Things I cant believe

1. It is 2010. Nearly April 2010. Yikes!!!

2. Spring has sprung. It is gorgeous in SF - crisp and sunny - and I am inspired to wear colors and flowers and dresses (oh, my!)

3. I am trying to improve my wardrobe (and my mornings) by ever-so-slightly exceeding the boundaries of my comfort zone. I still want to look and feel like "me" but with a few more interesting options.

My first spring purchase was a bright yellow sun dress from Old Navy. With my navy blazer, Burb scarf and brown heels, it is a natural extension of what I'd normally wear, only now I have a bit more spring in my step.

blush 101

I recently ran out of my favorite blush - NARS Orgasm - the color that (ahem) is supposed to flatter everyone.

I decided to search for a drug store alternative because - even though I only buy make up about once a year - the cost really adds up.

I brought the last fleck of my NARS into Walgreen's and matched it to Neutrogena's Healthy Skin Blush and Bronzer in "Rosy." When I mix the blush and bronzer, the color is nearly identical to the NARS - just slightly less gold - and at $12.99 it is about $27 cheaper.

I definitely am not qualified to guarantee - or even promise - that it will look good on you, but it is worth a try!

Bathing Suits & Ballet Slippers

In the spirit of spring cleaning, I took out every article of clothing in my chest of drawers so I could review the contents in all of their glory.

I gave away the too-small clothes to my mama, and the unsalvageable items to Goodwill. But the insightful part of the experience was realizing that many of my clothes are for my fictitious life - albeit one that has commonalities with my real life - that is more spontaneous, inspiring and creative.

I have about 4 leotards, 10 pairs of ballet tights, two pairs of ballet slippers and pointe shoes. New pointe shoes.

I also own about 8 bathing suits.

When I stepped back and reviewed this inventory I realized that next time I want to dance or escape somewhere sunny, I am going to take a ballet class or buy a plane ticket to Las Vegas.

And I can always shop when I get to Vegas.

mama mia

I have always admired my mom's sense of style. Her look influences me every day. My mom is always stylish (sans something we lovingly call her 'unabomber' look), but never trendy.

I think this is because she follows these unspoken rules -

1. red nails. Looked great in the 80's, will look great always.
2. big hair. She rocked it. I love it. Always will. (Now she has a pixie cut which is equally eye-catching and flattering).
3. quality shoes. Her red toes never touch plastic. She's owned her shoes for years and years.
4. no logos. ever. (This excludes Louis Vuitton).
5. simple, simple, simple.

(I am disappointed that I am not including pictures in this post...but I do not want it to prevent me from posting at all! I will scan pictures over thanksgiving and send them post-haste!)

dear lumpy clothes

Dear unattractive, ill fitting, misshapen clothes,*
Please don't tempt me every morning. I don't have time for you.
Love, Rory

*With many outfit options that I enjoy wearing, I vow to get rid of items that I -
1) never leave the house wearing
2) think I should keep/wear solely because they were expensive
3) fit at one point in my life but don't now

Four great go-to outfits are far better - and make life far easier - than 40 distracting ones.

socks with sandals

Today, I went for granny-librarian chic by wearing a cream turtleneck, navy blazer, tweed skirt, herringbone socks and peep toe sandals.

Hopefully it was cute and not too literal. (It helps that all of the pieces are pretty fitted).

Apologies for the weird half-photo.

rainy day chic

It was driving rain when I woke up this morning and I had to resist the urge to dress like a slob. When I dress like a slob I feel like a slob ...which makes me lethargic all day.

I forced myself to dress the opposite...chic! I'm wearing a black turtleneck & peplum skirt, grey tights, black heels and a chunky necklace.

Coincidentally, my very chic and very funny friend Amy is also wearing a black dress-grey tight combo. (Fuzzy photo at right).

I suppose the key to looking composed and professional on a rainy day is simply wearing structured clothes.

post script - I intend to acquire a better camera soon!