The vicissitudes of Nordstrom Rack

Ok, perhaps this typifies the sort of disgusting consumption you've come to expect from me, but...these are just damn cool.

A couple of months ago, I went to Nordstrom Rack with some mission or other in mind. I quickly checked out the cosmetics department in case anything outstanding was lurking there, and noticed a few Smashbox limited-edition makeup brush sets, priced at $40. The packaging screamed that the brush sets were limited-edition and actually worth $180, but I decided that $40 was a bit expensive and I didn't need more makeup brushes anyway.

Fast forward to a week later; I realized that I wanted the brush set. I headed back over to Nordstrom Rack and to find that all the brush sets were gone (sometimes I forget how quickly Nordstrom Rack moves merchandise). I circled the department dejectedly for about 15 minutes, checking every nook in cranny in case they were hiding in some dim corner. I even checked eBay for the brush sets - no dice. I was pissed.

So, yesterday, I was positively thrilled to find the store teeming with dozens of the very same brush sets. I picked one out that was relatively unmolested (people do darn tragic things to merchandise that isn't swathed in layers of unassailable plastic, don't they?).

The kits may not actually be worth $180, but for $40 they are pretty darn slick. The bristles are snow-white nylon, and soft as a whisper. The handles are full-sized (I hate those dinky travel handles) and Lucite (ooh, neat!). They all pack into a rigid carrying case that has room for other makeup items. I'm so pleased, I'm tempted to buy some more sets to give as gifts, but I'm worried that not everyone appreciates makeup brushes as much as me.

Stuff like this is why I love off-price retailers. Wedged between ugly, badly made stuff, treasures lie.

(Also, as a fun historical note, I took these pictures at 2:30am this morning, drunk after a night of clubbing. Considering how wobbly I was, these images turned out quite well.)

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Found! Seychelles at Loehmann's

So, you know those Seychelles pumps-with-a twist I mentioned the other day? I found them at Loehmann's! At $49, how could I not buy them?

I'm often wary of light-colored shoes because they get dirty, often look like bridal wear gone wrong, and don't flatter the feet. These, however, make my feet look teeny-weeny; they're also ridiculously comfortable (though I have not yet danced the night away in them, but I'll keep you posted). Like in the photo above, they've been attacked using some sort of red dye, which gives them an antiqued appearance. It's a little weird but preferable to a gleamingly white shoe, in my opinion.

I'm pleased as punch but, as always, second-guessing myself. The question is, would I be best served by these, or the Nine West sandals below?
Perhaps I could order the Nine West sandals and see which shoe is more comfortable. That would be the reasonable way to go about things, at least.

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Hot wrinkled mess

Thursday night, while trying to fall asleep, I was seized by the urge to track down my stash of silk scarves. I hadn't seen them since I moved into this apartment in August, and panicked because I thought I might have lost them forever.

After digging in my closet for just a few seconds I found them - all crumpled into a little brocade bag, but otherwise intact. I gave them a quick iron, but they still have some flattening out to do.

The prettiest ones were gifts from globe-trotting relatives and friends. I don't know why everyone feels the need to buy me a scarf when they go to India or Japan or whatever, but I ain't complaining.

These will fit quite nicely into my spring mode of dressing. I like to roll them up for headbands, but I'm going to experiment with various around-the-neck configurations, and maybe tie them around a ponytail or bun.

From left to right:

1 - Japan via my aunt and uncle. Not actually silk, obviously. The Japanese version of a cotton bandanna. I like to roll it up and wear it as a headband.
2&3 - Actually belts from a pair of shorts and a silk bathrobe.
4 (top) - Japan via my aunt and uncle, I think. Absolutely stunning, but I managed to burn it a little while ironing it. Deep sigh.
5 (bottom) - India, via my friend. One of my favorites. The colors match nearly everything in my wardrobe.
6&7 - Random bits of silk I bought from a silk store's scrap pile and hemmed.

Things I Love Thursday

Oh heavens...it's Thursday already?! This week's been flying by. Here are some things that put the cream in my coffee! Er...the lime on my salmon burger. Yes, that's more like it.

Style Bytes: A splenderrific fashion blog that I had not discovered til today! It's written by a gorgeous Scandinavian named Agathe who - get this - has an adorable petty piggy named Molvin! (Agathe and Molvin are in the pic above). Perhaps I will add a piggy to my brood when I have a home that allows them.

Flying Saucer: Another fashion blog that makes me squeal in glee. Written by a British university student. Oh hell, she puts the rest of us to shame. When I was in college, I was just discovering high heels, cell phones, and Forever 21, and I committed all sorts of fashion crimes.

Green nail polish: If Sally Bowles can rock it, so can I! For years, it seems, I've had this great polish that's somewhere between emerald green and teal. I don't wear it often, but I thought the other day, hey! I work at a place that will be completely accepting of whatever crazy nail polish, hair colors, or eye makeup colors I feel like wearing, so why don't I take advantage of that? Needless to say, I painted my nails green last night.

My new NYC blush in "Central Park Pink." I'd been using a truly ancient Wet 'n Wild blush that's fine, if a little dark (remember: keep your blush light and bright as possible!). I decided it was time for me to branch out and possible replace the Wet 'n Wild stuff. This NYC blush is muy bueno...it's really finely milled and such a gorgeous delicate pink color. Why yes, they do sell happiness at the drugstore! For only a couple bucks, no less!

This article in the New York Times: Basically it explains that science has finally found proof fort the existence of a runner's high. Ah, I knew there was a reason I flit around like a happy little butterfly after an intense run or bike ride!

And, so you all leave this post with the best possible impression, here's another wonderful shot of Agathe from Style Bytes Does it take you back in time or what?!

The embellished flat, two ways

I can't handle too many fake flowers and buckles and baubles all gettin' up on my feet, but some embellishments are just right.
What have lasers done for YOU today? Given us the subtle cutouts on this shoe, for starters. These cutouts add a lot to the visual interest of the shoe without being too crazy or overwhelming. They may also help the shoe breathe, but who knows.

These are $41.99 at Piperlime, in gray and red.

OMG SEQUINS!!! Seriously, purple + blue is a very happenin' color combination, and despite being bedecked in sequins, I don't think these would be too attention-getting if they were peeking out from the leg of a wide leg trouser. Also, if you ever get stranded in a remote area, you could probably use these to catch the attention of passing aircraft.

These are $39.95 (!!!) at Anthropologie (!!!!). God, so tempting...

Spring Style MO

Inspired by - who else? - Gala Darling, I wrote out a little Style Concept designed to guide my spring and summer style choices. I'm really warming up to the idea to editing my wardrobe seasonally (because I can consciously set aside a good portion of my wardrobe and still have plenty to wear), as well as constructing a persona around my clothing choices.

Here are some examples of Style Concepts: one and two.

(Sorry I don' t yet have visuals to accompany this style concept - I'll compile them sometime when I'm not at work!)

Jewelry:

• Shoes will be considered jewelry; embrace metallics, interesting detailing/cutouts, and stilettos.
  
• Save flats for sore-feet and farmer's market days.
  
• Rely heavily on statement jewelry: my attention-getting vintage brass necklace, large sea-green stone necklace, and large dark-blue antique ring.
  
• Avoid plain earrings, such as faux-diamond studs. Instead, wear drop earrings, but only when the outfit calls out for them.

Hair:

• Shiny and bouncy.
• Embrace waves/curls, beach hair, and a laissez-faire shampoo schedule.
  
• Use headbands, printed scarves/fabric belts tied around the head, and other hair ornaments with wild abandon.

Silhouettes:

• Consider belting cardigans, tunics, and dresses to emphasize the waist
• Jeans are skinny. This opens the door for floaty, voluminous pieces on top
• Pair floaty skirts with more form-fitting tops
• Don't be afraid of looser clothes, but wear voluminous pieces on the top OR bottom, not both

Patterns/colors:

• Florals and wild prints in a top or scarf (tied around the neck or worn as a headband or as a belt)
• Royal/electric blue, purple, yellow, grass green, coral, white, gold
• Use black as an accent only
• Best color combinations: purple with yellow, blue with white or yellow/coral, green with gray and white

Outerwear:

• Unbuttoned or no-button cardigans for day (especially to add volume on top when wearing skinny jeans)
• Dove gray leather biker jacket for night, especially paired with overtly feminine pieces like florals and floaty skirts

The attitude:

• Energetic, spontaneous, fun, but not bubbly or cloying
  
• Always snapping pictures, recording funny quotes in my Moleskine, suggesting spontaneous outings to the beach or park, and trying new recipes, restaurants and drinks
  

Points of interest/emphasis:

• Shoes, shoes, shoes. Legs. Ankles.
• Interesting things tied around the neck or on the head
• The waist (in outfits where legs/shoes are not the emphasis)
• Garments that move in an interesting way
• Statement jewelery (especially necklaces) constructed of natural stones
  

Other thoughts:

• Keep a pair of ballet flats in my bag during nights out, so I am not felled by my high heels and thought a wimp (or a bore) by my companions
• Work on cultivating a layered look without adding too much bulk/warmth. Layer two thin tank tops over each other, for example, or wear a chiffon scarf to add interest to a solid-color shirt
  
• Nothing stuffy or overly tight. If I must wear a staid pieces (a black pencil skirt, for instance), imbue it with fun and whimsy by pairing it with unpredictable, slightly impractical shoes, jewelry, hair, etc.
• Embrace color, print and contrast
  
• Apply makeup with a light hand. Wear sheer glosses rather than lipsticks, an easy dusting of petal-pink blush, a bit of white eyeliner to bring light to the eyes, etc.
  

Possible purchases:

• Funky hats and other headcoverings for day
• A rad pair of sunglasses (vintage, preferably)
• Vintage slips/thin dresses to layer over skinny jeans and under a sweater
• Interesting high-heeled shoes, especially in unpredictable colors like green, pink and yellow
  
• Belts that fit the natural waist, or scarves that can be used for this purpose
• High-waisted skirts
• Something in fuschia
  

Wardrobe malfunction!

In this unflattering screengrab, ditzy right-wing mouthpiece Elisabeth Hasselbeck is shown missing an earring and flashing some bra on a recent episode of The View. She also appears to be wearing a gauzy beach cover-up, but that's beside the point.

This screengrab makes me laugh (Elisabeth making a feel of herself without even speaking a word? Capital!) while wondering whether The View's wardrobe people need stronger coffee or something.

[ full clip here ]