Loveliness on Valentine's Day: 2012

Hello Readers,

Last year, I published a blog post (Loveliness on Valentine's Day) about the holiday we all love to hate at some point in our lives. In this post, I wrote about my decision not to wear the color black on Valentine's Day as a symbolic action of my new attitude toward the day's celebrations, even as a single woman in her mid-twenties. Yep. I had a new attitude.

This year when I woke up, I planned to wear a reiteration of last year's Valentine's Day outfit, but there was snow on the ground and I had errands to run in the cold, slushy morning.... so I threw on a red wool sweater, a pair of jeans, wooly socks with snowflakes on the side, my trusty snow boots, and my coat. The day started out well, as far as holiday appropriate winter wear.

I ran my errands with great efficiency, buying a raspberry beret cupcake at The Cup, groceries at Dierberg's, and spending a gift card at Starbuck's (thank you Quists!) without any hitches or long lines- but when I returned I was less than enthusiastic about the holiday. I needed a change of attitude, or at least a change of outfits.

Last year's outfit was too cheery... I needed something that made me feel just as confident, but more mysterious. A vintage black and navy dress was the perfect remedy for my feelings of discontent. Paired with a white cardigan, embellished purple ribbon, solid purple tights, and spectator-esque pumps provided just the right amount of elegance and sass needed to survive this year's Valentine's Day.

Holding my roomie's cupcakes

In a way, this outfit helped me make it through a day I dread. What really helped me through this day was the community of friends I have at home, here, and even across the globe! I wasn't alone, spatially or metaphorically, either. My small group had a get together where we took communion and then exchanged bread and words of appreciation/affirmation with each other. This tradition, known as a "love  feast" is most common in the Methodist tradition of faith, but can be traced back to the Moravians. Woah!

I suppose I never liked Valentine's Day very much because it made me feel alone. I felt left out. But, this year I was not alone or left out. I was surrounded by friends who have been like family to me during my year of adjuncting. Their words, hugs, and constant community reminded me of the love present in my life, even away from family and even without a boyfriend or husband. I'm not single... I'm surrounded by a community of people who care about me and remind me of the One who loves me extravagantly- God. I have so much love in my life!

I'm smiling.... but check out that hand on my hip! Sass!

Yummers

Retail Details:
Black and Navy Vintage Dress: Gifted
White/Cream V-Neck Cardigan: Victoria's Secret
Purple Belt: A Ribbon Embellished with a Clip-On Earring
Goldtone Peacock Earrings: Macy's 
Purple Tights: Hue (via Nordstrom Rack)
Cream and Tan Spectator Pumps: Seychelles (purchased at a boutique in San Francisco)
Smile: Courtesy of my friends!

Mompos Monday: Here's to You

Good Evening Readers!

When I woke up this morning, one of the first thoughts that ran through my mind (after "what time is it?") was that I wanted to wear a dress today. This thought coursed through the sort of determination that was more than simply wanting to wear a dress- I decided that I MUST wear a dress. As a declaration of the beautiful weather, in celebration of the delightful days spent with family, and in anticipation of the upcoming season and my new job. As I prepared myself for the day I thought "yes, self, I really must wear a dress."

Which dress did I choose? With the fresh breeze and lower temperatures (than previous days this summer), I decided that my Mompos Dress would be perfect. I didn't even try on any other dress or outfit. That was it. Perfect for the day ahead of me and perfect for the weather.

Retail Details:
Light Grey Headband: J. Crew
Shades: Coach (Rx)
Blue and White Mompos Dress: Plenty by Tracy Reese from Anthropologie (here)
Silver Locket: American Eagle Outfitters (modified by moi)
Off White and Tan Pumps: Seychelles

Later today I made my way out to my grandparents' house for a send off dinner in honor of my aunt, uncle, and cousins before their flight back home (after a very eventful and fun-filled visit, I must say!) I wish that their time in Central Illinois was longer, but I am thankful for the time that I and all of my family were able to spend with them.

We celebrated our time together with Beef Wellington (prepared by my Uncle Mike), Grilled Cheese (prepared by Grandma for me and others who don't eat Beef Wellington), Cheesy Potatoes, Ginger Sesame Salad, Watermelon, and Oreo Dirt Dessert (courtesy of Aunt Shelly), as well as a few other goodies here and there. The send off dinner was an occasion of no great formality, but the dress felt right for the time and the moment that, in many ways, represents the end of summer and the beginning of the annual ascent into Autumn.

My camera's battery died so my cousin Katie took this picture from my mobile! Thanks Katie!!!

Before I close tonight's post, I want to share a song with you all about lasting friendships from an artist I began listening to earlier this year. My family and extended family are a blessing to me in so many ways and this summer, especially the past two weeks, have brought a newfound awareness of the blessing of friendship that I find with my family.

So, without further adieu, I am dedicating this song (by the very talented Brooke Fraser) to my family, extended family, and friends I count as dear and near as family! Enjoy!

Wearing the Colors of the Wind

Hello Readers!

Yesterday I made a bold move.  Usually, when picking out an outfit I will stick to neutrals with maybe one pop of color in the outfit, but yesterday I wore more than one non-neutral color, I wore 3.  Mint green, turquoise, and copper.  The color combination made me think of the song Colors of the Wind from the movie Pocahontas. . . Anyways, here is the outfit:

Outside of my lovely office

This sudden burst of color was inspired by one of my friend's suggestions that I incorporate more color into my wardrobe (thanks Jasmine!) The result of this change?  Well, in addition to feeling bright and cheery on a Wednesday, I received compliments from several of my students and friends at school.  Also, when I went to the mall to pick up a few things for my mom I received a few compliments from employees at a few stores!

Just for fun, here are a few more photos of my colorful outfit:

Apparently I still have problems locking my office door. . . 

There we go!

I will miss this office after graduation!

Thank you for your advice Jasmine!

Retail Details:
Mint Green Scarf: A kiosk in Chinatown (NYC)
Turquoise 3/4 Cardigan: Zara (purchased in Madrid in spring 2008)
Enchanted Eyes Beaded Leather Belt: Anthropologie
Brownish-Grey Lace Skirt: 1960s Vintage, purchased online from a seller in Scotland
Copper Scallop-Patterned Tights: Anthropologie
Beige and Off-White Spectators: Seychelles
Patterned Wallet: Vera Bradley

Next to Normal

Hello Again Bloggers!

Originally I planned to drive home for Easter Break on Wednesday, but had to delay my plans because I came down with a migraine/throbbing headache earlier in the day.  Thankfully, my Public Speaking students were giving speeches, so I did not have to stand up or talk very much.  After I taught I went back to my apartment, shut all of the blinds, took medicine, and went to sleep.  When I woke up, I determined that it was too late to drive home and that driving 3 hours with a headache probably wasn't the best idea. So what did I do instead?

I went to a musical at The Fox!

The current musical playing at the Fox (I think the 24th was the last night), is called Next to Normal.  I didn't know very much about the show, but I heard positive reviews from various people on campus and on The Fabulous Fox's website, I saw that the musical and the lead of the musical were both award-winners.

I tried to sneak a picture of the set! It was a three-story cross section of a house and the band was on the sides of the second and third level.

This was the second time that I attended a show at the Fox alone- which sounds terrible but I actually enjoyed it!  Yes, I would rather go with friends and share the experience with them, but going alone affords the luxury of spontaneity (I bought the tickets 3 hours before the show), and alone I felt like I was able to connect with the show even more.  I was more aware of my fellow audience members, more aware of little things on stage (the set was amazing!), and more entrenched in the story.

The story, I felt, was written well, and each of the leads were excellent actors who played roles that were believable and vulnerable. Most of the singing was great, except for the lead, played by Alice Ripley (who won a Tony award for this role).  She did such a great job acting the part of Diana, but when she sang her voice revealed what sounded like a lot of damage.  The night of the show, her voice was flat and sounded ridden with vocal nodes.  It was painful to listen to, and I imagine that it was painful for her to sing.  I really hope that she is able to rest her voice and get better soon!

So- what did I wear to the show?

Retail Details:

Off-White Cardigan: Abercrombie & Fitch

Beaded Leather Belt: Anthropologie

Green Silk Strapless Dress (with a bubble hem): Banana Republic

Off-White and Beige Spectators: Seychelles

The Stinking Rose: Outfit 3 from San Francisco

OK. . . one last outfit from San Fran, featuring two items that I bought in the City by the Bay. To celebrate the last night in town, I joined a large group of friends from grad school (who were also at the conference) at a restaurant called "The Stinking Rose." The company was great, the atmosphere was fun, and the food was OK- worth another try, but nothing spectacular (but I am not a food critic, just a picky eater).

Anyways, before The Stinking Rose, and before Ocean Beach, my friends Emily, Eric, and I started our last full day in San Francisco with a trip to Alamo Square to visit the Painted Ladies (houses featured in the opening credits of Full House), and then to an area known as Haight- Ashbury for lunch. After lunch, Emily and I parted ways with Eric and Brian to shop.

While shopping in this area, Emily and I stopped at Ambiance, a cute boutique with color-sorted clothing from a variety of designers and price points. While the clothing was cute, and the sales were great, the salespeople were a bit too pushy. At first the attention was great, but after an hour of being attended by a slew of salespeople, I was ready to get out of the shop! I wasn't going to buy anything, but on my way out I found a cute pair of off-white spectator pumps by Seychelles for 35 dollars and I couldn't resist the deal.

The other item featured in this post (purchased in San Fran) is a leopard-print blue blouse from Banana Republic. Normally I don't wear leopard print, but I felt daring and this shirt was another great deal that I couldn't resist. Also, I was running out of clean shirts to wear.

Full House!