Kayla's 21 Day Challenge

Kayla from Freckles in April has come up with a little blogging challenge. For 21 days, she will issue prompts and the bloggers following the challenge will do their best to do said fashion prompt. While I haven't done a blog challenge before, I think I'm really up for this one. Perhaps it's the element of surprise, never knowing what that prompt may be.

Intrigued? Visit Freckles in April and read the 21 Day Challenge post.

Won't you join? It does seem like a terribly good bit of fun. Hope to see you there!

I Wouldn't Mind...

This dress! Isn't it gorgeous? Short in front, longer in the back, with a little sheer business going on...perfect for summer or "winter" with some leggings. I'm seriously liking this puppy. Made by Peeko Apparel and coming in at $89.00. Maybe a little steep for me right now, but I love the idea, how just utterly fantastic it looks.

Drop by Peeko's Etsy page and check out her other stuff!

All images in this post belong to Peeko Apparel.

Rules or Happiness?

This corgi is happy. Are you this happy? (Image via Corgis Everywhere!)

It started out innocently enough. The other day, Sally at Already Prettymade a post on styling tricky accessories. I was wearing my red pants that day, and, in PR, it's not common to see girls in bright pants. Or, at least, I don't tend to see them.

In my comment, I included my red pants, adding that while some people may argue against them because they draw attention to the size of my hips and butt, they make me quite happy. So what should I do? Follow the rules or follow my happiness?

This all got me to thinking about all the things many of us postpone or simply ignore because they just "don't follow the rules". I have too many friends who haven't studied what they like, wear what they want, or say what they think because it is out of the norm. I even dated a guy who was studying medicine because "that's just what the firstborns do" in his family. He desperately wanted to study literature or history.

If we start imposing limits on ourselves in something as basic as clothes (because, let's face it, we need protection from rain, sun, and temperature, so clothes are a basic need; why not have a little fun with them?), what else will we limit ourselves upon? I'm not telling you to go start a revolution, but I am telling you to find a way to express yourself and find ways to state your truth and be happy. As long as you respect yourself and others while you're at it, you should be fine.

Just think about it. How many things do you hold back on? You might start off with that shirt because maybe it's too bright and you'd be too shy to wear it out. Then maybe you realize you might not want to do something you really like because, wow. Not a lot of people do it so it must be embarrassing. What next? I know it may sound a bit...hyperbolic. But think about it. How much are we limiting ourselves because of supposed rules and worries over what people may think?

At the risk of sounding corny, as far as we know, we only live once. We don't know what happens after that. So why not make it a good one, full of happiness and little to no regrets. Say yes to happiness! Wear your favorite color, even if others think it's loud. Travel alone, even if people say "it looks bad" for a woman to travel by herself. Shave your head, go backpacking across Europe, volunteer to teach in Peru if that's what you like. Just follow your heart and be safe.


Genghis demands your happiness. Otherwise, he will hit you with this stick.

How do you say yes to happiness?

I Wouldn't Mind...

This dress from JulyS on Etsy. Priced at $59.00, it seems like a deliciously soft option for these nasty summer days. The small open back at the bottom provides a neat cool factor, both in the literal and figurative sense.

JulyS is run by 3 ladies that design and make everything in the shop. They have tons more goodies! Visit them here.

All images in this post belong to JulyS.

EBEW: Thrift

Yay! Thrift! Let's do this!



I've got a whole lot of outfit going on here...in retrospect, I would've done it a little differently. But I still like the principle. Dresses and blazers are two of my favorite things, but they don't necessarily always work well together. And that belt is throwing the outfit off. Had it been another dress...or maybe another belt...

Oh well. The point of dressing up is experimenting. There will be successful outfits and there will be some not-as-successful ones. Like I've said before, the point is always to try!

Everything in this outfit is thrifted. Blazer, dress, belt, and shoes, all thrifted. Total cost of my outfit? A whopping five dollars. Yup, you read right. $5.00! I've already worn the blazer to death, and the dress is usually worn blazerless, but with a belt, when I'm on the west side of the island. And the shoes have seen their fair share of action too...found them at the fleamarket for $2.00! And they're Nine West, score!

I'd like to thank Jentine and Everybody Everywhere for making this happen. I think that, not only do we get to see each others thrifty styles, we also promote thrifting. And thrifting is good for the Earth, the wallet, and the soul.

Keep thrifting!

On the Subject of Weight

Weight is a very personal subject matter. Whatever you do or don't do to your body is a highly individual decision that shouldn't be influenced by society. Friends and/or family are the only ones that I believe have some say on the matter, particularly if you are in a dangerous situation caused by your weight. But, other than that, I don't think anyone should intervene.

My problem is that many blogs/people/media outlets feel it's their business to go around policing people's bodies, in particular, their weight, shape, and size. Apparently, being a certain size is only acceptable in certain situations. And most of these situations are hypersexualized or highly fetishized. In the end, you're not being loved or accepted for yourself. You're being tentatively welcomed in by molding into their notions of what is acceptable in weight, shape, and size. If you don't concede, fit in, you can ship out.

I think I am particularly sensitive to this because my teenage years were spent with a couple of extra pounds on. While I am tall and many people would argue that the weight wasn't that visible, it was visible enough for some people to poke fun at. I didn't enjoy it, but I didn't give the matter much thought, as I honestly considered high school just a pit stop for a greater time in life. What really annoyed me, in the years to come, were the concepts attached to people who carry extra weight and the way that weight loss/gain/etc. was approached.

This all came to a head during a conversation with a good friend of mine. We began talking about a thread on social media that she started innocently enough. A short while ago, there was a "No Fat Talk" week, and she posted about that on Google Buzz. The conversation went well until some people started reacting negatively to the concepts of fat and no fat talk. That is where our dialogue started.

A summary: the article discussed how a "No Fat Talk" week was implemented to avoid negative body image and to reinforce the idea that beauty was not tied to fat. They interviewed people who worked in dance, an area that is rife with heavy pressure to conform to a body beauty ideal. The concept seemed to work well, but there are still body image issues.

While I understand what "No Fat Talk" week is about, I can also see why people were lashing back. Eliminating the word "fat" from our conversation isn't going to eliminate body issues. Oh no. They are still there. If we did not work with positive reconditioning and self-acceptance, the word fat will have an effect, whether or not it is used in conversation. I understand that people use weight as an arbiter of health and attractiveness. For example, "You look great! Did you lose weight!" or "Wow, you've come into your shape." Things like that always point towards weight gain or loss. And we cannot use weight as an arbiter of health, happiness, or style.

My biggest gripe comes from the fact that people focus on weight so much as an issue of fashion or image. Nobody discusses the dangers of weight loss or gain. Done radically or unnecessarily, you put yourself in dangerous situations. Perhaps we should talk about weight in regards to health: physical, emotional, and psychological. After all, you could be skinny, but if you do not work out and keep your body healthy, you could have a plethora of health problems that a person that could be considered overweight (but works out) has.

Weight should not be a measure of happiness. For some, weight loss or gain will come with happiness, but I believe it is derived from the changes we see, not just because we are subjecting ourselves to roles. Happiness comes from accepting yourself and achieving things that make you feel good. My own weight loss brought me happiness not only because I found myself better in a physical image sense, but because my health was very much improved. My back problems got better, my knee pain subsided.

Perhaps this is my biggest problem with fashion lately. With magazines like Vogue Curvy, that feature one type of "curvy" and it is a highly fetishized and sexualized sort. When you have people like Karl Lagerfeld saying things like "Narrow ribcages are the chicest thing." or "The body has to be impeccable. If it's not, buy small sizes and eat less food."

Yes, the body has to be impeccable. Impeccably healthy, impeccably loved, no matter what. You can be the most fantastic looking person on the outside, but if you are emotionally, psychologically, and physically ill, you're not achieving anything.

Remember: your body is your own. You should be healthy, inside and out. There is beauty in all of us, don't let anybody police you into destroying yourself.

EBEW: Yellow

Finally! A post and I do EBEW on time. Fabulous! How is everyone? I don't mean to pop in and out sporadically, but I really do keep up with everyone. I just never manage to get up a post. I'm sorry! I will schedule them...do my best to buckle down and get out a couple of posts.

Anyway, I've been wanting to do EBEW for a while. And I have! Except I either never took a picture or forgot to post about it. Oops. Oh well, here's my first EBEW post! I was originally going to wear a maxi skirt, but since we have a nice little storm sitting right on top of us, that wasn't going to happen. On went the pants. Pants are so comfortable. I'd missed you so, pants!

Outfit details:
Top: Hand me down from Mom
Vest: Target
Pants: Burlington Coat Factory
Shoes: Coach

Dress Your Best Week: 1

Ever since I stumbled upon AcademiChic's Dress Your Best Week last year, I was...obsessed. I wanted to participate, but I didn't want to do it without AcademicChic's "permission" so to speak. I felt I was stealing their idea if I didn't wait until they decided to do it again.

Thanks to Already Pretty, I can now do it! In her usual links post, she mentioned that AcademiChic was doing it again! And, though a bit late, I'm jumping at the chance to be a part of this.

That said, I do believe you should dress your best every day, week, month, year. But I'll go deeper into that when I do my finishing post for Dress Your Best Week. But I'd really like to thank AcademiChic for doing this again and Already Pretty for giving the heads up.

Dress Your Best: Legs

When I was little, I didn't really pay attention to my legs. But I sure used them. Jumping off roofs, running, dancing, skating, you name it. I was a bit clumsy, but proud and happy that I had two healthy legs that could take me wherever I needed and wanted.

As time passed and I became a teenager, I grew to appreciate my legs. They were toned and athletic, probably thanks to genetic predisposition and years of running around the yard, chasing pets and crazy cousins. However, I had already received the first of several injuries that would make life a little cumbersome today. Worse, I was being harassed by the person I considered my best friend, and one of the things she did was try to demean my somewhat okay self-image.

I was overweight and sensitive about my figure. I was tall, chubby, and to make things worse for a high school kid, I looked nothing like my classmates. Years later I would learn to love my extremely mixed heritage that made me into the person I am today, but back then, it was difficult to stand out like a sore thumb. Worse, I did not want to conform to the societal beaty standards being imposed upon me. All in all, I figured that I had nice legs, a nice butt, and some pretty good shoulders. If anything, I thought that as the years passed, I would grow into my body or change it for the better. As our friendship slowly but surely spiraled into oblivion, she began to say abusive, hurtful things about my personality and my body, in addition to escalating to actual violence.

It's always easier to believe the negative. I wonder why.

For a long time, I thought my legs were horrible. I suddenly noticed all the scars from my childhood adventures. Scars that once brought me pride and happy memories now embarrassed me and pointed out my inadequacy in a teenage world. I wondered if my legs were too thin or pale. I would bite my tongue and take a deep breath whenever she would suggest helpful things, like covering up those legs. It would take a long time to realize that my "friend" was full of utter crap. And even if I was imperfect, I had working parts, and that's all that mattered. I was just the way I supposed to be.

So now, I embrace my legs. Though every once in a while I'll wonder if that girl's taunts were true (chicken stick legs, gee thanks), if they were, it doesn't matter. These legs have helped me walk for miles, run for fun, kick for defense, dance like a dervish, swim in the wondrous sea, and make my way towards those I love. And that is why I dress them to their best. And I think they look pretty darned cute, too.

Outfit details:

Cardigan: Old Navy, $3.50

Dress: Fleamarket, $00.50
Belt: garage sale, $00.25

Shoes: BCBG outlet, $29.00

Join in on the self-love fun!

Oh, Scott Schumann: What in the What Are You Thinking?

First I would like you to read this:

The Sartorialist Ponders...from Style.com

Then this, from The Sunday Best:

George Clooney is a Fairly Useless Style Icon

Finally, this from Decoding Dress:

Dear Sartorialist: Let's Chat about Fashion Blogs

Let's discuss.

Having a Budget = I Can't Dress Nice?

About a week or two ago, there was a big brouhaha over a post that Gwyneth Paltrow put up on her website, GOOP. It was a feature on her "essentials", and her items (a dress, sandals, cardigan, and bag) totaled around $18,000. Yes, you read right. Granted, she collaborated with Net-a-Porter. While I know that Ms. Paltrow is accustomed to such a lifestyle, it's particularly disheartening to see that the majority of fashion magazines list as essentials things that cost more that a month's salary.

I understand that most magazines are for inspiration, but they still sell the fantasy. I'm not going to lie and say that my wardrobe lacks expensive things. I love Marc Jacobs; I have a couple of his items that get much wear. However, I generally buy them second-hand through eBay or fashion communities where I can guarantee their authenticity and care. But, I'm getting sidetracked. My point is that I don't have money to burn. I like to save so I can travel and create wonderful memories, not dump all my cash on one dress that I would probably rip thanks to my fantastic agility and grace. Really, I've lost count on how many times I've hooked my clothes on grates, fences, doors, and sundry.

What bugs me even more is when fashion magazines make so-called "budget" features that have items that are well over a hundred dollars. I'm sorry, but I cannot afford to toss around that much money for jeans, much less a t-shirt. What with my bad knees, right foot, and back, I am forced to invest in good shoes that provide proper support, but even then, I make an effort to find said shoe at the lowest price. My most recent expensive buy was a BCBG dress for a friend's wedding. It is beautiful, and I love it to bits. But I cried as I handed over the credit card.

It was only $130.

Call me a miser, a cheapy, a Scrooge, but I'd rather put my money where it counts. Good jewelry that will become family heirlooms, travel, presents for my family and loved ones, money for animal charities, or crafting materials, I'd rather save for that. Whenever I buy something, I figure out the cost per wear and make damn sure that it's worth it, because otherwise, it's sitting in the closet. Doing nothing. Except maybe mocking me.

If I don't buy thrifted or make my own, most of my clothes come from regular stores like Old Navy, Gap, Ann Taylor, and Zara. Kmart and Walmart figure in frequently. I used to shop at Forever 21, but after reading up more on the company's practices, I haven't really stepped foot into the store in around 6 months. If I want something fancy, I go to eBay or the fashion selling groups. And I usually buy at the outlets. Sure, I have a Marc Jacobs, but it was bought on eBay with a steep discount.

Getting back on track, I think that my biggest gripe with the whole thing is how it affects consumers. I feel that magazines, media, everything that is shopping related, send the message that if you do not buy pricey items, then you are not fashionable. That in price point, there is class and quality. That you have class and quality. And I do not appreciate that. I do not want to be held in contempt for wearing something second hand or from an everyday store. I am not my jeans, my top, or my shoes. Clothing doesn't define me, it is simply an accessory that I use to express myself.

What do you think? Do you think magazines should tone it down and present more accessible options? Or are they just fine as is?

I want to hear what you think!

Sassy Lassy (With a Side of Prude)

Let me go on the record and tell you that I love this outfit. Can't you tell? I've got this damn smirk on my face, and I can't wipe it off. Why? Because I'm so happy and comfortable in this outfit. I wore a rehash of this for my first day of work. I can't wait till everyone forgets about it so I can wear it again, I love it so much.

Funny thing is, this? This outfit? This is subversive for most of PR. I'm wearing a lot of black, I'm covered, I'm mixing styles (the crochet belt seems too delicate for these boots, to most), and, deadliest thing of all, my skirt isn't dangerously close to revealing my undies. Look, I'm no saint, and I sure do love my short skirts and shorts, but, this is getting ridiculous. Girls, keep your lady parts in your pants, not out. Or, at least, keep them in while you are out in public. I seriously have no need to be dazzled by them while I go about my business.

I know I sound positively prudish; well, on second thought, no. I don't. There is such a thing as common sense. I'm all for freedom of expression. I love daring clothes. I love low-cut dresses, shorts, skirts, all within reason. But, I feel it becomes disrespectful when you are dressed very inappropriately for a place/situation. And I don't mean by over or underdressed, I mean lack of dress. Why do you have to show it all? There is a time and a place for everything. Bandeau top and short shorts for raving it up at a dance party? Cool! Bandeau top and short shorts for going to pick up your kids at school? No.

The sad truth of the matter is that most people here, both peers and of an older age range, consider me a prude. When I think about it, clothing here is highly sexualized. Too much, for me. Too many women don outrageously tight spandex clothes with exorbitantly high hems and mind-blowingly low necklines. And, in my experience, you receive negative attention in both cases, but sometimes even more so when you dress modestly. People heckle you, make comments, and even assume that you're part of an extremist religious movement because, oh my, you don't want to wear a miniskirt to work. I firmly believe there is a place and a time for everything, and that includes clothes. At work I dress modestly: I keep my crazy colors and garments, but the hemlines are close to the knee and the cleavage is non-existent. When I go out, I showcase one thing at a time. Short skirt? Long sleeves. Deep neckline? Better wear pants or add tights. I firmly believe that there is an allure, an aura, to showing your figure ever so slightly. A hint here and there. I've quite had it with overt sexuality, thank you.

So, let's take it in, girls. Let's keep it classy.

One Bag, Two Choices

I'm not going to lie, I've been hemming and hawing over this bag for over a year. It's too cute, and I know it's a copy of a designer bag. But it looks nice, and nowhere does it say that it's designer. So I've gotten over it. It's a good looking bag, and it seems to be capable of hauling my plethora of stuff. Seriously, I haul stuff in my purse. Don't you? No? Damn. I admire you.





Bottom line: I don't know which color to get. With both of the purses checking in at under $30, I think we're super cool on the price point. My problem is the color. Dark chocolate or khaki. You decide. Or suggest. And I'll keep hemming and hawing over here.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Where Are You?

I'm more of a lurky member at IFB, as in, I am a member and I haven't posted anything yet. I know. Shameful. I guess I'm just shy, it being such a big community and all. However, I do read their weekly links, and I pop over to the website and read the articles and forums often. And, through an IFB blog, I found this!



The Style Blogger Map. A way for bloggers to find out about other style bloggers in their area, connect and interact. Or reach out to others across the sea or land. I find this utterly awesome, and I signed up right away. Can't wait to see if there are other PR bloggers there!

Click on the link above or visit rosealamode.com.

Will you join? :)

Barely There

Another work day, another outfit. Actually, this outfit stressed me out a bit. I love this dress, but it's too...proper? Prim? Charlotte? for me, so I always try to funk it up. It has a bow in front, which I covered with the belt. Once, I wore this dress and someone said that I looked so feminine. While flattered, I pondered if it was a back-handed compliment. Feminine? Did I look like a frog the other days? Besides, what kind of way is that to compliment a woman? What if I don't want to be feminine? What if I just wanted to look nice, and there you go, assigning gender roles on me?

Sorry. Phew. Got a bit caught there for a moment. I'm just...sort of sensitive about these things, as I don't like stereotypes. On to the outfit.



Like I said, I love this dress. Love the print, love the gray, love the fit. The fit is great. I wore this to attend a work conference. Since the dress is sleeveless, and I felt too exposed in a corporate conference, I opted for a blazer. I wanted to wrap the belt around the blazer, but after the conference lunch, it was simply impossible. Too much yummy food!

As for the barely there, see my expression in the picture. Barely standing up, crappy posture. Nothing further with the witness, I declare. And, yes, this was another thrifty outfit. Most expensive item was the dress, bought for $12 something, Target online clearance. I'll let you wonder about the prices of everything else. ;)

Blazer: United Colors of Benetton, Salvation Army
Pin: Salvation Army
Dress: Isaac Mizrahi for Target
Belt: Garage sale
Shoes: Nine West, Salvation Army

What a Slouch: A Lesson in Posture

After years of being hunched over like a stereotypical villain (Mr. Burns comes to mind), I decided to get my act together and stand up straight. My efforts in bettering my posture, and thus, alleviating the pain of my scoliosis, bad knee, and foot injury, are not evident in this picture.



Bad Stella.

Let this be a lesson to all on the importance of posture. See how I look? I look like I've shrunk, like I have a pooch (and I mean belly, not canine), and my shoulders are all hunched to the front. Not flattering at all. Stand up straight, flaunt what you've got. It's also part of a good workout! Above all, it indicates confidence. And, really, is there anything more flattering than being confident in yourself?

I have no excuse for my posture in this picture other than the fact that I was dead tired. Long day at work, still getting used to new schedule. Also, working out every day...my energy levels, oh, they aren't what they used to be!

On to the outfit...some time ago, my mom gave me several bags of her clothes to sort through and classify. Some we'll sale at a little garage sale we're planning, and others, many others, I chose to keep. I've shorted and taken in several, this dress being one of them. I have fond memories of my mom in these clothes. Plus, by wearing them, I'm reminded of her. It's funny. When you're younger, you want to be cool and grow up, and run away from your parents. Now, I treasure the time we spend together. And I miss my parents! Specially now that mom and I thrift together. And dad and I can have adult conversation. While I drink wine.

The dress is a little on the conservative side, that's why I decided to throw it in the mix of things. Some boots, leggings, and a striped top; we're back in business. I can feel my funky side flowing into my work wardrobe a bit. Since I started my new job, I've played it a little safe (after all, my m.o. for clothes -and life- is loud and proud) because I don't want to gauge anyone's eyes out while they're still getting to know me. But little by little,yes...I will bring my prints...I will bring my flowers. I will bring my mustard pleated vintage pants with patent high heeled oxfords. And I will rock.

Bring it!

Verde esperanza.

Here I am getting on the very important business of taking Genghis out. So he can do his business. I'm the fanciest dog walker in the neighborhood. I'm even fancier when I walk him in my work out/crafting gear, but, sorry folks. That level of fabulous is reserved for Damián and our neighborhood only. It would destroy the camera if I was photographed like that. Too many levels of awesome. ;)

I wore this outfit on my second day of work. The dress is a little big on me, but it's comfortable. Also, it's nothing a belt can't take care of. I'm kind of regretting the short cardigan, as it sort of made me look waistless. Oh well. You live and learn. The important thing is to try. Next time, I'll probably wear it with one of the many wrap around shrugs that I have. Those will accentuate my waist better. :)

Also, this is another thrifty outfit. All total, under $47.00.

Cardigan: Old Navy
Necklace: Gifted
Pin: My late maternal grandmother's
Dress & belt: Garage sale
Shoes: Nine West

Flowers and Smiles

My apologies for the lighting in this pic. Our house is odd, barely catches any sun (which, really, is good because it's nice and cool pretty much all day), and the best room to take pictures is our office upstairs. Which is an unmitigated mess, really. So, apologies. We'll get our acts together so I can take my pictures outside or inside the office with the pretty light.

By the way, those chew toys on the ground? Genghis, not me. Even though he has his little basket of toys and he knows the toys go in there. Oh well, it was late at night.

This outfit is a little old, but variants of it have been my uniform lately, pretty much. I'm addicted to cardigans, belts, and flowers. Oh, and boots, but boots are forever and ever my torrid, star-crossed affair. But, flowers, give me more flowers, give me ALL THE FLOWER PRINT THAT YOU CAN. My mother thinks this is hilarious, since when I was little, I hated everything stereotypically girlie. Damián says that all these years with him have softened my heart, and so I'm more open to things. Like flowers. Heh.

Whatever it is, give me more. More flowers that is!

Cardigan: Old Navy, super mega sale.
Top: PacSun, also super mega sale
Belt: Garage sale
Bracelet: Valentine's Day gift, Damián
Skirt: Fleamarket
Boots: Nine West, 6PM.com

PS. This entire outfit cost less than $40.00, including shipping for the boots. Yeah, you read right. The cardigan was $2.50, top was $4.99, belt was .25, skirt .10, and boots $29.99. Score!

I Thought This Was Business Formal...

I really need to get back in the swing of taking pictures of myself. What's that you say? Get Damián to take them? Sure, I try, but then he makes me laugh, and I get nervous. So I end up making goofy faces. Plus, Portal 2 is out, so he'll ignore me for that.



Forever alone!



Anyway...these shots are from February. February 22, to be exact. It was the official launch of my boyfriend's workplace. When I asked for the dress code, I was told formal. I figured this was appropriate, but when we arrived, many were wearing business suits or slightly casual dresses. Oh well. I was a guest, right? And it's better to be overdressed than underdressed, in my book. Besides, it's never too early in the day for brocade!

This dress is the first article of clothing I've bought outside thrifting in a bit of a while, really. Should explain why I was so apprehensive to fork over the money. But it really is lovely, ever since I saw it for the first time, I thought it was so pretty. Thankfully, it was discounted, or I'd had a heart attack. I mean, I complain when things are $9.99 at stores. Yeah, I'm a miser. But you have to save money somehow, no?

Dress: Don't recall brand, Marshalls
Shoes: Prada, eBay
Bracelet: Valentine's Day gift from D

Jentine's Jumpsuit.

Well, let's clear a few things up first. This jumpsuit doesn't belong to Jentine. Second, these aren't the most flattering pictures ever: some were taken after a few imported beers, and the sole daylight one was rushed since I was caught by my neighbors. Oh, and I was in a hurry to go thrifting. Nevertheless, I made a promise to Jentine to show her (and the world) my .10 jumpsuit. Yes, you read right. Ten cents. Oh, and it's silk.





I'd been wanting to wear it for a long time, but. Let's face it. Puerto Rico is not one of the most fashion forward countries in the world. If you try to wear pattern on pattern, somebody will call the cops on you because they think you're a loony. So, being that I don't want to go to jail, I kind of avoided wearing it. But it is so comfortable, and it feels so great in the sweltering heat. And when you're thrifting, you can try things on right over it, since it's not thick at all. It's fantastic. I can't wait to properly bust it out again and give it the love and attention it deserves.



But here it is, in somewhat glory. I promise to take better pictures of it when a) we're not imbibed b) we're not in a rush. But, as promised, jumpsuit.


(Yes, yes..I know I owe you the R.E.D. Valentino dress, Jentine...I can feel your judgement upon me!)

It's not you, it's them

Sometimes, you'll be wearing an outfit and you'll be all, damn yo. I look good. You're going to be riding high on the wave of self-esteem and accomplishment. You feel good and your outfit reflects that. All of a sudden, you walk by someone and they give you The Look.

You know, The Look. Not I Have Romantic Intentions With You look. Or the You're in Big Trouble! look. Nor am I talking about Roxette's song The Look. The Look. The Look that decimates all the good mood you had until that point. It could either mean, oh just look at you in your silly outfit. Or, ugh, I hate you and your clothes. It can mean a bunch of things. Point is, you got The Look.

What does it mean, why did you get it? What did you do to deserve it? Did you accidentally step on any toes? Did dressing your best actually offend somebody? Did you forget to wear deodorant or brush your teeth? Speaking of teeth, is some of my lunch still on them? Those are just some of the questions that buzz through many of our minds when The Look happens. But worry not. Why? Because it's not about you; it's all about them.

Sometimes when we dress, feel, or just plain ol' act our best, we intimidate people. And it's not like we mean to. We might dress our best as a shield, but it's our shield. It's meant to make us feel better, not make others feel bad. So why do people react? Why do I say that it's all about them? Their looks usually reflect insecurities and frustrations. They may feel insecure about their outfit or the work they are doing, and when they see somebody looking or doing better than them, well. They can be hurt and confused on how to react. And sometimes, they don't react in the best way.

So what do you do when this happens? Well, keep your chin up. Ignore it. Smile. Maybe when you do that, the other party will see how silly they've been. If they continue to glare at you, you could consider asking them if everything is okay. Maybe that will jar them out of their haterrific stupor. Point is, don't let them get to you. They're being silly. If you let them affect you, you're hurting both yourselves. They're hating themselves because they're engaging in unhealthy emotional practices (judging themselves against you, expressing it immaturely) and you're hurting yourself because it may be a blow to your self-esteem, your day, your perceptions, among other things.

I think that, instead of being petty and acting out that way, those people should simply stop and reevaluate themselves. Why are they acting out this way? What makes them feel threatened? If it's just envy, well, what do they envy? Is that person dressing their best and you feel like you look bad? Is that person in good shape and you feel you've let yourself go? Ponder the why of your actions and instead of using those feelings to glare at the other person, employ them in empowering yourself. Promise yourself you'll work out. Make a commitment to planning your outfits and looking your best. Don't let it turn from a momentary lapse in good judgement into a Look!

How would you react? What would you or have you done in the face of The Look? Do you let it get you down? Or, have you given The Look? Why?