November 10, 2009
If you’re one of the kids who already reads my blog babble, I’m sure you share in my sentiment when I state how infuriating it can be to even think of losing a furry little friend for some overpriced and down right offensive outerwear. But even more unbearable than such a cruel cop-out is suffering a loss without even as little as any explicable excuse. Coming from someone who’s been in two very recent car accidents “incidents”, I can attest that it certainly is tough out there on the road. People rarely break for each other, let alone crossing critters. So, in honor of fallen fur balls, cool car accessories, and my recovering ride, I decided to treat my tiny Toyota to a designer bumper bandage – compliments of happy2craft. Now I can look fly in my spruced up subcompact, while simultaneously reminding the road hog behind me to cruise with compassion.
If this all seems a little out of the black and blue, you can chalk it up to a delayed PTSD deal… or maybe even some early Thanksgiving thoughts. ModCloth’s Thank-a-Thon Blog Contest forced me to do a little self-reflection. And just like that, I realized how thankful I am for the people who care, the ones who will begin to, and most of all, for my every day animal encounters that keep me inspired to shop, share, dress, and drive responsibly.
[$3.95 at zazzle.com]
November 2, 2009
This is the first year I’ve actively observed Dia de los Muertos. I learned how to create sugar skulls, participated in a local ritual and celebration to honor those that have passed, chowed down on some Mexican treats, and spent some personal time reflecting on happy memories of grandparents, friends, and pets. Although there’s no doubt of the sanctity behind the Day of the Dead, it is traditionally deemed a celebratory holiday. And as with most common holidays, I decided the day required some special dress. The calavera is not only an important part of the days’ offerings and decorations, but also the focus of my festive getup. I’ve come across many pieces portraying it – now on my must-have list – but Loungefly’s line of vegan handbags was certainly one of the stand-outs. The Cream Sugar Skull Satchel is the perfect accessory with a traditional meets modern take, crafted out of thread, metal, and PVC. Oh, and despite the name, it’s dairy free.
October 31, 2009
So, it’s Halloween – a holiday who Hallmark has turned into a candy carnival – and unfortunately it’s a bit brisk and rainy. But don’t sweat the sweet stuff. Stay toasty in these tasty threads from Rock Steady.
[$48 candie cardigan at shop.steadyclothing.com]
October 25, 2009
As a follow-up to my aforementioned birthday activities, I found myself contemplating the often 1920’s or ’50s style of the burlesque babe. I mean, they don’t really wear a whole lot, so in terms of actual items, the few things that automatically come to mind are boas, boobie tassels, and loosely lost lingerie. With the latter two born in eras where newly discovered synthetics were widely used, I went on a mission to find some fun faux boas. ‘Cause real ones just aren’t cool. Most I came across seemed to be lacking a little something, but then I stumbled upon a whole slew from The House Of Bachelorette. Prince charming and engagement rock sold separately.
October 19, 2009
Yesterday, I reached the quarter of a century mark in my life, so I thought why not celebrate French Quarter style with a risque burlesque extravaganza – except this one was a little less overblown, a whole lot more modern, and located in the East Village.
I didn’t have overly high expectations for the little dive in Alphabet City, but I was immediately taken by Bar on A with their orange and black decor, complete with synthetic snakeskin detailing around lights, poles, and other subtle spots. It was casual with no cover – and the show only had a $5 buck bill.
I had already decidedly given the Kitty Nights gang of girlies kudos for the super catchy catty show name. There were the usual scenes – a mix of sultry and silly, which I quite enjoyed. Plus, this particular night also included a special act by the fierce little lady who ran the show – Ms. Fem Appeal. While I’m not sure exactly how I felt about the Little Red Riding Hood reenactment, I can safely say the fur costume that was flung around were totally faux. And what a fabulous time it was overall. The motley musical selection combined with a little bit of glamor, sauciness, and striptease was just the right amount of entertainment and excitement I was looking for to take on the big two-five.
Here, kitty kitty…
October 10, 2009
It was time.
Actually, for the third time that season, it was time. The dreaded closet clean-out – an activity that every shopping addict hates. In a squalid attempt to inspire myself, I turned to the experts: Finola Hughes, Tim Gunn, Stacey London, Clinton Kelly, and any other wardrobe editing expert I could think of. But have you ever actually read any of their essentials lists? Smart, sure. Practical – how about impossible. Who really has a total of 10 pieces in their wardrobe? Certainly not me. And if you’re reading this, my guess is probably not you either. Plus, sometimes it can be extremely difficult to give some items the boot. There’s that history together, the emotional attachment, the dependency, and those intimately shared moments of retail therapy. So how exactly does one do it when working with such volume? Well, I can’t exactly explain how I got through it all. But I can tell you what I ended up with. Being both a virtually unstoppable overstock-er and OCD organizer times ten, I decided my leftover items not only needed to be cherished, but also charted.
Or at least that was the original plan. My so-called attempt at a “retail run-down” list failed miserably as I still seriously had too many items to count. Sickening, but even so, severely less than I started out with. And although I don’t like to play faves(yes I do), I’m clearly a heavy hitter when it comes to scarves and cardigans. They’re so essential and multi-seasonal! But if you’re more of a well-rounded gal, it’s probably worth it to leaf through The Lucky Shopping Manual for some solid advice.
The upside of this whole experience, aside from some extra closet space, is that it left me a little more uncertain about my next sure-to-be-unnecessary splurge. I’ve learned it’s ok to swear off swiping some platinum level plastic for a bit and forget this weekend’s purely impulse fashion fix because I got everything I need right here.
*Warning: Do not attempt this stunt at home, unless properly supervised and armed with aftercare items such as extra creamy cake batter ice cream, mellow-out music, and a credit card shredder.
September 27, 2009
List of things to do before I die. Just kidding… dye.
Of course, I would definitely recommend seeing a professional stylist over a home hair dye job, but I get it – times are tough. Ok, so let’s try this again.
List Of Things To Do Before I Dye
- The Obvious Tip: Pick a color that compliments your skin tone.
- The Most Overlooked Tip: Choose a tone that will also match your wardrobe. If you mainly stick to neutrals, then you’re on the fairly safe side. But if you incorporate a lot of bright yellows, blaring oranges, and super warm tones, you probably don’t want to go with a fire engine red do. It’s just a bit much.
- When doing box comparison, don’t just compare price tags. Look at the ingredients, the label, and the name behind it to choose a reputable vegan brand. You can go ahead and Google to your hairs’ content, or just trust my quick picks. Naturtint Permanent is exceptional for looking perfectly natural. Or you can indulge your wild side with Manic Panic N.Y.C. Both are 100% vegan.
- Don’t forget the importance of aftercare. Invest in a top-grade color-stay vegan conditioner like ABBA Pure Color Protect.
- After you’ve dyed and dried, brush out gently with synthetic bristles. This a fairly simple one, since vegan hair brushes are the most commonly manufactured kind. Just be sure to stay away from “natural bristle” brushes – because “natural” is really just a naughty euphemism for animal hair.
Naturtint Permanent
September 22, 2009
Hopelessly lost dragging around an ocean of over-stuffed arm candy? Seeking “multi-tote syndrome” salvation? The answer’s easy ’cause Rock N Moms does all the dirty work for you. Chic looking diaper bags are the latest domestic accessories re-purposed as career carry-alls. So now, you can pack it like a pro, and cut down on the fluster your morning commute causes. They’re a far cry from the mostly mundane, usually leather briefcases that leave little room for more than a laptop. I’m a fan in particular of their Jett’s Red Skull Tote. The 12×15x4 plastic-coated fabric bag boasts over 12 compartments and an awesome amount of extras. The pacifier pouch is the perfect place to store a pillbox or compact. And it even has an insulated [water] bottle holder, which saves my steno pads from sogginess and condensation. I’ve managed to make use of every single facet except the changing mat and stroller straps. The stoplight red exterior gives it that power color punch, while the subtle skull design remains edgy without being in your face. It’s not only my portable personal assistant but my purse as well, making it my solo shoulder mate for the day. *Disclaimer: Take charge ‘tude not included.
[$75 at rocknmoms.com]
Rock N Mom
