a little StitchFix review. (or, shopping, INTJ style.)

 

Nobody paid me to write this, though I feel on this blog, that should go without saying, yes? 

I honestly didn't want to be one of those bandwagon-bloggers, and I certainly wanted to avoid, at all costs, a blog post full of selfies (a nice life rule, if you think about it), but next thing you know, there's a StitchFix box on my front porch, and I'm trying on clothes that fit from the privacy of my own home, and now I want to join the masses and sing from the rooftops about how lovely StitchFix really is. So, yes, here's another review of the online service that brings clothes and outfits straight to your door. (I promise this won't become like, a thing.)

Like many of you, I've been reading about StitchFix for months thanks to Twitter and Instagram, and I was intrigued, but not convinced. I signed up and filled out an online profile months ago -- I do love a good online quiz -- but I never did take the plunge. Then February rolled around, and it finally seemed like as good a time as any. Birthday month, and all that.

Of course, my excitement was dampened when I realized I had given the service the incorrect address -- turns out I've been writing Florida on all my mail, whoops -- but customer service fixed my snafu, and my shipment came this week.

Before I dive into my thoughts, here's how the whole thing works.

StitchFix is basically an online shopping service that selects and styles outfits for you based on your personal tastes and preferences using an online questionnaire and a band on real-life stylists.

I live in town with no shopping mall, and I have long preferred online shopping anyway. You generally get better deals, and items are mailed straight to your door. What's not to love about that? StitchFix adds in the aspect of an affordable stylist who finds items you might not pick out for yourself, which seemed like a great idea.

StitchFix charges a $20 styling fee, but that fee ultimately goes toward any purchase you make from your scheduled order -- what the service calls a "fix." You can subscribe to StitchFix monthly, or schedule an order as needed. I think a monthly subscription would be really fun, but we're not in place where financially that makes sense. Our budget for clothing is pretty set, so for now, I'll schedule a shipment when I see a need, or when a shopping trip to town just doesn't fit into my calendar.

Each shipment comes with five items, and if you love and keep all five, you receive 25% off the entire box. Otherwise, pick which items you want, and ship the rest back in a prepaid mailing envelope. You can checkout online, letting your stylist know why you kept or didn't keep your items.

Jordan and I wind up talking a lot about personality types (we're Myers-Briggs obsessed over here), and I think part of my love and appreciation for StitchFix is the fact that I'm an INTJ. Shopping is not really my favorite thing to do, but when I do shop, I prefer to do so with specific things in mind. (I think it's why my friends like me to go shopping with them, but I often wind up not purchasing anything.) I love online shopping, though. I love mail and surprises and formulas and questionnaires, and that's basically what StitchFix is.

So, what did I get in my box? My stylist sent over one blouse, two sweaters, a pair of jeans, and a dress. I loved everything, and everything fit like a glove. I'm not an exceptionally difficult person to shop for, and my sizes are pretty spot on, but I still was shocked that everything fit so well. I loved the two blouses best (shown above), but for budgetary reasons, I eventually just chose the top right. Purchasing a sweater (not shown) in March seemed silly for a Southern girl, and the dress looked too much like some other items in my closet -- which really shows the stylist did a pretty great job figuring out what I like and don't. (It may have helped that I was super descriptive and linked to my Pinterest page.) I regret not getting the jeans, which were a boyfriend cut that actually fit really well, and that dotted blouse kept calling my name. But I had a budget I knew I had to stick to, and so I walked away with only one item.

That may be my lone complaint/concern about StitchFix: each of my items was probably more than I'd typically spend on one piece of clothing. But the convenience and the unique style of the items took off some of the edge, and I made a note on my online return form that I'd like a lower price point in the future. (All of the items in this fix were between $50 - $80.)

Here's the thing: if you're a work-from-home mom, this is a no brainer. We don't have kids yet, but I can't imagine shopping with little ones is the easiest thing on the planet. This is. I can't get over how convenient this was, and it was fun to boot.

I had a lot of hesitations (beware of the bandwagon, I thought!), but sometimes, things are successful for a reason. StitchFix is so easy and pain-free, plus you're getting a surprise in your mailbox while also tackling a chore. While I doubt I'll be scheduling monthly fixes, I will definitely be using this service again. And, if you're ever shopping for something specific, StitchFix will cater to those needs. So impressive.

Hesitate no more, friends. Go for it. I'll be back to regularly scheduled programming soon.

* Full disclosure: If you use my referral link, I'll earn $25 off my next scheduled fix. That's why you probably see so many posts about this service; people are earning their shopping money!

one for one: august.

A couple of weeks ago, I blogged about our conviction that we have too much stuff and my desire to continue purging until our home is full of only useful and beautiful things.

I also mentioned the possibility of instituting a "one for one" rule in our home: Anytime we bring home a new purchase, we get rid of something else.

Although I'm not a fashion or lifestyle blogger, I figured this blog is as good a place as any to track some of our purchases and whether or not we're following the new rule. I believe accountability here has accounted for much of the success I've experienced in my monthly goal setting, so why not continue that trend with our "one for one" plan?

Every month or so, I'll plan to report here what I've purchased and what I've given away; I think this will help me make more intentional purchases and make more of an effort to get rid of things in a timely manner.

This month, I knew I'd be starting a new, more creative/less corporate job. I also knew we'd be taking a vacation to chilly/windy San Francisco in September, and I might not have the income next month to buy the windbreaker/jacket I knew I'd need for the trip. I tried to make really wise, frugal purchases, while also keeping in mind that, generally speaking, "I already have one."

1 - Gap canvas military jacket in green ----> Express green sleeveless wrap blouse, circa 2007  

I knew I would need a lightweight but sturdy jacket for our San Francisco trip, and although Old Navy had a similar style, I liked the Gap version better. I had a 30 percent off, in-store coupon last week, so I went ahead and bought the jacket... even though it wasn't on the sale rack. I feel like I got a high quality, perfect-for-Florida jacket that should last me a while. (Does a military jacket ever go out of style? Luke Danes says no.) And it only cost me about $50. In exchange for the new jacket, I got rid of a green blouse I'd only worn a handful of times since my very first job interview in 2007. It was time to let go.

2 - Gap easy straight cargo pants in gray ----> White desktop organizer from Michaels

I don't normally make impulse buys (I'm a notoriously male shopper: make a list, stick to the list, grab, leave), but I found these in my size on the sale rack the same day I bought the jacket. I would never have bought these if I didn't have a new work dress code -- I'm not really one of those people who has an entirely separate wardrobe for weekend wear -- but since the new job requires a more creative and comfy-casual look, I knew they'd be perfect. (I've worn them a few times already, and love how comfortable they are. They're still full price online, but check your Gap's sale rack. I got mine for about $35!) In exchange, I got rid of a white desktop organizer I simply no longer have room for or need. It was a great purchase, and maybe if I still had a home office, I'd keep it, but I don't, and I'm learning it's not all that wise to keep things for "some day." So out it goes.

3 - Old Navy polka dot chambray top ----> Black corduroy pants, never worn

This top had been on my wishlist for a while, so I went ahead and purchased it for a new wear-to-work-item. (I've already worn it five times in two weeks, so I'd say it was worth the $25.) It replaced a pair of black corduroy pants I received for Christmas one year and maybe wore once. It makes me mad that I keep things I don't even wear when someone else could be getting could use out of them. It's a wake-up call that I even had something in my closet that I'd never worn... That's a problem, and I hope to rectify it this fall.

4 - Old Navy rockstar skinny jeans in honeycomb ----> Target purple jeans, circa spring 2012

Despite an earlier new year's resolution to buy quality over quantity, I succumbed to the colored jeans trend this spring and bought a pair of ill-fitting, uncomfortable Target jeans in purple. Loved the color, hated the jeans. I think I wore them twice before shamefully placing them in the bottom of my dresser drawer. I know Old Navy is hardly high end, but I decided to try their colored jeans the same day I bought my chambray top. I tried on my normal size first and could not pull them around my thighs. I didn't panic, but I did have to go up two sizes before I had a fit I was comfortable with. I love the color and style of these (they're skinny, but not nearly as constricting as my Target pair) and think they'll be great in the fall. These easily replaced my purple Target jeans, and I'd love to be able to buy Old Navy's red pair as well since now I know I like the fit and color.

---

Those are my August purchases, bought entirely with cash from our "clothing fund". We haven't made any home purchases this month (instead, we're saving for a sleeper sofa one $50 bill at a time), and we've got quite a load of stuff to take to a local charity this weekend. (Jordan's been doing some serious purging as well.)  

What about you? Have you done any purging this month? Is the "one for one" concept something you'd try?

what is it with new year's eve?

I am normally, as you know, all about the celebrating.

But I cannot, for the life of me, understand New Year's Eve.

I mean, I want to. Really I do.

Every year, I have these visions of me prancing around the city, a la Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally.

I love looking at pretty dresses and dreaming about parties and envisioning Jordan and I having fun with all of our friends dancing the night away.

And then I realize: My New Year's Eve never looks like that.

Mostly it's me and Jordan, sitting on the couch, watching Ryan Seacrest countdown to the ball drop.

In the past, it's included a handful of friends or family and late night battles of Nertz.

But not once has there been a fancy dress or a night on the town. (Admittedly, this is probably because we are not really fancy-dress or night-on-the-town people.)

I'm not sure what I think about that.

Part of me prefers the snuggled-at-home-on-the-couch version. I am happy there, and it is such a nice, calm way to start off the year.

There's another part of me, though, that likes -- of course -- getting together with friends, that wishes for a fun dinner out with those we love.

And yes, there's a part of me that kind of wants to wear sequins.

So sue me.

---

What do you do for New Year's Eve?

Do these fancy parties even exist, or are they some kind of bizarre marketing ploy designed by romantic comedy movie writers?

dressing for the job: a self-examination.

{outfit found here} 

You know that saying, "Dress for the job you want, not the job you have"?

When I was in high school and college, I had visions of being this high-powered magazine editor, hailing cabs and tracking down sources, always dressed in some fabulous ensemble that inevitably included a black blazer and some killer heels.

Then I graduated, got married, and moved back to my hometown. I got a job working communications at a non-profit, where people innocently wore capri pants and flip flops on a regular basis. 

I was determined to dress my best anyway. I gave up wearing suits -- which, if I'm being honest, never felt like me anyway -- and tried to just dress professionally. Nice tops, slacks, skirts. Those words, "dress for the job you want," floated through my head, and every time our public relations rep would visit our office, I'd make a point to see what she was wearing. If I wanted to remain in the non-profit world, I knew I'd need to go the public relations route (even if just the term public relations was a dirty word in my college journalism classes), and I figured modeling myself after a PR professional was the best way to make that happen.

My time in non-profit communications, though, didn't last long. I was hungry for more journalism experience, and despite the lessons that first position taught me, I knew it was time to move on.

I took a job at a local legal news publication, and I discovered: Journalists dress no better than non-profit employees.

What I mean is, unless a story requires a trip to the courthouse or a senate hearing, suits are out. Professional comfort is key.

Don't get me wrong; there is a dress code, and all of my coworkers dress professionally.

I just don't happen to dress very much like them.

Which is why, yesterday, when I donned boots and tights, khaki dress and floral sweater, I realized something. 

I dress for the job I want, and I want to be an art teacher.

More accurately, I want to be an "education coordinator for after-school creative writing."

Is that too specific?

That's probably because I've been dreaming about it since 2009, when I came across this position description in my daily web wanderings. 

Despite all my efforts to pursue a corporate life, I am decidedly uncorporate. I can't help it. Black suits just aren't my thing. 

A few weeks ago, while traveling for business, someone asked me what my dream job was. It's a question I hadn't been asked in a long time, maybe because I'm finally, really, truly getting older, and no one asks that question anymore because they know what you know: That you've settled into a job that will pay the bills.

My job, gratefully, though, does more than that. It keeps my brain sharp, allows me to go home to my husband and discuss legal jargon and the U.S. court system. It has me researching and writing, using a hard-earned degree that so many of my fellow journalism grads aren't getting to use at all. 

But it is not my dream job. And as I sat there, speechless, trying to answer this guy's innocent question, words came out that I knew just weren't true. 

"I'd love to write for a magazine one day," I said. "I'd love to write for a lifestyle or home publication, like Southern Living."

That answer? False. I've been there, done that, and every day was painful because I felt like I was writing fluff. I was writing stuff that, when it it boiled down to it, just didn't matter.

So the answer that came out of my mouth that night wasn't entirely accurate. Sure, I'd like to write for a magazine one day. Ideally, I think that might be the next step in my "career." But I don't really want to write for a lifestyle publication. I'd like to write words that make a difference.

The truth is, my dream job changes on a fairly regular basis. I want to be a high school English teacher or a short story writer or an advocate for teen girls or magazine editor or a bookstore owner or a creative writing tutor. I want to pursue words, and I want to pursue them creatively. I'm not sure what that looks like, professionally-speaking, but I know I'm not quite there yet.

Turns out that picking out your outfit for the day can lead to all kinds of self-examination. Or at least that's the way it is with me.

---

So what's your dream job? What job do you "dress for"?

Am I the only one that analyzes about this kind of thing?

shopping for a cause.

I consider myself to be a fairly savvy shopper.

Here is what I mean by this: I wait to purchase my favorite clothing items until they go on sale; I compare prices in the grocery stores and buy off-brands; I search online for free shipping coupons; I use primarily cash; Jordan and I do not, between us, own any credit cards.

Here is what I do not mean: I do not often shop in thrift stores; I do not know TJ Maxx’s shipping schedule, nor do I particularly enjoy going there; I do not participate in extreme couponing; I do not travel from store to store in search of the cheaper item. I do not have the patience or the time for any of the above. (Sincerely: Kudos to you if you do.)

Basically, I am a careful and cautious shopper.

There exist two circumstances, though, when all of these principles are tossed out the window.

When I am shopping in a locally-owned store, or

When proceeds go to a child/country/cause in need. 

I am a complete and total sucker where these two areas are concerned. I will happily slap down large sums (of cash, of course) if it means I can get a quality product while also supporting local business owners or helping someone achieve something big.

And since I can’t really share local goods with my readers — instead I’ll just remind you to please, shop and eat at your own local stores! — I thought I could at least make a list of some of my favorite online finds, shops where your proceeds go to help people in need.

Warby Parker

Like TOMS, Warby Parker employs a one-for-one concept: you buy a pair of eyeglasses, they send a pair to someone who needs them. Plus, they offer at-home try-on of up to five pairs of glasses so you can find the fit you need. I'm thinking it might be time for a new pair, maybe these?

TOMS

Yes, yes, I know. You've already heard of TOMS. But do you own a pair? Because I've found a lot of people talk about TOMS, but they never actually get around to buying TOMS. The pairs I've owned are some of my most comfortable (these are my current pair), and like Warby Parker, they've branched off into eyewear (though I find their sunglasses to be quite a bit out of my price range).

Mi Esperanza

While browsing around Homewood last weekend with Jordan's mom and sister, we wandered into Molly Green, a recently-opened eco-friendly boutique. There, hanging from the clothing racks, were colorful bags, designed by women in the villages of Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Mi Esperanza ("My Hope") began in 2002 by providing micro-business loans and skills training to women living in extreme poverty. A friend of Jordan's helped to launch the organization, so you can bet I snagged up one of these canvas bags for myself (I love it!).

100cameras

100cameras takes donated cameras to children living in underserved communities, providing them with a photography class and teaching them how to photograph their environment. Purchasing their photos helps to raise both awareness and funds for their local communities. (I had the print above made into a canvas that hangs over my mantle.) The organization most recently launched their third project, based out of Havana, Cuba. You can purchase prints here.

BeadforLife

My friend hosted a bead party last fall, and I wound up buying tons of Christmas gifts (and a few gifts for myself). Their necklaces and bracelets are beautifully-made by women in Uganda and other parts of the world. Like Mi Esperanza, BeadforLife tries to empower the women of these communities to start their own businesses and begin earning money for their villages and families. BeadforLife also sells shea butter products, and 100% of the profits goes to community development.

fashionABLE

A purchase of a scarf (this one's my favorite) helps to create a sustainable business for women in Ethiopia and other parts of Africa. Every scarf comes with a message from the woman who made it. (Birmingham readers: I also saw these being sold at Altar'd State in the Brookwood mall.)

Diana Warner Obligato Collection

Each item in the Obligato collection (I love this one) helps provide clean water for ten people in Africa for a year. Again, Birmingham readers can find the collection at Altar'd State in the Brookwood mall.

Jess LC Soc Chic
I've been a pretty big fan of Jess LC for a while now — her blog was one of the first I ever read — and her entire collection of Soc Chic necklaces was designed with specific organizations and nonprofits in mind. The proceeds of each necklace go to a different organization. (My favorite, the Bright Side necklace, supports CCC Scholarships, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for young adult cancer survivors.)

sandal weather.

It's been a while since I posted a wish list of sorts (a sign I'm becoming more mature and less concerned with temporal things? meh...), so here are some shoes I came across in the Sundance catalog last week. I was an intern at Coastal Living when I first discovered Sundance -- I used to take home the office copy out of the recycling bin -- and now, here I am, four years later (!) still drooling.

1. Peep-toe flats.
2. T-strap sandals.
3. Metallic leather sandals.
4. Kork-ease sandals.
5. Sunburst sandals.
6. Blossom sandals.

P.S. - Today I'm off work and -- is this gross to admit on the internet? -- having a couple of moles removed. I've never had stitches before, so this should be a blast. Also, consider this your warning: Wear sunscreen, and visit a dermatologist. You'll be glad you did.

hair envy.

{instyle magazine, january 2009. photos by pamela hanson. styling by kusum lynn.}

Although pretty much everything in the above photos is perfection, the hair is what had me Googling for hours. 

See, once upon a time, I had a perm. 

I realize the cringes that very phrase is sure to induce, and I understand. The very word "perm" conjures up images of Richard Simmons in my own head, so you are not alone. What you have to understand is this: I got my perm for practical purposes. I was going to be spending three weeks in Italy. I did not want to waste time or money purchasing overseas appliances, and I know myself. The likelihood of me spending any time on my hair while in a foreign country was rare at best. So I took the plunge, and I loved it. 

My perm and I were on fabulous terms throughout the better part of 2005. It's 2006 that things got ugly, and stayed that way, probably until the internship of 2007. Sad, I know. 

But curls are fickle things. And the hairstyle that once felt international and spunky and practical and carefree (no hairdryer? amazing!) soon began to get long. And bushy. And no one told me to for pete's sake, child, get a haircut. So much of my 20th year was spent looking very much akin to an African lion.

I refuse to even post a picture here for my self-esteem's sake. It was not a good time.

Yet looking at these pictures has me wondering: Do I dare perm again? Or do I take a less-permanent, but still slightly scary risk, and purchase a curling iron, or, heaven forbid, get out mom's old curlers? 

What can I do, Keri Russell, do achieve curls like yours? 

Because I can buy straight leg jeans and chunky scarves and Annie-Hall vests, but hair? Hair I cannot buy. 

I can, however, crimp and curl and cut to my heart's content. 

Tell me, blog readers, what is a girl to do?

improving my closet.

Maybe it's the new year, or the desire to purge, or the fact that every fashion blogger is talking about it, but I'm in the mood to clean out my closet.

One of my resolutions this year was to develop a "usable, uniquely me" closet, and I feel like I'm well on my way.

Last week, I invested ($3.50) in the latest issue of Lucky magazine, and let me tell you: worth every single penny.

One entire article was devoted to 90 outfits for under $500. That's dressing for $5 a day! And even though I'm getting better at the mixing and matching thing (thank you, Kendi), I need pictures of exactly how to pair what with what. What can I say? I'm a visual learner. So anyway, Lucky did all the work for me. Showed me exactly what I needed (a lot of things I already had: denim dress, striped shirt, etc.), then put outfits together... 90 of them! Amazing.

Armed with birthday money and a list of exactly what I needed, I did some shopping -- online and otherwise -- last week. And even though I did buy the occasional Target piece, I'm still working on buying quality clothing... Clothing that will last. Here's a list of things wanted and things bought:

 I need a pair of work jeans, remember, and high-waisted flares are back in. Don't worry, folks: I wanted these, but bought these. I just can't justify spending nearly $200 on one piece of clothing. And based on your comments, you can't either. Glad we're all on the same page.

A striped cardigan. I really want this one.

Also a patterned/funky cardigan, like this one. Anthropologie-esque.

A classic black blazer. I have one from Old Navy, but it's not my favorite (weird slit sleeves). I've got my eyes on this one. Anyone seen one for cheaper?

I used to have a really great pair of black pants, just like Audrey. But they faded (things from the Gap fade easily... or is it me?). So I bought these.

Lucky told me I needed a floral tank top, and I agreed. This one from Target seemed reasonable, so I took the plunge.

Every girl needs a black pencil skirt, and I have one, but it's starting to show its age. Lucky featured this one, so maybe despite the cost, it's decent quality. 

 A new pair of Toms. No one told me I needed these; I just looked in my closet at my holey, faded pair, and I knew. It is time.

---

There we have it. I love shopping with a list of exactly what I need in mind; I think it's saving me a ton of money in the long run! I only buy what I need, instead of what I think I need spur of the moment. Plus, I'm planning on hosting a clothing swap with some friends in the spring, so when I purge, my old clothes will have a place to go. Any clothes not swapped will go to a local charity. I'm pumped.

So, what's on your list? Are there pieces I'm missing? What do you consider essentials for your closet? 

Curious minds want to know.

dreaming in denim.

I'm making a list of things I "need" to revamp my closet. I've got some birthday money and the latest Lucky magazine for inspiration. (Grab a copy next time you're at the grocery store. This issue is amazing!)

Anyway, I need some work appropriate jeans for casual Fridays. And ideally, I would be able to wear them with flats.

But these retro, high-waisted, flared jeans are "in." And I've been eying this pair from EmersonMade for a long time.

Alas, they are are $188. Which seems excessive. Generally speaking, I spend no more than $50 on a pair of jeans. And that is pushing it.

So, a few questions for my readers:

- would you ever spend that much on a pair of jeans?
- what items are on your "need" list for the upcoming season?
- if you could have one item from EmersonMade's shop, what would it be?

I'll probably wind up buying a pair from the Gap -- my standard MO -- but seriously? These EmersonMade clothes are making me question my entire budget...

confession: fake glasses.

{me in all of my bespeckled glory}

I wore fake glasses my senior year of high school.

I was telling this to someone the other day, someone who didn’t know me back then, and the reaction I was given made me realize: My old self is disappearing.

Gosh, is this what happens?

That at 25, the old you, the you from high school and middle school and elementary school, starts to slowly wind its way out of your life, like water through a drain? That only a handful of people even really know the you that used to be?

I thought I was so awesome my senior year of high school. Not awesome in the head cheerleader kind of a way, but awesome in the look-how-fun-and-different-I-am-without-being-completely-strange-like-a-Goth kind of way.

My brother, by far the more “punk” of the Butterworth siblings (I think even my usage of the term punk here denotes my utter squaredom), makes fun of the old me, the me who wore dog tags and Converse tennis shoes and a military-style bag that I covered with lyrics from the Mary Tyler Moore show theme song. (I am in tears just typing this.) The me who listened to Relient K and thought that classified as some kind of rebellion.

In a fit of silliness, a friend and I decided to buy fake glasses at the mall one day. I wanted to look older, yes (apparently I thought glasses would erase the fact that I weighed about 90 pounds and had the build of a 12 year old boy), but more importantly, I wanted to look like a journalist. You know, Walter Kronkite. Tom Brokaw. Barbara Walters. The greats.

(I just Googled all of those names and none of them wore glasses, so I’m not sure where I got this idea, but you get the point. Also, I don’t think Katie Couric ever wore glasses until she scored the nightly news gig — a far more serious venture than the shenanigans going on over at Today. So I don’t think my high school logic was entirely flawed.)

Two girls on a mission, my friend and I refused to buy our fake lenses at Claire’s — even goofy teenage girls have their standards — and instead found some at one of those carts you used to see in the mall. It’s still not clear to me why a cart specializing in faux frames and lenses even existed, but it did, and we were its lone, proud supporters.

It took us no time at all to whip our new specs out of their packaging and don them for a viewing of Tuck Everlasting at the local “artsy” theatre. (Looking back, why on earth was Tuck Everlasting even at that theatre? It stars Rory Gilmore for crying out loud.) By the end of the film, our heads ached from the frames, which I’m assuming were probably too tight. My friend had the good sense to never wear hers again.

Not me.

Nope, there I am in my high school yearbook, with a pair of glasses on my face that I advertised as necessary.

And I thought I was so cool.

I stopped wearing my fake glasses long enough to need real ones, and now I forget to wear my prescription lenses more than I actually wear them. How’s that for irony?

This is the me that I don’t want to forget.

I know I was dumb and goofy and did stupid teenage things, and I’m grateful I’m about to turn 25 and have just the right amount of goof combined with maturity (I hope). I’m grateful that those years are behind me, that I don’t live in the past, and that most people don’t even know all the truly nerdy things I did.

But there’s a part of me that thinks that girl was pretty cool, and that the world is missing out by not knowing her in all of her fake glasses glory.

So I’m letting her out of the box for today. I figure she deserves a little air every now and then.

(And now, please, do share: What is the weirdest thing you did in high school?)

best dressed.

Not that I'm one to judge -- I'm hardly fashion forward -- but I thought these five ladies' dresses from last night's Golden Globes were worth noting. 

My personal favorite? Claire Danes, whose entire ensemble I whole-heartedly approved of. And she didn't make a fool of herself during her acceptance speech, which is more than I can say for some. 

Also, now added to my list of movies to see: The King's Speech, The Social Network (which admittedly, I originally boycotted), and Winter's Bone.

(P.S. ~ Emma, bring back the red hair. I miss it.)

what i wish i wore. {photos by the sartorialist.}

{all photos from here}

a modcloth christmas.

you know, in case anyone is taking notes, i wouldn't mind having a modcloth christmas this year.

{sweater | blouse | boots | dress 1 | dress 2 | dress 3 | dress 4}

For your convenience, size 7 in shoes, small or x-small in everything else.