Friday, March 16, 2012

Still Raining

And the rain continues...

This'll be a quick post 'cause I'm wisely deciding to go to bed early tonight.

Here's a wrap-up on what I wore:

Thursday
Black pants and blue-and-white pinstriped button-down. 
Yeah, a menswear-inspired look.
Look's Rating:  Style - 6; Comfort - 7

Friday
Dark brown pants and dark purple V-neck
This look woulda worked better if these pants hadn't looked so worn. (sigh)
Look's Rating:  Style - 4; Comfort - 8

My weekend plans?  Catch up on some tasks, watch a few DVDs and do some reading. 

Wish you all an enjoyable weekend!

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Bad Mood or Sleepy?

Finished reading David Browne's article in Rolling Stone on Whitney Houston, "The Diva and Her Dark Side."  I always seem to learn something from Rolling Stone.

Weather is still rainy here.  I don't know if it's the late hours that I've been keeping or what but I felt a bit indifferent to my look today.  Not that I wanted to look ragged.  It's just that it didn't bother me if my outfit was not especially dashing.  I s'pose this indifference is what has caused me to have me to have a rather lackluster wardrobe. 

Today, I wore my dark brown pants and a turquoise short-sleeved shirt.  Since it's cooler what most people saw me wearing were my dark brown pants and my black jacket.

(Tea kettle is currently whistling.) 

This morning, I worked on making a list of some habits that I'd like to track over the next 15 days.  It'll be interesting to see how I go with sticking to that.  It's now almost 2 weeks since I visited the gym.  With the recent bad weather, it may take me even longer to visit the gym.

My vibe presently is that I don't wish to have too many obligations.  Yeah, I clean my kitchen, go to work and pay my bills but if I don't have to fundamentally do something than I may not.

Gosh, I sound like I'm in a bad mood.  I think I'm just sleepy. 

Look's Rating:  Style - 6; Comfort - 8

How do you maintain your interest in style?

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Insight of the Day

"Some people connect by sharing, some people connect by arguing."
SM

It's past my bedtime. 

Rained off-and-on today.  Was gonna watch the movie Saturday Morning with Joey Piscopo but the DVD was not co-operating. 

I forgot to bring my lunch leftovers home from work so they're still sitting on the small staff table.  Will throw them out tomorrow:  The lunch wasn't very good.

Had a chance to update my 2012 goals and will work a bit more on finessing my March goals.

Style-wise.  Outfit was passable.  Dark blue jeans and a gray V-neck.  No accusations of style creativity could be lobbed my way today.  I felt comfortable.

A couple of days ago, I was flipping through Glamour magazine and in a feature on 30 ways to wear some selected clothing items they included a statement coat and I thought "Wow, I want one of those."

Perhaps that is my insight of the day.

Look's Rating:  Style - 4 Comfort - 9

What insight did you have today?  Do you have a statement coat...a statement watch...or a "statement" item?

Monday, March 12, 2012

Hum-drummy

I'm gonna re-start my computer after I post this.  I am thankful that my computer works but it's acting amazingly slowwww right now.

Today was a pleasant enough today.  Am happy that the workweek has started 'cause it means another weekend is in store for me.  I've recently concluded my life coaching business so while I do have some odds-and-ends to wrap up, I am thankful for the time that I've freed up in my life.

Wore black pants and my gray-and-purple horizontally striped shirt.  I s'pose it was a decent enough look.  I felt so-so in it to be honest with you.  A few months ago, I felt that I rocked this look, but today I felt hum-drummy.

In the back of my mind, I was thinking of how I'd like to do more informational/resourceful posts on this blog.  In the future, I still wish to post about my style journey but I also want this blog to have informational material. Right now, my postings are more or less personal updates of what I wore sans the ubiquitous outfit pics.  I love outfit pics on blogs but I'm not planning on posting any pics of myself soon.  While I admire bloggers who do post outfit pics, for me, it would become an inconvenience to consistently do that.

Look's Ratings:  Style - 6; Comfort - 4*

How was your Monday?  Have you recently ended/downsized any stressful activities in your life?

*It's all highly likely that the same outfit worn by me will not always have the same rating.  My ratings are unscientific and depend on my mood and how I physically felt when wearing the outfit.  Do expect inconsistencies with identical ensembles.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Thursday - Sunday



This weekend has been a bit of a slow one.  Slept in and did some reading yesterday.  Finished reading The Trial of Jeanne d'Arc.  Was a riveting read.  Some parts were slow, e.g., when various correspondence was inserted in the transcripts but all-in-all, it was a page-turner for me.  Moreover, 2012 is the 600th anniversary of Joan of Arc's birth. 

Besides finishing the Joan of Arc book, I also watched Love Happens on DVD.  I figure the movie was passable but the romance part of it didn't quite work for me.  I like both of the actors (Aaron Eckhart and Jennifer Aniston) but I couldn't quite understand why they were a couple.  Maybe Cameron Diaz woulda been better in the female lead.  I dunno.  Just a thought.

I haven't gone to the gym since last Sunday but here's a catch-up on what I wore during the rest of the work week.  (My outfits do repeat so if something sounds familiar then it probably is.)

Thursday
Dark brown pants and black cowl-neck shirt with micro horizontal stripes.
The shirt is one of my favorites.  In these pants though I was still plagued with the too-tight at the waist discomfort.
Look's Rating:  Style - 8; Comfort - 3

Friday
Dark blue jeans and cream-colored scooped-neck T
I've got the scooped-neck T in its dark brown and lavender versions as well.  The jeans thankfully felt more comfortable than my other pants choices for the week.
Look's Rating:  Style - 7; Comfort- 8

Not sure what's on the horizon for this week.  To be honest with you I'm not quite liking this the loss of an hour for today but I'll have to cope with it.  Next week, we'll see if I'll resume daily postings of my outfits or if I'll just post according to how I feel.

Other than watching some DVDs and taking a much needed trip to the grocery store, I don't have anything else planned for the work week.  Perhaps I'll set an early bedtime for myself or make some guest appearances at the gym.  Qui sais?

image source

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

What I've Been Wearing

My weekend went well.  Sunday's massage was a good one.  I took a 4.5 hour nap once I got home.  Watched Our Idiot Brother.  Was an enjoyable enough movie.  Didn't update my 2012 goals but perhaps I'll do that by next week.

Here's a quick summary of what I've been wearing...
Monday
Camel colored corduroy pants and an oversized brown sweater.
Liked the look but the pants felt a li'l too tight.
Look's Rating:  Style - 8; Comfort - 2

Tuesday
Black pants and lavender colored scooped-neck T
Pants felt tooo tight at waist.
Look's Rating:  Style - 5; Comfort - 3

Today-o
Dark blue jeans and brown scooped neck- T
Again, pants felt tooo tight at waist.
Look's Rating:  Style - 7; Comfort - 3

Hencefar, it seems like I've been rather tight-waisted in my clothing choices.  Possibly, in a few weeks with the right proportion of gym visits and a decrease of quesadillas, I'll be able to stop commenting on my clothing discomforts. 


Is there a common clothing discomfort to the clothes that you wear?  Does this discomfort make you feel annoyed at the clothing or annoyed with your body?

[workout] Just One

So far, I've managed to fit in one workout this week.  That would be my Sunday workout.  On that day, I was happy that I woke up early to go to the gym and I remember I felt annoyed by some of the bummer news (murder, kidnappings, parolees on the loose) on TV.  It was messing with my endorphins.  ; )

Here's the rundown:
Lifted weights - Legs & arms
Treadmill - 10 min
StairMaster - 20 min
StairMill - 5 min

Here's hoping that I get another workout in by next week.

Friday, March 2, 2012

Shorty




I'm just getting settled in after having worked and gone to the store today.  I started my day early to pick up some flowers from myself from a nearby florist.  Once I got the flowers, I hurried to my place to put them in some water and then headed to work.  Unfortunately, I did cut the flowers too short so in one pitcher they are barely peeking from the top.

I remembered to pick up some almonds today which I am glad about since I usually eat almonds for breakfast and for my mid-day snack.

What's lined up for my weekend?  I got the movie Our Idiot Brother to watch.  Hope it's funny enough.  On Sunday, I got a massage booked which I am looking forward to.  Cleaning my studio, washing clothes, and updating my 2012 goals are also planned for the weekend.  Possibly, I'll go to the gym this weekend.  I haven't been in 3 days so it's time for a visit.

I wore dark blue jeans and a blue-and-white pinstriped button down.  The outfit was so-so.  Rather basic.  The jeans I'm fine with but the shirt has shrunk--another victim of overdrying--so it feels tight across the back at times.

Look's Rating:  Style - 4; Comfort - 4

What are your plans for the weekend?  Do you take better or worse care of yourself during the weekend?

image source:  nature-wallpapers-hd.blogspot.com

Thursday, March 1, 2012

A-Hoy, It's March

February couldn't last forever.  Just wanted to give a quick heads-up for March since it's Women's History Month and International Women's Month (yayy!).  March 8 is International Women's Day and if you need an incentive to do some decluttering then National Cleaning Week 3/26 - 31 is there to motivate you.  : ) 
 
What do you enjoy about being a woman?  Who are the women that you admire in your life?   Do you have any decluttering projects in mind for this month?

Ah, another cool happening in March is Body Image Warrior Week in which a series of bloggers post their insights on body image.

It Sounds Dull...But

Thursday, alas!  I'm getting closer to the weekend.  I'll be back to having Saturdays and Sundays off this month so this time Friday does mean something to me.

Nothing too exceptional to report about my day.  Work was pleasant enough.  I forgot to get almonds from the store today but will pick up some tomorrow.  Online, I saw that Men in Black 3 is coming out this month and 21 Jump Street.  Don't know if I'll see either one...

Wore dark brown pants and my black-and-gray striped shirt.  The color combo brown-black-gray does sound dull but I really like this look.  The shirt is a scoop-necked one by Land's End and although black shirts usually don't flatter me, this one works.  My only plaint about this look is that the shirt is too low (shrunk while drying) and the pants were feeling too high therefore I was on the lookout for any flooding or wardrobe malfunctioning.

Look's Rating:  Style - 8 Comfort - 3  :(

Do you get rid of clothes that compliment you in every way but the fit or do you tolerate them?  Have you worn a color combo that may sound dull but it actually works for you?

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

please...don't shrink

Since it's getting closer and closer to laundry time, I'm compelled to be more creative with my outfits, to be more "flexible" with what I'd wear.  Last night, I recalled the pants I discovered in my closet last week and I figured I would give 'em a try with my tri-colored pinstriped shirt.  The slight brown stripe in the shirt would be good enough for my camel-colored corduroy pants.

Well, I gave the outfit a try and it worked.  I like the fresh color of the pants and I felt happy to be wearing a different pants color from my typical blue-black-brown merry-go-round.  The new pants even rejuvenated my well-worn shirt.

For footwear, I wore my pants with my black sneakers (my everyday shoes) which I thought was gonna irk me but it worked out.  I didn't feel that the camel vs. black color contrast was too jarring.

For some reason, the pants did feel a bit snug in the waist but other than that I really liked 'em.  Am only hoping that when I do wash them they don't shrink.  That wouldn't be good.

Look's Rating:  Style - 8; Comfort - 6

Have you worn a new item recently that has gone better than expected?

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

[workout] After Five Workout

I gotta admit after I wrote this morning's post I felt pretty bad about skipping out on my workout.  I was like, "Wow, I'm disappointing my readers...so soon."  ;- )  Before I left for work, I tossed in my trackpants, T-shirt, workout gloves and gym towel, just in case.

As my workday progressed, I wasn't 100% sure about making it to the gym.  I'd eaten an odd lunch of chicken enchiladas, veggie chow mein, raw spinach, sole and a tad of teriyaki chicken.  (I'd gone to a hot food buffet for lunch, hence the peculiar food combo.)

Once I enthusiastically told a co-worker at 5:25 PM that I was going to the gym after work then that was it.  It was a done deal.  I would be going.

All-in-all, I had a cool workout.  Ordinarily, I'd go to the gym in the morning so it was a bit weird to make an evening visit to the gym.  The gym was more crowded than it usually is during the morning times.  I wanted to use the treadmills but they were in use so I ended up using the StairMill and the cross-training machine.

I watched some behind-the-scenes story on Lindsay Lohan which wasn't the highest form of entertainment but it held my interest.  I cannot remember at all the music that they were playing.  Perhaps the machines were louder than the music.

I happened to see another co-worker at the gym which was cool.  We were both surprised that we went to the same gym.  

StairMill - 20 min
Cross-trainer - 10 min 

What's your favorite time to workout?  Could you shake up your workout routine by exercising at a different time?

Laundry Time


Well, there was no gym to be had today.  I was up late last night and opted for sleeping this morning.  I may do a workout on Youtube this evening.  Stay tuned.  : )

In other news, it's getting closer to laundry time chez moi which means that I'm wearing my charcoal gray shirt today.  : (  I'm not a fan of this shirt.  The neckline is too wide.  It's baggy and the color isn't especially flattering.  If I had a black studded belt that could give this look more of an edge. 

In addition, to the charcoal gray shirt, I'll be wearing my dark blue jeans which truly deserve a better shirt than charcoal gray.

Look's Rating:  Style - 1; Comfort - 8

What are your least favorite shirts/pants, if any?  Do you have any strategies to delay doing the laundry?

image source:  cattoo, flickr.com

Monday, February 27, 2012

[workout] Can't Blame the Music

I hopped over to the gym today.  I'm glad that I did 'cause on Sunday I was in some kind of phunk.  I didn't feel like doing too much of anything

The gym music for today I coulda done without.  The music was harmless and indistinguishable enough but I can't recall a single song that they played.  Nothing especially sparked my energy. 

Watched Family Feud and Everybody Hates Chris.  I have to read the captions at the gym but both shows seemed amusing enough.  In the episode of Everybody Hates Chris, Chris has to endure the consequences of standing up to his mother.

Here's how my workout went:
Lifted weights - Legs & arms
Treadmill - 10 min
StairMaster - 20 min
Treadmill - 10 min
Stairmill - 5 min

I'll be back at the gym tomorrow for another round of cardio. 

What kind of music boosts your energy when working out?

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Black Way Down Suit


This is the last Saturday that I'll be working in February so it'll be another 10 hours before my weekend begins.

Hard to say how the weather will be today.  It was pretty windy last night.

Today I'll be wearing my light-purple scoop-necked T and my light blue jeans.  My poor blue jeans.  I really need to mend the side hems of the jeans.  They are ripped there.  Sometimes I safety-pin the sides together.

Last night, I was reading Elvis in Vegas and it's so fascinating to see the different outfits he wore.  At times, his outfits were pretty elaborate.  And the names!  Dude Suit.  Bicentennial Suit.  Black Way Down Suit. I may create a separate post just on this book.

Look's Ratings:  Style - 3; Comfort - 10 

Are there any celebrities who inspire your style?  How would you re-interpret the "Elvis" look for today?

image source:  myelvisworld.com

Friday, February 24, 2012

Bordeaux '96

Usually in the mornings, I'll start by listening to an affirmation CD, then I'll play some Radiohead and while fixing breakfast I'll listen to a French CD followed by an audiobook/teleseminar.

This past week, I haven't felt like listening to all of that.  I'll still listen to Rainbows while doing toning exercises but I've put my French CD and Not So Big Life audiobook on pause for awhile.  I just feel like thinking my own thoughts, ya know?

For today, I'll be wearing my dark brown pants and a light brown wool sweater.  The sweater is showing its age but it's got sentimental value for me.  I got it back in '96 from a li'l cheapie store in Bordeaux.  I spent about 50 francs ($10) on it and it's still sorta holding up.  It's a man's sweater and at the time it was too big for me.  16 years later, the fact that it's stretched out from washings and wear simply makes me think what's the diff?

Look's Rating:  Style - 4; Comfort - 6

What clothes do you have a sentimental attachment to?  Do you still wear them in public or are they politely restricted to the indoors?

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Basic Gray


Weather is sunny and a bit warm today.  I'm still sipping my green tea as I write this post so it'll be brief.

I'll be wearing my dark blue jeans and a light gray V-neck today.  (sigh)  I'm tired of all of the gray shirts in my wardrobe.  Usually when I go shopping for shirts, I'll try on other shirts which'll look too bright (fire-engine red, bright fuschia) and then, desperate to get any ol' shirt I'll end up with a gray one.  Not the best strategy.

Look's Rating:  Style - 3; Comfort - 7

Is there an overabundance of a certain color or style in your wardrobe?  If so, do you consider it to be your signature look or a sign of a style rut?

image source:  sporks5000, flickr.com

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

The Treacherous Middle Ages



A couple of weeks ago, I checked out a book on the Middle Ages, A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century by Barbara Tuchman and...Wow!  This book rocks!  It's packed with a lot of details but it's a page-turner and Tuchman adeptly handles the different alliances, feuds, intrigues and battles from that time.

In her book, Tuchman recounts the times through Enguerrand de Coucy who was a French nobleman of that time often acknowledged for his diplomacy and tact. 

I'm still in the midst of reading this book but so far Tuchman has covered the bubonic plagues, peasant uprisings, wars between Britain and France, the marital alliances of the Viscontis, 2 popes who each claim that the other is the false pope and the betrayal of Bétizac.  Really a dastardly deed but not that uncommon for those times.

For style, Tuchman provides some insight as to laws which would forbid certain classes from particular attire or restrict the amount of clothes that they could purchase.  The materials involved for wedding, tournaments or other ceremonial events are also occasionally described in the book.  For clothing, one person who stands out is Count Amadeus of Savoy who was known as the Green Count because he once arrived in a tournament dressed in green with his horses, knights and ladies-in-waiting similarly decked out. 

How would you create a medieval look from your wardrobe?  Do you have a signature color like the Green Count?

image source:  amazon.com

A Closet Find

Typically, when stylists or organizers suggest that someone shop their closet to put together a new look, I'd scoff at the idea.  I was pretty certain that I knew what was clothes were in my closet.  This morning though I contradicted myself:  I discovered a pair of camel-colored courdoroys stuffed inside of a Target bag from last autumn.  While I remembered that I'd gotten 2 pairs of dark brown pants and a pair of black ones, I'd completely forgotten about the cords.  I'm looking forward to adding them to my "rotation."  I'm also wondering with the warmer weather approaching are the courdoroys gonna look kinda odd. 

For today-o, I wore my dark brown pants and a purple long-sleeved V-neck.  All-in-all, it wasn't such a bad look.  Yes, it could've been snazzier but at least this outfit is an improvement from some of my other ensembles.  I even got a compliment on my purple shirt.  : )
Look's Rating:  Style - 7; Comfort - 6

You've probably heard this before but could you benefit by checking your closet for any overlooked items?  Also, how would you style courdoroy pants for the spring or summer?

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

[workout] Win-Win

Today, sleep won out and the gym won out.  I didn't have to work today so I slept 'til about 9 instead of waking up at 5:30 as originally planned.

Nonetheless, I did make it to the gym.  I thought I was gonna feel sluggish by having a late-morning workout but I felt fine.  The gym was pretty packed with people which was inspiring for me.  Still not so many women lifting weights but hopefully, that'll change.

The music today was tolerable.  Nothing too exceptional.  Ah, there was some rap song about "tatts" that I still don't know the name of but it provided the right mood to get me through the treadmill.

The TVs were tuned into various shows.  I mainly watched The People's Court.  The cases that people bring to court are somewhat interesting.  I agreed with the judge's decision in both cases.

I lifted weights and did 35 minutes of cardio today, below are the stats for my workout.

Lifted weights - Legs and Arms
Treadmill - 10 min
StairMaster - 20 min
Stairmill - 5 min

Do you find TV a distraction when you're working out?

Saturday, February 18, 2012

[workout] The Gym

I finally made it to the gym this morning.  I'd planned on going yesterday morning but sleep won out.  Today I squeezed in a 20 minute cardio workout which wasn't especially challenging but I was proud of myself for going to the gym.  (It's taking me a long time to get back into consistent gym visits.)

They were playing 70s music at the gym and I had a chance to look at the news coverage regarding Whitney Houston's memorial service.

Here's how my gym visit went:
Treadmill - 15 min
StairMaster - 5 min

I hope to lift weights for my next visit. 

Do you plan on going to the gym this weekend?  Did you set any fitness goals for 2012?

Working Saturdays

For this month, I work Saturdays.  (I took last Saturday off as a vacation day.)  Today I work dark blue jeans and a striped cowl neck shirt.  The shirt is black with barely-there white stripes and it's one of my favorites.  This look would have went well 'cept I think I need to work out some.  It looked like I had a li'l muffin top action happening today.  : )  It wasn't noticeable though 'cause my black jacket covered the "override" if that's the phrase for it.
Looks Rating:  Style - 9; Comfort - 3

Speaking of working out, I'll be posting my workout updates on this site. 

If you work on Saturdays do you prefer to dress down or dress up on those days?

Friday, February 17, 2012

Black & Gray

I was just scrolling through some fashion blogs and I thought, "Hey, I'm supposed to post something today."  This one will be brief 'cause I have a mug waiting to be refilled with green tea and there are some more blogs & books that I want to skim.

Ah, today's outfit is typical of my overall look and one reason that I want to update my style.  My outfit was plain but it coulda been helped with a kick of color like if I had a wine-colored cardigan or a royal blue coat.  Just something to add more of a kick to my look.

What was the outfit?  Basic black Merona pants and a gray Old Navy T-shirt.  The look on its own was OK.  It's just that it became too much because I wore my charcoal gray coat with it...and I wore my black and gray watch...black and gray shoes...and finally black and gray backpack.  It was too much!  A jazzy color would have been nice. 

I wasn't intentionally being matchy-matchy it's just that my shoes and backpack are black and gray.  I do have another watch which is brown.  To me, it didn't make sense to wear a brown watch with my outfit.

I used to wear a ring with this outfit but I tend not to wear the ring too much 'cause I think my skin is allergic to it.
Look's Rating:  Style -  4; Comfort - 7

Do you have any outfits that are too matchy-matchy?  What's your go-to color(s) for jazzing up an outfit?

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Burnt Toast


Ugh, burnt my toast this morning.  I'm writing this as I wait for Toast II to finish toasting.  Don't wanna have that one burn on me.

Today I'll be wearing brown pants and a turquoise shirt.  I got the pants in October but I'm just now getting around to wearing 'em.  When I looked at the turquoise shirt this morning I realized the neckline is looking a bit faded.  I have had the shirt for about 4 years now...
Look's Rating:  Style -  4 (wlda been higher if it wasn't for the shirt);  Comfort - 10

All right, I'm gonna attend to my breakfast. 

I guess the birds will be happy today.

image source:  the treacys, flickr.com

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

A Strategy

I need to have a strategy with this style update that I'm conducting.  I like strategies.  They give me a sense of order.  I've got blogs, books, articles, magazines, videos and the people around me to help with refreshing my style.  In short, I have an overabundance of information.

Sooo, a strategy would be much helpful.

I figure initially, it'll be best for me to have a book to rely on.  Just have to decide which one. 

Also, I'll take a look at the blogs/sites which have the "how-tos" of updating one's look. 

For ideas, I'll have a quick look at various fashion blogs, as well as, store websites to see how they pull certain looks together.  How certain colors are worn, what style of shirts they put with particular pants, etc.

At some point, I will have to go shopping.  (sigh)

I'm still sketching out this strategy but it's starting to take shape.  Even posting what I've worn on this blog is helpful in making me more aware of how I'm presenting myself.

Today's outfit:  dark blue jeans and Old Navy horizontal-striped shirt.  The shirt has gray and purple stripes which doesn't sound so great together but it actually works.  This is actually one of my better looks.  The gray sweats are resting today since I'll be returning to work.
Look's Rating:  Style - 7; Comfort - 4 (the jeans feel a bit tight at first...)

What's your wardrobe strategy?  What sources do you use to update your look?  What are your 3 favorite fashion blogs? 

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Too Raggedy to Donate

Happy Valentine's to you all!  I hope that you all enjoyed/are enjoyed the last of the day.  Mine was more quiet than I expected but I am grateful for the calm.  I used some lemon-scented lotion that my sis gave me and it smells like the most scrumptious dessert!

I didn't have to go to work today and I opted to stay inside for the day so while I did put on some lip gloss I wasn't overly concerned with my clothing today. 

My indoor look consisted of pajamas for most of the day, cleaning clothes and then my "lounge wear."  I can't quite say if that's the right word for what I'm wearing.  In any case, am sporting gray sweat pants, white T-shirt and a gray sweat jacket.  The sweats are cool.  The T-shirt OK.  I don't love it but it'll do.  The gray jacket is showing its age.  The sleeves are fraying and it definitely is a jacket best worn indoors.  Will have to trash jacket when it gets replaced.  It's too raggedy to donate.  Maybe I can use it for rags?  : - ?

How did you spend your Valentine's?  Did you enjoy or ignore the holiday?  Does your indoor-wear work for you or is it showing signs of wear? 

Monday, February 13, 2012

6 Valentine's Day Tips for the Single Woman


Alas, it is almost Valentine's, a day for couples to exchange cards and for singles to...Well, what can a single woman do on Valentine's?  Does she sigh and eat ice cream or does she enjoy the day and celebrate her single status?  If you ask me, I say the latter.

Too often, singles believe that Valentine's excludes them and that it's a day to be endured or ignored.

Instead of regarding Valentine's as a day of love in the broadest sense, singles are inundated with limited images of husbands surprising wives with necklaces or couple snuggling in front of a fireplace.  Such images limit love to the arena of romance.  And while Valentine's can include romantic love, it can also honor the other variations of loving relationships that we have in our lives.

Which leads us to this pressing question:  How to rock Valentine's as a stylish single?  All right, I'm at the beginnings of my style update so these V-Day tips will have the barest hint of style advice.

If you're ready to put that scoop of ice cream down and check out my V-Day tips, then here goes:

1.  Expansion - Instead of focusing on your romantic relationship or lack thereof, expand your definition of relationships to include your other relationships in life.  You can even make a quick gratitude list of the relationships that you're grateful for.

2.  Appreciation - What do you appreciate about your single status?  With all of the hype over happy couples on Valentine's, it's easy to forget how disappointed and stressed some couples can be over the holiday.  As a single, you have the opportunity to design your own special Valentine's Day.  Instead of waiting for someone to give you a gift, you can buy it yourself.

3.  Opportunity - In connection to tip 2, what opportunities are available to you as a single woman?  You can spend more time with your friends, if you wish, or time alone.  You can sign up for evening singing lessons without someone feeling shortchanged.  You even have the opportunity to embark on a new relationship, if you wish.

4.  Style -  For Valentine's, you can style your home/room as you desire.  You can add touches of red or pink to your room.  Make your space feel more romantic/sacred by adding flowers, lighting a candle, playing relaxing music.

For yourself, you can wear clothing that celebrates who you are and make you feel beautiful.  A blouse in a flattering color.  A piece of jewelry bought while traveling.  The idea is to wear something special and/or sentimental.

5.  Health - Why not try a new healthy food this Valentine's?  Or simply boost your fruit or veggie intake for the day?  By eating healthier food, you'll be enhancing your health and feeling of well-being. 

If you want to boost your energy, you can take a refreshing walk, add an extra 10 minutes to your daily gym routine or check out a fitness DVD from the library. 

6.  Detach - If you're still floundering or feeling ill-at-ease about the day, take a deep breath and remember Valentine's is only one day during the year.

Want more support with enjoying Valentine's as a (soon-to-be) stylish single?  Feel free to check out the links which I've added on the right or have a look at Single With Attitude which lists resources for singles.  (Yes, I do have a blog which is listed there as well.)  : )

Image Credit:  priki, flickr.com

Outfit Conflict

Yesterday, I returned from my sis' Ciao Bella party.  I had a great time with her and enjoyed the lasagna that she made.  The curious thing about the crock-pot lasagna was that it took 5+ hours to make.  My sis said she had to pre-cook everything 'cept for the pasta.  She and I were both a bit puzzled as to the advantages of making the lasagna.

At my sis' on Saturday evening, we watched the news for the updates on Whitney Houston's death.  We also attempted to watch some DVDs.  Horrible Bosses was a bit too crude for us so we stopped it after 5 min.  The Ides of March was too intense for us and we kept dozing off.  We stopped that one after about 20 min of great mental efforts on our parts.

On Sunday afternoon, we did watch 50-50 about the young guy with cancer.  I actually liked that movie.  I didn't think I was gonna care too much for it.  Figured it'd be too preachy or melodramatic but I actually was interested in the movie and didn't find it mentally draining.

And now for the outfit conflict...Well, the outfit conflict was that my "top" (charcoal gray coat) didn't go with my "bottom" (black track pants).  If instead, I'd worn jeans with the coat or a warm-up jacket with the black track pants, then I would've looked a li'l more congruent.  As it was, a part of me looked like I was heading to the gym while another part looked like I was gonna go shopping.  Not cool.

True, it was the weekend and my main wish was to be comfortable but next time, I will also work on being more congruent with what I wear.  Outfit conflicts aren't cool and it had me feeling "uneven" with my look.

How about for you?  What would you have worn with the black track pants?  What outfit conflicts have you experienced recently?  Do you give a hoot about your weekend looks? 

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Low-Key Weekend

The weather here in Oakland is overcast today.  Perhaps it'll burn off soon.  I've spent the morning reading and adding some more fashion blogs to this site.  I love fashion blogs!  The colors, the creativity, the diverse bloggers.  They're just inspiring.

Today, my sis is hosting a lasagna party which I'm looking forward to attending.  She's gonna make crock-pot lasagna.  I've never had it or heard of it before but I'm game to try it.

I wasn't gonna bring anything to the get-together.  My sis said that I didn't need to.  On Thursday, my father schooled me on manners and said that I should bring at least something.  Perhaps, I'll pick up a salad or some garlic bread somewhere.* 

On the weekend, I like to wear something comfortable like jeans or black track pants and a T-shirt.  I think this weekend, I'll be equally as predictable.

In the back of my mind, an idea is brewing to give myself a fashion re-education.  Perhaps visit blogs daily for 15 minutes or check out an in issue of a fashion mag.  We'll see what shall happen.

Essentially, I don't wish to change my style--natural, simple, basic--I do though want to spruce it up.  Update my clothing.  Add a bit more pizazz.  I figure doing this blog will help to keep me accountable.

And yeah, I will share my insights on self growth as they come along...

How about for you, dear reader, do you have a reliable weekend outfit?  Do you wish to update your look or make a bold transition into a whole new style?  More importantly have you had crock-pot lasagna before and is it any good?


In my lust for lasagna, I almost forgot...today is Satisfied Staying Single Day!  If you're a single woman, you can check out this post here.  Best!

*Due to an über-long line at the grocery store and having to choose between missing the bus and standing in line, I ended up not bringing any food for the Ciao Bella dinner.  Will have to plan more wisely next time.

Friday, February 10, 2012

What's A Blog To Do?

I've been on a blog rampage in the last few months.  Get an inspiration, create a blog!  With this recent blog my "challenge" is to make it distinct from a few other blogs I've created A Singular Life and A Singular Lifestyle.  True, A Singular Lifestyle needs a li'l more content but in time.... 

The name inspiration for this blog comes from a recent blog that I ran across Beauty Style and Growth so I'd like to thank Kemi for inspiring me to create a blog that blends both self growth and looking good.  I enjoy self development but I also realize that I need to balance the inner work (staying calm) with some outer work (upgrading my wardrobe).

Another trigger for creating this blog was a post "Adios 2011 and Welcome 2012" that I'd read by Rhona of Singularly Happy in which she shares her upcoming 2012 goals.  Part of her goals included expanding her wardrobe choices and I was like, "Yeah, me too!"

Hopefully, you'll have a "me too!" moment while reading this blog and be inspired to take a chance with a new look or a new perspective.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

A Start

I started this blog this morning.  Let's see where it shall lead, OK?