Book Recommendation

I’ve recently heard about a book called, The World Has Curves, by Julia Savacool.  This book takes a global perspective on body image, specifically for women.  Basically, it talks about the introduction of tv and media and impact it has on women.  Sometimes I call fashion magazines “self esteem lowerers”  (lowerer not being a real word, but you get the idea)  Looking at a magazine wishing you looked like someone or something else is never an uplifting feeling.  Keeping it in perspective and finding healthy role models is.  Check out the book, I think it has ideas worth reading.

Designer Donald Pliner

I love Donald Pliner shoes and boots and have several pairs.   They are really comfortable and with the exception of one pair that squeaks periodically, I love them.  I especially love the quote I recently read from Donald Pliner himself  which is, “When your feel are comfortable so is your body, mind and soul.”   The next time someone tries to tell you that your shoes can be “broken in”, walk away.  It’s not true.  Are the comfortable from the start?  If not, move along.

If you are in Des Moines, Iowa…

I was in Des Moines, Iowa  for a week with my family and went to a very trendy and fun neighborhood called the East Village. Full of fun and trendy shops, two in particular I loved called Velvet Coat and Aimee.  I purchased a great pair of jeans  at Aimee by Red Engine and a really fun dress from a French ready to wear designer Dehry.  Had a great time, added to my wardrobe and got my eyes open about how great downtown DesMoines, Iowa could be.

Revised Packing Ideas

I just returned from a trip to the midwest.  It’s summer and I packed summer clothes and only one light sweater for the plane.  I really only like to pack what I need when traveling by plane and prefer to do carryon.  It has been beastly hot all summer in the midwest so I figured I was safe with  packing extremely light.  However, here is my new packing recommendation:  remember that weather can (and will) change.  It rained one day and went down to 65 degrees.  I was actually cold.  A couple of other days it was much cooler than I expected and I had to borrow a jacket.

And one more thing, don’t forget your scarf for the plane.  I actually had to borrow an airplane blanket which always grosses me out.  Bottom line, be prepared.

The Uniform Project

Have you heard of the Uniform Project? theuniformproject.com By wearing one dress for 365 days a year, a group of women are discussing style and sustainability while raising money for good causes.  Could you do it?

Women Thrive

I’ve been doing a lot of reading this summer of past magazine issues.  Sometimes I save them up and crawl into bed on a cloudy weekend morning and just pour through them.  There has been plenty of time for that this summer!  One article I came across in Body and Soul magazine, wholeliving.com, is was about a women’s rights activist named Ritu Sharma.  She started a non profit called womenthrive.org which is a coalition that seeks to shape policies to improve the lot of women around the globe.  One of the things that Ritu did to understand the plight of impoverished women around the globe, was to  try living on $1 a day.  I love the idea of this program which tries to get the US government to use our aid effectively in the hopes that other counties will sit up and take note as well.  Inspiring!

Get out there

If you haven’t been out to see the new and beautiful spring fashions and colors that are everywhere right now, you must and soon.  Whether it be JCrew, Nordstrom, Target, Old Navy, you name it, there is something for everyone and in every price range.  Bright camisoles, t shirts and tops ranging from $8 (Old Navy) to $98 (Nordstrom).  Don’t want to be too trendy?   Buy one “wow” piece like a ruffly sweater and make everything else a basic.   Nordstrom has their short sleeve Caslon brand in Individualist right now, 2/$35.  Great colors and the perfect length.  I wash mine in cold and then line dry for a continuous perfect fit.

I’ve been busy…

It’s been a very busy spring and my commitment to blogging has gone by the wayside this last month.  Almost embarrassing but not quite.

When things are busy, I think that’s good.  Stores in general seem to be full of people and they seem to be shopping.  Say what you will about that, but it seems like good news given the past year.

I was at Nordstrom the other day and you just can’t get enough of the beautiful spring dresses.  Tons of color and texture.  Beautiful corals, aquas and greens.  It’s so great to see after the winter even though at least here in the Pacific Northwest it’s been quite beautiful.

While I work on blogging more and keeping my commitment to myself, I challenge you to take this weather and this season and start wearing some color.   Add a little pizazz to your usual black, gray or brown this time of year.  I could almost go as far as to guarantee that it will motivate you to do whatever it is you’ve been putting off.  Trying something new does that for me.

Opal at South Lake Union

I drive by Whole Foods in the South Lake Union neighborhood at least 4 times a week.  Generally I do my shopping at other locations but branching out one evening I wandered into the parking lot and “discovered” Opal (2121 Terry Ave, suite 100).  This boutique is great fun and full of color for spring.  The staff who identified herself as the manager was super friendly and there were 10 things I put my hands on that I really loved.  They have jeans of course, J Brand and True Religion to name  a few, but what I really loved were all the great t shirts and dresses that just made me smile.  It felt like a comfortable boutique to shop in with clothes for real people.

Back to the Basics

I’ve been looking (again) for the perfect pair of jeans. This time what I really want are comfortable, everyday jeans that aren’t too low, aren’t too high waisted, are long enough and have some style. Pretty much what I want every time.   I’m also on a budget but believe in spending good money on something you love so I’ve taken that into consideration as well.

Entering back into the picture after being out of my closet for years… Levi’s.   I’ve found straight leg, dark wash levi’s for everyday and also black jeans for more of a cropped, European flair.  And at $79 that’s a bargain these days for jeans.   Check out the Levi’s store next time you wander by or look at retailers like Fred Meyer for sales and bargains on their Levi’s selection.