Thank you so much for visiting A Splash of Sass! I hope you'll click through to my new blog for more style photos and posts!
See you at Closet 12!

Friday, December 16, 2011

The Swing of Things

There I go, being a horrible blogger and not updating in forever again...

Work has been especially busy since we've been short staffed, but I don't want to talk about work on my blog, so that's as far as I'm going to take that excuse.  Even if I weren't camera-less once again, I've been too wiped out from overtime, etc. to put as much thought into putting together outfits anyway.  I'm ashamed!

I had a shocking realization yesterday, the 15th: Christmas is in 10 days!  Aaahh! I feel like there are so many things left to do.  I put up my Christmas tree last night while watching Roman Holiday, but I fell asleep before the tree or the movie were finished.  With Christmas now nine days away, this also means that my parents will be here in less than a week.  I've already got a to-do list forming in my head, oy vey.

 What I'm Wearing:
Flutter Tank: Candie's (Kohls)
Open Front Cardigan: Mossimo (Target)
Houndstooth Pencil Skirt: The Limited
Black Pantyhose: Who knows?
Buckle Pumps: Christian Siriano for Payless
I'm sad to report that I've worn these shoes to work everyday this week.  Not that I dislike them, but it tells me I'm lacking creativity in my clothing choices when the same pair of shoes matches every outfit for four days straight.  I think another pair of black shoes are on my shopping list for after Christmas, when my credit card balance isn't quite so scary, or today, you never know. Haha.  The Writer's mom recently sent me Confessions of a Shopaholic to read.  I hope she was just passing it on after enjoying it herself, which I'm sure is the case, rather than trying to tell me something, haha.

Speaking of my dear Writer, he's graduating from college tonight!  I'm so excited for him, especially since he found out a few days that he got a better grade than he expected in his most difficult class.  This day seemed so far away when we first started dating.  I'm glad its finally here and all his hard work (and he has worked very hard) has paid off.  I'm so proud!

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Twiggy would be Jealous

Oh, how I wish I were allowed to wear open-toed shoes to work!  Corporate dress code be darned, I may just have to sneak these pretties in under their noses with some knee socks or opaque tights.  They remind me so much of sixties mod that I've been perusing Etsy for some Blair Waldorf-y tailored dresses.  I've worn them with bootcut jeans and a black boatneck sweater that reminds me of Audrey Hepburn and love them!

One of the many things I love about these shoes is the price. Seriously, I'm teased so much for my shoe collection, but when I pay <$10 for some of them, who can blame me for having so many? Haha.  I had my eyes on these for a while, but held out, knowing they'd go on sale the way everything at Kohl's goes on sale eventually.  They started out at almost $65.00, which is more than I'll usually pay for a pair of shoes that I don't have a specific purpose for in mind.  This is probably why I've been without brown flats for several months, I have a hard time investing in casual shoes.  Anyways, they are marked down on Kohl's website to $25.99, but they are cheaper in stores if you can find them.  Add one of Kohl's 30% off coupons and I got myself a pretty good deal, a happy resolution to months of drooling over unnecessary wedges.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Brown & Black

The weather's been so rainy here that all I want to do is curl up in between my flannel sheets and never come out.  Of course, whenever I feel that way, my schedule does it's best to sever my relationship with my sheets.  All I want to wear are sweaters.  Or blankets. Whatever, as long as its cozy.  

Regardless of what I want to be wearing, I can't wear the same thing every day, so today I tried something new.  Inspired by a colleague's black and brown striped sweater, I decided to play with the combination for work.  
 What I'm Wearing:
Button-down Shirt: H&M
Skirt: The Limited
Argyle Tights: Hanes Silk Reflections - Outlet find!
Buckle Pumps: Christian Siriano for Payless
Nail Color: Essie Bobbing for Baubles & Sephora by OPI Already Famous
I wish the argyle pattern had come out better in the photos.  The tights are much more sheet in person, so the outfit isn't so head-to-toe solid. I'll definitely have to try them with some other combinations, since they're really comfortable (and possibly a little too big).

Monday, November 7, 2011

Wine for My Face! Cheers!

A while back, I started my search for a good night cream.  My skin is slightly blemish-prone and can get oily, so I have to be careful in my choice of moisturizers.  I'd found a good day lotion towards the end of the summer, but it wasn't cutting it as the weather became cooler. Plus, I didn't like the idea of wearing SPF at night.

I'd heard good things about Caudalie, mostly from customers of my former employer - a retailer that carried the line once-upon-a-time.  These women would come in, swearing by Caudalie's products and allowing my to guess their ages.  I'd usually be off by about 20 years, as in, they were 20 years older than they looked.  Now that's a club I want to be a part of!  Not only did I have visual proof that these were some great anti-aging products, they are almost all listed as paraben, synthetic dye and sulphate-free on Sephora's website.  Caudalie's products are derived from grapes and wine and somehow, what red wine is for your heart, Caudalie is for your face.

 The Writer and I spent the day shopping yesterday, during which I picked up the "Beauty Essentials from the Vine" Caudalie starter kit.  The full-size products can be pricey, so I wanted to be sure I liked them before investing. Oh, the wonder of minis! The set includes: Cleansing Water, Vinoperfect Radiance Serum Complexion Correction, Pulpe Vitaminee Eye and Lip Cream, and Vinosource Quenching Sorbet-Creme.
I'm loving the Quenching Sorbet-Creme!  Its like a mousse, so it doesn't get greasy, but is definitely hydrating.  I'm pretty sure the eye cream and serum will end up on my list of most loved products, although it hasn't been long enough to really see their effects.  The only one I'm not sure about is the Cleansing Water.  Its a cleanser that you aren't supposed to rinse off, just swipe across your face with a cotton ball.  I used it last night and, while it took off my foundation and lipstick, I didn't feel like my face was completely clean.  It may work better as an AM cleanser, when I don't have as much to wash off of my face.

At the very least, I'm glad to not have a dry, flaky face anymore! Cheers!

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Last Friday Night

Last Friday night went a little differently than I'd planned.  It was The Writer's mom's last day in town before flying back to Florida, so they were hanging out and I'd planned on putting my feet up and relaxing after a long day at work.  As I was walking in from my car, I noticed that my garage door was open.  This was unusual, since I'd had a padlock on it since I'd moved in.  After further inspection, I discovered that whoever had cut the lock from the door had also take both mine and The Writer's mountain bikes.  I was so shocked. I thought I lived in a really safe area and had nothing to worry about, though I kept my doors locked anyway.  I filed a police report, but I have a feeling our bicycles are gone for good.

It would be a little silly to run out and get a new bike now, or even ask for one for Christmas, since Ohio will be covered in snow sooner rather than later.  I've been searching around, nonetheless, to see what's out there.  My parents got me my mountain bike when I was ten years old, maybe.  It was great for riding around camp, but since I'm not much for camping anymore, I think I may look into more of a casual, cruising-type bike, if there is such a thing.  Something maybe like this:
source
Or maybe one in mint:

source
How cute are these saddlebags?! And in Va-Voom red? Oo La!
source

Friday, November 4, 2011

Thrifted Cardigan

 A few weeks ago, I wrote about a drawing I'd won for a gift certificate for a second-hand shop.  I'll be the first to admit that I'm not usually a thrifter.  To be honest, after years of groping through Goodwill and Salvation Army racks for theatre costumes, it kind of grosses me out.  The costume designer I interned with as a junior made us wear rubber gloves when we went shopping, and they were always black with grime by the time we left.  I was pleasantly surprised with the clean cuteness of this second-hand shop combined with the 100% wool J.Crew cardigan I found set me at ease.  After a trip to the dry cleaners, my new cardi was ready to go.
Goofy!
The Writer and I have a challenge going on that's going to be affecting the number of skirts I wear this month.  He's decided that he wants to do the whole "No Shave November" thing.  He can do as he pleases, but he knows I prefer a clean-shaven face or just a little stubble.  I just don't like the idea of having to search through a man's beard to kiss him.  So, as an incentive to make "No Shave November" last a much shorter amount of time than the whole month of November, I am participating as well.  I'm not at all excited about not shaving, but if its what I have to do, I will wear pants or dark tights for a whole month or however long he can stand it.  Game on!
What I'm Wearing:
Gray Twist Cardigan: J.Crew (thrifted)
Plaid Satin Shell: The Limited
Pants: Express Editor Pant
Textured D'Orsay Heels: Charlotte Russe

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Cozy Wraps + New Shoes

My confidence bolstered by this video that I posted a few days ago, I decided to try out my wrap sweater in a new way.  I wanted to be cozy, since I had a long day in front of me.  A forgiving sweater just felt right.  I tied the top two corners together, crossed the sides over and put the knot over my head to form a cowl-type drape.

 What I'm Wearing:
Wrap Sweater: Victoria's Secret Cotton Cashmere Wrap
White Tank: Victoria's Secret
Pinstriped Pants: Hand-Me-Down from A
Obi Belt: Express
Black Fabric Buckle Pumps: Christian Siriano for Payless
The obi belt was one of those accessories that I'd bought a while ago during one of Express' clearance sales, but never quite figured out how to wear.  It never looked right with anything I paired it with, probably because I don't wear too many loose tops.  The tied, twisted, and draped sweater does have a little bit of a kimono feel, doesn't it?  I finally made it work!
I've always been intrigued by Christian Siriano's line for Payless.  I've liked many of his styles, but have been afraid to buy them because my feet instantly hurt when Payless is even so much as named.  My curiosity overcame my common sense when, in need of some black pumps for work, I decided to give them a try.  They are a little narrow in the toe box and lack cushioning, unfortunately.  I'll be adding some gel inserts before I decide for sure whether I like them or not.  

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

I Need Tweed!

I almost squealed with delight when I saw this dress!

I literally squealed when I was given this jacket.  Its my first Topshop piece!
 The Writer picked this jacket out for me during his trip to London last year.  We'd just started dating when he left, yet he was so thoughtful in his shopping (and in many other ways).  I think my personal style is just growing into the pieces now, but I've always loved them.  Who knew my boyfriend was so avant garde?

What I'm Wearing:
Tweed Sleeveless Dress: The Limited
Embellished Jacket: Topshop
Bow Pumps: Mudd
Nails: "Bobbing for Baubles" by Essie
An attempt to get close up with the swirls that cover the jacket

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Whoa, Big Deal

You know how they say you should splurge on timeless wardrobe staples and find deals on the trendier items?  I got a good one yesterday, thanks Target!

Mossimo Kienan Boot in Brown
I know Target's quality may not always be the best, but so often I find amazing deals on their shoes.  The glammed-up hiking boot trend may not be a lasting one and these boots may not be the most comfortable, but at $8.74, who cares?!

Autumn Glow

What I'm Wearing:
Sweater: The Limited
Pencil Skirt: H&M
Tassel Pumps: Mudd (so old, ha!)
Wood Bead Necklace: Hand-Me-Down from Mom
Bag: Coach

Just one picture for today-the camera's batteries died after two shots and I was in such a rush to get out the door.  I like wearing sweaters to work that can go with jeans for later in the day.  It makes meeting up with the The Writer and/or friends so much easier when half my outfit is already put together.

Monday, October 24, 2011

So That's How Its Done!

Fly-away cardigans are still on the shelves this fall.  Some are easy to wear, but one of them had me stumped.  This one:
source
The Victoria's Secret Cotton Cashmere Wrap boasts that it's able to be worn in an endless variety of styles.  Trouble was, I couldn't figure out how to style it without it looking bulky.  This morning, I found this great video that solved my frustrations!
Obviously, the sweater in the video is from DKNY and comes in more colors than the Victoria's Secret one, but the concept is the same.  Yay for new wardrobe options that don't require any shopping!

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Curls, Pearls & Pink

Yesterday, one of my managers looked down at my planner and expressed shock that it was pink.  I guess I've avoided wearing pink to the office, since I see it as a not-so-serious color and I want to be seen as serious about my job.  I made her a deal, when I wore pink I'd let her know. Turns out, she wasn't in today.
I didn't have to go in until 1pm today, so I took the time to curl my hair.  I haven't done that in over a year because my hair had gotten so long, I didn't think it would hold.  Since I'm missing a few inches now, it held much better.  I had to comb the curls out a bit after I took the rollers out.  I had some Shirley Temple curls, at first.

I was supposed to have a fairly important interview at work today, but my interviewer postponed it, leaving me fairly useless until at least Tuesday.  You see, I need to pass a series of interviews before I can conduct business unsupervised.  Its an understandable phase of training, but since all of the area offices are short-staffed, its important for me to get up on my feet as soon as possible. I passed the first interview with very few problems and I'm ready for round two.  Hopefully next week will see me standing on my own two feet.
What I'm Wearing:
Pink Faux Wrap Tank: ELLE (Kohl's)
Chocolate Tie-Waist Cardigan: The Limited
Plaid Pencil Skirt: The Limited
Pearl Headband: Forever 21
Beige Pumps: JS by Jessica
Tote Bag: Merona (Target)
I'm pretty sure I've worn something from The Limited almost every day.  I can't help that I love so many of their clothes and they usually have spectacular deals!  I went right shopping there before I started my new job and got skirts and dresses buy one, get one free.  I'm determined to branch out now that I've enough in my wardrobe to function professionally, but the femininity of The Limited's pieces serve me well.  I left my apartment this afternoon feeling very much like Betty Draper.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Fall Layering for the Office (10.20.11)

 Today was a milestone at work.  I filled out my very first expense report!  I was amazed at what I'll be getting reimbursed for last week's travel.  Apparently, the IRS sets standards for these sorts of things, but since the amount is more than double what I spent on gas this month, I'm excited!  I guess its supposed to cover "wear and tear" on your personal vehicle, but if you knew my car, you'd know its about as worn and torn as it can get before needing replaced.  We put a new transmission in it earlier this year because it would be cheaper than finding a new car at such short notice, but when the new transmission calls it quits, so do I.  Needless to say, I'll be looking forward to traveling for work more.

What I'm Wearing:
Red Sleeveless Button-Down: Express
Gathered Sleeve Cardigan: The Limited
Black Pants: Express Editor Pant
Suede Leopard Pumps: JS by Jessica

Since I don't have (free) laundry facilities at my apartment, I usually take my things over to The Writer's to wash every other weekend or so.  I always like my outfits the first week better, haha.  This is the second week.  Today, I decided to be daring and give my new leopard print shoes a day out.  I'd bought them a while ago and hadn't worn them because I was still getting a feel for the office dress code.  By now, I've accepted that I will probably be the most "dressed-up" one there and I'm ok with that.
I rarely wear pants to work, partially due to the fact that I don't own work appropriate pants in colors other than black and black pinstripe.  I like looking feminine and love almost nothing more than a pencil skirt.  Every working woman/any woman with style should own one.  They're polished, yet sexy, professional, yet feminine.  Anyways, I didn't wear a pencil skirt today, so I'll quit talking about them, for now.  I figured wearing the leopard pumps with pants that would partially hide them would be a good way to ease an otherwise in-your-face shoe into the workplace.  Also, today was predicted to have a high of 45 degrees Farenheit, so I didn't mind having my legs a little more covered up.  I layered a tank underneath the sleeveless top, as well, for some extra warmth and coverage.  There's something about leopard that just begs to be worn with red and khaki.  Maybe its the obvious choice, but since I'm a little bit of a newbie with prints, I'm sticking to it.  

Thursday, October 20, 2011

No More Hair Neglect!

I finally went and got the long-awaited haircut.  I hadn't had anything done to in since the very end of June, and that was only a bang trim.  The last time I had an all over cut was... I don't even remember! March, maybe.

I absolutely love my hair stylist.  I won't let anyone except her touch my hair because when she does, I love it!  I can just sit down and tell her to be creative, knowing that I'll be crazy about the results.

She says I'm her favorite redhead and that this is her favorite shade of red on me.  I like it, too. Its a very comfortable red.  I feel very much my sassy self in this red.  Its hard to tell in the first picture, but there are lighter highlights along my part, in my bangs and around my face.
The back's not crooked, I must've had my head turned.

Its amazing what taking a few inches of split ends off will do.  My hair is so much more manageable!  It seems like it styles more quickly and gets in the way less.  I'm already looking forward to going back in six weeks.  One of the perks of my new job is knowing that I can go back in six weeks.  My hair is going to love this job.  No more neglect!

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Go Faux!

Maybe it happens every year and I've just missed it until this autumn, but fur seems to be everywhere!  Maybe its just that the faux fur options are getting better and better, but there's stuff out there that I would (and do) actually wear.  I definitely can't afford the real thing, nor do I feel comfortable with the idea of wearing real fur, especially since rabbit fur is a common garnish to winter accessories and I have a rabbit for a pet.

Anyway, in an attempt to keep the blog soapbox free, I shall now move on to my outfit!

 I have to say, I'm so glad that ladylike is "in" right now.  I used to be such a tomboy when I was younger, but now I will gladly take the red lipstick, high heels, and almost anything pink.  I've heard that TV shows such as Mad Men are to blame and I fully agree.  I'm slightly obsessed with Mad Men and Pan Am.


What I'm Wearing:
Faux Fur Trimmed Cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft
Brown V-neck Drape Top: I don't remember
Trouser Jeans: Freestyle Revolution
Suede Booties: Charlotte Russe
Bag: Gia Milani (Target)








The fur collar kept me warm all day.  It was like wearing as scarf that never got too tight.  I like that the collar is removable for washing and versatility.  The buttons are covered in a way that lets you wear the sweater by itself, which I predict will come in handy if I want to tone it down at some point.
I could fit my whole life into this bag!
 These jeans are so comfortable! I was trying my luck at TJ Maxx the other night (it wasn't that much better than Marshall's, darn commercials!) when I stumbled across these for only $20! I'd never heard of the brand, Freestyle Revolution, so I looked it up when I got home.  It looks like Macy's and JC Penney carries the brand as part of their regular stock.  Even their regular prices aren't that high for jeans and I may look into a few more pairs in the future.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Fall Trend: Nail Polish

 I think our Indian Summer is finally over.  There are more leaves on the ground and the wind is blowing cold and strong.  I can finally wear my sweaters but my ballet pink nail polish wasn't going with them as well as I'd like.  One trip to Target and I'd taken the plunge into the fall nail color palette.
Essie's Sew Psyched

Sunday, October 16, 2011

A's Moving Away

October 14 marked A's last day as a resident of my town.  I missed not seeing her at least twice a week after I left our tutoring job three weeks ago, but I don't know what I'm going to do now that she lives over an hour away.  Drive there, I guess, but I'll miss having her so close to grab some Starbucks at a moment's notice.
Over the summer, A took Photography as her last college class before graduating.  After tutoring one evening, I "worked" as her portrait model.  She gave me a signed print of the photo once she'd developed it and I finally got a frame for it.


<3 Best Friends

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Second Hand Score!

Last weekend, I was out with a friend during the monthly "First Friday" event downtown.  One of my professors had a film exhibit at one of the galleries, which all stay open late on the first Friday of every month, hence the name.  Every month has a different theme and its usually a pretty fun thing to get out and go to.

This month, we noticed a new store and stopped in.  I had just started watching Breakfast at Tiffany's that morning, so the set of 1960's style champagne glasses in the window of this consignment shop caught my eye.  I picked them up for only $5, figuring that even if I didn't want to drink milk out of them a la Holly Golightly, they'd make pretty containers for earrings or rings.

When I was checking out, the cashier got me to enter my name in a drawing.  Never thinking I'd win, I gave her my name, phone number, and email, assuming I'd just get junk emails from them for the rest of my life.  Well, I haven't gotten a single email, but they did call me yesterday to tell me that I was the winner of a $25 gift certificate!  This morning, The Writer and I went down their main shop, which is in a different part of town, right after drinking mimosas out of the new champagne glasses.  They have a huge selection of some pretty cool stuff as well as some typical second hand eccentricities.

I found a soft gray J. Crew wool cardigan and a Talbots cotton blouse to use my gift certificate on.  Neither retailer is within my usual budget as far as clothes go, so I was pretty excited to score some quality items for virtually free.  Even if I hadn't had my gift certificate, the more expensive of the two was only $15.  Wow! The cardigan is so soft and has a unique twisting detail to it that is really flattering, I think.  I can't wait to wear them to work.







Also in shopping this week, I was lured into Marshall's by a commercial.  Some things were ok, and had they had my size in the few pairs of shoes that I liked, I might have bought something, but in general it was a big pile of polyester kitsch.  I never thought I'd say this, but I like the thrift store better.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Back in Blue (10.10.11)

I've been absent from my blog for too long!  I know the shattered screen on my camera shouldn't be as worthwhile of an excuse as I've let myself make it out to be, but I want to post with original pictures as much as possible.  I've finally got ahold of my lovely boyfriend's camera, so I can snap away until mine is replaced (Santa, are you there?).  I'm also now out of the doldrums of underemployment, thankfully.  This is a two-fold blessing for my bloggy, since I'm not mopey about my job and I also have some cash to spend on new looks that I will be happy to talk about here.

Its a funny time of year here in Ohio.  We had a week or so of chilling rain which prompted me to go out and stock up on sweaters.  The weather then decided it wasn't finished with summer and it has been fairly warm and sunny ever since.  I've, therefore, been in this confusing place sartorially, since the thermometer demands short sleeves and airy fabrics but I want cozy fabrics in a subdued autumn palette.


I have a love of striped tops.  The Writer has to physically stop me from buying every blue and white striped top that I see.  Luckily, I got this one in the spring before he realized my "problem." Its not a silhouette I usually wear, which makes it even more fun!


What I'm wearing:
Tank & Mini Wedges: Target
Jeans: Gift from A, but originally from Charlotte Russe, I believe
Striped Top: Forever 21

This is actually a fairly budget friendly outfit, haha. The top from F21 was probably the most expensive item, and I seriously doubt that it topped $20.  I always feel a bit funny mixing red, white, and blue as if I'm suddenly patriotic, or something. 

I did have the day off on Monday, not because of Columbus, but because I'm cramming all of my work hours into a training class during the latter part of the week.  I enjoyed a lazy day of sleeping in, meeting Spam for coffee, shopping, and possibly the highlight of my day, dinner with her family.  Her mom is an excellent cook! I was spoiled with cedar plank tilapia and grill steamed vegetable with fresh ciabatta bread. Mmmm! Wine and ice cream may have been involved as well, hehe. Waking up at six this morning was not an easy thing to do.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Looking Forward To...

Underemployment is depressing. I'm sure that's not surprising.  I find it pretty difficult to write when I'm feeling down, since all my thoughts seem to come out as whining, at least that's how it seems to me.  I'm feeling an upswing in my mood after a pleasant phone call today with a woman who may end up being my next boss.  I'm really hoping things fall into place with this job.  Its what I've been looking for, almost exactly.

I'm looking forward to being financially stable and to having a job that can become my career if I so choose.  I'm also really looking forward to indulging, if you'd like to call it that, in things that have fallen by the wayside in my time of fiscal scarcity.  Things like: new work clothes, having a professional cut and color my hair, groceries every week, new glasses, shoes that don't hurt my feet and last more than six months, jeans that fit well, Sephora eyeliner, new panties, eyebrow waxes, pedicures and Netflix.

Its funny how many of the things in that list never seemed like luxuries back in February when I though I had everything set.  I know its going to take time before I can have all those things, but I'm definitely looking forward to a good cut and color.  My hair is out of control.  The Writer lovingly equates my bangs to those of a sheepdog, as in, they've grown past my nose.  I'm also going to have the batch of dress pants that A handed down to me altered, since they're way too long.  Once that's done,  getting new work clothes won't be such an issue.

I just keep hoping.  I want stability so badly.  I want to be able to afford ice cream, oh yum!

Thursday, August 18, 2011

The Sincerest Form of Flattery

There's a section in Girl Code right under "Thou shalt not steal thy best friend's boyfriend" labeled "Thou shalt not copycat", right?

I've heard it said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but I think someone must have made that up to soothe the tempers of the girls whose friends have broken Girl Code and stolen a look and called it their own.  I'm not talking about inspiration.  I love to check out what other bloggers are wearing and trying out with their outfits, but give credit where credit is due.  If I'm channeling someone else's look in my outfit, I like to think I'd do my best to cite my muse. I think its fair.

I saw The Roommate for the first time since returning home from my latest tri-state tour (PA, NY, NJ) yesterday.  Coming home to the apartment after she's been alone here is usually a bit of a shock to my system and it takes me a bit to readjust to living with her.  As I'm getting in my freshly scrubbed shower (the apartment doesn't get cleaned by anyone except me), she's telling me about her weekend. She brings up my orange dress.   You know, the orange dress that I love and rocked in NYC earlier this summer?  I am in love with that dress.  She knows how much I am in love with that dress, so I was surprised to hear, "You know that orange dress you have from Target? I found it in black this weekend." Oh. Umm... WHAAATTTTT?!?

Awkward moment number one of Wednesday.  Thank goodness I had the shower curtain to hide my face, because I'm sure it would've displayed pure shock.

Later on, after she got home from work at the grease trap, she excitedly hops into my doorway holding a pair of black shoes. "And, ooo, look what else I got! They're these cute little moccasin thingies! They're so soft and comfortable and are dressy enough to wear to work." Uh-huh. They are not, in fact, dressy enough for a professional work environment, but whatever.  I do know how comfortable they are. Do you want to know how I know? I know because they are already in my closet from last year!! I say something of to that extent to her, yet it doesn't phase her that I am or should be at all annoyed by the fact that, while I was away, she was apparently busy duplicating certain favorite elements of my closet.

What. The. Heck?  Commence hair pulling, Girl Code has been broken.

Thou Shalt Not Steal Thy Girl Friend's Boyfriend NOR Her Shoes/Clothes/Accessories.


Monday, August 1, 2011

Two-Toned Twinkle Toes

I first saw Essie's Lilacism on Joanna Goddard's blog, A Cup of Jo.  After she wrote about it, lilac kept popping up, so I decided to give it a try.  Lilac was a nice, summery change from my go-to ballet pink (Dear Diary... by Sephora by OPI).

I had to take the polish off of my fingernails after only a few days for a job interview, so I haven't decided if its a contender in the long-wearing category like the Sephora by OPI polishes are.  I've been wearing it on my toes, too, and its seemed to do alright.

I took another tip from some fashion bloggers and decided to try the half-moon pedicure.  I would've done a manicure, but I didn't want to have to take it off for an interview, especially not if I ended up liking it.  I applied a few coats of Lilacism as a base and waited for it to dry.  Then, I used binder reinforcement stickers at the base of each nail to cover the lilac.  Using Caffeine Fix by, you guessed it, Sephora by OPI, I carefully painted the front half or so of each toenail and carefully peeled the sticker back to reveal a lilac crescent.  A little more drying time and I finished the job off with some topcoat.
Lilac = Lilacism by Essie/Dark Purple = Caffeine Fix by Sephora by OPI 
I have to say, I love the outcome.  It looks a little bit like a half-and-half job since some of my nails are quite small.  Not bad for a first attempt, if I do say so myself.  I'm sorry for the poor quality of my photos. My point and shoot is out of commission due to its cracked screen, so I'm fully reliant on my webcam for its delightfully grainy shots.

Friday, July 29, 2011

That Time I Walked Out of a Job "Interview"

Since I am in desperate need of a new job, I'm not in a position to turn down interviews.  Jenna first started calling me about an interview while I was in NYC.  She told me that her company worked in the health and wellness field and had many opportunities available.  It was clear that she didn't have my resume since she knew nothing of my work history or education and didn't disclose the name of her company, rendering a Google search impossible.  It was also clear that she was calling me from her personal cell phone when my calls, which she never answered, only returned, went straight to an at capacity voice mailbox.  We played phone tag over several weeks and darn if she wasn't as persistent as she was vague.

I agreed to meet with her one evening, since the "Wellness Center" office was fairly close and I had the time in my schedule.  When I entered the office, I was greeted by fairly loud, upbeat music and a small crowd of what I could only assume to be fellow job seekers.  Great, I thought, a group interview.  A small woman came up to me to ask who I had an appointment with.  As it turns out, this was Jenna.  She asked again about my work history and I gave her a resume. We had a pleasant get-to-know-you conversation in the midst of all the other would-be candidates.  When I asked more specific questions about the company, she told me that there was going to be a group presentation to explain the details which would be followed by a one on one interview.  There was also some training being held later that night. Whoa?! Training?! I knew I wasn't in the position to accept an offer that night, especially since it wasn't my only interview of the week and could already smell something fishy about the situation.

The presentation began with a powerpoint slide show.  Several slides in, I glanced the phrase "direct marketing" and started to look for an escape route.  Of course, I had to be sitting front and center.  The presenter went on to talk about the products their company sells, mainly a diet pill.  Strike two.  I have several friends who work in direct marketing as Arbonne consultants and even tried my luck with Mary Kay right out of high school.  My Arbonne friends love their work and products and, if I were to venture into direct marketing, it would probably be with Arbonne.  Secondly, I don't believe in diet pills.  They tempt me every once in a while, but as someone who struggled with eating disorders for years, I consider them dangerous and psychologically addicting no matter how effective they are or aren't.

I had to get out.  I may have audibly let out a sigh of relief when, about twenty minutes in, the presenter dimmed the lights for a brief video.  I grabbed my bag and scooted for the door. I looked for Jenna, as I intended to politely excuse myself.  She was nowhere to be found, but the presenter noticed me and asked if I wanted to go home. Like I had a boo-boo, or something.  I informed him that I wasn't interested in direct marketing.  He thanked me and we went our separate ways.

The next evening, Jenna called again.  She called to find out why I left and to see if I wanted to come back for a second "interview".  I told her the same thing I told the gentleman the night before, that I was not interested in direct marketing.  I also added that I was not in favor of diet pills, but was rather an advocate of natural wellness.  She claimed their product was all natural.  I hadn't stayed long enough to get an actual ingredients list, so I can't say for sure, but I doubt that their pills fit anywhere into the healthy, organic, vegan, or natural categories.  I also asked her how she'd gotten my number in the first place.  She couldn't give me a name, but told me it was probably a friend who'd referred me, since they work mainly through referrals.

Moral of the story: anytime you are called by an interviewer on their personal cell phone, any and all days of the week, wanting to set up an interview through a vague company at 7 pm on a Tuesday is probably not worth your time if you are seeking professional employment.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

NYC in Photos

Since my camera broke several days into my trip, I was either camera-less or borrowing my boyfriends.  This meant that many of my posts didn't have and snapshots to go with them right away.  I thought, rather than go back and amend all prior NYC posts, why not just post 'em all, album style? Enjoy!
In Central Park: First thing we did together : )
@ The Fireworks: Tired and sweaty from a
long day of travel and walking


By the Jackie O. Resevior on our way to The Gugg
The Guggenheim


Me, in somewhat recycled but favorite outfit

@MoMA's Free Friday Nights

Broadway Boogie Woogie: A favorite

My squirrel friend in Battery Park

@ The Cloisters

Cloisters Garden

Another garden!

Just a little Tiffany (@the Met)
One of my SoHo finds. The light fabric was
great in the heat



Me & Hatshepsut know how to pose!
I love his sense of humor!
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