Free My Love

I sooo do not want to do this. No, not blog. I do not want to write to tell you I am letting go of not one, but two of my favourite shirts. Releasing this information to you is what's going to get me out the door and off to Goodwill.
But it's ok. I've adopted a few upgrades through the years, including two DVF vintage pieces(seen at both ends) and an awesome reversible Volcom I picked up in Malibu this last vacation, any of which are excellent go-to's.

The Volcom (third from left) has to be one of my favourite pieces ever; 1. it's reversible--two completely different looks and effects in one.

2. The fact that it is reversible means any which way you expose the other side, allows the shirt that many more dimensions. Rolling the sleeves (as shown), buttoned vs. unbuttoned, tucked vs. untucked; I realize I am stating many obvious ways one can sport their wear, but there are not a lot of pieces that still accomplish a put together look--just by putting it on!

I should add I have practically lived in these tops this entire spring season. Shorts. Tights. Running shorts. Yep, that's about it. And many heads have turned. The trick, thus far, is in the accessories, which I have paired the aforementioned with any number of the items seen below.

Excuse me while I kiss the screen. Ijustlove'emsomuch!
Clockwise: Vintage Lucite clutch, Madeline Stuart Low heel, Vintage gold speckle irregular bracelet, black leather belt w/ tortoise spacers.

My favourite line in Sex & the City, The Movie, is when Carrie unveils the dress she "will marry Big in." When her audience is less than thrilled, her response, "Oh, I'm gonna merch-andise it up--styyle it up with some shoes."

The simplest, and often times most flattering, best double-duty option is in the shoes. Why? You have to wear shoes (or not you, Sus); you at least have to wear shoes to receive service and appropriate attention. Why not wear contemporary, comfortable, fashionable shoes which exercise and elongate the leg? Any range of the wedge is money this season: one inch and up, a stacked platform, closed or open-toe, designers have created many beautiful options this season to easily kick up your step.

More Prada...

Pick up on unique attributes such as hardware, luxe textiles, or shiny patent leather...should one even imagine if all of this can be rolled into one?!

As for the rest of your hardware, consider your accessories fair game: there need not be a special occasion to display something you have set aside. Short jaunts to the grocery store, errands about town, picking up the kids from school; each are opportunities to get comfortable with your accoutrements and exercise normal wear and tear. Besides, favourites rarely remain so left on a hanger or dresser top.
Now, get out there and free the love!

To The Moon

I'm supposed to talk about style, right??

As per my last entry, I informed ye few readers of my move. I did it! I'm here! In the sweet and stylin' capital city of my state, Austin, Texas.

When I made the decision/announcement, several folks asked "Why the move?" I had/have several answers/responses: "I am ready for a change." "I love Austin!" "My home is not my home anymore..." But my favourite, "Because I can."

This last one was kind of a hit or miss depending whom I spoke with. Some people got it--almost said it before I even had the chance to, and others, it didn't seem to settle well, so I opted for any of the other "I-know-you-will-accept-this" answers. Maybe it was the resolute in my tone or that fact that it is a fact and there was nothing to argue with.

Granted, it might have come across as a challenge: I am telling you I am doing this, you are telling me...really, there is nothing to say except "Good luck" or riddance.

I should say this all started January 31. I was watching The Biggest Loser when I remembered I forgot the Cowtown Marathon was coming up. Shoot! I wanted to do that! (the half marathon, that is,) went to look it up and whaduyaknow, the thing was exactly one month from the following day. I consulted my trainer, "Do you think I can do it?", got permission, and awoke the next morning at 5 a.m. for my first day of training.

A few things: I'd not run more than 5 miles since high school, not seen (nor thought about) 5 a.m. since---.... and "my trainer" is my friend so she is supposed to tell me I can do anything.

But I said in my mind I wanted to do it, I'd now said aloud I wanted to do it, apparently, 400 pound people would love to do it, by golly, I am going to do it.

And I did.

My first goal was to just finish, which I later learned is the only goal one should have when attempting such a feat. My second goal was to not get injured. You may think "You're just running, right?" Right, but you can twist your ankle by simply stepping wrong, get shin splints, which are gifts from the devil!, and get crippling cramps which can cause any of the aforementioned troubles, not to mention the need for proper nutrition leading up to the race. (Mind you, all of these things can happen when training, which, talk about commitment.)

My third goal was loose: finish under three hours (I know!) and my fourth was completely bonus: do not stop.

Now, I've talked a lot of shit in my life. You name it, I've said I can or would do it. (Ask my mother.) She would probably agree that four "goals" is the equivalent of landing on the moon for JMA. But, when it came to the week of my run, it was time to tell my father.

It's not so much that this was a great revelation but rather, once he knows, there is no turning back.

His first response, a hint of doubt: "Can you do that??" and an affirming second, "I'll be there."

There was a belated third response in which he voiced valid concerns and a request for me not to do the run. I had nothing to say. I mean, I can't promise anything (clearly). I'd not done this or anything like it before, so what could I say? But at this point, all that was in my mind was "I am going to do it." And that's what I did.

I'll spare you race details and leave you with the fact that I loved every minute of it. Anyone can do it. Everyone should do it.

And I made, or broke, every goal.

I suppose I am telling you this because while I write to say your sense of style speaks of who you are, sometimes it can be just enough to get you out the door and onto your next feat of who or what you want to be.

That and "I am going to do it" and/or "Don't tell me what to do..."

From Austin, Texas, I leave you with the parting words of my dear brother, Vincent:

"Take a chance! After all, if you don't take a chance, all you've lost...is the chance."

-Pretty Cheap Dress (just received her first stylin' compliment:)