Susan's Roar

The Funny Thing About Stuff

2010-05-23T16:31:00.001-07:00

There’s something funny about stuff: Sometimes we never know we need it until we see it...right?

Let me explain.

My husband's, father’s partner gave us a solitaire square cut diamond ring (presumably given to her by someone, presumably not Daniel’s father) a few years ago. She said we were to “save it for a rainy day.” And since it’s been monsoon season for us in Brooklyn almost as soon as we moved to NYC I decided to cash it in.

I’ve taken this ring to a few jewelers, all of whom have said I can get about $200-$300 for it and thus making it not worth much to anyone, except us. I took said ring to a jeweler around the corner from my office just to see what they said. I told myself that I would take whatever I they offer. It's practically free money and the ring does me no good sitting on my dresser.

The jeweler takes a look at the ring and renders it (as expected) not worth much. But he offers me $225 in cash for it. Not bad, and not a surprise. But before I get ready to walk out with a fistful of dollars I spy a ring in the case below me that has white gold star made of diamonds, with a line of blue diamonds within the star.

It’s beautiful.

And I ask "how much would something like that go for?"

Jeweler: "$900."

"Beh," I say "that’s what I thought." I can't afford things like that...take the money and run Susan!

He encourages me to try it on “it costs nothing to try on…” he says. Famous last words. I put it on, and it fits perfectly. Violins swell; birds sing….I weep…well not really. I fall in love…or lust or WANT. And boy do I want.

After some hedging he tells me I can take the ring for the weekend, and if I change my mind I can come back on Monday to claim the cash. Oh man what an offer!

So I walk out with the ring in all of its sparkly glory on my finger. I’m plagued with guilt. I can’t keep it and I know it. I go to the bank admiring the ring in my reflection at the teller, in my reflection in the store windows, at the office and I exhale.

I tell myself: Enjoy it Susan, 'cuz it’s going back.

I email my friend Anna (the self-dubbed angle and devil on my shoulder) about my dilemma. She says what I already know: I need to bring it back.

The ring must go, the money will pay for something much more valuable: my plane ticket to Cuba.

So back I marched. I explained to the jeweler that I needed the cash much more. I told him that if it were different circumstances I would be keeping the pretty bauble. He looked annoyed but I resist feeling bad, it’s what I need to do.

It stung for a minute, but what the hell did I need it for? And how did I get derailed so easily? I went in with resolve and like a magpie got completely smitten by a sparkly doodad. I had no need for it, none, zero, zilch!

I remember reading somewhere that people that spend their money on experiences are happier and more fulfilled than people with a bunch of stuff (which is reasoning that never goes anywhere when gazing upon a pair of shoes). So here was my opportunity to fulfill that void...Lord knows I have enough crap.

For someone who is on the constant look-out for stuff (problematically or not) the draw of that instantaneous consumer high is strong. My intellect is strong too, but sometimes not as strong as that buzz of a new purchase. What is that about? Where does it come from? Does it mean that I'm lacking in other departments of life as some claim? Am I another victim of that capital "S" System that we're all tangled in?

I can say with certainty that I was lucky to have that extra money to put towards a trip that was life altering. And perhaps the ring could have had the same power? But only if it stopped a speeding bullet, was able to do my taxes or transport me to foreign lands. Stuff can only take you so far. And the stuff I traded for opportunity will be with me forever, even after that sparkle fades.

A Little Less Crazy: Feminist Media Crit

2010-05-23T11:22:00.000-07:00

This makes me happy...and feel a little less crazy. Especially since I've had to explain my interests in pop culture and explain why I feel it's important to consume all of it.

Consuming pop culture helps me see what it is that mainstream North American women are held up against and by what unattainable standards we judge ourselves. You cannot move around in this country without some of these images and ideas permeating your consciousness, I don't care who you are.

I make it my business to watch out for what we're being "fed" or force-fed as it were, then because it's also my business, I think about it critically. Perhaps I won't be able to dismantle the master's house. But by analyzing the rules the master dictates I can perhaps be able to understand why it is that I'm in the house to begin with and why I hate the younger, thinner, "prettier" women in it.

I saw this on my fave blog Jezebel:

The 10 Commandments Of Pop Culture Feminism

by Rachel O'Conner

1. Thou shalt not see a sexist, misogynistic ad, say "that sucks" and leave it at that.

2. Thou shalt view all media through a critical lens.

3. Thou shalt watch every movie while wondering if it will pass the Bechdel Test.

4. Thou shalt critique media when it portrays women as one-dimensional, second-class citizens.

5. Thou shalt vote with thy wallet (also known as the "I will not pay $12 to see ‘I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell' commandment.")

6. Thou shalt consume shitty forms of media (i.e. tabloids, reality TV) to be aware of what the "mainstream media" is saying about (and to) women and girls.

7. Thou shalt write letters, make phone calls, and send emails to let Dodge know you won't buy their cars or to tell GoDaddy.com that you'll look elsewhere for a domain (or ? or ?).

8. Thou shalt utilize social media to get the message out.

9. Thou shalt not feel bad for still being influenced by the barrage of unattainable images.

10. Thou shalt criticize the culture, not the women (employ the pro-woman line).

The author added an 11th: Thou shalt recognize intersectionality in every component of media representation, sniffing out and calling them out on colorism, homophobia, heterosexism, classism, racism, ageism, ableism etc.

What would you add? Lets make it a full-fledged manifest(a).

NO!

2010-05-01T16:57:00.001-07:00

My dad says I have an opinion about everything.

This coming from a man that at times refers to the Civil War as the "War or Northern Aggression" with a little too little seriousness. As for my opinions...yah I have 'em.

Call it what you will, I chalk it up to over-active self-awareness, or an unnecessary desire to criticize. Regardless of what you want to call it...I need to talk about it. Or "process" in therapy speak.

In needing to do such I'd like to introduce this series of posts as "NO!" or things that make me crazy, and defy the rules of self-awareness.

Look, there are things that just aren't right, and there are things that don't make sense. To start, I'd like to deliver a big fat NO! to:

Exercise sneakers.

They're expensive. And ugly. And for lazy people...sorry. But really if you need to spend $240 on a pair of sneakers that claim to "tone your legs". Couldn't you just spend that money on a gym membership and get on a treadmill? Or save the money, and walk around your neighborhood?

There I said it. Leave it to Corporate America to invent something completely useless in order to make a buck off of our own vanity and laziness. Really?

NO!

Technology is not an Excuse for Bad Behavior

2010-04-30T14:39:00.000-07:00

At our neighborhood haunt last night my friends and I were enjoying our post-yoga cheeseburgers, wine and laughs. Our waitress, the lovely Erin, was being as sweet as ever and doing a wonderful job taking care of us.

For some background: Daniel (the husband) and I have been frequenting this little spot literally since we moved into our neighborhood. We tend to visit at least twice a month for dinner and/or drinks.

It's like the gentrifying version of "Cheers", and we love it. Sure it's mostly frequented by the hipsters who have started to colonize the neighborhood. Hipsters with cultured and curated identities and an overall disdain for the things that were there before they were. But the wine, food and music is good. And we like the folks that work there, they're funny and sweet, and do a good job of taking care of us when we come in. But I digress.

We were chatting, eating, enjoying, when some guy at the table diagonally across from us held up his iPhone with a blinking flashing graphic that said "HELLO!" presumably to get Erin's attention. I just about choked on my cheeseburger. I looked at my friend Jen and said, "did you see that?" She did, and started frothing at the mouth much like I did.

Erin rushed over to them despite my attempt to get her attention on her way over to the douchebaggery that was unfolding before our very eyes. She seemed every bit as shocked as we were.

Who were these guys? Why did they do that? Did they think that was funny? Or were they just using their tools to show off their flagrant disregard for manners? Maybe they thought she would think it was funny? Smart phones have become so pervasive in NYC and in our society that maybe they assumed she would be used to being "beckoned" like an avatar?

Regardless of what they were trying to do, it made me think about all of the arguments you hear about technology pushing us away from each other, isolating us from "real" human experiences. That our increasingly online lives have put an impartial conduit between us and the world, stripping us from hesitation or in this case, manners.

Ordinarily I would argue that such a conversation is a bit uncomplicated for my tastes. And this incident smacks of the same sentiment that the phrase "guns don't kill people, people kill people," puts forth. Look, for me the jury is out if technology is killing our ability to interact with people, there is plenty of evidence for and against that line of reasoning. But if technology is put in the hands of people who are smarmy assholes, guess what? They'll use it in such a way. Because technology didn't make those kids jerks. Their parents did...kidding! Sort of.

You can take the douche out of the douchebag, but you can't take the douchebag out of the douche. Or something.

Bottom line, iPhones don't make people assholes. If you were an asshole before the iPhone chances are you're going to find the app that makes you look even more like one. The tool is not necessarily to blame for the bad behavior, that kind of takes the accountability out of human behavior doesn't it? I just hope that guy got enough glares to make him think twice about doing that again, and I also hope he at least tipped Erin well.

How Many Calories for Sweet Beauty?

2010-04-10T11:04:00.000-07:00

Can we talk about this?

A departure from my usual posts, sure...but a chandelier made of gummy bears?

I'm not a vegan, and if I were I would be sad to leave gummi bears behind. But I can say that despite their animal ingredients gummi bears are the bees knee's. I love them all: red, green, white...I am not a fair weather gummi bear eater.

So when I saw this I just about died. It's really beautiful, ethereal and made out of gummi bears. Not real ones, but who cares? Re-imagining what is a delicious and precious treat and making it into a work of art is just about as awesome as it gets.

Vapid? Perhaps.

Sweet? For sure.

I'll take two. Find it on Jellio.com

Über-hip at Macy's?

2010-03-30T12:44:00.000-07:00

Macy’s is not the first place I think of for punky & funky. I usually think of pantsuits or total chaos (an afternoon at the flagship store on 34th Street in Herald Square, NYC will do that to you).

I am, however, very pleasantly surprised with the collaboration between über-hip (and expensive) designer Rachel Roy and Macy’s, especially in the jewelry department. Now, mind you, this is not a new collaboration, but the addition of affordable (and fabulously funk/punk) is most welcome, especially in relation to the often non-fresh design aspects of some of Macy’s other lines.

And in true form I kind of want a bunch of the pieces…

Most especially this necklace and these earrings. Don’t the spikes on those hoops look kind of like amazing gold teeth? Just like Tracey Morgan says: "Live every week like its shark week." Hawt.

I also dig this pretty necklace, which I will wear with the skull necklace, ‘natch. And lastly, these earrings, which have fabuloustity written all over them.

I have a feeling that this stuff will sell out. I braved the store in Herald Square to be pleasantly surprised by even more choices, but learned from the sales lady that some items were selling fast. So go forward and be punkabulous!

Shoes that Kick Bass

2010-03-26T14:39:00.000-07:00

It must be obvious by now how I feel about shoes.

But my penchant for pretty co-mingles with my convictions about comfort. Shoes should be cute, sure, but what’s cute about a chick hobbling around in 4 inch stilettos when attempting to stride about the cityscape?

I spied these in my favorite shoe store, Shoe Market last summer and all but forgot about them until I saw a similarly stylie friend wearing them. They conjured memories of my mom wearing them in the 80’s and while they hinge on old-ladyish, I’m content to pair them with a short skirt or cute dress to balance out that older-lady-look.

But if you get the shoes pictured above, with a bit of a wedge heel, you slightly bypass that elder-person-look zone if you're really that worried about it. However, I must add in defense of fashionable older people: I salute you and can only hope that I look as good as these folks do when I reach my twilight years.

Just can’t bear the thought of wearing something that my mom did in the 80’s? Well, you should know that she is and always will be a fashionable lady who I thank for my gift for shopping and good taste. But I digress:check out some of the heels on this page.

Reasonably priced and hella comfortable to boot, er to sandal. At least older ladies have figured out that wearing cute shoes don't mean much if they paralyze you. Is is possible that we young whipper-snappers have something to learn from our elder (and wiser) pals?

Who can argue with that?

The Continuum Of Covet

2010-03-12T13:53:00.000-08:00

We all have things we covet.

A house on the French Rivera, a night out minus the kids, a meal at a Michelin rated restaurant, a job at a prestigious company…and it can be large or small…sometimes I covet macaroni and cheese, a vacation to Hawaii or a seat on the morning rush hour L train.

But because there are small covets and there are big covets, the covet continuum is also complicated with all sorts of justifiables and just plain wack.

One of my big (and just plain wack) covets (aside from the non-wack: world peace, ending poverty and making sure there is afterschool for all) is a pair of Loeffler Randall Matilde flat boots in black. The activist in me is horrified that I would covet such an item, knowing that $700 boots could feed a Cuban family of 12 for months.

But the shopper/fashion maven in me sees these as the stylish, comfortable and investmenty boot that would be a welcome addition to my wardrobe. I have 2 knock off versions, but know in my heart of hearts that it’s just not the same. Loeffler Randall makes a helluva shoe and these boots--on par with Frye--would get years of wear (along with some help from my cobblers). But with debt, rent, savings and sticker shock I don't think I could ever take the plunge. My husband would never speak to me again if I came home with these, and nor should he...it's just too much damn money, even though they are so damn beautiful.

So what do you covet? What throws you into a fever of lust but makes you guilty just thinking about it?

The Working Girl's Sample Sale

2010-02-28T20:37:00.000-08:00

Just like I don’t mess around about bargains I treat shopping like sport. It's all about strategy, persistence and resources. Technology has added a new dynamic to that sport. Once upon a time (and I am fortunate to remember this time) you went to a brick and mortar store to buy your stuff. Maybe you ordered from a catalogue that came in the mail…the ahem “snail mail,” as it were.

But that time has changed. With the Internet, things for shopping have shifted. No longer do you have to wait in line, deal with bored and underpaid sales people, or have to fight with fellow shopping zealots over that pair of $50 Marc Jacobs pumps at a sample sale.

No more! First it was eCommerce. Where stores figured out that people could (and would) shop online rather than go to the mall. Then things got a bit more sophisticated: Enter the online sample sale. A gift from the technological advances of the 21st Century to the fanatical consumer.

I’ll admit it. I was a skeptic….

I thought: there’s no way that joining a web club modeled as a virtual sample sale--emails you once a day minutes before a marked down designer item goes up for sale can replace the rush you get from holding something in your hand and walking out the door with it.

But I was wrong. The invent of the online sample sale has brought the sales to me! And that, my dears is a beautiful thing.

From RueLala to Gilt Fuse I await the daily arrival of the timed invitations for a chance to log on and take a crack at designer items with prices mercilessly knocked down. Items by designers I covet but have to pass by because I need to pay the rent.

It's the working gal's sample sale. Most sample sales happen on weekdays and in order to get a stab at the good stuff one has to wait in line (in New York City) for hours before they open. And please, unless you are independently wealthy, able to call in sick from your job on the regular or take really really long lunch breaks it's just not going to happen. But who is these days. If you have a job at all you should consider yourself lucky. Which is exactly where the virtual sample sales come in.

So I click through the emails as I get them. And while I haven't taken the plunge with purchasing clothing just yet, I've had a lot of luck with jewelry and even Moleskine day planners. But will have to keep you posted on how the whole clothing thing works out.

So e-shop away and go ahead and invite yourself to some of my favorites: it's the wave of the future...

1) Gilt-Super high end designer, offers top end items sometimes priced in the thousands.

2) Gilt Fuse- Trendier in offerings and generally more reasonably priced. Also known as Gilts "kid sister".

3) Rue la la- Nice lay out, with 3-4 brands offered per day. They feature clothes, accessories, jewelry, men's, women's, kids, home and beauty goods.

4) HauteLook -Offers clothes, accessories, jewelry, men's, women's, kids, home and beauty goods, but I find not as well curated.

Another Chance at Bad Ass

2010-02-26T14:32:00.000-08:00

Listen, I don’t mess around when it comes to a bargain. And I know I’ve written about these boots before. Partly as a head’s up for those whose sizes were still available on Target.com, and partially because I love the idea of $50 Frye knock-offs. To me, nothing is sacred in fashion and shopping ... NOTHING!

About a week ago I checked to see if they were restocked…and boy were they. All the sizes in both the black and brown were in stock and I leapt at the chance to have my own pair of faux Frye’s.

The reviews said that they ran small so I ordered a size 8.5 which is my technical size. But ladies know that we may fit in one size but a size up of down may fit better depending on the make of the shoe. Such was the case with these, which were a bit long and wide for how I like things to fit. My feet are super narrow and my past life as a figure skater has left me liking my shoes to fit on the tighter side.

So I ordered the size 8. I tried to pawn the 8.5 off on a friend who found them a bit on the snug side in the toes…so back to the store I shall take them (I’m more afraid of the line at the midtown Post Office than I am of the Downtown Brooklyn Target).

But for those of you who see these in your size here online…and are contemplating a purchase. DO IT. I will testify to their fabulous quality for the price. And $50 is certainly easier on the pocketbook than the real deal, which will run you in the $300’s. The leather is real and has an effect that makes them look slightly “aged” though I imagine that they will age nicely in real time too.

I imagine them as a test drive for me, if I find I love them and want to have the Fryes I may take the plunge, someday, or not. Between these stand-ins and my shoe guys, I think we should be able to keep them in good shape for the foreseeable future.

So go go go! Buy these bad ass boots! You won’t be sorry.

The Funny Thing About Stuff

2009-11-20T13:25:00.000-08:00

The Personal Statement is Personal

2009-11-12T14:18:00.001-08:00

Ahhh the personal statement. Such a loaded piece to write, and yet, can it contain any less of your own voice? I am tempted to write 1000 words on my philosophy of wearing leopard print (ladies one piece at a time PLEASE!) , or a how-to on the application of the smokey eye (it’s all in the eye shadow primer), or better yet write both and then stick in a recipe for a mojito, for good measure.

But noooooo…you must conform to the Demands of the Institutions of Higher Education. Wrack your brain; pulverize the trajectory of your professional and personal development to fit within the word limit. “And doooo tell us all you love about our school, and why you’re the perfect fit!” But try not to be too gooey, you’ll look fake.

It’s harder than it sounds, and for a writer who is applying to a Journalism program it’s even more painful to take a few steps back from herself to get a grip on what it is that got her here is the first place.

“I’ve never heard you talk about Journalism before….” said a relative recently when I was talking about the application process. Her question stung me with every last syllable. And while it’s true that I’ve never literally said the words JOUR-NAL-ISM, in her presence, it caused me pause. “Why do I want this?” I thought, “why journalism?” Is it my keen ability with words? Or is it my drive to know about the world and all of its complications? Yes and yes. Is it my so called (GRE WORD ALERT!) “dilettante tendencies?” Or my love of story? Also yes and yes.

Whatever it is, I know that I sat in a class where students were learning about how to create a short photo essay and knew that I was on to something. "Can I get here?" I wondered. What would my life look like with a path carved a bit sharper and with less meandering? I think it would look pretty damn cool.

I can do this, and I can write about why I can, and should. Now about those 1,000 words...

Back to School?

2009-10-28T14:27:00.000-07:00

Good Lord! A girl decides to apply to grad school and lo and behold the earth lifts out from under her.

That's right people, I think it's time that I do what every semi-professional 20-30 something must do in this day and age: get a masters degree. The prospect terrifies me to be honest, I never was a fan of school growing up, that is, until I discovered that I could study what I like. Math be DAMNED!

But once you leap over the hurdle of indecision and fear you have to slog through the process. I am doing my best to move ahead in this so-called adult life of mine but am finding that the hoops through which I need to jump may be more perilous then the moving ahead! FAFSA! GREs! Credit card consolidation! Loans! Personal Statements! Statements of PURPOSE! Phone calls, phone calls and more phone calls!

I’m sure that this is a good idea…in fact everyone else seems to think so, and yet, I feel myself taking a step forward and then two steps back. Lucky for you I’ll be chronicling this journey, which feels like it’s taken on a life of its own.

“Don’t worry,” I keep telling myself “school debt is good debt. And don’t worry if you want to go into an industry that is hemorrhaging jobs as we speak.” I need to take the advice of my fine feathered academic friends “Just do what you’re passionate about!” Ahhh the simplicity of those that hide at school: PhD students--who else? I do know that now is the time, and there is nothing to lose by applying right? Except my sanity, of course.

I will be applying for grad school by the end of November, Goddess willing. Let's just hope that the math section of the GREs don't kill me before I hit "send" on the online application.

Coming soon: Just what’s so personal about personal statements?

Wild Boy, Wild Hair (This Post is for Lauren)

2009-10-04T16:23:00.000-07:00

When I was in junior high, I was obsessed with Duran Duran.

Like embarrassingly obsessed.

And what’s even dorkier? It wasn’t even the 80’s. It was the 90’s, and during their “comeback” Ordinary World easy-listeningesque album. They were everywhere and way too old even then to be wearing poet shirts and leather pants. But ahhh it was the 90’s…I was young, obsessed and staying up way too late watching VH1 (before it got cool) all with the hopes I would get a glimpse of my Boys.

And my Boys they were, I loved them all. But my Man, was John Taylor. His everything was my jam. I can’t say I see what I was attracted to then when he was early 90’s John Taylor. But it would be a fool who couldn’t see what the girls loved about him in the 80’s. Circa 1984…the album was Arena, and live, and they had a documentary of their tour of it, and what fodder for sexually frustrated adolescent girls! His hair! Their hair! Their outfits! His outfits! His plucking of the bass! And ohhh, Simon Lebon.

So when I was in the bar the other night and saw a young man with 1984 era, John Taylor hair I was transported back. I kept mumbling, “That guy has 1984 John Taylor hair…” and ogled his slightly poufy longish locks, which I swear was bleached in the front.
Just.
Like.
John’s.

In some ways I hope that the look will come back, but know in my heart that that is a terrible idea despite the hipster revisionist stylings that could make it possible in NYC. The haircut is meant to be in the past, memorialized by pictures of many a pop band from that era—and worn best by John Taylor. No matter that the 1984 John Taylor may never grace us with his haircut again, maybe from time to time it’s ghost will.

Makeup on the L Train

2009-09-28T16:47:00.000-07:00

Most mornings I put my makeup on while riding the subway, which really freaks some people out. Something about the whole public vs. private space violation makes me hot, but leaves some cool and uncomfortable. Nevertheless, I won’t let others hang-ups get in the way of me putting my face on during a time of day that is virtually untapped for activity.

So I use my commute as the time for quick beautification. It takes a steady hand, of which I am blessed, and the right tools. But you don’t need to be swaying on the L train to get a glimpse of what I use for an appropo day look.

Before you do anything you may need a small travel kit of brushes. It's makeup blasphemy to say that you don't need to go out and spend big bucks on makeup brushes...and you should, if you have it like that, but who does nowadays? So if you're like me and don't have a ton to spend, just spend enough, I say $32 max (like on the kit linked above) since you'll be likely to use only the eyelash comb and blush brush anyways.

This is how I do it...

Check it:

1. First I use a concealer (Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Double Face Perfector). I don’t know if it’s my penchant for late night wine drinking or just a genetic blessing that has left me with dark circles but this one seems to do the trick at a good price. I also read in a NY Times article that it was an exact copy of a much, much more expensive version. I blend the two shades by patting it on around the spots I want covered then I…

2. Set it with a translucent powder (Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blends Translucent Oil Control Powder). I like this one for travel, because it’s compact and because it’s sheer cover works on a lot of different skin tones.

3. Onto my fave part: this is the addition of the bronzer and blush. Now appropriate colors will differ according to your skin tone and I’m not entirely convinced that bronzer is for everyone, but if applied right (which is to say with a slight hand) it can add contouring to your cheekbones and color to your face…even when it’s been raining in Brooklyn for weeks.

When I’m on the train I use a blush/bronzer compact that travels well (at home I have the bigger versions) and is sheer enough to add a bit of color nicely w/o giving me the dreaded my-face-is-a-different-color-than-the-rest-of-my-body look. I put the bronzer where the sun would hit (cheeks, bridge of the nose, forehead & chin) then use the blush over it, doing some quick blending at the jaw line.

4. Now comes the eyeliner (don’t gasp!) I use this L'Oreal version, which I also read about in that NY Times article, and I love how soft and subtle the color is. I think it can work on just about any skin tone and seems less harsh than black, which can sometimes be too much for the day (but that, of course is relative.) I line my lashline from outer corner ¾’s of the way into my eye and smudge. It’s not dramatic, which is how I intended it to be, just subtle. Remember kids, I don’t work at a disco...unfortunately.

5. Next I curl my lashes. This involves some gentle maneuvering but makes a world of difference in livening up your eyes before the coffee does. Put the lash curler gently at the base and squeeze…gently now! Then work your way up your lashes. I reccomend the Shu Uemura lash curler, it really is the Cadillac of eye lash curlers, but I think a cheaper version will do if wielded correctly.

6. Apply mascara. Again because I’m a magazine/beauty & fashion blog junkie I know what’s out there—but I just can’t bring myself to spend $14-$20 on something I (and you) should be throwing out in 8 months anyway. I used to use the classic in the pink and green tube but found it at times too much. So I’ve switched to Maybelline Full 'N Soft Mascara in Very Black. It lives up to its name and I love how natural but defined it makes my lashes look.

7. OPTIONAL: If you're a crazy perfectionist like I am comb out your lashes with an eyelash comb. I use a metal one that is the tops and does an amazing job of seperating and declumpifying my freshly mascaraed lashes.

8. Last are the lips, I am not a huge lipstick fan during the day, I find it too fussy. I usually err on the side of sheer and able to appy w/o a mirror. So I like this Nivea A Kiss of Flavor, Cherry Tinted Lip Care (I have one for my bag and my office) it sets a nice lipstain and when I want a bit more definition I go for this Nars Lipstick in Dolce Vita. Taste, or lack there of is also key, and both of these options fit the bill.

And there you have it. My work-a-day look, all applied on the train. But if you aren’t lazy you can apply it at home, if you just got up 15 minutes earlier.

But who wants to do that?

Peace, Love and Pretty Dresses

2009-09-13T10:40:00.000-07:00

I have a friend that used to say I had hippie tendencies when it came to fashion choices. It could have been my dabbling in over sized pants with dresses but thankfully, I’ve long since outgrown the look. That is until I developed a hankering for those beautiful 60’s and 70’s vintage Indian dresses.

It may be the recent trend of "ethnic" styles that are popular in fashion at the moment. I love the graphic patterns associated with "ethnic-ness" in clothing I take issue with the idea of “ethnic” when it comes to identifying aesthetics in clothing.

It’s the old branding-the-exotic-in-order-to-make-a-buck thing, which has a long and complicated history. If you know anything about the West's relationship with the Third World, you know it's a sordid past. Simply put: in the fashion world, anything that isn’t deemed "European" in style (whatever that means…) is “ethnic.” Or more bluntly put, if it’s not made, designed and fashioned by white people, it’s “ethnic.”

With analysis aside, the dresses I’ve been craving are made in India, are beautiful, and dare I say, hippieish. They can fetch a pretty penny on EBay (which is where I’ve been stalking them) and I hope to be able to win either this one, or this one or this one. Keep your fingers crossed and send me positive vibes in the battle for one of these beauties.

If all goes according to plan I aim to prance around the city in one this fall humming the tunes of the Mamas & the Papas or depending on my mood, Jay-Z.

Peace, Pot and Micro Dot.

Badassness for Less

2009-09-08T16:38:00.000-07:00

Oh what I would give to be able to buy these puppies in my size…

Some of the chicest/toughest girls I know own biker boots like these and while I love the look, I wasn’t so excited about the price tag. Sure they’ll last forever, but would my lust last that long? I tend to catch fever for certain items only to have it wane after the novelty has faded.

Enter Target’s brilliant knock off of the Frye Motorcycle boot. Badass and cheap: ringing in at $49. Can you beat it? Don’t think so.

Perhaps they will restock in my size…or I’ll find them in the store? Either way I hope others will get in on the deal.

Midnight at your Fingers

2009-09-01T16:29:00.000-07:00

When I hint, the husband sometimes listens, but usually after I've dropped lots of clues along the way. I hope he’ll listen to my pleas for this ring from Banana Republic.

I love that the detail is in the stone alone. It’s like someone took a piece of the night sky and put it in a silver setting.

I think it's truly out of this world.
Ugh, sorry.

S.A.D be Damned

2009-08-31T12:23:00.000-07:00

I am feeling fall encroaching upon us. Between the weather and the start of tent set-up in Bryant Park in anticipation of Fashion Week, my bones are preemptively steeling themselves for the impending winter chill.

I do look forward to a more bundled up look for a week or two but am happiest when summer is at its height: the bar-b-ques, days at the beach and floaty summer dresses with peep toed shoes.

That being said, I will do my best to cast aside my looming Seasonal Affective Disorder in favor of some snuggly layers. Since my departure from Boston 3 years ago I have become a year-round wearer of dresses, cardigans, tights and boots.

I anticipate this year will be no different and in-between saving for my much anticipated Cuba trip in November (which will no doubt be a welcome respite from my earlier mentioned S.A.D…) I may be adding a garment or two to my growing collection of year-round-dresses.

To lessen the blow of the seasonal change, this dress marks my first fall purchase.

At initial glance the frock is a perfect addition to my hankering for dresses with a modern silhouette in a graphic print. I envisioned the dress would layer well (crucial) and work with a blazer or cardigan over top (imperative).

But then I looked closer…the print, while graphic and art deco-ey, was chains of skeletons linked together…I gasped and then thought: SOLD. I can’t wait to break it out with booties and black tights.

And for that reason and that reason alone will I say bring on the chill old man winter.

Anna of my Heart

2009-08-22T17:00:00.000-07:00

It’s been so damn hot in this city that I haven’t had the energy to do much of anything, much less sit in my ovenesque apartment and write.

Plus with my husband back from his research trip all I really want to do is camp out in our air conditioning and catch up on True Blood episodes. But when all the catching up done, a fear of a frightening electric bill and a drive to write something for this blog I fear the heat may have evaporated my hankering for prose.

But then I remembered Anna Sui….for Target. Oh hell yeah. Bring on the fall cuz Anna's line will be ready for the taking come falling leaves and apple cider.

If you haven’t heard by now you really should know that Sui designed a line for Target available September 13-October 17. I love Anna Sui…and alas cannot afford her more pricey stuff unless it’s on super duper extreme sale. Like clearance style super duper extreme sale.

I was skeptical when I heard that the line was inspired by Gossip Girl (and I hate Gossip Girl; the proliferation of girls hatin’ on each other on crappy TV shows has GOT to stop. What ever happened to girl power and solidarity?)

But alas I digress, because I think the line is super cute. Sui managed to infuse her hippie/bohemian/rocker chic aesthetic into the line and it really works.

It may be a bit on the precious side but I think that’s truly what Anna does best. And for us fashion mavens workin’ within a budget I think its worth a trip to Target when the line debuts.

Don’t you think?

Let Them Eat Cheesecake

2009-08-14T12:30:00.000-07:00

I remember the summer my thighs started rubbing together. I make people get rid of pictures of me that I perceive make me look fat. I spend a lot of time camouflaging my “trouble spots,” because I’m just not built the way that I was when I was 21. I have battles with myself when I look in the mirror because I just “feel fat.”

I—like many American women battle with body perception. I am not obese and have never been. I was blessed with a body that has curves that can poke someone’s eyes out. But I still struggle because I “feel fat.”

Don’t get me wrong, I watch what I eat. I don’t really deprive myself (truthfully I don’t believe in it, I love food too much). I’d say I’m a fairly responsible eater. I have a longstanding love affair with booze and cheese…two foods with calorie counts that would knock Gwenyth Paltrow out for the count. I exercise and have taken up running, and actually love it. But more often than not still feel bad about my body.

We live within a culture that fetishizes girls with bodies like 12 year old boys and rare is the BBW(that's Big Beautiful Women) in a magazine or advertisement.

That is…until…Joan. The television show Mad Men swept into my life and left an indelible impression on me. I can go on for hours about it’s virtues (but will spare you for now). With its season premiere on Sunday the hype has been grandiose and pictures of the best looking of the bunch have been splattered all over the city.

On the show Joan is the head receptionist at Sterling Cooper, the ad agency where most of the “action” takes place. She enters the picture as a vampy vixen that is known and knows everything that happens in the office. She is a girl who works what her Momma and Daddy gave her. And while she’s a complicated character, she has managed to figure out what it takes to live and work in an environment that eats young ladies along with a liquid lunch.

But Lord Almighty those curves.

I had arguments with folks about her being padded for the role because I was just in awe at her voluptuousness. None of us could quite believe that a woman shaped like that existed in Hollywood. But she does. And she’s hot.

I vowed to a girlfriend recently that I would take a picture of her and put it by my full length mirror in my room and write “THIS IS HOT” on it. I’ll use it as a way to remind myself that stick skinny is unrealistic for most of us and not entirely attractive either. Curves are a beautiful thing, and we hard working women deserve to have them celebrated.

And so for all of the times I find myself wanting to suck it in or live on salads…I dedicate a big booty shake to you: Joan.

Lucky You

2009-08-12T13:50:00.000-07:00

I looove fashion. I also love shopping. And if you haven’t figured it out by now, you clearly haven’t been paying attention. Make it up to me by checking out the blog to one of my fave magazines of all time.

Lucky Magazine has been a go to guide for me since it’s been around. A subscriber from the get-go I was hooked when I found that there was a publication about shopping and style minus the celeb gossip.

I remember exclaiming time and time again: “JUST GIVE ME THE CLOTHES!”

The best part is recreating the outfits that inspire on a budget. All it takes is a little creativity and a willingness to pound the pavement (and internet) for those pieces at a decent price. But you can come to me for that.

Fashionably Male

2009-08-10T14:58:00.000-07:00

My poor boys are always whining about the lack of affordable fashion opportunities. Especially for those looking for something other than cargo pants, it can be even tougher.

Well...fashionisto’s rejoice: Jil Sander is doing a fall collaboration with Uniqlo (think of it like a Japanese Gap) for men (ok, ok and girls too, relax!)

It looks to me like fall will bring a tailored look and clean lines, thank god. Think teddy boys meet Brideshead Revisited. And in all honesty I’m not sure how much of that dirt-bag boy-hipster look I can take.

You can check out a preview of the men’s collection on this Racked post.

Low Budget Glamorpuss

2009-08-08T20:20:00.000-07:00

There is no reason anyone can’t do their own pedicures. Just because your broke doesn’t mean that you can’t make your feets look fab. Being a broke ass glamorpuss makes you thrify and when your toes just gots to be did you make it happen.

I’ve created quite a ritual for DIY pedicures when I want to save money but still make my toes presentable:

The key is the right tools and household items:

Take nail polish off with a polish remover and olive oil soaked cotton pad.
Soak feet in warm tub of water with epsom salt at minimum 5 minutes but truly as long as you like.
Rub heels with a pumice stone.
Exfoliate feet with a mixture of baby oil and sugar (mix the two before-hand so it’s like a slushy texture…not too gloppy though). I do this in the tub so I can rinse my feet off right away…but be careful it can get wicked slippery! Dry those bad boys off.
Push cuticles back with a towel or cotton swabs, trim nails if necessary and buff. Buffing will help smooth your nail out and will make the polish stick longer.
Put in toe separators. Yes they look ridiculous but they’ll reduce chance of smudging.
I like to put on a ridge filler, which really just a base that also helps smooth out the nails and help the nail polish stay on longer.
Let dry according to bottle directions then apply a thin coat of nail polish. I like OPI and Essie but that's because I'm a brat. I doubt if it really matters what brand you use.
Apply one more coat of color and a clear top coat.
If you want to be fancy and not have to wait around as long for it to dry as long you can dunk them in cold water and put a “quick dry” solution on them.
Hang out for a bit… I’d say about a half hour to really be sure they’re dry.

While I know that it’s not the fastest set of things to do, it’s great to do on a weekday night and kind of fun to spend that much time on your feet super. It's great to be super indulgent on a weekday night, wspecially whilst watching reruns of Law & Order SVU. Not like I do that or anything.

Cute Recovery

2009-08-08T19:34:00.000-07:00

When you need a smile (and I know I sometimes do) one has options. And when you live in a city like NYC you have the world of potential smiles at your fingertips, for the right price. But sometimes you need it free, fast and furry.

Cubical life can be a drag and when grabbing a cold beer on the clock is just not an option I turn to Cuteoverload.com.

Go ahead and try it, you just may like it.

Keep or Go?

2009-08-06T07:48:00.001-07:00

Fashion conundrums abound!

Ok, don’t tell the husband but I got a cute pair of red flats (essential…trust) from Urban Outfitters the other day for a steal: $29!

They came in the mail and boy oh boy was I eager to try them on. Once I did I was smitten. But with one exception: the heel. It is grounds for blisters. I wore them around the apartment seeing if it would subside and it is definitely questionable.

My conundrum is thus: keep or return? Do I take a chance and see if they’ll break in and be totally awesome at the expense of some band-aid action? Or do I return, thumbing my nose at the very idea of putting my tootsies in danger of chafing?

Help!

Resisting the Urge...to Buy

2009-08-04T10:11:00.000-07:00

I try my hardest not to be a impulse buyer. Ok, I don’t always try that hard but when I do I’m pretty damn proud of myself.

So when I exercise the ultimate in restraint I feel victorious over my consumerist-generation Y- gimmie-gimmies. Like the other day when I went to Forever 21 (the most sinister of all throw-away on trend clothing stores) to peruse. I was looking to locate some cheap/cute accessories that will inevitably fall apart when I get to love them.

Bingo on that, except it took the form of a dress (well a tunic to be exact). It had a great print and would carry well into fall (a must). But I resisted, and put it back, thinking, if it’s still there in a few days, it was meant to be.

Lo and behold it wasn’t when I went back to purchase. Alas it was not meant to be. I was sad but knew that there will be others, and I mustn’t be too upset.

Does this happen to you? Do you have anything you’ve resisted purchasing and wish you had?
Do tell!

Street Style

2009-08-02T14:09:00.000-07:00

The blog The Sartorialist is a constant fashion inspiration for me, especially for men's fashion.

I love the street style that he captures on his site. And while he definitely has an aesthetic that he ascribes to (which I don't always get but appreciate none the less) I am fascinated by street style and that people are too.

Removing the middleman from the delivery of fashion (ie the industry) is one of the things that I see as so interesting about the internet's role in fashion/style dissemination. So much of fashion comes from the street so seeing folks put it out there as a source of inspiration on their own is really exciting.

I hope to capture some of the street style in my fall trip to Cuba so stay tuned.

I Kinda like These...Discuss

2009-07-31T18:03:00.000-07:00

I see these sandal-heels with a cute belted tunic dress. I don't know if it's my Portuguese heritage or what but I've always loved shoes that were reminiscent of fisherman sandals.

These however are better: they have heels and are on sale.

With tights they could also carry me into fall. Hmm?
Thoughts?

Listen Up

2009-07-31T14:44:00.001-07:00

In an attempt to wait out the rain in Times Square, I'll write a little somethin' somethin'.

If you haven't visited Pandora Radio, you really should. It's like your own personal mix, you type in bands, or music you like and the "project" will pull artists and pieces that sound most like that. It's actually way more scientific than that but you can read their definition for the deets.

I've been listening to a Miles Davis inspired mix at work when I need to drown out the office noise. My other fave is a mix inspired by a band called Grandaddy, who are kind of electronica-folky-rock.

Check it.

Read this Blog too

2009-07-31T14:35:00.001-07:00

Now that we have the intros out of the way let me get to the good stuff. Shopping.

Love, love, love this website. Full of hot secondhand shopping tips, plus she cracks me up:
http://cheapjap.com/

Happy Fryday.
xo

Allow Me to Reintroduce Myself

2009-07-31T14:30:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Readers (er, reader),
While this is not my maiden voyage into bloggo-land (don’t worry you won’t have to be too gentle with me) this is my maiden voyage blogging on topics of my own choosing. And while I understand the importance of afterschool, I also understand the importance of a lot of other things. As my fave line, from one of my fave dandy-poet-as-pimp-for-nature Walt Whitman said: “I am large. I contain multitudes.” Ah bless him.

When I was in grade school I used to compile lists of things I loved and see this as a "virtual" version of that: I will use this blog as a place to talk about the many things I love. Shopping (which will include my latest fashion obsessions, deals, sales etc.); fashion (the high, the low and all in between); city life (NYC, Boston, DC what have you); country life (for however often I visit it); movies, music, pop culture, politics, kitties, green tea ice cream, tiny cheeseburgers (and tiny things in general come to think of it). And, well you get the idea…pretty much anything I damn choose.

But like Walt said…“I contain multitudes.” So what is love without hate? I'm an opinionated youg lady and I gotta lot of bones to pick (just ask my loved ones. Ha.) So you’ll see some of that too.

Here it goes people…ready or not.

Love tons,
Susan