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 Zara Slit Top with Lace, $25.99  Zara Satin Moccasins, $39.90  Zara Jacquard Mini Skirt, $15.99; Cashmere sweater, $79.99  Zara Long Sleeve Blouse, $29.99  Zara Leopard Jacquard Trousers, $19.99
 Zara Compartmented Bucket Bag, $69.90
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 Zara Embroidered geometric knit skirt, $29.99
 Zara Patterned miniskirt with border, $59.99
 Zara Pleated skirt, $49.99; Glitter booties, $59.99 Shoe spiral: an obsessive decline (see nosedive, see tailspin) into searching for, shopping for, & returning shoes & boots. (see also: debt) The term was coined & first used by Monica F (@nlmtys)
 Here's how I've spent more than $100 over the past two months... a shoe spiral from monk shoes to mary janes to pumps. Some of these shoes you've seen (more monk shoes here; plaids, flannels, & tweed shoes here). My spiral started with a desire for something other than tall boots to wear with skirts, especially in the fall & spring (a rant against transitions & in-betweens here). I also felt I needed something to wear with skinny pants. I watched prices on all these shoes until they went low enough that I could hit "buy now." Box after box arrived, & I returned about half of them. As you'll see if you skim through the slideshow below, I have a couple pairs still on the way. Once they arrive, I'll return one or more of them, & then I hope to spin out of the spiral & call it good! The boots at the end are the only ones I'll continue to stalk. Really. Here's the slideshow. Click on any shoe to begin:
Have you been caught in a shoe spiral?
Bored with your wardrobe? Do you own many scarves? I think it's amazing how a scarf can transform your whole look. Scarves never go out of style. Scarf trends come & go (think ruffle scarf, tube scarf, infinity scarf), but basic scarves don't really change, so you can wear old scarves, your mom's scarves, your grandma's scarves, even your dad's scarves! Scarves are unisex. You can borrow a scarf from your spouse, boyfriend, or dad! One size fits all. Kids' scarves are typically a little shorter than adult scarves but indistinguishable otherwise--& kids' scarves are a lot less expensive. Almost all my scarves are from the girls' department. Scarves won't clutter up your closet or your suitcase. I've been purging like crazy over this break but not my scarves since they don't take up much room in the closet (mine hang from hooks). Take along a scarf or two on a trip to create more outfit variations without adding much bulk to your suitcase. You probably already own a few & just need to get them into circulation. Winter is the best time to wear a scarf (obviously) since then they serve both a functional & an aesthetic purpose. Let's get those scarves out! Your father's scarfDo you, your mom, or your dad have a plaid scarf? I realized I have two of them! You don't have to be old & stodgy to wear a tartan scarf. Great festive touch for this time of year!
Your mom's scarfA long, thin scarf conveys glamour & feels comfortable indoors. Wear a solid color top & let the scarf make the outfit.  Anthropologie Adaira Scarf, $49.95 minus 25%
Your basic gray scarfGray goes with everything. Try layering gray on gray or pair gray with black, white, or a mix of colors.
A bold contrasting scarfIf you really want to mix things up this season, try wearing a patterned scarf over a patterned top or dress. Crazy! :-)
Ready to raid your family's closet for scarves? Moose tees & more...  Sundance Catalog Burnout Thermal Moose-print Northern Woods Tee, 2 colors, $78
 Moose on Red Pajamas, two pairs for $24.50  Lazy One Classic Moose Red PJ Boxer, $14 Well, I was going to ask you to help me pick which of these outfits to wear to my husband's work holiday party. But it turns out our babysitter is sick, so I'm not going to the party (collective awwww). But I don't mind since I love hanging out with my boys! They helped me with this post. Outfit #1: Shades of gray
Outfit #3: Never-before-worn-but-owned-forever Dress & Cardigan This dress & the cardigan are one small step from getting sold on ebay. 
I know it's a bit like comparing apples to oranges since these outfits are so different, but on the off chance I do get to go to the party, which one should I wear? "Fishing for compliments is bad." --my son Jordon, age 11 We do know that it's bad form to fish for compliments, but just for interest, we've been paying attention to the nature of complimenting. We've discovered 3 primary ways to get complimented: 1. Wear something new (novelty) 2. Compliment the other person (reciprocity & affirmation) 3. Put yourself down (self-deprecation) Here's how the methods work... Method 1: Wear something new (novelty)
"You look nice today." --our first words of greeting often involve clothes. Method 2: Compliment someone (reciprocity & affimation)
Every compliment someone gives you is a gift & becomes part of how you see yourself. Method 3: Put yourself down (self-deprecation)"I'm not just a fatty with a suit, am I?" --Santa to Mrs. Claus in Arthur Christmas We want you to be happy. And, look at you, you're beautiful! We promise to remind you if you ever doubt it.
So...do you think my hair looks ok?
Curry, paprika, mustard, maybe a touch of honey--it's like a visit to a spice shop. Do you wear spicy colors? From Zara...  Zara Long Sleeve T-shirt, $17.90
From Nordstrom...
 Nordstrom En Creme Print Woven Shift Dress, $46 From Anthropologie...
 Anthropologie Boiled Wool Wrap Jacket, $118.50 From Modcloth...  Modcloth Well Begun is Half Spun Sweater in Spice, $39.99
From Boden...
 Boden Cord Kilt, $62.40 Do you make a list of what you're giving to everyone to help you through your shopping for the holidays? Did you make the list on paper or on your phone or tablet this year? Do you buy everything in advance or wait till the last minute? Do you buy everyone the same thing (umbrellas, perhaps?) or individualize each gift? What process do you go through in choosing the gifts for your friends & family? In an episode of SpongeBob, Mr. Crabs gives SpongeBob a credit card & tasks him with buying presents for Pearl's 16th birthday. SpongeBob trails, unnoticed, just behind Pearl & her friends as they roam through the mall. He listens to Pearl rave about lipsticks, puppies, & pants, & then buys her everything she loves. It turns out to be Pearl's best birthday ever! Do you ask your family members what they want? I don't have too many clues to go by this holiday season, so I've mostly just asked my family what they want. The kids want Nerf guns, legos, & a camera for the Playstation. My husband wants new cookware. My mom asked for movie tickets. Do you give gift cards? Lately we hear how many gift cards don't get used. I still think gift cards are good gifts as long as they're to stores or restaurants you know the recipient loves.
The gifts I enjoy buying the most are special surprises for my closest friends & family & for the kids' teachers, things they've mentioned wanting or needing, sometimes clothes or jewelry, sometimes ceramics, cards, hand lotions, or champagne! I wish like SpongeBob I could stalk my besties in the mall & then buy them their favorite things! Do you have one big expensive gift you're buying for someone this year? I really don't think it matters so much how much you spend--some of the best gifts are small & meaningful. For one friend, I bought delicate gift tags & fancy matches--I think she'll love them! I think a good bottle of olive oil or homemade treats also make wonderful gifts. I hope your shopping & your holidays are joyful & bright! |
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