December 31, 2009
resolved
Five years ago, I made a list of New Year’s resolutions. I wrote them in a notebook, with a pen, even, because I was totally old school: read more, write more, listen to more music.
A month later, I started this blog. Five years later, I write for a living.
Five years later, I also mostly read magazines and listen only to 80s music (and only in the car), so there’s that. You know, if you need some context.
Moral: One in three resolutions can change your life! But the other two? Will be a bust. Seriously.
My house, after the Christmas blizzard of 2009. Photo by Rita Ortloff.
I’m not making any resolutions this year; instead, I’m rethinking my life list. I want the list to be things I can — and will — really accomplish, rather than a haphazard list of cool stuff that might be fun to do someday. And then I’m going to spend this year crossing things off the list.
In 2010 I will also be doing a simple-but-crazy project: I’ll be photographing what I wear, every single day. The good, the bad, the hey-I-haven’t-showered-since-Thursday — every single outfit, every single day. What am I hoping to get out of this? I’m not sure just yet. But 2010 is going to be the year of challenging myself, and this will be a challenge. Get ready.
Five years ago, I made a really simple resolution: write more. Five years later, I’m here. And it’s a good place to be. I can’t wait to see where the next five years takes me.
December 27, 2009
a little bling for the new year
Crystal Flower Necklace, White House | Black Market
My Christmas present from Wade! Yay!
I’m recovering from the holiday and digging out after the blizzard and trying to get my act together for the New Year. I’ll be back on New Year’s eve with a revised life list — are you working on yours? There’s no time like 2010! Or the present. Whatever.
Hope you all had a happy Christmas.
December 16, 2009
baby it’s cold outside, so layer up (yes, even for your fancy cocktail party)
Wade and I are going to a fancy-ish party on Saturday night, which means that I’ll be busting out my LBD — and a parka, apparently, because after weeks of warm weather, it’s freezing here, and my dress options are either sleeveless or short sleeved (or long sleeved but with a plunging neckline — either way, brr!).
What’s the strategy for not freezing to death in your holiday finery? Well, you can opt for something sweater-y, but a sweater dress isn’t exactly fancy. Instead, think about pairing your fancy-but-not-warm frock with a more rugged outer layer.
I love the combination here, from LOFT — no, not Ann Taylor Loft, they’re just LOFT now — because it’s both feminine and warm. The dress (which, sadly, is sold out online) is just frilly enough, while the jacket, with it’s bomber shape and faux-fur collar, is both tough and elegant. This is a fun way to warm up an otherwise chilly silhouette.
I also love the idea of pairing a more casual jacket with blingy jewelry – here, a big necklace and dramatic cuff — for after-five events. If you’re opting for warmth, upping the ante with glam add-ons is a simple way to make even the most utilitarian piece party-perfect, and keep yourself toasty at the same time.
Where can you find cool pieces like these? LOFT, of course. The chain formerly known as Ann Taylor Loft is reinventing itself as your go-to spot for cool, affordable clothes. Their look hasn’t changed all that much — or if it has, it’s for the better, with a nice balance of classic and trendy pieces, all at reasonable prices. I’ve always loved LOFT’s collections (and right now, if they would bring back that fabulous cocktail dress, I would pick one up in a heartbeat).
This week, LOFT wants to know: “Where do you get your fashion fix?” They’re looking for the best style blogs, and they want your opinion; go to the LOFT Facebook page and vote for Friday Playdate in their Blog Wars poll. You know you want to. The winning blogger gets a $500 LOFT gift card. Come on, you all — help a girl out.
What’s in it for you? LOFT is also supplying a $100 gift card for one lucky Friday Playdate reader. Winner will be chosen totally at random on Saturday, from the comments on this post. Just tell me what you’d spend your $100 on at LOFT. It’s that easy.
Both contests — the one here and the one on Facebook — end Friday at 4:00 pm EST. Enter now, and please vote for Friday Playdate as your favorite style blog. I would so appreciate it.
Congratulations to Bethany! And thanks to everyone who entered, and who voted for Friday Playdate.
