Skirting the Issue

You might not think it if you passed me on the street, since my normal "uniform" is a denim jacket, slacks, and Chuck Taylors, but I'm kind of a girly-girl. I enjoy reading fashion magazines, playing with makeup and shopping for clothes. Then there's hair--don't even get me started on hair! 

I wanna talk about skirts. I love skirts. They can be dressed up or they can go casual, they can be fun and girly or classic and sophisticated. A skirt, provided it's the right length, is nearly always an appropriate choice. They're the perfect spring and summer staple(think cool and breezy) and equally fabulous in fall and winter when paired with tights or great boots. You can't go wrong with a great skirt.

The sad thing...even though I'm a confessed skirt lover, I rarely wear them anymore. In fact, I wore a skirt exactly one time during the past school year.  Once upon a time I wore them often. When I returned home from Europe(where everyone seemed to be in skirts all the time), I went skirt crazy and wore them constantly. And then I gained a little weight...OK, at least ten pounds...and I stopped wearing them. 

It's funny, but my desire to wear skirts seems to go hand in hand with myself self-esteem. If I'm feeling like I look OK, you'll see me wearing skirts more often. If I'm feeling that I look like Jabba the Hutt's sister, you won't. And for a while now, I've been feeling more Hutt-like than OK.  And that's not OK.

I'm too old to be worried about everyone else is thinking. And it's high time I got comfortable in my own skin, tree trunk legs and all. I think it's time I start wearing skirts again!

Although never one to pass up a shopping spree, I'd like to make some new skirts rather than run out and buy them. I love the idea that they can be custom fit and made from fun, funky prints. Considering I get it right. I have made a skirt before. Twice, actually! This is the first one and I go into mind numbing detail about the experience here if you're interested in that sort of thing.

 

My second attempt at a skirt is below. It's made from a vintage sheet(and yes, I have worn it in public). The details of that one are here.

 

 I have an embarrassing number of skirt patterns in my stash. I won't tell you how many, but I will say it's more than five. I'm thinking about using one of these three for my next attempt. They're all rumored to be easy patterns. I don't believe that for a second, but I'm willing to try.

And just because I have 500 skirt patterns in my stash(I exaggerate) does not mean that I'm above ordering yet another. This one got a nice review on SewMamaSew and it looks like it might be flattering--I love the simple lines and the length on this one. Lots of fun fabric possibilities. July 7 edit: I just bought this pattern too! I seriously need help for my addictions.

Any opinions on these patterns? Take into consideration that I'm 5'4"ish and NOT a size 8...or 10...or...you get the idea.

And while I'm asking questions...what's your favorite thing to wear? Least favorite? Do you think what you wear affects how you feel about yourself or is it the other way around?

But like in the movie, not the book

I don't often get overly excited about shoes. OK, sometimes I do...remind me to show you Chuck Taylors w/black cats on them sometime...

Anyhow, I've been wanting a pair of red shoes forever. Not fire engine red and not that pinky-red color that you see in the summer alot, just red. I didn't necessarily want flats, but not high heels either...something I could wear w/skirts or slacks. I couldn't really put my finger on what I wanted, I just knew I'd know 'em when I found 'em.

I found them! At Wal-Mart no less. For $15.00. $15.00!!

The color reminds me of candy apples(why is always food?) and I love the little velvet bows and the teensy heel that make them just a touch girlie. Cute, huh? I'll feel like Dorothy Gail when I wear them.

Aprons Again...Finally!

I was absent from blogland last week. Part of that time was spent freaking out about a presentation that I was a co-presenter in at the annual Kentucky Library Association conference. I survived, thank you. Part of that time was spent trying to get my house in order, I sorta did. And part of that time was spent working on getting some aprons made.

This one I made for a giveaway over on Thoughts from an Evil Overlord. But as I am a procrastinator extraordinare, I didn't get it to her in time for the Sunday post. I hope she can still use it; perhaps for a later giveaway...or as an extra. It's similar to the patchwork aprons I've made in the past but with a bit more patchwork. I think I like it and I will say that I love the lemon/lime fabric...I've used it before.This one, I made for the shop(a while back)...which I hope to have up and running again soon.This one is also for the shop...This one I made for ME...I realize it looks all twisty on the mannie...I was trying to be clever and put her invisible hand in the pocket and it doesn't look as cute as I imagined it would. . I've had this fabric for a year now and was waiting to use it on just such a project. I'm happy to have finally worked up the nerve to try a smock apron. AND I even made a buttonhole! WooHoo!

And finally, this one...OK, opinion please. Pocket or no pocket? I'm afraid a pocket will detract from the gosh darn adorable pattern on the skirt. I think of this one more as a hostess apron...you know...for looking cute. Does a hostess apron really need a pocket?

This week my plan is to cut out and make a couple more aprons...and at least one of them will be a Smurfy apron!

Hair We Go Again

It's been a while since hair was the topic of conversation here on the old bloggedy blog, has it not?

Since the trim that turned into a short haircut that I got before I went to Europe, I've been in a hair funk and I've let the color go without touching it up since before my trip. And it's bad.

My pink extensions, which I dearly love, are about five inches too long and I don't have the heart to cut them. I've been missing my tiny bit of punky pink hair had been toying with the idea of having some pink professionally "installed" along with some nice dark lowlights & blonde highlights. I have also seriously considered going to a brown color and adding chunky blonde highlights. I know, I know, I think about my hair waaaay too much.

Anyway, I've realized how expensive it is to have either of those things done. Multiple colors and processes costs money people! Sadly, all of my spending money is currently going into the gas tank.

I was feeling pretty blah and down about the whole hair situation when I put my favorite Harry Connick Jr. baseball cap on this morning to cover up the three inch root line I've been workin' lately.

This afternoon I pulled into Wal-Greens on the spur of the moment and grabbed a box haircolor. I wasn't even considering red, but that's what I walked out of the store with.

Here are the before and afters...

Warning...what you're about to see is scary...brace yourselves. This is dirty hat hair at 6:30p.m. with only the remains of morning makeup left. Just keepin' it real y'all.






I think this picture makes painfully obvious the reason for a NEED to stop at WalGreens on the spur of the moment. I like my hair blonde, but the fact that I wait waaaay too long between root touch ups doesn't make it the best choice for me.

This is what I purchased.I was a tad freaked out at the intensity of red after the initial color. BUT adding the highlights afterwards helped .

I'm mostly happy with it. And yes, I did apply a bit of makeup(but I did not groom the eyebrows, so ignore them). I never know if I truly like a new cut or color until I see it with makeup. Weird, I know. Someone please remind me to touch up my roots in about three weeks, OK?

ONE WEEK

I'm leaving for Eastern Europe one week from today! I'm not ready...I mean I'm ready as in so excited that I can barely stand it, but not ready as far as my house being in order(I don't like to leave home w/a house in disarray!) or having my packing planned.

Thanks to these two (and my dorky self doubt), I am having trouble deciding on what to wear(or what not to wear) on my trip. My sis tells me it will be HOT, so lightweight clothes are a must. Being a size chubby, however, means no shorts for me, only capris and skirts will do. Most of my stuff would likely fit in the "not" category if Stacey & Clinton had anything to say about it, but I have purchased some new tops. I just can't seem to put them together with anything in my closet! Frustrating! If I have time I may post some of my options later and beg for guidance.

I've shared the video of the lovely city of Vienna, Austria with you. Today I want to share Wroclaw, Poland. This is the city that my sister & her hubby call home and where I will be spending most of my time.



Notice all the gnomes in the video? Read about them here. You might also notice many photos of bridges, the city is situated on 12 islands connected by 112 bridges. I'm certain that it will be even more beautiful in person!

Now, I'm off to pick up a new digital camera! I've decided I might be better off to take lots photos than try to stuff all the souvenirs in Eastern Europe in my suitcase. Don't get me wrong...I plan to shop. Oh yes, shopping will be done!

Carolyn's Kitchen Apron Giveaway

I know you are gonna wanna get your hands on one of these cuties! Head over to The Apronista for the details on how you can have chance at winning one of these stunning aprons from Carolyn's Kitchen. And remember even if you don't wear aprons...I DO and I will be more than happy to take it off your hands if you win. *she winks*

New Blog on the Block and Girl Stuff

There is a new blog on the block! My dear friend from the "real world", Southern Belle Mama, has started blogging!

Originally from Mississippi, Belle has been transplanted here in Western Kentucky...the sorta-southern state, I like to call it. This girl is a TRUE Southern Belle...clever, funny, and charming with a hint of Julia Sugarbaker sass tossed in for good measure! And she's absolutely gorgeous(though she'd never admit to being such). I think you'll enjoy her take on family, life, love, and lipstick. Yes, lipstick.

Head on over to Southern Belle Mama's place. Tell her Kellie sent ya!

In one of her first posts, Belle talks about getting ready for the day and how we should take a bit more pride in ourselves. Now some of it is tongue in cheek(she's witty like that), but I took the following to heart: "please learn to care about the reflection that looks back at you each morning. God has given you a new day to look and feel beautiful"...

Now, I don't know that I've ever mentioned this but I love LOVE make-up, hair, and fashion ooh and I enjoy the occasional high heel. You know, girl stuff. I had a serious Benefit habit a couple years ago and Sephora makes me giddy. In fact, I recently cried a little bit when I ran out of the Sephora blush my sister got me for my birthday. But other than that blush, I'd kinda given up on enjoying getting made up and looking like a girl who likes to look like a girl.

It's not like I haven't put forth ANY effort, but not to the level that I once did. I mean I still wouldn't go out of the house w/o mascara. yikes. And I don't think I've let myself go, but I have kind of gotten into a rut. As of late my routine has been:

Slap on some tinted moisturizer or powder, some beige(yawn) eyeshadow, mascara, my luscious Sephora blush(see not completely given up) and apply one swipe of neutral lipstick in the morning and be done for the day.

My hair goes into a ponytail more days than it doesn't. But sometimes a ponytail is OK, right?

Now you won't usually catch me in sweats, and I'd never wear them to work, but I haven't worn a skirt in weeks. I've gained a few pounds since the Fat Smash aka "beans and rice diet" ended and now I'm too self conscious to wear one. Which is sad 'cause I absolutely love skirts, adore them. They're swishy and swirly and they make me feel all feminine, like Marylin. Only chubby. With wrinkles. And gray hairs.

Do you see that? Did you see what I just did? I get into this vicious cycle of putting myself down. I want to be pretty and girly and then I think of all the things that need improvement and think. "Well crap. What's the use?". So I continue to do the Beige Face and the ponytail and the comfortable(though not frumpy) pants and shoes. Chuck Taylors whenever possible.

I've never been entirely comfortable with myself but lately, it's gotten worse. I think a lot of my problem is this milestone birthday that is coming up. I will be honest and tell you that turning 40 is starting to seriously freak me out. I don't know why, but it is. Seriously. But we'll save that for another post.

Anyway reading Belle's post I realized that yeah, the reflection looking back at me needs a little TLC. Do I really want to face this new day that God has given me with Beige Face? No! And yeah, I NEED to lose weight but I'm still not to the proportions of the mother from What's Eating Gilbert Grape so I need to get over myself for the moment. And HELLO? Miss Clairol can help me wash that gray right out of my hair!

So what did I do once I reached these realizations? I marched (OK, I drove) myself to WalMart and spent one hour and 70 bucks on makeup and Crest Whitestrips. Most fun I've had shopping in weeks!

Thank you Southern Belle Mama, for putting the thought out there. I will spend a little more time on myself from here on out! Cause I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and dog-gone it, people like me!

Tomorrow I might even bust out a skirt!