Pursuit of Style

Breaking In

2011-05-26T22:46:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to let you know that I'm redesigning and reformatting the blog and a couple of other projects. I'll keep working hard and be back just as soon as I can. Can't wait to be back full force! Wish me luck that it's soon!!

News: I'm on bloglovin now.

2011-04-20T09:09:00.000-05:00

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Personal Style: Gather Round

2011-03-24T15:34:00.000-05:00

Since the weather is now gorgeous for the spring, and will only be so for a short period of time until the very hot summer, I wanted to share with you how I will be spending these moments of perfect weather bliss.

Eating outside is one of my favorite things. I love picnics more than words can express ... let me give you a few examples.

le mustache was a genius to propose while on top of Mount Solaro on the Isle of Capri, while we enjoyed fresh bread, pecorino cheese, salami, strawberries and wine, picked up on our walk through Anacapri, Italy.

I also remember as a young child taking my homework and a blanket out into the yard to finish up when spring had finally arrived up in the North East. The grass was just the right shade of green and the sun balanced out the cool breeze.

As I write this I'm sitting outside at one of my favorite coffee shops enjoying the breeze and a wonderful cup of tea.

So I'm sure you get the idea ... I love to be outside when the weather is impeccable. But to compliment this pristine time of year, you also need a few things to create the ideal space, creating a overall atmosphere that is comfortable, cozy and relaxed. Otherwise you would just head back inside and hangout on the couch, right?

Well last summer, le mustache and I had many wonderful opportunities to spend some time in the great outdoors at a mini-ranch house, as we've come to call it. Long story short, I began longing for the great space that I wanted to create, but I didn't want to spend any thing from our budget, because I knew the hot weather would be here too soon, and spending too much time and money just didn't make sense. So I got creative. What did I use?

- a mosquito net that hung over my bed as a teenager, that has since been packed away in a trash bag in a closet.
- a good old oak tree for shade and a place to hang the netting.
- an old iron table that I sanded down and gave a fresh coat of black paint.
- old pillows from around the house that I could do without on couches and chairs that don't get enough use.
- a basic white table cloth that I keep handy for picnics and basic table settings (a flat bedsheet works well too!)
- fresh white (or red) wine ... duh ... or coffee, or tea, or lemonade. As to the lemonade, I make mine fresh with real lemons and liquid stevia, which means so sugary effects.
- lots of great fresh in-season fruit and veggies.
- my husband cooking on the grill.
- fresh picked wildflowers found in the yard.
- an old cup to use as a vase.

And this is my space. You got a preview at the beginning of the post, but this is the big picture:

When the mosquitos are out, I get inside. FYI, mosquito netting really works which means so sticky bug spray, which I often forget to put on anyway. And when the pesky bugs are not around I just leave it open ... the fabric wraps around the ring and has an opening from top to bottom that creates a nice frame across the opposite side of the table. The pillows are missing from this picture, but an eight-inch square pillow makes a nice addition, for both aesthetics and comfort. Opt for pairs of two in contrasting yet complementary patterns.

I can spend hours out here, on the computer working, just relaxing, or spending an evening with friends. It's simple spaces like this that create stylish moments worth pursuing.

So tell me, what are you doing this spring?

Style Library: Better Than The Domino Effect

2011-02-19T19:26:00.000-06:00

For those of you who know me personally, you know how much I love Domino magazine. It was an amazing monthly which still has a following even after a couple of years since Condé Nast ceased its publication. I am one of these hopelessly devoted holdouts, silently wishing that the publishers would wake up and realize that a small group of passionately dedicated readers is much more valuable then all the 'numbers' that could possibly be realized. But alas, my stock of every issue of the magazine had to quench my thirst for a publication that spoke with its wit, style, grace and all encompassing outlook to home decorating. Until now.

Now, I have fallen in love with, dare I say it, an EVEN BETTER MAGAZINE. Friends and Readers, meet ANTHOLOGY, Anthology, I hope my friends and readers will very soon become yours to share.

This is a picture of my first issue which I recieved in the mail a few weeks ago. I quickly devoured it's pages, which despite its modest size is no small feat. I say modest size because it is a new publication, and as publications in general go they can't all be the weight worthy of an elegantly designed doorstop that is Vogue. That is not to say that Vogue is a doorstop, au contraire Vogue is the only other publication worthy of everlasting space on my bookshelf, but the book can be quite hefty (which is a good thing, if you get my meaning by all of this).

Back to all the things I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE about Anthology, the first of which, as I was saying, is that it is chock full of wonderful information, inspiration, and fantastic ideas. Upon flipping through the first few pages I quickly grabbed out my notebook to be sure to write down all of my delicious new finds. Never before, in one single issue of a magazine have I added so much to my 'buy,' 'research,' and 'do' lists.

The stories, featured products and pictures are perfectly curated. They really know their target audience, and their passion.

In addition, the writing in the publication is witty, informative and creative. All the things I love to dive into when I sit down to relax with a glass of red and the quiet whisper of the pages as they slowly turn to reveal the next bit of scrumptiousness.

Finally, my very favorite thing about my new very favorite magazine: It's INDEPENDENT! It's published by two amazingly creative and passionate women out of San Francisco. Cheers to you Anh-Minh Lee and Meg Mateo Ilasco, I can't wait to get the next issue!

Add this magazine to your library, and the endless pursuit of your [life]style.

Style Library: My Own Pride and Prejudice

2011-01-26T09:59:00.001-06:00

I am a little amazed at myself, I must admit. I also feel a little silly in writing (and admitting) this. BUT, I have just finished reading Pride and Prejudice. And I can't believe it, but I'm going to spoil the ending here (like me, you should have read it by now anyway) ... they get married! They love each other and just in time they both TALK about it and get married! Thank heavens.

I also feel silly about this, but I didn't believe it. I thought the Amazon Kindle gods changed the ending on me. I thought for sure it was sad. The book leaves you longing and yearning so badly, how could it not conclude with a sad ending. So what did I do, I Googled it. I just had to double check that the ending was what the book said it was. And then I checked again and again and AGAIN, hopping from source to source on the internet, not yet convinced that this book really did have a happy ending. Quite frankly, I still can't believe it. But I'm oh so happy about it.

I finished the book late last night. And nearly screamed with joy with the sense of relief and happiness the characters felt. Like them, I too fell in love ... with them! After I finished the book, I forced myself to stay awake until my husband made it to bed, just so I could tell him that it DID actually have a happy ending. He was surprised as well as I, saying, "but Jane Austen never has happy endings I thought?"

"I KNOW!" I said.

----------

I had started and stopped reading the novel about ... oh ... 24 times from the time I was probably 14 years old. I know I have several copies of it. But when I found it on Kindle for the bargain price of $2.00 or so, I couldn't resist purchasing it again. (I've sense heard, and found where you can find it on Kindle through for free ... see the link above.) I thought that I would read it in my spare time. On a weekend when I decided to spend it not working, I picked it up and forced myself through the first chapters that for some reason - I can't seem to remember where or why - they stopped me from continuing on all those times before. It was like I was reading a completely different book, I breezed through it. And then I got to the point where I couldn't put it down and silently cursed the universe for making me stop to do things that were necessary ... like work, eat, walk the dog, talk to my husband, get dressed.

Yesterday alone I read the last 40 percent of the novel, and as I said, staying up extra extra late to soak up the last few words, pleading with the book that it would end with happiness. And to my relief, it did. Thank heavens ... again.

For so many years I had longed to read it, but in a way I was prejudice about it. You hear so many talk about how boring it is, and I was one of those who thought so too.

But I secretly yearned to make it through to the ending, and to count myself among some type of exclusive and secret club that can say they finished reading Pride and Prejudice with pleasure. They read it for their own enjoyment. (I have decided that if you were forced to read it for school you don't count). I was even, and oh so very jealous of fictional characters like those in The Jane Austen Book Club (the movie) and especially Kathleen Kelly in You've Got Mail -- probably still one of my favorite books, by the way.

She says, "I guess I've read Pride and Prejudice about 100 times, and every time I read it I worry that Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy are not going to get together. Read it, I know you'll love it."
At which point you see Joe Fox reading it and he is completely bored out of his mind. For so long I wanted to be just like Kathleen Kelly with her cute little sweaters and apartment filled with books and her little shop for children and her smiling, in-love-with-New-York-in-the-fall self walking up and down the streets of New York.

When I read that line, I can hear her say it in my head, just the way she did in the movie. You hear the longing in her voice. The wishing for Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy.

But for so long I was more like Joe Fox, bored out of my mind by Pride and Prejudice.
Until now. I've had a break through. I've read it and I love it. And I will wish every time I read this glorious novel that Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy do get together, not really believing that such a happy ending could really be true.

On thinking about this, it's probably because of You've Got Mail that I thought that Pride and Prejudice had such a sad ending. But it doesn't! I felt the longing so fiercely just like Kathleen Kelly. Are they really going to get together? Please let them get together!

And they do. All is right with the world. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy are married. And I can now count myself among the sacred few who have read and loved Pride and Prejudice. And I can also get back to work.

What does all this have to do with style? I haven't made the witty connection just yet, but I feel quite proud of myself in having read it. And being proud of yourself is very stylish indeed.

Style Expedition: Beauty is More Than Skin Deep

2011-01-17T23:15:00.001-06:00

Several months ago (I'm slow about getting pictures on my computer for the blog ...) I ventured with my dear friend to Teddy's for Betties on South 1st, and I fell in love. This is the store I've been looking for.

I have for a long time believed that dressing from the inside out, literally and figuratively helps set up your day for success. And finally I've found a lingerie store that believes the same thing!

I mean that when you put thought into everything you put on your body (and in your home, and in your body, and the environments you surround yourself with, etc. etc.) DEEPLY effects how you see yourself and how others see you. Therefore, I believe that it is très important to make conscious decisions about the lingerie, panties, tighty-whitey's (whatever you call them) that you put on in the morning.

Even if you love plain cotton panties (and I do!) take care to coordinate with you bras and clothes too!

Check out my pics and be sure to check out the store for yourself. Also I highly recommend becoming a fan of the store on Facebook. Everyday the lovely owner - Ashley - posts delectable quotes of the day!

Style Thoughts: Carry It With You

2011-01-15T20:36:00.001-06:00

I once met this girl many years ago when I was much younger, who carried her favorite shirt with her tied around her backpack, much like you see women tie scarves around their handbags today. When I asked her why she didn't choose to wear it she said, "This way I carry it with me all the time, everywhere."

...

I just finished taking my Christmas tree down, (Yes, I realize it's fifteen days into the new year), and I couldn't help but think about how much my life may change in the coming year. As I was taking off the glow-y silver and white and red ornaments collected over my most recent adult years - it's a small collection, but it is my own - I was thinking about how, perhaps in a year, I won't be having a Christmas here in this home that I've built with my husband. It was a bittersweet moment. And I'm oh so excited about the possibilities of change. The chance that I may be not living in this home, but building a new one.

For the longest time I couldn't imagine leaving this home. It was the perfect embodiment of mine and my husband's style. It was the perfect embodiment of me and my husband. We were this home, we saw ourselves in it, in the way we moved through the house, in the way we just LIVED here. It was us, and we were it. And in many ways we still are. This home is still our home. It is still so comfortable, so perfect. In many ways, I don't want to let it go.

It is like a great sweater that has just been washed and worn and used the perfect amount of times, this home that my husband and I built together back when we were still boyfriend-and-girlfriend, when we were still fiances. Now we're husband and wife, and this home is our perfect warm sweater that we wrap up in every night when we come home, and are rueful to take off every morning when we head out for the day.

In this home we can do anything: cook and eat, and sleep, of course ... but work, and inspire, and dream, too. We watch the moon rise up over the view out our window, and we listen to the cars sing through the wet street when they pass by on a rainy day. When the seasons change I make a point to spend some time sitting in our lounge chair in the window watching the tree lose its leaves as they fall off and blow away, or grow buds and bloom blocking our view of distance buildings. For years we've watched the world change around us and this is our perfect vantage point. This is our favorite shirt.

This home is our perfect place. But my husband and I are both changing. In the last year we've been married and added a beautiful puppy to our family. He's written a book, among other projects and I've worked my way through many different projects of my own. I know in the next year, things are going to continue to change, and so I think he and I in the near future are ready to put this sweater away, tucking it in a drawer of memories for safe keeping or perhaps tying it around our backpacks just so we know it's there. It will always be a part of us, but sometimes getting to remember wearing a favorite item of clothing and carrying it with you, is better than wearing it out.

Anything is possible and I can't wait to find out what's next!

Style Thoughts: Dream Dream Dream

2011-01-12T10:00:00.001-06:00

I kind of dream of being a writer. That is to say that I DO dream of being a writer. In my dream I live in some exotic place and meet the most interesting people and write about those people and my experiences with them. My days are filled with leisurely thoughts that excite my soul while I sit in a romantic coffee shop filling my page with wonderful words and my stomach with the most delicious coffee, tea and sandwiches; I love sandwiches ... and picnics! My nights are filled with trying new things at new great restaurants and old favorites with old friends. We sit and talk about what we think about this or that.

If only everyday could be like this. But then again what about all those other amazing dreams: the high powered business woman who wakes at 4 a.m. everyday to start her day, and wears the most amazing clothes and heels all-day-long; the great mom who plays with her kids, and teaches them to read by age 2; the great yogi and causal ballet dancer who treats her body with the upmost respect, feeding it only the best foods and activities, and the person I am today: the over-achieving, lover-of-leisure (an oxymoron, I know) who spends her days working on this or that project and playing with her dog. I can't forget Kelsie Rose, or my husband for that matter, who I spend countless hours working with, eating with, or just being with.

Which brings me to the conclusion that I have every time I zone in on one particular dream (which changes according to my mood): I am not any one thing or person. I am such a combination of so many ideals and dreams, and inspired by different aspects of each. I don't want to give any of them up. I want my life to be a perfectly balanced combination of each. I juggle and transition seamlessly from one persona to another.

Right now though, I feel like I fail miserably at all of them. They all have so much room for improvement. How utterly disappointing! Whatever strategy I have, which is drawing a blank in my mind as I write this, is failing. So maybe I have no strategy at all. While at times I am disappointed to not be some other dream, I am also ecstatic to be what I am, whatever I am. So there is always this weird and disgusting mix of euphoria and guilt, contentment and self-loathing. Can't I just get rid of all the bad stuff and keep all the good stuff? Can't I just be happy with what I am, where I am? ... Not so far.

I just want to be all things at once. But that makes me think of wearing all your favorite items of clothing on the same day ... you would look pretty ridiculous. Then again maybe not, depending on how you dress, which again depends on your personality. But honestly, if you could wear all your favorite things on one day - and not look ridiculous - I would think that to be quite boring. Besides, what would you wear the next day?

So like I often do when I start writing, I'm answering my own question. You pick and choose. You rely on your inspiration and you go with it. You put on your persona depending on what you need, or want, to achieve. And you keep all those other personas in your own personal pile file. It may not be neat, organized and perfect, but you know where everything is and you can get to it when you need it.

It is just like picking one of your favorite pieces out of your closet to wear today. And you should see how messy my closet gets.

So I am what I am, and I do what I need to do. I still have trouble with the fact that it's not seamlessly and perfectly transitioned. But maybe it's just not supposed to be. Maybe it's supposed to be messy, and I should just be content with what I am right now.

Quite yogi-ish, don't you think?

Plus, I wrote all of this while drinking a wonderful cup of tea, does that make me a writer (the writing part, not the tea part)? Oh, and Kelsie is sleeping next to my feet also. Three for one?

Style Thoughts: La New Dolce Vita

2011-01-11T10:38:00.000-06:00

It's hard to create a habit out of doing EVERYTHING correctly. One of them for me being writing this blog on a consistent basis and making it what I want it to be. I've got a long way to go.

At any rate, you just keep moving forward, and stop making EVERYTHING such a big deal. I have such trouble with this, and probably will for the rest of my life.

BUT IT'S ALL SO IMPORTANT!

Really?

------------------------------

Continuing with my trend last year I made some New Year's resolutions:

- Workout everyday for the first 60 days of the new year.
- Cut out all breads and sugar.
- Do the splits by the end of the year.

I think there were some more but I forget what they were, which shows how important they really were to me. Oh, and we're eleven days in and the only one I haven't broken is:

- Do the splits by the end of the year.

Well, what to say about this ... here we go:

New Year's resolutions just make you feel guilty! So here's a new one:

- I'm through with the guilt!

I'm all up for a challenge, and I think that by the end of the year, I will end up working out everyday for 60 days straight (which I'm excited about), but I'm just not there yet. I need a better routine, which I'm working on.

Additionally, I have no desire to be even the slightest bit overweight at any point in my life. That being said, I'm NOT going to feel guilty about enjoying a great pizza (which I love to eat with a bunch of salad, BTW), a sandwich, a bottle of wine, or a cupcake. I can easily cut back on these things, and even go months without having them, but I'm not cutting them out of my life.

So there you have it. My new New Year's resolutions:

- Do the splits by the end of the year.
- And don't feel guilty about enjoying la dolce vita!

This is something I can be excited about!

Personal Style: Put the Gloves On

2010-12-07T11:21:00.000-06:00

The other day, my friend and I were flipping through the container store catalog - always a bunch of fun for us virgos slightly obsessed with organization - and we came across the Safety Touch. The description:

"Why didn't I think of that? If you'd rather not touch public door handles, ATM pads or other less-than-sanitary surfaces with your bare hands, use the Safety Touch. The silicone cover slips out of its chrome -plated case and over your finger. Attach it to your key chain so it's always close at hand. Exclusive to The Container Store."

Yes a handy and cool product. But then I thought, there's already many much more stylish options. Remember when ladies wore gloves throughout the day. They did more then look pretty.

What do you think? Could we bring them back into style? I know I would love to.

Check out Style.com for some inspiration.

Falling Off, Finding New

2010-11-17T15:33:00.000-06:00

I've fallen off the wagon a bit. Actually, make that a lot. My last post was over two months ago, and the truth is, when you've fallen that far off, you need to rethink what you aim to do. Because you can't do everything. You can't be everything.

So that's where I've been these past few weeks. Thinking about this blog and rethinking what I want it to be. While I'd like to take the time to do really great journalistic work - interviews, research, photos and such - I just don't have time to squeeze in that much more detail into everything else I'm doing behind the scenes. It's taken me a while to come to terms with this.

And I, very unfortunately, just simply don't have the time necessary to put so much structure and restrictions into something that is still so young - a friend of mine once told me that you really don't find your voice as a blog author until after you've written about 1,000 posts.

So this is what I've decided. What I love using this blog for is to explore the random ideas, thoughts, inspirations that I come across everyday, and I'm going to set about doing just that. This blog is about the pursuit of style ... from my point of view, with the hope that it will also inspire you to pursue your style. But I need to take the time to find my voice as a blog author.

What that means is that I'm not going to restrict myself into doing certain amounts of certain types of blog posts, with photos and details and links, etc. Let's face it, half the time I forget to take pictures anyway because I'm enjoying the moment; although I am getting better about taking quick snap shots with my iPhone ... if only I could get better about actually loading them onto the computer.

This isn't to say that one day this blog won't grow to be as detailed as I hope it will be. But if I push it to hard I break it. Bummer.

So what I'm going to do is write. If I have an idea that I want to explore, I'm just going to write about, without the added pressure of making it a quick read, with photos and links, etc. My goal is to think and inspire you to think, and to do.

I'm busy doing a bunch of stuff that is creating my lifestyle. And this blog, truthfully is an exploration in understanding all that 'stuff'. Reliving it, experiencing it, dreaming it.

I think I do that well with my words.

This blog is the pursuit of my [Life]Style and I have to stay true to what that means for me. Otherwise, you'll won't get what I promised in the first place.

So here's to renewing and reworking a promise ... and to getting back on the wagon.

Wish me luck!

Style thoughts: just a thought.

2010-08-24T20:50:00.001-05:00

Models of replication. Is nothing new... Where's the creativity?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Style Expedition: Window Dreaming

2010-08-06T08:07:00.001-05:00

I found this on a recent trip to NYC. For those of you who enjoy my Ballet blog entries (1; 2; 3; 4;) ... you'll get a smile out of this.

This is what I look like on the inside!

And this is posted at my dance studio ... it's what I wish I looked like in real life. But then I would have another career.

Don't you just love the way her skirt flows around her. So elegant. If only you could walk around in this everyday and not look totally out of it.

Style Thoughts: Not A Fashionista, Please

2010-08-05T06:00:00.002-05:00

I have to make a quick note. For some reason I don't like the way that word - fashionista - sounds. It's too much like 'diva', which is worse. Additionally, the connotation of 'fashionista' seems to make the idea of being a passionate follower of fashion trivial. And I must argue that it is not trivial.
Now, I've used fashionista before in my writing. But I have to say. I cringe every time I do so. I just haven't found a proper synonym yet. So until I do, I guess it will have to do.
Do you have any ideas for me?

Style Thoughts: Getting Unstuck

2010-08-04T14:58:00.002-05:00

I overheard something the other day that caught my attention ... 'Whatever it is that has you stuck, you need to figure out what it is so that you can get unstuck."
It got me thinking, what has you or me stuck? It's so easy to get into the same-ol' same-ol' and then not be able to find your way out. Creatively speaking, you're repeating the same idea over and over again. So you need something new.
This whole idea is what fashion is all about. If fashion is the changing self expression of a large enough audience (though there are many definitions), you need the constant renewal of alterations that build up to create your style on a continuum called time.
Seasons happen for a reason. Seasons of fashion take advantage of this constant growth, change, and renewal of the self.
So, how are you expressing yourself now? Where are you stuck? How are you going to fix it?
I'll give you a little hint to broaden the idea. Don't just think about fashion as the clothes you put on your back, but the way you live your life. Where and how you live, what you do, how you act, your habits (good and bad). What's in and what's out? What has you stuck? In what aspect of your life are you not pursuing your lifestyle?

Style Management: Fitting It All In - Part 2!

2010-07-07T10:16:00.001-05:00

In my previous blog we talked about the first steps to packing light for whatever trip you're taking.

1. Laying everything out.

2. Color Scheme.

3. Only 3 pairs of shoes!

4. Pack laundry detergent.

I mentioned the outfit I always pack. The black silky top and black high waisted pencil skirt. Here it is:

What I love about a skirt like this, is that it always folds nicely. I pack my clothes in the great Packing Systems by Eagle Creek. I can generally fit everything into just one or two of the little cubes. No need for the shirt folders ... I save those for my husband. I also tend not to use my garment bag that comes with my suitcase, instead I use that large flap that's on the inside lid of the suitcase for larger folded items, such as jackets and dresses that don't fold as nicely into the packing cubes.

But I will say that I absolutely love, love, love my suitcase. An expensive but, oh so worthy investment. When I was looking for a suitcase, I really did my research, and the Briggs and Riley is the best investment you can make. Tumi was a close second, but I think Briggs and Riley is just a better overall configuration.

Plus I love the olive color ... it goes with everything, yet isn't a boring black. You stand out nicely in a crowd, and should you need to expand it and check it to get all your souvenirs home, your bag stands out too!

My other recommendation - luggage straps, I keep one on my bag always for strapping on things I need to get to quickly, a jacket for example. Also, they're a great place to keep a stylish umbrella on the side of your bag, just slide the long umbrella between the strap and the bag, and you have a handy place to keep a much needed tool.

On a recent trip I took, my husband and I packed in the same carry-on. It was a quick trip (only two days) and we were able to make the trip really easy. But the trip was also a causal trip to the west coast, so I opted to drop the black skirt and blouse, and do a simple white summer dress instead. No heels, just the flats I was wearing and an pair of sandals. Of course I took my scarves! One for each day, which really made my outfits; they were mostly simple tees and jeans or my black capri kaki pants.

It was a great trip, we made many happy memories, and it was made all the better with our great style, packed lightly in our compact suitcase. Which unfortunately is still only half-way unpacked ...

My last tip on packing for a trip is to just think ahead a bit. You know you can't wait to go, so just imagine yourself there, then think about what you're wearing, how you're traveling, and pack accordingly. You can pursue your style without packing your entire closet. Give yourself the freedom to find something new, to be a chameleon in your new environment. That, after all, is what travel is all about ... learning something new; changing, even if it's the tiniest bit of yourself.

So, pursue your style wherever you go. Just don't take everything with you.

And tell me, where are you going this travel season? What will you be taking with you?

Style Management: Fitting It All In

2010-06-22T16:16:00.001-05:00

That's an interesting idea, fitting it all in. I find it interesting because that's what I'm trying to do these days ... fit everything in. In two weeks - July 1st 2010 - on my calendar I have written: "The year is have over, what have you done with yourself."

Well a lot actually, one of which was I took a great trip. So this is what this story is really about: it's summertime, time for a trip, time to travel and ... How do you fit it all into your suitcase?

Now, when you are what they call a 'fashionista', it is often difficult to prioritize what you pack, and you often end up over-packing. And good packing is a great start to a good trip. In fact, it's a must. Even the best of experiences on a trip are soured by having too many bags to handle.

Having great style is not just about how you present yourself with the material things, but also about presenting yourself with your experiences. If your struggling with two or more bags (not including your handbag) than you look like a fool. Plain and simple. There is nothing elegant, refined or stylish about someone trying to carry more than they can handle.

Therefore the only thing you can do is edit. So here's how I've learned how to go from two oversized bags to one carry-on for every trip. Every trip? ... even for several months? Yes. Even for a big event where you'll need an evening gown? Yes.

Not that I've learned I can take everything I need in a 20 in carry-on, be stylish in my dress everyday of my trip, and travel about the world with the greatest of ease I will never ever go back. I have gone from someone who would pack a 55-in suitcase for a 1 week trip, to someone who can travel indefinitely with my 1 carry-on bag and my handbag.

Here's what I've learned:

Take EVERYTHING you think you'll need, or want to take and put it on the bed. It helps if you make your bed first; it gives you a nice, clean, large service to work on. I mean everything here. Makeup, shoes, clothes, undies, accessories ... EVERYTHING. You have your pile. This is everything that has a chance to make it into your bag for your trip. But not everything will get to go.
Look at what you've got, and determine:

Your general color scheme. Do you mostly have blacks and whites? Beiges and browns? Blues with pops of color? Pastels or jewel tones? Muted or brights? Solids or patterns? There is some connection between every piece that you've picked out. There is some common personality trait between each of your pieces. The trick is here to figure which pieces have the most in common and that you can make the most out of for your trip.
What are your absolute favorite pieces? Everything is not your favorite. Limit yourself if you have to, no more than 5 favorite pieces among everything in that pile.
How many days are you going to be traveling? How often will you need to change clothes? Will you being going out for fancy cocktails at night? Make a list of this, day by day, what activities you plan to do.
What have you laid out that will fit in best with the climate, social scene and weather of the region you'll be traveling to?

This is where you start weighing your needs and wants. I promise you don't need everything in that pile. In fact, you probably only need half or less, and you will still be super stylish along the way. And think of how much better you'll feel carrying an easy carry-on bag. No wait, no fuss, no juggling. Keep this image in your head, of your stylish self sashaying down the sidewalk of wherever you're traveling in a killer outfit and just your perfectly compact case and handbag. It's about confidence. If you have the ability to travel stylishly yet compactly, it displays a sense of confidence in yourself. You know what your about, you aren't all over the place ... literally and figuratively.

Shoes. You will only need 3 pairs of shoes max. That's it! NO MORE!

One pair of heels that will go with everything - jeans, kakis, cocktails, everything. I either go with black patent pumps in the winter (Thank You Stuart Weitzman!) or a simple gold, bronze, silver or beige in the summer.
One pair of black ballet flats. This will be your everyday running around pair. Don't skimp on these. Use a relatively new pair, that are comfortable, pretty, durable and will stretch and form to fit your feet more comfortably throughout your travels.
A pair of sandals. I prefer gladiators that keep my foot securely in the shoe. I find that my feet work too hard to keep a flip-flop on, which makes my feet tire out sooner. These sandals can either go with a great little day dress, jeans, or take you to the pool.

Sometime with shoes I do change it up. For example, if I know it's going to be cold, I'll wear a pair of boots, and instead of sandals and I'll pack the ballet flats and heels. Or if I can get away without heels, I'll pack two pairs of ballet flats, one everyday one for evening, keep the sandals. But three pairs of shoes is my rule. If a pair breaks or gets too worn, I buy a new pair throughout my travels, which is often a great souvenir.

Outfits: This is where it gets tricky and you have to learn what's best for you depending on your own style. But how I do it is that I'll take my list of days and plan my outfits accordingly. I also look at my pile and see what pieces I can get the most outfits out of, by mixing and matching.

I tend to work mostly in solids and stick to a simple color scheme. Typically it's black with either whites and beiges, or whites and pops of color. I dress in layers, 1 or 2 t-shirts, a great pair of jeans, slacks or a skirt, a sweater and/or a jacket. Plus a belt and scarf.

I'm a jean person. I love my blue jeans. But even then I will only take a maximum of two pairs, usually of different styles. I'll also take a black pair of capri kakis that are nice enough to wear out in the evening with my heels or for any day. I may through in a pair of regular kakis, and less skirts or dresses.

I will do a little black dress that I can wear day or night, and maybe one other that folds up super small without wrinkling ... a silk jersey knit for example. I will also do a black stretchy knit skirt, and maybe one other pencil skirt.

There will always be three items in my suitcase that I actually turn into two outfits, for day or night. A black high waisted pencil skirt in a luxurious material, a black silk top, and a white t-shirt. The black skirt with a sweater, white tee, and flats is sweet for day. Take away the sweater and glam-it-up with a pair of earrings and chunky necklace for a sexy night ... not to mention the heels. The black skirt and black silk top is a elegant alternative for night. Or for a easy night out, wear the black silky top with jeans.

See what I mean. In that last paragraph I talked about 5 clothing items total (not counting accessories) and I mention 4 potential outfits ... but depending on the other items I pack, I could do many many more.

Only pack 1 outfit for each day if it's a short trip, and depending on the type of trip this may or may not include your evening clothes (which you should limit to a maximum of 2). For a long trip, limit the number of days you pack for to 1 week. That will get you a large enough mix to make numerous outfits for any length of trip.

You can always wash, and in this case I recommend taking a small clearly marked container of dry laundry detergent. Take less than 3 ounces, which will get you through about a month to a month and half long trip, and clearly mark that it is laundry detergent. Keep it in your clear plastic bag for your lotions and creams, that'll you'll have cleared as you go through security.

I prefer Forever New, which will take you through your delicates and your jeans and basic tees. You also only need the tiniest amount, so don't get detergent happy and waste it. You can get away with rinsing, washing or at the very least spotting pretty much anything with an easy delicate detergent. If you're going on a long trip, make sure everything you take is easily washable.

I know I've talked your ear off, so I'm going to make this a two part-er. And I'll give you some more tips later on.

In the meantime, what ideas do you have?

Hello! Get Back to Pursuing this thing called 'Style'!

2010-06-19T18:17:00.001-05:00

I've been quite remiss in my blog writing responsibilities. It's amazing how days turn into weeks, and weeks turn into months, and then low and behold all these ideas that you have running through your head never get the chance to be recorded.

But alas, despite my hectic schedule I'm making a point of getting back into it. So check back with me on Monday ... I'll have regular posts starting then. As always, I have a lot to share, and am looking forward to posting some of the great snap-shots I've taken over the past several months. It's time we make things more visual!

Also, we have a lot to discuss where fashion is concerned ... I've been doing a great deal of research and am eager to share with you some of the things I've learned along the way.

See you Monday!

Style Thoughts: Fashion is ...

2010-05-24T10:16:00.000-05:00

Here's an idea I'm working on. What do you think?

Fashion is the cyclical culmination of trends that through various forms of communication move through society to become the means of exhibition for how we express our lives. On the simplest level, fashion moves from one person to another, expressing an idea. That idea continues to move through society, and through various means of communication becomes a trend that takes on it's own life cycle ... birth, growth, maturity, decline and death.

This creation of ideas that becomes trends effect every aspect of our lives. We learn and adopt from one another, spurring on the birth, growth and death of more and more ideas that all move at their own individual pace.

Individuals create and adopt these ideas, incorporating them into their own self-expression, that over time tells the story of their life. It is their style.

So here we are, as much a part as we are apart from this big complicated ball of chaos that is made up of individuals, organizations, media, and ideas. We all feed off of each other, learning to adopt nuances here and there that we incorporate into our very being.

All of this is the foundation of fashion. No, all of this IS fashion.

And fashion is the expression of ideas that creates our life[style].

Personal Style: The Body of a Dancer

2010-05-22T15:47:00.001-05:00

Today is the second time I've been told I have the body of a dancer. I have to admit it makes me feel beautiful!

Also, this little event has happened since I've been taking Ballet classes. Ironically, in ballet, especially this past week, I've felt totally not like a dancer. I don't bend the way I should, I feel heavy as opposed to light as a feather as we move about 'gracefully', and to top it all off I'm slow. I'm always at least two beats behind the music.

I'm telling you this because here's the other funny thing. I have a birthday color book (more on this wonderful piece of literature later) that tells you about your birthday, your color, and your personality.

One of my key words in this book is 'musical'. Get it? Two beats behind the music and I'm musical? The body of a dancer, yet I'm like a stick of bamboo, trying to flutter like a feather. It's not working very well.

So I have to ask, what do people see in me that I can't see in myself?

More importantly, what do people see in you?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Aspects of Style: Keys to Pursuit

2010-04-20T14:17:00.000-05:00

Jesh! Where does the time go. I haven't written in a month. A month!

But just because I haven't written doesn't mean I haven't been actively pursuing my [Life]Style. In fact, I've been diving in to my style pursuit everyday, head first. And it's been quite a trek. I have a ton of things to tell you about, but unfortunately my schedule doesn't seem to be letting up anytime soon. I've been doing a lot of the 'doing' of pursing my [Life]Style, and there hasn't been time for the writing about it.

But to tide you over, I'll give you this general token.

I have to make a note here that this has come from several conversations with my Sidney, and he's taken claim on the idea, so I must give him credit. There, that's done, let's continue ...

In any pursuit, in order to be successful you need three things: resources, opportunity, and timing.

Spend some time thinking about this.

Opportunity - the idea presents itself and you have the opportunity to take advantage of it.
Resources - you have what it will take to take advantage of it: money, skills, knowledge, experience, etc.
Timing - the time is right, you're neither to late or to early, but have arrived with the idea and the resources at the exact right moment.

How does this apply to your [Life]Style? Think about anything you want to do, take advantage of, or buy. Here's a simple example:

You see an amazing designer garment that you just have to have. You need A: the opportunity - perhaps the excuse to wear it, or at the very least the excuse you tell yourself to buy it. B: the resources - the money, and access to the retailer (thank you internet for that!). C: Timing - you have to have both A & B before your time runs out, before the garment is sold out or no longer available. Or what if you know exactly what you want, have the resources to purchase, but unfortunately can't find what you're looking for anywhere.

If you're missing any one of these you're out-of-luck. I know, it sucks doesn't it. I still remember things that I wish I had purchased but missed out on, the frustration of it still burning within me. But you move on and do better the next time, hopefully.

Now this is a simplistic example, but consider for a second the idea that clothing, retailing and the fashion industry in general is a reflection of the bigger ideas of our society, of our individual [Life]Styles. Purchasing a loved garment is just the simplistic version of a bigger idea, of an expression of yourself, your dreams, your goals, your journey, your destination. It's a reflection of your true self.

And in everything you do, you need to work your ass off - to dive in head first - into making the opportunity, the resources, and the timing all work together. This is how you're able to execute your goals. This is how you're able to achieve your dreams. This is how you're able to pursue your [Life]Style.

But in the doing of this, be sure to reflect yourself beautifully. And purchase that jacket - quick, before it's gone.

Tell me, how can this principle be applied to both a simplistic example in your life and one that is more complex? Am I right or wrong in my thinking?

Style Profile: First Lady of Fitness

2010-03-22T11:08:00.003-05:00

For my first Style Profile I'd like to introduce you to Kinaya.

Photo Credit: Kinaya

WOW. Yes, this is her - amazing, gorgeous, and fit.

I'm writing about Kinaya because she has been such an inspiration to me. You see, Kinaya is to fitness as I am to style. Her First Lady of Fitness brand is all about inspiring women to pursue a more fit lifestyle. She is also placing an emphasis on inspiring African American women who are plagued by obesity, diseases associated with being overweight (such as heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers), and self-limiting stereotypes. Now tell me, what is not stylish about that?

Kinaya's inspiration? Well she has two:

1. Michelle Obama, the First Lady of Fitness. Have you seen those arms?

Photo Credit: Mrs. O Facebook Page.

Photo by: Marvin Joseph / The Washington Post

2. Mardy Chen, her yoga instructor.

Photo Credit: Kinaya

But Kinaya herself is truly an inspiration.

Just take a second look at that picture of Kinaya in dancer pose at the top of the blog. Go ahead, I'll wait. ... Okay, stop staring. Time to read on now.

On January 1st Kinaya began a 60-day Bikram Yoga challenge. She committed herself to an hour and a half of yoga in 105+ degrees everyday for 60 days. I'm happy to report that she was a smashing success. Here's the proof ... her t-shirt:

Photo Credit: Kinaya

You can read about her journey on her blog: Sister Liberty.

I first became totally intrigued, and I admit a little jealous -- you know that good kind of jealous that makes you want to go out and be just as fabulous so you're worthy of conversation with such an inspiring person -- of her yoga challenge when she mentioned on her blog around day 20 that her transformation is much more spiritual and emotional rather than physical.

"I started out wondering how much muscle I would build, how much flexibility I would gain, whether my waistline would shrink and now I don't even recognize myself! And that unfamiliarity has little to do with how I look," she wrote.

Now sit back and imagine for just a bit what it would be like to:

Make that commitment to yourself to do one of the most strenuous workouts everyday for 60-days.
To truly promise that commitment.
To not get scared off by the internal, spiritual and emotional changes that sneak up on you around day 20.
To follow through to the end.
To succeed.

Do you see yourself in that position? Isn't it beautiful and frightening all that the same time?

How does all this related to style? Well here especially it's all about the lifestyle you want to create for yourself. Sometimes you need that internal, emotional, spiritual change, as scary as it may be. And sometimes the best way to get there is to throw yourself head first into an activity or challenge.

"Currently, I am truly focused on my inner style. I have a plan to revamp my wardrobe but right now I'm focused on 'owning my space' then sharing that space with special people. I am doing this through Bikram yoga and triathlon. Both are so difficult that they get me in a place of gratitude and reflection. When I feel good on the inside, it truly makes whatever I'm wearing an afterthought to me and to everyone around me. I look and feel my best when I'm confident! Self-actualization is my top priority."

On a side note, one thing this makes me think about is the nature of the activity. I tend to think that in order to achieve an internal change you need to be learning. That's the key. Because if, for example, you're throwing yourself into work, or the same-old same-old, you're not going to be empowered to change. You need something new to break your pattern. And if you are learning something new, like yoga, you see yourself improving, you see yourself learning a new skill. And then that does change you internally. How could it not?

And if you're looking to improve on your style, why not change yourself from the inside out, one sweaty workout at a time?

Important Rule Number One: Invest in yourself from the inside-out. Learn a new skill. Learn something about yourself. Find an inspiring role model. Create a chain reaction of empowering, inspiring women. Kinaya did and she's a smashing success.

And it's okay to invest in your own style as well. Here's Kinaya in her own words on her own style:

"Most of what I know about style, as it pertains to fashion, I learned from my mother. My mother [is] a strikingly beautiful woman with a very keen sense of style. She is the type of woman who is always so well turned out. She would not be seen outside her front door without a plan. She taught me about fabrics, feel, and fit. My mother has always had a seamstress/tailor that she can call on at any time. I never really and truly embraced all the lessons that she tried to impart but I always admired her style and tried to emulate her in my late teens and early 20s. My mother has a very full and thorough understanding of fashion. It's learned and organic for her.

My mother explained to me early on that style cannot be taught. She insists that you are born with it and she swears that I was born with it no matter how I try to "pooh pooh" it as frivolous and irrelevant. For me, it goes back to fabric, fit and feel! But my definition of style has expanded to include INNER style. I have learned that it doesn't matter what I'm wearing if I can't wear it with confidence and grace. And no matter how impeccably one is dressed, if you aren't of any use to anyone, well, you're just a well dressed mannequin. Now that I think about it, this is probably one of the reasons that John F. Kennedy Jr. was so well loved. Besides being gorgeous, he helped so many while being so well turned out! I believe that style is sharing what you KNOW while being impeccably dressed. I think of Annie Lennox and Tom Ford. I have many style icons but these are the two that quickly come to mind--besides JFK, Jr. My husband has defined my style/fashion as Post Apocalyptic! It's somewhere between Ralph Lauren and Jean Paul Gauthier which, strangely, looks like the Converse brand which I like a lot! I'm also a fan of Barney's Co-Op which is fairly accessible.

I've always loved the finer things but have been embarrassed to admit it. Now, I have accepted this part of myself and am dealing with it. I love couture! I despise ready-to-wear but what can you do?!

Did you see Sandra Bullock on the Oprah Show the day after the Oscars?! She is my current inspiration. The suit was stunning but she made it even more exquisite.

As for my own style, I see myself moving toward Audrey Hepburn's philosophy of having a lot of the same thing! Truly, I could live my life in white t-shirts by James Perse, a few well-made suits, preferably Armani, and flip flops."

Who is your inspiration? Who and what inspires your style? Who taught you about fashion? What experience have you had in your life that has surprisingly changed who you thought you were? If you haven't had that type of experience, what can you challenge yourself to do to find your true self and lead you on a path to pursue your style, and the lifestyle you dream of for yourself?

And finally, what are you going to do with yourself to make your style stand out?

Please share your story. You might inspire one of the other readers. And I know you'll inspire me.

Style Pursuit: Dress Like A Dancer and Make Friends

2010-03-12T06:00:00.001-06:00

Ballet Classes 3 & 4.

Still in search of the most productive and comfortable position in the room while doing barre I've moved out to the barres in the center of the room so I can see myself in the mirror. Only problem is, sometimes I pull a little too hard on the barres which are not attached to anything. I'm now afraid of pulling them over and embarrassing myself.

Also, the more experienced students tend to work in the center of the room, along with the instructor, which puts me in pretty tough company.

In these classes I'm working on really getting the feet movements down; I've stopped worrying about where my arms are supposed to be all together. That will have to wait. I see improvements in my feet movements, and am really starting to enjoy myself. While I have great posture, my biggest challenge is to use my non-existent ab muscles to keep my stomach pulled in and still breath. It's so much harder then it sounds, and I constantly catch myself sticking my butt out one way and my stomach out the other. There's no grace in that. But I've noticed that this is the same problem I have in yoga. At least I'm consistent, and at least the two practices are consistent in their form.

I've notice that the students are starting to talk to each other more before and during class then in my pervious classes. Everyone is laughing and having a good time and I'm happy to see this.

By class three I also learn that my beautiful instructor's name is Libby. And she is graceful and powerful. I enjoy watching her show us the routines almost as much as I enjoy attempting to do them myself.

I'm really starting to get the whole counting thing down. And I'm starting to show more confidence in my practice through my slow deliberate moves, counting the steps out loud to myself, staring myself down in the mirror as I move from one position to the other, watching each maticulous step as I move. My favorite is the fifth position.

One day I'll show you a picture of my feet, and maybe even me dancing. But for now, this will have to do.

Photo Credit: About.com

"5, 6, 7, 8 ... Out and In, Out and Hold, In, In, and Out and In."

I repeat to the side and to the back. Then I switch sides and do it again, first to the front.

"5, 6, 7, 8 ... Out and In, Out and Hold, In, In, and Out and In."

This is my favorite routine so far. And honestly, I don't even know if I've quoted it to you correctly, but I gave it my best shot.

Sidney once told me that a runner friend of his mentioned a wall that every runner hits after a certain point. It's no longer a workout of the body, but I workout of the mind and soul. You begin to crave it and you workout again to get to that point.

By the end of class 4 I've hit that wall. Grace is now a small tiny light deep in my soul. She's beginning to shine a bit brighter and I crave her company. I believe she'll come to visit me more often in my daily life. But part of the joy is seeking her out every workout in both yoga and ballet.

Please tell me, where do you find Grace?

Style Pursuit: Could Grace Possibly Be The Class Clown?

2010-03-10T06:00:00.002-06:00

Ballet. Class Number 2.

I'm a bit more confident this class. Mostly just because I kinda know what to expect with the flow of how things go.

Bar work.
Center Balance work.
Center Jumps.
Center Turns.
Done.

If you've done anything right you'll have sore muscles. Oh and as my friend Key says - "Oh, it hurts to move your body that way, perfect! You're doing it right."

Ballet's objective: to make your hurt before AND after practice. And yet still it should look graceful and effortless.

Anyway, my first change for this class is that I move positions on the bar so that I can see myself in the mirror. But halfway through class I realize that this position may be worse since there are four other ladies in line for the mirror before me along the bar. Okay actually it's five minutes in, but by this time I feel it would be rude to change positions, so I go with it.

This is something that I will probably continue to do, find my perfect position in class.

I'm much more vocal this class. Talking with the other girls, laughing at my silly mistakes, trying to make connections with other students. In this way I'm sort of like a class clown, but not in a ridiculous, rude way. At least, I hope not. I think it's just my way of wanting to make meaningful connections with other people in the class. You know ... break the ice.

Here we are, people from diverse backgrounds. Each with our own story. But for some reason we are all drawn to this one connection point - Ballet Class.

As I 'dance', I wonder what each of the other student's story is. Where are they from? What do they do? Who do they love? Why are they here? What are their dreams for their lives?

I talk to make people laugh. To break any invisible wall that seems to be shielding each of us from the other. We're all protecting ourselves from the embarrassment of trying something new and unfamiliar. We afraid to reach out for fear of rejection. It's bad enough that our own bodies reject what we are asking it to do, I think for some it would be too much if we were to be rejected by our fellow students too. I can't stand the strain of that fear, I just have to break it down.

I hope I help. I definitely see smiles and hear little laughs as I joke about the teacher's instruction and the impossible positions she's encouraging us to force our bodies to do.

I see a small improvement in my skill which is reassuring. Then the instructor asks us to stand straight and tall, squeezing our thighs together. I squeeze as tight as possible.

The instructor stops the routine.

"Okay, some of you are bow legged," she says. "And your thighs don't touch."

I look around the class. My thighs are the only ones with the large gap. "I just have wide hips," I whisper to myself.

"You still need to squeeze as tightly as possible to create strong legs," she says. Or something like that. Honestly by this point I'm too busy questioning the fact that my legs don't touch, which I always thought was a good thing. Apparently not. I'm now a little self conscious.

I've hit a point in my workout, in both yoga and ballet, I've become very conscious of the shape of my body. My focal point ... my extra wide hips which cause my thighs not to touch.

This is sad and disheartening because working out should make you feel good about your body. At this point in my fitness pursuit I feel a bit worse about it. And I'm looking for that to change and I fully expect it to.

We do center work (i.e. in the center of the room without the bar) and quickly move on to the waltz. Now I've learned a little ballroom, I know the basic box step. But apparently, I let Sidney lead a more then he thinks I do because I am totally lost with the waltz. I can not get myself to get the feet right, left, no right.

"You only have two feet," the instructor says.

"But I don't know my right from my left without thinking about it," I'm thinking to myself. That's the trick, getting your brain to communicate that to your body on the fly. And I'm not doing very well.

By the end of class, I'm deflated while at the same time invigorated. How this is possible, I don't know. I still feel determined but am uncomfortable in my own skin. I'm truly out of my element here.

I'm still on my search for Grace but so far, I've only found the class clown. Is there anything graceful about that?

Style Pursuit: Looking for Grace in Ballet.

2010-03-08T18:40:00.002-06:00

Ballet is one of my activities for my own personal lifestyle pursuit. I want to bring more grace, power, elegance, discipline and strength into my daily life practice, and of course my fashion sense. What better way then to learn to be more graceful, powerful, and elegant through the agonizing strength building exercises in a ballet class?

So far I've taken four classes. But allow me to take you back in time to just before my first class.

You may remember in my blog about purchasing my ballet shoes how excited I was about beginning my classes. How could I not be after holding those adorable shoes in my hands?

I leave my house for class number one 45 minutes early. The dance studio is 5 minutes away, but I want to allow myself plenty of time to get used to my surroundings.

I drive to the studio, park my car, walk in, sign up, pay for my batch of 10 classes, get my class card, and head up to the studio to wait for class to start. I have 35 minutes to wait. As I walk to the studio where the class will be held I look in the windows of the other studios and notice the cute little girls diligently practicing the steps. There are after-school programs galore going on. There are 14 year-olds here and there lining the halls, decked out in ballet gear doing homework. I smile to myself at being able to spy on their childhood experience. There's something special about it that touches my heart.

Finally I make my way to my studio. Studio E. I peak in the window and panic washes over me. There in the room are 15 girls in black leotards, pink tights, and matching shoes. Their hair is pulled back into a tight perfect little bun.

I suddenly feel as if I'm in a bad dream. That I'm not 30 minutes early, but actually very late, and without the right attire. I look down at my pristine (and pricey) yoga gear and suddenly feel very dumpy and sloppy. So much for elegance.

I quietly sit down in the corner of the hall and feel tears beginning to sting the back of my throat and eyes. I pull out my mobile to check the time and text Sidney.

"I'm so nervous!! I'm watching the teenagers and they're so good. ... I don't even know any of the words!!! ... What was I thinking?!"

I'm two seconds away from leaving and running as fast as I can out of there. Then I remember the $125 I just spent on my ten class pass.

"You will do very good and you'll have a blast! Just breath!" My Sidney replies. "You'll be happy you did this - I know you baby!"

I breath. And I begin to feel better. But I feel the terror shaking through my entire body.

15 minutes til. Another student comes and sits down quietly across the hall from me. Then a third student asks her where the restroom is. I find my in! I need to start talking to someone to calm my nerves, make a new friend.

"So it sounds like you've been here before," I say at the fact that she knows where the restroom is.

"Oh, yea," she replies, "but not in a while."

"This is my first time," I say. "I just bought my ballet shoes today. I was so happy to find out they were only $20."

"$20! Really, I've been putting off buying some because I thought they would be more than that."

"I know! I was totally expecting to pay $60 - $80. I was so happy to find out they were so much less expensive."

Other students file into the hall. I see them stretching. Some are in yoga or other workout gear like me. Others are dressed to the nines in ballet attire, ready for their recital debut. Everyone is putting on their shoes, tying the little pink bows, which I later learn - by stepping on them in the middle of a routine and nearly killing myself by diving head first into the bar - that they should be tucked tightly into your shoe after you tie them.

The teenage ballerinas in the studio begin to leave. Their class is over. We file in, place our belongings in the various corners out of the way.

I quietly sneak my way to part of the bar and stake my claim on my space. Other students are moving the bar equipment to the center of the room. There is quiet chatter and giggling.

I feel like a kid on my first day at a new school.

The instructor, a young pretty lady walks to the center of the room and easily gets our attention.

Talk about jump right in. She jumps right into going over the routine. She goes too fast. I'm lost already.
Then the routine really begins with music. Oh, she was only telling us what we were going to do. Then we do it.

I feel lost the whole class. There are some points where the instructor comes and grabs my foot and moves it through the correct positions. I just release control and let her guide me. I begin to fear I will never catch on. So much for grace.

Towards the end of the bar routines I begin to barely get the hang of it. And I'm starting to enjoy myself a little more.

We move the bars out of the center of the room and move on to center work where we work on balance and jumps. I move through this okay. I'm not so worried or intimidated anymore, and am just going with the flow. Breathing and smiling to myself, trying not to think about how bad I am. This is just my first day, I have to learn.

Before I know it class is over. And to my surprise I feel empowered - still afraid, but there is also this new sense of determination I have never felt before.

I don't want to say that I've never sucked at anything that I've begun as badly as I have with ballet, because I'm sure that's not the case. Maybe it's that I've never sucked at anything so badly that I've simultaneously fallen in love with. But still that may not be the way to describe it.

At any rate I feel an intensely powerful sense of determination to continue. I will learn ballet. I will train my body to lift my legs gracefully and slowly, in such a way that looks so effortless but exhibits such a show of strength.

I came to this class looking for Grace, but so far she's no where to be found. Maybe I'll catch a glimpse of her the next week in class number two.

Style Thoughts: Dressing for Love

2010-02-26T05:00:00.001-06:00

One of my favorite parts to read in magazines is the editorial comments from readers. I especially love this section in Vogue because the readers are so well spoken and often so passionate about fashion and style.

I have to quote a reader - Carolyn Ansley of Toronto, Ontario, Canada - who commented on an article on Shiva Rose. I didn't read the article and I honestly don't know who Rose is, but I loved the reader's comment.

"If you haven't dressed for love, you never really dressed."

It reminded me of my Valentine's Day date with Sidney and my beautiful red vintage dress.

Dressing for love, of others, the world, and yourself is one of the best things you can do. It exhibits pride in yourself and those that you love. It shows that you care. That you're patient enough to put thought into who you are, and how you relate to and love those around you.

Dress for love. Every day.

I do.

Question for the Readers

2010-02-25T18:10:00.001-06:00

Dear Readers,

Tell me, do you like short blogs, or long blogs?

I'd just thought I'd ask.

Sincerely,

Jes

Personal Style: Getting to Know You.

2010-02-25T17:39:00.000-06:00

A few years ago I bought a dress form. It happened like this.

One day I was sitting in my office, thinking of ways to decorate it to be more interesting. I had the idea to introduce a dress form as a bulliten board. Low and behold, a few months later while reading InStyle Magazine I came across a designer who had done the very same thing! Things like this happen to me all the time, I consider it to be my own connection to the collective consciousness of the world, or maybe it's just serendipity.

In either case, I immediately put the dress form on my shopping list to purchase. I had the fortuitous opportunity to do so several months after that when I needed a sexy decoration for a bachelorette party I was hosting at my home.

So I purchased the dress form from Pottery Barn Teen.

For several years this beloved dress form sat in my office and held inspirational quotes and trinkets for me to look at while I worked away on my Mac Book Pro.

But recently I've had the opportunity to really get to know her.

[You have too, by the way, because I've featured her on the blog several times ... she makes such a good model for all the clothes I show you. She always look so beautiful!]

Since a major part of sewing and fashion design is draping, a dress form is not only a chic companion but a useful tool. And since I already spent $200 on the decorative dress form, purchasing a new one was out of the question. But luckily, the PBTeen form and I are the same size, though she is more round, whereas I am more flat and wide. But that's really no biggie.

Upon closer inspection I've noticed that she is not an actual dress form for fashion design purposes. She is purely decorative. Which requires some adjustments on my part. Again, no biggie.

You see, a real dress form has all sorts of lines that indicate certain style lines: the center front line, the center back line, the front and back princess seams, the side seams, the waist line, the apex of each bust, the hip line. My dress form has none of these lines. I had to put them in myself.

A few hours, 8.5 yards of soutache, 100 silk pins, and 10 sore fingers later, I now have a dress form I can use to create beautiful designs to fit my style.

While getting to know her and getting her all dressed to work, I was so happy to find out that she and I have a lot in common.

First of all, I love how she shows off her dynamic personality, that I can relate to, via her elegant beige covering and vintage-y stand. But now that she is all dressed up and ready to get to work, she is also a bit of a rock star with the bold black lines of the soutache and sparkling studs of the silk pins. She is both soft and strong, elegant and proud. I honestly see a bit of myself in her.

But get this! My favorite part about her is that she is just like me. Because you see I have scoliosis, which means I have a somewhat of crooked back in an 'S' form. It's been somewhat corrected, but that's another story. Well anyway, she has scoliosis too, because her center back stitching is off her true center back in the same 'S' shape as mine. I'll prove it to ya. Take a close look at the following picture.

See what I mean. How cool is that?! To happen to buy a dress form several years ago that is both my same size and has scoliosis! I am too lucky.

Now when I really know my dress form I'll have a great name for her. But for now, I just call her little Sally, which I have to tell ya, is also the name I use to describe my financé's and my potentially lacking or faulty parenting skills, or our general lack of a kid friendly environment.

For example, one day when we were looking at houses, I mentioned that if we were to buy this particular house that we were looking at, little Sally would run out into the busy street it resided on, get hit by a car, and die because there was no yard or safety fence, and therefore, this particular house was not a good choice.

Little Sally is also the name of our imaginary dog.

So I don't think little Sally is going to be her name in the long run. But I haven't decided what to name her.

Do you have any suggestions?

And I have to ask ya, what objects do you name? What things reflect your own personality? What objects have you gotten to know and you are so glad you did?

I also have to mention that while this is a little silly, to 'name' things, I think it also reflects creativity and playfulness, which helps you in turn to be more creative in a productive way. So if you haven't thought about it or tried it, I also encourage you to do so.

Personal Style: The First Dance Move

2010-02-22T17:00:00.008-06:00

I'm not usually in the habit of making New Year's resolutions, however this year, being the beginning of a new decade, I felt like it was a good time to seriously start. I made a whole list of wonderful things I wanted to do for myself. And I will note here that I believe that is what New Year's resolutions should be, a promise to yourself for your own self improvement, a personal enhancement of your own pursuit of style.

On my wonderful list of stylish promises was my goal to begin a series of ballet lessons. And by beginning I mean BE-GIN-NING! I am really starting at the very bottom here.

So I did the research. I found lessons that I was going to sign up for at Ballet Austin. I arranged my schedule, which took a month and some. And I jumped ballet-covered-toes first into this pursuit.

Purchasing my ballet shoes was an experience! It took a total of 15 minutes, but I continue to relive each moment of the experience in my mind. My offical ballet experience began like this:

I drove up to Movin' Easy, the official clothier of Ballet Austin. I wiped my sweaty palms on my jeans. I took a deep breath as I reached down to grab the car door handle. I looked over at Sidney and asked him to please come in with me. I felt my heart starting to beat rapidly, like it does when you're about to thrust yourself into an unusual situation. Finally I got out of the car. Whew! I held my head high as I walked up to the door, grasped the handle, pulled on the door, and entered the store.

As I walked into the store I noticed that there were no ballet shoes in sight! I looked around frantically searching for the objects of my desire. I needed these shoes or I couldn't dance that night! What was I going to do?!

"How can I help you," the sales assistant asked after she finished up with the current customer. In the meantime I was working on calming my inner panic while I 'casually' browsed the shop.

"Oh, I need a pair of ballet shoes," I said as I was gliding the fabric of a wrap-skirt hanging on a rack through my fingers. I said it with as much confidence as I could fake, trying to sound experienced at this ballet shopping business even though I was totally lost.

"Well, they're right back here. Follow me," was her reply, and my moment of calm and relief.

She lead me to the back of the store, through a skinny door lined on either side by pinkish-beige curtains. Walking through that door was like Alice walking through the looking glass. This is where the wonderment of dancing begins! Literally.

All along the wall to my right are shoe boxes. No, even better - dancing shoe boxes! Hundreds of them, all shapes and sizes. To my left is a lady trying on tap shoes on the small square of wooded floor - for your dancing pleasure and connivence. The room is calming and elegant. Almost like a sophisticated (read: wealthy) lady's luxurious boudoir, complete with plush sitting cushion.

I gently sit on the cushion and softly place my purse at my feet. After the sales assistant asks me to put on the cute little nylon sockies she asks me my normal shoe size. "Eight and a half to a nine," I say. "Well, closer to a nine."

She walks over to the appropriate area of the shelves, pulls out a thin white box from the middle of a stack. She then pulls the pretty little pink shoes out of their box.

I pull them on my feet, adjusting the mary jane strap across the bridge of my foot. She takes the ties in the front of the shoe and pulls them tight. I had no idea those two stings actually had a purpose!

When I take a good look at the shoes I notice that they're honestly not as cute as you would imagine. They definitely don't have the eye-appealing look to them like the ballet inspired shoes you would buy at Nordstrom's to go with that new skirt, leggings, or jeans you just had to have. But then I reassure myself, these shoes have a very important purpose. VIP.

I debate going up a size and try on the next size up, but I'm told that ballet shoes should fit tight since they're going to stretch. Again I try on the smaller size and decide to go with those.

Get this - in ballet world, I'm a size 6.5!

I ask the wonderfully sweet sales assistant how much the shoes cost. I'm expecting to pay $80. But another wonderful surprise, they're only $20! At this exciting news, I take a look around at the ballet clothes. Again, very reasonable prices. Score! But I decide to invest in the whole ballet garb only after I have a bit more experience so that I don't look like an ungraceful fool in full ballet attire. And as I have learned, beginning ballet is very ungraceful!

I hold the shoes gently in my hands the whole way home, saying to myself, and sometimes out loud to Sidney: "I own my first pair of ballet shoes!" Over and over again, I say this. It's like a chant, my own little ballet prayer or affirmation.

I run home and post my affirmation to facebook. It has now become a cheer. The excitement for my first class, which is to take place that night, is starting to build into a burning boiling point of anticipation deep in the very core my being. My energy is building. But I have to wait five whole hours.

I can't wait anymore. So I use the excuse that I need to 'break-in my ballet shoes' and I put them on, wearing them around the house while I finish my work for the day.

This resolution feels different. Perhaps because there was a definite process that I had to go through in order to accomplish the task at hand. Perhaps it feels different because it is so far out of my comfort zone. I haven't danced since I was five, so it feels so new to me. I am grasping desperately at those childhood memories, trying to find something to compare this experience to, or maybe to remember some dance steps. After my first class, which I'll write about in another blog, it becomes official. I do not remember anything.

But I have taken the first step. And at this point in my ballet experience, I'm so happy that I did.

Please tell me, what new things have you tried in your own lifestyle pursuit that made your palms sweat with anxiety, anticipation, and excitement at the very thought of you actually accomplishing your goal? When were you most afraid? When were you most excited? When did you know that this experience that you were seeking was totally right for you? What did you learn about yourself?

Personal Style: What A Surprise. It's not about the dress.

2010-02-15T12:45:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago I mentioned my successful first vintage shopping trip, but I couldn't tell you what I bought because it was a surprise for my financé.

Now if you know anything about me, you should know that I LOVE surprises. The truth is I love being the receiver of surprises, because usually, when I'm the giver of the surprise I'm so excited about it that I usually end up spilling the beans. Don't get me wrong, I love giving surprise too, I'm just not very good at it.

Unfortunately several of my friends, and my fiancé for that matter, have been the receiver of my surprises, and for their sake I really wish I could keep the secret until the perfect moment. But I usually never can. I have the best of intentions. I want them to feel as special as I do when I receive a surprise, but somehow my excitement and love keeps me from crossing the finish line of surprise-ed-ness.

With this Valentine's Day, which we celebrated on the 13th actually, I almost kept the secret until the very last second. But, to tell you the truth, I was so excited about wearing my surprise, that I did spill the beans the morning of, and I showed Sidney the beautiful vintage red dress I bought to celebrate this Valentine's Day.

I really did almost a perfect job of keeping the secret. I bought the dress several weeks ago at Feathers. I took it home, where it sat quietly tucked into my closet, still in its shopping bag. Then when the time was right, I snuck it out of the house, into my car, and to Triana Tailors.

As an aside - Elizabeth Triana is THE BEST tailor in Austin. She can do anything! She's my go-to person for solving any fit or fabric issue. More about her wonderfulness later!

Okay. So in a few days I picked my beautiful dress up from the tailor, took it home, somehow snuck it back into my closet where it hung perfectly pressed, waiting for its Valentine's Day debut.

And then, on the 13th of February, the day Sidney and I planned our Valentine's Day, I told him about the dress. I couldn't help myself. I just wanted to share the love and excitement. Oh the anticipation! I couldn't wait any longer. We then went to a see Valentine's Day with friends. Which was fun and it put us in a Valentine's Day mood. We then rushed home, where I threw on the dress, heels, grabbed my clutch, and touched up my mascara. All in time to arrive at Bess Bistro for our 6 p.m. reservation with our favorite waiter, Michael. We didn't do anything particularly special, sticking to our health conscious dinner choices, mussels for him, shrimp Bess for me, plus our other favorite dishes. Michael in fact laughed at our order and how ordinary it all was.

But we sat and talked and laughed for hours. We just spent the night together.

In all honesty the night wasn't any more or less special then any other dinner Sidney and I spend together. We were just together, talking about our plans, our friends, our dreams, our lives. Except there was one difference, I was in the dress.

You see, Sidney and I don't usually do anything extremely special for Valentine's Day. Which I really like. There is no forced pressure to creatively think of a gift. Instead we actually make everyday special. Like two weeks ago when Sidney surprised me with the perfect ceramic mug from Starbucks. To fill you in on the story, I had been researching relentlessly since early December for the perfect ceramic mug, with little success. And on a chilly day in early February, to my surprise while I was waiting for Sidney to grab a pound of coffee at Starbucks, he comes out and hands me a gently wrapped gift. And in that wrapping was a mug that fit all of my search criteria perfectly. I now carry it with me everywhere, and every morning I tell him how much I LOVE my cup. And I smile to myself at the thoughtful surprise.

So the only thing really different about our Valentine's Day was that I wore a beautiful dress. And the wonderful loveliness about it is our everyday-like but romantic dinner added a bit of history to the story of the dress.

I suspect the dress is from the 40s or 50s. It's silk chiffon and has just the right amount of excess fabric in the skirt, perfect for a night of movement. "You should go dancing," as my friend Heidi said when she saw me try it on. And while we didn't go dancing that night, I felt the movement of the dress around me all night, and it was beautiful.

The dress has a sweetness to it with bows placed lightly at the intersection of the straps and gathered bodice. But its secret is that, it isn't a sweet dress. It screams woman. You have to be powerful to wear a dress like this, because it requires great posture to show off the lines of the bodice and to not get lost in all the gathered fabric. You have to walk just right to create the perfect amount of movement around your legs.

I imagine its original owner did wear the dress dancing, or for a night out for cocktails and dinner with a handsome suitor, perhaps her husband. Maybe she even wore it on Valentine's Day more than 50 years ago. She probably held her hand delicately as she drank a glass of deep red wine in hot pursuit of love, deep in conversation. Her hair was pulled back in a chic low bun, with waves perfectly placed in front, as was the style of the day. And she wore deep red lipstick to match the hot hue of the dress.

Somewhere in their deep conversation, she happened to drop a bit of something on the front of the skirt that left its faint little mark. Perhaps it was a bit of the delicious dish they were enjoying that night. And when she laughed at his irresistible charm and then boldly made a brilliant counter-point, the dish took its chance and jumped from her fork onto her lap. But she didn't care. It wasn't about the dress it was about the conversation. It was about just being with him.

And later in the evening, when he was walking her home, he gently pressed her up against the limestone wall outside of her home, and the gathering of the fabric on the stone caused the slightest tear in a section of the back of the skirt. Almost like a run in a pair of silk hose. But she didn't care. It wasn't about the dress, it was about the kiss. It was about just being with him.

And on our Valentine's Day. As much as the surprise of the dress added to the anticipation of our dinner together, our celebration of a holiday in our favorite restaurant, eating our favorite food, having engaged conversation typical of two people who have grown to know each other more intimately and honestly than any other, it wasn't about the dress. Our evening wasn't about the dress at all. It was about being together, connecting with another human being in such a way that is unique to two people passionately in love.

I am happy that the dress got to go along for the ride, though. It was a wonderful night!

Aspects of Style: It's Katastrophic!

2010-02-10T05:00:00.009-06:00

Remember when I was talking several blogs ago about being really concerned about the whole style-fitting-your-environment thing?

In case you don't remember, here's the gist:

"5. Finally the last department is "Aspects of Style", which addresses a topic that I don't see anyone talking about, and that is the fact that any one fashion or style does not fit in any one environment. Have you ever loved a certain style but you know you'll never be able to wear that style in your environment, whether it be your daily habits or the actual region you live in?

i.e. "Yes! I love you NEW YORK fall and winter clothes, but you do not fit into my Austin Texas weather or wardrobe, (or culture!)."

I don't know about you, dear blog reader, but this is a BIG issue for me. How do you adapt your style to fit the aspects of your environment? Are there fashion designers out there who design for not only different lifestyles but different climates? And no, I do not just mean the difference between New York Fall and Spring, and Resort Collections.

Do you see what I mean? How are fashions and great styles different (or the same) throughout all the different climates of our country (and the world)? How can we take and interpret the latest fashions into our climate restrictions. I don't know about you, but I'm tired of waiting until December to wear my fall fashion finds, only to put them away again come mid-February."

Well guess what! I've met a new Austin based designer who has similar concerns!

Melissa Taylor who has just launched her first collection, Katastrophic on Etsy, is designing and hand producing adorable knits with this whole weather-fashion-environment issue in mind. I don't think that's her main focus but when she mentioned that this issue was something she thought about, I had my first evidence of proof that I'm not alone in my thinking! I'll definitely have to explore this further.

Anyway, as I was saying: during our enlightening conversation she filled me in on her plans for the collection. The scoop? Well it seems she's planning to make lightweight long-sleeve knit shirts perfect for the Austin weather - even in the summer when we have to battle the scorching sun AND icicle educing air conditioning.

Best of all, her pieces are reasonably priced at $70. And I will note here, as someone who has started sewing with knits, that the time that is invested into a expertly hand-made knit garment is unbelievable. So these prices are not only reasonable, but unbelievable!

To be gentle on the environment, she often works with reclaimed or organic fabrics. And she has a great eye for a high quality knit! This is not fast fashion that will pill after the first wash, this is a piece of art to be treasured.

As for me, I'll keep my eye on her. I can't wait to see what else she'll be creating.

Photo Credit: Katastrophic

Style Expedition: Adorable Top Spotted at Zocalo

2010-02-09T12:32:00.001-06:00

Last week when Sidney (my fiancé) and I were at Zocalo celebrating Tamale Tuesday, I spotted the most adorable blouse on Bridget, one of the excellent staffers at the restaurant.

As an aside, every tuesday Zocalo has some of the city's best tamales as their special. I try to stop in every tuesday to celebrate the deliciousness of it all.

Anyway, when I was talking to Bridget about her beautiful top, I was so happy to find out that she picked up this awesome find at Buffalo Exchange, a lovely little resale shop just north of the UT campus where you can find treasures galore.

The mixture of the lightweight black knit with the sheer polka dot cream top, black polka dot cap sleeves and matching tie is both sweet and sassy. What a great look with jeans and flats - as she has excellently styled it here - or with a simple skirt, leggings and boots!

Also I love the keyhole back!

So here's a shout out to my new friend Bridget, who I must congratulate on her successful style pursuit.

So tell me, what was your latest style find? I'd love to hear all about it. Send me pictures and I'll share some selected ones on the blog.

Personal Style: Experimental Design

2010-02-09T11:53:00.001-06:00

So a few weeks ago I made a shirt. Now this isn't the first thing I made, but for me it's definitely the most wearable. Although as with any artistic creation, I always find room for improvement.

I also find that this shirt looks way better on my dressform then it does on me. But still, I've created it and I'm going to wear it.

What's cool about this shirt is that while I used a commercial pattern as my starting point, I made several adjustments that made it my own.

Notice the collar, while it should be looped all the way around the shirt, I've created a high collar in the front and a cute little loop in the back, which gives the look of a mock hoodie. What I love about the front collar is that it can be flipped up or down to be styled in a bunch of different ways. Just a little experimental creativity courtesy of yours truly.

Also, to make the shirt a little more dressy, I added an extended bias cut hem (which unfortunately you can't see in these pictures).

Finally, because I really don't like the large middle section of the blouse, I've added darts in the back to better accentuate my waist and figure. (Note: These photos show my darts just pinned into the front and back, prior to sewing, but the final version just has the darts sewn into the back.)

And Ta Da! I present you with an adorable little top, causal enough for everyday and dressy enough to make you feel special. Throw in a dash of handmade love, and you've got an extra special blouse.

What do you think? Love it or hate it?

Style Thoughts: 'What am I going to wear today?'

2010-02-03T16:13:00.000-06:00

Whew! What a busy time. So sorry it's taken me so long to write a blog dear blog readers. What have I been up to? Pursuing my style of course! I'll get into all the different things I've been up to in the next couple of blogs.

And for the record, I haven't totally been absent from the blog because you see, I've been thinking about the blog. I have story ideas coming up like crazy, and I'm looking forward to exploring them all. But one thing I'll mention really quickly is, when you're looking for style, you see it everywhere. I'm loving enjoying not only my own style but others as well. I've been snapping pictures like crazy with my iphone. Now I just have to write the stories to match!

So what should we discuss today?

Here's one thing I think about from time to time that I find amusing. Every morning I awake and I ask myself two questions:

"What should I do with my life today?"

AND

"What am I going to wear today?"

Do you know what I've discovered? These two questions are not all that different. No, I do not mean that my life revolves around getting dressed and wondering what I'm going to wear. Quite the opposite, actually. Usually because I only have 20 minutes to get dressed anyway, but there's also another reason.

Through this 'pursing style' thing I have discovered that what you wear is actually a reflection of what you are going to do with your life, one day at a time. Which is how life should be lived - one day at a time - don't you think?

Every morning I pull inspiration from a variety of places: my mood; philosophical musings; magazines - InStyle and of course Vogue; heroines in stories I've read; what I'm going to do that day (functionality); the weather; and (one of my favorite places) other people walking down the city street outside my bedroom window.

Stop and think for a second, where do you get your inspiration from?

After I do this I go 'shopping in my closet'. Which is great because I've organized it by color, so opening my closet doors really does feel like opening the doors to my very own boutique. Keeping it organized is the challenge! But that little bit of luxury makes me feel great. Even if I continue to pull on the same outfit, or the same version of an outfit, day after day.

Which brings me to another point. Sometimes you'll find a pattern in what you wear. It's kind of like when you have a random craving for a certain food for a period of time. A few weeks ago I couldn't get enough of french toast, before that it was frozen green peas with butter, salt and pepper, and before that mac and cheese. Anyway, the craving for my outfits these days is really just my travel uniform (jackets, t-shirts, jeans, scarves, gloves, sunglasses, cute hairstyles) with some added variety. I'm not actually living out of a suitcase, but I'm finding that I keep wearing the same outfit over again. This has been going on since the last time I've been to Europe. I must be dreaming of getting back there, or perhaps I'm positioning myself as a well traveled woman. And if travel opens the mind to other cultures, I'm finding myself intensely curious in other people I meet in my day-to-day travels.

So back to the two questions. How are they the same again? Well it's like this:

If your personal style is a reflection of your personality, and you take the time to think about how you're going to reflect your personality that day, then you're also planning how you're going to live that day.

I find that when I take the time to put added thought into what I'm going to wear I have a better day. I'm often more productive, I can work for extended hours, I have better posture, I eat better, I feel better about myself, and I have a better attitude toward others. In other words, I LIVE better.

When I take the time to connect my dress to my aspirational mood, I'm setting a precedent for the day. I'm making a declaration. I am making a promise to myself to become the women I dream of.

So it's totally okay to wear the same outfit over and over again, if it's a reflection of where you are and where you're going. (Europe anyone?) And it's perfectly okay to wonder what to wear. Because styling your outfit is the first step in the day to styling your life. Make it a successful step!

Is this true for you? How do you style your day?

Personal Style: Farewell Dog

2010-01-24T14:43:00.000-06:00

The dog is gone. I've been bummed all day since I walked into the store, straight over to the section where it was supposed to be, looked down, and saw that it was no longer there.

I even dressed for the occasion, with my chic white tee, blue jeans, jacket and scarf tightly wrapped around my neck. The perfect casual sunday outfit for the little dog pin necklace.

Someone else bought the dog. I should be happy for this person, they loved the dog too and had the guts to splurge on its purchase. And I am happy for them. We have something in common, and they saved me $60 plus tax. But I'm also very sad.

There are a few pieces that you'll think about forever, having wished you bought them. This dog necklace is one of those pieces.

So farewell dear dog, enjoy your new owner. And to the new owner: congratulations, you've made an excellent purchase. I can see that dog makes you look more stylish already.

Personal Style: I think I'm going to buy the dog.

2010-01-23T16:44:00.000-06:00

Two blogs in one day ... I've got a lot to say apparently.

Anyway, I've been thinking about the dog necklace all week. I think I'm heading to Uncommon Objects to purchase ... tomorrow. (I've still got a ton of work to do today).

I wanted to mention this really quick because my sweetheart, while browsing blogs, came across this. Why he was browsing blogs about fashion I don't know, but I think it is so sweet that he takes such an interest in what I'm up to these days.

Wish me luck! Hopefully the dog will still be there tomorrow!

Style Thoughts: Tavi versus Tanya

2010-01-23T15:31:00.002-06:00

This debate - fashion as self expression versus fashion as societal conformity - is as divisive in our society as any of the major political issues: right wing, left wing, abortion, gun control, social conservatism, social liberalism.

Please don't misunderstand me. I'm not comparing fashion to these political issues. I'm just saying that there are people on both sides of the argument that will never be swayed no matter what you argue.

Please read Tavi's blog. If you follow anything going on in the fashion world, you'll know that Tavi, at the refreshing age of 13, is the new hit in town. She's got a great voice in her blog. So please read her blog linked here, and also the blog she's referring to.

Read both sides and be open-minded to both arguments. And I'll leave you with these questions:

For you, is fashion a way to conform to the expectations society has put on you, or is fashion a reflection of your true self?

AND

For society as a whole, is fashion a way to create conformity and unity, or is fashion a playful artistic expression to be admired?

Style Expedition: Vintage 101 Success!

2010-01-19T16:09:00.002-06:00

I'm going to try and make this one quick today.

I'm very happy to report that thanks to my dear sewing group friends (you know who you are!) I had a great time on my first day vintage shopping.

Now at first, our shopping expedition didn't start off too smoothly. The flea market way out east of town was, while intriguing, a bust. My friends were quick to report that this type of flea market is not typical of the type of flea market we were looking for. If fact it was way off! I won't go into details.

But we did not get discouraged. Instead we headed back down to SOCO to check out Uncommon Objects and Feathers. Uncommon Objects has a ton of great stuff. It takes a lot of digging, but I found some things that I would love to own, though I couldn't bring myself to splurge on their price tag. It's definitely the place to check back often, because you never know what little treasure you might find.

For example my friend found a sweet mustache cup for her sweetheart (it keeps his mustache from getting messy!) and monogramed letters for her sister. Lovely! I'm going to have to interview her further to find out how you draw the line between 'buy' and 'not buy'.

So what did I find? Well, I really liked the old white box, which I would use to stash our remotes in. And the gold locket was lovely enough for me to make a quick snap shot of.

But I fell in love with the little dog pin necklace. I love how those little strands of rhinestone hair actually move and fall into the little jeweled puppy's eyes! This would be a great piece to add to my wardrobe. And it might help stall my yearning for a real puppy. This piece would be the type of piece I would add to a simple dress and leggings, or perhaps just a boring white tee and jeans, with a lovely scarf tightly wrapped around my neck with the necklace peaking out.

At first I was attracted the the little owl, but once I held this puppy. I was in love. I was hooked!

I have to be honest. I'm losing sleep over this piece. But so far I haven't found myself ready to pay the $60 price tag that goes with it. Why?

Honestly, I still have a slight hesitancy to buy used goods. Why is this? I have no idea. Because this is the other side...

Feathers. I can't show you what I fell in love with at Feathers because it's still a surprise. (But I promise, a picture will come when the time is right.) What I will say is this: I found myself wondrously connected to whoever owned this 'surprise' I found. I wondered who she was, who she loved, what she did with her life, what happiness and pain she felt, and how she lived.

Because the two of us, she and I, both fell in love with this piece, we are now both connected through time. That is an amazingly powerful feeling!

That feeling. That connection is what will make me persevere into this complicated world of vintage. What is there if not this search for a connection? We make friends because we have something in common, we wear clothes because we connect with their designers, we love certain foods because we taste the same passion that so thoughtfully went into its preparation, and we continuously fall in love every time we look into our lover's eyes because we feel that connection.

Through the development of our lifestyle, we are connected through all of time.

There's still that pull there, with the dog necklace. So, maybe I'll go back and buy it. That is, if you don't get to it first.

So let me ask, what are you connected to?

Style Thoughts: Paving Your Own Road

2010-01-12T16:39:00.000-06:00

I've always been one to pave my own road, and it seems I always pick the hardest one, or at least the one less traveled. I like this. I find strength and power in it. I'm proud of my risks and the rewards they reap.

I've done this in my education, business, and even love and life in general. But consider this idea in terms of my style: I have to say that at an age when I should have been experimenting with my clothes in stores like H&M, Forever 21, Gap and Old Navy, I was quite comfortable shopping in stores and dressing in clothes that were targeted at women at least a decade my senior. I dressed for my future, shopping among women who had a style confidence that comes with age and experience, a style confidence I was just beginning to develop.

This is an ironic idea on the surface considering that the entire fashion industry seems to continually get younger and younger, with fashionable women in their 40s, 50s, 60s and older dressing in similar, if not the same clothes and brands, as women in their late 20s and 30s. This isn't to say that their styles weren't different. It's just that styles that were often considered for a younger target market are being bought by and incorporated into the closets of women of an older target at an increasing rate. I wonder? Is it a search for continual youth, or the increasing freedom to recognize our individualism, thus recognizing our own creativity and continual need for that very experimentation?

Maybe there's more than one type of experimentation? There's the experimentation of youth that takes the risk of spending the bulk of their fashion budget in stores known for 'fast fashion' that continually deliver copied runway trends at an increasingly fast rate. And then there's the experimentation of matured style, incorporating a few selected trends, and invoking a ideal of the youthful look into years of experience in knowing what works for you. So I guess that was my experimentation. I took on both at the same time by figuring out what works for me while I was dressing with a confidence beyond my years of shopping and styling experience. How did I do this? I'm not sure yet. I'll have to think about that. But from that I've settled into a style that is both sophisticated and casual. And that in itself is a hard road.

In dressing for sophistication, you often have to 'take it up a notch' by incorporating an elegant jacket, a few more layers, a silk blouse, a well-made skirt, and great accessories. But when you live in an enviornment where people often wear t-shirts, jeans, and kicks, how do you then take that sophistication 'down a notch', so as not to stand out as a peacock among pigeons?

Now I will say that sometimes it's good to stand out. Also, style can be, and is often, found among the ultra casual. But I take issue when this casualness is taken too far. For example: Well-done hair and makeup, and designer handbags with pajama pants or tracksuits, Uggs, and baggy t-shirts? Uh no. Bra straps? I'll pass. Showing off both your plunging neckline and long-long legs? With flip-flops? A little too much.

These are extreme cases and these unfortunate situations often effect the ultra young, and / or uncontrollably busy, or people who just don't care. If that's what you're into, hey I'm not hear to judge your style. It's just not for me.

Because for me there is something beautiful, and even inspirational, about a well developed mix of causal everyday dress and a sophisticated style worthy of a special or otherwise important occasion.

Add great earrings, a well-made jacket and handbag, elegant fitting jeans (not to loud, tight or low), pointy-toe flats, and a strong posture to the most casual of t-shirts, and you've got a style that can take you into almost any day-to-day occasion. Even from day to night.

Actually one of my favorite 'go to' outfits for travel, last minute business or cocktail occasions, or just to spruce up my day to day is a black wool high-waisted tweed pencil skirt with a silk waistband, the simplest of white t-shirts, a casual belt, and pair of black flats. Changing out the accessories from flats to heals, simple jewelry to more ornate, will take me anywhere. As to the travel, it fits so easily into my bag, allowing me to travel anywhere in the world with a 20 inch carry on.

So how did I arrive at this outfit? By taking the road less traveled. Instead of running out and buying a new outfit every time I have an event, I take the time to plan, buying great quality basics that I know will carry me through many years. I will never give up this skirt, or many other pieces like it in my closet.

Planning takes time and diligent thought. Want to know how? Well that's actually a whole other story idea. We'll dive into that another time. You can only read so much, right?

I've introduced a lot of thoughts into this particular post. But I'll end with this final thought. Maybe I'm not so different. Maybe everyone travels their own road, and by that alone they travel the road less traveled. Maybe you believe that you've done things differently too. And I'll believe you have.

Maybe you've experimented, are experimenting, or wishing you had the gumption to experiment. Maybe you've arrived at your style by planning or not planning. Either way, it's all an evolution, and it's your style.

That's what matters. It's your style. But do you know your style story? Because if your style is a reflection of your individualism, your personality, who you are, don't you think you should know how you got here? At the very least think about it. How did you come to express yourself as you have?

Departmentalizing Fashion

2010-01-06T14:56:00.001-06:00

Because this blog covers a wide variety of subject matter, I've decided to approach it through a series of different angles, or 'departments'. But before I get on to that, I'd like to share some of my general thoughts on fashion and style.

Consider that the idea of fashion itself is a very broad subject which permeates practically every aspect of our lives. Think of fashion in terms of design, clothing and accessories, advertising, media - TV ... movies ... books and magazines, home decor, consumer goods, food!, and on and on.

YOUR style on the other hand, is your own interpretation of the fashion that is presented to us via the marketplace. Your style is ever evolving on its own unique wave length. You may pick up a trend here, a fad there, but your style maintains an aesthetic which can be traced back to the core of your own personality. Of who you are as a person, and how you have grown, learned and moved throughout this world. You can borrow different elements of your style from others, but learning to communicate your style to the world is uniquely your own. It is your own journey.

And like learning something about yourself you didn't know you knew ... like taking a personality test, or trying a new experience that you are surprised you like or dislike ... you can study your style wave length and come to learn exactly what it is you are communicating to the world. What does your style say about you?

To explore this question, I've decided to approach this issue from a series of perspectives, or points-of-view. Here goes it:

1. Personal Style: These blogs will be about personal anecdotes about my own style. Outfits and interior design elements that I've put together, or general products that I've bought that clearly illustrate my style.
2. Style Thoughts: These are just thoughts about style and fashion in general. Consider the paragraphs above to be "Style Thoughts".
3. Style Expedition: This is me on assignment. I think these blogs will be more journalistically based, but still from my point-of-view. Remember my mentioning wanting to get into "Vintage Shopping"? ... That would be an example of me 'on assignment'. I'll probably be interviewing people 'in the know' about different subjects that intrigue me, and try to come to some conclusion about any hypothesis I develop.

On a side note ... you'll be happy to know that I've made my first step in atacking that issue. I bought "The Little Guide to Vintage Shopping" by Melody Fortier. Originally I saw this lovely little book at Anthropologie, browsing all the lovely-ness with one of my best girls Bella, while visiting her in Houston. But of course, I never pay full price when I can instantly order the item via my Amazon iPhone app. Saving money is always in style in my book, even if it means forgoing the instant gratification of purchasing in store.

4. Style Sketch: To stick with my newly developed fashion illustration skills, I've set a goal of doing 2 fashion illustrations a day. Don't tell anyone ... but I'm already behind for the new year. BUT! I will catch up and will be posting my fashion illustrations on the blog to inspire you. At least that's the idea. I'm even planning on turning a couple of the designs into actual garments in the coming months.

5. Finally the last department is "Aspects of Style", which addresses a topic that I don't see anyone talking about, and that is the fact that any one fashion or style does not fit in any one environment. Have you ever loved a certain style but you know you'll never be able to wear that style in your environment, whether it be your daily habits or the actual region you live in?

i.e. "Yes! I love you NEW YORK fall and winter clothes, but you do not fit into my Austin Texas weather or wardrobe, (or culture!)."

I don't know about you, dear blog reader, but this is a BIG issue for me. How do you adapt your style to fit the aspects of your environment? Are there fashion designers out there who design for not only different lifestyles but different climates? And no, I do not just mean the difference between New York Fall and Spring, and Resort Collections.

Do you see what I mean? How are fashions and great styles different (or the same) throughout all the different climates of our country (and the world)? How can we take and interpret the latest fashions into our climate restrictions. I don't know about you, but I'm tired of waiting until December to wear my fall fashion finds, only to put them away again come mid-February.

So there you have it. Those are the subject areas I'll be exploring, and I'll label my blogs accordingly. So if you subscribe to this blog via RSS feed, you'll know exactly which blogs you prefer to read based on their department category. But of course, I hope you'll read them all.

I've already thrown a few ideas out there. What are your thoughts? Do you have any suggestions (i.e story ideas) for me?

Looking Ahead to 2010, Living in the Moment

2009-12-27T13:51:00.004-06:00

According to my horoscope in the January 2010 issue of Town and Country, things will be looking up, which is exactly what I need after working through the tough, emotional year I've had.

On a side note, be sure to check out the February 2010 issue of Town & Country which has a full-page yearly horoscope for each sign. I've looked forward to the February 2010 issue for 3 years running now.

This past year I've suffered a deep emotional loss, which as it turns out was what I have come to believe to be the loss of my childhood innocence. It appears I'm growing up. For a while I thought it was also the loss of my (always self-loved) optimism, but that is coming back with a deep burning passion and determination for the love of life. I'm looking forward to journeying down the path of becoming the woman I've (sometimes secretly) dreamed about my whole life.

Through my talks with new and old girl-friends over lunch at trendy Austin lunch boutiques such as the Blue Dahlia Bistro, there's quite a few women in my age range going through life crises or analysis of their own. Will we ever know what we want to be when we grow up? Hell, for that matter, when will we really grow up? When should we get married / have kids / move to a new city / chase that dream / start doing what we promised ourselves that we'd do? And on and on ...

For me, I'm making 2010 that year. And I've already gotten a head start. These aren't New Year's Resolutions, but New Life Goals, per se.

1. This blog is the tool I'm using to help me get back into writing. And I'll be working on writing more creatively, journalistically and usefully. Please let me know how I'm doing. Also, as I've mentioned previously, I'll be using the blog to propel me into new situations and experiences. For example, one thing I want to (learn how to) do is thrift shop in order to enhance my apparel and interior design style. So using that as a story idea, I'll be launching myself into the wonderful (and scary!) world of vintage.

I have other ideas too, and I'll be sure to take you along.

2. I also am looking on getting more involved in my community and am looking for the right opportunity. Volunteering or reading to children at the Austin Public Library perhaps?

3. I'll be learning a multitude of new skills such as:
- Continuing classes at the Austin School of Fashion Design, to continue to bring Fashion and sewing into both my professional and personal life.
- Continuing a very dedicated exercise regimen studying under the wonderful Carley Barnes.
- Beginning to re-learn Ballet at Ballet Austin. If I remember correctly, I quit not long after I started because I didn't like the costume (which was actually really cute) and the fact that we were only learning the "Chicken Dance" and not SERIOUS Ballet. 5 year-olds shouldn't get to make decisions like that, if only I had known. But I'll be re-learning and I look forward to dancing with my (future) children when they're old enough.
- Seriously beginning my study of Italian and French.

Throughout 2008 and 2009 I've really tackled the whole food issue. Was anyone else ever confused about what was actually healthy and good for you to the point of just wanting to give up eating forever? If you can have style in your eating habits, I will now say that my food style is wonderfully elegant and fashionable. I will even say Beautiful. I've learned how to transform guilty pleasures into healthy indulgences, and now I have great confidence in how I approach my eating habits (not to mention great flavor and food to match!).

In 2010 I'll be dedicating myself to my financial habits (get that budget in order!), my life plan (marriage, kids, living in Europe, graduate school), and creating a successful Brand Development Consulting Firm.

All of which, along with my relationships, will help me create a wonderfully well-styled life for myself and those that I love.

Here's to the pursuit of our [Life]Style.

Additionally, I should note that I believe this blog will help me to be more accountable, and thus more self-disciplined even if (just for now, hopefully) I am only writing to an imaginary audience. I say this because I believe one of my own greatest weaknesses is my ability to keep all of those plates spinning. Alas, I did not grow up with any long-term commitment to traditional types of self-discipline fostering activities such as sports. But really, which comes first - the commitment to an activity, or the activity creating the commitment?

At any rate, what does the New Year hold for you? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

The beginning

2009-12-22T14:58:00.000-06:00

I'm starting this blog because I'm on a journey. My life isn't about any one subject area, any one thing, any one person. It's the pursuit of all of those things. I have to spin a lot of plates to make the world go round.

I'm a marketing professional with a passion for fashion, travel, and food. Not necessarily in that order. Oh, and of course the meaningful relationships that makes those things special.

So this blog is about my every evolving pursuit of MY style. My fashion sense. But more importantly this blog is about a pursuit of a lifestyle of meaning. Because the truth is, style means more than just the clothes you put on in the morning. It's about the way you live your life.

So I'm writing this blog to force myself into new situations and experience that will make up my [life]style.

I hope you'll join me and join in on the fun.