about the girl

Moving Day

2006-02-21T09:12:00.000-05:00

I've changed blogs. Here's the new address -- about the girl

Snowed in and writer's block

2006-02-12T11:12:00.000-05:00

Well, not really. But we did get a lot. I awoke this morning to a power outage. And this...

My car under snow

I think I'll use this time to work more on my story. I'm having trouble with it because I'm used to writing short stories. So, I keep trying to speed up the story, thinking about how to write a beginning, middle, and end in under, say fifteen pages. Then I remember, that with a novel, I have more time to tell the story. Yet, knowing this only enhances the feelings of writer's block that I have.

I'm having my own personal power outage.

Big Bag Theory

2006-02-09T07:27:00.000-05:00

Currently, these two bags have been receiving the most of my attention.

I'm actually quite glad that large bags and totes are in. I'm the type of person who needs to carry a lot around with me. Staple items in my bags, no matter the size, have always been my wallet; my checkbook and checkbook register; a small, 7x5 spiral notebook for when I make a trip to the bookstore and need to write down book titles; my make-up bag; copious amounts of ink pens; my glasses case; and my sunglasses.

I remember a few years back when I would try to cram as many things into my smaller purses all in the name of fashion. It was ridiculous. I had to think ahead about whether I would be writing a check or using my card. The answer to that question resulted in either leaving the checkbook at home or bringing it with me. So, now that designers are creating larger fashionable bags I'm ridiculously excited. I can take everything that I need with me.

Also, when people compliment me on my turquoise bag, it makes me smile.

What I'm doing vs. what I should be doing

2006-02-08T19:18:00.000-05:00

I have an assignment for one of my classes -- an online class -- that is due on Friday. I should be reading the chapter that was posted. I should be paying close attention to the words. I should be answering the questions that correspond to the reading. Instead, I'm watching a marathon of Project Runway. It's the episode where the designers are supposed to design a skate outfit for Sasha Cohen.

Can I just say that Santino's creation for Sasha Cohen was just...over the top? I understand that Santino is over the top (I actually like some of his designs), but the outfit that he made for Sasha was just butt-ass fugly. I'm of the opinion that when Santino doesn't have a clear vision of how he wants his creation to turn out, he starts adding shit just because. In my opinion, he was unsure of the design for Sasha Cohen, and look what happened. He also seemed unsure of what he wanted to do during the lingerie challenge -- despite the fact that he was able to sell the idea to Heidi -- and looked what happened. Freakin' lederhosen lingerie!

Of all of his designs, the two aforementioned designs and the Barbie design were not my favorite. I loved his muslin dress; his "Clothes of Your Back" design; his dress for Nicky Hilton; and the dress and kimono jacket that he (and Nick) made for the Banana Republic challenge. Plus, Santino does a mean Tim impersonation.

As for Nick: I love me some Nick. I wanna be his hag.

Rain rain go away

2006-02-04T20:40:00.000-05:00

I've never understood why during the work week the weather is passably good -- sunshine, dry streets, with a bit of cold -- then on the weekend it all turns to shit. It's been raining all day today. Of course, it could be a lot worse; we could be snowed in. Although, I fear that snow (and a lot of it) is on its way.

I've lived here for over ten years now, and since I've been here not one January has gone by without snowfall. With the exception of the wimpy liitle flurries we had several weeks back that lasted all of twenty minutes, we did not get any snow this January. I wonder what's in store for us. On the bright side, I didn't stay out of the house too long today because it was so wet outside. I did what I needed to do and came back to work on my various assignments for class. So, I actually got school work done. I'm happy.

A New Start?

2006-02-01T18:28:00.000-05:00

The Chinese New Year began a few days ago. It's the year of the dog. I was born in the year of the ram. According to the Chinese zodiac, those born in the year of the ram are compassionate, gentle, artistic, and creative. I would have to say that I agree; I possess those qualities. (Of course, they didn't list modesty as one of the characteristics of those born in the year of the ram.) As for creativity, this semester I'll have to put those creative juices to good use.

I'm taking three classes this semester. One of those classes is novel writing. Thankfully, the professor isn't sadistic; he doesn't expect that we will have a novel completed and ready for publication in 16 weeks. But, we will need to have 70 pages by the end of the semester. I have many ideas formulating in my mind. I wrote a short story last year. I'm thinking that I am going to take elements from that short story -- namely, the main character and another character who had actually been mentioned once in the short story -- and start my outline from there. I'm actually very excited about this class. I've been doing a ton of research for the setting, and I've enjoyed that. Now, all I have to do is sit and start thinking about how I want to begin the story, and I need to flesh out the character from the short story that was only a peripheral character.

Top Ten Favorite Footwear

2006-01-29T00:16:00.000-05:00

In no particular order...

Peep-toe suede heels by Isaac Mizrahi

Black leather knee high boots by Diba

Black suede calf-length boots by Diba

Brown suede wedge boot by Bandolino

Chocolate leather knee high boots by Diba

Gunmetal grey t-strap sandals by Nine West

Orange satin espadrilles by Nine West

Black leather peep-toe heels by BCBG

Red satin espadrilles by Nine West

Black strappy sandals by Mossimo

Passport to shop

2006-01-28T20:22:00.000-05:00

I was on a search for a picture frame to frame a beautiful black-and-white poster that I bought two weeks ago at the National Gallery of Art. The scene is of some steps in Montmartre, Paris, France. I think it's beautiful. The poster, that is.

Anyway, I went to an art store to look for a frame that would be large enough. I found a 20X28 frame, but it was more expensive than I was expecting. So, I decided to head to Ikea based on a suggestion. I have never in my life set foot in an Ikea store. My only Ikea frame of reference is The Real World. It seems like they furnish every mansion every season with Ikea goods. When I walked into Ikea, I stopped dead in my tracks. The Ikea that is near where I live is massive. Well, actually I don't know; are all Ikeas massive, two-story complexes complete with a restaurant and café? I didn't know where to start. So, I took the escalator. On the second floor, I was confronted with more things that I could ever imagine. It was truly sensory overload. Plus, I felt like a tourist. My jaw had gone slack. The signs were not only in English, but in Swedish. It was a good thing I didn't have my camera with me. I walked around for nearly half an hour following the bi-lingual signs and ended up going in the wrong direction as I have been known to do.

I eventually found the area with the photo frames and found a frame that was ten dollars less than what was selling at the art supply store. But, my goodness, with the trouble that it took me to find it, I'm wondering if that ten dollars was worth it.

An Homage to Clueless

2006-01-27T22:18:00.000-05:00

I'm well beyond the age to play dress up. Yet, that didn't stop me from actually putting together outfits as though I was on some pretend fashion shoot. Seeing as how I chose not to go out on Friday, I thought, Why not? So, here are the results:

I wore this outfit to a wedding last spring. I'm usually not a fan of satin because it can be so unforgiving, but somehow I managed to make this work. I think I bought the dress at Nordstrom. I absolutely love the heels. Gunmetal grey I think is what it's called. From Nine West.

The sweater is only a few hours old. From Express. I didn't intend to do any shopping, but I couldn't resist. I really like it. It's big and bright and falls off the shoulder everso slightly. Plus it was a great deal. I thought to put it with a pair of my black cropped pants (Express), black peep-toe heels (BCBG Max Azria), and chunky necklace that a friend of mine made.

I wore this outfit Thursday night. Seven jeans; turquoise top with satin trim around the collar (Express); teal sweater shrug (Lord & Taylor); black knee high boots (Christmas gift)

I bought this top last year and I can't remember from where. It's strapless with the exception of the strings that tie around my neck. Indigo wash jeans from Express. Red satin espadrilles from Nine West. I'm reminded of summer when I see it.

White linen pant suit. I wish I knew where it was from; it was a gift. Underneath, I have a black camisole, and I paired the outfit with strappy black sandals. From where? Tar-zhay!

I paired the black camisole from the last outfit with a black peasant skirt that falls just below my knees and my black knee high boots.

Wanting, wanting, and wanting some more

2006-01-21T12:03:00.000-05:00

It's okay to covet material goods, right? Because there are so many things that I want right now. Let me list them:

These Citizens of Humanity jeans

These Pierre Hardy shoes. The color is absolutely beautiful.

This sequin appliqué top. How cute!

These Marc Jacobs Mary Janes

These Diane von Furstenberg sailor pants. I'm always on the lookout for sailor pants.

I could go on and on about all the thing I want to blow my hard-earned money on, but I'll stop there. I can see, however, that I will more than likely purchase the top and the COH jeans in the very near future. Very near.

All turned around

2006-01-16T19:45:00.000-05:00

I am very curious about the topography of Washington, D.C. No matter how often I go there, I seem to get lost on some street or another. I took advantage of my day off today and played tourist. I went to the National Gallery of Art, which I always love. I spent more time looking at the Degas sculptures and the Rodin sculptures than any other exhibition. With the Rodin sculptures, I started playing a game with myself -- find the "A. Rodin" signature. It's also strange seeing "The Thinker" on a smaller scale; the one at the Baltimore Museum of Art is not only massive, but impressive. After the National Gallery of Art, I went to the National Museum of African Art. It was a lot quieter, less busy than the gallery.

Near the National Gallery of Art, I was very lucky to find parking. There was a space right on 3rd Street -- just waiting for me -- and I took it. After the National Gallery of Art, I decided to find parking near the National Museum of African Art because like I said earlier, I would probably get lost on the way there if I walked. So, I found a space right on Independence Avenue directly in front of the Hirshhorn Museum, half a block away from the National Museum of African Art. When I left the museum, I decided to continue playing tourist. I hopped in my car and somehow found my way to Massachusetts Avenue (which I recognized because I past it enough times last night while getting lost on my way to Lulu's). Driving down Massachusetts (Embassy Row) was neat; I got to see different embassies and tried to guess each country's flag. I recognized the South Korean flag, the Brazilian flag, the Paraguayan flag, and the South African flag. I continued winding my way around the streets, heading into Georgetown, passing the French embassy, and heading away from downtown D.C.

As the sky darkened, I figured that I needed to head back downtown so that I could catch 16th street. And that's where I got myself all turned around. I spent nearly an hour driving around trying to get 16th street, and every time I thought I was closeby, the streets would curve and not meet up in the way that I was anticipating. I swear there must be two of every street in D.C. (or maybe it feels that way because I was really turned around). Somehow, I ended up driving down some street -- I forget which -- and as I was heading toward 295 or maybe it was 495, I saw the Capitol in my rearview mirror. Say what? All this time I thought I was heading in the right direction toward 16th.

I wish I could say that this is the first this has happened to me, but it isn't. And I doubt that it'll be the last. It's just something about the streets of D.C. that have me perpetually confused. If I dare stray away from my set route then I'm screwed.

Map of D.C. -- Near the National Mall

A year ago today

2006-01-15T09:56:00.000-05:00

I was rushing to BWI at 3:30 a.m. to catch a 6:30 a.m. flight to Miami that would take me to the Bahamas, which was the gateway to my final destination: Cuba. Right now, I'm reading a book, a travel memoir, by Lea Aschkenas titled Es Cuba: Life and Love on an Illegal Island. This time of the month couldn't be more appropriate a time to delve into this memoir. January 15, 2005, I was on my way to Cuba.

My ten days on the island would be spent traveling to several cities, courtesy of a licensed group. This trip was not my first trip to Cuba. I had gone six months before with my university. Two weeks on that trip. Those two weeks left such an impression on me, that I decided that I needed to go to Cuba again, which is why I was traveling there after only six months away. I don't even know where to begin; all that I witnessed and experienced and discussed in Cuba is still a bit difficult to put into words. Where do I begin? What do I share? They say that a picture is worth a thousand words. I guess I'll start with that.

You can just call me 'Slacker'

2006-01-13T16:39:00.000-05:00

Sometime at the beginning of last year, I became more involved in working out. Now, I'm not the type to go to the gym. I went to the gym sporadically while I was in college, but I came to the conclusion that it was simply too boring. The treadmill was boring; the bike was boring; and eventually the elliptical (which I liked initially) became boring. Anyway, I stopped going to the gym, and never really picked up anything else. Around late fall/early winter of 2003, I went clothes shopping. I tried on a pair of jeans and it was not good. But, I didn't want to join a gym. So, I decided to take up dance.

I sought out a salsa dance class near my home and started going. Let me just say this: the first class was horrendous. I couldn't do a turn or anything. The only thing I had going for myself was the sway of my hips. Beyond that? Nothing. During the first quarter of 2004, I attended class (taught by the same salsa instructor in a new location...near my new home. What luck!), then, as I am wont to do, I started slacking. Missing one class turned into missing two classes which turned into missing months. I didn't start back up with dancing until late fall/early winter (what is about that time of the year with me?) of 2004. At that time, this same salsa instructor changed the venue for class, and I had to drive farther, but I didn't mind. People were noticing that something was different about me. I noticed that I could wear one size smaller in pants. Yay!

Last spring, I decided that I would add Pilates into my workout regime. I signed up, went to class, and promptly fell off once my pre-paid, five-session deal ended. I signed up again in October, went to class, and fell off. I have not been to Pilates since November. My lame excuse ('cause I know it is) was that I'd wait until after the holidays to jump back into Pilates (you know, pig out at Thanksgiving and Christmas). What logic, huh? Anyhow, as I slacked off on Pilates, I slacked off with dancing. Last night was the first time that I had gone to class in who knows how long; it felt good.

Now, all I need to do is sign up for my five sessions of Pilates.

Clap for Isaac

2006-01-10T18:41:00.000-05:00

I'm so happy that my cable company has the style. network. I get to watch Isaac everyday when I get home from work. I found out that Isaac used to air on Oxygen, and my cable company doesn't give us Oxygen...

Isaac's show is delicious. And at times he's very catty. He's a bit neurotic and all that, but he's fun to watch. Between constantly telling the small studio audience to "clap for..." and providing us with a segment called "Sketches and Answers", I'm enjoying that hour I spend watching him bop around. I am a bit sad by the absence of the signature Isaac headband. Yes, I understand that we're in a new millenium, and men wearing headbands is simply not a fashion-forward move, but Isaac was the only man (I think) who could pull that off. Not even David Beckham could do it.

I'm so excited

2006-01-08T16:14:00.000-05:00

I can never say those three words without thinking about that Saved by the Bell episode where Jessi has a meltdown in her room: "I'm so excited! I'm so excited! I'm. So...Scared." Classic. But, that's not what this is about.

I'm excited because I will be heading into D.C. next weekend. I received the new copy of Lucky. magazine yesterday, and I read it today. I read in the back that Wink in Georgetown is having a nice sale for the entire month of January. Twenty to fifty percent off designer merchandise! Woo! I can't get to D.C. today because I've been running errands like crazy, and I just don't feel like driving any more (today). Because work beckons five days a week, I can't go to D.C. afterward, either; I'd be too tired. And besides, I'd have to be insane to say that I'd want to take a chance with Beltway traffic just to peruse merchandise (designer, though they are). So, Saturday cannot come soon enough. According to Lucky., two of my favorite labels are sold at Wink -- Diane von Furstenberg and Citizens of Humanity.

Six more days.

Do you parlez español?

2006-01-05T20:28:00.000-05:00

I love languages. I’m a native English speaker and Spanish was my minor in college. I also took two semesters of Italian and one semester of French. Two months ago, I decided to learn French (beyond what I learned in my one semester of French). A month ago, I called a language school here, and found that classes would be well out of my grad school student budget. So, I took it upon myself to learn the language. I went to Borders and bought a CD with an exercise book. Over the past two weeks, I’ve been listening to the CD in my car. I’ve also been completing the exercises in the book.

Today I was talking to my co-worker – a native Spanish speaker. She asked me why I was trying to learn French, and my response to her?: “Yo quiero parle Fr--” I caught myself. I don’t know. I’m already speaking in Spanglish (this has much to do with the fact that I co-teach Spanish at a private school. Often my co-worker and I will say to the children, who range between three and nine years old, “Okay, right now, vamos a decir los days of the week” or “Who can tell me, cómo está el clima outside?”); do I want to add another language to muddle up?

Yep. I really want to speak Espafranglish.

Resolutions? Bah!

2006-01-04T23:14:00.000-05:00

I don't know. I've never been one to make formal resolutions. I mean, I usually forget what I've resolved to do in a matter of days. So, what's the point? But, I have been doing a few (okay, I lie; one) new things. I actually baked a cake. From scratch. I've had a fear of the kitchen for who knows how long (it goes back to my mother and pig's feet... I'll leave it at that), and this past Sunday I tried my hand at baking a chocolate fudge cake as described by the awesome Nigella Lawson. I think the cake turned out okay. Others told me that the cake was good. I mean, at least it was edible.

You see, I don't have very high gastronomic aspirations.

Weekly Stylings Review

2004-08-20T18:30:00.000-04:00

Lookin' Good...

Usher performs on his "Truth" tour

Looking quite snazzy there, Ursher.

Well, well, well. It's not often -- in fact, it doesn't happen -- that Traci Bingham looks presentable. This outfit isn't bad. Of course, her weave is another story, but I can't expect it to all come together just like that.

...And Not So Good

Just when I thought Nicole Richie had gotten her fashion act together she does this:

It looks as though she's wearing expensive lingerie...and maybe that was her intent, but I don't like it. It's ill-fitting.

Eva La Rue, what are you wearing? Just...no. The top half of the dress makes her look as though she has droopy breasts. I'm sure she paid enough for them not to look like that. It's all wrong.

Former soap actress, Susan Ward, looks positively hideous in this polka dot get-up. Yes, polka dots are all the rage, but not like this. The fact that it's an empire-waist makes it look as though she's wearing a muu muu. And the shoes so do not look good with that dress.

Who'd Have Thunk It?

2004-08-16T11:15:00.000-04:00

Paris Hilton's younger sister, Nicky, got hitched in Vegas over the weekend. And all this time, I was expecting Paris to be the one who would get married to some random guy she met at the craps table.

Coupon codes! Coupon codes!

2004-08-10T12:22:00.000-04:00

From the September fall issue of Lucky. there are some great coupon code offers. I'll share them here.

Ben-Amun -- Jewelry. Save 20% on everything when you enter "luckymag" at the checkout.

Pink Spike -- Screen print t-shirts. Save 25% on everything when you enter "luckymag" at the checkout.

Royal Elastics -- European-inspired sneakers. Save 20% on the online order when you enter "luckymag" at the checkout.

A coupon code from Target

Target -- Save 10% off everything when you enter "TCSAVEAUGTEN" at the checkout. Offer expires 13 August 2004.

Coveting ridiculously priced items

2004-08-09T14:16:00.000-04:00

These pieces are from new up-and-coming designers. I'd love to give them name recognition, but their names are not listed with the designs. Their designs will be showcased at 30 Van Dam, in NYC. While I would love to add these clothes to my closet, they are a bit expensive (though lovely).

Beautiful wrap dress (very reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe in The Seven Year Itch)

Jewel-colored wrap blouse

Very classy clutch

The Daily Show: Clinton

2004-08-09T12:59:00.000-04:00

Bill Clinton will be on The Daily Show this evening. I'm strangely excited about this. No doubt he'll talk about his book, My Life, and will talk some more about John-Squared. I can also probably look forward to Clinton discussing other world issues, as he did when he was on Letterman last week.

Such-and-such "Health" Mag How Do I Hate Thee

2004-08-07T12:52:00.000-04:00

There's this new women's health magazine that I'm not too fond of. It's been out for a few months now. I went to the website to order a preview issue, and I have to say that it isn't that great (I've mailed back the invoice with the word "CANCEL" on it). I'll be truthful and say that I normally like the fashion mags, so I'm not sure if what I'm going to complain about is something that occurs in Self, Fitness, or Runner's World. Why do I dislike this magazine? Let me count the ways...

1. It tells the reader to do the fitness routines that Hollywood starlets use. So, do it 'cause it's Hollywood cool, not because it's fun or beneficial. Jennifer Aniston does it; so should you!

2. It has a "Dear John" letter section, which makes me question whether people are really writing in with these questions or whether staffers are making these questions up. Case in point: "My boyfriend of six months is wonderful, except for one little thing..." Don't these questions always start out the same way? The question goes on to say that her boyfriend tried on her clothes one night right after they came home from a night out on the town. My reaction: Oh really?!

3. The main reason why I don't like this mag? Back in April I responded to a job posting on mediabistro.com looking for a freelance writer. I responded with my resume, writing clips, and cover letter. The editor of the magazine -- of this magazine -- apparently liked what she read and asked me to e-mail some story ideas and we'd take it from there (if she liked the idea(s) she'd send me a contract and all that). I e-mailed several ideas, and never heard from the editor again. I shrugged my shoulder and chalked it up to the nature of freelancing. Oh, but guess what? One of my story ideas turned into a story written by someone else which ran in the August issue, and two other story ideas are in the September issue.

It's too much of a coincidence, which is why I can't stand this magazine now. If I hadn't seen these stories, I wouldn't mind, but it's the fact that I e-mailed detailed ideas only to not hear anything back from the editor. Then months later, I see them in the magazine, with some other byline. Argh!

Such-and-such "Health" magazine you suck!

Rewind: Checking out the celebs and their outfits this week

2004-08-06T15:20:00.002-04:00

Sharon Stone and Halle Berry arrive at the European premiere for the crapfest that is Catwoman.

Let's dissect this for a moment, 'kay? Apparently Sharon skinned a rabbit for that hideous wrap. Plus, that dress she's wearing is just shapeless and annoying. And Halle, poor thing, probably thought that she was going to sleepover. Why is she wearing Chrissy Snow's nightie?

Jessica Simpson performing on Good Morning America

Apparently she wasn't sure if she wanted to wear a nightie similar to Halle's or carpenter jeans or a military-style jacket, so she decided on all three. Don't look at me like that, Jessica. You're the one who looks ridiculous.

Shane West at the T-Mobile Launch Party

I wonder which Miami Vice look Shane is going for? Sonny or Crocket.

Bai Ling at The Princess Diaries 2 cocktail party

Now, I'm still trying to figure out the reason for Bai Ling's existence, but I must say that I think this dress is kind of cute.

The Rock represents for the big guys

Lookin' good there.

Will Smith at the UK premier of I, Robot

It's very rare that Will looks hideous (I'll pretend that I didn't see him looking like a pimp at the US premiere of I, Robot). I love the lavender shirt paired with the indigo suit.

And apropos of nothing, Nicole Richie and Lala were separated at birth, furthering the mystery of Nicole's parentage.

Paris is Screwed

2004-08-05T19:13:00.000-04:00

Paris Hilton has been yammering on about doing a record that's a mixture of pop and rock. Pop and rock, huh? Well, here she is "singing" her new single, "Screwed." It's such a Kylie Minogue rip off, it's not even funny. I won't even lie, though; it's a catchy song. Of course, it has very little to do with Paris' singing because the girl cannot sing. I repeat: Can. Not. Sing. I can barely hear her voice, the music is so loud. However, that's all good because then I don't have to worry about the fact that I like the music. I can simply say that it's the beat that's catchy.

Paris is Screwed

Celeb News: Edie Falco

2004-08-04T19:35:00.000-04:00

So, apparently Edie Falco was diagnosed with cancer some months back, and has recovered. Man, the way the entertainment news shows are going on about it is ridiculous. Jann Carl making her interview question seem more important than it is made me laugh. Jann Carl: "When I commented on Edie's new hair cut, little did I know that my question had another meaning -- 'Was it scary cutting your hair, Edie?'" Edie Falco: "More than you know." Jann, get over yourself.

These entertainment folks are acting as though Edie should have had her PR person announce her ordeal as she was living it. They actually discussed this on The View's "Hot Topics" today. I'm glad that Edie decided that this was not something that needed to be broadcast to the world. That was her own private business. Although, the fact that this is "breaking news" within the entertainment world right now means that she okayed it for her PR folks to broadcast the news.

For the Book Lovers

2004-08-04T18:57:00.000-04:00

I just received my Borders e-mail. Within the body of the e-mail was a Customer Appreciation Coupon for 20% off regular-price books. Here is the link for the coupon. Come forth and claim it.

Borders Customer Appreciation Coupon. Unfortunately, it's valid only in U.S. Borders stores between 8/6/04 and 8/9/04.

Shopping and Fashion Links

2004-08-04T14:36:00.000-04:00

I love shopping and love shopping for deals. If I can't find a deal, I at least try to find some way to copy a designer style, and do so within my budget. So, without further ado, I share some of my favorite links:

Stores

Express -- My first job ever was during my senior year of high school. It was at Express. I'm sure the company loved me, because nearly all the money I made there went right back to the store. There was a 30% discount; I couldn't pass it up! 'Til this day, I'm a loyal Express shopper. Very cute items for a real bargain. Last summer I bought a pair of Seven jeans similar to this style from Express for $50 USD.

Tuesday Morning -- I absolutely love this place. Love it, love it, love it! I bought a 21-inch Wheeled Expandable Canvas Suede Diane von Furstenberg Suitcase in sage from Tuesday Morning for $99.00.

(And speaking of Diane von Furstenberg, I covet this luggage set.)

Online Shopping

Les Cadeaux -- Although they are overpriced, I covet the zodiac tees.

Style Portals

Style.com -- Great plce to go to view the season's collections.

Net-a-Porter -- Features many designer duds (like Marc Jacobs and Diane von Furstenberg). I use this site as a way to gain inspiration for fashion looks...on my dime, of course.

Daily Candy -- Awesome web-zine on style, arts & culture and travel.

Tar-zhay Is Much Better

2004-08-04T12:04:00.000-04:00

Former Mexican novela actress turn current pop singer turn Mrs. Tommy Mattola, Thalía, not only has her own magazine; she designs clothing as well. Let me tell you, there is absolutely nothing special about these clothes. They're clothes that one could buy at K-Mart (and guess what? It's being sold at K-Mart!), which means that Thalía is trying to pawn off ugly merchandise that would be better suited for a low-end, fashionably-challenged chain store. She was on The View this morning hawking the stuff.

Between K-Mart and Target, I'll take Target. I love Tar-zhay. Love it! I don't buy my clothes from there, but I love their home design merchandise. With my budget, I can fake like I have nice, expensive things. Bookshelves, computer desk, paintings, candles, candle holders, dishes -- I've bought them all from Tar-zhay. When I was moving into my first off-campus apartment before the start of my sophomore year of college, I bought a set of dishes from there. Imagine my surprise when one of my roommates did the same. I mean, we bought the same set in the same pattern. When we were moving out of the apartment at the end of the school year, it was difficult trying to separate the dishes because some had been broken and trashed, which meant that they couldn't be evenly divided between the two of us. I ended up letting her keep more because I was moving back home, and my parents had enough dishes that I didn't need to throw down for some ceramic plate.

I'm also in love with Target's new Cynthia Rowley and Ilene Rosenzweig line called Swell. It's so girly. It's so me. Their pajamas are to die for. Issac Mizrahi's Target collection has been hit or miss. I like some things, and dislike others. I also love their accessories.

And while I'm at it, I may as well link to Tar-zhay.

Watching the Rock Star

2004-08-04T00:13:00.000-04:00

First off -- fie on network television for only airing the first night of the DNC speeches. Thank you, C-SPAN, for not only airing the speeches all four nights, but re-airing the previous night's speeches the following day and re-airing all the speeches over the weekend.

Before I get to Bill Clinton, I want to say that I adore Barack Obama. I really hope that he gets to be one of our nation's senators. He deserves it. After his wonderfully inspiring speech, I did some quick research on him. He seems cut out for the job, and he seems to be able to bring people with disparate views together with one commonality. I wonder which fool the Republicans are going to set up to run against him? I can't see Obama losing this bid for senatorship.

Now on to Clinton. While Clinton has a good ten years on my father, I can see why many women still find him attractive and/or irresistible. (Secret: My mother is one of those women...and I must admit that I do find something attractive about his charm and intellect.) I absolutely loved his speech last Monday. It really set the tone for the rest of the week. I loved his line that "Strength and Wisdom are not opposing virtues." Truer words have never been spoken, my friends. Right now he's on Letterman, and let me just say that Clinton is still a charmer. He's also an intelligent man (who made some very poor decisions). He gave Letterman a signed copy of the near-thousand page tome that is My Life. The inscription to the Letterman munchkin (his 9-month old baby) was funny.

I'm still deciding whether I want to buy the book and pace my reading (between 30 and 35 pages a day) or buy the audio CD. The thing is that the CD is abridged. I don't want an abridged version of My Life (and maybe that's my answer right there).

A wish of mine: To have lunch with Bill Clinton.

Casting: Tender is the Night

2004-08-03T18:15:00.000-04:00

I'm reading Tender is the Night by (in my opinion) the great F. Scott Fitzgerald. I was nearly soured on Fitzgerald in high school when we read The Great Gatsby. My teacher had us keep a stupid symbolism chart -- "Oh, what do you think the color cream means here?"; "What does the color red signify here?"; ("What does my foot up your butt mean here, Mrs. Symbolism?"). It wasn't until I was in college when I decided to give The Great Gatsby another try. We were talking about H.L. Mencken in my Lit. Criticism and Theory class, and the topic of Fitzgerald came up. The discussion piqued my interests. Now I adore The Great Gatsby.

I've now turned my adoring eye to Tender is the Night. [Interesting facts: (1) While Zelda was hospitalized in Baltimore, F. Scott published Tender is the Night at the home he rented in Towson, MD. This is only interesting to me because I graduated from ol' Towson U. and (2) F. Scott was a Libra.] I'm loving the novel so far. I'm only on page 38, but I see that it is at once beautiful and tragic.

I'm already playing casting director, and trying to decide who could play which role if someone were to ever turn this novel into a movie. Here's my cast:

Rosemary Hoyt -- I spent the longest time thinking about this. Rosemary has a kind of innocent look to her, but lurking behind that exterior is someone who knows what she wants. At first I thought maybe Kate Hudson could play Rosemary then I thought maybe Reese Witherspoon. I finally decided on Mena Suvari.

Dick Diver -- It was a toss up between Matt Damon and Jude Law. I finally chose Jude Law.

Nicole Diver -- I immediately thought that Charlize Theron could play the tragic and beautiful Nicole.

Elise Speers -- Rosemary and Elsie have a very comfortable and easy-going mother/daughter relationship, and I think that Bette Midler could play her perfectly.

Abe North -- I'm having a tough time with Abe. I want to just say that I'd cast Matt Damon, but that seems too easy, especially since he and Jude were in The Talented Mr. Ripley together.

Mary North -- For this part, it's Naomi Watts, for no other reason than I like her.

Mr. McKisco -- He's kind of a jerk, and wants people to think that he's intelligent and knowledgeable. For me, only Ed Norton could play this role. He plays the jerk so well (and I actually like him!).

Mrs. McKisco -- She kind of defers to McKisco a lot. And for some reason I picture Ashley Judd playing her.

Mrs. Abrams -- Meryl Streep, just because.

Mr. Dumphry -- At first I thought I'd put Jude Law in this role, but soon found out that he was better suited for Dick Diver. Now I'm at a loss.

Campion -- Older gentleman, slightly effeminate with a hint of a British accent. I'm thinking that Kevin Spacey could do the role justice.

Tommy Barban -- Because I love him so (and I think he'd be great in the role), Olivier Martinez would be cast as Barban.

Earl Brady -- He's an American director who Rosemary meets with. There's a sense that he's attracted to her, but she's not interested. He does have this worldly air about him, so I'm wondering if maybe he could be played by Viggo Mortensen

Baila conmigo

2004-08-03T00:21:00.000-04:00

I'm still thinking about the fall line and all the accessories on style.com. These shoes would be perfect for dancing to salsa -- ¡Baila conmigo!

I've been on the lookout for a pencil skirt for the longest time. The one that I own I bought maybe five years ago. It's a charcoal gray, and falls just above my calves. It looks great with my black calf length leather boots that I received as a Christmas gift last year. However, I want a new pair, preferably in something other than black or charcoal gray. I know I called Ralph Lauren clinical, but I do love this pencil skirt.

More on the Collections

2004-08-02T23:08:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Style.com -- I will link to some of my favorite looks...

Marc Jacobs

I love the skirt

Belted at the waist

My favorite, by far: Love the skirt, love the top

Absolutely beautiful

Diane von Furstenberg

I love how the color pops!

Fall 2004 Collections

2004-08-02T02:36:00.000-04:00

I should be sleeping, but am I? No. I'm fiddling with this here blog. It's my first time blogging, so I'm a little anxious, I guess.

Fashion File is on the style. network right now. Last night I was all about Fashion Trance. I got a chance to see the fall lines of Badgley Mischka, Carolina Herrera, and Marc Jacobs. While I like all three designers, I'd have to say that Marc Jacobs is definitely my favorite. I love Carolina Herrera and Badgley Mischka, but there's something a little accessible about Marc Jacobs. It seems as though Jacobs went for 1980s librarian chic with his line this fall, but it still works. Accessibility is also the reason why I like Diane von Furstenberg. To be sure, there's nothing boring or clinical about Jacobs or von Furstenberg; they're nothing like, say, Ralph Lauren. If I had disposable income, I could see myself wearing their designs.

On the other hand, I don't think I could ever see myself wearing a Herrera design or a Badgley Mischka design. And not because they're ugly or anything (they're gorgeous!), but because they seem more fit for the New York high society group than anything. Even if I had disposable income, I could never see myself within that group.