365: 12

Finally, something other than workout clothes. I got dressed to step out with the Hubs and run some errands:

Stats:
Weight - 178ish (probably more like 176ish by now, but we'll find out tomorrow)
Mood - Good

Every time I start thinking it's safe to move all of the long-sleeved fall and winter stuff to the back of the closet, we get another cold front. Actually, this top, along with all of my other button-downs, was already hiding in the back because I haven't been able to button any of them for a long, long time. This is one of the larger of the group and I was pleased to find I could button it all the way up, although it was still a little too tight for comfort, especially up around the girls. A camisole solved that problem for now, and it will probably fit just fine after another five or ten pounds. It's like all of my old clothes are starting to be new again.

Of course, when we got home we both changed back into our pajamas, because it's a PJs and hot beverage kind of day.

My "workout" today consisted of walking all over the super Walmart in my birthday shape-up Keds. And I do actually feel like I got a workout. Those things start out feeling like they're not doing anything, but they sneak up on you, and before you know it your  calves and thighs are burning and you can't wait to go sit down.

Who's That Girl?

I'm getting some head shots taken today. Li'l Sis owes me some free pictures for doing her web site last year, so when I asked her if she had any decent candid shots of me that I could use on my new bio page, she offered to do a head shot session instead (and to buy me sushi for a belated birthday lunch, which, YAY! But I digress).

I'm feeling some anxiety about it, and not just because I'm carrying some extra weight in my face right now. Nor is it because last night I decided to trim the bangs I'd been growing out for the past several months and made a complete disaster of it -- though come to think of it, neither of those things is helping. But mostly, it's because these pictures are supposed to be a representation of who I am, or at least who I want to present to potential clients; and I really have no idea who that is right now.

As I try to decide what to wear to the shoot, it's hitting me. I have this picture of myself in my head, and in that picture I have an adorable and hip (but not hipster) hair cut with blonde (and possibly some pink) highlights mixed in with the red. My clothes are cute but geek-chic, my nails are short but manicured, and, weirdly, I'm wearing glasses, with thick retro tortoise-shell frames that are slightly geeky but flatter my face. This imaginary me that I envision is nowhere near reality.

I tell myself that this is what I would look like if I had the money (and the time and energy) to spend on clothes and haircuts and getting my eyes checked. But the reality is a tired chick who trims her own hair (sometimes badly) and doesn't even bother to do self-manicures anymore and needs glasses but can't afford them and buys whatever clothes can be found on the clearance rack that look passable in public, who is doing the best she can on limited resources to look presentable but who just doesn't have the time, energy or money to spend on her appearance. And usually, it doesn't matter, because I work at home and my husband says he likes me better au naturale, anyway, and most days he's the only one who ever sees me.

But that's not really the version of myself that I want to display on the Internet for all of my clients and potential clients to see. So getting dressed today feels like picking out a costume. But which costume? Which side of myself do I want to portray? There's the casual, laid-back, semi-fashionable business woman, which is pretty much the costume I used to wear to work every day when I had a corporate job. That seems appropriate, considering this is for my business web site. But then there's the geek girl, the girl with the (imaginary) glasses who wears funky tee-shirts and no jewelry and loves to read and write urban fantasy and romance and is addicted to TV and spends the majority of her time online... which also seems appropriate, because I do work online, and I am a web designer, which is fairly geeky in and of itself, and also because it's really ME.

I honestly can't decide which version to go with. It doesn't help that I'm having a bit of an identity crisis, what with the whole "I'm so psyched to become a mother -- oh, wait, PSYCH! That's apparently not for me!" thing that's been happening with me lately, but that's fodder for another post. Whichever version I go with, I'd better decide soon - I have another hour before I need to get dressed and prettify myself, and with all of the time I anticipate I'll spend standing on the verge of tears in the middle of my closet, I'd better get started early. Hopefully, I'll be able to come up with some kind of happy medium. Or maybe I'll just take a second set of clothes and let Li'l Sis decide. Either way, one thing's for sure -- whoever I present myself as today, she's going to have terrible bangs.

Personal Style

I've been thinking that it's high time I cultivated myself some personal style, fashion-wise. I mean, I've been thirty-five for a while now. I'm officially a grown-up, right? And that's what grown-ups supposedly do. They put away the eclectic tee-shirt and pajama bottoms collections, stop dressing according to "what's comfortable" and "what's on clearance," and develop a style and dress accordingly. Right?

So this morning I got a bug up my derriere that compelled me to seek out advice on building my very own personal style. The best advice I came across was on Jezebel, which amounted to, "know your decade." Brilliant! And what is my decade? What is a decade from the last century that embraced curves and made clothing to flatter hips and ample bosoms?

Why, the Fifties, of course! Which works out well, because I've recently developed a fascination with late-fifties/early-sixties style clothing and glamor and whatnot--which, as it turns out, is really big in pin-up girl circles, which I harbor super-sekrit ambitions to join someday. Mainly because I'm enamored with just how girlish and tastefully sexy the look is, pretty and provocative without showing off a lot of skin. I want to be girlish and pretty and tastefully sexy! Bingo! I've found my personal style!

And then I drop my Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer in my lap, sans cap, and stain my plain Jane khaki capris, and I think of all of the other clothes hanging in my closet that are covered with stains, and I think to myself, "Jean, dear, the only personal style to which you need to aspire is called 'clean.'" And there endeth my fantasies of dolling myself up in pinup couture. I guess for now I'm stuck with my eclectic mix of nerdy/preppy/hippy/geeky/don't-give-a-crap-y. Hey, who says I don't have a personal style?

Girls who wear glasses get passes to kick asses.

I want to be a writer more than anything else in the world. All day, every day, all I want is to be a writer. Until I actually sit down to write, and then I'd rather be plenty of other things, but mostly, I'd rather be napping.

This is a fairly recent development, and I believe it was brought on by the new meds my doctor has me on--one for allergies, one to improve my sleep, both of which make me sleepy and leave me feeling groggy for hours after I wake up. So in the morning, when I'm usually at my sharpest, writing--or for that matter, any activity that involves sitting still and thinking--just leads to nodding off and fantasizing wistfully about my bed. It's gotten bad enough that I've seriously considered pulling a Costanza and creating a nap cubby hole under my desk. I actually could do this. As long as I only crawled under there during my lunch hour, I wouldn't be breaking any rules. The only thing keeping me from it is the fear of strange looks I might get from passersby if they catch me crawling out from under my desk when nap time is over. Fear of strange looks has kept me from doing all kinds of things in my life, sadly.

So there's that. But I push on, knowing that sometime around 1:00, the brain fog will finally clear and I'll be able to focus without the threat of narcolepsy. The only problem with that is that lately, by the afternoon my eyes feel like tiny Martin Shorts are driving hot pokers into the backs of them, and I can't look at the screen anymore without developing the beginnings of a migraine. I was pretty worried about what this might all mean until I realized that if I'm old enough to reference that Martin Short movie, I'm old enough to need stronger glasses.

All of which is to say that I went out and got a new pair of reading glasses today. See?



I like them as a fashion accessory, but I like them even better for the fact that I've been wearing them for the past three hours and I don't feel like I need to either look away from the screen or go blind. And that's making it a lot easier to make up for my useless, zombie-trance morning. Maybe this means I still get to be a writer. If not, at least now I look more the part.

Movies, and etc.

Only a few weeks ago I was in such a fantastic mood, feeling girly and pretty and wanting to take the time to dress myself up with coordinated outfits and accessories and makeup and hair curled just so, and it was fun and I felt fabulous. And then death and illness and one rainy, stormy week after another, I'm back to can't-be-bothered mode: hair out of my face, clothes that are clean and don't clash, and I don't stink. This is my current standard for leaving the house.

I took slightly more care with my appearance when we went out Friday to see Iron Man, mainly for my husband's sake, and for the sake of not scaring away his friend. Though, honestly, I don't think either of them noticed or cared. Boys.

The movie was every bit as much fun as all of the reviews I'd read led me to expect, and will be a keeper once it hits DVD. Even though it has Gwyneth in it. Gwyneth generally bugs, but she didn't in this movie. At any rate, this movie made me care about Iron Man/Tony Stark, which is something no comic or animated series has ever been able to accomplish. And now I'm really looking forward to the Avengers movie.

Also looking forward to, based on previews shown before the movie (minus Indy and Batman, because those are a given): The Incredible Hulk, which I didn't even know about until a week ago, and looks about a million times better than the first movie; The Happening - it looks scary, and I loves me some M. Night (yes, even The Village and Lady In the Water), and although I could do without his propensity to play key characters in his own movies (Hitchcockian cameos are one thing; see: Stan Lee, but, c'mon.), the trailer instilled a NEED to know what THE HAPPENING is.

I guess all of this is to say that I'm back. Actually, I think it mainly says that I'm a great big dork. But also that I'm back. Hi.

Seasonal Fabulosity

I went "shopping" in the back of my closet this weekend. I found things that have been back there so long that they're practically new! Or at least they're new to everybody at this job. I've been playing around with them, trying new combos and taking a few chances, so that I can get through the spring--possibly summer, too--without being completely sick of every single thing in my closet. Or at least of what's in rotation in the easy-to-reach part of my closet.

Spring (and fall, too) always inspires me to put a little more effort into my appearance. Mild weather makes me care about fashion, about accessories, about having my toenails painted and my legs shaved so that they're always ready for a cute skirt or pair of sandals. The more extreme months, not so much. In cold weather, my only fashion criteria are, "Will it keep me warm?" and "Will it get me sent home to change?" If the answers are "yes" and "no" respectively, then it becomes a winter wardrobe staple. In the summer it's pretty much the same, except replace the first question with, "Does this provide enough ventilation to let me make it from one air conditioned zone to another without dying from heat stroke?"

Of course, in the extreme seasons, I'm usually too distracted by either being so cold I want nothing more than to curl up under a mountain of blankets and never take off my warm flannel jammies, or so hot that I want nothing--NOTHING!--to touch my skin, and resenting that I have to make concessions either way. But in mild weather, I get to be girly, and wear pretty things, and feel beautiful, and have the energy to care. And today, the weather feels fabulous, and so do I.

Crocs are... cute? Really?

Sponsored post!

I've always turned my nose up at Crocs because, well, they're ugly. I don't care how comfortable they are, I just can't handle that much pure fug on my feet, and besides, they're not allowed at my office, anyway. Except, I just checked out some of their new styles, and, well, these are pretty cute. Cute enough to be tempting. I'm pretty sure they'd pass muster with the dress code, and as much running around as I tend to do on a daily basis, cute, comfortable, affordable shoes are pretty much my new Holy Grail. These are a decent price to begin with, and with these ShoeBuy coupon codes, it looks like I can get them for a steal (aren't online coupon sites the best thing ever?).

I already blew my fun money budget for this week helping to line J.K. Rowling's heavy pockets, but just you wait, Crocs Sassari - Chocolate/Gold. Next payday, you will be mine.

Sunglasses killer to sunglasses seller?

Ad alert!

If you're paying attention, then you already know that I'm a fan of inexpensive replicas of designer sunglasses, what with my penchant for getting sunglasses lost or broken. I love sunglasses, period, and it's great to get that fashionista look without having to invest a lot of money in something that probably won't last me very long. I'm sure a lot of people feel the same way, enough so to make selling them a fairly lucrative business venture. Wholesale Sunglasses are now easier than ever to come by, thanks to CTSWholesalers, who just launched a new web site devoted to hooking up entrepreneurs with all of the supplies needed to launch just such a business. Below is a press release detailing what they're all about, with contact info for anyone interested in pursuing such an endeavor:

CTSWholesalers Launch Website for Wholesale Sunglass Buyers

CTS Wholesale Sunglasses today launched a web site dedicated to helping sunglass retailers who sell designer replica sunglasses.

CTS Wholesale Sunglasses today announced the launch of their new site at online sunglass store for selling at high traffic areas.

The retail sunglass industry has high operating margins and the dealers can make a nice profit buying the sunglasses in wholesale and then selling these at retail counters or stalls in malls and fairs. "Sunglasses that typically cost $15 a dozen can be easily sold for about $8 per pair, earning a very high profit per sale," reported Kirk Bachelder while announcing the site.

Our sunglasses do not carry any brand names and are 100% safe for the dealers to sell
The site contains information about a large variety of replica sunglass designs that are inspired by leading brands. "We do not sell fake sunglasses and do not recommend that the retailers sell them", cautioned Kirk. "Our sunglasses do not carry any brand names and are 100% safe for the dealers to sell," he added.

The site will also carry special offers like a starter pack with an assorted collection of 36 pairs of latest and popular designs and a rack to hold 24 pairs, at a low $99. A newbie retailer can test the waters and explore the market with this low investment package before jumping in with larger stocks.

The helpful customer service and blazing fast shipping ensures that the dealers get their shipments before the time most of the other wholesalers have even dispatched the goods.

The retail sunglass industry is very popular with entrepreneurs because of the high margins. People prefer to buy cheap 'compare to' or replica sunglasses that look like the eyewear from the leading brands but cost much lesser. They do not feel the pinch if these sunglasses are lost or broken. They can also try different looks easily to match the season and the mood.

About CTS Wholesalers:
CTS Wholesalers offers tips and guidance to the sunglass retailers about the best ways to maximize the profits in marketing their wares at the malls, stores, exhibitions and flea markets. Visit the site at www.CTSwholesalers.com.

Contact Information:
Kirk Bachelder - Member
CTS Wholesalers
3525 Brady Ct. N.E.
Salem, OR 97303

Phone: 503.364.3486
Fax: 503.589.4121

Of course, if you're just looking to shop for sunglasses instead of selling them, they have a ton of cute styles available at their online wholesale sunglasses shop, for prices even a sunglasses killer like me would be happy to pay. Right now I've got my eye on these faux Versace sunglasses for $28.00, if I can only decide between the pink or the brown.

Becoming Belisi

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As shallow and superficial as the fashion industry can sometimes be, I'm constantly impressed with Belisi's commitment to making a positive impact on their community and introducing responsibility and substance into the world of high-end fashion. Peter Belisi is clearly a self-made man, and reading about his humble beginnings in his blog post, Belisi - How it Started, is pretty inspiring, and goes to show how much simply looking the part of a successful person helps to actually become successful. It's pretty neat that something as seemingly insignificant as a quality tie collection could help to elevate someone from bartender to fashion guru.

What's more impressive is Belisi's commitment to giving back to the community that helped him achieve his current status. Any time you buy products through the "Luxury With Meaning" program at Belisi, they'll give a portion of the proceeds to the cause of your choice. Back in my retail days I used to sell luxury handbags, and I couldn't imagine ever spending so much money on a purse when I could use it to do some good in the world. I know it would make dropping upward of a hundred bucks on a handbag a lot easier on my conscience to know that some of that money was going to charity. I would definitely rather give my money to a company that cares about more than just the bottom line.

Just a good idea.

Ad alert!

I like the idea behind this. Chin Choi is a new, UK-based clothing boutique that sells nothing but classic, quality black & white wardrobe basics. You won't find the newest spring trends here, but you will find Black Trousers in a variety of real world sizes, several variations of the Classic White Shirt, and plenty of Cashmere Jumpers (that's "sweaters" to us bloody colonials). The prices are out of reach of my current budget, but considering that these are versatile pieces that are made to last and designed to never go out of style, I think it would be worth it to save up for, say, these palazzo trousers.

Knock-off Chic

Sponsored post alert.

I tend to buy cheap sunglasses. Usually I get them at whatever big chain discount retailer is handy when I need a pair, but sometimes I'll even grab them off the rack at the dollar store. I used to love shopping for sunglasses the way I love shopping for shoes, and that hasn't really changed, but the problem is that I can't keep a pair of sunglasses for long enough to make buying an expensive pair worthwhile. I lose them, or I break them, or sometimes they just spontaneously fall apart on their own.

Last summer, while shopping for bathing suits to wear on my honeymoon cruise (the same bathing suits I left in the garment bag hanging on the back of the closet door the day we shipped out), I splurged and picked up a pair of designer sunglasses. They were on sale, so I didn't feel too badly about it, and besides, I was entertaining visions of myself looking fabulous whilst lounging around the ship's pool, or on the beach in Grand Cayman, and dollar store sunglasses didn't really fit the picture. Surely, I thought, I've matured enough that I can keep hold of a pair of sunglasses AND keep them nice. They were adorable squarish glasses with pinkish-brown lenses and little sparklies on the ear pieces, and they coordinated perfectly with my new swimsuits (a point which my forgetfulness would later render moot). I loved them. I swore I'd put them up somewhere safe and save them for the trip, but a couple of weeks before the wedding I caved and started wearing them. I took extremely good care of them.

Then while browsing in a gift shop in Jamaica they split in two pieces of their own accord and fell right off of my face and onto the floor.

Yeah. So, while I'm actually pretty fond of the cheapy replacement pair I bought in that Jamaican tourist shop, which have held up a lot better than the designer glasses did, I'm about ready to pick out a new pair for the impending spring. I'm thinking a good compromise to try might be Wholesale Replica Sunglasses. I can get all of the cuteness of designer sunglasses at a price that won't make me cry when they inevitably become lost or broken or suicidal. Looks like I can have my sunglasses fetish and eat my cake, too. Or something like that.

What To Wear

Commercial alert.

Belisi has moved off of typepad and launched a new blog, Being Belisi. Fashion designer Peter Belisi still offers advice for both women and men on how to look your polished, pulled together best. Find more info on Belisi's "What's Beautiful To You" campaign and its concurrent essay contest (prize: a $100 gift card for Belisi merchandise), links to the new sister blog (no pun intended) on women's fashion, and detailed, illustrated instructions on how to tie a Windsor knot. There's plenty of celebrity fashion talk to be found, too, if, y'know, that's your thing.

What's Beautiful to You?

Paid post alert!


Belisi asks, "What's Beautiful to You?" The purveyors of the fashion blog I linked yesterday, as well as makers of high-quality fashion accessories for both men and women, are on a campaign to expand the fashion industry's definition of beauty. This is a campaign I can definitely get behind. Based on the belief that the truly beautiful people are those who make the world a better place, Belisi kicks off its campaign with a comment poll on their web site asking readers for their definition of beauty, and is even offering a $100 shopping card for the best response.

Anyone who has any sense or knows anything about Hollywood and the fashion industry knows that the version of beauty it presents is unnatural and unrealistic, augmented by plastic surgery, air brushing and image manipulation to create a standard that no real, flesh and blood person – not even the models being photographed – can live up to, but that doesn't keep people from going to often unhealthy and sometimes deadly lengths to try. If you read this blog regularly then you know that I've already devoted this year's resolutions to learning how to stop striving for that false perfection and accept myself the way I am. So I applaud any attempt from those inside the industry to advance changing attitudes about our society's standards of beauty.

My response to the question can be seen here.