Wine, Women, and Big Boobs

This weekend I attended a large wine tasting event with a great group of friends. There were endless tables of wine, tons of delicious food, and lots and LOTS of great eye candy (the clothes, the bags, the shoes!).

So in impatiently getting down to the good stuff, let's see what the lovely ladies of Wine Riot '10 wore.
Name: Jill
Age: 27
Occupation: Teacher

Jill is exactly like me; she loves to look cute but she's a budget girl (most teachers are, actually). Consequently, she's a fantastic sales junky. This adorable denim wash dress was a steal (less than $15 at New York and Co.). Pair it was some tights and some slouchy boots, and she looks great! A belted dress does amazing things for a torso, but Jill keeps herself in good shape by running. She looks beautiful and healthy, so naturally anything she puts on is going to look fabulous.

Name: Elina
Age: 27
Occupation: Financial Analyst

*Forgive the less than stellar photo, but it was the only one that showed her full outfit. Plus, look at that pose!*

Elina has amazing style, plain and simple. She knows the pieces that will work for her, but she also knows that a little bit of drama is going to catch the eye. The first time I saw this cardigan from Anthropologie, I'm pretty sure I drooled. The color and the texture really make a simple sweater pop. Elina paired her sweater with earthy tones, so naturally the eye will focus on the bright jewel tone of the sweater. The skinnies tucked into the cute (but functional-two in one; awesome!) rain boots makes the outfit casual but fun. Elina is a very healthy person, so naturally that lends a good helping of confidence (as you can see by the pose). She knows she looks good here and you can see it on her face.

Name: Jeanette
Age: 24
Occupation: Account Executive, CBS Radio Mix 104.1

I was totally minding my own business while drinking a glass of delicious red wine when these shoes literally stopped me in my tracks. Look at that color! It matches the blue of the skirt so well, and when emphasized by the black foundation of the tights and shirt, it just grabs your attention. The skirt is great; I feel like I'm looking at a Picasso. The wavy hair and long necklace add a hippie feel to the attire, and I'm a sucker for neo-hippie casual. Who knew radio could be so fashionable?

And lastly, here's me:
Saturday was the first time I've dared to wear this shirt in public. As previously stated in my bikini lamentation post, I've focused my energy on feeling and looking healthier. By watching what I eat, getting lots of exercise, and some deep thinking, I've started a good trot down that particular path. I'm feeling good about my body and personal health, and naturally, I want to look good.

This shirt is made of a very clingy cotton, so while I love the rosette texture and think it does wonderful things for my upper body, I wasn't crazy about the fit around the waist/hips. On a whim, I tried it on before leaving the house, and voila! I felt chic, comfy, and best of all, I thought I looked fantastic! I paired it with a black tank top just to keep "the girls" in order, but I felt really good in this outfit, and when you hit a home run like that, how can you not wear it?

And now for the budget breakdown:
-Rosette Shirt: Unknown brand from T.J.Maxx ($15)
-Jeans: Joe Jeans, on clearance from Marshalls ($80 marked down to $40)
-Tank: The Limited ($24 marked down to $10)
-Cardigan: (not pictured) Old Navy ($18)
-Shoes: Black Flats from Target ($24)
=Total outfit cost: $107
*See? Teachers love bargains!*

There were so many amazing and tasty wines at the Wine Riot, and when combined with great friends and fun conversations, this weekend was really one of the more fun ones I've had lately.

On a side note, I'm pretty much in love with Christina Hendricks. Not in a girl-on-girl kind of way, but because she makes me comfortable with the body type I have. Take a look at this cover:

(Photo courtesy of Esquire and the Huffington Post)

Christina Hendricks is an actress on AMC's Mad Men. The show is set in the 1960's, a time when women were expected to be curvy and buxom (a la Monroe and Bardot). You don't get curvier that that cover!

After the wave of heroin chic models in the early 90's (thanks for making a chubby girl's life hell, Kate Moss), it became uncool to have curves. "Full-figured" has been a dirty euphemism for fat for as long as I can remember. Christina Hendricks is decidedly NOT fat, but rather sports an amazing rack and some killer hips. Unfortunately that hasn't stopped her from being targeted by fashion critics who deem her hourglass figure "big."

She isn't one to be quiet about it, though. In response to the hate, she fired back and decided to refocus the issue from her body to her talent.

I've had a tendency to let myself feel victimized for my body. I've alternated between feeling "fat" and "pornographic." It's refreshing to see Ms. Hendricks rocking her body on the same red carpet as Kate Hudson or Kate Bosworth or any other run of the mill twiglet.

It's paying off her her, too. Esquire just named her "The Sexiest Woman in America." Bravo!

I can hear the decadence calling

Why, yes, Kim, I can!

The newest Sex and the City trailer has me drooling over the clothing porn.



...normally I've never been a big fan of the clothing on Sex and the City (although occasionally Carrie would wear something that made my heart pitter patter), but in all honesty the first film's wardrobe did nothing for me.

Now, however, I'm unable to prevent myself from gawking over the bright colors, the textures, the heavily influenced Middle Eastern attire the ladies sport throughout the film. So gorgeous!

...Although, that whole "J'adore Dior" concept is pretty played out at this point. Give it a few more years before you begin to consider it vintage, Patricia Fields.

Fashionista on a budget

In two months time I will be embarking on a new journey: I will officially start my grad school career. In order to fast track my studies and finish within a reasonable time frame, I've given notice at the school where I currently teach.

Which really means two things:
1.) I'll be a study zombie for the next year and a half
2.) With a seriously stunted income, my love for fashion is going to hit a pretty big speed bump.

While I'm not usually the kind of girl to spend lots of money on expensive clothes, I do love shopping, and unless the graduate gods smile on me and I find myself in the oh so coveted paid positions of teaching or administrative assistant, my already budgeted spending habits will require some serious curbing.

So I'm contemplating a new arena to this blog: Fashionista on a budget.

Basically, the rules are these: 1 new outfit a month, on a budget of less than $50.

Let's take a look at the first outfit:Shirt: $38 International Concepts (Macy's-this is kind of a cheat because I had a giftcard from Christmas. But hey, free shirt).
Jeans: No name skinny jeans bought at Marshall's for $15.
Boots: $40 Steve Madden biker boots (purchased from Marshall's). Similar to these but there are three studded straps that criss-cross the ankle.

Grand total: $55. Just over budget, but not unreasonably.

My goal is to recycle as many current items of clothing as possible into a wider variety of outfits, but I know me and I know how I am when I see a really cute item of clothing. So while it's important to keep on a sane budget, I also know I'll go crazy if I don't treat myself to a little something every now and then.

Looking good in a bikini

"I wouldn't say Boston is a fat city, but we look better in spring and fall then we do in summer."
-Kyle

This is so very true for a variety of reasons, the biggest of which is winter. Once winter rolls around, Bostonians, like bears, hibernate until the spring thaw (which, knowing New England as I do, can come as late as May). And similar to bears, we have a tendency to bulk up for those long, cold months. Or at least I know I do. Consequently, if you're anything like me, over the course of the winter you've neglected the parts of your body that are on full display in a bikini.

So while you may want to look like this:

In reality, you look like this:

(Try not to scream, I don't look that bad)

Notice this photo is from the side. That's because I've allowed four months of winter to wreak havoc on my gym routine. Goodbye sit-ups, hello couch and that second glass of wine. Good God, did I seriously just allow you to see that? What is wrong with me?

For me, fashion isn't just about how cute the bikini you're wearing is; it's also about the way you feel in it. If you feel good about how you look, you can rock the shit out of anything. But lately, I've been feeling less like a diva and more like a marshmallow.

So how does one solve this little predicament? You gotta buckle down, baby! We've been experiencing some nicer than normal weather in Boston over the past few days, so it's been easy to be outside and really active. The hubs and I have been indulging in after work walks in the evening, long strolls that really help us unwind and recharge mentally. I'm feeling more energetic and lively, and as a result, I'm more interested in pushing my physical limits. At school, I run around with my students. I'm more careful of the choices I make when eating, and my body has responded by craving lots of fruits and veggies, and less carbs and comfort foods.

I've also recently discovered Jillian Michaels' mini workouts via youtube. Not as great or intense as her longer length workouts, but if you're even remotely ADD when it comes to working out (which I totally am), these can work in a pinch. I like to watch one on Apple TV and repeat several times before switching it up with another. When I'm working out, it's extremely important to me that things keep me on my toes. I get bored too quickly and as a result end the workout way sooner than I should. These give me the variety I need while keeping my interest (I'm considering attending a spin class; I wonder if it's different enough to keep my attention?).



In an unprecedented first, I'm setting a goal for myself in order to rebuild my bikini confidence: 2 hours a day of hard physical activity (shouldn't be too hard when I'm surrounded by 27 three year olds for 10 hours everyday) and a revamped diet.

Today's workout:
-3 mile walk around Back Bay with the hubs
-100 sit-ups
-25 push ups
-100 squats
-3 reps of 30 second planks
....not overly impressive, but baby steps to start.

Once I start to see a noticable difference, the fun stuff can start! Namely, shopping for a new bathing suit!

I'm digging this one from Victoria's Secret. There's something about zebra stripes that's just very appealing to me. Not that I want to look like a wild African beast, but seriously, how cute is that?

This is a strong contender, too. The color is fabulous (and it's probably look killer with all the red in my hair), plus the top seems like it could give me the support I need. Bigger busted girls understand the necessity of a stable top, but when it's cute to boot, how can you say no?

I'm getting pumped for summer now! :)

A walking advertisement for child abuse

My local grocery store finally got the memo about fair trade coffee and surprised me this afternoon with a wide selection to chose from. This made me very happy, as I've practically stalked those aisles for months now hoping that it would magically appear. Low and behold, on the top shelf in aisle 11, there were my fervently sought after coffee beans. Thank you for listening, Beacon St. Star Market.

Walking home with my husband Kyle, I was so excited to finally have it in my hands. (although in all honesty, I could have walked the extra mile to Whole Foods earlier and have been done with it, but whatever). Naturally, we started talking about other fair trade goods, until Kyle looked at me and said, "you know, you're excited about your coffee and chocolate, but you're still wearing clothes made from child labor."

Well, shit. I think I just got called out.

It's true, though. Looking at my clothing today, I realized I am a walking advertisement for child abuse. *Please ignore my shiny boob and puffy face*

-My shirt is from Banana Republic, a brand that is owned by Gap, Inc. In 2003, Gap was sued by a collective of sweatshop workers in Saipan, who alleged that the company denied overtime pay, failed to create safe working environments, and forced workers to undergo abortion procedures, among other things (source). Additionally, in 2007, an undercover reporter from the BBC obtained footage of child labor in Indian Gap factories. In both instances, Gap, Inc. saved their butts by paying obscene amounts of money to workers and by "destroying" all goods made in violation of child labor laws (source). The scandals caused them so much trouble that Gap, Inc. was compelled to add an additional page to their website that promotes their "social responsibility."

-That funky necklace I'm sporting is from Wal-Mart, themselves no stranger to child labor law violations (anyone else remember Kathie Lee Gifford's clothing line?). Wal-mart has routinely been accused of employing child labor to manufacture their goods, and they've been routinely called out for it.This article from 2007 spells out the troubling stories about Wal-mart's labor practices in developing countries. So while that necklace may only have set me back $10, I've bought into a much bigger problem. Somewhere, some child may have suffered to make this cheap piece of plastic, and how on earth can I justify needing something so pointless that badly?

-My jeans are Express. I couldn't find any outright slave labor accusations there, but I'm sure it's not out of the realm of possibility that they employ cheap labor, too.

As a teacher, naturally I'm horrified by child labor. It infuriates me that education is simply not an option in so many third world countries. The continued practice of child labor has been condemned by so many but tackled by so few. The International Labor Organization (www.ilo.org) recognizes child labor as any job that is mentally, physically, or emotionally harmful to children, and/or deprives them of an education. Without education, these children have no future, and more importantly, will cause further harm to the economies of the countries in which they live. Poverty is directly linked to a person's education. Without education, there is no drive to compete, produce quality goods, or generate income.

These children deserve to be cared for, not abused for a quick buck. It's obvious to me now that I have to start educating myself more about these problems, and what I can do to maybe prevent myself from exacerbating them.

So in short, I'm feeling pretty wretched right now, Fair Trade coffee be damned.

Communist Dictators are the new It crowd?

Dear Lord in heaven. Is this funny or horrifying? I honestly don't know.

Excuse me, Mr. state-run-media Uriminzokkiri, but this...

...is not the look I'm going for when I stand in front of my closet each morning. But then again, I don't live in North Korea.

There are lots of politicians who can make clothing look good. Nancy Pelosi looks chic and pulled together 100% of the time, even if she does wear the same strand of pearls with everything. John Edwards understands the necessity of a good haircut, and even Vladimir Putin keeps in good shape to imtimidate impress other world leaders.

But if I were to compile a top five list of politicians whose appearance SHOULDN'T be emulated, it might go in this order:
1.) Adolf Hitler
2.) Joseph Stalin's very manly 'stache and cossack hat combo
3.) Kim Jong-il (I don't care how comfy khaki is)
4.) Imelda Marcos (seriously, it doesn't matter how many pairs of shoes you had; money doesn't cure tacky)
5.) Gandhi (no disrespect intended, and maybe not a politician per say, but no grown man can make a glorified diaper look good)

Intentions, interests, and pogo jogging. Oh, my!

To be perfectly honest, I struggled with a concept for this, the (possibly?) all-important first post of my newly created blog. I couldn't think of a darn thing to say because really, what could I have to say in my little corner of the internet that would interest anyone else? I'm far from an expert on anything, really. I just have a lot to say...

I didn't want to write the stereotypical fashion blog, because 1.) the Outfit of the Day concept is a little too shallow for me, and 2.) there's more to being fashionable then just the clothes on your back. It's important to be healthy, confidant, multifaceted, and aware (both self and socially). So really, while there will obviously be daily fashion posts, I'll also be posting about food, a healthy lifestyle, and any other interest that pops up.

Like this one: Japanese Men in Skirts? That's something new.

I love gender dysmorphia in fashion. It's edgy in a way that makes people uncomfortable, which is good because it can spark discussion and debate about what's socially acceptable between the sexes. We're certainly all too young to remember Marlena Dietrich in her tuxedo, but without her and Katherine Kepburn's stubborn refusal to parade around in skirts 24/7, trousers on women would not have taken off in the way they did.























Apart from the cigarettes, these bitches look fierce! During the WWII era, women in mens clothing was scandalous. The concept of femininity was so ingrained in them that women coping with rations would pencil stocking lines down the backs of their legs just to look like they were wearing nylons. Imagine how different it must have felt to slip on a pair of pants! And while I'm doubtful that men in skirts will catch on (this is Harajuku fashion, after all), it's certainly an interesting concept at the very least.

On a side note, while perusing People.com, I noticed a twitter post from Khloe Kardashian that featured a pic of Kim and Kourtney Pogo Jogging. Yes, Pogo Jogging.

(image courtesy of Splash News)

I've never heard of this particular workout before, but how cool and FUN does that look?? I might have to do some research and find a local store where I can procure these fantastic kangaroo boots. Can't you just see some of the young ladies of Boston bopping down Comm Ave in these babies?

I have a feeling the staff at Lululemon are going to see a huge spike in the sale of Ta Ta Tamers if this catches on.