Healthy Style: On Badassery

I originally posted a version of this over on my Weight Watchers Online blog. But I thought this fashion-interested world might want to read it...so here it is.

We've all been using it.

"I feel like a BAMF."

"I'm one of those people out in the freezing cold, running."

As compliments to others on their running, their yoga, their Tough Mudder, or their Crossfit,

"BEAST!"

It struck me the other day, as I read a post from a running friend about how and why to run in the cold. I'm with her, 100%, I've found I love it, but something isn't sitting right about one of her reasons for getting out in the cold: "I'm usually the only one out there at 5am in the freezing cold, and if I see others, they're usually much younger, and men. So own the BAMF of being out there," or something like that. Why do we want to be a badass? Or maybe the question is "why do we call a strong, accomplished person who pushes themselves towards goals a badass?"

Isn't that a derogatory term?

We certainly use other phrases and words to describe our womanly selves: strong, committed, dedicated, healthy, thoughtful, gorgeous, brilliant... So why do we feel the need to steal terminology that otherwise applies to people we do not want to be? Even in my bloggery fashion world, I've got a Rocker Chic(k) Pinterest board, with lots of leather and studs, shit-kicker boots, and black eyeliner. I love that stuff. In fact, I'm wearing all black and my combat-like boots today (allbeit with a cozy hand-knit scarf, white wool coat, and fur hat and gloves, balancing that badass).

The fashion-y version of badass. Bullet bracelets and The Real Deal

I suppose it's because we want to feel strong - even when we don't. We want to feel that we can do anything, and byjesus, those biker chicks who kick their biker boys' a.sses whenever they like, well, they can do anything. I suppose it's because we want to leave the doubt of our "softer selves" behind, and charge forward without looking back. I suppose it's because, somehow, boys are still better at this than we are. In our heads, at least. I mean, really, no matter how strong a feminist we are - ahem - I am - there's still doubt. All the rocker chicks and wrestling divas and I'll-give-birth-then-acquire-a-company-2-hours-later CEOs, well, aren't they simply emulating the male?

I hear it now. If this were to "take off" on the interwebs like things do now, I'd be bashed up one side and down the other for saying women just want to be men.

It's alright. I can take it. I'm one of those BAMFer-ines people talk about.

For her birthday last year, H gave the newly 6-year-old Bean a "comic book" of Athena myths. She (and her brother) loves it. Admittedly, I picked it out for her, knowing he'd want her to have a link to her Greek heritage. And what better link than the original lady badass? True, Princess Diana, aka Wonder Woman (also a hero in our superhero-ridden home), also comes from old mythology and the strength of the ages, but Athena? Don't mess with her. It's a message H and I want to the Bean to hear.

The Bean reading Athena to her brother

Be strong. Be true. Be honest. Be kind. Honor your parents and your elders. Speak up for and protect those who cannot speak for or defend themselves. Honor your heritage, your body, and your self by taking care of yourself, both mentally and physically.

And if a devious demi-god tries to get in the way, hold your head high, look forward, and walk right over them with your a.ss-kicking motorcycle boots.

 This year, she's going with a Frye Veronica slouch boot (last year, it was the moto-like Engineer Pull-on, kids' styles, here. We got hers at Nordstrom.). I, on the other hand, got my combat boots at Target

Travel Style: What I'm Packing for a Weekend in Philadelphia

Packing for a weekend away is always a PITA. It shouldn't be, but it is. Even when you leave the "Packing for Two Beans" part out of it. Which I will.

We're headed north to Philly today. It's one of my favoritist places on earth, and my Big City Hometown. I grew up about 40 minutes outside of the city (and yes, I'm an all-Philly sports fan. Except DC United. Because I was here when MLS started, and, well, Philly was late to the game).

We're staying right downtown, at Le Méridien. Yes, we're staying in a YMCA. The building, you see, was an old "Y." It's a fabulous space, and I can't wait to enjoy it. We're walking distance to all sorts of things Bean-Important, like Reading Terminal Market, The Franklin Institute, the Rodin Museum, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. We're going to march all over the city on Saturday.

Because, well...because I'm running my first half marathon on Sunday morning, very early. You might have heard, if you follow me on twitter and Instagram. I've certainly not been quiet about it. But that's for another day.

As far as packing, I'm going super simple. I need to be comfy, layered, and still not look schlumpy in the Instagram pics. (Because that's what it's about, people.) I also don't want to schlep 95 bags into the hotel.

So here we go, all into 1 bag (H gets one, too, and we're putting the Beans' stuff into ours. They get 1 little backpack each with their books and toys. Nothing more.). And while I've ranted about looking nice walking into a nice hotel instead of a gym bag (here and here), I'm cutting myself some slack. I am going for a race, after all. So my new(er) neon-pink trimmed Adidas bag it is.

1 sweater (an old Target colorblock favorite, no longer available, but love the monochromatic block on this one)
1 thin sweatshirty top (a new Converse One Star Target favorite)
1 pair boyfriend jeans (Madewell boyjean)
1 knit skirt (having the skirt and the jeans is the only choice I'm giving myself; Gap, no longer available, but here's a similar one in a brighter color)
1 layering vest (L.L. Bean, and it really does "pack away," never mind that it's insanely warm or cool, depending)
Assorted underwear, bras, and flannel PJ pants and a T-shirt

To drive up tonight, I'm wearing what I'm wearing to work. If I get really antsy about choices, I can switch out the above for a re-wear on one of these. And the boots are my Saturday (and post-race) shoes.

 I'm feeling very Geeeeer-MAHN, despite the fact that I'm wearing all-American designers (Pendleton, Calvin Klein, and, you know, Tar-ZHAY)

My running gear (I'm giving myself more choices there, because I'm freaking about about the little things, like the temperature and whether or not I'll need throwaway clothes at the start) takes up more room in my bag than other stuff. I may also have another bag with smoothie fixins. (Yes, I've gotten so weird about my morning smoothies that I don't want to risk eating something else morning of the race. And yes, I'm bringing my own blender. If I can't find a local smoothie place, that is. The little baggies in the pic below? Those are my measured-out "additives" like chia seeds and cinnamon. Weird. I know.)

This morning's "pumpkin spice" smoothie.

Needless to say, I'm excited. I'm nervous. Very, very nervous. But I'm really looking forward to a weekend with family and friends (a bunch of us are running together, and we're all doing things like getting our race packets together and going to South Philly for a carb dinner tomorrow night) in a city close to my heart.

My face of fear before my last long run (10 miles) the other night.

See you after my 13.1!

If you're a glutton for punishment, I'll be tweeting and Instagramming all weekend long - both @DCCeline!

Give in Style: How to Wear a Scarf

I'm a scarf addict. Always have been. I've been collecting scarves from my grandmothers, my mother-in-law, and, well, Target, for years. Decades, even. So when I posted recently about the beautiful Ethiopian-made Salem's Ethiopia scarves sold by Walmart online, a few of you said "I want to get one, but I don't know how to wear it."

Any way you want to, really.

Scarves are currently hip, but they've been a lady's go-to accessory (a gentleman's, too, for that matter) for literally centuries. A lady can never have too many scarves. They go with just about everything. My always-together mother-in-law, for example, is never, ever without her scarf, her hat, and her lipstick.

They cover your hair in a convertible. They keep your neck covered when you're under the weather. They wrap around your shoulders when you're chilled. They give a bit of flair, and they add color.

Clockwise, from top left: Nepali by TDM, Salem's Ethiopia, vintage, Bean Style at its best, vintage, Target (blue version not online, but a pink one is), Salem's Ethiopia, vintage, then, in the center, Salem's Ethiopia + The Bean.

As you can see, I'm partial to the big, drapey scarves, which I wrap two times around, then tie loosely. But I can tie 'em in a bow and throw 'em over my shoulder, too. (Points if you get the reference, folk song enthusiasts). Little ones will knot demurely. Big ones will drape softly.

I've found scarves just about everywhere, but as I already posted, two of my favorites are Salem's Ethiopia, available via Walmart, and my newly gifted Nepali by TDM silk number. Both are soft, drapey, and add lots of color to neutral ensembles. That, and part of proceeds go to support women's small businesses. How can you not love that?

PS - for those of you who want a tutorial, the lovely Clinton Kelly pinned one recently. Check it out here!

Weekend Style: Dressing Up Your Boyfriend(s)

I'm in love with my new boyfriend jeans. Lots of us (me included!) get really really really excited when we can get into - and feel good in - skinny jeans. But this morning, I'm thrilled I'm wearng a soft, comfortable, perfectly broken in (thanks, madewell) pair of "boyfriend" jeans. A little bit slouchy, a little bit fitted. And, I think infinitely harder to pull off than skinnies. Because slouchy can look sloppy.

But it doesn't today. I'm feeling very chic and put together, despite 2.5 hours of sleep in a hotel bed near the office (one of *those* nights - but the proposal is in and receipt confirmed, next one due today will be soon, then I go home).

When I tried the jeans on in the store (at Rosa's Madewell event), I asked The Bean if she liked them. "Yup," she said, "you look like you're at the beach." Sold. Count one more convert to the boyfriend jean trend. Also, go try them, if you haven't already. They're awesome (and a little more office appropriate than skinnes, I think, though I wear my skinnies here, too).

What makes me feel even more put together on a day when I could feel completely schlumpy is a combo of:

• A chanel-inspired boucle jacket (all on-spring-trend in its black & whiteness), a happy Target find i've worn well more than its $29.99 cost (no longer available, but this ladylike black & white jaquard jacket would do just fine)
• A soft, supple, cottony violet tank for color without being super springy (despite me going to bed and getting up with the birds chirping), also a Target buy (long & lean tanks are. the. best.)
• Ladylike pastel patent pumps, because pastel pumps dress up anything (mine are prior season's Lillybee, but this post on nude pumps might help you find some)

I'd packed it all two nights ago, knowing I'd probably not get home last night. I'm so glad I did. because a few hours sleep, a hot shower, and clothes I love go a long way.

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

On a complete aside, whilst finding the links for this post, I found two things I might need:

1. This crazy cool (and crazy comfortable looking) maxi dress at Target. Part of their labworks collection (note to self: dig up info on collection, because, also, that jacket!)
2. These LYB pumps I've admired for forever, now on crazy sale. Yes. It's a crazy day.

But I am not, officially not buying a thing. Because I can't handle my closet at all anymore (too big, old, to tailor/not tailor, not-ok-for-work), and I've asked for help. Formal, official help. I promise to share along the way, but in the meantime, No Target Buying. No Anything Buying. At all. Really.

Reliable Style: The Go-To Piece in Your Closet

As I snapped my sometimes-daily-Instagram #wearing shot in the parking lot this morning, I noticed that, once again, my plaid scarf was in the picture. And my pink tweed cropped trousers. And my crocheted sweater.

Clearly, I have some go-to pieces. We all do. It's part of what makes our style our style. It's how we interpret either the classic or the trendy, and make it our own.

Or, as in my case, it's how I manage to dress myself daily, despite an odd, in-between-sizes-and-seasons wardrobe that I still haven't completely updated since I hit my goal weight in September 2012. We won't discuss the fact that the fashion blogger can't get to updating her own closet. We will, however, discuss the fact that, in this insanely busy time, when I'm really trying to focus on some critical #DayJob changes and spend some much-needed time with H and The Beans, having even 1 repeat-I-mean-Go-To item in my closet lets me stay presentable. It even lets me feel like I'm still dressing like me.

Clockwise, from top left: Gleeful snow catching at the end of 2012; colors and textures galore at the beginning of 2013; a casual Friday gym locker room shot (with the same sweater as today, mind you); today's Everything-in-this-Outfit-is-on-Repeat ensemble. Pieces from L.L. Bean, Target, Gap, J. Crew, lillybee, and random street markets. Drop me an email or a tweet if you're curious about any of them.

While I'm not entirely happy with my closet right now, I have a few pieces, like the $5 plaid cotton scarf I picked up at a street market Down Tha Shore, I turn to, even if I feel they're on repeat at the same pace as that really annoying pop song on the radio. Its weight works to keep me warm outside and not overheat me inside. Its colors make me happy, and oh, by the way, go with just about everything. Its length covers up a multitude of fashion sins, like the mildly ratty vneck t I'm wearing under my crocheted sweater today.

If you snapped a photo of yourself every day without consideration of what you've thrown on (i.e. you're not considering your outfit as if for one of those outfit posts spread across the interwebs), what would you see on repeat? Try it. You might surprise yourself.

Holiday Style: By the Light of the Tree

As we head into the Big Christmas Weekend, our little home will be scrambl- I mean, leisurely decking our final halls and baking our little hearts out.

Blessedly, we have nary a party or commitment this weekend. So I'm saving my sequins for Christmas Eve, I think, when we trim our tree, head to the early family service at church, then have a lovely dinner of crepes, which has become a family tradition.

We may or may not also be having a cocktail or two by the light of the Christmas tree as we wrap The Beans' presents.

May the joy and peace of the season find you and yours.

1940s tree strung with real silver tinsel; Artillery Punch, my new cocktail love, after friends served it at their rockin' Christmas party last weekend (this link takes you to Chow.com's recipe, but for my friend's practiced alterations, see below for recipe); amazing gilded cocktail glasses; I can't wait to pair a cozy, slouchy sweater with similarly-hued sequins (also, cheap!). Check out the rest of the boards these pieces are are on for more ways to decorate, drink, and dress over the holidays!

Artillery Punch

Adapted from the New York Times, which was adapted from David Wondrich

Time: 90 minutes

Makes about 25 drinks (hmmm...maybe I'll just make a batch sans bubbly this weekend, then add the bubbly as I need - ahem - want a drink)

14 lemons

1 pound superfine sugar

750-milliliter bottle Old Granddad 100 Proof Bourbon

750-milliliter bottle Courvoisier VSOP Cognac

750-milliliter bottle 10 Cane rum

3 bottles Champagne or other sparkling wine

Nutmeg

1. Squeeze and strain the lemons to make 16 ounces of juice. Peel the lemons and muddle the peels with the sugar. Let the peels and sugar sit for an hour, then muddle again. Add the lemon juice and stir until sugar has dissolved. Strain out the peels.

2. Fill a 2- to 3-gallon bucket or bowl with crushed ice or ice cubes. Add the lemon-sugar mixture and the bourbon, Cognac and rum. Stir and add the Champagne. Taste and adjust for sweetness. Grate nutmeg over the top and serve.

Yield: About 25 drinks



Style Dilemma: Easy Fashion to Make it Through the Holidays

Whether you have Beans or not, the holidays are crazy. If you're in Government work, like I am (and so much of the DC-area world is), it's a particularly crazy time of year. We make lists, we check them twice.

Then we decide what on that list ain't gonna happen.

I know I'm not alone in setting lofty holiday goals, whether for decorating, card-writing, or baking and cooking. Heck, not even my house cleaning meets my own holiday goals (you know that to-do item about cleaning out all of the closets for the holidays so we can give to charity? yeah).

So in the madness, I find that especially at this time of year, I have a fashion and style uniform. Pieces and tricks I turn to, that I know will keep me looking presentable, and maybe even fashionable, no matter how little time I have or sleep I've gotten the night before. Here's what I realized this morning, as I put on my concealer, powder, and lipstick in the car visor mirror in the office park parking lot.

#1 Super-Simple Makeup and skin care: I am not a makeup or skin care addict. I barely manage to wash my face regularly. In fact, last night is the first night I re-employed my beloved Clairsonic after probably a month hiatus. But here's what I do: I can't manage to put on my face before I leave, so I carry Bobbi Brown's Touch-Up Stick and pressed powder to cover and even gently, then put on a brighter lip (these days, it's the lovely, sheer Revlon Just Bitten). As a fair skinned girl with blue eyes, the pale powder and bright lip make my eyes pop and me look less exhausted. At least that's what I tell myself.

#2 Easy Sweaters in multiple colors: Whether it's Target or Gap or even a beloved Henri Bendel cashmere you bought on sale on your 2006 honeymoon (seriously, but here's a Nordstrom one in a similar color), simple, soft sweaters are easy. You can pair them with patterned bottoms in the same hue, a neutral khaki (like I did today with my khaki pencil skirt) or black, or even with another bright for the practically-jumped-the-shark color blocking.

#3 Statement Necklaces: If you're moving so fast you can't do more than pair a simple sweater with plain skirt, like me, then all you need to take the ensemble out of boring Government-worker-land is a statement necklace. Whether it's a favorite one (ain't nothin' wrong with having a "signature piece" you wear repeatedly, no matter how bold - promise) or a set of go-tos, bold on black (or heck, any other color) works. And this easy guide to pairing necklace shapes with necklines from Already Pretty can get you through any shape dilemma. My favorite DC-based sources for stunning baubles that won't break the bank? Queen Bee Designs and Fornash.

#4 That Piece: What's the one item in your wardrobe, be it necklace, dress, skirt, or shoe, that makes  you stand taller, prouder, and more condfidently every time you wear it? What piece always garners compliments as you board the Metro or stop at your favorite coffee shop? Figure that out, then don't be afraid to use and re-use it. For me, it's (among other favorites) my favorite pair of black patent pumps. I strut when I wear them (they fit, they rock, and the go. with. everything.) Because even if you've worn it over and over, it makes you feel good, and you'll exude confidence, which goes ever so far in erasing the dark circles - or at least in distracting from them.

#5 Being Put Together: Simply stated, don't revert to sweats when you're exhausted. I learned a long time ago, from an Italian, ahem, friend, that if I put on an ensemble that is put together instead of schlumpy, I will rock it. It feels easier, but it isn't. Easy is the LBD that doesn't even require you to match your shoes to the dress. Easy is the pair of trousers that fits you impeccably - and a simple sweater that's pretty and comfortable. Easy is a sheer lipstick that took no time to put on and yet shows you bothered.

Those Italians know whereof they speak. In all things, really. Trust me.

Weekend Style: Thanksgiving Casual

I lurv Thanksgiving.

Let me qualify that. I lurv any holiday on which I get to plan and cook a massive meal.

Style, in these cases, takes a back seat for me, big time. Because I'm happily cooking and setting a pretty table, I rarely have time to shower before guests arrive, let alone plan a fancy-pants ensemble. My hair? Usually pulled back, and highly dependent on it's state of cleanliness. My makeup? It's a well-timed plan (that I was able to execute on time) that lets me put on mascara, instead of relying on my "concealer, powder, and (now staple) red lipstick."

Seriously, that red lipstick is a lifesaver. Lets me pretend I cared about my face.

Back to the ensemble. This year, I can easily rely on my casual uniform, as it's polished and cozy all at the same time. Skinnies + layered tops + moccasins = done.

L-R:

Crewneck sweater - in my case, it's a Gap version (in navy, rather than the grey pictured here), bought (at Stacy London's recommendation) small for the fitted, rather than slouchy look. I also love my black Target version.

Plaid button down in fun colors - here, I've got a blue and purple Target one, of which I have a red/navy and a navy/red version that's not visible on the website. But any lightweight plaid will do. Unless you're planning on a post-meal hike, stick to light fabrics, rather than rely on flannel. Or, skip the sweater and go flannel, perhaps belted.

Skinnies - I'm in love with my Gap Always Skinny Cords. They're softer than soft, comfy, and I have a tan version that's very Potomac Housewife with my navy sweater. Here, I've got a greyish pair that would be lovely in a monochromatic ensemble

Moccasins - sure, you could go predictable (and I do love the look) with riding boots, but as we're hosting (and I'm cooking), my Minnetonka Kitlies are it. They might as well be slippers.

And for those of you who might care, here's how I tackle Thanksgiving, along with a peek at our menu. I'm a plantastic girl.

To start, I am choosing a reasonable Thanksgiving menu. I love, love, love to cook, and especially to cook a big meal. Now, we aren't having many people, just 2 family friends, for a total of 5 adults and 2 kids, but still, I love to plan and execute to that plan. My first task today, before I do anything else, really, will be to literally plan out, 15m x 15m, my next 18 hours. Then I can check it all off as I go. Granted, it won't always go as planned, and I'll have to adjust along the way, but I do love my plans. They're usually color coded.

1) Confirm a menu. I do consult H, particularly as a "check" that I'm not planning too much. We've settled on:

• Turkey + gravy (using Sassy Radish's Alton-adjusted method)
• Sausage and Cornbread Stuffing (using Baking Illustrated's cornbread recipe to make my own)
• Butternut Squash and Yukon Gold Potatoes
• Brussel Sprouts and Carrots (an epicurious find, and so. darned. good.)
• Romanian Sauerkraut (MIL's "recipe," and an if-you-have-turkey-you-have-to-have item in our house)
• Cornichons (also necessary with turkey in our Romanian-ish household)
• Pumpkin Pie (from Baking Illustrated, complete with homemade crust. If you're gonna go, go big. Also, I will send pie home with people. And go work out!)
• Maybe some chocolate chip cookies, for The Beans, as they don't do pie yet.
• Wine
• H will put out some salamis & such (Romanian, again) before hand.

2) Assess the cupboards against recipe ingredients, then make my shopping list. I'm forever buying things I already have.

3) Shop. Did this yesterday after taking The Bean to the doctor.

4) Make the Plan. To do this, I work in two directions. First, I list out (on paper, mind you, none of this e-stuff) all of the dishes I'm making. Then I list out all of the non-food-related tasks (like setting the table and ironing the tablecloth). Then, working backward from "eat time," I start with the Big Main Dish, in this case the turkey, and time out the dishes to work with oven temps and resting times, etc.

For example, the bird's supposed to take 2-2.5 hours + 30m resting time. We want to eat at 3. So the bird has to go in around noon, to be safe. Back that up 3+ hours for it to come to room temp before it goes in, and it's out of the fridge NLT 8am.

5) Check off dishes and tasks as I add them to the plan.

6) Check off items as I proceed through the schedule. This may very well be my favorite part. My plans tend to stay on the fridge long after they're executed.

7) New for this year, the #healthyme Thanksgiving plan: load up my plate with the brussel sprouts and a little bit of turkey, with tastes of everything else. I will load up on fruits, veggies, and H20 as I cook. And coffee.

Here's wishing you and yours the holiday you want and need. May the travel, food, and family gods be kind and generous to you all.

Healthy Style: Of Flannel PJs, Sexy Underthings, and Other Small Victories

For anyone who's followed me on twitter lately, you've seen that I've been a big. fat. crankypants. Well, as part of that, and similar to when I had my epiphany a while back that my level of activity has a direct correlation to my mood, I've realized that the journaling I've done on this #healthyme journey (by way of my Weight Watchers blog, mostly) has also been critical to my mood.

Guess what?

I hadn't been journaling lately.

Now, I'm not saying this is the sole factor in my State of Crankypants, but it certainly is A Factor. So this morning, after I got done with a regular DayJob meeting, I re-started that journaling. And this is what I wrote, edited just a bit.

i'm going to start with my maintenance "Non-Scale Victories."

1: i've stayed w/in +llb and -4lb of goal weight. (WW recommends +/- 2lbs of your goal weight)

2: i purposely haven't taken my measurements (am waiting til the end of the formal 6 weeks of WW "maintenance"), but i still need to buy new/tailor old clothes, even the ones i bought prior to san diego.

3: i bought pretty cozy snowflake pajama pants. in an "S." they make me happy when i put them on every day after work.

Target Gilligan & O'Malley Women's Flannel Pajama Pant

4: i very happily bought sexy underthings. and new "regular" underwear, to replace the in-some-cases-nearly-10yo pairs in my drawer (seriously, VS cotton underwear, and in particularly, the PINK stuff, is SOLID)

5: since hitting my goal weight and going on "maintenance," i've had lots of pictures taken of me, and i didn't hate any of them. most of them, i loved. if you remember, this was part of what got me onto this #healthyme path to begin with.

6: i've maintained my commitment to stay active. i've been to a formal activity (gym, yoga, gym class) at least 2x/week, mostly 3x/week.

Image via

7: i am stronger and more flexible. i'm finally getting into up dog(ish) and was one of the few people in a sort of muscle/power/cardio class i went to on monday who shook her booty while doing the moves. it's something trainerjen has been trying to get me to do since february.

8: my default is fruit and vegetables, rather than cookies and ice cream. this doesn't mean i don't have the latter, but it does mean that i'm more apt to pick the former. my dinner/cooking default is also fruit/veg.

Image via

9: i'm shifting to whole foods, vice "reduced fat/sugar" processes ones. translation: butter vice smart balance. regular cheese vice reduced fat. and then watching the amounts. i'm using my fat and protein more mindfully.

10: i'm getting more sleep. we won't discuss this further, lest it become a goal discussion. but i'm getting more sleep.

11: i'm watching less tv. this translates to more time with the beans, whether chasing each other around the house, doing 7 puzzles at once (we did this the other night), baking scones to take to a dear friend, or just plain old reading side-by-side (they with their books, me with mine).

Image via

12: i survived halloween w/in healthy weight range

13: i'm going to be in a video. on the interwebs. it's just a teeny one, a bit of a spoof, but the person who asked me to collaborate on it rocks. i'm keeping the rest of it secret for now, until it's "release." most importantly, i wasn't the least bit negatively self-concious, only self-aware in the best of wasy such that i was a little bit silly and fairly present.

yup. 13. because i'm taking on the world. watch out.

now i feel better.

Style Dilemma: The Black Maxi Skirt

Oh, about 2 years ago, long time reader, follower, twitter and blogger friend, and musician Scarlet emailed for help. She’s a clarinetist in a regional orchestra, and plays in formal concerts. She needed (needs? Scarlet? Am I too late?) a long black skirt. It’s that musicians’ uniform.

When she asked me, I had immediate images of Sharon Stone’s now (in)famous high-low Oscars ensemble. I was also convinced that Isaac Mizrahi had done a ballgown + buttondown look that would be perfect.

I had ballgown in my head. I searched and searched, to no avail. I couldn’t find the images I was looking for. What I did find, though, was that it was most likely a Carolina Herrerra look I remembered (who is, after all, the One with The Shirts). Sorry Isaac.

So time passes (crap. this might even have been before Bean No. 2), and the blog post never materialized. I checked with Scarlet, and she hadn’t resolved her Black Skirt Issue. She’d essentially resigned herself to buying a pattern and making one herself. There were no Long Skirts to be found.

But then, oila! the maxi skirt was on every page of every magazine, much to my confusion and chagrin. I still (true confessions) am not entirely sure what to do with them. I see others, but I Don’t Get It. I’ve tweeted the same. Lord (and the twitterverse) knows.

So it looks like it’ll take Scarlet’s style dilemma to get me over the hump. I scoured Pinterest and blogs, checked online catalogs and those “look book” things people keep talking about. And here’s what I found: a Black Maxi Skirt, as we’ll now call it, is probably a wardrobe item that is much more versatile than you’d think. I almost couldn't stop making combinations from what I found.

Thomas Pink Jessie shirt for ruffles made by one of the ultimate shirtmakers, or go local with The Signature Shirt with Leather Trim (I'm also in love with the blue and black one) from The Shirt by Rochelle Behrens

Patterson J. Kincaid maxi skirt with pleats instead of fullness, for a little more forgiving, and probably cooler (stage lights, people) take on the ballgown Scarlet and I had in our heads

Carolina Herrera inspiration via (nope, not planned that she got the FGI Superstar award last night!)

Mossimo Ponte Blazer in their version of oxblood, The Color right now (or, you know, the Chanel-inspired bouclé one I might have bought last night and might be wearing today)

Mossimo Long & Lean tank (best. tank. ever.)

Scully Cantina 3 Tiered Skirt, dialing it down from the inspirational image, with tiers for the fullness, but cotton for the ease

Blogger inspiration via

Old Navy Rock the Vote T (thank you, Liz, for the inspiration!), because, well, it's nearly November 6th and I live in Washington OR use that tank (told you it was the best) with a splash of color from Stella & Dot's Bryant Park scarf take on "animal print"

Adrianna Papell taffeta skirt, the most formal of the skirts on here, which I used very purposefully in this ensemble. Yes, it has The Bow, but I also personally love the juxtaposition of super casual with formal

Blogger inspiration via

Banana Republic Essential turtleneck OR softer, more colorful with Old Navy's Softest cowl-neck sweater

ModCloth's Cute to the Core skirt, in layers of filmy sheer, will balance any weight you might get from a Big Sweater.

Or you could go sleeker on the skirt and bigger on the sweater, for a full-on wintery look.

Sharon Stone inspiration via

Folks, let's just say that this is only the beginning of all of the looks I wanted to build with what is clearly (yes, I'm now a maxi skirt convert, only 2 years too late) a solid wardrobe staple. For me, and I'd venture to say that for most professional women out there, I'd say the maxi needs to be relegated to non-office activities, but I can absolutely see it on a playground, at a happy hour, a brunch, or, you know, an orchestra concert. Then, of course, you can take it and dress that baby up (sequined top, anyone?) for an elegant dinner or show. Seriously, endless possibilities.

Check out other pieces I considered here, but didn't make the ensembles in this post, on my Blog Possibilities board. Who knows? You might even get a preview of upcoming posts!

Contrasting Style: What's Your Style Personality

H’s 20th high school reunion

#DayJob deadlines

bluemercury founder and CEO Marla Malcom Beck + loads of inspiring women (thank you, Ruth’s Chris Women in Business series and Marie Claire!)

Stacy London + Truth About Style + a group of women who put themselves out there - on blogs and in life

#DayJob deadlines

other than one anomaly, the first weekend since my trip to San Diego that both H and I were home and we didn’t travel as a family (um, that would be 2 months)

laundry

last minute night out to see Public Image Ltd (PiL), including two rock legends

It has been an insane block of time. Insane.

I have a lot to think about, and lots to mull. I have lots I want to discuss with the interwebs. Much of it comes, duh, from hearing Stacy London speak about her journey - and witnessing her openness breed the same in the brave women who waited patiently in line to ask her a question. (Turns out, though, that the same group of women did not wait so patiently to get their books signed. There was some MeanGirls goin’ on up in there. Really? Ladies?)

A couple of women asked, predictably, I suppose, especially for Washington, D.C., about their work wardrobes and its appropriateness. Stacy’s answer to one young woman, who works in a very conservative office that really requires suits, struck me this week as I looked at my own style. (That happens when you take pictures of yourself, even Instagrams of your feet. Talk about self-awareness and crap. Pooh. Also, props to the #OOTD posters. I give you all sorts of credit for putting yourselves out there like that.) This young woman yearned to break free of the suit. Stacy’s answer took me a bit by surprise. She recommended sticking with the suit, making sure it fit well and was a flattering cut. If possible, she said (acknowledging that it isn’t always possible in some environments), that you can use accessories to show a flash of your own personal style, but...

Don’t worry about it. Just make sure you’re presentable, professional, and appropriate to your environment.

Then - and this is the important part - you can have an entirely different style on the weekends.

Radical. And hand-to-forehead-leave-an-imprint simple.

For a long time now, I’ve tooted the horn of “it’s of course possible to express yourself, even in conservative environments.” Use color, I’ve said. Use texture and textiles. Use accessories.

I’m also lucky that even in my #DayJobs along the way, all of which could be considered conservative environments (non-profit government relations with not infrequent visits to Capitol Hill, government contracting with defense agencies, and the stereotypically conservative world of accounting), I pretty much don’t care. I push the envelope. I can, I will, and I am absolutely OK - personally - with getting the occasional “nice pants” to my lava orange khakis that really means “Wow, that’s really bright, did you really mean to wear those in the office.”

Left's #RuralPreptastic look for the office: Gap Eversoft circle sweater (I bought it super small, per Stacy's other excellent bit of advice, to have a more fitted, vice the slouchy look shown on Gap's site), grosgain belt bought in an especially preppy shop in Annapolis years ago, Gap Perfect Khakis, lillybee Kate (get them! they're on sale!); Right's #rockerchic look for the PiL concert: Religion Clothing Union Jack Skinny Jeans (on sale at ASOS!), lillybee Meghan (sale, people, sale!), and a Druish scarf H brought me from Israel in deference to the "chill" that night (not shown: black Target Mossimo Long & Lean tank)

But what Stacy said rings true. There is nothing like a piece of clothing that fits well. If it fits your body, it flatters you. It lets you shine, and doesn’t let the outfit wear you and distract from your purpose in the office: to do your job.

We could certainly wax poetic about how It Doesn’t Matter what you wear, that people should be able to look past all of that, but the truth is - and this is why, in part, there’s a proliferation of style blogs, ambush makeover TV shows, and how-to fashion books - It Does Matter.

So know what you’re OK with. It’s sometimes difficult to find that place, and it takes time. If you’re just starting - or restarting, as a number of women I meet are - your career, stick to basics to start. Listen to that inner voice, but explore online. Use pinterest to its every advantage and flag what speaks to you. Try it. Ask friends. Ask bloggers (most of us are more than willing to lend an opinion).

Then, wear it all with confidence because, as Stacy says, you must know yourself first. Then you’ll be able to find your style. And if there’s a bit of a split personality in that style - and you go from #ruralpreptastic (or, as H told me “40 year old Potomac lady) to #rockerchic like I did this week, know that contrast is perfectly fine. You don’t have to dress a single way all the time, and rock a single style. I relish the contrast. How ‘bout you?
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As I said, I have more posts in my head, not the least of which is probably more than one springboarding from my visit with Stacy. (We’ll just pretend that it was a one-on-one visit, like it felt, I’m sure, to everyone in the room.) It was a lovely and inspirational evening. Here are a few of my compadres’ posts on our night: Wardrobe Oxygen's (in which Stacy likes my "vegan" dress - we're BFF, you know), and The Chelsea Chronicles (in which Stacy tells you to buy a Celine purse for your birthday)

Weekend Style: All in the Family

It was killing me to not post or tweet or share anything about it ahead of time, but we surprised my stepdad this weekend for his 70th birthday. I was paranoid that, while he's not on any kind of any social media, he'd pick up my mommy's phone or accidentally see her facebook account and get an inkling.

As it turns out, he even walked into the party with his sister, who had to give it up when he asked "Are you here for someone?" with a sheepish "For you, I suppose," and didn't get it.

We got him.

For those of you who didn't follow along on Instagram to see my 10,000 pictures of cider donuts, the weekend was family and a wonderful unofficial beginning of fall. Which just happens to be my favorite time of year. So, thanks to my baby sis, who's become quite the shutterbug with her fancy camera, here are a few of my favorites.

The birthday boy - prince, as my MIL calls him - with his new toy. We'll get him into the 21st century yet.

Uncle Toby, at 89 years young, and his girls: My babysis (in Gap), me (in Target), Uncle Toby (i.e. the Coolest 89 Year Old You'll Ever Meet), my cousin Lee (not Claudia, thankyouverymuch, in Gap), and my Mommy

Cousins: Lee, Babysis, Babybrother, me, Cousin Bub

One of the most elegant ladies I know, our childhood neighbor, and the woman who was my Harvest Queen Pageant sponsor, with My Mommy

We also got to see Grandpop.

And majorly enjoyed time with cousins.

The Bean is 100% smitten with Zoe

The men who put up with us.

Babysis captioned this "This is about as good as we get." Also, my heart.

(Babysis: J. Crew shorts; me; Target shirt, Gap skinnies)

Week in Style: Shopping and Goals and Punks, Oh My!

More DayJob insanity, so here's a quick and dirty on the erstwhile style insanity...

Ready, set...GO!

1) New Nordstrom Rack in Tyson's - if you follow any of the DC style blogging set on Instagram, you saw all sorts of fabulous fashion finds getting scooped up in a sneak peek. The grand opening was last night (Thursday). My favorite shot? This one of Allie of Wardrobe Oxygen in the jacket I made her promise to buy so we could go out in our badass jacket and Union Jack skinnies together. (Here's Allie's feed, btw)

2) District Sample Sale - Duh. TravelinJames, The Chelsea Chronicles, and I scooped up crazy bargains in their first ever DSS. Since I haven't gotten to a real post on it, check out our finds over in my DC Celine facebook album, here.

3) I hit my true end weight goal and earned a big ass star on Weight Watchers. There's a lot more behind this, much of it having to do with the real results of #healthyme, trying on boutique clothes, and getting stopped by strangers, but still, that star is one I never thought I'd get. Now the real fun begins.

DSS Morning After shot at my gym, following a TrainerJen workout, and 2 days before the weigh in where I hit goal. Jacket: Nordstrom Rack (Friendship Heights); Necklace: Queen Bee Designs (DSS); Tank: Target; Skirt: Banana Republic (yes it's too big now and it's one I bought for #OperationBoothBabe); Belt: Banana Republic; Not pictured, Python Platform Pumps (Stuart Weitzman from Simply Soles)

4) The Metropolitan Museum of Art Announced a New Costume Institute Exhibit - book your tickets now. To quote the press release, which blissfully arrived in my inbox yesterday, "The Metropolitan Museum of Art announced today that the spring 2013 exhibition organized by The Costume Institute will be PUNK: Chaos to Couture.  The exhibition, which will be on view from May 9 through August 11, 2013 (preceded on May 6 by The Costume Institute Benefit), will examine punk’s impact from its birth in the 1970s through its continuing influence on high fashion today." I'm envisioning all sorts of ridiculously wonderful insanity of punk, with a dash of the Anglomania exhibit and the eye for a exhibit design that will blow our minds.

Left: Sid Vicious, 1977. Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Photograph © Dennis Morris - all rights reserved; Right: Karl Lagerfeld (French, born Hamburg, 1938) for House of Chanel (French, founded 1913), 2011. Vogue, March 2011. Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Photograph by David Sims, both via

Think I can get myself invited to the May 6, 2013, Gala Benefit with Co-Chairs Rooney Mara, Lauren Santo Domingo, Riccardo Tisci, and Anna Wintour?



Weekend Style: Woods, Woodland Wedding, and, Well, Beer

I didn't go horseback riding, but we did drive through mountains remote enough to have no data signal (seriously, how is one to Google Map one's way to something other than the fast food restaurants on the highway signs without Google Maps?), wander through actual woods, added Nemacolin Resort to our List of Places to Return, celebrated with dear friends who really are family, and drank Good German Beer.

My style, you ask? It was simple. The short list of how I got through the weekend without batting a proverbial eyelash:

The drive to Western PA: a Target black jersey summer dress and flip flops
Friday night's Wedding BBQ Party: Gap 1969 mid-rise dark skinnies, a vintage Romanian peasant top as a nod to our families' hertiage, and gladiator sandals
Saturday on the Resort: A bikini under my Motley Crue T and gym shorts
Saturday night's Wedding: My beloved and easy The Limited Outback Red maxi dress (similar to this shorter, sleevless version), slicked back hair (um, literally no time to wash and dry it), dangly beaded earrings, gladiator sandals, and a vintage clutch that still had my Mom-Mom's handkerchief in it. Which came in handy when there was nary a dry eye in the wooded place when the groom's father, and our wedding godfather, read his blessing.
The drive home: those mid-rise skinnies (they might as well be sweatpants, they're so comfy), and the Motley Crue t under a light vneck sweater (it was chilly!), and flip flops.

Here's just a teensy (I swear - there are loads more pictures! Didn't you see them on Instagram?) peek into our adventures.

L-R, from top left:

The youngest little old man, playing shuffleboard at the wedding venue Friday night

"It's like we're hiking," The Bean declared as they walked down a tiny path to a "dinosaur dig" on the resort

Private jet taking off right before our eyes on the resort property (apparently there are Very Rich People who go there)

Coolest insect plates I've ever seen and almost bought in one of the resort gift shops

Antoni Clave's original designs for a ballet production, Susanna and the Barber (circa 1930), just part of the remarkable Hardy family art collection on display at the resort

One of two partial (the actual icons beneath the metal covering is gone) icons (huge, btw) on display at the resort

"Caption" to a set of Audobon Societ plates in the resort library, bought from the Ambercrobie & Fitch Co, known for "outfitting weathy outdoorsmen" - who knew?

"Dress made for and worn by Marilyn Monroe" on display at the resort

Thistledown, which, among other things The Beans hadn't seen before (and I grew up just knowing), made me realize we need to get The Beans out into nature more

Narnia - the wedding venue, a retreat down the road from the resort, had lampposts that took us straight through the wardrobe

Antique linens decorating the ceremony site

Family

Our godfather (and the groom's father) and I

Yoga Bean playing while the grownups ate dinner

Zonked, and happily snuggled together

A doppelbock at our new favorite German restaurant, Schmankerl Stube in Hagerstown, MD

Style Dilemma: What to Wear to an Amusement Park, Redux

Yes, I’ve written this post before.

It’s also - literally, don’t laugh - the post that seems to get (unscientific assessment here, I’m terrible at all of this blog stats stuff) the most random Google searches (yes, I'm working on my SEO, people. look at me, I'm a blogger).

What to wear to an amusement park is apparently quite the style dilemma.

Therefore, and because I’m stealing a few minutes between deadlines in the DayJob, I thought we’d revisit. Why now, you ask? Well, 3 reasons:

1) People apparently want to know. You ask, I answer.

2) Because people want to know, I re-read my post. And while I think I assessed the situation fairly and accurately, I’m perplexed at some of my own response. Linen gauchos? I literally don’t know what the heck I was talking about. Forgive me? It was 2006.

3) We’re going to Sesame Place this weekend. We’re going to the park 2 days. In my off moments (like driving home at 10:30 at night, driving to the office at 5am) this week, I’ve been mulling it over. And over. And over.

So let’s take a look at what I said before, and we’ll update. We’ll also update it for “What to Wear to an Amusement Park When You Have Kids.” Because it does, no matter how hard you try, make it different.

In 2006, I assesed the situation as follows (yes, I’ve been writing proposals all week):

There are a couple of issues at hand

1. Feet - walking around all day on asphalt gets hot and uncomfortable. Breathing feet is key
2. Hair - keeping it cool & not dissheveled
3. Skin - too much sun = bad
4. Heat - sweaty = bad On target, right?

New "issues" for 2012 and “with kids:”

Stuff - how I didn’t address this back then, I have no earthly idea. Except that I probably wore my favorite cargos with 23K pockets and carried my teensy little J. Crew Magic Wallet in the pocket. So what to do?

I hate backpacks. They are immensely practical, but no matter how hard they try, they are just. not. stylish or chic. Let’s not talk about those pseudo-dressy ones that hang horribly and look like a dead animal slung to your back. That being said, a tote bag is about the least practical option at an amusement park, especially when chasing little ones around. You need 2 hands. You also need another grownup (or friend old enough to stand alone) to wait with said bag while you’re on the ride.

So, my friends, suck it up. Take the L.L. Bean, Jansport, or Land’s End backpack you have stuffed in your closet (I know you haven’t thrown it out yet because it’s just plain old too useful and still in very good condition, despite all of the ballpoint pen you have scribbled all over it). Drag it out, and use it. It’ll let you be hands-free, store all your stuff (think changes of clothes, see next item), and it’s 2 days. At an amusement park. You can deal.

You know what else I’m a fan of? Rides the kids can go on by themselves where I can stand below and take pictures.

Onward. Next up New Issue?

Water Rides - Last time I was there (ahem, at least 30 years ago), Sesame Place had some water. Slides and sprinklers and such. Apparently it’s now got a full-fledged water park. This means bathing suits and changes of clothes. (See above where I tell you to suck it up on the backpack.).

I’ve debated this in my head. On one hand, a full-coverage racing suit, or at least a one-piece that stays in place seems like your best bet where this many random children are involved. But there are 2 significant issues with the one piece:

1) It’s an additional layer. Of synthetic material. It’s August. Do the dripping wet math.

2) Access. It’s a long day, it’s hot, and you should be drinking loads and loads of water, which translates to, of course, many pit stops. It’s hard enough undoing yourself if you’re wearing a t-shirt and shorts over a suit. Try doing it while keeping The Beans from touching any surface at all (why in God’s name are those random bathroom surfaces so attractive?).

My solution, which, quite frankly, may not be for everyone:

For a water-ride-friendly ensemble, don well-fitting shorts (don’t listen to what I said in 2006 about shorts), a fitted, lightweight T-shirt of your choice, and either a bikini (we are talking about access here) or regular old underwear (in this case, I’d recommend something other than cotton, because it will get wet, and you need it to dry quickly) and a sports bra or exercise tank with a built-in bra. Important? Quick-drying materials. This is the one and only time (feel free to come back and taunt me if I contradict myself in another 6 years) I will recommend you wear gym-gear outside of your workout. If it’s not a cotton T (see my WW friend’s ode to Lycra), it will dry much faster, and you will be much more comfortable all day.

Counter clockwise, from top right: Phillies Women's Lonnie Cleanup Adjustable Cap (I have a very similar one I wear all the time), C9 by Champion Seamles Racerback Tank (I've just bought a bunch of the C9 stuff at Target, and while I haven't worn them much, love the fit, the colors, and the styles)  Women's Converse One Star Neon Oxford - Pink (my missing ones are grey, and have a Really Cool Print Double Tongue), L.L. Bean Deluxe Book Pack (mine has lasted me more than 20 years, 2 years overseas, and now 2 Beans), Great Adventure's Green Lantern (yes, that's Great Adventure. I couldn't resist putting it in just for my dear Tri-State-Area readers), Sesame Place (wish me luck), Purell Hand Sanitizer (the little hang-on-any-bag tags rock. an absolute must. Or wipes. After every. single. ride.), Neutrogena Wet Skin SPF 70 (do I have to explain?)

So what did I get right in 2006? Well, to quote myself:

Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. There's nothing less stylish than a girl stranded in "lobsterland" because she "forgot" (as H is wont to do) to slather it on. Never mind there's less of a need for the fridge-cooled aloe vera when you get home.

2012 update: yes. Also, spray-on sunscreen is the best invention ev-ah.

Ballcap. This would be one of the very few times (the other would be when you're whooping it up at a homecoming game) I'd say: forget hairstyles, pull it back in DC's-best ponytail, toss on a cap, and leave it be. It'll keep you cool & sun-free.

2012 update: yes. I’ll likely sport my plaid Phillies cap. Who cares if they’re in last place? I am not, I repeat, not, a fair-weather Phan.

Layered tops. Cami [removed “sweat-wicking cotton” comment. Again, what was I talking about in 2006?), and a beach-inspired thin cotton button-down. A tunic would work well, here, too. Airy, light, and layered is key. An interesting t-shirt might do, too, but you'll be cooler if you're layered.

2012 update: if you really think you can avoid the water rides, this layered look is absolutely the way to go. It’s cool and chic. But water absolutely requires something, well, less fashionable.

Shoes. This is hard. My comfort inclination is to tell you to screw fashion & go tourist by throwing on the running shoes. But I'm going to pull back from the edge and say: if you don't already have a pair in your closet, get thee to any store worth it's salt (my cheapy fave, Target, will do) and grab a pair of what department stores so eloquently call "fashion sneakers." Puma, Nike, Michelle K, and every other brand known to woman now have fun colors that won't kill your feet.

2012 update: I’ve been debating this myself. I literally can’t find my favorite grey lowtop Chucks, and have no other “fashion sneakers.” While I’m absolutely 100% sure my suburban Target has a pair that will work, this is one day I really don’t think I can squeeze in a Tar-ZHAY run. So guess what? Running shoes. This is not the time (since we’ll be in the waterpark mode) to wear my trusty gladiator sandals or even flip-flops. Soggy feet and blisters will ensue.

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So there you have it. I might have been smoking some gaucho dope in 2006, and I will fully admit that some of my recommendations (ahem, a bikini under clothes) might not work for folks. Forgive me on that one; I’m still fully infatuated with my #healthyme results. So if this doesn’t work for you, what does work? What will you wear to an amusement park?

Also, for the record, stop rolling your eyes. Amusement parks are one of the funnest things ever. And if you disagree in some sort of snobbish, I-refuse-to-admit-I’m-an-American way, well, you’re un-American. Go. It’s like laughing out loud for no reason at all. You’ll feel better, you’ll be happy, and you will find a little bit of joy you didn’t realize you had.