Sporty, Girly, Casual = Dsquared2

I was looking at some images of the Dsquared2 A/W09 show and this image above gave me inspiration for today's outfit. I remembered that I had a pair of trousers similar. So I teamed them with my ASOS biker jacket, Kurt Geiger boots, Topshop peach jumper and H&M snood I love the casual sporty but still girly look of Dsquared2 and have put a few more my favorite images on. I did not weat this outfit with the snood over my head as I felt I looked a little scary but it was worth trying to see if it worked.

Introducing Anne Marie

Anne Marie and I met through Emmaus, a religious retreat run by members of my church community. I don't remember how we started talking, but we soon found that we were very much alike in so very many ways. We would sit and chat for hours at the bar (um, we went to the bar A LOT for a group of Catholics trying to run this thing. Scratch that... we went to the bar A LOT for a group of human beings - heh heh). We learned a lot about one another. It's weird to meet someone so much like you.

Eventually, I no longer participated in the retreats, and we soon lost contact. We both got married, she moved out of state, the norm. Then, last year, we found each other through Facebook. We both now have kids (she has 2 little ones I really hope to meet someday soon). And little by little, over this past year, we've started finding out new and interesting things about each other's lives the past few years.

Last month, she asked me about blogging. She's been thinking about starting one up, and I was happy to help. She was really nervous about putting herself out there, so I'm really glad she took the plunge.

She's been through some major life-changing events. And she's willing to share those experiences with those who are interested. She's also a stay-at-home mom, so she's got some funny stories about that, too.

So please check her out! Stay At Home Mommy Daze is her new bloggy home.

Step one of eleventy-billion-and-one

Writing my last post did me a lot of good. Reading all the lovely comments everyone left did me a whole lotta more good. We'll call that opening the flood gates.

This weekend really started my journey to the new-and-improved me. First on the agenda was to clean out my closet. And I mean that in the literal sense. I went through my closet and my armoire and got rid of every stitch of clothing that no longer fits. To my surprise, quite a few pieces I was banking on to use the next few months (like fleeces and sweaters) were too big when I tried them on. The last time I wore them, they *just* fit. And now I can possibly fit another person in there. That was eye-opening.

I first thought that maybe I could still use them, but I realized quickly that they made me look frumpy and unattractive. Yeah, no thanks. I can do without that.

In the end, I only have about 20 pieces that fit right now. And I'm OK with that. Mostly because I only plan on fitting in these for a little while longer and then moving onto the next size down. That's the plan, and I'm sticking to it.

It took me a couple of hours while Ellie was napping, but it was well worth using my normal down-time to get the job done. I felt lighter after I threw that last piece of clothing into the bag for Goodwill. Lighter in both mind and body. Very Zen of me, I know.

But real nonetheless. I feel different now. All those clothes (and MY GOD there was a lot) were holding me down, the unnecessary baggage of a person who has been trying to break out of herself and the definitions of her for a very long time.

I'm redefining every day.

Skirt as a dress

Today I took inspiration from Alexander Wang's S/S10 catwalk. I liked the hair of the models so I wore my hair in a messy plait. I put my doc's on again I just love them so much and they are really comfortable . I also love this whole look. I am on the look out for leather shorts. I noticed a few pairs on the front row of London fashion week.

Long live the snood

Today I decided I wanted to show my fab H&M boots off again so I used these as the base of my outfit. I love the snood trend I have read a few negative articles about snoods and I really do not know why they are getting such bad press.

A million and one

I've had a million and one things to say lately (don't I always?) but I just can't seem to get them out. I feel a little out-of-sorts, and I can't put my finger on exactly why.

I've been taking a long, hard look at myself lately because while I should be happy, and while my life is wonderful, and although my daughter makes me deliriously feel like I am the luckiest person alive, there is something missing. I have no idea what that thing is, but it's not where it should be. Does that make any sense?

Things I have noticed:

I no longer like long, lingering kisses. WTF? Seriously? My body just doesn't react to them. It sucks. I don't know where this aversion suddenly came from, but it can go to hell.

I wish Harry would want to read a book and discuss it with me. There, I said it. Dammit. Just try! Ugh.

I roll my eyes too much. I get aggravated too often. I am quick to judge. I need things done my way.

There really are too many stupid people in the world.

Appearances can be deceiving.

So I'm working on it. I'm always working on it. I'm a work-in-progress.

I woke up in a very good mood today. That's always nice. I went out for coffee with a friend earlier this week, and I have another coffee date slated for tomorrow and yet another one for next weekend, as well. I'm trying to focus more at the office. I get sidetracked easily nowadays, and I don't want it to affect my job. Being employed is too important to mess it up because I can't concentrate.

And the biggest news... I booked a ticket to FLA for the end of the year. It's a short trip, just a Saturday to a Tuesday, but it's a trip about me. Harry and Ellie are staying home while I spend a few days with my mom at her new house. I'll also be meeting up with Annita and Becs! I am very much looking forward to it.

All this is just the tip of the iceberg of all the thoughts that have been running through my brain lately, but I have to start somewhere. I have to get it all out.

Duffle Cape

Just ordered this from ASOS. I have not invested in a winter coat yet and I think this is perfect. A duffle coat and cape hybrid two in one brilliant now I just have to wait for it to arrive the boring bit.

Cyber Space Recycling

I have been selling lots of unwanted shoes and boots on Ebay for the past two weeks and have now made enough money tonight to buy these Darcie Dr Martens. I have been so patience and I feel so pleased with myself it is cyber space recycling.

"I love my new H&M boots"

Today I wore my new thigh high boots that I brought yesterday from H&M Oxford Circus. They are so unusual and quite surprisingly comfortable I have taken a picture of the back of them as there is also great detail on the heel. At first I could not bend my knee which was rather amusing watching me walking around like the tin man but after some adjustment to the laces around the knee they were perfect. I was a bit worried about driving in them but that was fine too. I teamed them with my new snood that I also brought from H&M yesterday

"Feather Headband"

I based my outfit around the feather headband that I brought yesterday from H&M on my lunch break. I have also found out when my local H&M gets there delivery so I don't miss anything new :). Anyway I love the black green colour of the feathers so I thought that my teal cord dress would work perfectly with it. It was also cold enough this morning to put a pair of boots on so I teamed the dress with these tan over the knee boots from Office they kind of remind me of the Prada fishermans boots that they sent down there A/W09 runway. My jacket of many colours is by Matthew Williamson I brought this quite a few years ago and I love all the vivid colours in it and it will never date as it is so unusual.

"Bows"

Today I based my outfit around bows I brought this necklace from Topshop last year and it really turns a very normal outfit into something different. So I decided that my cute ankle boots with bows on would compliment this look. I love the look of the white shirt and the black bow it has a Chanel feel about it. We all know how much Mademoiselle loved her bows.

Funky Fresh

I'm feeling out of sorts. Yesterday I was Cranky McCrankypants, and today I seem to be walking around in a discombobulated daze. I think I need a me-day.

I look forward to the Saturday Mornings I get with Ellie. Besides the extra cash we so desperately need that Harry's overtime brings in, I get all morning with my girl. The time I get to spend alone with Ellie these days are my absolute favorite times of the week. We just click. We cuddle in front of the TV, play games, read, run around outside, scream like banshees, etc. You know, the norm mommy/daughter stuff:)

This past Saturday was no exception. Both of us were in a great mood. We even ventured out to Target to pick up a few things, and I allowed the stinker to play in the toy department for over an hour. She LOVES being the leader on shopping expeditions. And those first few aisles of Target are Toddler Heaven. Seriously.

Then Sunday comes, and all hell seems to break loose. Ellie is kind of attached to me (read "barnacle"), and if I suddenly disappear, she roams around the house, calling my name, searching every room for me. It gets to the point where I can't take a shower or get dressed or anything really without her looking for me and interrupting a few blessed moments of quiet. She only really does it if she knows I'm in the house; she doesn't do it at Teri's or if she sees me leave in my car. Basically, it boils down to if I'm under the same roof, I'm Ellie's bitch.

It's getting to me.

I love my little girl. Love her love her LOVE HER. But I need a few minutes to breathe. Yesterday, I was feeling suffocated. Add to that Harry yelling right behind Ellie's "Mommy! Mommy, where are you?" with "Leave Mommy alone!", and you have a recipe for headache central with a little added stress on the side. I wanted to shout back, "Both of you, please be quiet!"

Yeah, it's getting to me.

Between Ellie's searching, Harry's reprimanding, Ellie's whining, Harry's reprimanding, and Ellie's crying, I want to run away with the circus never to be heard from again. Instead, I go and console her because I am a sucker. I HATE to see and hear her cry. And it's not like she's fake-crying. This is all-out wailing and big, fat tears-streaming-down-her-face crying. Meanwhile, Harry just stands there. Dude, console her a little. Poor kid's upset.

Is she getting what she wants? Not really. She doesn't want to be yelled at, and she doesn't want me to console her. She wants me to play with her. She wants me to watch her build a tower. She just wants me close by.

Harry tries. He does. He'll ask her if she wants to go outside for awhile or play downstairs so I can get a break, but I hear them out there or down there, and the tension doesn't go away.

Add to that the constant cleaning and picking up, and I'm just a big angerball. And I ain't talking about Ellie. I get that I married the man knowing he's not the neatest person in the world, but damnit, he IS an adult, fully capable of cleaning up after himself. How many times do I have to clean up crumbs or sweep the floor or pick up little pieces of toilet paper that must have ripped off the roll when he was trying to get some (SERIOUSLY. Instead of throwing them away, he threw them on the floor? How lazy can you be? The garbage can is also on the floor. Aim for that).

Yeah, I'm bitching. I'm just tired.

Maybe I want to be a slob and have someone clean up after me. Time after time, I'm tempted to not pick up like I normally do so he could see what the house would be like. In the end, I just can't do it. I can't have Ellie live in clutter or filth of any kind. I just can't. So I keep picking up. I keep cleaning.

Apparently, the toilet and the shower and the sink magically clean themselves. Did you know that? And the counters wipe themselves clean. They must because my husband has only cleaned our bathroom 1 time since we moved in over a year ago and he only cleans the counter after he makes dough on it. There must be elves who do that sort of stuff for you because they end up clean at the end of the day.

Bitch, bitch, bitch. That's me Bitchy McGee.

I get pissed at myself for feeling like this. I have a pretty freakin' fantastic life. I KNOW that. I just want a little pampering from time to time. I'm a little high maintenance when it comes to being married to me. Not monetarily but emotionally. I'm hard to live with. I want things done yesterday. I want help without having to ask for it. I want to be appreciated. I want to be told I look pretty when I know I do. I want to be lavished with priase once in a while. I want to feel like an important person.

"Black is the new multi colour for me"

Today I am wearing a pair of homemade ripped skinny jeans. I teamed them with a statement sleeve lace top from Topshop. These jeans also look fab with lace leggings under them. I don't normally wear this much black but I seem to be wearing so much lately I am normally very colourful. I am going to think about how I can incorporate the rock chic look with girly colourful pieces hmmm a new look I think. That necklace seems to go with everything great buy.

"Over the knee boots"

Today I decided that the weather was perfect to be able to drag my over the knee boots out of the cupboard. I won them on ebay last year. I loved wearing these last winter as they were all over the catwalks but not in the stores I also wore my wolf head ring that I brought the other day it is by Therapy. In the second picture I am wearing my sisters gloves they are so nice I am not sure where she got them from but they finished this outfit off perfectly.

"Henry Holland Tights"

Well as you know I am wearing my Henry Holland tights and I love them.. Also my nan finished knitting the matching bangle/wrist warmer to match my scarf so I wore these today too. The bangle set was a bargain £2.00 from Primark and the green stone ring is from H&M.

"My tights have arrived"

Back in August I mentioned that I had ordered the Henry Holland tights from My Tights after a bit of a wait due to high demand they arrived this morning :). So I am sure that I will be wearing these tomorrow just need to work out an outfit to go with them.

Where were you?

Today is a day of rememberance. Today is a day to be thankful for the things you have. Today is a day to voice your hopes, your wishes, your dreams… for yourself, your family, your friends, your fellow man, for this country, for this world.

On September 11, 2001, I was at a turning point in my life. I had just started dating my now-husband. I had a full-time job. I was enrolled in the Fall semester at my college. Things were moving along.

I was at work that morning, sitting at my desk, talking to my friend, Kim. We both got in at 8:30am and usually chatted before the day’s rush of work came in. We were talking about nothing special, possibly the Labor Day weekend that had just past, plans for her birthday, which was in the next few weeks, where my new relationship was going, seeing as I was dating her former roommate. You know, the usual blah blah blah.

We had been chatting for awhile when all of a sudden, Kim said, “You won’t believe this. We’re listening to the radio, and it was just reported that a plane hit one of the Towers.”

My response, “Are you kidding? Don’t they have people that monitor plane activity? How did that happen?”

There wasn’t anything else in the broadcast, so we resumed our mundane and inane conversation.

15 minutes later, and Kim stopped in midsentence. “Another plane just hit the other Tower.”

Both of us were silent. She was listening to the broadcast; I was waiting for her to report what it said.

I got one of those bad chills down my spine and that metallic taste in my mouth.

“Oh my God, one of the Towers collapsed.”

“Oh my God, the other Tower collapsed.”

And the world changed.

She had to immediately get off the phone and call everyone she knew in New York working at the Towers. She works in Finance, so she knew quite a few people.

And I sat in silence in my office with no windows, no internet, no radio, no television, no link to the outside world but my office phone.

The phone rang, and it was Harry. “Have you heard what’s going on?”

Work came to a screeching halt. Radios were found in the office and tuned in. People called their family and friends to make sure they were safe. We were only a short hour and 15 minute train ride to the city; it felt like it was going on right in our backyard.

Around 2pm, they sent us all home to be with our families. We all left in silence, trying not to run to our cars and get home as soon as possible to our loved ones.

I found Harry after seeing my parents, sister, and niece. He was at his local bar, drunk but somber. He was let out of work early too, but because he doesn’t really have any family, he went to his surrogate family instead… his bar friends.

We all sat and drank, but the bar was eerily quiet for a change. The TV was tuned into CNN instead of one of the games, and every head was turned to watch it.

The day ended with tears and fears. Questions. Hypotheses. Anger. Loss. Confusion.

8 years later, and all of that is still here.

We felt the blow a month later still when the company Harry had worked for for 7 years closed down. They manufactured aerospace parts, and after the plane attacks, their biggest client canceled a million dollar order. For a small-town company, there’s no way to bounce back from that.

I was also laid off the end of that year (not due to the attacks, mind you).

We started 2002 unemployed, pretty much penniless, and scared.

We got through it.

And now, on this day of rememberance, I am thankful for all I have. I am thankful that I live in this country. I am thankful for my wonderful family. I am proud that we’re still standing. I’m also still scared about the future… mine, my child’s, my country’s, the world’s.

But I have hope. I’ll always have hope.

And I said my concert days were done

I'm happy to report that I was wrong.

A few days ago, Jess mentioned that Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova were touring in North America this fall. Get out! I figured they wouldn't be anywhere near here. Wrong again! One of the tour stops is in Providence, RI, a mere 2-hour drive from here. When I found out, I asked Harry if he would be interested in going with me. I had sat him down a couple of months ago to watch one of their concerts, and he liked the music. I was really hoping he'd want to go. Lucky me, he said yes.

Right after I got off the phone with him, I found out the presale was happening that day. I got the password code and waited for 11am to arrive. I immediately logged on, put in the code, selected best available seats for gold circle status (that's the first 10 rows orchestra section at Lupo's, and voila! Orchestra Center Right Row C Seats 1 and 2. Kick ass. We're on the center aisle right by the stage. Freakin' awesome.

I also emailed my mom to see if she'd watch Ellie for us, and she even agreed to watch her overnight. I was psyched. A little romantic getaway weekend for us! I started looking at hotels near Foxwoods Casino and saw the new MGM Grand just opened not too long ago. The rooms are a little pricey, but I figured what the hell, right?

So I called Harry on lunch break to tell him about the tickets and staying overnight, etc, and he surprised me by saying he didn't want to stay at a hotel overnight. I have to admit I was a bit crestfallen. We haven't had a weekend to ourselves since Ellie was born. I thought he'd jump at the chance to have a little alone-time, not to mention staying at a friggin' casino. I was wrong. That's THREE times I was wrong in a matter of hours, people.

I talked to him when I got home from work, and he's just not ready to spend a night away from Ellie. That really took me by surprise. I mean, there are nights I've put Ellie to bed without him, and most mornings, he's not here to wake her up. I kinda don't get it, but it is what it is. I won't force it, but I am a little bummed. We didn't really have the money for the hotel stay, but I was going to somehow finagle it with our finances to make it happen. I guess I don't have to work my magic.

That was kind of a downer, huh? Enough of that. The fact remains that we are going to go see an amazing concert in 2-months time, and I plan on thoroughly enjoying myself. Woo hoo!

Oh, and if you didn't listen to the song up top, take a couple of minutes to do so. Really. Their voices are just beautiful. They make me want to weep.

"Thank You Nanny"

I can knit well only a scarf and then that ends up a right mess. My nan taught me as a child when I used to stay round her house I would sit with her while she knitted cardigans and jumpers and I would knit scarf after scarf with the odd snood which I will be knitting or getting my nan to knit for me next. Anyway I came up with this idea of a chain scarf made from links of knitted rings a week later here it is thanks to my nan's great knitting skills she is also knitting me bangles to match and I want a ski headband too. I can see this being a big part of my wardrobe this season.

My eyes look all wonky in my profile photo

What's up with that? I look possessed or something. It's only on the work computer, too. My laptop doesn't make my eyes pop out all 3D like that. Weirdness. Am I demonic-looking on yours? Just curious.

Anyway, I had a very nice 3-day weekend. I got to go visit my niece, Jes, up at Central. She's now a junior, and this is the first time I've gotten up there. Shame on me. We had a nice coffeetalk at the local Starbucks there (I may complain about their coffee, but this particular Starbucks had an AWESOME patio). After realizing it's a mere 48 minute drive from my doorway to her parking lot, I'm kicking myself in the ass for not visiting sooner. I'll definitely be up again in the future.

Sunday we had playdate, which is always fun. Harry got to go visit our friends, Luke and Laura (yes, that's really their names), and they're new baby, Luke Jr. Unfortunately, I've had a cold the past week, so I couldn't go. Sadness. I really wanted to see the baby. We'll have to visit again soon. My mom also made us dinner Sunday night which is always nice because A) we get to visit with her, B) Ellie loves going to her house, C) Mom is an awesome cook, and D) I don't have to cook when she does.

On Monday we decided to hit the zoo. We've gone to the zoo a lot this summer. We have a yearly pass, and it's only 5 minutes from our house. Ellie likes to see the animals, but her absolute favorite part is going on the carousel. She has to ride the elephant. HAS TO. She starts talking about it the moment we enter the zoo. She's fanatical about the elephant. I'm not looking forward to the day that someone else gets to the elephant first. Good Lord all Hell will break loose.

Mornings at the zoo are always a good idea for us because it tires Ellie out. After Sunday sans nap, there was no way I was letting her get away with it Monday. She was a little crankypuss on Sunday, and I wanted to run away. Seriously. I would have come back!

So the zoo and a big lunch totally tuckered the little one out, and she took a long nap Monday afternoon. And so did I. I LOVE taking naps. I wish I could take one every day. After naps, we went to the beach to let Ellie play on the swings and playsets. Seems she has a preference to playsets in our town. Figures she likes the one at the beach more; it's 10 minutes away and crazy busy. I prefer the one 2 minutes down the street. Eh.

We ended the day with a special treat dinner from Wendy's. Ellie, the pickiest eater of the year, REALLY likes fast food. Go figure. She doesn't get it that often (from us anyway), but I do so love to watch her enjoying her food. She ate a small fry, a jr. cheeseburger, and 1/2 a small frosty for dinner. That's more than she normally eats in an entire day! She kept making "mmmmm" noises and smacking her lips while eating. Totally cracked me up. This is also the girl that doesn't like meat... unless it's a fast food hamburger. Weird.

I wish we had had another day together today. The weekend went by so quickly. Sigh.

Looks that are inspiring me for A/W09

Louis Vuitton

Nicole Farhi

Balmain

Balmain

Balmain

Balmain

Alexander Wang

Alexander Wang

Here is a selection of looks and designers that are going to influence and inspire my look for A/W09. I really love the structured shoulders and the Alexander Wang tweed print cycling shorts with the coat is a really simple yet styled look. I also like the Louis Vuitton contrast leggings and the bright yellow I am going to use this idea with sheer tights and cut off tights over the top.

See the little badge on the sidebar?

I'm participating in my first charity walk. Together, we can make a difference. If you'd like, please donate. No pressure. Thank you for reading. Have a nice day.

Finally!

I finally have a few minutes to write about the goings-on of the last month. It's been hectic and fun, and I have managed to talk about most of it using status updates and uploading pictures to facebook. That being said, I still want to chronicle the highlights here for myself and any and all who aren't fans of FB. Here goes.

The first major thing to happen this past month was my sister, Debby's, wedding. It was a beautiful event, and I'm so very happy for her. She got married at a local park in the rose garden, had a small reception at an Italian restaurant the next town over, then had a picnic at her house the next day to celebrate with people near and far. The whole thing was a huge success, and we all had a lot of fun. Debby and Steve celebrated their honeymoon on a cruise to Mexico. Ooh la la!

Here are a few pics of the day:





The next weekend, Harry, Ellie, and I went to the Hamburg Fair for a couple of hours on a Saturday morning. The highlight of that day was Miss Ellie getting to go on her first pony ride. I wish I could post pics (no pics of Ellie on ye olde blog), but you'll just have to trust me on the fact that the girl is a natural. She freakin' loved it. She ended up riding on her own the last minute or two. She even had a little pink-trimmed cowboy hat to wear. She quietly whispered to Harry as the ride was over, "Daddy, I want a pony." I'll get right on that, Sweetie.

The next weekend was the weekend we've been waiting for all summer. We went to Sesame Place! We totally lucked out as the weather forecast said it was going to rain ALL DAMN DAY. I decided we'd go anyway since A) the hotel was already paid for and couldn't be cancelled and B) we were going to a water park, so we were going to be wet anyway. It rained the entire 3-hour drive down. It rained while we had breakfast. It rained as we all piled out of the car and tried to protect as much of our gear as possible. It rained as we upgraded to a 2-day pass. Then suddenly, at the last check-in checkpoint, the rain stopped. Just like that. Eventually, the sun even came out. And we had beautiful weather for our entire stay at the park.

We had an excellent time at Sesame Place, and we plan on going back either the end of this month or sometime in October. They'll be celebrating Zoe's birthday the last weekend of September, and there's also a Halloween shindig going on that same weekend through all of October. We can't miss that! Plus, we have the free pass for a second day. Woo hoo. The only thing we'll have to pay for this time is parking.

We spent the majority of the day in the tidal pool. Ellie loved it. I'm talking like 3 hours in this thing. And she still got upset when we had to leave. She also braved the Slimey Chutes with Daddy, went on the carousel, and a few other toddler-friendly rides throughout the park.

I had also booked the lunch with the characters for that afternoon. The food was atrocious, but it was a lot of fun to see the characters up close (for me and Harry anyway; Ellie didn't like them invading her personal space). Harry and I even got pics with Bert and Ernie!




Even Kaylee, my now 13-year-old niece (ahhhh! she's a teen!) had a great time with us. By 4pm, we were done. We drove to the hotel, checked in, ordered some dinner, and just relaxed until bedtime (8:30pm for all of us!). A little breakfast the next morning, and we hit the road back home. We decided to take I-95 back, and I'll say right now... that was an awful, awful choice. We won't do that again.

The next week, both Harry and I got to spend some quality one-on-one time with Ellie. Teri had the week off, so Harry and I divvied up the week. I got Monday, Thursday, and Friday, and Harry got Tuesday and Wednesday with our little one. We had an amazing week with her. We went to the park nearly every day, she went in the pool, Harry took her to the zoo, and we got to do a little shopping together, too (Ellie is SO my kid - she shopped for an hour and a half!). I'm actually thinking of taking another day off with her soon; that's how much fun we had. I love the age she's at right now, even with the attitude and tantrums. She's really coming into her own.

And last, but not least, I am edging my way towards the 30-lbs-lost milestone. I'm a half a pound shy right now and hope to get there by my weigh-in day, which is Friday. 30 freakin' pounds people! I am ecstatic to say the least.

And not to toot my own horn, but I'm looking pretty damn good.

Kate Moss for V Magazine

How hot does Kate Moss look in these pictures for V Magazine. She looks so beautiful and the setting really suits her style my favorite shot is the one below she look amazing she looks so fresh and young I love the hair and make up. She will always be the best in my eyes and this is why. I love you Kate.