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

A Moment of Cute

This is what happens when we try to clean his toys...












Why can't I have my ball?

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!)

I'm Unemployed, Now What? A Small List of Suggestions for Getting Over Losing Your Job

As I revealed in my last post, I lost my job this past January. It sucked, it made me sad, but what are you going to do? Live and learn, my friends. Preferably vicariously through my experience!

Plowing through the unemployment haze is hard, specially if your employers give you no warning whatsoever in regards to what's going to happen to you. Suddenly, you may find yourself jobless, and wondering what the hell are you going to do. How are you going to pay the bills? Will you find a job soon enough? First of all, calm down. Sit down, read this pointers, and hopefully, pick up a thing or two so you can survive this bump on the road as quickly and painlessly as possible.

-Let it all out. Mope. Cry. Scream. Dance. Play video games. Don't go shopping, though, you may regret the purchase later. Do anything within reason. I don't want you doing anything illegal, okay? Illegal = bad. So no running around naked down the street, screaming at your former employers (that's harassment!), or taking a bat to a car. No, no, no. Engage in healthy processing of your feelings. Some people feel confused, hurt, or betrayed when being let go. Others feel a sense of elation, since perhaps their workplace wasn't the healthiest or they were working in a field that was different from what they wanted to do. Whatever your feelings are, let them manifest, process them, and let go. Otherwise, you're going to spend your entire time dealing with it.

-Make a plan. Now that you're done marinating and dealing with everything, get to work. Take out a piece of paper, your computer, notebook, anything you prefer to write down and plan your upcoming free time. First, write a list of everything you'd like to do. You want to learn horse riding? Write it. Practice your cooking? Put pen to paper. Write down all those things you said you wanted to do if you had free time. Now, figure out a way to do them while still keeping up with your household and job-hunting obligations. (That is, if you want to get a job. If you're going to take a short hiatus, cool!) Determine how feasible your ideas are. If you're strapped for cash, then try to do the things that are cheapest, or try to get funding, if you can. But, most importantly, find a way to make this time of unemployment a productive and enjoyable one. I know it sounds like an oxymoron, but it can be!

-Look at your options. Now would also be the time to see how feasible things are. Maybe you want to go back to school? Write a book? Travel? Make sure that you analyze things from every possible angle to make sure they are realistic. Of course, if you really want to go back to school, write a book, travel the world, move to the wilderness and raise a pack of wolves, find a way. If you feel a burning desire to do anything, try your best. Just try not to get into too many loans...the economy is shite!

-Schedule. Okay, you've made a plan: you've picked out what you want to do, and you've figured out your obligations at home and for job-hunting/dream-pursuing. Now make a schedule. Having a schedule will give you discipline, and that way you'll have time for "work" (job-hunting, planning, house duties, errands) and "play" (doing all those things you wanted to do if you didn't have a job). It will also make it easier for when you transition back into the workforce, if you choose to do so.

-Scrimp & save. Maybe it sort of goes without saying, but try to save as much money as possible. Cut back on nights out, expensive toys, and unnecessary spending. I'm not saying that going out is strictly forbidden! Just try to find more economical yet equally enjoyable alternatives. Cook more. Not only will it be healthier, you'll save more money! If you can, walk to places, that way you'll save on gas and get a workout. Or use public transportation if possible. If you really need new clothes (hey, it happens!), try to visit the Salvation Army, Savers, Value Village, garage sales or outlets. Scour your closet and see if there's anything you can rework or have a friend with sewing skills help you out. Point is, there are always cheaper options.

-Make a little cash. Depending on your field, and what your hobbies are, you can still make a bit of money during this time of transition. Maybe you can work as an independent tutor or volunteer at local YMCAs, after-school programs or libraries. You can even trade! An example that has made its rounds on the internet: a graphic designer needed a haircut, but had no job. A hairdresser needed a new a sign. He proposed making the hairdresser a new sign in exchange for a haircut! And so he did. And on that note...

-Have a rainy day fund. I cannot stress this enough. Seriously. Have a rainy day fund. You never know when poop will hit the fan; you should have something to fall back on. Ideally, you should have saved up enough money to pay rent, food, bills, and other basic necessities for 6 months. Why 6 months? Do I really think you'll be unemployed that long? No, I hope not, but you never know. You also don't know if you or someone you love will have a medical emergency. If you have a pet, they have to be factored in to your basic needs too. Don't toss the poor darling simply because you're unemployed! Point is: save. Save now. Do it. Take at least 10 to 20% of each paycheck and route it directly to savings. After you're done paying your bills and having some mad money for any monthly emergency, stash some more. It may seem drastic, but we're living in financially perilous times.

-Consider everything. Take this time to think: are you doing what you love? Are you happy with your chosen career? It's never too late to change, start over, or seize opportunities. Take advantage of this time off to make sure you're doing something that not only puts food on the the table, but makes you feel fulfilled and happy.

-Take it easy. Have fun. I know it may obvious to some, or seem silly to others, but just don't take it so hard. It sucks, I know. I've been there. Don't let it get you down to the point were you can't do anything. Make peace with whatever feelings you have, and try to make the best of it. This is simply a setback on the path to an awesome future of which you will be the star.

There are many more things that can be said about being unemployed; these are just a few. Hopefully, I've given you some tips to deal with unemployment as best as possible. And I also hope that you never have to use them. :) (Except the save one. Really, save money!)

Vuelve el perro arrepentido...

And so, with my head hanging low, I return to the Internet. Or at least, to blogging. I never meant to be away this long from you, but I was! Thanks to everyone that kept popping by and leaving comments; I truly appreciate it.

As you all know, my 2010 ended on a pretty sour note. 2011 decided to not so start out so hot either. In retrospect, it was for the best, but back then I couldn’t see that. At the end of January, most of my friends and I lost our jobs. We were let go due to the economy. I can’t say we weren’t expecting something to happen since there was a lot of secret squirrel going on, but it hurt to not have been kept in the loop. But that’s that, and that’s all I’m going to say on the subject.

So I lost my job and I found myself having a slight crisis of confidence. That, combined with the grieving process I was already going through, kind of made the start of my year, well, really suck, pardon me. I did see the bright side: I now had time to pursue some personal projects, rest, and get myself together. I really wanted to blog, but my heart just wasn’t into it. I’d rather not put you guys through crappy blog content or outfits!

However, I did continually think of the blog and of possible content. So now, it’s just a question of getting a schedule together and keeping to it. ☺ I’ll also work on my jewelry website; the poor thing is abandoned! So if you’re interested, keep an eye out for that. There may also be a few tweaks here and there in the design, so…apologies for any hiccups we may go through.

And there’s good news too! I feel much better now (even though every once in a while, I’ll suddenly get a whiff of grandma’s perfume or hear a song that reminds me of my friend and feel very nostalgic). I got a job, and I finally had the courage to go to a store and present my jewelry and beading. They took it in, and I’ve already had some sales. Yay!

I’m glad to return, and I’m truly sorry for running off like that. Look at me, talking like I’m super important on the Internet. Stay tuned for more stuff!

Hello, 2011

Hello, everyone! Hope you've had a happy holiday and a wonderful New Year's Eve. It's still holiday season in PR (what with Three Kings' Day going on tomorrow), so the tree is still up, presents are still hidden, and we're still trying to make the dog stop eating the ornaments. Thanks for sticking with me through the hiatus!

As you guys know, the end of 2010 was bittersweet to me. While I had some good times in 2010 (finishing & defending thesis, graduating, seeing my friends Gloria & Zeynep, Damián moving in), in December I lost two people unexpectedly: an old friend and my grandma. To say that it was sudden and shocking is an understatement; for the most part I am still reeling. I'm still confused and I still don't understand, but for the most part, I am being eaten alive by feelings of guilt and regret. Not spending enough time with these people. Not telling them how much I cared. And so forth.

Friends who have been through similar situations tell me that there's nothing I can do and that, somehow, they knew. And if they didn't, they understand now. While I keep trying to tell myself that, it's just difficult. It hurts. So now, I want to avoid this feeling. I want to tell the people I love how much I love them and care about them, so they know everyday that they're an important part of my life. Sad, to only engage in this after all these things have happened.

Sorry if I seem like a Debbie Downer, and to all those who are having wonderful starts in 2011, don't get down on my account! Stay strong and blaze through 2011 like the star that you are, dangit!

I will (hopefully) be returning to blogging on a regular basis soon. I have some leftover posts from this last December that I never got around to putting up (due to the sudden deaths of my old friend and grandmother). I will probably work my way through those and then provide you with brand new content. And, of course, my New Year's resolutions. Because what's a New Year without a resolution to feel tempted to break? :)

Stay safe everyone. Much love to all!

A sad Christmas

I sincerely hope everybody had a happy holiday. Unfortunately, my grandmother passed away on Christmas morning. To say that it has been difficult would be an understatement. It was sudden and unexpected, but when the phone rang so early (almost at dawn) on Christmas day, I knew.

My grandmother would've been 89 years old in April. She lived a full life, but at the end, she succumbed to illnesses that come with age. I hadn't seen her for a few years, simply because I couldn't stand to see her like that. I know it's not the best reason, but whenever I saw her, she just got worse. She didn't recognize anybody anymore. The only peace that I get is knowing that it was quick; she was barely in the hospital for an hour before she passed.

Things are probably going to be a little quiet around here while I deal and adjust. I've been mostly calm, but it's a confused calm. And a calm infused with guilt. Like, I shouldn't be enjoying myself this holiday season because she can't. And I'm sad. Thankfully, Damian, my family and friends have all been great support.

So, I do wish you a happy holidays, but I'll be quiet for a while. Maybe a few days, a few weeks. But I hope you are appreciating everybody you care for. You never know when something like this will strike.

Much love to you all.

Happy Holidays.

A peek at our Christmas e-card this year...



To all, I hope that the upcoming days are one of rest and reflection. Independently of Christmas, this is a time to wind down 2010 and plan for 2011. Let's remember the good, the bad, and the ugly. Let's learn and appreciate them. Many of us have gained loved ones, many of others have lost. Let's smile that it happened, not cry that it's over. Let's gear up to accomplish our dreams. Let's learn to accept ourselves and others. Let's put up the good fight and stand up for what we believe in.

Let's keep keeping on!

Best wishes now and all year long.

Love,

Stella

The perils of living independently

This whole growing up thing is awesome and sucky at the same time. Yes, I'm 27. Yes, I've been living on my own for a year. But! Still new to this whole "you're in charge of EVERYTHING"! In Hispanic culture (though not exclusively to it...there's a boom occuring in Japan), it's typical for children to live with their parents well into young adulthood until they either marry or establish themselves economically. Well, I'm not married nor am I super well-established economically, but I am getting there! (At least, to the economy part of the equation.)

All this to say, we're still moving in. We've got plenty of stuff in already, but there's still some left over at the old place. Boo. It's been fun, but a bit...grueling, to say the least. We've managed to injure our necks, backs, and knees. We put up our tree; Genghis has already tried to climb it and eat the ornaments. Oy. He managed to trick us for the first two days, too. Looking all disinterested in the tree...clever little clover we have...

I will be back to posting soon (hopefully maybe even today? Could it be?!). Meanwhile, tell me. What are you doing the next couple of days? Working? Taking time off and spending it with your family? Buying last minute presents? Share!

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?

A hundred years later: Lady Gaga concert

So way back when in September, when I went to the DMV and took a day trip to Philly to visit Zeynep, I saw Lady Gaga. Well, I didn't edit the pictures until a couple of days ago. I know, I'm horrible. I really need to sit down and organize my laptop, because I sort of found the pictures by accident. Ugh. However, here they are! Look, look! I'm distracting you with Gaga! (For more detail, click the pictures; they'll take you to my Flickr page.)













So how was the concert? Pretty amazing. Girl's got pipes, talent, and attitude to spare. As an all around nerd, I was geeking out with my friend Gloria, being mad envious of her piano skills. ( Later in the trip, we went to a Korean BBQ/Karaoke place and Gagad some more, evidence here thanks to my boyfriend Damián. He's captured this moment for eternity. Check out the mike covers! ) I'd like to see her in concert again, most definitely. Hopefully with better seats! But, all in all, a great night was had with good friend. What else could I ask for? (Maybe for some Photoshop on that karaoke picture, but, oh well. I'll laugh at it when I'm older.)

What do you not invest in?

I have to admit, I'm a bit of a miser. I find it hard to invest money in things (this from the person who openly weeps at Marc Jacobs items). I hem and haw a lot. Of course, there is the occasional splurge, but I would rather buy things on sale and/or thrifted. I generally prefer thrifted because, well, you're helping the environment, for one! Two, it's much better on the wallet. Third, you always find the kookiest, most unique things, and stuff that was in store a short while ago that somebody already got tired of. It's a win-win!

Of course, nothing compares to the thrill of going into the store and trying things on in a mirror. A real one, not a car's side mirror. I've grown very fond of Zara's and Old Navy's super sales. Very fond. But I digress. There are things, as my mother has said repeatedly, that you should invest in. Real estate, jewelry, and classic pieces. My mother was the one who urged me to get a good black, bag. And then, you know, I went and got a Marc Jacobs bag. I got it off eBay for around $200, and its cost per wear is already down to pennies.

One thing that I am really stubborn about spending money on is glasses. More exactly, glass frames. I try to thrift them or buy a nice quality, but on sale, set of frames. I bought a pair of Gucci frames at the Salvation Army for a dollar. I had them outfitted with my prescription for only $55 and there you go. $56 dollars for a pair of good quality frames! My first ever pair is Cynthia Rowley and I got them at a JCPenney sale, with prescription, for $87 dollars.

My big regret is investing in a pair of big-name frames. Over $200 were spent on those frames and they barely lasted a week. I had to go several times in for repairs, but in the end, I just gave up and quit wearing them.

Another reason that I don't want to invest in glasses (or sunglasses) is that I utterly destroy them. You name it, it's probably happened to my glasses/sunglasses. Fallen out of cars, eaten by dogs, slammed with books, sat on, thrown, etc. That's why I either thrift or buy on sale.

However, a new option is on the horizon. Some time ago, somebody mentioned on a fashion community ZenniOptical.com. I've visited a couple of times, and every time I see a pair of frames that I want to buy! Best of all, there are frames starting at $6.95, so...you can go crazy and get a couple, if that's your style. For someone like me, who doesn't like investing a lot of money in a frame, this is a good idea. However, I cannot attest for quality. Everyone I've spoken to says they're very good but I've yet to try some myself. Everytime I plan on ordering, I kind of chicken out. I may or may not wait until my next appointment and have them done with the new prescription. Or I could just go ahead, live dangerously, and get them now!

What do you not invest in? Why? I want to know!

(Please note that I am talking about frames, not the quality of the lenses. Never play around with your health, kids!)

This post has not been sponsored by Zenni Optical.

My dark fashion secret

Everyone has one. A dark fashion secret. Some sort of deep fashion shame that you can't admit to in public or perhaps even to yourself. But what is it? What's that one thing that makes you feel awkward, that you don't want to declare?

I have no problems with sweatpants. I only wear them at home when I work out or when I clean. Nowadays, they're being worn just to clean since I'm not working out at all. I fail, I know. Three-toed sloths have nothing on me, I tell you. I've only worn sweatpants outside of the house once, to class. It felt so uncomfortable that I never did it again.

However, I do have a dark fashion secret. I'm embarrassed to declare that I have grunge tendencies. By this I mean that I will become obsessed with an item and wear it over and over again until it develops of a life of its own and tries to murder me. Oh, wait, that's just a nightmare I had. But, really, I do wear things over and over again. I fixate. Sometimes for weeks. I have to pry said article or accessory off my body, otherwise, there it will remain. Attached to me. Forever.

Another bad habit is that once that article or accessory is cast off my body, I may not see it for a long time. Weeks, months, years. Yes, years. I found a dress that I wore once, felt awkward in, and chucked into the closet. Now I can't take it off and I've made a moratorium of wearing it once every two weeks. Sometimes I cave and wear it once a week. Oops. I am weak of will.

I'm also guilty of buying things that are too big. I purchase them with all the intention of fixing them up and wearing them immediately, but. Well. Poop happens. And so there's a pile of clothes in a corner that Damián points to, asking, Honey. When are you going to fix that? All this while I run away and hide in the fridge with the dog. Best hiding place, really.

So, tell me. What's your dark fashion secret?

Getting my outfit groove on (or fighting the good fight)

Glasses: You know! They're Old Navy, and you know!
Shirt: Old Navy via flea market
Camisole: Calvin Klein
Belt: Kress
Skirt: store in Spain
Tights: Gap or Old Navy
Shoes: Sears

This outfit made me happy. It still does. I originally bought the pink top for mom, but when she tried it on, it was too big for her. Well, heck, it's too big for me as well, but that's nothing that a belt can't fix!

I'm really feeling the pink. Particularly, hot, bright pink. In fact, I've noticed that, lately, I'm buying a lot of that sort of pink for my wardrobe. First, it started with pink tights...now a pink shirt. What's next? A pink dress? We'll see.

Ghosts of outfits past

So here are some outfits that I took pictures of before the great fashion slump (which I think I've overcome, but you can never be too sure with those...you never know when they'll strike!).

By the way? The dress in the last two pictures? Cost me .10 at a flea market. Yes. A whole ten cents. I'm so damn happy with it, I've already made up for the investment by wearing it too many times. Ten cents, kids! Flea markets rule!