Nine dolla

At Just Cuts, next to Bi-Lo, BAC students can get their hair cut for $9.00. My hair is straight across and I'm getting tired of it. So, I'm going in. Wish me luck.

Ex-heifer

I was driving home, wearing my cream and black dress and printed black tight. Dresses have a tendency to ride up quite high while I'm in the car. It can be embarrassing when getting out if you're not away.

I looked down while at a stop light and realized that I didn't have heifer legs anymore.

I looked down and thought: "Damn, my legs are hawt."



You know you think so, too!

Thank you, Oprah!

Would you like to know why blogs are so awesome? Yes. Yes, you would. Blogs are awesome because they let us know about freaking sweet deals. Such as getting 50% off your entire purchase at Payless. Or Free Beauty Rush Lip gloss. Yes. Blogs are awesome.

So, Oprah put out a coupon for everyone to get 50% off of EVERYTHING at Payless. I should've taken better advantage, and dude! I totally wanted to! But they were sold out of slouchy boots by the time I got there. So, I just picked up a pair of black knit legwarmers.


OMG so cute.
Me: "What do you think?"
Boyfriend: "Cool."
Me: "They're cute, huh?"
Boyfriend: "You look kind of like a goat."
Me: *stamp my feet*
Boyfriend: *uproarious laughter*

No, but he was teasing. I can see the goat bit. But, they're so very cute. You can also throw them over ankle boots. Or in ankle boots to look like knee high socks. Or you know, leg warmers inside boots. You can toss them in tall boots.
---
I just tried this. Just now. I'm wearing it. And, it looks pretty cool. wait.... Okay, I put on a white knit mini dress think. Okay. Yeah, this is hot. I'll take photos of this. I think I'll do a post of pix of different ways to wear leggings and boots. Well, you know, I'll mean to, but I'll probably never get around to it.

Anyway, today's outfit:
The first picture shows you why I have to put my hands on my hips. Otherwise: no waist! I look like a fatty again.


Printed Chiffon Dress by Xhilaration (Target)
Black printed tights by George (Walmart) (it's a dark print)
Black Patent Pumps by Mossimo
Legwarmers from Payless

Aqua. Aqua aqua aqua. Funny word.

I cannot express to you how well my outfit came together on Wednesday. The aqua of the tank was an amazing exact match to the aqua in the print on the top! It's such a great fit, because there is very little aqua in the top and the tank accent pulled it out nicely. The greens and browns in the top coordinated with my shoes and my pants. All in all, a very nice outfit. I'm fond of it.
(click to enlarge)

Printed top by To The Max
Aqua tank by New York and Co
Cordory Pants by Ann Taylor
Olive Peacock Naughty Monkey Pumps
Faux Pearl Necklace


Also, my Walmart has some George and NOBO tights on clearance! Check it out!
The first photo is of George trouser socks (but I have them pulled all the way up (knee high), and cropped the photo so it looks like hose! I'll just wear them with pants though.)
The second and third photos feature polka dot tights by NOBO. The color is "Mercury." Super cool. I lurve these tights.
Cost? The trou socks were $1, the tights were $2.50. I also got some black printed tights, will show you in a later post.


Hope you like! Ta

Black, black, and more black.

Sometimes I feel like I wear too much black, but I'm a big fan of this outfit. It could've been improved with one of those wide stretchy belts, but I don't own one. I'd like one in red, to go with this, though. But black would go with so much more.

I think this dress is super ridiculous hotness. (Boyfriend thinks so, too).

Obligatory AM bathroom shot


Took a few pix during my lunch break. Same sweater from yesterday. I really mostly wore the sweater all day. My desk is right next to a window and it's chilly. Also, the middle pic is me not realizing that my camera was taking two shots.

Not sure why I thought this pose was a good idea. I'll keep my hands down from now on. Although, with the sweater, that would make my waist invisible....


Purse was lent/given to me by Mama. I don't know if she'll want it back at some point. SEXY BOOTS. Actually, the look a little funny in this pic. But trust me, they're sexy.

Sweater Dress, Target, $14.00
Black Leggings, Forever 21, $2.99 (seriously. On clearance)
Black Tall Boots, Off Broadway, $40.00

Saturday, what a day....

Saturday, I did a test run in my skinny jeans.

This is me, sassin' the boys, as I am wont to do (click for larger image)

(these aren't posed, I actually was sassin')

Obligatory bathroom photos, which I fail at. (come on, how hard can it be?)


A couple close ups

CAN I DO THIS? Can you wear skinny jeans with ankle boots??? Well, I did it. There it is.

BTW (bee-tee-dubs, there's another one for you, Tiffasaurus), my socks matched my tank, though the former is completely hidden and the latter is partially concealed. I did that on purpose.

Indigo Super Skinny Jeans, Forever 21, $9.50
Basic Black Scoopneck Tee, Forever 21, $3.99 (clearance)
Basic Blue Spaghetti Tank, Forever 21, $2.50
Black Leather Ankle Boots, St. John's Bay, $20? It's been a while, but I'm pretty sure I got them on serious sale.
Pink and Black Scarf, Mama, FREE

Earlier that day, I was sporting this:

That second photo is totally in honor of Tiffasaurus. I think there is a nigh identical pic of her somewhere.

Heather Cardigan, Forever 21, $6 or $7 on clearance
Black Fans Trendy Tee, Steve & Barry's, $3 on closeout sale (damn, I wish that store was still open)
Blue and Purple Braided Scarf, Mama, Free!
Jackie O Sunglasses, Walmart, $5?

Daddy said I looked "stylish." Keeping in mind, my dad isn't real into fashion, but, you know, I felt pretty trendy.

Lunch break

I bought some skinny jeans. I'm not sure how to wear them. So, I'll be taking photos this week and posting them of my outfits and you have to tell me what you think, plz. I feel quite hip.

Today, I'm not wearing skinny jeans. I'm at work people!!! I'm wearing olive green slacks from City Street (J.C. Penney) and a l/s navy scoop neck tee from Heritage 1981 (Forever 21). I'm cozied up with a grey knit sweater from St. John's Bay (J.C. Penney) that is too small, but has a belt to keep it on. On my feet: some Gold sandals from Worthington (J.C. Penney... yeah, guess where I used to work!?!). No makeup.

The first photo is my A.M. attempt at a photo. I really suck at taking pix in the mirror, I think. The last two were after I got home.

Click for larger image.


These are the shoes I should've worn to work: Naughty Monkey Paris Stroll Pumps in an Olive Peacock Print; Off Broadway, $25. Sooo sexy.




Unfortunately, these are the shoes I did wear. (hem pulled up so you can see the shoe). God, I'm lazy.


Still, a bit casual, yeah? But tomorrow, I've got something good for y'all. I want feedback on these outfits, also. Not altogether sure what I'm doing.

Clover needs cookies!

Chickens in the Road is one of my favorite blogs. They live on a farm and have some really wonderful animals and really great stories. The author, Suzanne, is applying to get the "Good Mood Gig" with SAM-e. She really deserves it because she totally brightens up my mood and the mood of so many others whenever they read her blog! I -- and Suzanne, of course! -- would dreally appreciate it if you guys could vote for her as often as possible (every day!). She started at the bottom and signed up late, but now she is in SECOND PLACE!

Please go vote for Suzanne!!!


Good Mood Gig from SAM-e

"Stay a while, and listen"

Deckard Cain is one of a few characters who is found in both Diablo I and Diablo II. Also reoccuring are Wirt, and I think Raven? I actually haven't played Diablo I.

Boyfriend's been playing Diablo I for a little bit today. A couple years ago, a few of us from the school decided we needed more reasons to procrastinate, so we reintroduced ourselves to Diablo II: Lord of Destruction. We've both wasted good portions of our lives playing that wonderful wonderfully addicting game. Laying here, listening to him play, I'm struck by how familiar I am with the sounds emminating from his computer. I sit up to check out the screen and I'm struck by just how similar the scene is. It's nothing special, but the graphics look just like D2. Apparently there was little updating in the sound or the graphics between the first and second games. I can't complain too much, though. If Blizzard had gone on to improve the graphics and sound, I'm sure they'd have done a kick-ass job, but Diablo II would still be in development.

"Blizzard takes a long time to release their shit," Boyfriend tells me. "Just look how long it took StarCraft II to come out."
"Is it out?"
"Well, they've just announce the release date."

In other words: no. And who knows, if they haven't even announced the date for D3, if it'll be released any time this decade (probably not) or this century (dear Xenu, I hope so)

That which we call a rose...

We keep track of all embroidery orders in an Excel spreadsheet. We've done hundreds. I copy and pasted the names into a new .xls the other day and sorted ascending. Every name that appears >5x is hereby stricken from the "Potential Names For the Daughter I Never Intend To Have" list. (God, I don't know what the heck to do with a baby. Don't care much to know, thank you very much.)

These names include (in no particular order): Ava, Emma, Ella, Sophia, Sophie (among others). Holy crap, these are popular names. When I was an infant, the list would've read "Jennifer, Christina, Jessica." A few years ago it would've had Madison's aplenty. What is popular changes constantly, it's just kinda interesting. My name, I'm pleased to say, hasn't been in the high ranking numbers for quite a while.

Lunch Break: October 19th

Well, I'm on my lunch break. I thought that, since I don't blog very much and I spend my whole lunch hour on the computer reading web comics, I could just do a little daily blurb. This will often include girly parts about clothes and makeup. Or I might just be bitching about some RuffleProblems.

Today, I've got these sweet new jeans. They're a dark, dark wash with two buttons on the pocket (almost give it the sailor pants look). Paired with a basic cotton knit longsleeve scoop neck tee and black ankle length boots. The pants were tailored by my mother to be long enough for either my 4 inch or 2 inch heels. I'll tell you what, I'm comfy, but I feel professional today. Especially when I walk on tile. Man, I love how heels sound on tile!

I picked up some Covergirl TruConceal and TruBlend Pressed Powder (shade 3, if anyone /Tiffasaurus/ is curious). I was out of concealer and I wanted to be able to just wear a little bit of makeup, instead of foundation. This works for me. Conceal a few spots, follow with pressed powder. Most days I'll wear a neutral lip and just groom my brows with a clear mascara. Some days, I'll toss on a colorful lippie and mascara and we're good. If I'm feeling fancy, I'll use blush and eye liner as well. Today is a neutral lip kinda day.

I'm freaking freezing, though. I'm glad I brought a sweater. It was 33º this morning. I can't believe I'm going to northern Michigan in one month. This week, the highs in Traverse city range from 43º-55º. This week, the highs in Belmont range from 65º-73º. THAT'S TWENTY DEGREES COLDER HOLY CRAP. I'm going to WEAR my down comforter.

Wardrobe Oxygen

Every woman who reads my blog must read this list immediately. You can skim what I've posted or, better yet, click the link below and read the whole article.

Staples for Every Woman's Wardrobe

1. Black Tailored Pantsuit in Seasonless Fabric
Look at the fabric of men's suits. It's a fabric that is smooth, doesn't wrinkle easily, looks good in winter and in summer. You want an equivalent.

2. Black Seasonless Trousers
These are trousers that go with a fun top for a night out, with a twinset for work, with a cute jacket and tank for dinner, with a sweater for a jaunt to the mall. Sometimes it's nice to give the jeans a vacation and dress up a smidge.

3. Jeans - and I Don't Mean ANY Sort of Jeans
A slightly vintage look is always flattering, and will be less likely to show wear as you wash and wear these jeans month after month. Darker means slimmer, and more stylish. Toss your faded jeans, your high waisted jeans, your tapered jeans.

4. Jeans Again - But These Have a Totally Different Purpose.
Jeans are not just for everyday, jeans have become haute couture. Not all of us can afford a pair of $250 denim, but we can acquire a pair that is a bit more refined, a bit nicer, reserved for special occasions.

5. Black Heeled Boots
Heels may be hard to get used to at first, but they make you walk straighter, they make your clothes hang better, your butt looks better, your calves more toned.

6. Black Leather Pumps
It's okay to go with comfort over trends with these pumps. Just don't forgo heel height. Think feminine, think classic. Think "What Would Jackie Wear?" Jackie wouldn't wear 4" stilettos in patent leather, but she wouldn't wear dowdy black microfiber elastic shoes with a clunky heel.

7. Not So Little Black Dress
This dress is your "in a pinch" dress. With pearls you are ready for a day wedding. With a cardigan, it's perfect for a christening or funeral. Add jet beads and dangly earrings and you are dressed for your company holiday party. A white oxford underneath some styles, and the dress becomes a sassy jumper appropriate for the workplace.

8. Silver Hoop Earrings
Nothing jazzes up a simple outfit better than a visible pair of hoops. They add shine and sparkle, make a simple top and pants into a "look," and dress up everything in your wardrobe. Wear with your simple black dress for your company's holiday party, your merino v-neck and skirt for a date, with a simple tank and jeans for a night out with the girls.

9. Black or Gray Merino V-neck Sweater
Having a basic like black or gray is a must - this is a color that will not go out of style. I have a merino v-neck in charcoal from J. Crew that I purchased in college and still wear a decade later. The merino v-neck will replace your sweatshirts, faded knit pullovers and bulky cotton sweaters; it is just as comfortable but far more refined.

10. Trendy Skirt
This skirt will jazz up your simple merino v-neck or tee shirt, it will add pizazz to your simple button-downs, sweaters and jackets. A fun skirt can add necessary humor, personality and even formality to a very basic wardrobe.

11. Trendy Jacket/Blazer
Nothing pulls basics together and makes an outfit better than a jacket. A simple ribbed tank and jeans is appropriate for lunch with friends when topped with a blazer. Your basic black pants and a simple tee is work-appropriate when matched with a jacket. When it's fun, funky and "trendy," it takes basics to the next level and adds your personality to your wardrobe.

12. Slim V-neck Sweater in a Signature Color
This sweater will brighten the most gloomy days if you chose the right color. It can be worn with skirts, jeans, work pants, capris. With the right accessories it can work for a luncheon, work, the mall, the weekend, a cookout and even a cocktail party. Since it's your signature color, you probably won't ever tire of the color, making it a wardrobe mainstay.

13. Signature Accessory
A signature piece has some heft to it - it is noticed by others and helps define your personal style. This is not a delicate gold chain with a small heart, it's not the Tiffany bracelet that every other woman in America owns, and it is not your wedding set. This is something that you add to the picture, something that takes your staples and makes them a wardrobe.

14. A Sparkly/Evening Shell or Top
A great evening top will get miles and years of wear. Under your basic black suit, you are ready for a company event or cocktail party. With a simple black or ivory skirt, you're dressed for a wedding. Pair it with black pants or dark jeans, you have a great outfit for a night of dancing.

15. The Perfect Tee - or Two
This tee is not from Fruit of the Loom, it is not unisex, and it is most likely not 100% cotton. These are tees that are refined, feminine and flattering.

16. Well-fitting Wool Winter Coat
Keep your parka for your ski trips and snowball fights in your backyard. You need a coat that will work for every other occasion in your life. We don't have the money or the room to house a closet-full of coats, so it's best to invest in one coat that will work for every occasion that takes place in the colder months.

17. Great Fitting Bras
There are bras for romantic evenings, bras that have pretty straps to wear with tanks. Bras that match your panties, bras to wear to the gym. This bra is not any of those. This is a bra that makes your bustline look fantastic. It may not be the sexiest bra, but when worn under a slim sweater, it makes you look taller, younger and slimmer.

18. Panty Line-free Underwear
Nothing ruins an outfit more than the wrong foundations. You now have the right bras, you now need the right underwear. Baggy, wrinkled or binding underwear DOES show, even through jeans and can ruin your figure as well as your outfit.

19. A Pashmina or Wrap
Think this doesn't fit your lifestyle or personality? Think again. In the right color and weight, this item may get more wear than your favorite pair of jeans. With sundresses to ward off an evening breeze, with cocktail dresses year-round it's a great coverup.

20. Clutch Purse
Black is a safe bet for a clutch, but this is a great chance to show your personality. A beautiful printed silk, a quirky beaded design, sequined Pucci-inspired pattern, vintage brocade... you'll find an interesting fabric or print will get more mileage and be more versatile than a basic piece, and doesn't then have to coordinate with your shoes.

21. Daily Purse
Once a week or so, you should go through you bag and remove all the superfluous things that get caught in there - ATM receipts, gum wrappers, the 20 pens and 15 lip glosses that collect through a week, lint-covered tissues... you get the idea. Your daily bag should have what you need on a daily basis and no more. It's great to have a purse survival kit, but you don't need to keep all the contents of your kitchen's junk drawer.

22. Sexy Shoes That Can be Worn for at Least Five Hours
I promise you, they really do exist! These shoes are sassier than your traditional leather pumps. Maybe a strappy heel in a matte gold, possibly a peeptoe heel in black satin. These shoes will take your basic black dress from day to evening, make your work suit suddenly cocktail party-appropriate, and even jazz up jeans and a sparkly top for a night out on the town.

23. Sunglasses
Sunglasses protect your eyes from glare and from sun damage. A large pair is good because they will also protect the skin around your eyes from the elements. Sunglasses are far more chic than squinting, and they pull an outfit together. Somehow that bit of mystery does really add to one's appeal!

****************************************************

I have 15 of the items on this list: pants, jeans, boots, pumps, black dress, black sweater, skirt, jacket, colored sweater, accessory (pearl necklace), panties, wrap, daily purse, sexy shoes, and sunglasses. Some are not the fanciest. The jeans, pumps, and skirt are second hand. Both sweaters, the dress and the boots are from those trendy cheap stores in the malls (Forever 21, Body Shop kinda stores). The pants, panties, sunglasses and sexy shoes are from Target or Walmart. The accessory and wrap were gifts. The purse is from TJ Maxx (where else!). The only pricy thing on this list is the jacket. It's this wonderful red leather jacket I splurged on and absolutely love.

I'm adding the other 10 items to my shopping list and hopefully I can get some great deals.
Black Suit: I'm going to go with my friend who works at Dress Barn and get a nice suit for 40% off.
Sexy Jeans and Evening Top: These are low on my list, but J.C. Penny has a couple sexy trendy brands like Bisou Bisou which are sure to have good finds in this category.
Silver Hoops: Also low on my list. I like (somewhat) dramatic dangly earrings. I would go far enough to say that such earrings are a second signature accessory for when I'm not wearing the pearls.
Wool Winter Coat: Oh, well I just got a really wonderful trench coat with a full skirt, so I'm satisfied for now.
Great Fitting Bra: A desperate need. I recently lost around 30 lbs and all my bras are rather ill fitted. I hate spending but seeing as I've finally lost all the weight, I suppose I can finally get a good bra.
Clutch: I don't go out much. I wonder if Mama would give me one of her sparkly sequined clutches... I usually end up borrowing one for every party that we go to anyway.

If you work in an office every day, I suggest purchasing two pairs of black pants. The Old Navy Ponte Trousers are excellent, I hear. I don't have a pair but plan on picking one up. I also recommend a good black belt. I wear one every single day. Also a desperate need. I ended up wearing Boyfriend's belt to work the other day.

Mundane Friday Afternoons

I sit down at my desk and put the mail tote on the floor. It's brimming with bloomers. The clock blinks at me: 5:26. I'm supposed to leave at half past today, but I really want to get this one last package out. I pick up a bloomer. No obvious stains. Ruffles properly attached and all. I peek at the tag. Sized right. I place it in the pile, by order of size. 2T on the bottom, face down, 18-24m, 12-18m, 6-12m face up, 3-6m. Make sure they all fit nice and neat into a plastic bag. I repeat this process 50 times or so in just under 20 minutes, unless there are quality issues. Those can eat at my minutes. Luckily, this batch is all good.

I tape up a box, place the product inside and weigh it. Write it down, or else I'll forget. It doesn't take much to distract me. I want everything in this order to be particularly good, because it's for a new store. I stick in a glossy poster so that everyone who comes into their store can see just how cute our products are. I include a couple pens so that every time they had a customer a pen to sign a credit slip, they think of our company. Plus they write in purple ink.

I pull up the fedex website and start typing in the information. It's nearing 5:50. I still have to stop by the bank and fedex before 6pm. I print out the shipping label. Seal up the box with our signature tape and affix the prepaid Fedex label. 3 boxes, totaling around 20 lbs. I should do two trips, but I'm in a hurry. I grab my pea coat and keys, sling my purse over my shoulder. I glance at my desk. Is there anything that can be completely lost and/or forgotten when it's shoved unceremoniously into a drawer on Sunday?* No. Good. I crouch down and grasp the bottom box, stand and make my way to the door. This is the tricky part, but once I get out, I see Mark walk into the office. He offers help, but I decline.

"Just close the door behind me," I call.
"Alright. Nice carry!" he calls, amused. The boxes loom over my head.
"See you Monday."

The boxes are worked into my truck and I hurry out of the neighborhood, down Sharonview to Colony to Fairview to Sharon. I think of the boxes in my trunk. I glance at the clock. 5:56. Oh. I cross my fingers and hope that the Ground truck will still be at the Fedex/Kinkos when I get there.

I don't have a deposit slip, so I pass my driver's license and paycheck through to the teller. He looks up my address and give me a funny look.

"When's the last time you used your account?"
"Umm.. this morning. Yes, $5.00 at Circle K." Apparently my account shows as closed. I turn the car off and wiggle my way out of the car without scratching the door on the drive-up walls. I stowed my pea coat with the boxes and must retrieve my debit card from the pockets.

My account is sorted out. He explains that there is a second account opened in my middle name for the same address on my license. I laugh.

"My mother, that's my mother's old account."

We chat as he cashes my check and passes my money and cards back. I idle in the driveway, waiting to pull out onto Sharon Road. 6:04pm. The Fedex Ground truck glides past me, headed away from the Sharon Rd Fedex. Shit. I continue to idle. Making a quick decision, I turn right on red and catch up to the truck, hoping to follow it to it's next stop. Surely it will stop at another Fedex and I won't just be following it for miles and miles.

Thank god, it stops at Providence Rd. My favorite Fedex. They're nice at this location. They tend to ignore you at Sharon Rd and you place your prepaid packages by the counter and swear that if they don't arrive at the location you're holding those rude employees accountable. At Providence Rd, they will even chat with you and wish you a nice weekend. Maybe they're happier people in general.

I drive home. I'm tired. I want to eat ice cream and laze about in bed. And, you know, tell you all about my afternoon in nauseating detail.

************************************
In case you're at all wondering, I'm packing a wholesale order. I sit down once or twice a week and knock out all that have come in that week. I actually packed 5 orders, but two are going via USPS International Priority. During packing, my desk is covered in ruffles of all types. This is a fraction of my actual job. Maybe tomorrow, I'll tell you all about emailing customers to explain to them that their items are on back order, won't that be fun?

No, really I love my job. It might sound a little mundane, but I like doing office work. I like the fact that, when the RuffleBosses' parents are in town (like today) they can hang out with their parents and not worry about what's going on at the office. Mrs. RuffleBoss is a ridiculously busy woman and I have no clue how she does it. Lots of coffee, I presume. But I like that by working my RuffleJob full time, it gives her time to be not only a CEO but a mom as well.

*Things are shoved unceremoniously in drawers every Sunday because there is a showing. I'm still missing things that were hidden one weekend.

Bi Weekly Budget: 100909 - 102309

Latest paycheck= 661.50. Small because I was out 2 days. I get my bonus on the 15th. My pay raise goes into effect with the next paycheck.

Oct 09-22 Budget

Daily
$70 - Gas ($20+ the usual because I'm going home for the weekend)
$30 - Food
$20 - Misc
I've taken out the "Clothes" and "Home" sections, because I'm trying to use as little money as possible.
Total = $120

Bills
Electricity - $40
Boyfriend - $60
Credit card -$? hammering out a deal with daddy this weekend.
Total = $100 (so far)

Other
$50 - graduation
$75 - for car stuff
$15 - Dinner before Dawkins
Total = $140

$661.50-$360 = $301.50
So, I can take that amount and put part of it towards my contract with daddy and part towards savings. I need to be saving for a new car and I'd like to put at least 50% down. So, I'd like to get $3000 in saving before I start looking. I need to put $250 in savings each month to do. I'll start by putting my bonus in each 15th. Should be at least $100/month there. Then $75 from each paycheck. Hopefully I can put more than $75/check away each month, so I can save up faster.