On the Job Front...

A big reason I have been MIA is because my job has become more demanding.  But I am not complaining about that - I actually kind of like it.

I am one who gets cabin fever pretty fast at a job - may be why I stayed in retail so long.  No day in retail is the same; once you get comfortable they promote you to a different location or position, or your staff suddenly quits on you.  Every day was a personal challenge - can you beat last year's numbers?  Can you change a customer's day?  Can you better your sales, your training, your visual merchandising skills?

Well retail started wearing on my personal life and my body (anyone who works on her feet 50-80 hours a week can attest to that) so I knew it was time to move to the 9-5.  Once I made that change I had more time for a social life, but I got so antsy.

I stayed at one job for a year and a month and then moved to another company.  That second company I stayed at for almost three years, but for the majority of that time I knew it wasn't the best fit for me.  Some nice people there, but I didn't see a future.  I felt frustrated, isolated, angry a lot of the time.  I know my attitude held me back, and also affected my coworkers in a negative manner.  I was constantly looking for a new job, but nothing seemed better.

My current job I found on Craigslist, of all places.  I took a day off work for the interview.  My Ann Taylor suit was a little tight so I wore control-top pantyhose under it to keep the pants from splitting.  I didn't understand what the company did, but I immediately liked the two men who interviewed me and the woman at HR.  After my interview I had a "skipping school" event with some dear friends.  We went to the now-closed Olives for lunch.  My sister and I got there before everyone else and toasted with a celebratory glass of Cava.  We went to Off the Record, which is in the basement of the Hay Adams Hotel.  No politicians there at that time of the afternoon, but we enjoyed a glass of wine.  We then went to see Into the Wild.

I got the job.  I knew I would kinda-sorta be doing what I already did, but it would be in the city instead of the suburbs.  It would be a different environment, different type of people (almost a 180 from most of my coworkers at my current job), and a fresh start where I could be positive and motivated.  Oh and it also paid a bit more. :-)

My two-year anniversary at this job was this past November and I have yet to get cabin fever.  I cancelled my email notifications from Hot Jobs, Monster, and Washington Post Jobs for the first time since I made those accounts.  I have never felt stagnant, never felt angry, never felt bitter.  A couple months ago, I was asked to be interviewed for a new employee orientation video.  I was so excited to do it - to be able to share my passion for my amazing company and coworkers.

Yesterday I had my review.  Since I started at the end of 2007 and was on bedrest and maternity leave last year at review time, this ended up being my first real review with the company.  I was nervous, but wasn't sure why because for the first time in my adult career life, I knew where I stood with my supervisors and knew my strengths and weaknesses.  Along with being nervous, I was excited.  I do work for a supervisor who doesn't hesitate to congratulate or offer constructive criticism, but I wanted to see in print what my company really thought of me.

They like me.  They really like me.  And man, does it feel good.

In a perfect world, I wouldn't work. I would travel the world and write and paint.  I would spend every day with my husband and daughter and experience life with them... to the fullest.  But well... one needs money.  My husband and I chose for me to be the one to work full time because I am the one who has the good insurance, the good benefits, and I like my job.  Some days I hate that I am the working parent - days when Emerson cries when I leave, when I had trouble pumping to keep up with milk supply, when my husband would call and tell me some milestone that Emerson has done that I yet again missed.

But days like yesterday... after getting my review I was proud to be the working parent.  Proud to bring home a hard-earned paycheck that supports my family.  Proud that I have a funny and smart and charming daughter, a hot as heck husband who loves me, AND a job where I do well and am respected.

My blogs suffer... but my personal life is thriving.  I thank those of you who hang in there.  When I am stuck on a boring conference call or get the chance to have a proper lunch, the first thing I do is focus on the blogs.  But as the primary breadwinner for my wonderful family... the job comes first.

And thank goodness it is a really awesome job!

Wardrobe Update

As the weather changes and the body continues to change (and change and change…), so the wardrobe changes.

New additions:
Leaf green fine gauge jewelneck cardigan from Lands End (not exact sweater - one I got is sold out). This color was on sale, which is why I picked it. However, I love this color. It is the color of new grass in spring – not eye-popping apple, not Kelly or emerald, and not olive. Just a fresh color that is an unexpected neutral and looks fantastic with tan, white, cream, navy, brown, denim, and colors like pink and orange. This weekend I wore it with my Seven jeans, brown croco Sofft heeled sandals and a white ribbed tank for brunch and Twilight movie-thon at a friend’s house. Yesterday I wore it with a navy jersey dress and my Duo Bern boots for work.

Denim trousers from Gap. Gosh, this is what, the fourth pair of these pants that I have purchased? I just love these pants. Right now I fit in a 14 regular when wearing a bit of a heel. This is exciting because this time last year I wasn’t even able to look okay in their size 16 trousers and was between petite and regular and feeling frustrated. I love denim trousers – I am allowed to wear them to work (wearing today with my black deep cowl sweater from Ann Taylor and black city boots), and they are more polished and flattering than classic jeans.

More Banana Republic Pima Tanks. They are like $15.99 right now online, and this weekend there was 30% off Gap, Inc. stores. I bought every color they had in my size. Haven’t yet received them, but they should be arriving this week.

More Caslon ribbed tanks. Two white, one gray, and one black – nice and fresh for spring.  Man, this is the best tank I have ever tried - thick, stretchy, the right length, bra doesn't show in the neckline, doesn't stretch out, doesn't fade...

Long strand of turquoise stone beads. I adore turquoise and this strand is long enough to double to hit at chest-level, or triple up and have a short necklace. The beads are lumpy and bumpy and natural looking – I expect to be wearing the heck out of them with sundresses and sandals this summer.

What I Need:
Nursing tanks. I have one I halfway like from Bravado, but it’s starting to look old. I would like one in white, one in black, and one in some color.

A couple solid-colored dresses. I ordered one from Lands End but I ordered petite and it is too short. But thinking black, gray, navy, that sort of thing. Dresses I can wear with flip flops in summer, or be able to dress up enough for work.

Black pumps. The black patent Mary Janes I have I despise – the straps stay closed with Velcro and they pop open while walking. I need some shoe that would work for work, but also if I need to go to a nicer affair (house or worship, daytime wedding, etc.).

At least one funky jersey top. We’re talking dolman sleeves, drapey neck, something interesting to it. Solid color, and a color I adore (blue, purple, berry, pink, aqua…). Something that will work with black pants or jeans. Lightweight enough that I could go dancing and not overheat.

A maxi dress. I don’t care that they are on their way out. I want a jersey or cotton maxi dress I can pair with flip flops or sandals and wear to a friend’s party. Or I can wear it to a music festival or to walk down to the farmer’s market. I bought one over the winter but it was a bit too boobalicious. I never wore it, left the tags on and after a few weeks in my closet I just had to return it. I don’t think I would have worn it anywhere except on a vacation to a tropical locale.

This weekend I plan to go up in the attic and look through what is up there – any clothes that may fit this spring/summer and what MUST be swapped/donated/Freecycled. Speaking of which, thinking of doing the blog again where I sell some of my old clothes that are in great condition. Another blogger who has a similar sense of style to me (J. Crew, Maggy London, Banana Republic, Gap, etc.) contacted me and has a few things in her old size (she has had great success with Weight Watchers) that she would also like to include in the sale. Not trying to make a big profit, just want our good stuff to go to a person who will appreciate it and wear it well (meaning not with sandals and pantyhose). Will keep you posted!

Going Green - Ten Ideas for Easy Change

Hey folks, wanted to share some little ideas I have done in my life to make it more green without making it less stylish or more complicated.  Maybe you can implement a couple into your life.  And as always, please share your easy Going Green ideas in the comments!

1. Check out your deli. Instead of purchasing pre-sliced packages of Kraft or another brand, hit up the deli. The deli cheese is usually fresher, sometimes from local dairies, and there is FAR less packaging. We started getting cheddar from our deli and are amazed at how much yummier a grilled cheese sandwich is with it, than the sliced cheese on sale in the refrigerated section. Oh yeah, this is also a great idea for you omnivores who love your deli meats!

2. Bring your own bag… for your produce too! Almost everyone has a reusable bag in their stash and it seems that most people are getting on the “bring your bag” bandwagon at the market. How about taking it a step forward with your produce and bulk purchases? Sites like Etsy sell reusable produce bags made of tulle and other mesh fabrics, and bags for bulk grains and small items of lightweight washable fabrics. We have some silky little bags for when we buy bulk walnuts, almonds and oatmeal, and tulle bags for our tomatoes and bok choy.

If you are even the slightest bit handy, it would be tres easy to make such bags. They are essentially pillowcases with a drawstring through the opening. You could even sew on three sides (a la pillowcase) and then use a recycled twist-tie to hold it closed. I always keep all twist ties in my junk drawer – they are so handy and this would be a perfect use for them.

Reusable produce bag pictured sold by Etsy seller Fabrik.

3. Make stock. I always have a gallon-sized freezer bag in my freezer. In it goes the parts of produce I don’t use – the last bit of an onion, the leaves from celery, the stems from herbs, the tips of carrots, the piece of the green pepper that has the pointy part from the bottom in it. Then once the bag is full, I make vegetable stock.

Simple recipe – throw the produce scraps in a large stock pot. Cover with water. Bring to a boil and simmer for an hour, and then strain. You can get creative by adding other spices and herbs – I often add a couple cloves of garlic, salt and pepper or even ginger.

For omnivores, you can do the same and then add the veggies to the carcass of a chicken to make some really fantastic chicken stock that will blow any store-bought broth out of the water.

I store in 3-cup and 1-cup portions in my freezer and thaw when necessary and use in place of water for cooking rice, steaming some veggies, making soups. A double-whammy… having this extra stuff in your freezer makes your freezer work more effectively and use less energy!

4. Need a new bed for your pup? Check out the adorable doggie beds from Molly Mutt. These dog beds are a duvet with a “stuff sack” that you fill with old clothes, blankets, towels and such. Makes for a great bed for your pet, and a good use for clothes that aren’t even worthy of being donated. Best yet – this makes a pet bed that is completely washable.

I have been slacking with getting proper beds for the two new dogs in our family (poor guys are on piles of old blankets) and have decided to go with Molly Mutts – they have prints that match our bedroom, they get great reviews, and they will make those old blankets comfy and fab! Cute, AND eco-friendly? Love it!

5. Stop buying hand wash. I mentioned this before in this post, but I have to mention it again for it has made SUCH a difference in my household. Either buy a bottle of foaming hand wash, or a foaming pump bottle (we went the cheap route and bought bottles of Method Foaming Hand Wash). Put in one part of Dr. Bronner’s Castille Soap to ten parts of water. Ta-dah. We buy the Almond scent of Dr. Bronner’s because it makes for a pretty gender-neutral scent for hands, but we have used the Citrus in the past and have liked it (the Baby version is unscented for those who hate any smells). Dr. Bronner’s is eco-friendly, gentle, and a little goes a LONG way. On top of that, your bottle of Dr. Bronner’s can be used to wash delicates, wood floors, kitchen and bath fixtures (add some baking soda for a soft scrub paste), and even your body. We even use Dr. Bronner’s to wash the dogs!

6. Bring your cup… and fork, and napkin! As I walk through my office, I see most people have a coffee cup that they have on hand for their morning cup of Joe. Many also have a reusable water bottle. But when it comes to brown-bagging (or even take out), out comes the plastic forks. After lunch, there goes the plastic forks into the trash. Why not bring a fork to work along with your lunch? I also bring my own cloth napkin, and then I use the napkin to wrap up the fork so I can take it home without getting the inside of my purse greasy.

Not only is this reducing landfills, but it’s also making PB&J quite an elegant affair!

7. Stop with the bottled water. Seriously, please consider buying a reusable bottle. These days you can find them in your grocery store and even Old Navy. Plastic water bottles CAN be recycled (if they are given to a recycling facility and not tossed in regular trash), but it requires lots of energy and chemicals and resources to manufacture and ship those water bottles. I have a BPA-free sippy bottle from CamelBak that resides at work – I wash it here so I never forget it. I also have one at home for travel and the gym. Aluminum bottles (like the great ones from Sigg) don’t absorb smells and come in a bevy of colors and prints. In the long run, you will save so much money, and in turn will be saving the planet.

8. Cloth napkins. I know you have some floating around your house. We got some as housewarming gifts and wedding gifts. They have lovely ones for great prices at discount shops like Marshall’s and Ross, and you can always find them at thrift stores, craft shows, and big box retailers like Target. Try using them for meals in place of paper towels or napkins. Cloth napkins make you sit a little straighter, eat a bit more slowly, help you savor the meal and the moment. Oh, and they also cut down on landfills and cutting down of trees.

9. Freecycle. One woman’s trash is another’s treasure. Seriously. You have a bunch of pantyhose you will never wear? Don’t toss them, offer them on your local Freecycle. There may be a woman who is all about hose and your same size, or someone who needs these for her candle-making business (they do a great job of making candles smooth and shiny). Recently a bag of broken costume jewelry was snapped up in seconds on my local Freecycle (great find for crafters or jewelry makers!). Before you toss, take a chance to see if there may be someone who can benefit from your trash.

10. Think before your buy. Do you REALLY need another lip gloss? How about that top that is ONLY $12.99? If you keep going back to the grocery store to purchase a certain item, why not consider buying that item in bulk (I know my local market will take special orders – yet another reason why you should shop your local independent businesses)? Only buy what is worthy of not just your money, but your space and your world. Before you buy, see if you can get it used (cheaper and more green). Check out Craigslist, Freecycle, eBay (and of course first go to Ebates and save!), Makeup Alley. Ask your friends – you never know what people are thinking of tossing. One woman’s trash…!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

I was in the elevator and a coworker from a different floor gets on.

“So, any great plans for going out tonight?”

I had to stop and think why she would think I would have plans on a Wednesday night. Oh yeah, it’s Saint Patrick’s Day.

I mumbled something about having to watch the baby, I couldn’t admit at that moment that my life no longer has room for green beer on weeknights.

But if I had the chance again, I would be more honest about it. For, I really am okay with not having a green beer on weekdays sort of life.

Today I took my lunch in the park across from my office building, wishing I had my sunglasses so I could People Watch without people realizing it. A few party buses drove by – those converted school buses that now have more neon lighting in them than an Isuzu Amigo in 1992. I remember riding in one of those busses for a bachelorette party – we had a bar crawl, matching tee shirts, boas and the bride-to-be wore a plastic tiara. I looked in the windows of the party bus and saw young girls in green metallic eyeshadow, flipping around green boas as they giggled and screamed to one another. They must have called out sick to their jobs… or maybe college classes? I can’t properly gauge age any more. I can’t tell if someone is 21 or 35 any more. And I have no clue if I look 30 or 40.

I think I may leave work early today – I came in early the past two days. I look forward to celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day by hanging out on the front walk with Emerson, letting her play with a piece of bright green non-toxic sidewalk chalk. We did that last night, taking advantage of Daylight Savings time and a rain-free evening. I drew circles and hearts and stars, she chomped off the tip of the orange chalk (that’s what we get for offering her carrots as teething sticks) and wouldn’t let go of the aqua one, making delicate squiggles all over the step.

A year ago, I was sad that I no longer had the lifestyle that allowed for green beer, Kegs and Eggs, skipping work to spend it in an Irish pub. But now… I wouldn’t want it even if I could.

And nope, no green today. Black crewneck sweater from Banana Republic, black trousers from Semantiks, black patent Mary Janes, chunky silver necklace from Ann Taylor with my silver cuff and hoops. An outfit that is me, not someone I am trying to be.

April Showers Bring...

It is difficult to be protected from the elements and still look chic. Difficult… but totally doable. Using the same steps as one would to create a functioning, classic wardrobe, one can collect all the necessities to be dry, warm, and protected without sacrificing style. It is possible to weather the weather with style.


Working in a metropolis, I experience pot holes, puddles, swiftly-moving rivers in wide gutters, slippery sidewalks and treks to public transportation through all sorts of precipitation. I see all sorts of ways that women protect themselves and their wardrobe from rain (and dirty splashes from the street) – some great, some not-so-great.

Rain Boots

I remember several years ago, I received a Garnet Hill catalog in the mail and ooohed and aahed over the adorable rain boots for children that were made to look like frogs and ladybugs. “Oh wow, I wish they had those in adult sizes!” I remember gushing to a friend. She agreed that they were utterly adorable.

I may have said that, but really… I didn’t MEAN it. And now, on every street corner I see adult women heading to work or the market in Wellies decorated with Hello Kitty, candy-colored polka dots and yes… even in boots made to look like ladybugs. These boots are easily found at any big box retailer for a very low price – they do a great job at protecting the feet from rain and slush and have a grippy bottom that helps one from slipping on slick and wet surfaces. That being said… they are NOT stylish. Nothing will kill your look more than a pair of gaudy, chunky childish rain boots.

So what does one do? Well I am not anti-Wellies all together, but I feel that they should be treated like any other staple in a woman’s wardrobe – well made, well cut, and of a simple solid color. Follow in the footsteps of Kate Moss with a pair of classic black or olive Wellies. The classic boot is from the company Hunter, however you can find great rain boots in simple colors and silhouettes even at your local Target. Do know, no matter what the salesperson tells you, a pair of quirky boots will not tell the world that you are a fun or quirky personality – a pair of loud boots only make you look loud.

And for those of you who grab rubber footwear as soon as the meteorologist says there is a 10% chance of drizzles… there is no reason. Consider purchasing a waterproofing product to protect your boots and then you don’t even have to think about sacrificing style for rain. Rain boots are only necessary when there is a lot of precipitation and chance for large puddles and splashing (or walking on grass/dirt). For other occasions… just look where you’re walking and you and most of your footwear should fare just fine.

(First photo - Kate Moss.  Second photo - Woman on the street in Washington, DC)


Umbrellas

Love bright cheery colors and prints on a dark and dreary day? Why not bring those prints to the top part of your body? Nothing is more pleasing to the eye on a gray day than a cheery umbrella in a spring hue. A fabulous umbrella will help you stand out in a crowd and is a far better way to express your personality. You can go for your favorite color in a solid hue, show your feminine side with a floral, or your modern edge with a bold pattern.

I highly recommend investing in a well-made mini umbrella that will cover you and your bag, open with one hand, but fit easily into your purse or laptop satchel. Real Simple magazine has reviewed umbrellas (reviews here and here) and can give you some ideas on well-made collapsible umbrellas. Then you will always be prepared without having to lug around lots of rain equipment!


Rain Coats

Rain coats and trenches are also a great way to bring color and personal style to your look.

A solid trench or mac in a flattering hue can brighten any rainy day. Colors like Robin’s egg blue, blood orange, berry, and brick red are unexpected neutrals that will add personal style to your ensemble. As a person who finds herself wearing a lot of black and gray, I love being able to balance it out with a pop of a color like orange or purple in my inclement-weather accessories.

Want to go classic with tan or black? Show some spunk with a brightly-colored coat lining. Lots of coats these days come with fantastic polka-dotted, animal print or paisley linings. This is also a fun way to incorporate the color you may have chosen for your umbrella or scarf.

Many retailers are showing prints and stripes in rainwear; these can be fun but they are fads that won’t look fresh by time next spring rolls around. Do yourself a favor and stick with classic details and solid colors – a well crafted trench, even in an unusual color will get you years of mileage (and miles of style).

A single-breasted style is the most universally flattering. Trenches are the most classic look, but a well-cut single-breasted coat sans flaps and belts will often be a better choice for women with curves.

Your inclement-weather wardrobe should follow the same guidelines as your personal wardrobe – build from basics that are well made. From there, add quality accessories in colors that make you smile and show your personal style.