tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917394323646696692024-03-13T19:58:04.191-07:00smart. simple. chic.Building a dream closet on a real budget.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521215127626530431noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-191739432364669669.post-57284007333354846212014-04-16T00:39:00.000-07:002014-04-16T00:40:20.676-07:00Which Do You Prefer: A Jump for Joy or a Romp in the Sack?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Tis the season of higher hemlines and tighter textures. As a petite woman, these types of trends can be tricky. In the spirit of both trends, I've been scouring my closet for options that would fulfill another trend: the one-piece. I love a good romper or jumpsuit, even with the occasional hassle of almost completely stripping down whenever nature calls.<br />
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For petites, you need to consider three factors when purchasing a jumpsuit:<br />
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1. Length of pant - Nothing more than an inch above the ankle. Even with a nude sandal or flat, the shorter hem will truncate your legs and make you appear shorter than you actually are.<br />
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2. Width of pant leg - If purchasing a jumpsuit with a more fitted (or potentially tapered) leg, opt for something in a dark or nude color. These colors will lengthen and slim your body as long as the hemline reaches from the top of your ankle to right below your ankle. If the leg is wider, you need the length to be one to three inches below your ankle. This gives you the opportunity to wear a wedge (for a more casual look) or a thin strap high heel sandal (for a night time look) that will give you more height and proportion your body more appropriately.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzU7wPSLURoLU5TPpEoquoqj518G1JYr8tj14ZNBIMGRrMfRqjMidK-RgzaQJgvG6ChzJ21W0cJJ3z8TSQLOayK4Wvx7-gv7RAYvut9v457Oj3iNBh4febN5C2qfByi75cZjKVvjE-sHQ/s1600/nasty+gal+after+midnight+jumpsuit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzU7wPSLURoLU5TPpEoquoqj518G1JYr8tj14ZNBIMGRrMfRqjMidK-RgzaQJgvG6ChzJ21W0cJJ3z8TSQLOayK4Wvx7-gv7RAYvut9v457Oj3iNBh4febN5C2qfByi75cZjKVvjE-sHQ/s1600/nasty+gal+after+midnight+jumpsuit.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nastygal.com/product/nasty-gal-after-midnight-jumpsuit" target="_blank">Nasty Gal After Midnight Jumpsuit</a></td></tr>
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3. Proportion of top-to-bottom - You MUST try on a jumpsuit. Particularly on petites, the proportions can be off and you will need to determine if you need alterations. The waistline should sit at your natural waist so that your legs look ALMOST TRIPLE the length of your upper body. The proportions would be 1 : 2.75 (top : bottom) on an average-sized woman (5'4" or taller). This is a model-type proportion, meaning that the goal for a model is to have her legs be as close to triple the length of her upper body for maximum aesthetic effect. For petites, though, a 1 : 2.5 proportion is more doable. For example, as a petite, from my shoulders to my natural waist I'm approximately 14 inches. For me to look "model balanced" in a jumpsuit the measurement from my natural waist to my hemline should be at LEAST 38 inches, making my whole jumpsuit about 53 inches total. That leaves enough room for me to wear heels that push me closer to model height. I'm 5'2" and in heels I'd be around 5'5" or 5'6". For a more tapered leg on the jumpsuit, I'd aim for a measurement of 35 or 36 inches from waist to ankle. This is more in line with petite proportions.<br />
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<u>For petites, the additional factor should be considered when purchasing both a jumpsuit or a romper:</u><br />
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FABRIC! FABRIC! FABRIC! You want something that breathes and has movement. Cottons are best, with linens running a close second. The linens are harder to iron so make sure you're in natural or lighter colors to disguise the inevitable wrinkles. If you find a one-piece you love in a synthetic fabric, again, make sure the fabric is flowy or loose. The cutout trend is still popular, and can provide some ventilation for a less breathable fabric. If you decide on a strapless jumpsuit, make sure the bodice is structured so that you do not lose your shape. I don't suggest a romper for many petites, as it can look juvenile if you are very slender or inappropriate if you are very curvy. But, hey, if you're feelin' it, WEAR IT!<br />
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Below are some jumpsuit and romper options that are petite-friendly:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-eEDRLYqOk6aJYv80aFrjvQDJqHOddlPT6WVBG_2TouySbt4rlM9opYdR39HYJvMWtuDMR-hksCqmXIU7m3oXAST-BwZV-ICPMWqB7zHmZioVxyDd1oPcu-5qZazFqcOxDwfrP_C-Cg/s1600/TFNC+strapless+jumpsuit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-eEDRLYqOk6aJYv80aFrjvQDJqHOddlPT6WVBG_2TouySbt4rlM9opYdR39HYJvMWtuDMR-hksCqmXIU7m3oXAST-BwZV-ICPMWqB7zHmZioVxyDd1oPcu-5qZazFqcOxDwfrP_C-Cg/s1600/TFNC+strapless+jumpsuit.jpg" height="640" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://us.asos.com/countryid/2/TFNC-Jumpsuit-With-Plunge-Bustier/12ezgq/?iid=3824754&cid=7618&Rf999=4089&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=999&sort=-1&clr=Creamblack&mporgp=L1RGTkMvVEZOQy1KdW1wc3VpdC1XaXRoLVBsdW5nZS1CdXN0aWVyL1Byb2Qv&utm_source=Affiliate&utm_medium=LinkShare&utm_content=USNetwork.3824754&utm_campaign=J84DHJLQkR4&cvosrc=Affiliate.LinkShare.J84DHJLQkR4&link=15&promo=326459&source=linkshare&MID=35719&affid=2135&WT.tsrc=Affiliate&siteID=J84DHJLQkR4-ITDujKqLODLbO6Zxyl1zsQ" target="_blank">TFNC Plunge Bustier Jumpsuit</a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdaZGXTla6nKbw6rYDUM20m88bGMQD91eXyHfiPvA3aI7NFJ7TZCeymzbkx1dlVhgCsul203lfzoBx9hROWdx-RchF1pCBodsBCSmaLZ6Kb7dhjhjh5Pv0X70mg0NlKX7bv_igU5QPsA/s1600/NY+Collection+Jumpsuit.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdaZGXTla6nKbw6rYDUM20m88bGMQD91eXyHfiPvA3aI7NFJ7TZCeymzbkx1dlVhgCsul203lfzoBx9hROWdx-RchF1pCBodsBCSmaLZ6Kb7dhjhjh5Pv0X70mg0NlKX7bv_igU5QPsA/s1600/NY+Collection+Jumpsuit.gif" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGvwXy1aY_1v-NV8IvQp9D3v5sX6_zaBRmaoxY-7FuSLhM0urBCUsrFMU2QSj5jq3F2gkZbqHDa9F3rcRKNFw7IErNvZLKD2oBp7WLc1nLKJn4Fz6VxmnNQgIct08OQ8Ffha_rOLzqScc/s1600/ASOS+petite+bandeau+jumpsuit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGvwXy1aY_1v-NV8IvQp9D3v5sX6_zaBRmaoxY-7FuSLhM0urBCUsrFMU2QSj5jq3F2gkZbqHDa9F3rcRKNFw7IErNvZLKD2oBp7WLc1nLKJn4Fz6VxmnNQgIct08OQ8Ffha_rOLzqScc/s1600/ASOS+petite+bandeau+jumpsuit.jpg" height="640" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://us.asos.com/countryid/2/ASOS-PETITE-Exclusive-Bandeau-Jumpsuit/11jwig/?iid=3321242&cid=9638&Rf999=4089&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=999&sort=-1&clr=Black&mporgp=L0FTT1MtUGV0aXRlL0FTT1MtUEVUSVRFLUV4Y2x1c2l2ZS1CYW5kZWF1LUp1bXBzdWl0L1Byb2Qv&utm_source=Affiliate&utm_medium=LinkShare&utm_content=USNetwork.3321242&utm_campaign=J84DHJLQkR4&cvosrc=Affiliate.LinkShare.J84DHJLQkR4&link=15&promo=326459&source=linkshare&MID=35719&affid=2135&WT.tsrc=Affiliate&siteID=J84DHJLQkR4-Y6pGoFrDpDaA5Np8VtdiUw" target="_blank">ASOS Bandeau Jumpsuit</a> (available in petite sizing)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH3DzlmrVoBgCbB774DYUpq1eqgU_PcsGQ55KunbagCNUTyFF5vNKP5oX0-tEKj13yDafFpmVqicnXZ9ziC2yX-ofzjcuxoymQQTbYhT4FUjXBetMomZcRZVMY_WxfZJkPae6YqaemgSw/s1600/ny-collection-jumpsuit-sleeveless-surplice-wrap-belted-wide-leg-jersey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH3DzlmrVoBgCbB774DYUpq1eqgU_PcsGQ55KunbagCNUTyFF5vNKP5oX0-tEKj13yDafFpmVqicnXZ9ziC2yX-ofzjcuxoymQQTbYhT4FUjXBetMomZcRZVMY_WxfZJkPae6YqaemgSw/s1600/ny-collection-jumpsuit-sleeveless-surplice-wrap-belted-wide-leg-jersey.jpg" height="640" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/ny-collection-jumpsuit-sleeveless-surplice-wrap-belted-wide-leg-jersey?ID=574618&PartnerID=LINKSHARE&cm_mmc=LINKSHARE-_-4-_-36-_-MP436&LinkshareID=J84DHJLQkR4-IlneAslsVxd95nlSP9yyzw" target="_blank">NY Collection Jumpsuit - Macy's</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSkv9BxefAtRBWPv4Lh96WCj4loRjbW8VVJKmDUxEs3uyfxYQL3g23unhK2uhZLgma-1_JwQt6SgaWhyQn52-6ewK7iooynPvYLK-mizVXP07ARZ08ympKMoQpGXUFI9UDDwFMCVfJlsA/s1600/Topshop+Jumpsuit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSkv9BxefAtRBWPv4Lh96WCj4loRjbW8VVJKmDUxEs3uyfxYQL3g23unhK2uhZLgma-1_JwQt6SgaWhyQn52-6ewK7iooynPvYLK-mizVXP07ARZ08ympKMoQpGXUFI9UDDwFMCVfJlsA/s1600/Topshop+Jumpsuit.jpg" height="640" width="470" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://us.topshop.com/en/tsus/product/clothing-70483/rompers-and-jumpsuits-2281954/chateaux-lace-jumpsuit-2697493?bi=1&ps=200" target="_blank">Topshop Jumpsuit</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEytaOj1yY9qBXFKhbLUOgfcoQczfetNEx8spW-V8BOYXcrX19s1kVrQwA5C3PoSvFa5btfan3GboX9wkyQPk7XchAdypuJXGlwV3mRyyXLtTlBVM4OBsQyq_ZAdMOjvAxllytOim7wDA/s1600/HM+Jumpsuit.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEytaOj1yY9qBXFKhbLUOgfcoQczfetNEx8spW-V8BOYXcrX19s1kVrQwA5C3PoSvFa5btfan3GboX9wkyQPk7XchAdypuJXGlwV3mRyyXLtTlBVM4OBsQyq_ZAdMOjvAxllytOim7wDA/s1600/HM+Jumpsuit.jpeg" height="640" width="546" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/26447?article=26447-A" target="_blank">H&M Jumpsuit</a><br />
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<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521215127626530431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-191739432364669669.post-44468627911191646142013-07-04T10:36:00.002-07:002013-07-04T10:40:38.950-07:00Independence Days Happy 4th my dears! This post is a little different. For the last 24 hours I've been listening to the underrated Kelly Rowland's introspective new album "Talk a Good Game" and you can definitely tell that she's feeling a lot more independent these days. And it led me to thinking about my own independence. A little more than a year ago I walked (sprinted, ran, was dragged, was pushed) away from a relationship in which I felt very restricted. We both did. Walking on eggshells, watching our words, indulging in destructive behaviors... very unhealthy in the end. It didn't help that I was in the middle of my second year of teaching unpredictably difficult 7th and 8th graders. (Let's just say a student threatened to set the school on fire and start with my classroom. He was promptly expelled.) Needless to say, once all the dust settled and we each had spaces of our own, both of our worlds saw the sun again. And my 2012 Independence Day felt more personal than ever before.<br />
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I had my own place. I had my friends. I had my family. I had my Munki (for five days at that time). And I had this sense that I was the person I always wanted to be. And then I wanted more. I wanted to be more. See more. Accomplish more. Feel more. Think more. Connect more. My spirit exploded like fireworks. And even though, like a sparkler that's just been lit, there are times when my shine starts out as an ember, and has moments of dying down, I burst and dance and my furious fire burns through all the way to the end, having brought smiles and excitement to anyone willing to experience me. And vice versa. I have amazing people in my life. I have a crazy, amazing little lady love with four legs and immeasurable heart. I have a mom who makes everyone realize just how important, hard, and undervalued the responsibility of being a homemaker is (you try taking care of a house, bills, familial obligations, 2 kids - both with ADD and one with autism, and a small side business of tailoring/sewing/crafting). I have a great place to live with a great person to live with (shout out to Erin AKA Karisma).<br />
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So cheers to Independence Day. And cheers to a country that (mostly) allows us all to have independence! </div>
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Feel free to share below what makes you feel independent! Celebrate yourself!</div>
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A Few Moments from the Last 365 Days of Independence</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKE07jx3iRZzOUqiExKR7Qth0eOWlzth7YkoP0aEi3CBFjNdrgTcGvBgIudJILLnIr7Jj9LRnJ0X_zp7n4YNBZ_j5iHuoDDXi0p0IRs3lCFRslmgq6nnauJtj4a46Oq1eN8CB2yL5KaE/s1600/20130630_135906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKE07jx3iRZzOUqiExKR7Qth0eOWlzth7YkoP0aEi3CBFjNdrgTcGvBgIudJILLnIr7Jj9LRnJ0X_zp7n4YNBZ_j5iHuoDDXi0p0IRs3lCFRslmgq6nnauJtj4a46Oq1eN8CB2yL5KaE/s320/20130630_135906.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Munki, one year later (and 35 pounds bigger!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYjwahpBL2YKbmFBXFmSsROaT-IoX9910isz0Wk7DbOwSMHiCA7OhUmxTbgf-h8AbmxA3PrEvxfbReWXGduMXd5yuZf7VTC7isWliFLuTshrm5LonyvRolp6VqT1d01Js51zqwlcD0N0/s1600/IMG_20130615_154227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYjwahpBL2YKbmFBXFmSsROaT-IoX9910isz0Wk7DbOwSMHiCA7OhUmxTbgf-h8AbmxA3PrEvxfbReWXGduMXd5yuZf7VTC7isWliFLuTshrm5LonyvRolp6VqT1d01Js51zqwlcD0N0/s320/IMG_20130615_154227.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At my cousin Zoe's graduation</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDep46dcX-TkdL-zjyQu7Ph-4ySex_nzgpJPGvuAhZlmgQnvCn4GjMcSRfKAxduV2pw5Z2muiy_8gXZ5vGzX4FP8CjNC2QqBtJt_tNDdt7PbNUY3TvaxBkAx44AAtoeB1y1KnlbTPH8w/s1600/20130615_121142-MIX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDep46dcX-TkdL-zjyQu7Ph-4ySex_nzgpJPGvuAhZlmgQnvCn4GjMcSRfKAxduV2pw5Z2muiy_8gXZ5vGzX4FP8CjNC2QqBtJt_tNDdt7PbNUY3TvaxBkAx44AAtoeB1y1KnlbTPH8w/s400/20130615_121142-MIX.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A happy, fulfilled, and optimistic ME!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvj3oIYzqKEqBxWPVpDi1dzIQFRCr_7Eza2QWgJ3MQDuMbVL_2Cf-Bh5svN_OJCmvasevW_hrvAEkn6VBjioBaLPt0CiCcXTbfXkOf1Z3owlsL86FyI5bOabqlGVJvTUSAejgBQ-p_Q2c/s1600/20130610_094205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvj3oIYzqKEqBxWPVpDi1dzIQFRCr_7Eza2QWgJ3MQDuMbVL_2Cf-Bh5svN_OJCmvasevW_hrvAEkn6VBjioBaLPt0CiCcXTbfXkOf1Z3owlsL86FyI5bOabqlGVJvTUSAejgBQ-p_Q2c/s320/20130610_094205.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From my students on the last day of school. So sweet to say.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCSy0Sxo-oiJybk9uT9OEu7ZAwbrYk1DL_77paxCt7lojKPG0NY3QzQnEqFfH81A00eVWVN6_qZBfI0ExX3HYBt4aFnVpWs3IMiOyzPaN2DV4AmUigAmM5a43TaQ80U7d0tTW-jIuRtD0/s1600/20130609_150121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCSy0Sxo-oiJybk9uT9OEu7ZAwbrYk1DL_77paxCt7lojKPG0NY3QzQnEqFfH81A00eVWVN6_qZBfI0ExX3HYBt4aFnVpWs3IMiOyzPaN2DV4AmUigAmM5a43TaQ80U7d0tTW-jIuRtD0/s320/20130609_150121.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorite people: Thom!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSgLq8DBAgpUnFreGnKRtihqvkB6c8MAuXkdAAqK487EgQbq5XGr5xhENd5z1wdt9yz3Bw3nS56SmH8kIUv8nCxm8W-FQ_cLEsrmU4XLznIDXbIqNnaxnrZKqFo-6eHNSo3uvbSMGHek/s1600/20130507_091445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSgLq8DBAgpUnFreGnKRtihqvkB6c8MAuXkdAAqK487EgQbq5XGr5xhENd5z1wdt9yz3Bw3nS56SmH8kIUv8nCxm8W-FQ_cLEsrmU4XLznIDXbIqNnaxnrZKqFo-6eHNSo3uvbSMGHek/s320/20130507_091445.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With my ATG Mama Jenny and my soror/friend/roomie Erin before the Dalai Lama came out!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglRhDIhhTMDTaJrvGLavhSjgcsbUV9VaRo7sXWzjFy7UWIoDIE73FHGtC0WlFZlTA2J4-XJYnzaG5vk3uzK-llOE5eSYITrlwfuh8_oLWkgI1WMhZBXyaWNXb4GNM9uWtcigbi3w3nzG8/s1600/20130507_104108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglRhDIhhTMDTaJrvGLavhSjgcsbUV9VaRo7sXWzjFy7UWIoDIE73FHGtC0WlFZlTA2J4-XJYnzaG5vk3uzK-llOE5eSYITrlwfuh8_oLWkgI1WMhZBXyaWNXb4GNM9uWtcigbi3w3nzG8/s320/20130507_104108.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dalai Lama at my alma mater University of MD, College Park; SO INSPIRING!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI78fxXSZYo7qmb5vzagmXO3v7f9niWesNSJl9VwYwc6g7UapadPJ_AShFL_ARMwAfFGKpfwSJloBB9QISrYajkWvGjeF7BadY6rXLpaYK4rgd7gx6kfpVG9lWcAnGKakBHjHBwV6yNyU/s1600/20130410_225440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI78fxXSZYo7qmb5vzagmXO3v7f9niWesNSJl9VwYwc6g7UapadPJ_AShFL_ARMwAfFGKpfwSJloBB9QISrYajkWvGjeF7BadY6rXLpaYK4rgd7gx6kfpVG9lWcAnGKakBHjHBwV6yNyU/s400/20130410_225440.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating 10 years of Alpha Theta Gamma Multicultural Sorority, Inc. with a few of my sisters!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBEvN4wQSvo4ZwRTbfDVlJi33qYjZ0QNCE4Bzo2-huAPDSGwCkRRxeLrdL2bmW0qVrwNrgXs7Tz3ewrUIbiq-JVhKxBMxJkq0gLzXK2JtuVrYv0Sg9ElF92rt-JEYu2X8v849154B8Xjg/s1600/20130315_223635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBEvN4wQSvo4ZwRTbfDVlJi33qYjZ0QNCE4Bzo2-huAPDSGwCkRRxeLrdL2bmW0qVrwNrgXs7Tz3ewrUIbiq-JVhKxBMxJkq0gLzXK2JtuVrYv0Sg9ElF92rt-JEYu2X8v849154B8Xjg/s320/20130315_223635.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Munki Love</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6h90rMESl0fwkdPFymyHvN5u-CxEEyV37o83oZ52vow2eVmaJwiFUuixt1Q6i2ndhx_MnIc9Wb3zab1WNXTXG64IcNkvf3ogXIPu2ljMr1CjnCYucL3irzT3A9Gx9OGS4SPv3k_FA6w/s1600/20130227_214329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6h90rMESl0fwkdPFymyHvN5u-CxEEyV37o83oZ52vow2eVmaJwiFUuixt1Q6i2ndhx_MnIc9Wb3zab1WNXTXG64IcNkvf3ogXIPu2ljMr1CjnCYucL3irzT3A9Gx9OGS4SPv3k_FA6w/s320/20130227_214329.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My fave: Lupe Fiasco at The Fillmore with Erin!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIUZ_UiPrcNWNyROUgxd1Y-k2Q86-nsA9gSV8fsh2Vy4PeHlk4KmR8LQu-rjl_CQGKEDzqaD4g-LwHZuV3X44wAw6xqpGm9vht2M3brPBbufAjg1TbkahlPs2BpAijzW6Xh3JHl9O8hY/s1600/20130214_152748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIUZ_UiPrcNWNyROUgxd1Y-k2Q86-nsA9gSV8fsh2Vy4PeHlk4KmR8LQu-rjl_CQGKEDzqaD4g-LwHZuV3X44wAw6xqpGm9vht2M3brPBbufAjg1TbkahlPs2BpAijzW6Xh3JHl9O8hY/s320/20130214_152748.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feel the love: Happy Valentine's Day from some of my students :-)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHTC1Smg1M6kdxrFccVLbxEJBx9kaJmIFPINr_nMkitvmVCiyPgS-6psCnXaIrQyqzQsvvQjG4aknFmoSGbM4CiEywQJye8EWyUI8i1TYlPdJpTwkLIu3_bB1bTfXRKb43BlcW_quju4/s1600/IMG_20130206_203343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHTC1Smg1M6kdxrFccVLbxEJBx9kaJmIFPINr_nMkitvmVCiyPgS-6psCnXaIrQyqzQsvvQjG4aknFmoSGbM4CiEywQJye8EWyUI8i1TYlPdJpTwkLIu3_bB1bTfXRKb43BlcW_quju4/s320/IMG_20130206_203343.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working on my novel... hopefully will be done in 2014 :-)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjeH3l0ltmO5cOLQa6rDv7umL_NSU-5HOV-8EqHQwL0B8MGJ9cPKGhYaXFzgVoMdz6oTrvJ_pQ2kPv3YYeuLCB6O77FfPntq69uN6wAANOKvnBEhLoZ4O7feiZ5NgVykklYooZZbp72w/s1600/20121219_180303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjeH3l0ltmO5cOLQa6rDv7umL_NSU-5HOV-8EqHQwL0B8MGJ9cPKGhYaXFzgVoMdz6oTrvJ_pQ2kPv3YYeuLCB6O77FfPntq69uN6wAANOKvnBEhLoZ4O7feiZ5NgVykklYooZZbp72w/s320/20121219_180303.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With my lovely co-worker/friend Anna (who'd just revealed she was pregnant!)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7nJ-JG9duVBC3wk0ufApUFilYE4NW-taoEvvhq_UZHgbpJB6DKBxezSC972sPz2qHaYvCDkblMdO5P3W_WO4qYpbOoZR6YFAVXgfyS44EGNj5_Kl1OvyYP25nbjrB1J6DSXNWjcIRK5M/s1600/20121122_203137-SMILE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7nJ-JG9duVBC3wk0ufApUFilYE4NW-taoEvvhq_UZHgbpJB6DKBxezSC972sPz2qHaYvCDkblMdO5P3W_WO4qYpbOoZR6YFAVXgfyS44EGNj5_Kl1OvyYP25nbjrB1J6DSXNWjcIRK5M/s640/20121122_203137-SMILE.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With my Mama on Thanksgiving!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhgu5lF4br0rCgG26HnzvZ6oibMpY_HSYbDA_3RQCqaI2Y8pqtiGlI8VWbS1EQivTNiYPBS1zQO91eSFPGbw0nhzE0x7UMLoA5U_PbP8qizrEdbMvMOTft5qjL2d_6fBBEVmGhk7dBCGY/s1600/20121113_201746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhgu5lF4br0rCgG26HnzvZ6oibMpY_HSYbDA_3RQCqaI2Y8pqtiGlI8VWbS1EQivTNiYPBS1zQO91eSFPGbw0nhzE0x7UMLoA5U_PbP8qizrEdbMvMOTft5qjL2d_6fBBEVmGhk7dBCGY/s320/20121113_201746.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The incomparable Joseph Gordon-Levitt! (insert infatuated-teenager-style marriage proposal)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE5AzaDxwDpQKbe9FNHVC_qZi7qoD5mtsvy6JPNGmRo0icg1ubGZPEV7cScFieN35yh5FJOw9fMo55sgNKV23nrccFJyUVZjSwMu8wO3QCNiqLYrbxIYd4tKB1Qjq81ZejdPUSdyBBDI0/s1600/IMG_20121022_204952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE5AzaDxwDpQKbe9FNHVC_qZi7qoD5mtsvy6JPNGmRo0icg1ubGZPEV7cScFieN35yh5FJOw9fMo55sgNKV23nrccFJyUVZjSwMu8wO3QCNiqLYrbxIYd4tKB1Qjq81ZejdPUSdyBBDI0/s320/IMG_20121022_204952.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Munki Love</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhL5TYwBWq9sYa17y9t13Bu6Art9aIOAN1vukptxfKTd5_DwqGjbP-OzKpxwkMv6xaRTQzktVRjlk9Bkm0Jgx_HuTtVy-qkU73rLyXnm7FTqy_KXfXPTnx9p8QHSkvkNWUAxQUbZlPIqY/s1600/20120915_140113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhL5TYwBWq9sYa17y9t13Bu6Art9aIOAN1vukptxfKTd5_DwqGjbP-OzKpxwkMv6xaRTQzktVRjlk9Bkm0Jgx_HuTtVy-qkU73rLyXnm7FTqy_KXfXPTnx9p8QHSkvkNWUAxQUbZlPIqY/s320/20120915_140113.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two of my lifelines: Vernice and Jasmine</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6x5USxZHD__undIRDJzp_U47vgbQK_WznIx9UlwFt9PsmBmWXtu3Ne1O2WSjGamk3f1rdHPMcou1nUVwi38J3zm78AYKwzLVZn2JlP9dAFm6eqoVjr8wRuxDVt37LVSFXQGVQBhAnUmk/s1600/20120915_140023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6x5USxZHD__undIRDJzp_U47vgbQK_WznIx9UlwFt9PsmBmWXtu3Ne1O2WSjGamk3f1rdHPMcou1nUVwi38J3zm78AYKwzLVZn2JlP9dAFm6eqoVjr8wRuxDVt37LVSFXQGVQBhAnUmk/s320/20120915_140023.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The original school crew: Georgia, me, Lien, and Thom</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0IJJ1Wf-hmda3fZ-COM6Ov5VWOIv4xdGWPglEQ5UrsFiYlI_Ycg45CHkiKb-pIszJs91iIIFrlwkvqEHjtp2B4FlYSRBIdKzqhzDIOny4SBXpb3Yg58FiyHJIqsl5wLdDMtYNlfI8rHg/s1600/20120909_194534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0IJJ1Wf-hmda3fZ-COM6Ov5VWOIv4xdGWPglEQ5UrsFiYlI_Ycg45CHkiKb-pIszJs91iIIFrlwkvqEHjtp2B4FlYSRBIdKzqhzDIOny4SBXpb3Yg58FiyHJIqsl5wLdDMtYNlfI8rHg/s320/20120909_194534.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My amazing brother Justin, who inspires me because even with autism he is now a working man at NIH! <br />
You can overcome limitations and labels with perseverance, strength, patience, and support! I Love You!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqtnWbLSclSX0O9fmOHtZDRFH9Bf1YSr1qMszy2OtJHfqg4DAXcV2EcCw3iJmnQa_b3GjEomFZk8vOaq8WjZW03chJDhKrl-lUzbvIXscJlOh9yfq1WH6l6YWe796qDv7HnPd2H3NByk/s1600/20120818_200236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqtnWbLSclSX0O9fmOHtZDRFH9Bf1YSr1qMszy2OtJHfqg4DAXcV2EcCw3iJmnQa_b3GjEomFZk8vOaq8WjZW03chJDhKrl-lUzbvIXscJlOh9yfq1WH6l6YWe796qDv7HnPd2H3NByk/s320/20120818_200236.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My brother Chico's art at a Georgetown gallery</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtsCJrOvpkoUOMGD5eLSpP2pFqt3baT071XUVy_VnAFEypAnhTrawmidlUL7WFqi_d7FG3JyRGgY4L8gWpFoLKBp8QKz2Ay84QUIWXk-zgMJlCK9sBH3v6S-n01aFy2RPPhB6JzL9j2w/s1600/20120818_204735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtsCJrOvpkoUOMGD5eLSpP2pFqt3baT071XUVy_VnAFEypAnhTrawmidlUL7WFqi_d7FG3JyRGgY4L8gWpFoLKBp8QKz2Ay84QUIWXk-zgMJlCK9sBH3v6S-n01aFy2RPPhB6JzL9j2w/s320/20120818_204735.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My brother-from-another-mother Chico </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDu_9IUJepVLvMnpejZulkQpyMK-3fOfOFenrJnizMZOc5xBgQJQmbm1WEFZwL8wFPrMHxW4U3BoJcwr7uxtbFQHo69PBX_z1ayHNC4vyU4kWEQKwtjiiUhPAgD3FMadku5hA6UdOQGw/s1600/20120811_213815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDu_9IUJepVLvMnpejZulkQpyMK-3fOfOFenrJnizMZOc5xBgQJQmbm1WEFZwL8wFPrMHxW4U3BoJcwr7uxtbFQHo69PBX_z1ayHNC4vyU4kWEQKwtjiiUhPAgD3FMadku5hA6UdOQGw/s320/20120811_213815.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first quince with my former student Jessica</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-KuOfDd074YE5pvBmuxVxsX9jCzH0i9cRTB42FTV_K5a10S-NiQS1j0_OoqHCSuLRslwTPXwGeq31_JAZhJOC6BbNXoNcX3vfL5HukZof9RfiitFalbljtNuOjGbF0R0bNOrVgyga-c/s1600/20120704_205220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-KuOfDd074YE5pvBmuxVxsX9jCzH0i9cRTB42FTV_K5a10S-NiQS1j0_OoqHCSuLRslwTPXwGeq31_JAZhJOC6BbNXoNcX3vfL5HukZof9RfiitFalbljtNuOjGbF0R0bNOrVgyga-c/s320/20120704_205220.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Munki's first 4th of July!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXC69ct2FE58LcelN3SUG8Ey8lki1xrebX2zh2MOWHLHgapbB7rh4Z0K5jQDmcSp96b3yPnhuYzOL0pawUZdcY4lbUa3_FORBLx5DvdfKESwzXb2FI4RQ8YTIPQa46CDc9-eIq0HSGos/s1600/20120626_134848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXC69ct2FE58LcelN3SUG8Ey8lki1xrebX2zh2MOWHLHgapbB7rh4Z0K5jQDmcSp96b3yPnhuYzOL0pawUZdcY4lbUa3_FORBLx5DvdfKESwzXb2FI4RQ8YTIPQa46CDc9-eIq0HSGos/s320/20120626_134848.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right after ending a challenging year of teaching</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5VYy6NAuhk2q_eqC-I6Wcx0uVD9AAF2B5GJY-Xfo38zgGhRo3rMoMCYYccZQm-jWX6FnLVmLNygDU6ia9LFWhhuPadp4O0N5Ovq0uh_ztx4C-0CLMnHIa77H4jRPDYwTbcIjqxBJTJqo/s1600/20120622_183441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5VYy6NAuhk2q_eqC-I6Wcx0uVD9AAF2B5GJY-Xfo38zgGhRo3rMoMCYYccZQm-jWX6FnLVmLNygDU6ia9LFWhhuPadp4O0N5Ovq0uh_ztx4C-0CLMnHIa77H4jRPDYwTbcIjqxBJTJqo/s400/20120622_183441.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day of adoption: Munki HarleyQuinn Morgendorfer</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBwn6YYrCy33z2tagwZbTZvlkw_5el6ylv9leX7NeEqbu9QoP7Eq21HX8SYqgWe1Gso6iXvBBoyrH1AvpkDgHh585oYh6NYJ1-72P-CAyvXf_L16CHp5q28-tZX26XjovXV9aGnT_BTU/s1600/20120616_181921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBwn6YYrCy33z2tagwZbTZvlkw_5el6ylv9leX7NeEqbu9QoP7Eq21HX8SYqgWe1Gso6iXvBBoyrH1AvpkDgHh585oYh6NYJ1-72P-CAyvXf_L16CHp5q28-tZX26XjovXV9aGnT_BTU/s320/20120616_181921.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating my friend Kara's 40th Birthday!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIOxuUFrTz2cCoZlWOnk8AOZddCGnzAX052QO5E8_aNBCrEUgC0s0LHNYLnWXCZFhWfB7QNPa48fzJunrpSYyqSiJDMQhE24rsqQpsR5DQBWMoweYuapRv6061s6oeIoS1W1Xy11uYmc/s960/Kara+and+Me+at+her+40th+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIOxuUFrTz2cCoZlWOnk8AOZddCGnzAX052QO5E8_aNBCrEUgC0s0LHNYLnWXCZFhWfB7QNPa48fzJunrpSYyqSiJDMQhE24rsqQpsR5DQBWMoweYuapRv6061s6oeIoS1W1Xy11uYmc/s400/Kara+and+Me+at+her+40th+1.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full body shot of me and Kara (we looked fantastic, right?!?!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO42zF3W3u5_z74gKeL_b2BCPFuPon9quWpyizBh_Wdw8txx8mWzaVpsatZ5oLn28b9ZVWMYgy3FSPHwJj-C9PzftY-155YyaZ3lV0fkZBryBZ6mRqhljESOm7hGx3eM_NhIfyt_fkTfY/s960/Kara+and+Me+at+her+40th+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO42zF3W3u5_z74gKeL_b2BCPFuPon9quWpyizBh_Wdw8txx8mWzaVpsatZ5oLn28b9ZVWMYgy3FSPHwJj-C9PzftY-155YyaZ3lV0fkZBryBZ6mRqhljESOm7hGx3eM_NhIfyt_fkTfY/s320/Kara+and+Me+at+her+40th+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of the DC Divas ;-)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64BA6gLX8jCX8RGHbpktU2zxJ-KDHvExlY9WlJ3crwbu6wC5-qLnlZ33it4cVkSiJyLi4YHEo2-QqxBn626hyJFxzAzXBOSyBVGuDdFp37Yg-HhYbFbrns9mjWCDwpYeDIqjwpbWm7lU/s1600/20120615_152433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64BA6gLX8jCX8RGHbpktU2zxJ-KDHvExlY9WlJ3crwbu6wC5-qLnlZ33it4cVkSiJyLi4YHEo2-QqxBn626hyJFxzAzXBOSyBVGuDdFp37Yg-HhYbFbrns9mjWCDwpYeDIqjwpbWm7lU/s320/20120615_152433.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first purchase after six months of not shopping: a $10.50 pair of Banana Republic trousers (originally $89.50 - woot!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGamvJx-TC7gVh-0BBpVoSTvd37RIy5L9-ioDtsZa7rmBbZXn8uAU8dHQo3KewbbROknLacxpo0yVI3NFRFGCBwl2DX7ZRxRpzOg1_i1__Q10NjaG3JyDUX-yICPB4pu3Prq8CU7kp0HI/s1600/20120528_180532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGamvJx-TC7gVh-0BBpVoSTvd37RIy5L9-ioDtsZa7rmBbZXn8uAU8dHQo3KewbbROknLacxpo0yVI3NFRFGCBwl2DX7ZRxRpzOg1_i1__Q10NjaG3JyDUX-yICPB4pu3Prq8CU7kp0HI/s320/20120528_180532.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With my cousin LT</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmGba2LVhuvr188nkVXMz3HZzlmtb6qKBjmawuiwS2Uph3LQZ7KpkWrvy2oL14pCemxpdB-MVrrp17oLYUn93jhuCBK8aSdopjA3BywUaw93Tk8QfWBu20WH8PNpIcXfPbFmzMeba5rs/s1600/20120512_194102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmGba2LVhuvr188nkVXMz3HZzlmtb6qKBjmawuiwS2Uph3LQZ7KpkWrvy2oL14pCemxpdB-MVrrp17oLYUn93jhuCBK8aSdopjA3BywUaw93Tk8QfWBu20WH8PNpIcXfPbFmzMeba5rs/s640/20120512_194102.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My forever fave: Incubus (shirtless Brandon Boyd in the center) at the DC101 Chili Cookoff</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGOgS_fNSf_iF4GeSNWwfR03Yva0_XcTs4Z3IAbcyqI3v00XDUiVcHw90gXPW4SvIhC_UoF_Bdgv_IBHjONP_uQX_vdxK10iFNPUWBuaZhNpbuZ8mk0ucof33_nasNaQ2PaMkv0va_OIg/s1600/20120512_153539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGOgS_fNSf_iF4GeSNWwfR03Yva0_XcTs4Z3IAbcyqI3v00XDUiVcHw90gXPW4SvIhC_UoF_Bdgv_IBHjONP_uQX_vdxK10iFNPUWBuaZhNpbuZ8mk0ucof33_nasNaQ2PaMkv0va_OIg/s400/20120512_153539.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With one of my favorite people EVER: Stephanie</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7967O85uW5P9ALHojlEk3JFf7StIrGiFSBd1AfpIbqRaKjDUr_ZT9APLyvQDGCBILBRHmvKVVHTSqLdtwKITSs-O9VRgquaZRNh7QnmAZqC1w5TgIBrepAyS4SWQ2PX1r-cx35Oopk8/s1600/20120524_091421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7967O85uW5P9ALHojlEk3JFf7StIrGiFSBd1AfpIbqRaKjDUr_ZT9APLyvQDGCBILBRHmvKVVHTSqLdtwKITSs-O9VRgquaZRNh7QnmAZqC1w5TgIBrepAyS4SWQ2PX1r-cx35Oopk8/s400/20120524_091421.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks kids! Now off to a new school to have an impact on the youth of my hometown: DC!!!</td></tr>
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Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521215127626530431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-191739432364669669.post-13757436527636813402013-06-17T12:53:00.003-07:002013-06-17T12:54:46.103-07:00...in Paris<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.style.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Style2" border="0" height="640" src="http://mandco.typepad.com/m_co/images/2008/04/07/style2.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px;" title="Style2" width="640" /></a></div>
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As someone without a passport, I spend lots of my time contemplating where I'll go first once the time and money align. Admittedly, I never had the sort of love affair with Paris that most girls have, particularly those with a similar affection for fashion. I prefer the allure of the whitewashed shores and hillside homes of Mykonos, Greece. Or navigating the crowds of a Chinese fish market. Possibly trading heels for flats for Rome, Milan, and Venice during a visit to Italy. <br />
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The main draw to France for me would be the architecture. And I will walk the Louvre before I'm too senile to fly. <br />
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Aside from that though, the women of France, specifically Paris (but of course!), are so effortlessly pulled together that people-watching is of Olympic level. I'd be awarded with gold assuredly thanks to my constant perusal of blogs and books that focus on the chic and offbeat of the French. My favorite designer Alexander McQueen always invoked the flair of France in his lines' designs following a five-year stint at Givenchy.<br />
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I recently read somewhere that French women tend to have style that relies on curated closets devoid of trends and plump with personality. They look at their closets and see a dress they wore earlier in the week and think how great it looked then and how great it would look today. Americans don't even want to be tagged on Facebook wearing the same tee if it's worn on separate occasions. As I surveyed my own wardrobe, it just felt... CLUTTERED. Even with a walk-in I still have enough clothes to almost fill three dressers. Taking inspiration from those European muses, I used a critical eye and purged seven grocery bags of clothes and shoes, ready for donation to my colleague's daughters. Soon, I'll explain how I did just that, but for now, know that you have lots of sartorial repetition to look forward to on this blog :-) I'd encourage the same for you. It's not just frugal -- it's French! Which is an acceptable excuse for just about anything.<br />
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Have fun!<br />
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~Kristen<br />
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Check out some of my favorite French reads below:<br />
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<a href="http://www.leblogdebetty.com/en/">http://www.leblogdebetty.com/en/</a> - French Fashion Blog where writer Betty consistently infuses charm into her ensembles. Her street shots are typically my favorites.<br />
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<a href="http://makingmagique.com/category/style/">http://makingmagique.com/category/style/</a> - French Fashion Blog with tons of photography images from around Europe. Love the mix of rocker, street, and girly style. The blogger is a professional photographer, hence the cool layout, dynamic images, and clever pairings. <br />
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<a href="http://www.etpourquoipascoline.fr/">http://www.etpourquoipascoline.fr/</a> - from her hair to her smirk to her name, everything about this blogger is unique and poetic. Even her name - Coline - rolls on the tongue like a full-bodied red wine. I love how her photographs of the most seemingly banal items -- a shower rack, miniature bottles cuddled in the corner of her tub - are suitable for mounting boards and heavy ebony or cherrywood frames. Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521215127626530431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-191739432364669669.post-11572388569675680582013-06-10T17:56:00.000-07:002013-06-10T17:57:35.588-07:00My Week in Photos May 31 - June 10The last ten days have been quite a whirlwind! As the school year was closing, I was feeling less and less inclined to look like anything other than an ad for the local City Sports store. So I put together a fashion challenge for June so that I'd have some motivation to look halfway human during this lazy time of year. Between my eighth graders' promotion ceremony, the DC Pride Festival, a retirement party for two of my sweet co-workers, and our 7th grade awards ceremony, I didn't even want to think about grading finals, cleaning my classroom, or all of the chores around the apartment that still need tending to. More detailed outfit breakdowns are coming, but for now, here's a quick rundown of the more fun times of the last 240 hours :-)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_BTvOhH5hZVXVjS6VcmlvxxdePlAEonxwP0CCoBui8nMkkBn91Ga7J-33vH-uS3vS5oPDw4iyg9S7Ps3Dt8O3zYVAoQOPL9Yf5ls3C1PNjLoGWgxgWH4ThIfQzv8E_F_msdPSDSI7K4/s1600/Week+in+Photos+May+31+to+June+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_BTvOhH5hZVXVjS6VcmlvxxdePlAEonxwP0CCoBui8nMkkBn91Ga7J-33vH-uS3vS5oPDw4iyg9S7Ps3Dt8O3zYVAoQOPL9Yf5ls3C1PNjLoGWgxgWH4ThIfQzv8E_F_msdPSDSI7K4/s640/Week+in+Photos+May+31+to+June+10.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Clockwise from left: with my eighth graders who I had as seventh graders; my polka dot OOTD; my black and white OOTD; with my chica Georgia at the DC Pride Festival; at home after giving myself a blowout; with my co-worker Danielle at the retirement party; with my co-worker Jim (AKA JT) at the retirement party (and, no! he wasn't one of the retirees!); with Thom at the DC Pride Festival; my "collar" OOTD (even though you can't see the collar, haha..... it's gold studs).</span></div>
Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521215127626530431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-191739432364669669.post-74821530289112233212013-05-18T19:24:00.000-07:002013-05-18T19:25:37.668-07:00Pink Polka Dots and Canary Yellow Cardigan<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHF_Gd2Hhn5-iwPHh8C5ZYcc5fEmA0I2oGBiQJjY8TCYns5RydbF3tApD2vl1_UNuxzQy3CiuNoPd08hv7LbBvI9P3oyuXNFIeH3MRtgikC6Ez0PVBor1M8vwkinPZt2eXUqcggf5AEdk/s1600/20130517_173026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHF_Gd2Hhn5-iwPHh8C5ZYcc5fEmA0I2oGBiQJjY8TCYns5RydbF3tApD2vl1_UNuxzQy3CiuNoPd08hv7LbBvI9P3oyuXNFIeH3MRtgikC6Ez0PVBor1M8vwkinPZt2eXUqcggf5AEdk/s640/20130517_173026.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cardigan: Old Navy (sale for $4.99); Polka Dot Blouse: TJ Maxx ($12.99); Black flared skirt: H&M ($17.95); Fuchsia pumps: H&M ($24.95)</td></tr>
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This is a really quick post about the outfit I wore to work yesterday since I got a load of compliments on it. It's actually been hanging in my closet as a "potential" outfit for over a week now. We had a spurt of warm weather in DC and then were smacked with a straight week of rain and under 70 temps. Not exactly bare legs weather.<br />
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At the first chance I put on this outfit. I've been eager to wear this blouse again, as it has one of my favorite features -- a self-bow neckline. The top is super sheer and sleeveless, and since I'm a teacher, I put a tank underneath and a cardigan over top. I like the contrast of the yellow against the black and fuchsia pink. It really pops, especially atop a black flared skirt. I finished things off with a pair of fuchsia platform pumps that are in desperate need of some sort of "foot slipping forward" prevention pad.<br />
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Sorry for the wavy mirror. I left my flat mirror at my previous place. It looks great in the living room but isn't the best for outfit selfies :-) I am seeking a replacement! Hopefully one that doesn't resemble a fun house warped reflection of myself.<br />
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Happy Saturday, sweets!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521215127626530431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-191739432364669669.post-15634908045104211822013-05-06T07:13:00.000-07:002013-05-06T07:13:23.479-07:00A Couple Shades of Grey<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaoXpiLJdOhVUqmOtgAuKMynV1rYk8517M2shZszz_cZ6aluIB8HcfxkcyQYo-R3EMldWEyQfrk5200eDSg4BptUGrgX-9zIeihqbnfn9GnzKM87RKATakX-9EsVhNmjnZUprcD0sIWWc/s1600/May+4+2013+outfit.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaoXpiLJdOhVUqmOtgAuKMynV1rYk8517M2shZszz_cZ6aluIB8HcfxkcyQYo-R3EMldWEyQfrk5200eDSg4BptUGrgX-9zIeihqbnfn9GnzKM87RKATakX-9EsVhNmjnZUprcD0sIWWc/s640/May+4+2013+outfit.png" width="398" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black tank: Forever 21 $2.50; Grey with black lace vest: Forever 21 (old); Grey stretch corduroys: Old Navy Rockstar Jeans on sale for $8.99; Nude studded pumps: Steve Madden from TJ Maxx $49.99</td></tr>
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This past weekend was very ho-hum. I mainly ran errands and worked on sprucing up my bedroom in my new apartment with my friend/roomie/sorority sister Erin. I was needing a day of "dressing up" after two days of being in a tank and leggings, so even though my day consisted of popping into Target and returning a foldable table to my mom, I put a little effort into my ensemble. For some reason, just putting on a pair of fancy pumps is enough to lift my mood to a noticeably better level. You feel taller, walk a little straighter, and carry yourself with a little more confidence. And those heels are no joke. Though probably a half size too small, I could not resist their Valentino feel (at 10% of the original's price), and thus I forked over the cash to call them mine. It was a little breezy in DC that day so I threw on the vest for an additional layer of warmth and comfort. The microcords are easy to move around in, a necessary characteristic for a day of carrying tables and moving furniture.</div>
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Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521215127626530431noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-191739432364669669.post-2769316811736916012013-03-25T17:48:00.003-07:002013-03-25T17:48:39.065-07:00Fifty Shades of Green<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So despite the fact that it's the end of March, there is a slushy blanket of snow preventing Munki and me from having our afternoon run-around. To put me back in the mood for what the color of the season SHOULD be, I hunted down some green pieces that run the gamut from mint to hunter.</div>
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When styling green with other pieces, use the color chart below so you end up looking nature-inspired instead of like Peeta-inspired camouflage. (Yes, a "Hunger Games" reference!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZAklSxd4hDRmsQa0fVETiXZ97BDt0FUcycFqfv1Szwb_FAK6ULzBjIoZIsLvP5OWO38M1j7pe0qdqqFDwl6WodweveBuP7lUXjYymnYT57GcWxAqHBbg7qJ7w9TLH2MeuOco4XIjhvY/s1600/green-tone-color-combinations.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZAklSxd4hDRmsQa0fVETiXZ97BDt0FUcycFqfv1Szwb_FAK6ULzBjIoZIsLvP5OWO38M1j7pe0qdqqFDwl6WodweveBuP7lUXjYymnYT57GcWxAqHBbg7qJ7w9TLH2MeuOco4XIjhvY/s400/green-tone-color-combinations.png" width="252" /></a></div>
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And if you're feeling really bold, you can do your own colorblocking or ombre effect by creating a head to toe green outfit starting with dark or light at the top and fading to your feet. Add a contrasting pop of color to be on-trend.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Inspiration:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfGy9Vs7tPfxGqVh9n8IJ9at9unB5Zi_PvUaBALK8mQRDC3qrjbXvFUGbHjDnXAskxa8lO0kbagcKRVaGk2saNRVSso9U16M2BXV8cVKMv0LMfTr8lICs75A01ydQ_k5LgwEObQORAdE/s1600/57f52ac2c39860812cc74460b3f59be2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfGy9Vs7tPfxGqVh9n8IJ9at9unB5Zi_PvUaBALK8mQRDC3qrjbXvFUGbHjDnXAskxa8lO0kbagcKRVaGk2saNRVSso9U16M2BXV8cVKMv0LMfTr8lICs75A01ydQ_k5LgwEObQORAdE/s640/57f52ac2c39860812cc74460b3f59be2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Check out some of my picks below. Everything is under $100!!!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Dresses</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwrdTetESrm3l84KDCSgkSXT69bC1UOzB64oHRYXVErPJ-8o9ubaqsBcSX8ALL0c6ydaWgUcOSJteXpkJo7AEo33WQBVaIKuVfO4by1l4fvnTvNf3ppm2UnVjFSWaK67h0UnXhenEhV4/s1600/hm+tropical+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwrdTetESrm3l84KDCSgkSXT69bC1UOzB64oHRYXVErPJ-8o9ubaqsBcSX8ALL0c6ydaWgUcOSJteXpkJo7AEo33WQBVaIKuVfO4by1l4fvnTvNf3ppm2UnVjFSWaK67h0UnXhenEhV4/s320/hm+tropical+dress.jpg" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">H&M Maxi Dress $19.95</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintnTKI0wYypX2fGZQbWgK68mIskQ81WGnT52d6Wf1Giud1xdNSMpRBiYK83vXt80vTj6exjfkXteHjV9F-Pah3aKurltlA5aXczpEHAVn7aAitK8I-EYztzXSyvS2lo7fDpCvYKlWnNo/s1600/hm+green+sheath+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintnTKI0wYypX2fGZQbWgK68mIskQ81WGnT52d6Wf1Giud1xdNSMpRBiYK83vXt80vTj6exjfkXteHjV9F-Pah3aKurltlA5aXczpEHAVn7aAitK8I-EYztzXSyvS2lo7fDpCvYKlWnNo/s320/hm+green+sheath+dress.jpg" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">H&M Sheath Dress $34.95</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9m7-W48U3auyBapXtY49SLbkEK_bGjI9GCjEItSHHSVb_IMr1Z2kCjyTXY2LZ4WpOKq59eQXNyr3jO4zfp6tBpLKpC8nzantWRCOXHYFbNmNfrt9Q38nQLqw8HDTloQf0O4c0lVC6Ouw/s1600/2753027500_1_1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9m7-W48U3auyBapXtY49SLbkEK_bGjI9GCjEItSHHSVb_IMr1Z2kCjyTXY2LZ4WpOKq59eQXNyr3jO4zfp6tBpLKpC8nzantWRCOXHYFbNmNfrt9Q38nQLqw8HDTloQf0O4c0lVC6Ouw/s320/2753027500_1_1_1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zara Gathered Dress $59.90<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6KwF5KDC0Y3MkGxfz3kinjkXMZkn1Si2iFUMXwsnJLegJouxQfwAbPFV6ixHu_Kb0SVp9izxeBCfFnh9ksLxqlgLZBmLX4CSUKWNZQb6-1Ss01hzDqeZTShx5bNrGL4DJWn5C6L9qJJc/s1600/4043053500_1_1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6KwF5KDC0Y3MkGxfz3kinjkXMZkn1Si2iFUMXwsnJLegJouxQfwAbPFV6ixHu_Kb0SVp9izxeBCfFnh9ksLxqlgLZBmLX4CSUKWNZQb6-1Ss01hzDqeZTShx5bNrGL4DJWn5C6L9qJJc/s320/4043053500_1_1_1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zara Dress with Cutout Sleeves $89.90</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1hzp-EThh8l9UYZdoWtju7M1hyphenhyphenvoaQLI0Rr1fZxXsgdyhQYhLo831QJekBj3T2WhNRMLMC2v2DLw9X6XaYOr3MyAjOOZwqXOvlQrjOzoj0yVqbPCC7Zif_QIzGEg1d6NEj7EmcNFxdJc/s1600/34576054-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1hzp-EThh8l9UYZdoWtju7M1hyphenhyphenvoaQLI0Rr1fZxXsgdyhQYhLo831QJekBj3T2WhNRMLMC2v2DLw9X6XaYOr3MyAjOOZwqXOvlQrjOzoj0yVqbPCC7Zif_QIzGEg1d6NEj7EmcNFxdJc/s320/34576054-02.jpg" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forever 21 Woven Sheath Dress with Belt $29.80</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tops</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGgAV1YlK_dlkL0Q8O-rpxnf53f6wu9PT5QhLrn7BWoP2jK_NKBxTD_d6nPEfZB_8n3J6RvPAlMkH5ccApzZ4wa0oCs4xebAsu7twmY5rivhuL-d9y3hJQ4V5L6wzxtKUI4bvSJYw3mo/s1600/hm+tropical+sleeveless.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGgAV1YlK_dlkL0Q8O-rpxnf53f6wu9PT5QhLrn7BWoP2jK_NKBxTD_d6nPEfZB_8n3J6RvPAlMkH5ccApzZ4wa0oCs4xebAsu7twmY5rivhuL-d9y3hJQ4V5L6wzxtKUI4bvSJYw3mo/s320/hm+tropical+sleeveless.jpg" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">H&M Blouse $17.95</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuiLO9QUPCKayb6o3JCK4yj3UIfL0L0ZJEvINgVJSGuUuuhH4SNZrtyAusUJP4b76sH-p0HavTHweBgDXMB-Yhs_ZMAfQDwOy0aE7MBvcmMofgd3BMWlq-UuvmopVgD-SxnRwuE3Q4yks/s1600/hm+draped+cowlneck+top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuiLO9QUPCKayb6o3JCK4yj3UIfL0L0ZJEvINgVJSGuUuuhH4SNZrtyAusUJP4b76sH-p0HavTHweBgDXMB-Yhs_ZMAfQDwOy0aE7MBvcmMofgd3BMWlq-UuvmopVgD-SxnRwuE3Q4yks/s320/hm+draped+cowlneck+top.jpg" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">H&M Top $17.95</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Ahd98ZGOZkdVD7vPQKliV4TFIPvyORlrTZJT5QQKt6COlUpMHSMm1baHOJUTee2ofr8RjmrPs-bJCkcIHOuFWI1oxdBjzJc552xptGtu4GRibcFP5ObysGKekGQU8AcHLYEbJT9wFWg/s1600/2157836500_1_1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Ahd98ZGOZkdVD7vPQKliV4TFIPvyORlrTZJT5QQKt6COlUpMHSMm1baHOJUTee2ofr8RjmrPs-bJCkcIHOuFWI1oxdBjzJc552xptGtu4GRibcFP5ObysGKekGQU8AcHLYEbJT9wFWg/s320/2157836500_1_1_1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Zara Blouse with Zip Front $39.90</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Extras</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmKPEa-jxQJUEUng8kyM9VhvwmxMyVMf424CI7ymonWTL_Rc3VyyvlRujdsBxy9gFu8K54wO8YgPOpC3m7e1zzmCy3O3gv7Q85Amwn4VHojyNC1JkZqxZXUKRqKmLiPvBs_6EzlNP494/s1600/1508201035_1_1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmKPEa-jxQJUEUng8kyM9VhvwmxMyVMf424CI7ymonWTL_Rc3VyyvlRujdsBxy9gFu8K54wO8YgPOpC3m7e1zzmCy3O3gv7Q85Amwn4VHojyNC1JkZqxZXUKRqKmLiPvBs_6EzlNP494/s320/1508201035_1_1_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zara Medium Height Sandal $79.90</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtLG7H4CbZgjm28UZZnG2Ra5xIK1oLWixCC-MLk5mLu3qbab7FvlfE2A7mpmY6V-xPvLtHLBwlnHFLLdbGqQ5t3hIn1yi5UonkbPokzX_LUYJjeXSDycRbF9HOyPTSXdb9_0VUbx156TY/s1600/4207204030_1_1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtLG7H4CbZgjm28UZZnG2Ra5xIK1oLWixCC-MLk5mLu3qbab7FvlfE2A7mpmY6V-xPvLtHLBwlnHFLLdbGqQ5t3hIn1yi5UonkbPokzX_LUYJjeXSDycRbF9HOyPTSXdb9_0VUbx156TY/s320/4207204030_1_1_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zara Suede Handbag $89.90<br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjqI9h0qD-Ics85XGvdntaOM39lDU9c_F8LrI_MuFvTLKbue4bMXxoTDR3T2DxpGFCKdkrVI5NyU9PDnXA0BE80ANYouOzYYXpkEzitp2vmXnrewPKhyphenhyphenljQvieYyEUnkO9d6oBMC8ryc4/s1600/F21+Mint+Heartlock+Crossbody.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjqI9h0qD-Ics85XGvdntaOM39lDU9c_F8LrI_MuFvTLKbue4bMXxoTDR3T2DxpGFCKdkrVI5NyU9PDnXA0BE80ANYouOzYYXpkEzitp2vmXnrewPKhyphenhyphenljQvieYyEUnkO9d6oBMC8ryc4/s320/F21+Mint+Heartlock+Crossbody.jpg" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forever 21 Heart Lock Shoulder Bag $24.80<br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdIoxyLRmAPxJr-AbSXY858SaQSCv3bscpD8_KG4gpojW0KnrgOAdoBub6FoKgjf0SAHXHy2uEs6z0BSrbQUqgkXrt4KZ7VGL-nMtkuM6ZJoWLXE3bA7IEUxzcoQpVrNihmhWS_fA5xE/s1600/Quadruple+Drop+Stone+Earrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdIoxyLRmAPxJr-AbSXY858SaQSCv3bscpD8_KG4gpojW0KnrgOAdoBub6FoKgjf0SAHXHy2uEs6z0BSrbQUqgkXrt4KZ7VGL-nMtkuM6ZJoWLXE3bA7IEUxzcoQpVrNihmhWS_fA5xE/s320/Quadruple+Drop+Stone+Earrings.jpg" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forever 21 Faceted Drop Earrings $4.80</td></tr>
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I hope you saw some things that you like and are inspired to incorporate this beautiful shade from nature into your wardrobe this spring. It's a color that wakes us up and provides a fresh feeling to any outfit. Have fun experimenting with the variety of shades of this happy color!</div>
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Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521215127626530431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-191739432364669669.post-84864836235712021632013-03-19T09:32:00.001-07:002013-03-19T11:09:19.699-07:00Split Personality<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">"Tell me what do they see when they look at me<br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Do they see my many personalities"</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: x-small;">- "Split Personality" by P!nk (from <i>Can't Take Me Home</i>)</span><br />
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Okay, so it's really more like multiple personalities, but I digress...<br />
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I'm one of those people who has a fear of commitment, or rather, I steer clear of commitment -- at least when it comes to clothes. I think people are too multidimensional to stick with one style. Even those of us who feel like we have the most die-hard classic sense of style are sometimes seduced by the rebellious, anarchist attitude of studs, leather, spikes, and jet jet jet-on-a-red-eye black (blackest black if you're further indulging your rocker side with liquid eyeliner). That's why sometimes you'll see me in sweats and a skirt, a motorcycle jacket with jeans and lace, or a sheath dress and pearls.<br />
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H&M - head to toe</div>
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Old Navy - cardigan, polka dot chambray shirt, polka dot Rockstar skinnies, plaid flats</div>
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H&M - navy cropped peacoat</div>
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TJ Maxx - navy quilted vegan leather chain crossbody bag</div>
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Don't be uncomfortable picking up something new just because it doesn't fit in with your normal style. Too many of us get bogged down by the expectations that we think others are putting on us. And this leads to a suppression of self. Whether it's at work and we're afraid that we'll be looked at peculiarly because we have an out-of-box idea, or whether we take an unconventional approach in meeting new people... we need to be true to ourselves and stop worrying so much about perception.<br />
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Take it from me: if I can snatch a dude's hand as he's walking by me on campus my freshman year of college, spark up a conversation about anime and occult fiction, and then be best friends with him for the next 12 years, you can do a similar feat.<br />
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Feats over fear. Split your personality. We all have more than one.<br />
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As always, thank you for reading! Stay true to you!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521215127626530431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-191739432364669669.post-25823927689698342262013-03-10T11:15:00.003-07:002013-03-10T11:27:16.006-07:00Travel Fashion by Guest Blogger Nizhoni!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;">I've got some pretty amazing friends. Ones who are super smart, super talented, and super adventurous. Though the first two definitely describe my lovely little "sis" Nizhoni, it's the adjective "adventurous" that seems to capture her spirit best. Having been out of the states for the last few years, she's traveled extensively while teaching English in South Korea, expanding her horizons culturally, physically, and fashionably. She definitely embraces the idea of "smart, simple, chic." Here, she tells you how you too can be just as adorable, comfortable, stylish, and travel-savvy as she is: all inside a backpack.</span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Packing Light 101: My tips for being a fashionable hippie backpacker<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">By Nizhoni Betley<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">February 15<sup>th</sup>, 2013 <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></span></div>
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<img alt="0.jpg" height="296" src="webkit-fake-url://43B86DB5-9893-4D66-8EB5-5EC2981A51E9/0.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Realistic Fashion While Traveling <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">As I check out the
latest photos from the celebrity gossip rags, I can’t help to notice a pregnant
Kim Kardashian sightseeing in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil with Kanye West, while
wearing a long flowy dress and strappy stilettos. Is she really climbing the
narrow cobbled stairs of the favelas in heels? How is she holding up the hem of
her long dress and taking one handed pictures with one of those enormous
National Geographic cameras? HOW? Then it strikes, me…Kim Kardashian is not <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">traveling</i>, she’s “pamper celebrity
traveling.” That means, she is doing ZERO walking. She’s basically making an appearance
in a foreign country, same as she would a club back in the states. Her
entourage is taking her to a few select sights, where they roll up in their
escalades, she gets out for a few minutes, tweets some photos, and then gets whisked
back to her 5 start hotel. This is NOT how I travel. I stay in hostels, ride
behind motorbikes, and walk EVERYWHERE. So while, I want to look cute paparazzi
ready, just like Ms. Kardashian, I need to take a more realistic approach to me
travel ensembles. That means, “I keep the heels at home.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The Backpack<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">When I travel, I only
carry one backpack. It doesn’t matter if I’m going to be gone for 2 days or 2
months. One backpack is all I ever bring. When traveling you have to be as
flexible as possible. The first step in being flexible, is having the ability
to carry everything you need. With a backpack, I don’t have to check in any
luggage, so I can go through the express check in or check myself in at the
airport. Also when the plane lands, I don’t have to go to baggage claim and
wait for my luggage and pray that it hasn’t been lost or on a flight landing at
a different time. By cutting out the baggage claim aspect of traveling, I can pretty
much get through immigration and out of an airport in 30 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Now, what exactly
goes in my backpack? Well it all depends on where I’m going. It’s much easier
to pack light when going to tropical countries. Summer clothes are generally
small and light weight, plus you don’t need too many. Let me share with you,
what I packed on a recent two week trip to Vietnam and the Philippines. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Inside my backpack, you will find:<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 pair quick dry
capri pants (military green)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 pair quick dry long
khaki pants, which can convert into capris <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 pair of jean shorts<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">2 short sleeve shirts
(cream and beige) <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 tank top (black) <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 longs sleeve shirt
(to either sleep in or use as a rash guard to avoid jellyfish stings)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 lightweight long
pair of pants to sleep in <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 hat <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 swimsuit <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">5 pairs of undies and
socks<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">2 bras<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 pair flip flops<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 pair chucks <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 rain
jacket/windbreaker<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 hoodie <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 handkerchief <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 pair brassy stud
earrings<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">2 long necklaces <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 short towel (strictly
for drying after washing)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 sarong (to wear on
occasion and use as a beach towel) <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 bag containing all
my toiletries, which definitely includes a bottle of sunscreen SPF 50. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(*note: remember all liquid containers in
carry-on luggage must fit into one clear plastic bag AND each bottle must be
under 100 ml). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 iPad for entertainment
while waiting in airports <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 day bag <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The City Trip<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The first leg of my trip was spent visiting Ho
Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Since this was a “city trip” certain items in my
backpack were used more frequently than others. For example, exploring the city
required lots of walking, therefore my trusty converses took me to sites such
as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the War Remnants museum, and the Reunification
Palace. I also wore my capris the majority of the time in Vietnam. Capris are
the most appropriate bottoms to bring while traveling. They are not as constricting
and covering as pants, but they still provide your leg with protection from the
sun and adhere to local levels of conservatism. Most Asian countries are on the
conservative side, so as a way to respect local norms as well as not draw too
much attention to yourself as a solo traveler, it is best to stick to capri pants
and tops with sleeves. Many of the temples you visit in South East Asia are
either Buddhist or Muslim. Both will require you to at least cover your arms
and legs if you want to take a look inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><img alt="0.jpg" height="296" src="webkit-fake-url://59865E05-D061-4242-B66F-4D071D6BA581/0.jpg" width="400" /></span><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The Beach Trip<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The second part of my journey was spent taking
a big boat, to a variety of deserted islands and villages in the Philippines. During
the day I snorkeled, explored see caves, laid out on white sand beaches, and
mingled with fishing village locals. While on a beach trip, there is not much
you need-a swimsuit, hat, and bottle of sunscreen is about it. You don’t even
need a beach towel. In fact, along with the high heels, go ahead and leave the
big bulky beach towel at home. Instead, invest in a sarong once you get to your
beach destination. A sarong is quick drying and can be used as a beach towel,
shawl, skirt, or dress. I used my sarong to lie out on the beach, then as a
cover up as I walked through villages and mingled with the locals. Another
indisputable key item to bring on a beach trip is a light weight long sleeve
shirt and long pants. While on a boat, these items can protect from the harsh
sun reflecting off the water, and when on the beach in the evening, they will
protect you from sand fleas and mosquitoes. Furthermore, a long sleeve shirt
can double as a rash guard to shield you from the stings of jellyfish, while
snorkeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Things to Consider:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Before packing for any trip, there are a few
things you need to take into account. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">-<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Weather/Climate</i>:
Will you be going somewhere hot or cold? Will it be during the rainy or dry
season? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">-<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Accommodations</i>:
Will you be in hostels, nice hotels, or camping? If staying in hotels, leave
the towels at home. If doing the hostel or camping scene, just bring a small hand
towel. You can always dry off in the shower stall and put your clothes on there
if you are sharing a room. The bottom line is full size towels take up valuable
space. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">-<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
local level of modesty</i>: Depending on what part of the world you are
traveling too, there will be different local standards of appropriate dress. Do
your research before you go and find out what kinds of clothes are respectful
to the culture you will be interacting with. For example, tank tops while
backing through Europe are the norm, but you will be totally out of place
wearing a tank top in let’s say---Egypt. Also keep in mind that levels of conservativeness
change from city to country side. Take care to dress even more appropriately
when taking trips to less touristy places.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">-<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Modes of
transportation you will be taking</i>: Unless you are filthy rich and/or a
celebrity, traveling is synonymous to WALKING, so bring shoes you can walk in.
Also bring a hoodie. All airports and air planes are cold regardless of their departure
and arrival locations. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Packing and Dressing Tips: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 40.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-para-margin-left: 0gd; text-indent: -20.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">l<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Try to bring “convertible clothes.” Pants that can turn into capris or
shorts are ideal. As are convertible dresses or sarongs. These items can be
manipulated in a variety of ways and be worn in many different “looks.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 40.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-para-margin-left: 0gd; text-indent: -20.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">l<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Limit the items you bring. Remember you are “traveling” not immigrating.
You don’t want to be tied down to your stuff. Plus, you are going to want to
buy souvenirs as you travel, so you will need room in your luggage for the
stuff you accumulate along the way. I love to buy kitschy t-shirts when I
travel and wear them as I go. When I get back home, I take a pair of scissors
to them and create all kinds of hipster worthy halter tops. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 40.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-para-margin-left: 0gd; text-indent: -20.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">l<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Keep the colors of the basic clothes you pack, in the neutral color
scheme. This way, you can do lots of piece mixing, and spice up your outfits
with cool local jewelry, t-shirts, hats and colorful scarves you’ll collect
along the way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">l<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Finally, remember you can always wash your clothes. Most hostels and
hotels offer some type of laundry service, and if they don’t most touristy
areas have little shops that will do your laundry. And if push comes to shove,
you can always hand wash your unmentionables and leave them in your room to dry
while you sightsee. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Leave Room in your Bag and your Heart </span></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Traveling is all about being free and open enough to leave the comfort
and familiarity of home and experience a new way of life. The best part of
traveling is being able to walk in someone else’s shoes. To do this, that means
you have to, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">metaphorically</i>, leave
your shoes at home. Pack so you have the freedom to be spontaneous and the
space to fill your backpack with souvenirs for the body, mind, and soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521215127626530431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-191739432364669669.post-53775202323383747192013-02-02T20:00:00.005-08:002013-02-02T20:18:28.037-08:00Fitting Room Options, Tips, and Fashion Fast<br />
So, it's been a month since I've started my Fashion Fast, which basically just involves me being more contemplative about the shopping choices I make. Thirty-two days of no shopping has left me feeling a lot more selective of new additions to my wardrobe. It has also left me feeling more protective of how much, where, and how often I spend hard-earned money, specifically when it comes to clothes and shoes. Luckily, I had some store credit and Christmas gift cards, so my out-of-pocket expenses for my first shopping adventure of 2013 were low.<br />
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First things first: What I wear to go shopping.<br />
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I do pretty much always wear flats when I go shopping. I also wear a dress so that it's easy-on/easy-off.<br />
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Under the dress I wear leggings (or, in this case, sweater tights) and a neutral cami for layering potential pieces.</div>
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First stop: Old Navy.</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Keepers:</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqKIFX9uKDEMXaYcjbC1twBLgV19tcewulVewyiMkEBbuz1lumWOC07osnvskY5czrvhReyARp7TfhyphenhyphenGtfCbHgFEBNpGvuMQlhTkPvqPl5UFDeTkSedvtRWKobijjS98LgD30nfON7q8/s1600/20130202_125830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqKIFX9uKDEMXaYcjbC1twBLgV19tcewulVewyiMkEBbuz1lumWOC07osnvskY5czrvhReyARp7TfhyphenhyphenGtfCbHgFEBNpGvuMQlhTkPvqPl5UFDeTkSedvtRWKobijjS98LgD30nfON7q8/s1600/20130202_125830.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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"The Diva" Bootcut Skinny Corduroy Jeans in Dark Pink size 0 (in-store sale for $7.49)</div>
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What I liked most about these jeans is that they're just a LITTLE too tight. Because the fabric tends to stretch out slightly from wash and wear, it's good to have a little "room to grow" in bottoms like this.</div>
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"Perfect" Tee in Pink Stripe size S (in-store sale for $4.99)</div>
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I always try things on at Old Navy, even if it's the same tee but in different styles. For example, there were only smalls of this shirt on the left and it fits really well. But in the V-neck version, I had to size down to an XS because the S was too loose. Though I really liked the look of the white V-neck, I didn't get it because my mom claims that I have enough white tees already! Even at $3.99, I had to submit to her voice inside my head. (I merely put the white tee up for comparison.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLunzO45VUA5mFC0BY3yyVuhS9T-VQlCsslHSEGcqDP74xh39NcNOnWVyKPCFgIAaBo3bGd71oOdbDRovD9K9fWsRH6JWuZ5IE6C9pHxpdk1xDDogfgBX1CxlwjbOAhKUVrYjAv1O4eak/s1600/20130202_130210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLunzO45VUA5mFC0BY3yyVuhS9T-VQlCsslHSEGcqDP74xh39NcNOnWVyKPCFgIAaBo3bGd71oOdbDRovD9K9fWsRH6JWuZ5IE6C9pHxpdk1xDDogfgBX1CxlwjbOAhKUVrYjAv1O4eak/s1600/20130202_130210.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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White/Navy Stripe Boatneck Tee in XS (in-store sale for $6.00)</div>
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I have been craving this nautical/Parisian/classic style top for over a year now. I really wanted to get a duplicate, but with red stripes. Alas, a poppy orange was the closest clone.</div>
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Lightweight Graphic Sweater XS in New Camel Brown (for purchase <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=10018&pid=385791&vid=1&scid=385791032" target="_blank">here</a>)<br />
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This is by far my favorite purchase from the store. I have been obsessed with J. Crew's heart graphic Tippi sweater (seen on <a href="http://www.wendyslookbook.com/2012/06/silk-shapes-knit-heart-organza-dots/" target="_blank">Wendy</a> from Wendy's Lookbook). I love the camel brown color and the subtle burst of pink in the heart. And it's long enough that I can wear thick leggings on relaxed day. J. Crew's was originally priced at $88.00. This gem is $24.94 and will probably go on sale closer to Valentine's Day, but I figured it'll get snatched up quickly so I paid full price.</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Goodbyes</span></b></div>
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Dolman Top in XS (in-store sale for $17.00); Diva Jeans in size 2 (in-store clearance for $8.99)</div>
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Both of these items were ill-fitting, especially when paired together. The top wasn't too bad, but the stripes made me appear wider than I am. I wish the jeans fit because the wash was great. But clearly the rear was loose and sit awkwardly on my lower half. </div>
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V-Neck Softest Sweater in XS for $29.94 (you can purchase in several colors <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=79757&vid=1&pid=384905012" target="_blank">here</a>)</div>
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I liked this sweater but I couldn't justify the price tag. I also like that it can be belted and it's not so close to my skin color that I get washed out. It's lightweight and about 1 inch higher in the front than in the back, which evens out once the sweater reaches my backside. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Save for Later</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=91339&vid=1&pid=330717002" target="_blank">Sleeveless Crepe Dress in Heart Print XS for $29.94</a></div>
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I think this dress is SO sweet! As a petite woman with a young face, it can be tricky to pull off whimsical prints. This one doesn't fit perfectly, admittedly, but it's close enough that with a belt or a small alteration, it will be worth purchasing when it's on sale. Even though the dress is not terribly expensive, I'm confident the print will make this dress go on sale for Valentine's Day. So I'll just wait a couple of weeks and hope that I'm right!</div>
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Second stop: TJ Maxx.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>The Keepers:</b></span></div>
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Cynthia Rowley Colorblock Dress in XS for $29.99</div>
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Sheer Black with Beige Crosses Blouse in XS for $14.99</div>
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This colorblock dress is my favorite purchase overall. It gives me curves from the front, which is ideal since all of my curvature is from the side. The dress is a little wide in the hips and low on the waistline, but nothing a quick alteration couldn't fix. It's stretchy and loose enough fit a thin blouse underneath it, which I also bought.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwa1Mjq_ieyS8gZQbk8V9y2mHEhod_8ypNgMj6hMKqVT6zNwux_6R7in9YiToNgjpxKh-wnTWlMkqMA2GGYFxbaQIJFPjCiczysqe02l80z3mvxnN5Vrw1ZC-gLejmAhQkZpPqa-0pz3w/s1600/20130202_135143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwa1Mjq_ieyS8gZQbk8V9y2mHEhod_8ypNgMj6hMKqVT6zNwux_6R7in9YiToNgjpxKh-wnTWlMkqMA2GGYFxbaQIJFPjCiczysqe02l80z3mvxnN5Vrw1ZC-gLejmAhQkZpPqa-0pz3w/s1600/20130202_135143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwa1Mjq_ieyS8gZQbk8V9y2mHEhod_8ypNgMj6hMKqVT6zNwux_6R7in9YiToNgjpxKh-wnTWlMkqMA2GGYFxbaQIJFPjCiczysqe02l80z3mvxnN5Vrw1ZC-gLejmAhQkZpPqa-0pz3w/s1600/20130202_135143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>Fun & Flirt Dress in XS for $19.99</div>
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This dress is KILLER! I think it is SO sexy but just conservative enough. The bust line panels conceal enough of my chest that I feel comfortable not using double stick tape to lock the girls into place. And the mesh back is black so it feels less scandalous and more seductive. The peplum downplays the attention brought to my rear by the bodycon-style fabric, and the length of the hem keeps it from looking like I belong on a street corner or a pole. </div>
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Tahari A-line Dress in Aqua for $59.99 in size 2 (originally sold for $238.00 retail)</div>
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I have been searching for a dress like this since I first saw it on <a href="http://www.extrapetite.com/2012/03/asos-petite-blue-peplum-cocktail-dress.html" target="_blank">Jean</a> last year. This dress is supposed to fit like a sheath, but given my straight and narrow figure, it fits more like an A-line dress. As this is a simple alteration (up the hemline, take in the sides sheath-style), I'll be back to pick it up once I've coordinated with my mom (AKA: the best tailor/seamstress/designer I have the fortune of knowing) that the process won't take more than an afternoon of her valuable time.</div>
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Whew! Sorry for such a long post, but I LOVED taking the time to reasonably think through my purchases and weigh the pros and cons. Given that I mostly used gift cards to purchase my items today, my out-of-pocket expense was about $35 ($10.50 at Old Navy and $25 at TJ Maxx). I was able to get 8 pieces total (two of which were not photographed from Old Navy). I'm stoked for my next finds, but am eager to coordinate these newest items with my closet staples.</div>
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As always, THANK YOU FOR READING!!</div>
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<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521215127626530431noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-191739432364669669.post-12913328538251264392012-12-30T15:08:00.000-08:002012-12-30T21:35:31.040-08:00Fashion Fast 2013I'm not a shopaholic. I'm not a hoarder. I'm not addicted to shopping. <br />
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But I do have a clothing habit! And no, I'm not trying to be euphemistic and prettify any problem I may have. After watching "My Shopping Addiction" and reading numerous articles and psychology texts, I can safely say that "addiction" would be a stretch.<br />
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But for some people, shopping, whether it's for clothes, shoes, beauty products, food, technology, trinkets, etc. is a way of feeling powerful again. It's a way of feeling in control. It's a dangerous counseling tool (retail therapy, anyone?) that we sometimes use as an excuse for remedying a bad day. The latter has been my issue before. <br />
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With a demanding job, several moves, personal life changes, and emotionally-paralyzing tragedies in the last few years, I simply couldn't find the energy to invest in anything that made me feel better. I would work out, but not stick to it. I started writing again, but it was all depressing and self-deprecating. I attempted to lose myself in the worlds of fiction, but found it overwhelming to read at work (as a teacher), read my students' assignments, read books for class, and then read recreationally. <br />
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So I shopped.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhflk24QhqAN3xHYF0uyroZmAIkBxIrq311CBGizyOThSLIFWTzMm0AHqK_H6OhwFUEFn0DmM55IsmHr-iLO-gmcY3x-j9AwBqRBLhLfoaB3BXXKfvHPea6XSWxDm8Oe9n_4dpx8IG2k3g/s1600/20120917_132744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhflk24QhqAN3xHYF0uyroZmAIkBxIrq311CBGizyOThSLIFWTzMm0AHqK_H6OhwFUEFn0DmM55IsmHr-iLO-gmcY3x-j9AwBqRBLhLfoaB3BXXKfvHPea6XSWxDm8Oe9n_4dpx8IG2k3g/s320/20120917_132744.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At H&M September 2012 (bought the dress: $20)</td></tr>
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And usually I felt better. Coming from a family of fashionistas, I always strived to look nice. I enjoyed (and <em>still</em> enjoy) being put together and trying out new looks. I got a fashion design kit from my Aunt Kim in sixth grade and haven't been the same since. My mom went to FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising) and always looked like a perfectly coiffed woman suitable for the cover of <em>Elle</em> or <em>InStyle</em> (my personal favorites as a teen and a now near-thirty-something). Looking good wasn't a priority. It was a passion. I can't draw or sculpt or sew or paint, but I love art. And this was the only way I knew how to make any that I was proud of. Color combinations. Mixing prints. Multiple textures. I love all of it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">December 2012 - Sweater: Target ($15); Pants: H&M ($12.95); Patent Loafers: Express ($6.99 on sale); Black Wool Coat: H&M ($30 on sale - they still have outerwear for $30 and under!)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Dress: Xhilaration by Target (old); Shoes: Enzo Angiolini ($60 on sale at Nordstrom); Earrings: Target ($3.49 on clearance)</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hooded Brown Vegan Leather Jacket: TJ Maxx ($24.99); Orange and Brown Leopard/Zebra Scarf: TJ Maxx ($12.99)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Dress: H&M ($20 on sale); White tank: Forever21 ($2.50); Tweed Open Collarless Blazer: H&M ($34.95); Nude Patent Pumps: Target ($29.99)</span> </div>
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But when is it enough? I have Pinterest boards filled with outfit ideas. A photo album of favorite looks. A notebook of potential wardrobe combinations. I even have a list posted of things that still have the tags on them so I can force myself to wear them. But as I near that "something" age I parenthetically referred to earlier, I feel a pull to spend (or save) my money elsewhere. I want a house. I want to travel. I want a laptop that was not provided by the State Board of Education (well, I quite like the one they are letting me use, but a personal one is preferable, yes). I want to not work during the summer so I can concentrate on writing my novel.<br />
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And so the Fashion Fast was created. Last year I didn't shop for six months (December 2011 - May 2012) and it was a revealing time. I changed a lot in my life --- moved to a new apartment outside of the city, got a dog (Munki HarleyQuinn Morgendorfer, below), got rid of TV (Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube, baby!), cut some people out of my life, started writing again, and went outdoors more. I got clinically diagnosed with ADHD and my doctor urged me to start a diet, lifestyle, and meditation plan that has worked WONDERS for me.<br />
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And, alas, it's that time of year again. Many people make New Years resolutions that are hard to keep. "Lose 50 pounds." "Exercise 3-4 times per week." "Travel to 'insert international destination.'" "Become a rock star." "Stop blaming my parents, ex-boyfriends, and employers for all of my problems. We know it's society's bias against single women that's holding me back anyway! This year I will be a WOMAN: hear me ROAR!" But the Fashion Fast isn't really a resolution. It's more of a goal to restructure where my money goes. Will I still shop? Yes, most likely. But it will be a lot more carefully and with this fact in mind: "The average person spends 4% of their net salary on their wardrobe." If you net $40k a year, that means you're probably spending around $1500-1600 on clothes (though let's be honest, it's probably closer to $2000 when you factor in beauty products and hair care, INCLUDING trips to the salon!). <br />
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Cut that in half to $750. What would you do with an extra $750? You'd at least be able to afford that international flight. You could invest in a dream you've always had. And maybe you won't be a rock star, but you could pretend on your new Xbox360 Rock Band game.<br />
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Let's not have the "revelation" of one of pop culture's favorite spenders: Carrie Bradshaw.<br />
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I'll update regularly with outfits, money spent on clothes/shoes/accessories/beauty/hair, and trends in the new year. Let's just hope I'm also telling you all how much I love not working this upcoming summer as well :)</div>
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DISCLAIMER: I do NOT net $40,000 a year :-) I'm a 3rd year public school teacher. 'Nuff said. </div>
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Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521215127626530431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-191739432364669669.post-68719210902146175092012-12-09T17:48:00.004-08:002012-12-09T17:48:43.991-08:00Classic Combo: Cardi and Pencil SkirtEarlier this week I did NOT feel like putting together my weekly work wardrobe. And every morning involved dragging myself from the island of my bed to the tundra of the outside. And while I try to figure out why my heating has not cut on yet, I've been doubling up on sweaters and wearing leggings under my fleece pajama pants when I dare brave the hardwood floors of my apartment. Needless to say, my outfits have suffered as of late and I have not felt inclined to step by game back up, though I did have one day of triumph (that came out of laziness).<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Cardigan: Express ($31.99 after sale and coupon); Lace Tank: H&M ($5.95); Poppy orange pencil skirt : H&M ($24.95); Black belt with bow: Forever 21 ($4.90); Black patent peep-toe with tortoise shell heels: Steve Madden (old)</span></div>
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I put together this outfit simply because it was the end of a brief encounter with warm weather (72 hours of above 50-degree temps) and because it required no ironing. Forgive the wide eyes. It was the end of an 8-hour day with my 7th graders, who had spent most of the time having a debate about why we should or should not have more reading time in class. Ikidyounot. The verdict: one class voted to keep the 12-minute standard and the others have been bumped up to 15 minutes. One of my students decided that after he'd said his piece, he'd take a stab at portraiture and handed me this 3-minute sketch at the ringing of the bell.<br />
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Karl Lagerfeld should hunt him down, right? ;-)</div>
<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521215127626530431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-191739432364669669.post-16877848651126388332012-11-21T16:03:00.000-08:002012-11-21T16:15:58.867-08:00Fashion Fast... Duds Diet... Shopping Shrinkage...Two weekends ago I was extremely bored. Not because I didn't have anything to do, but rather, with the weather cooling off and the sunlight hours shrinking, I found myself trying to avoid the tedium of grading papers, planning lessons, watching Netflix, and taking Munki outside to play (yes, even running around with my pup has grown into a chore). I did on Saturday what I typically reserve for a Sunday nightcap -- planning my work wardrobe for the week. And as I shoved dresses, shirts, sweaters, slacks, etc. across the long railing of my half-wall closet I noticed that a large number of items still had the tags on them.<br />
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Curious to see what I had still left unworn, I cleared my bed and began tossing hanger after hanger of items that still bore black and white rectangles against their fabric. In the end I had covered my queen size comforter with nearly two dozen unworn duds. And the common denominator: most of these items were on either end of the "hidden" part of my closet. My closet has "accordion" doors, meaning that the two middle doors unfold to the left and right, leaving about two feet of blind spots of clothes. Even though my closet is color-coded, the left is reserved for whites, ivories, and eggshells, while the left is reserved for black, black, and blackest black, which make up the bulk of my wardrobe. In response to this revelation, I did what I didn't think I'd have room to do: I swapped out closets.<br />
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My bedroom is blessed with two spaces for storage: a half-wall closet and a walk-in closet. The walk-in is about 25 square feet (5' x 5') with built-in shelves along one corner and one shelf atop each railing on the left and right. Given that my wardrobe was given its own driving shift during my move last winter, I was convinced that my normal, everyday items would not fit in this "small space." So I left it for special occasion, party, and slightly more fashionable fare.<br />
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Someone should have slapped me upside the head for that one.<br />
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After three hours of transfer and reorganization, I'd created the closest thing I'd ever had to my dream closet. I'd moved one of my matching dressers into the closet, making it a one-stop spot for my dressing needs. The dresser also gave me a space to put my jewelry. Currently in a Caboodle, my necklaces, earrings, and bracelets were having massive separation anxiety, resulting in two hours of detangling beads, chains, hooks, and stones. But the end result was the disposal of earrings with no match, broken necklaces with no hope of reconciliation, and tarnished, torn, and tattered odds and ends.<br />
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Now I have a space where I can see just about everything, making it easier for me to coordinate outfits, not make duplicate purchases, and also seek out the chance to wear EVERYTHING. In the upcoming year I am going to attempt to put myself on a strict shopping diet. When I look at bloggers like <a href="http://extrapetite.com/" target="_blank">Jean</a> and <a href="http://wendyslookbook.com/" target="_blank">Wendy</a>, I see them repeat pieces but not outfits. Jean even has a post on her blog about how she regulates her spending. And after reading this <a href="http://www.learnvest.com/knowledge-center/budgeting-for-work-clothing-what-percent-of-net-income/" target="_blank">LearnVest</a> article about appropriately spending your funds on wardrobe updates, I feel more determined to reel in my shopping habit. You can still count on fun fashion flicks on here! Just maybe you'll be seeing a blouse more than once or twice ;-)Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521215127626530431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-191739432364669669.post-35618621800870747832012-10-14T20:29:00.004-07:002012-10-14T20:29:58.496-07:00Smart: Battle GearIt has been MUCH too long since I've written. The tidal wave of teaching knocked me down deep, leaving me drowning in an ocean of real-world responsibility. I have finally surfaced for air, only to find that I now have a mountain to climb off the shore of that ocean, and I haven't even reached base camp 1.<br />
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So, as I prepare to ascend this most recent butte of challenges, I feel like I need some sort of armor to protect me from all of the land mines I could potentially step across. Good thing the military trend is one of the top looks for the fall.<br />
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When I saw Burberry's fall/winter collection I almost traded in my new varsity motorcycle jacket for the British brand's peplum military-inspired number. And the coordinating cascading asymmetrical ruffle of the denim pencil skirt? You would think it would be too much flounce, too much poof, but it's justtherightamount of femininity on these tougher pieces. I need H&M or Topshop or Zara to do some sort of knockoff of this skirt so that I can pretend that my body curves in the same way the fabric does.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Burberry F/W 2012</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LNjyG0X-reYVNwFQQD82T9WLEclgsjV5QOUO2Xt10e2eOsd8wJzdZQ7qqQhBO_B6YlrEUcxE5olSV6_N7QI5vtxY40rBtKkNcCLjKPqXuKZF-DdMRCdaMjAuMOlj66Q0ahE-cBDQ1fA/s1600/victoria-beckham-fall-2012-rtw-military-style-dress-profile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LNjyG0X-reYVNwFQQD82T9WLEclgsjV5QOUO2Xt10e2eOsd8wJzdZQ7qqQhBO_B6YlrEUcxE5olSV6_N7QI5vtxY40rBtKkNcCLjKPqXuKZF-DdMRCdaMjAuMOlj66Q0ahE-cBDQ1fA/s400/victoria-beckham-fall-2012-rtw-military-style-dress-profile.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Victoria Beckham F/W 2012</span></div>
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As the new week approaches, I can feel the shift of life. It makes me contemplate what I'm prepared for, what I can handle. And I'm reminded of something I heard before that seems fitting: "Sometimes it's so easy to say no." And I think for a lot of people, including myself, it's true. Sometimes it IS easier to say no. Because you think it's going to be hard or that you're not ready for it or that you won't succeed or any of the other excuses you can think of to keep you right where you are: comfortable. Even if where you are is painful at least the pain is familiar. It isn't until we push ourselves out of that comfort zone, venture to something new -- a new job, a new city, a new relationship, a new home, a new hobby -- that we feel a different kind of pain: that of growth.<br />
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At least I'll look good while doing it ;)<br />
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Altuzarra F/W 2012</div>
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Now approaching Base Camp 1. Expect an update in 72 hours :-)Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521215127626530431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-191739432364669669.post-73839429691374174202012-08-11T10:57:00.002-07:002012-08-11T11:00:51.640-07:00Dog Park Prep<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Munki is a fan of pretending like she's going to be Speedy Gonzalez if I take her to the dog park in the afternoon. She scratches at the door, whines incessantly, and looks up at me with those big caramel eyes, imploring me to leash her up and drive her down. But alas, when we reach the park, instead of being like that Mexican mouse she is more like cat-and-mouse (sad for a dog). She runs for a good three seconds while another dog chases her and then flops on her belly under a bench in submission. This has earned her the nickname "Punki Munki" and I am left to leave only my wardrobe as some kind of hope for redemption.</div>
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Shirt: H&M $12.95</div>
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Shorts (old): H&M</div>
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Belt: Banana Republic $9.99 on sale</div>
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Purse: H&M $24.95</div>
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Shoes: Express $13.99 on sale</div>
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Sunnies: H&M $6.95</div>
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Bracelet (old but just took the tag off!): Forever 21</div>
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Scarf: TJ Maxx for $12.95</div>
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"Come on, mama! Let's go!!!"</div>
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I get a LOT of stares when I wear these to the dog park but I don't care! You can be chic even when you're picking up your pet's poop!</div>
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<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521215127626530431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-191739432364669669.post-63086386117626256692012-08-09T11:01:00.000-07:002012-08-09T11:01:28.316-07:00Last Days of Casual<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">With the new school year quickly approaching, I have been running out of casual options to wear without doing a new load of laundry. When work resumes on Monday I'll be back to more structured, but still fun, attire but snapped shots of my "outfits" from Sunday and Monday. I'll try to snap a pic or two of today's outfit as well (if it warrants a photo in the first place). </span></div>
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Dress: H&M $12.95</div>
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Hat: H&M $7.95</div>
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Sandals (old): Gap</div>
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The ultimate in casual: hat and pigtails</div>
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Shirt (old): Express</div>
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Shorts: H&M $24.95</div>
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Belt: Betsey Johnson at Marshalls $12.99</div>
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Bag: Deux Lux at TJ Maxx $39.99</div>
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Wedges (old): Nine West</div>
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On Monday I went into school to meet the new principal and make sure I'm still in my same classroom as last year. I wanted to look professional but still able to climb on tables, move furniture, and put up materials if need be. </div>
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This is my first time wearing this belt. It's a bit big on me, which is why it's sitting outside of my belt loops, but I love the metal ladybugs so much!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghmt35Pa4uii8tZXgZfxohacwP6bVRz4VbaUerLeebRAcOZcNTwvFzq6be8Fn9yhhyphenhyphen2hXMhD-Bl_VgKUfkuy3ucN2HjvrF2k1XyMfxJpLv8Xc8oUq_VSICmBflAZ3PqTCtKVntG2I4b8k/s1600/20120806_105657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghmt35Pa4uii8tZXgZfxohacwP6bVRz4VbaUerLeebRAcOZcNTwvFzq6be8Fn9yhhyphenhyphen2hXMhD-Bl_VgKUfkuy3ucN2HjvrF2k1XyMfxJpLv8Xc8oUq_VSICmBflAZ3PqTCtKVntG2I4b8k/s320/20120806_105657.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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One of my favorite pairs of wedges! I got them at Nine West about 4 years ago and wear them all the time every summer.</div>
<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521215127626530431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-191739432364669669.post-17935335466895295502012-07-10T08:06:00.002-07:002012-07-10T08:15:15.129-07:00Lounging in Leopard<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm not dead! Haha, I promise that my absence is warranted. I adopted a puppy and it's taking A LOT to train her. Most days, or nights, I guess, I only get about 4 hours of sleep. She's going through the terrible teething phase and is learning how to play without biting so she's been driving me quite mad. But I love her nonetheless. Hopefully these PuppyK classes will kick her butt into gear! And give me some tips on how to continue training at home, since my feeble attempts are costing me more in paper towels and pet odor remover (for the not-so-occasional "accidents") than dog food.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>My Mess-maker: Munki </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>(full name: Munki HarleyQuinn Morgendorffer)</i></span></div>
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<i>4th of July</i></div>
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<i>At the dog park</i></div>
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<i>On the way to her new home!</i></div>
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<i>Bye-bye Rescue League! Thanks for taking</i></div>
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<i>good care of my new little lady!</i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I did manage to get out once since getting Munki. My friend/neighbor/co-worker/Munki-wrangler and I went to see the Oscar-worthy performance of Channing Tatum in "Magic Mike." It was pretty bad, despite all of the eye candy, but it made for good laughs, good future inside jokes, and a good excuse to nom some Cheesecake Factory eats to erase the memory of the previous two hours. I also managed to get together a casual and cute outfit, experimenting with brights against a neutral animal print palette.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521215127626530431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-191739432364669669.post-30271237224037687442012-06-26T20:59:00.004-07:002012-07-10T08:17:43.010-07:00First Half of the Week: In Pictures<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Happy mid-week, everyone! I hope you've been able to keep your head above water and your bodies cool as we try to get over this hump!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After having just the memory of a social life it was nice to spend most of the weekend out of the house. To celebrate the best decade of music, my friends had a 90's R&B party where Tupac, Biggie, and Mary J. Blige were on heavy rotation. I secretly hoped for a rebellious sampling of Smashing Pumpkins or Soundgarden, or at least some Nirvana. That's okay. That's what Pandora is for.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">At the party I got to discreetly (meaning, shove my foot in everyone's faces) display my latest shoe purchase. Surprisingly it came from H&M, a coolly color-blocked chunky platform sandal. It almost reads as a neutral and pop-of-color all in one, for an equally cool $34.95. As I raise my hand in scout's honor fashion I must confess that the heels are a half size too large. I've attempted to remedy this by sticking a Dr. Scholl's style cushion in the sole of the shoe. All this has accomplished is the appearance of a detachable tumor under the ball of my foot. But alas, the tags have been removed and I am still committed to turn it into a Cinderella stepsister deal and will MAKE it fit.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0GZVPx63blWQtWZkNkjAi-UIvZA1UUHJ9QTNUGcPagoYC9-1tChxGuwRd8WJldHYYHW4tpgW28flQoRLy07wjOzSCo6olLklhoaoaT1Bufxo-knG29zgo_bc6cVpxqEmI8QxK_Hk1Q9I/s1600/20120623_210928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0GZVPx63blWQtWZkNkjAi-UIvZA1UUHJ9QTNUGcPagoYC9-1tChxGuwRd8WJldHYYHW4tpgW28flQoRLy07wjOzSCo6olLklhoaoaT1Bufxo-knG29zgo_bc6cVpxqEmI8QxK_Hk1Q9I/s320/20120623_210928.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPfkMBbeCh_D85KlrZouW-lMVPo-Kso-1hc8Gq-OxuxO9HEG7z5BuP1fYpoQCKHsyvfOnlt1ODCRy7C7yFq0kLoRIWI3w0_O3gizxQ73A-3TQ6QA7ZwmK_4fQTZt59x7VFl0UqmQayk8/s1600/20120623_210907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPfkMBbeCh_D85KlrZouW-lMVPo-Kso-1hc8Gq-OxuxO9HEG7z5BuP1fYpoQCKHsyvfOnlt1ODCRy7C7yFq0kLoRIWI3w0_O3gizxQ73A-3TQ6QA7ZwmK_4fQTZt59x7VFl0UqmQayk8/s320/20120623_210907.jpg" width="240" /></a> </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As for the rest of the week, there was a mix of a day out for lunch, a day out for dinner, a visit to my parents', and a quick check-up with my doctor. And the always comical UPS man (who is a dead ringer for a retirement-age Joker) brought me my beautiful Amrita Singh bag that I purchased for $39, originally $250, on Hautelook. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqeqco4MJXgAwaZz7a_ZcqStSxNvaiNcHWMiKugRO1OE0opNupe3JZ9t73S0Y73HY5MwxAw13B_euSBvgkQoV7rvOkUm6QqWTZ_H96DMnxSM2Sytb69E6yyxuue_VvVLTjMXQMhCErEY/s1600/Amrita+Singh+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqeqco4MJXgAwaZz7a_ZcqStSxNvaiNcHWMiKugRO1OE0opNupe3JZ9t73S0Y73HY5MwxAw13B_euSBvgkQoV7rvOkUm6QqWTZ_H96DMnxSM2Sytb69E6yyxuue_VvVLTjMXQMhCErEY/s640/Amrita+Singh+bag.jpg" width="185" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My new Amrita Singh</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQ61sHx9OzGogsxi5tAyoK8Oq8aJNBR2oxuLAkqN3TpSNWfisgPQbdphfCgmaKk6vZ6ZD8gkEtiXQzMb59ppuYI2tF8MMPomOWuCxFSEFZNUrx7EcSM89vJxcHVlbbv-vub5wVl-fzJU/s1600/06.26.12+Home+Visit+Outfit.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQ61sHx9OzGogsxi5tAyoK8Oq8aJNBR2oxuLAkqN3TpSNWfisgPQbdphfCgmaKk6vZ6ZD8gkEtiXQzMb59ppuYI2tF8MMPomOWuCxFSEFZNUrx7EcSM89vJxcHVlbbv-vub5wVl-fzJU/s640/06.26.12+Home+Visit+Outfit.png" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Outside of my parents' house<br />with another Coach purchase!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxYX_9Ex1H9aGLl-UkoTyc0wLXZyDKvP1rplgBYXAfqxO542E608ii1bD8610yGCAVhyCZv9ztKCKumhf53r4jlHa1SrI61Yt3QocdrY4Q7maISUZTRdvmMWb-wrcqDv9swDAn2E3dHM/s1600/Coach+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxYX_9Ex1H9aGLl-UkoTyc0wLXZyDKvP1rplgBYXAfqxO542E608ii1bD8610yGCAVhyCZv9ztKCKumhf53r4jlHa1SrI61Yt3QocdrY4Q7maISUZTRdvmMWb-wrcqDv9swDAn2E3dHM/s320/Coach+bag.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Guilty pleasure purchase, $95, down from $330</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqM65Ojvq154xNnVCDAPkHxwWmeQHPvdmNKdyyhIrEAhwf-IS5j4qEa4ebuT2ufFNawhstHPUIQIhDNmOfS16oCoXybdSh0GsUZ6oA0Zrq5iQLwmZe1NW8TtPPubAVTrX3A7XMf3FzGA/s1600/Lunch+06.24.12+Outfit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqM65Ojvq154xNnVCDAPkHxwWmeQHPvdmNKdyyhIrEAhwf-IS5j4qEa4ebuT2ufFNawhstHPUIQIhDNmOfS16oCoXybdSh0GsUZ6oA0Zrq5iQLwmZe1NW8TtPPubAVTrX3A7XMf3FzGA/s1600/Lunch+06.24.12+Outfit.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUH8ohsoXxtPgk8o1lhyj-vAMFNd6AKhYzd_MFF3Iw0309nWxT8XKrcNtV2OJtpgPTrWEisFNIsJ2VZiK9dmDqQFObtBZ3MkpGrYR_KRafr1IGSpWCO3c0_GxBi8sAB12OfNLiX31Jg_c/s1600/90s+Party+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUH8ohsoXxtPgk8o1lhyj-vAMFNd6AKhYzd_MFF3Iw0309nWxT8XKrcNtV2OJtpgPTrWEisFNIsJ2VZiK9dmDqQFObtBZ3MkpGrYR_KRafr1IGSpWCO3c0_GxBi8sAB12OfNLiX31Jg_c/s640/90s+Party+1.jpg" width="152" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Let's get through the rest of this week, loves! Enjoy yourselves!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">xxoo,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Kristen</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521215127626530431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-191739432364669669.post-70615334389065946132012-06-21T10:32:00.002-07:002012-06-21T10:46:22.026-07:00Polka Dots and Prints<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xu8ZW1jLF28/T-HKmV5B_-I/AAAAAAAAAIc/KWHkGRUQHss/s1600/20120620_090517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xu8ZW1jLF28/T-HKmV5B_-I/AAAAAAAAAIc/KWHkGRUQHss/s320/20120620_090517.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RGKrPFsNGW8/T-HJu1FbHsI/AAAAAAAAAHI/xcXrOhROuqc/s1600/20120620_090123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RGKrPFsNGW8/T-HJu1FbHsI/AAAAAAAAAHI/xcXrOhROuqc/s320/20120620_090123.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Top: Express (old); Skirt: H&M for $24.95; Jacket: Express (old); Belt: from an Express dress; Heels: Steve Madden (old); Purse: H&M for $24.95; Sunnies: purchased at TJ Maxx for $7.99; Earrings: Target for $4.99</span></div>
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So my car decided to be AWESOME and have a flat tire. Apparently running over screws in your parking lot results in deflation. After DIY attempts with said-tire, I decided that like with most things that malfunction in my life, it was best to seek the assistance of a professional. Of course I did not realize my handiwork was defunct until after I'd already gotten ready to attend my teaching workshop for the day. The result above is what colleagues would have seen had I not thought that I was a master grease monkey the night before. At least I was able to snap a couple of pics before slipping back into shorts and a tee.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d7CRYpiaTjI/T-Ef-YX6BHI/AAAAAAAAAG8/Dt19-QgX0cg/s1600/20120619_205722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d7CRYpiaTjI/T-Ef-YX6BHI/AAAAAAAAAG8/Dt19-QgX0cg/s320/20120619_205722.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The night before I went to show my support for OKC (and DC native Kevin Durant) with my friend Andrea at a local bar. Here, we do the ever-classy pose of "fish face."</div>
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I had a love affair with Andrea's earrings until I realize that, as with men, that love was unrequited and they chose to stay with Andrea (who gets "all da menz" anyway :-P)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ko2HHGFSSbE/T-EXNF-ZocI/AAAAAAAAAGk/hCX31DKmYkQ/s1600/20120619_201935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ko2HHGFSSbE/T-EXNF-ZocI/AAAAAAAAAGk/hCX31DKmYkQ/s320/20120619_201935.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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How I used my "brain" for this outfit: </div>
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I <u>love</u> OKC's colors because they are opposites on the color wheel and shows a definitive contrast, which is pleasing to the eye. A warm color (such as my orange) is paired with a cool color (my blue) and communicates balance. It also communicates anti-LeBron. :-)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aa1quCl8RPM/T-ELdO0n7oI/AAAAAAAAAGM/L8kdHDsScBQ/s1600/1340148557409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aa1quCl8RPM/T-ELdO0n7oI/AAAAAAAAAGM/L8kdHDsScBQ/s320/1340148557409.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Dress: Pink Crayon, purchased at TJ Maxx for $20; Wedge Sandals: Express (on sale for $13.99!!!); Purse: Deux Lux purchased at Marshall's for $40; Sunnies: Franco Sarto, purchased at TJ Maxx for $10</span></div>
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Now, because I'm not a huge OKC fan nor a crazed face-painting man who shouts obscenities for every play of the game, I tried to think of a way to communicate my team preference in a subdued manner. Hence the blue with orange polka dots dress. Throw in a blue bag, heels, and sunglasses that I didn't even realize were the same color (don't you love when that happens?) and you get that you shouldn't ask me what I think of the Heat's #6. </div>
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Hope everyone's enjoying the Playoffs!</div>
<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521215127626530431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-191739432364669669.post-23306919412200627502012-06-17T21:16:00.003-07:002012-06-18T09:27:02.526-07:00Mad for Plaid<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Today is Father's Day and I spent mine with my fam, minus my brother who kept running up and down the stairs trying to avoid contact with anyone with the same last name. I knew I'd be spending most of my evening navigating the various grill selections my mother had spent the morning preparing: ribs, burgers, chicken... Also knowing that she was making her (as yet to be awarded) famous potato salad I opted for an ensemble that was both cute but casual. Once I realized I'd have to WALK to my nearest auto store to get the repair stuff needed to fix my Beau (that is, my navy sedan), I swapped my espadrille wedges for gold Coach sneaks. The plaid camp shirt makes me think of all things summer, including Dippin' Dots on the boardwalk of Bethany Beach. The shorts were a way to anchor the brightness of the shirt, since neutrals balance an outfit. Accessories were kept simple, just a pair of flower-shaped earrings in a sunny gold tone. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Now all I need is a sweet tea and some stories about the old days...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>In the foyer of my parents' house</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgu4iuSMKAUybm15zu4ZO5sXud5uJTNFP2PMi4CkS6B-ikre-Il6qqaDbw7kk7HaW2Q7_GXmc0g7MRQh_FV5LAsz4qO-fYVl4NMK1MLlGmkvBGjCfXsefKyMHdKQbjmU-_wFE507UqhY/s1600/IMG_20120617_202114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgu4iuSMKAUybm15zu4ZO5sXud5uJTNFP2PMi4CkS6B-ikre-Il6qqaDbw7kk7HaW2Q7_GXmc0g7MRQh_FV5LAsz4qO-fYVl4NMK1MLlGmkvBGjCfXsefKyMHdKQbjmU-_wFE507UqhY/s320/IMG_20120617_202114.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiw8uncSsGVBEwwyXkI42RzuTBWhbL6I9m8cvmi5I8hLntLQGA5Idh0WSbKGVcbnKToa-DKstdy4O611WH3oYkGSGcExN0qODvY1b5VAdveyQHH_FEOBv-LfzJ8NsIi7mFmXoEU2zUZek/s1600/IMG_20120617_175151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiw8uncSsGVBEwwyXkI42RzuTBWhbL6I9m8cvmi5I8hLntLQGA5Idh0WSbKGVcbnKToa-DKstdy4O611WH3oYkGSGcExN0qODvY1b5VAdveyQHH_FEOBv-LfzJ8NsIi7mFmXoEU2zUZek/s320/IMG_20120617_175151.jpg" title="" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL THE FATHERS WHO TAKE CARE OF THEIR FAMILIES, AND TO ALL THE WOMEN WHO STEP UP AND TAKE CARE OF BOTH ROLES!</span></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521215127626530431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-191739432364669669.post-18242194966728347732012-06-16T21:24:00.001-07:002012-06-17T15:44:26.784-07:00WATERCOLOR<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">When I was 19 I fell in love with the diluted world of Claude Monet. His seemingly haphazard brush strokes created beautiful images of nature on previously blank canvases. That's what I love about this dress. The mix of purples, dark pinks, greys, and even the faintest tint of green are a soft cascade of color across an on-trend hi-lo hemline. The shoes were a last minute addition. Originally opting for nude strappies, I took a chance and slid on these Enzo Angiolini pumps I recently scored at the Nordstrom Half-Yearly. My favorite sales girl dropped her mouth into a surprised "O" when she saw me ask for the mate from the sales rack. Someone had JUST returned them, they were the only pair, and, at $44.90, they were 50% off of the original price. Throw in my Forever 21 clutch from four years ago ($9 price tag) and it was the ideal balance of shine and chic</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><b>Dress</b></span>: Necessary Objects at Marshall's for $24.99 (similar feel <a href="http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=dress_maxi&ProductID=2000040624&VariantID=" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.lulus.com/products/costa-blanca-secret-forest-print-maxi-dress/47237.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><b>Shoes</b></span>: <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/enzo-angiolini-mistle-pump/3314706?origin=PredictiveSearch&fashionColor=&resultback=2197" target="_blank">Enzo Angiolini 'Mistle' pump at Nordstrom</a> Half-Yearly for $44.90</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><b>Clutch</b></span>: Forever 21, old, for $8.90 (similar <a href="http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/catalog/productDetails.jsp?prodId=280876&skuId=11162995&cid=CS002&ci_src=64119933&ci_sku=11162995&gclid=CP-IkfrO1bACFUZN4AodDDvq2g" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.dsw.com/handbag/lulu+townsend+metal+mesh+ruffle+clutch?prodId=244302&cm_mmc=CSE_GPS_LuluTownsendHandbags_244302&mr:trackingCode=0DFDCF47-078F-E111-AF97-001B2163195C&mr:referralID=NA" target="_blank">here</a>; and Jimmy Choo <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/jimmy-choo-cayla-glitter-clutch/3328612?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_ite=jimmy_choo_%27cayla%27_glitter_clutch:572546&cm_pla=bags:women:clutch&cm_ven=Froogle&mr:referralID=NA&mr:trackingCode=F8F399D5-62AB-E111-8EBE-90E2BA0278A8" target="_blank">here</a>)</span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">Before the party</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjln6-qohkHCFbLrnK3O84I2y_IjsACRRTxSQhJopltO3-mSjNtHCniFuRQtItemQiDnpaMfNpiA-g-c5Kwa3dn-ZkLn7e9efyxOudtvld9jLGFwj4lfJ8ijyAjaKFT4sIGxKeXEppZioY/s1600/Watercolor+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjln6-qohkHCFbLrnK3O84I2y_IjsACRRTxSQhJopltO3-mSjNtHCniFuRQtItemQiDnpaMfNpiA-g-c5Kwa3dn-ZkLn7e9efyxOudtvld9jLGFwj4lfJ8ijyAjaKFT4sIGxKeXEppZioY/s320/Watercolor+1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">After the party</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBtd2JfKF6dGU63xyOHfJIZ8H5ke-gqvqk-5Y98lc7YHxM1RPm2e5ueCzHcpsF0Oz88e2QV7eZn1p2uHf3BzJlhHnxHmEj2LSaOfXTCaQBzkIl1LUk1rflxunMVuvK8K3trTD_Nue_4KA/s1600/Watercolor+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBtd2JfKF6dGU63xyOHfJIZ8H5ke-gqvqk-5Y98lc7YHxM1RPm2e5ueCzHcpsF0Oz88e2QV7eZn1p2uHf3BzJlhHnxHmEj2LSaOfXTCaQBzkIl1LUk1rflxunMVuvK8K3trTD_Nue_4KA/s320/Watercolor+3.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">Cinderella's slippers (Prince Charming sold separately)</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVi_PSynJDa71rThP8rjDmoCGdpfleB0ZN0YwvGBPAD_jNGxuq9fJ8sewS2b2iNKCDNOB7SHWdae2KX6K9pfydkKqE6tbyfqAFK2yB7ynK8zy0qY21sxnotwxjna1ad5Ugd1cGDpHDLxc/s1600/Prince+Charming+Shoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVi_PSynJDa71rThP8rjDmoCGdpfleB0ZN0YwvGBPAD_jNGxuq9fJ8sewS2b2iNKCDNOB7SHWdae2KX6K9pfydkKqE6tbyfqAFK2yB7ynK8zy0qY21sxnotwxjna1ad5Ugd1cGDpHDLxc/s320/Prince+Charming+Shoe.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><br /></span>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521215127626530431noreply@blogger.com0