Shall Kitty Compare Thee To A Summer's Day?

Summer will soon be upon us. Yes, those days of sitting in an air conditioned office while scrolling through innumerable photos on your feed of various friends' dashboard thermometers.

Its true. As adults maybe we don't exhibit that "OH MY GOD ITS SUMMER YAY YAY I WANT TO GO IN A POOL" feeling that we had come June circa age 12, but I submit - its in there. Its deep inside of each of us. Yes, I know. A sunny day seems all but wasted when you are sitting in a windowless office five days a week for eight hours per day. Well, hey glass empty person - this just means that we should - we must - relish every minute of the free time we do have this summer. Teacher friends, let me take a moment here to silently give you the finger on behalf of the rest of us who may not see the sun at 2pm for the entire length of the summer. Ok, I'm done. Now lets move on.

How should we, as adults, seek to revive the inner child in us - the child who couldn't wait to run around the yard in the sprinkler, sans-sunscreen?

Alcohol, my friends. Alcohol.

On Long Island we're fortunate to have access to some of the greatest drinking opportunities around: Wineries & Fire Island. I look back fondly on my days in my 20's when I used to vomit in the garbage can on the ferry en route home from Ocean Beach after enjoying some 1am pizza. Oh, those were the days. Sort of. The were, at the very least, great photo ops. I've also learned that a trip out east to the wineries is pretty damn fun. Just make sure you have someone driving you around - I've been so tipsy after visiting 3 or 4 wineries in a row that if I were driving I'd likely hit a tree.

I know, I know - your question for me is as follows: Heather, what does one wear when preparing for a day trip that involves lots of public intoxication? Well, I've solved this problem for you. Read on, friends. 

This is an adorable romper, from Anthropologie. I wish I could wear rompers, but when I put one on all you can see are my thunder thighs. I love this look for a day trip out east, especially because of the hat. 

I'm on the fence about this dress. I enjoy a maxi dress, but this one, from Dress Barn... I don't know. I can't decide if I think its subtly Americana, or if its as annoying as those American Flag tee shirts that Old Navy puts out every year (I HATE those. HATE!)

I imagine that if I go wine tasting this year, I'll need a bag like this. The neon greenish yellow color says, "I'm a super fun gal who is known to drink a bottle of two of wine on occasion" but the perforated leather, and the Kate Spade label say, "I make a fairly high hourly wage, and if you back into my Lexus, I'm probably going to sue you just to exert my financial authority upon you."

This little striped tote, from LLBean Signature is ideal for wine tasting because you could fit at least 5 bottles into it easily.

I like this dress, from Loft, but the model looks like she has a pretty bad case of Hep C and could use a hamburger.

You need a pair of wide leg linen pants. This pair is from Santuary, but I got like 8 pairs at Marshalls yesterday for $4 each. You should go there.

This is a top that could take you from winery to an evening at Ocean beach. I'm not sure why you'd be doing both on the same day, because that's a lot of drinking and a lot of distance between, but what the hell. You have nothing better to do on a Saturday. Drink up. From Pima and Larkin (via Piperlime)

My feet hurt just looking at these shoes and, yet, I am compelled to own them. From Schutz. When I dress up like a character from a Midsummer Night's Dream I feel like these shoes will come in handy, and you know I do that pretty often.

I am recent convert to the "cross body" bag style. If you wear a bag like this out at night to Fire Island, you never have to worry about leaving your bag someplace - OR concern yourself with all of those Cherry Grove pick pockets.

I just want these. From Gorjana.

This necklace, from the limited just screams Summer. OR it looks like pile of gumballs. I may have to chew on it to find out what it's really made of.

I'm not sure how many people can pull off a horizontal striped strapless jumper, but I aspire to be one of those people. I can absolutely see KK working this look on her summer overnight out east this year. With gladiators, of course.

I think that if I came of age in the 70's I probably would have been ok with that. I may have become a huge drug addicted, who knows... but I really enjoy much of the Peace and Love Era fashion. This dress, from Madewell, reminds me of this era.

 This Love Bird tank from Old Navy reminds me of a really noisy Toucan that I met in St. Thomas. The toucan, truth be told, was a really loud annoying ass, but he was very attractive. I'd wear him as a shirt.

 I *will* purchase this hat, from Old Navy, before my cruise. I need this. It also comes in a color called "brown sugar" for those of you that support affirmative action.

 A yellow espadrille. For days when your feet are asking for a break but you still want to look down at them mid-day accidentally mistake them for a G-Type Main sequence star based on spectral class, which is informally designated as a yellow dwarf. Like our sun. Learn some science, people.

There you have it. If you buy these items (these EXACT items) you'll have a great Long Island summer. If not, well, I don't know what to tell you. You're on your own.

Kitty Does Stitch Fix... Take 11

Hello friends! It's been quite a long time since I've posted a blog entry, but school is out for the summer so perhaps I'll have a bit more free time to impart my vast fashion knowledge upon you. Or maybe I'll just spend my free time eating Funyuns. Who knows what I do.

As for today, I bring you the latest installment of an addiction of mine known as Stitch Fix, although SF seems to be doing their part to wean me off of their service; my last few fixes have been less than stellar. Since November, I've been working off various credits - referral credits from here or from friends, gift cards that I've received, and the $250 that I received for winning the My Day In Stitch Fix contest a few months ago. So its been a free clothes frenzy for me for the last six months. Alas, I am now down to my final $7 in SF credit; come next fix I'll have to make the decision about whether I'd like to continue with the service or sever all ties. 

Time will tell.

If you don't know with SF is, allow me to elucidate. You go to this site:

Stitch Fix

You fill out a huge style profile. Maybe you include links to your Pinterest page or what not. You pay $20. You get a stylist. She sends you 5 items (usually monthly) based upon what she thinks you'll like. You try on. You keep, or you send back. If you keep, the $20 is deducted from the cost. Free shipping. No tax. Its pretty fun. 

Here are the items that I got in this month's fix. As I mentioned, this is my eleventh shipment from Stitch fix. Some have been great (all 5 items kept!) and some have been depressing (kept a mediocre item so that I wouldn't lose my $20 investment) Regardless, there is just something about waiting anxiously for that surprise box of stuff to arrive. Like 10 year old Heather waiting on line at Taco Bell for a Mexican pizza. You almost drool with anticipation. 

Enough about me. Onto ye fix! 

This one was ok. 4 items that were eh. 1 item that I just LOVED. 

First we have the Aggie Sleeveless Side Gathered Striped Maxi Dress by Pomelo $68

The colors - a pale mint and cream - were really very pretty, so its a shame the rest of this dress was a train wreck. I enjoy a good maxi dress as much as the next girl, but the asymmetrical weird broken stupid ass stripes on this one made me look like a barge or a ham. It looked like a dress that a second grader tried to sew herself, but it went awry. It was dumb. It was silly. I guess what I'm trying to say is, I sent this one back. I'd love for someone to really explain WHAT this designer was going for here. How dumb is this dress? Ok I'm done. 

Next in my pile of rejects is the Wrenn V-neck Jersey top from 41Hawthorn, which is a SF house brand. I do like this color, but the rest of this top is pretty mediocre. I'm not sure why SF keeps sending me things with a cowl neck when I've specifically said I hate cowl necks, but that is neither here nor there. It has cap sleeves, which are pretty unflattering on all but the thinnest upper arm, so you can imagine how they made my  little pork chop arms look. The topper is that this shirt was $48. No thank you. PS - the skirt in this pic is also a Stitch Fix item from way back in November that I'm actually yet to wear in public. It may be coming to an eBay store near you soon.

Next is the Canary Yellow Bella Textural Ikat Wrap Scarf from Echo, for $32. They use the term wrap very loosely here - this is definitely NOT large enough to use as a wrap. It was ok. I might pick this up in Marshalls for $9.99, but $32... nay. Plus, its hot as hell on Long Island in the summer, so I'm doubtful that I'd get much use out of a summery scarf.

This dress had potential, and I've seen other reviewers really love it. The Callafia Short-Sleeve Wrap Dress from 41Hawthorn ($68) You'd think some of the house brand items would be cheaper, but, alas, they are not. Anyhow, I love this color - it is my favorite color (or colour if you're in England) to wear during the warm months. It was a little big, though - I have it pulled pretty tightly around me to avoid a boob pop-out. Also, its nearly mid-calf on me, which really is a terrible length. If it was a tiny bit smaller and 2 inches shorter I may have kept this... especially because, as you can see, it magically matched the earrings that I am wearing today (from Anthropologie)

Ah, the silver lining item. The item that makes all of the sorting through average, ill-fitting, and just ugly items worth it.

The keeper.

If you know me, you KNOW that I love a good horizontal stripe, and I especially love a navy and white stripe combo. It makes me feel like a really well dressed ship captain. Maybe even a clammer or a shrimp boat operator. I feel like they wear this sort of thing.

So, here it is. The Kayli Stripe Cotton Fit & Flare Dress from Pomelo, for $78. I normally would never spend this much on a single item, but as I mentioned I still had a bunch of SF credit to use, so what the hell. It is a really soft knit, but it is fully lined so that you don't get to see my cellulite. Lucky you. It isn't low cut and its knee length, so this will be a good contender for Sunday Mass. You *know* I will be featuring this item on my cruise in 10 days.

So, there you have it. Another Fix in the books. I'm wildly uncertain if I will continue after next months fix, but for the time being, I'll have fun pondering and dreaming about what Melanie (my stylist) might send me next month...

I'm Officially A Fix Junkie

So, I stitch fixed again.

That's right.

And I'll do it again, I'm sure.

In case you didn't read my last post (shame on you!) I'll give you a synopsis again about how it works. You pay $20. You fill out a Bible-sized style profile/size profile. They hand pick 5 items for you on whatever basis you chose (monthly, etc) You try on at home. You buy or you send back. No shipping, no tax. If you buy, the $20 styling fee comes off your purchase price.

If you want to try - and you should, because its really fun - follow this link:

Stitch Fix Weeeeeee!!!

If you go, please use my link, as I will get store credit and you will further enable my sick shopping addiction. Thanks in advance.

I have to say, although fun, this wasn't my favorite fix of all time, you know, out of the two I've experienced so far. I loved two items, but they were pricey.

The first was this sheer deep teal shirt. I don't think the color translates well in the photo, but its a favorite of mine - a deep, dark green. When I wear this color, people actually notice that I have blue eyes. It's like magic. Also, I think its very artsy and stylish in an "I look good and I didn't even try, I'm just gifted with an innate fashion sense" sort of way.

But, you can see my bra, which is a slight issue. I could wear a tank under it. I'm pretty torn on this one.

I also enjoyed this gray/black dotted sweater. When I pulled it out of the box, I hated it... but on, I sorta like it. I can't decide, though looking at the photo I look pretty thin, so it may be a keeper.

 

 

Now, we have the mediocre. I asked for a scarf, because as you well know if you've met me or read me, I am a lover of all things scarf. This scarf, while pretty, just didn't stand out to me as anything special. Sorry scarf, you're going back.

And now for the things that I hated. Wow, I just HATE these two items. First, this sweater. Why would anyone with any fashion sense wear this sweater? Could it be any more average - any more Midwestern soccer mom?? Ugh. I'm appalled that they thought I would like this.

As if it couldn't get worse, here is what I would look like if I was a sailor-streetwalker hybrid. This is the worst dress ever made. IT HAS SHOULDER PADS. I need a shower now, I'm so upset.

 

Will I fix again? I sure will.

 

What did I learn? I learned that peplums are the work of Satan, and that I should be a little more specific in my Stitch Fix Profile next time around.

 

Happy Fixing!!!

 

 

 

 

Kitty loves a Stitch Fix!!

As if I needed another shopping outlet, I've just been made privy to a site/service called Stitch Fix.

Oh my God. So fun.

You pay $20. You fill out a massive style profile. You include all kinds of links, like to your Pinterest pages, or your blog (like me!) choose once a month delivery (or more often, if you choose) And then you get assigned a personal stylist. This person picks out 5 items that they think you'll like based on what you've written. Free shipping/Free returns. You try the items on, if you like, you buy. If not, you send them all back without penalty. If you do buy an item, the $20 that you spend for the service is deducted from the cost. Oh, and there's only sales tax if you live in California where the business is based. Awesome!!

HOW FUN.

You pick your style. Your price range. Maybe you only want tops. Or dresses. Or earrings. They'll accommodate.

Follow Me To Stitch Fix!

I filled out my profile on Friday, and 5 days later a box came filled with items chosen especially for me by "Sarah" - my personal stylist. Some were great, some were eh. I give her feedback and she tweaks her choices for me for the next shipment.

Here are some pics that I took of the items that I received today. I mixed them with some items that I already own, but each item also comes with a style card that gives you suggestions for how to style it yourself. I'm in love.

The first item in the box was this printed dress, with belt included. It was a little shorter than I'd normally wear, but with tights and boots it is just adorable. It will be perfect for teaching in the fall. I might pair it with a thicker belt.

This second dress I just hate. It feels very 80's to me. The neckline is pretty boring, and I'm not a fan of the pseudo-sarong type waist. Its also too short and too big. Oh well, you can't win them all!

Notice the necklace in this last photo? It was in the box also, b/c I asked for a "bold statement necklace" as I've been wanting to give one a try. Its totally out of my comfort zone, but I'm strangely drawn to it. I feel like Cleopatra reincarnate.

This black tunic shirt is a great basic, and machine washable. I've styled it here w/the aforementioned necklace and some dress pants, and then with a pencil skirt and belt.

Finally, I was sent this blue and black tunic. I really love it, however, it is way out of my price range so its going back! :(  

 

You have to visit this site! If you don't have time to shop because you're a busy mom, or you just want a little surprise in the mail once a month, its a really fun thing that can cost you next to nothing. Please use my link, above, because I will get a $25 referral bonus if you sign up!

Poor Kitty Bankrupt Kitty Little Ball of Fur

If you’re anything like me, you sometimes allow yourself to walk down memory lane and wistfully look back at those bygone days when blowing your entire paycheck on a new purse, a pair of jeans and a Mexican pizza combo seemed like a great idea. At age 24, spending $480 on a Louis Vuitton bag was completely acceptable. I’m pretty sure that I even convinced early 20’s Heather that this was an investment – it’s a bag you’ll be wearing 30 years from now! Worth every penny!

Well, its 11 years later and I sold the bag on eBay (at a loss!) to pay for something much more necessary – mortgage? Vet bills for my million dollar Mimacat? A sectional sofa? I’m not sure. But when you’re a real full grown adult you think twice about dropping a car-payment sized chunk of change on something like shoes. So, again, if you’re like me you probably have to do some penny pinching, liquidating and some scaling back of your expenses.

I recently tried to impose an all-out shopping ban on myself.

I lasted 48 hours.

So, I’ve made it my new quest in life to bargain shop and find the cheapest possible version of things that I love, covet, and just have to have. I’m going to report some of my findings to you, below. While I no longer allow myself to blow hundreds of dollars on a shopping spree the way pre-mortgage, pre-marriage, pre-cat Heather might have, there’s no good reason why I can’t take, say, $15 a week and have a little fun. That’s right – ALL of my “bargain” items below were under $15 each. They make me feel like I can still treat myself but not risk foreclosure and bankruptcy in the process.  

Journey with me, fellow paupers. 

When it comes to makeup and beauty I will admit to you that I am a total moron. Clothes are my thing, but knowing what to do with my face (and my hair, but that’s another story) has always eluded me.  I’ve always defaulted to Clinique products because of my allergies, and because who doesn’t love BONUS TIME?? (caps necessary) Anyone who doesn’t appreciate a free makeup bag full of treats is a communist, in my opinion.  Well, I’m on the precipice of running out of my moisturizer ($26!!) powder foundation ($25!!) and mascara ($16!) That’s $67 worth of items that you probably won’t even notice that I have sitting on my face!

I made an executive decision and I decided to research drug store brands, and I made the switch. Now, I have horrible allergies, so I was limited to which brands I was able to try. After some internet research, I’ve settled on Neutrogena. Allow me to compare and contrast my new, cheaper items with my prior, more expensive choices. 

Moisturizer. I know that many of you use Dramatically Different Lotion. I think 87% of the free world does. I do enjoy it in the winter, but to be honest, its been making me break out lately when coupled with the horrible heat & humidity. Because of this, in combination with its price tag, I made the switch to an Oil Free formula from the good old drug store.. I chose the Oil Free bottle, below, from Neutrogena. $9.99! So far, I’m happy to report that my skin is supple and my breakouts have gone away. Its not as thick as CDDM, but it has a cooling feeling and barely any scent, which I appreciate.

 

 

Foundation. I use a powder foundation because I feel like liquid just settles into all of the cracks on your face and looks awful after two hours. There is barely a difference between the Perfectly Real Powder foundation from Clinique and the Mineral Sheers powder foundation from Neutrogena. They both offer light to medium coverage. They both went on evenly. And Neutrogena was only $14.99, plus I had a $2 off coupon (go to their website and print it out!)

 

Mascara. Truth be told, I usually I just use whichever free one comes in the Clinique BONUS TIME bag. This last bonus, I received Clinique High Lengths Mascara. I have to be honest: it sucks. SUCKS. It has a dumb long brush that would be better suited for scratching my inner ear (also, another story). My lashes didn’t really even seem longer. But, it was free, so I went with it. Now its almost dried up, so I was forced to make a purchase. I went with Neutrogena Healthy Lengths mascara. I’ve always been vehemently opposed to drug store brand mascara. I feel like every formula I’ve tried is thick and clumpy. Maybe I’m on some weird Neutrogena high, but this mascara is just excellent. Not thick, not clumpy. My lashes felt long and feathery. A curler prior to application is a must, but it was really worth the $10.49.

So, my Neutrogena purchases, with the use of my coupon, cost me about $34 total, as compared to the $67 that I would have spent on comparable products from Clinique. That’s nearly a savings of 50%!! Sounds like I can afford that Mexican pizza after all.  

But I’m not truly happy unless I can shop for items to stock my pride-and-joy-walk-in-closet. Even with a $15 week budget, you CAN allow yourself some new, stylish items. 

Do you own Tory Burch flip flops? Well, color me jealous. I just can’t spend $50 on a pair of rubber shoes that might someday come into contact with dog poop. That being said, if my lovely friend who happens to work at TB wanted to leave a pair on my doorstep (size 7) I wouldn’t complain. Anyhow, I can’t bring myself to purchase a pair like these:

So, as a consolation prize I bought these adorable Havaianas at Marshalls for 12.99. I think they look pretty darned similar if I do say so myself.

 

I know. You are asking, “Heather, I want some new clothes that I can wear now, but also Autumn-up when October comes around.” Well, me too, my friend… me too. You simply MUST lean on Marshalls in your time of poverty. Two items that I really want for the fall are new skinny jeans in an almost-black wash, and a paisley-type printed shell. I am certainly coveting the items below, from LOFT, but these days I can’t shop in my beloved store unless I have a gift card or an 80% off coupon, which I’ve yet to see on this Earth.

 

 Fear not, I found and purchased these two very comparable items, from Marshalls – for $14.99 each. Jeans for less than $15?? Amen, sista. They exist! (shell by Olive & Oak; Jeans by dJeans)

 

 

 

The moral of the story? You can have nice things on a budget. And you thought you’d have to start shopping at Rainbow Shops!  

PS – I’m totally bringing back the 80’s style charm holder necklace. I want you all on board w/this one.