stuff, period. I only buy what I know will get plenty of use.

The (comical) scary side of Walmart: People of Walmart blog.
The chic, fashionable side of Walmart: Penny Chic blog.

Winter

2011-02-04T15:48:00.004-06:00

Last week, it was 80 degrees F (27 C), the neighborhood birds were starting to build their annual nest over my window (which I hate, but I don't have the heart to disturb them ... ) and I was taking walks outside and proclaiming "Spring is here!"

This week, we are completely snowed in. My workplace and most of the city where I live has been shut down for 4 days. We had a freezing rainstorm, followed by snow, followed by the coldest night we've had in years (12F / -11C). Yesterday, some of the ice was starting to melt, a few roads were becoming passable-- and then, this morning, we had another blast of heavy snow.

I've never seen anything like this in my life. I supposedly live in a "sunny" climate. And yes, it's still quite sunny, but it's also frozen solid outside and I haven't been out of the house for several days.

Listening to online radio the other day, I heard one of my favorite tunes and it pretty much sums up the feeling of this week for me:

Brrrr!

As I said, this is one of my favorite tunes, and one which is familiar to most people, as it is often used as background music for television commercials during the winter holiday season. (I don't care for most Christmas music, so when people ask me to name my favorite Christmas song, I usually tell them it's Vivaldi's Winter. )

Although I've heard this piece a thousand times, this particular version (by Gil Shaham and the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra) got my attention, because it seems somehow different, even more energetic and driving, than what I'm used to hearing when others play it.

A couple of YouTube commenters pointed out the prominence of the harpsichord (a.k.a. cembalo) in this recording, and possibly some other liberties taken with the score, which might be giving it more umph. Whatever the case, I feel like this particular recording has an extra-wintry je ne sais quoi.

(I also love the video, because of how Mr. Shaham smiles throughout the performance. That's how it should be.)

The recording of The Four Seasons that I have in my CD collection at home is I Musici's 1982 rendition, with soloist Pina Carmirelli. It's equally masterful, but there's something different about it. (I'll probably be listening to both and trying to pinpoint the differences for a while.)

Speaking of I Musici, I actually saw them in concert in the early 1980s. I still remember that performance. It absolutely blew me away. At the time, I was a music student and had heard many string musicians, but I don't think I'd ever before or since heard anything like that. Pina Carmirelli died just a few years after that concert. I'm thankful that I was able to hear her play in person before she was gone.

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Lest this post begin to sound too much like a cold and frosty musicology lecture, let's move on to springtime.

Specifically, spring makeup collections.

Frankly, I haven't been very excited about any of them. However, I must say that I am growing increasingly enamored with Chanel's Ombres Perlées palette. (And I don't even own it-- yet!)

Oh, la la

Normally, I'd take one look at a palette like this, and decide that it's too sparkly and the colors too intense for my liking.

But several bloggers and YouTubers have demonstrated looks created using it, both subtle and dramatic-- and they all look so beautiful. As the name suggests, the finish appears to be more of a pearl than a frost; and they seem to blend extremely well together.

I think this might just be one of those fool-proof palettes that I ~~need~~ really really want to add to my collection.

Currently listening to and watching....

2011-01-24T23:14:00.004-06:00

[Grab a cup of tea; I've got a lot of music and video to share. :) ]

1. Oblivion by Ástor Piazzolla. I have it on my iPod and I've been listening to it daily for at least a couple of months. This piece has haunting, meditative quality about it-- I think that's why I never seem to tire of it.

My favorite version (the one I can't stop listening to) is the one by Joshua Bell and Carel Kraayenhof, from Joshua's album, At Home with Friends. You can listen to it here, at Joshua Bell's official site. The entire album is outstanding, by the way.

Oblivion is a tango. There are a zillion versions on YouTube. People love to play it and dance to it. Here's my favorite Oblivion video:

These dancers are top notch, don't you think?

2. Arrested Development (the TV show). It ran for three seasons, from 2003 to 2006, but I totally missed it. (I don't watch a lot of TV.)

A couple of weeks ago, I was browsing Hulu.com for a comedy to watch, and I discovered this show and got totally hooked on it. I've been watching an episode or two every day. I'm enjoying it so much, I think I'll be sad when I reach the last episode. (Although I did hear there's a movie version in the works!) It's just such a brilliant comedy. Just brilliant.

Jason Bateman stars in the series, and I when I saw him on this show I mostly remembered him as a child star, and the fact that he was Justine Bateman's brother. (Remember Mallory from Family Ties?)

So I started to wonder, whatever happened to Justine? (Remember, I don't watch much TV so I don't know what Hollywood is up to.)

And so I googled her name and I found this video, which is totally not what I expected to find. And I was so pleasantly surprised.

This is an awesome commentary on aging. I just love her wonderful attitude about her face.

(A little warning: some profane language used in this video)

-----------------------

As much as I fight (and will continue to fight) tooth and nail against wrinkles and sagging, there are many things I love about my face at this age-- which I didn't love at 15 or 20 or 25. I am happy to have finally "grown into" my face. I think a lot of people feel that way as they get older, and I think that this is a positive side of aging that doesn't get mentioned often enough.

So thank you, Justine, for reminding us that we can be grateful for our grown-up faces.
-------------------------

(How's that for going off on a tangent?)

Looking at my shopping patterns

2011-01-21T05:00:00.001-06:00

Over in the side menu bar of my blog, I've added a "Where I shopped in 2011" list.

These are not recommendations or advertisements or endorsements.

I just thought it would be interesting to keep a list of where I shop. I'm curious to see what it will reveal about me. Not just where I shop, but what do I buy? What are my tastes? How brand-loyal am I?

Or perhaps I'll discover an answer to a question that I didn't know existed.

And then there are the things that only I will know when I look at the list: Did I actually use and enjoy the things that I bought? Am I patronizing merchants who provide good service and treat me with respect? How thoughtful (or careless) is my spending?

Where people spend their money can say a lot about them. Of course, my little list only covers only the "fun" portion of my discretionary spending. I'm not listing food purchases, household necessities, or donations. So please don't take it too seriously.

"I want to throw everything out and start fresh"

2011-01-20T05:00:00.001-06:00

No, I don't really want to.

But I know the feeling, and I've actually done that.

Once, when I was a young student, moving to a new city and a new apartment, I gave away almost everything I owned (except clothes, which I couldn't afford to replace). Everything I owned was very old and worn out, and it just didn't seem worth moving it. I had saved some money for my new place; so upon arrival, I bought new bed linens, new towels, curtains, some inexpensive shelves and drawers, new school supplies, and I started a wonderfully uncluttered (and color-coordinated) life in my new home.

I loved it.

A couple of years ago, I tried to do the same thing with my clothing wardrobe. I couldn't afford to throw everything out, but I did get rid of a lot. (For the record, I don't miss any of it.) Then I went on a shopping spree (which I'd saved up for) and bought a whole new autumn wardrobe.

This time, the "fresh start" didn't work out so well.

For one thing, I bought several pairs of pants from one store, and immediately had them all hemmed (thus making them non-returnable.) I thought they fit great-- until I wore a pair to work and realized that they weren't all that comfortable by the end of a long day. So now I have several pairs of pants that I avoid wearing.

Then there were the cheap t-shirts I bought, which stretched, pilled, and frayed after a few washings.

And the two jackets that are totally wrong for my body shape, only I didn't realize it until it was too late to return them.

It wasn't a total loss. I do have some wool sweaters and some nice rayon knit tops that I purchased during that episode, which I love and wear at least once a week. And I have a coat and some scarves that I adore and get compliments on. And some cute shoes that work with almost everything I own.

It's just not the perfect coordinated wardrobe that I'd dreamed of.

--------------

An all-at-once wardrobe makeover seems like it would be fun way to refresh your personal style. We see it all the time on shows like "What Not to Wear". And like my room makeover, buying it all at once should (theoretically) make it easier to color-coordinate the various pieces.

But this approach just didn't work for me.

I think I do better when I purchase one or two pieces and wear them a few times before I decide if I'm going to buy multiples. For new pieces that I'm not totally sure about, I also prefer to try them on a few times at home, perhaps with various pieces in my existing wardrobe, before deciding if I want to keep them.

For instance-- Since last year, I've learned that I really love merino wool sweaters. I prefer them to cashmere. If I hadn't bought 5-6 sweaters in one fell swoop, I could have realized that my money would be better spent on more merino wool instead of the cashmere sweater I bought during that spree.

I guess it just takes me a while to decide if something is "me".

As frustrated as I continue to be with my current wardrobe, I am learning to be more patient when it comes to selecting new pieces.

Housework as creative work

2011-01-19T05:00:00.000-06:00

... or self-care, if you have trouble seeing a creativity connection. In my life, creativity and self-care are often one and the same.

I've never enjoyed housework. Let's face it, these are chores. Chores are work.

But so is practicing a difficult passage on the piano, or sweating through ballet class, or hauling bags of soil for a new flower garden. Work is part of the creative process.

One of my goals this year is to improve the look of my home. I'm aiming for an uncluttered and relaxing environment. (Martha Stewart Living magazine comes to mind.) It will take some creative planning to achieve the look that I want.

It dawned on me that keeping a beautiful home is a creative activity. And housework is a necessary component of this activity.

So, I've decided to treat my housework as one of my many creative pursuits. I will "practice" it as part of my overall home-improvement plan, as a way to achieve my vision of a beautiful home.

And I will stop resenting it as something that "interferes with creative activities". It is a creative activity that deserves its own time.

I guess we'll see if this works. :)

How I shop (and save) now

2011-01-17T19:14:00.001-06:00

This is not a post about bargain-shopping.

I've always been frugal, and I've never been wealthy, so I've always watched my spending.

And while I've never believed in deprivation, I'll admit that I've always worried about wasting money on frivolous things.

But I've always loved beautiful things, just because they are beautiful. And beautiful things are often expensive.

For the longest time, I thought that the way to acquire a beautiful object was to wait for a sale. But the thing I wanted was usually sold out by sale time; so then I'd buy something almost as good (also on sale)

... and it was never as good as the thing I'd really wanted.

About a year ago, I started to buy more of the things I really wanted. And I found out that I really enjoyed having these things, so much that I hardly felt the urge to shop for other things.

Of course, the fact remains that I'm still not wealthy. There is only so much I can spend, no matter how long I save up for the things I want. So I do try to keep my spending goals reasonable. There are limits to how much I will spend for a pair of pants, or a handbag, or a lamp.

I'm horrible at budgets, so here's how I handle that part:

I automate as much as possible, using online banking including an automatic bill-paying service. Automation, for me, eliminates the need for budget worksheets or spreadsheets. (For setting up an automated money-management program, I highly recommend the book, I Will Teach You To Be Rich by Ramit Sethi. Silly title, but it is a great step-by-step guide for those who are comfortable with online banking.)
I focus my budgeting attention on the expenses that are hardest for me to track. These include clothing and other "fun" things like books, cosmetics, home decorations, entertainment, etc. I keep it simple: One set amount for clothes, and one set amount for everything else. I budget enough so that I know it won't be affecting my "necessities" money (i.e., groceries, gasoline, etc.)
If you're curious, my monthly clothing allowance is about 6% of my take-home pay.
I try to spend my clothing allowance early in the month, so that I don't accidentally waste it on something else later in the month. (I have a habit of doing that.) If I don't feel like shopping, I'll put the money in a separate savings account just for clothing. My clothes money needs to be kept separate from my other funds.
I keep a wish-list of items I want to purchase. I try to buy from that list, instead of going out shopping and making impulse purchases. (I use the Amazon.com Wish List toolbar. It will save just about anything from any web page that has a price and a picture on it. I've found it very useful and user-friendly.)
I have favorite brands and favorite stores. I do most of my shopping online, so I prefer to buy from places where I already know my size. (I shop online because I prefer to try things on at home, at my leisure, rather than in a poorly-lit store.)
I no longer buy clothing at thrift stores. As much as I love thrift stores, their clothing inventories are too random for the carefully-edited wardrobe choices that I want to make. (I do still buy other things at thrift stores, though.)
I try not to chase sales. I buy what I want when I am ready to purchase it. If it's not worth buying at full price, it's probably not worth buying. Of course there are a few exceptions to that rule. Sometimes you know that a store has a sale every couple of weeks, or you find a deal that is too good to pass up for something you really truly want. I'm not opposed to sales or discounts, but I just don't want to be manipulated by them.

Most importantly-- To avoid impulse shopping, I remind myself of this:

There are many beautiful things. Just because something is beautiful, doesn't mean I have to own it. I must first consider whether that beautiful thing suits me and my body, or my home environment.

Also, there will always be more beautiful things to choose from. I don't have to buy anything right now.

New Year's Resolutions for 2011

2011-01-01T04:00:00.007-06:00

I'll keep it simple:

Get fit. (I know, I know. This is the perpetual resolution for many of us. But I refuse to give up.) FYI, for me, "getting fit" means losing about 30 pounds and getting stronger.
Use the "good stuff" first. I have a bad habit of saving and not using my nicer cosmetics, clothing, linens, dishes, etc. I don't know why I do that, but it has to stop, because it's crazy!

That's it. That's probably all I can remember for a whole year. :)

I do have other goals in mind (such as home improvements, hobbies, etc.) but I don't really think of them as resolutions, since they don't involve significant behavioral changes.

Are you a resolution-maker?

Changes made and lessons learned in 2010

2010-12-31T14:24:00.001-06:00

2010 was the year that I came to peace with the fact that I have reached "a certain age". I stopped following trends, stopped worrying about whether I sounded like someone's mother (--I'm not, but apparently, it happens anyway!--), and began settling into my own sense of style.

Settling into my own style has been very different from falling into a frumpy rut (which is where I was a few years ago). It is something I could do only consciously. At this point in my life, I very much want to stay modern. I want to fight off the frump. But I want to do it my way-- not the way my younger friends suggested, or the way the fashionistas tell us to do it.

It has been a very slow process; in fact, I feel like I'm still just in the very beginning stages of it.

It started off with lots of experimentation: shopping for new clothes, trying out different makeup looks. I made some expensive mistakes (*ouch*) but I got a true sense of what worked for me and what didn't. And I realized that my gut instincts were right, most of the time.

The weird thing is, I've always been a believer in gut instinct. But for some reason, I'd never completely trusted my own taste when it came to fashion.

The thing that seems to have "clicked" for me this year, is that I really started to pay attention. Both to my own familiar preferences, and to the new things that are available which fit my personal preferences. I think that attention is what made the difference between falling into a rut (of wearing outdated favorites) and gradually updating and refining my own style.

I've still got a lot of work to do, to get my wardrobe and my home to where I want them to be. It's going to take a while, but that's o.k.-- because I've also learned that patience is the key to success in this process.

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The lovely and insightful YouTube guru LisaLisaD1 posted a video yesterday, on a similar theme, titled "The Best Thing I Ever Did ... 2010".

In it, she describes changes she has made (in her beauty and fashion outlook) which yielded happy results for her. I highly recommend her video, and I'll end this post with my own little list of "happy" changes I made in 2010:

I got serious about skin care, as I detailed in Saturday's post. Did I mention this has been life-changing? Because it has.
I started wearing perfume again. (I had a stupid reason for stopping.)
I changed the way I shop. This topic probably needs its own separate post, but basically, I'm much more selective and I don't do a lot of browsing in shops anymore.
I learned how to stay on a budget without stress. This relates closely to my change in shopping habits. I've always been frugal, but this year was the first year that it seemed easy to live within my means. (No charts, envelopes, or spreadsheets involved, either!)
I turned my morning beauty routine into a relaxed, calming ritual. No more rushing, no more news radio. Now, I play quiet music and I take my time. It makes all the difference in the world.

I'll probably elaborate on the above, in future posts. All in all, this has been a year of positive changes for me. I hope it has been for you, too.

And may 2011 be even better for all of us. :)

Skin care update

2010-12-25T20:19:00.005-06:00

I haven't been trying out a lot of new makeup lately.

This past summer, I experienced a really bad breakout of cystic acne (the worst ever-- even worse than my teen years), and I was suddenly compelled to turn my focus to skin care.

Acne has been a lifelong problem for me. I'm usually able to keep it somewhat under control, but it's always lurking beneath the surface. Until recently, I was rarely without some type of bump, mark, or scar somewhere on my face.

That awful breakout of last summer just might have been a really good thing for me. It forced me to get serious about my skin care, and as a result, my skin is now looking better than I ever thought it could.

The keys to success, at least for my skin, are:

Glycolic acid exfoliation-- the stronger, the better
Serums
Serious sunscreen (SPF 50)

And I'm not absolutely sure how essential they are, but my gut tells me that niacin and retinol are probably extra-helpful ingredients in the above products.

I'm currently using a combination of drug store (though not necessarily cheap) products and high-end products. And one thing I can say with confidence is that it was worth it to pay more for the best glycolic acid treatment I could afford.

I'm currently using the Alpha-Beta Daily Face Peel from Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare (formerly MD Skincare) and it is more effective than any drug store glycolic-acid product (I've tried them all.) At $80 for a 30-day supply, it's also much pricier. It is also a two-step process which takes a few minutes longer than swiping a toner or cream over your face. But when I look in the mirror and see the dramatic improvement in my skin texture and clarity, I have to say it is more than worth it.

In addition to the exfoliating property of glycolic acid, Step 2 of the Alpha-Beta peel contains antioxidants and retinol. So it is a treatment product in addition to being an exfoliating product.

In the mornings, I follow my Alpha-Beta peel with Olay Regenerist SPF 50 Lotion (about $20 at most drug stores). It's basically Olay Regenerist serum combined with an SPF 50 sunscreen. One of the main ingredients is niacin, which has been shown to be effective against acne, as well as having anti-aging properties. I like this lotion because it combines a nourishing treatment with a highly effective sunscreen, and it leaves my skin feeling very hydrated but not greasy.

The evening skin care routine allows another opportunity for serums and treatments. I like to keep it simple, so lately, I've been using an old favorite:

RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream (also about $20 at most drug stores) is a non-greasy lotion. I consider it more of a "treatment" than a "cream". Although it's not very hydrating, I love it because it helps control both acne and wrinkles, and I also have noticed an improvement in skin firmness since I started using it over a year ago.

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You've probably noticed that I haven't mentioned skin cleansers or moisturizers.

I don't consider either of these steps very important in my skin care routine. I just don't.

When it comes to cleansers, I generally look for something strong enough to remove makeup and gentle enough that it doesn't irritate my skin. I'm not picky.

And since my skin is naturally oily, I find that the serums and treatment products I use provide sufficient hydration. I haven't experienced many problems with skin tightness or flaking, even during the dry winter months.

I do use an eye cream (when I remember to do so). Currently, I'm sampling a new Dior product (L'Or de Vie). On the few occasions when I've encountered a dry patch on my face, I've dabbed a bit of my eye cream on the area, and that took care of the problem.

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I'm happy to say that since I started to follow my new skin-care routine, my acne (except for a few stubborn blackheads) has virtually disappeared. Indeed, my skin looks "normal" for the first time in my adult life. There are no blemishes to conceal, no mid-day oil slicks to touch up.

I must admit that this experience has turned me into a skin-care fanatic, and I'm excited about further exploring the world of serums, masks, and peels.

Janelle and Karl, wearing black & white

2010-12-24T11:53:00.002-06:00

I saw this on La Chanelphile's blog and thought it was sweet.

I'm a fan of both of them, and their ability to rock their black-and-white wardrobes. Here's another video showcasing the black & white aesthetic:

(Cool shoes!)

............................

I hope you're all having a nice holiday season. I decided to have a low-key Christmas, with minimal gift-giving, and it's turning out to be the most stress-free holiday season I've ever experienced.

The key, for me, was to stop worrying about who was going to give me a gift, or whether other people wanted to spend more than I did. The whole "score-keeping" aspect of holiday gift giving is one of the things that repulses me about the season. This year, I bought toys for my younger relatives, and I gave to a charity, and that was it. (I know a few grown-ups who might be disappointed that they didn't receive a gift from me this year, but I'm feeling surprisingly un-guilty about it.)

For the first time in a long time, I feel like I'm approaching the holiday celebration with a sense of joy and gratitude, rather than a sense of obligation and when-will-this-be-over.

I hope that you, too, are celebrating Christmas this year in a way that brings you joy and peace (whether that includes lots of presents, or none!)

Merry Christmas!

Inadvertent Black Friday shopping

2010-11-27T13:30:00.003-06:00

I swear, I didn't intend to shop the crazy After-Thanksgiving sales on Friday. I had a rare day off work, so I drove to the Sears Auto Center at the mall, to take care of some seriously-overdue car maintenance. While I was waiting for my car, I walked around the mall and stumbled on a blue silk chiffon scarf from Echo. (Note: the scarf is not on the web site; I imagine it was left over from the spring/summer collection.) It was marked down to $6.00 and I had a gift card, too. So it cost me nothing.

It reminded me of the one worn (or rather, flung about) by Catherine Deneuve in Les Parapluies de Cherbourg:

So of course I had to have it.

My scarf is a slightly brighter turquoise, actually. And I'll most likely be wearing it with a black trench coat. (Oh, that means I need to find me a black trench coat!)

I'm a dark-haired brunette so I like my high-contrast colors. I'd love to wear a classic camel or khaki trench, but alas, those beige-y tones wash me out.

...

Back at home, I got online and somehow stumbled upon a "flash sale" for a $200 LCD TV. And I happened to have a $100 gift card for the store, so-- I ordered it. At this moment I'm awaiting delivery of my $100 32" HDTV set.*

I'm actually really excited about the TV, even though I don't watch much television and I hadn't considered purchasing a new one. But my current TV is about 25 years old with terrible reception (because I refuse to shell out for cable service), so I will welcome a new one with the ability to play streaming media (for which I won't mind shelling out).

...

*As I was writing that last paragraph, the doorbell rang and the FedEx man delivered my TV. He was quite cheerful. I would imagine that this time of year he probably often feels like Santa Claus. :)

Likes and dislikes

2010-11-27T11:30:00.001-06:00

My poor little blog has been so neglected.

So I thought maybe I could revive it (at least for a moment) by taking inspiration from one of my favorite blog writers, La Belette Rouge. In a post about the evolution of her blog, she refers to her interest in "the literary device of 'turn-ons and turn-offs' as a means of knowing characters", i.e., how our personal preferences reveal so much about us.

Since I seem to have difficulty thinking about what (or maybe just how) to write about myself and my interests, I think I'll give this a try. I'll write about my likes and my dislikes, no matter how trivial they might seem. I won't qualify or modify. I won't worry about boring you (a constant fear which is probably what really keeps me from blogging more than I do). I won't worry about seeming shallow or spoiled or unsophisticated.

I will continue keep my posts positive, because I want my blog to remain a simple, happy place where I talk about things that make me (and, hopefully, others) feel good.

I want this look

2010-07-17T11:53:00.010-05:00

French actress Marion Cotillard is on the the cover of Vogue (U.S.) this month (photographed by Mario Testino). I've read comments on various fashion websites describing her look as everything from "fake" to "frumpy". (Frumpy? Really, now. I think that comment had to have come from a 14-year old.)

What 46-year old me likes about the picture is that it shows a brunette wearing grownup-makeup and a beautiful dark-colored formal dress. It's so refreshing to see dark colors in the middle of summer, when it seems like the stores are full of nothing but whites and pastels (i.e., colors that make me look tired and add 10 lbs. visually.) This particular July issue was full of brights and darks, which I really enjoyed.

Now, let's be clear. I look nothing like Ms. Cotillard. But, I do have similar coloring. So I was immediately drawn to this cover when I saw it at the book store; I think this understated (but not pale) look would suit me very well.

Here's the rundown from Vogue on the makeup products used (makeup artistry by Tom Pecheux):

DiorBlush Glowing Powder Blush in Rosebud
5-Color Iridescent Eyeshadow in Crush Glow
Dior Addict Lipcolor in Infamous Pink
DiorShow Extase Mascara in Black
DiorShow Brow Styler in Universal Brown

Dior Crush Glow quint

Sadly, the Crush Glow quint is already sold out everywhere online (except on eBay, for exorbitant prices). And there's no Dior counter near me. But I have an Estee Lauder sample quad that is a near-dupe for the Dior combo. I think it will do just fine. [Update: check out this brilliant post from the Beauty Look Book which displays several possible dupes for the Dior summer quints.]

Since I've been very frugal all summer, I am planning a little splurge on the blush, the lipstick, and maybe even the mascara.

...

Moving on, here's another striking image from the same issue:

Again, I just love those dark and bright colors. The dress is from Louis Vuitton, and the lipstick is Dior Addict Lipcolor in Pinstripe Plum. (I just might just have to get that one too!) There's no mention of the eyeshadow colors used in this photo, but I suspect they're from the same quint used on the cover shot-- warm neutrals with a touch of cool taupe.

Anyway, I highly recommend taking a look at this issue of Vogue, especially if you're tired of gazing at all those bronzed-and-beachwear looks of summer.

...

[By the way, if you're curious, the dress in that cover photo is by Dior, and the bra is from Victoria's Secret.]

Makeup that lasts all day: pt. 2, priming and finishing

2009-10-04T13:00:00.003-05:00

Sounds like I'm getting ready to paint a house, doesn't it?
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First of all, I want to make it clear that I don't go through all these steps every day. In fact, I don't even wear makeup every day.

But this is what I do for special occasions, or those long work days when I need to look presentable for meetings, etc.
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Before Makeup: Primer

MAC Prep & Prime Face Protect SPF 50

I hated primers until I discovered this one. MAC Prep & Prime Face Protect SPF 50 goes on transparently and does not look shiny like most sunscreens. In fact, it controls oil and shine so well that I don't have to use as much powder as I normally would, and I only have to blot once a day.

Another great thing about this primer is that it really holds makeup in place, and keeps it from fading or rubbing off throughout the day. As a result, it makes any foundation perform better.

I previously raved about my favorite indestructible foundation, Estee Lauder's Double Wear. It's still the best, in my book.

But lately, I've been dragging out all my not-so-favorite foundations and giving them a fresh try-on with this primer underneath. And I've discovered that some of those foundations that didn't work for me before, are now looking pretty good! This primer helps them stay in place and keeps them looking nice all day.

MAC also makes a lip primer, which I haven't tried but I plan to, because I've heard it makes lip color "stick" in place like their face primer does with foundation.

For eye shadow, I generally use Two Faced Shadow Insurance to prevent creasing. Both Estee Lauder and MAC also make colored cream eyeshadows (Double Wear Shadow Cremes, MAC Paint Pots) which can be used as shadow primers.

After Makeup: Powder

MAC Blot Powder Pressed

This is my favorite powder for controlling oily shine. I like it because it doesn't give a "powdery" look, but controls oil incredibly well.

I don't use much and I only apply it to my oily areas, using a fluffy powder brush.

If I want an all-over matte look, I'll use an additional loose powder over this one, all over my face. (Clinique and Laura Mercier make good loose powders).

But interestingly, I've found that I barely need any powder at all anymore, since I started using Prep & Prime under my foundation.

Final Touch: Fix +

MAC Fix +

I had this for months before I ever used it. I didn't quite know what to do with it; I thought it was just a nice face spritzer. I bought it because of the scent, but it didn't really seem essential.

Well, I finally got around to trying it, and WOW. I saw what the hype was about.

I still don't think it's essential, but what it can do is impressive.

I spray this on my face after applying powder. It gets rid of any "powdery" look, and sets the makeup.

What do I mean by "setting the makeup"? Well, basically, it helps the makeup stay in place and makes it last longer. And it does so better than you would expect.

So the job it does is similar to what a primer does, except this goes on over your makeup instead of under it. For this reason-- and also the fact that I don't use a lot of powder anymore, thus no more "powdery" look to get rid of-- I don't consider this product absolutely essential. But it's nice to have around.

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If I had to choose just one product out of all these, it would be the Prep & Prime Face Protect. I know, I keep going on about it. But it's just a stellar product. It protects (eliminating the need for extra sunscreen), it mattifies (reducing the need for powder), and it helps even mediocre foundations to stay in place all day.

Makeup that lasts all day: pt. 1, Double Wear

2009-10-03T12:55:00.002-05:00

As much as I like to have fun with makeup, I don't like messing with it all day. I like to put it on in the morning, and forget about it.

I got hooked on longwearing makeup over 20 years ago with Maybelline Long Wearing Makeup (long since discontinued); I eventually moved on to Revlon Colorstay products (still around, and still very good). At some point I discovered Lancome's Teint Idole, which for years was my Holy Grail of foundations.

Then, a few months ago, I was watching a YouTube video by Ooglegail (Gail), and was introduced to my new favorite foundation, Estee Lauder's Double Wear.

I hadn't used Lauder products in years. I'd once had a bad experience with a creamy foundation that turned orange on me, and I never went back. But Gail's review convinced me to give them a second chance, and I'm glad I did.

Double Wear is unique in the following ways:

It leaves a very natural, skin-like finish (unlike the artificially smooth, flat finishes of many longwearing foundations).
It controls oily shine more effectively than most "matte" foundations, but without over-drying or looking cakey.
It truly does not budge after you've put it on. They're weren't kidding when they named it "Stay In Place Makeup".

Some reviewers at Makeupalley.com complain that Double Wear feels too heavy or mask-like on the face. I can see how one would think that, especially if one is not accustomed to wearing a medium/full-coverage foundation. It can also go on too heavily if applied with fingers.

On to the details.

MAC 109 top;

MAC 188 bottom.

I think this foundation is best applied with a brush, for an even finish. I use a MAC 188 (stippling brush) for a lighter coverage, or a MAC 109 (dense kabuki-like brush) for a more opaque cover. It takes a lot of blending, but just keep blending until any streaks are gone.

2W1 Sand, left;

3W1 Tawny, right.

For my NC30 (light/medium golden) skin tone, I like to combine two shades: Sand and Tawny. Both are very similar to NC30 (a MAC shade) but one is just a tad too light and the other too dark.

Sand is the lighter shade. I dot it sparingly on the center areas of my face (areas I want to highlight). I use Tawny, the darker shade, on areas I want to contour (temples and outer cheekbones). Then blend, blend, blend with a brush. A little goes a long way, unless you want a really heavy cover.

If you can't find an exact color match, and this contouring method seems too complicated, you can simply mix two shades on the back of your hand to get the desired shade, and apply with a brush.

Yes, this stuff is expensive. One bottle is $33.50 US and I have to mix two shades to get a match. But it's worth it, for the lovely finish and the staying power.

As you can see in the picture above, there is no pump or squeeze opening on this bottle. It's just a regular glass screw-top opening. You can purchase a pump at MAC which fits this bottle, for more hygienic dispensing.

Estee Lauder now has a whole line of Double Wear products, including cream eyeshadows, eyeliners, and lipsticks. So far I've only tried the foundation, but I've heard good reviews of the other products. Give them a try if you're looking for good quality makeup that lasts.
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Stay tuned for Part 2, where I'll talk about priming and finishing for long-lasting coverage.

Clutter-busting

2009-09-22T09:43:00.002-05:00

I'm a clutter-hater. Clutter drives me crazy.

Paradoxically (is that the right word?), I'm also a very messy person. I don't clean up after myself unless it's "cleaning time". And that's fine with me-- as long I know the house will get clean, I don't worry about incidental messes.

But today, as I sit here surrounded by piles of paper and clutter and cat hair, it is apparent that I've been ingnoring my daily "cleaning times" for the last few weeks.

Now it is going to be "cleaning week" or maybe even "cleaning month" for a while.

I need to get caught up on dishes and laundry, and I need to clean the kitchen and bathrooms and vacuum and dust.

I also want to do a "clean sweep" of my living room-- you know, where you take everything out of the room, spruce up the empty room, and then bring back only the things you love. (I've done this before and let me tell you, it is the best feeling!)

--------------------------

There is another very important task I'm itching to get done.

I recently received some "new" (used) tables for my sewing machines. They are wonderful, but before I can use them, I'll have to rearrange the sewing studio.

So I've moved all the machines (three of them) out of the room. In order to make room for the tables, I also had to move a bookcase out of there, too.

Now I just need to figure out a new furniture arrangement, get my machines set back up, and get started back with sewing!

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But first, the dishes...

Variety is overrated

2009-09-07T15:25:00.002-05:00

As mentioned in the previous post, the last few years for me have been a process of (very) gradually upgrading my wardrobe and developing a sense of personal style.

If there is one thing I could single out as the lesson for this year, it's that variety is overrated.

I used to think that having a workable wardrobe meant having a little bit of everything: black and brown, brights and pastels, long and short skirts, v-necks and jewel necks, heels and flats, cap sleeves and long sleeves and everything in between.

But I finally came to realize that I don't have to have it all. I don't have to wear colors I don't like. Not all necklines and sleeves suit me. And I don't need x number of skirts if I'm more comfortable in pants.

Please note, I also don't believe in limiting onesself to "figure flattering" clothing or a prescribed color palette. It's fun to experiment with different looks.

But if you don't want to try the latest new look, don't. Just because a certain style or color is hanging in every shop doesn't mean you have to have it.

By sticking (mostly) to a few favorite silhouettes and colors, and forgetting the rest, I've managed to start building a wardrobe that looks more cohesive and more "me" than any I've ever owned before. A nice side effect is that I get to wear things that make me feel both comfortable and happy.

My own little version of "The September Issue"

2009-09-07T12:11:00.008-05:00

By now you may have heard about the new film, The September Issue, a documentary about US Vogue editor Anna Wintour.

I haven't seen the film, but from what I can tell, it focuses on the glamorous chores of previewing haute couture collections, going to fashion shows, and choosing designer outfits to feature in the all-important fall fashion issue of Vogue... The Biggest Issue Ever, every year.

So what happens after the magazine hits the stands? Those of us who love fashion, of course, will rush out to buy it. It's so satisfying to get a big fat magazine full of pictures, even though we know it's mostly advertising. But how do we make use of what we see?

I have my own little ritual surrounding the September issues. I don't subscribe to any fashion magazines, so around August 20 (which is when most of the fall issues hit the stands), I go to the bookstore and look through them and pick a few to take home.

These are the ones I chose this year.

Of course, I always choose Vogue. But it's not necessarily my favorite. Lately I've been preferring the layouts in Bazaar-- high fashion but not so weird as Vogue can get sometimes.

And Lucky is great because it tends to feature more mainstream, wearable and affordable fashions.

Other favorites that I usually look through but chose not to buy this year are Elle, W, InStyle, and Vanity Fair. (I know Vanity Fair isn't a fashion magazine, but sometimes they feature beautifully styled photos and of course they usually have some fashion ads.)

-----

Once home, I look through the magazines, reading any articles that interest me and noting any trends. The trends really jump out at you when you look at hundreds of pictures in different magazines. You start to see certain colors, prints, and shapes repeated.

This year I noticed a definite 1980s trend, with grays, greens, and rich jewel tones as dominant colors. Animal prints are still popular. I also saw a hint of pink, which I think might be making a stronger comeback next year. (I remember Paris in 1980, when pink & purple were all the rage. So I have a feeling ....)

Anyway, as you can see here, I then proceed to rip out any pages that interest me. I try not to overthink it. If I like it, I rip it out. It might be a color combination that I like, or a silhouette, a neckline or sleeve detail, or a makeup look, a hairstyle, a trend that appeals to me, and/or an affordable product that I want to purchase. I usually rip out around 50 pages.

I keep all these pictures in a file folder and look at them whenever I need some fashion inspiration. They help me stay on track with my wardrobe planning. Each time I look through them, I throw out some pictures that have started to bore me or no longer appeal to me. By doing this for the past few years, I've developed a really good idea of what colors and styles I truly love. I've become more selective and have a clearer vision of my personal style.

(Click to enlarge. Sorry about the blurriness. Bad camera.)

Here's that picture again. I'll go through what I plan to take from each image:

I liked the multi-colored scarf on the left. It's an Etro, a brand I love but cannot justify purchasing right now. However, not shown here is a K-Mart scarf (which I found advertised in another magazine!) which reminds me of this one. I've torn out the picture of the K-Mart scarf and plan to purchase it.
The next picture is a D&G makeup ad. I really like the look and since I tore out the page, I now have a reference to the colors and name of the palette which I will either purchase, or duplicate with eyeshadows I already own.
Peeking out from underneath the D&G ad is a picture of an outfit I didn't like except for the pink socks. I like the color combo of pink socks with black & white shoes.
Both the D&G ad and the next picture feature a leopard print, which is a trend I noticed throughout all the magazines and one that I'd like to incorporate into my wardrobe.
The next two pictures (Valentino and Chanel) feature that deep bluish-green color which seems to be very "in" at the moment. I can't afford that Valentino clutch, but I'll be keeping my eye out for a cheaper version. That same color is also featured in the Chanel Murano eyeshadow quad from their fall 2009 collection.

I also like the curly wedge hairstyle on the model in the far-right picture. Of course I won't be wearing that exact style. (I don't have that much hair anyway!) But I plan to ask my hairstylist for a stacked curly wedge next time I go to the salon.

One thing I wanted to mention is that I don't save pictures of trends I don't like. Just because something is "in" doesn't mean I have to wear it. And there are certain years when I just hate all the colors so I ignore them.

Mind you, I'm no expert. I'm a jeans & t-shirts girl on most days. I see dressing well as something fun to do now and then, not as an everyday necessity. But in recent years I've been slowly learning how to update and upgrade my wardrobe, and this little exercise seems to help. :)

Time for a bit of austerity, perhaps

2009-09-05T14:56:00.002-05:00

I tend to go through cycles of spending, then saving. Each cycle can be as short as a month, or as long as six months.

I consider both cycles necessary. During the spending times, I allow myself to splurge on things I wouldn't normally buy. Since I tend to be stingy and deprive myself of nice things, this is usually beneficial. It gives me a chance to upgrade, update, and replace things and to try new products. It also keeps me from neglecting important-but-not-frugal things (like good skin care).

Then there are times when I want to be more creative, to use and enjoy what I have, to spend time at home instead of the shops, and to put away money for retirement and rainy days.

That's where I am now.

This week I've been in the mood to sew instead of shop. I've updated my budget. I've been looking at my retirement savings. I've been investigating ways to increase my income. I've gone to a thrift shop and the library.

Looks like I'm easing into a creative, frugal phase. I'll enjoy it just as much as I enjoy my high-end shopping adventures.

Hello world ;)

2009-08-03T21:06:00.006-05:00

Hi there! So this is my first post where I talk about what this blog is about.

It's not really about anything in particular-- in fact, that's why I decided to start a new blog.

You see, I previously had another blog about my hobby, which is fashion sewing. I love sewing and especially love the process of it.

But as much as I *love* exploring the technical aspects of sewing and patternmaking, I have come to realize that I don't really care to write about all those details. I'd rather be doing those steps than writing about them.

What I do enjoy discussing are the aesthetics and the creativity involved in making my own clothing. But, I don't want to limit myself to a discussion of sewing.

I'd like to expand my horizons and write about other forms of self-expression, including fashion in general, makeup, and home decorating.

And I also want to write about things that inspire me to be creative, such as literature and the performing and visual arts.

So we'll see what direction this blog takes. Right now it's looking a lot like a beauty blog, but like I said, I have a lot of interests and I'm not going to limit myself as far as topics go. :)