by a stylized hysteria on September 4, 2011
in Shopping
I suppose I could be considered a “bargain shopping blogger.” I believe that wearing high-quality clothing makes a person look better, especially when it comes to natural fabrics versus synthetics. And it always seems that when I want to find something basic but with interesting details, it is inevitably a designer label that achieves this. I want a wardrobe of beautiful pieces. But I want it at bargain basement prices. I get it from my mom—she taught me how to scour racks and when to wait patiently for something to be reduced even further. And to this day, when I find a great bargain, I get thrilled and want to share it with my mom.
Well, goddamn did I find a great bargain. On Saturday, Filene’s Basement had 75% off of clearance on designer pieces from Barney’s and Saks. I rifled through 6 or 7 racks stuffed with boring pants and slightly damaged dresses. And then I found a black velvet skirt. It was in excellent condition and seemed to be my size. And then I saw the tag. Lanvin. Yeah, that Lanvin. It was marked at $50. Before the 75% off. After ensuring that it was truly in great condition, I showed it to my mother and of course, we brought it home. For approximately $17. We’re still bickering over who gets to keep and if we should even keep it (the other option being selling or consigning it). But I couldn’t resist playing dress-up in it, just for a moment…
I don’t believe in owning clothes that sit in your closet and are admired but never see the light of day. Clothes are meant to be worn, especially beautiful clothes. But I cannot think of any event where I would wear this skirt. Despite that, I’m compelled to keep it. To admire the intricate closures on the side and touch the soft velvet. To maybe play dress up like this once in a while. What would you do: sell it for a few hundred bucks (hopefully) or keep it?
And just for fun, an outtake showing the athletic prowess of Calliope cat.
by a stylized hysteria on July 7, 2011
in outfits
As you can probably guess from my recent sporadic postings, I haven’t been in my usual schedule. Two weeks ago I was in Philly for my nephew’s sixth birthday and up until Tuesday I was on a stay-cation at home. It was hard to tear myself away from sleeping and reading to post or even read other blogs. Seriously, my bloglovin’ feed is at an obscene number right now.
While watching my nephew play with his friends and talk to his mother and occasionally get pouty and cry, I realized that I really don’t want to be a mother. This is something I’ve been saying since I was 16, but it rings even more true for me now. I like kids, and I sure do love my nephew (and young cousins). But I don’t think it’s in me to be a mother. Part of it may be selfishness or part of it may be fear of screwing up a kid and creating a serial killer or worse, a future cast member of Jersey Shore 2045: Jersey Shore on The Moon. As long as I’m being honest, watching my cousin die a few years at age 10 was so painful that I can’t even imagine being a mother and going through that. This shit is way too personal for a Thursday morning, right?
I also realized that my parents officially love the cats more than me. While I was away, Calliope got scared and ran up into a tree. My parents went into the attic, got our 10-foot ladder and my pops climbed up to rescue my poor kitty cat. Nevermind that she probably would have come down on her own eventually. That’s real love, man.
oh, and my laptop power cord caught on fire! That was less exciting than it sounds. Guess that’s what happens when your computer is nearly 8 years old, huh?
Here’s what I’ve worn since I’ve been back at work. I really like the color combo in the first outfit. My shirt in the second outfit is from Gilt, the online shopping site. I have to say, their shipping and customer service is really, really awesome. I’m a big fan!
Outfit 1
shirt- Calvin Klein
skirt- H&M
jewelry- old/vintage
Outfit 2
shirt- Nanette Lepore from Gilt
skirt- Filene’s Basement
shoes- Aldo
by a stylized hysteria on April 29, 2011
in outfits
Every day is a little warmer, a little sunnier, and a little longer. Which makes me a lot happier!
Please note Calliope photobombing me in a desperate attempt to get let out. Apparently yesterday she made a squirrel screech in fright when she chased it up a tree. I’m so proud of my little hunter!
cardigan- J.Crew
shirt- 3.1 Phillip Lim
pants- Gap
shoes- Anne Klein
Earlier this week, La Vie J’aime posted a picture of herself wearing red eyeliner and I had to follow suit. I used Nars Exhibit A blush mixed with some stuff I have that turns powder eyeshadow into liquid eyeliner. I love it, although my mom found it more amusing than flattering. What do you think? Like it enough to give it a try?
by a stylized hysteria on April 25, 2011
in Random
Time for a proper Day of the Cat entry…
Ever since I moved into my parents home in the suburbs, the cats have been especially keen about getting outside. I guess birds and chipmunks are more appealing to them than hobos and rats. I’ve been taking my sweet time trying to figure out if it’s really safe for the cats, but Calliope decided to let me know this weekend she’s a big girl cat.
After spending a rainy Saturday chasing down Calliope every time she escaped, I gave up and let her stay outside. She returned, unmarked and obviously thrilled that she had gotten her way. So on Sunday, I let her and Chloe explore outside.
Calliope’s real interest in going outside? A new food source.
And after a long day exploring, they both collapsed on my bed looking as adorable as can be.
by a stylized hysteria on November 13, 2010
in outfits
A little while ago I mentioned that I got a great faux fur coat, and I finally got a chance to wear it and photograph it. I first saw it in October at a Boldfacer’s event and fell in love. I followed the shopping rule that everyone says you should- I walked away and gave it 24 hours to see if I still loved it. And 3 days later, I was still obsessing and went to Lit Boutique to get it. And I’m still obsessed with it!
I wore this Thursday night to the Pretty. Eventful. charity fashion show, which was a blast because 1) the outfits (from Turtle in the South End) were great, 2) the model’s bouffants have me now trying everything possible to make my hair MASSIVE, 3) I got to meet some more boston-based bloggers who were very cool, and 4) I won a very generous gift card to Union Bar and Grille! My first thought was “I’m going to take a date out on the most awesome dinner date ever, and he’ll have to put out.” Then I thought that it’d be nice to get my parents out of the ‘burbs to enjoy a nice night out. Yep, I’m a good daughter.
Please notice the new table, which the cats have decided is their new lookout post. I love it. Love it!
So all the plants have been transferred to the other side of the wall. I feel like I need to redecorate so the rest of my apartment matches my cool new table.
UPDATE: It seems I’m not the only one who thinks a snakeskin silver side table is a great idea! For those who asked, I got the table at Homegoods in Braintree, MA. It was the only one in the store and didn’t have a label or brand name, unfortunately. However, Homegoods is a great place to find oneoff’s like the table so I highly recommend checking out your local one.
coat- Lit Boutique
shirt- Helmut Lang via TJ Maxx
pants- Gap
shoes- Enzo Angiolini
