Super Slouch

It’s funny how 80 degrees feels cool in August but unbearable at the end of April. I was grateful for the breezes I caught in this slouchy, all-silk ensemble.


Shirt, FY2 (thrifted). Pants, Da Nang (consignment). Shoes, Franco Sarto. Sunglasses, Coco Sunglasses. Earrings, Charming Charlie. Bag, Aldo.

Squint

I probably ruined my sister’s bridal party photos by squinting in every single shot. The photographer had the bride and her attendants pose in the middle of an open, golden field in direct sunlight. I’m sure the light was lovely for photographs, but my eyes just couldn’t bear it. If only we could have all worn matching sunglasses.

For my outfit photos, I have no one to please but myself, so I can stand in the shade and wear dark glasses.


Vest, AC-3998 (cut from a thrifted jacket). Shirt, Disney. Skirt, Carole Little (thrifted). Boots, Vince Camuto (consignment). Sunglasses, Coco Sunglasses. Earrings, vintage. Bag, Aldo.

I try to avoid the squints without sunglasses by posing under cover and looking at the ground, but I still look pained by sunlight.


I tried really hard not to squint in that last one. But it’s hard to overcome 40 years of closing my eyes to bright light:

Let's Dance

I’ve lived in ten different cities since leaving home for college and managed to find a ballet studio with adult classes in almost every one.

In Juneau, I biked into town to catch the last few classes of the season. In Phoenix, I performed in the studio’s production of Coppelia, en pointe. In Okinawa (Japan), the camp liaison called studios for me until we found one that would take an American, English-speaking, twenty-five year old student. (Most of the lesson was in the traditional French, but with odd pronunciations and the occasional Japanese word.)

So far, though, Sacramento has been a bust. I haven’t found an adult ballet class I like, yet. The first studio had scant parking. The second was all barre, no dance. I need to try a third.


Jacket, Mossimo. Dress, Donna Morgan (consignment). Shoes, Nine West. Sunglasses, Coco Sunglasses. Brooch, vintage. Bag, Aldo.


I started ballet, at age eighteen, with no prior dance experience. At twenty-two, I was excited to go en pointe with an adult class at Evergreen Dance Studio, in Longview, Washington. I went on to perform in toe shoes, twice, but much prefer soft slippers. Still, the pointe shoes are dramatic!

Faves

Although it will probably make my blog boring, I’m slowly whittling my closet down to just my favorites. I’m wearing a number of them, today.


Vest, Forever 21 (cut from a consignment jacket). Sweater, thrifted. Skirt, Madewell. Shoes, Chelsea Crew. Sunglasses, Toms. Earrings, Girlshop. Bag, Nordstrom Rack.

I have many favorites.


I don’t know if I could pick a favorite agility obstacle for Jasper. He loves to jump over hurdles and through the tire. He loves the teeter, a-frame, and dog walk because he gets treated for contact performance at the end. And every dog loves the tunnel (aka dog cannon). I could only tell you his least favorites: hoops (boring) and barrel (confusing).

John Muir

I’m fascinated with the town of Martinez. It’s was home to John Muir and currently houses two oil refineries. It has such divergent history and beauty. Someday, I’ll get a photo with the refinery towers. Today, I’m posing in a part of town John Muir would have approved: the Martinez Regional Shoreline.


Shirt,Banana Republic. Skirt, Mossimo. Tights, B Ella. Boots, Steve Madden. Sunglasses, Target. Bag, Nordstrom Rack.

I doubt John Muir would approve of my outfit. He seemed the sort to favor more sturdy clothing.

Dark Side of the Tracks

I love both the light and the dark. The clean and the dirty. The unspoiled wilderness and the industrial wasteland. Today, I choose to take my photos in the cement dust of a trainyard, shadowed by industrial silos.


Sweater, Forever 21 (thrifted). Skirt, London Jean. Boots, Ariat. Sunglasses, Coco Sunglasses. Belt, thrifted. Bag, vintage.


Walter, on the other hand, chose the cat garden for his portrait. It’s the closest he gets to wilderness.

Seeing Stars

We had a cool, wet, windy Friday and I was glad for another chance to wear my star sweater before summer. (Probably the last wear of this houndstooth sweater skirt, too.)


Jacket, REI. Sweater, Full Tilt (thrifted). Skirt, Outlander (thrifted and gifted). Tights, Me Moi. Boots, Lauren Ralph Lauren. Sunglasses, Coco Sunglasses. Earrings, Stardust Remembered. Bag, Target.


I saw a star of another sort Friday night when Beefy and I watched his friend in her one woman show, Arlington. I might have done a little exploring on the way to the bathroom and found this corner, completely plastered in show posters.

Hair Flip

It’s 2016 and, thanks to an episode of Stuff Mom Never Told You, I’ve finally learned how to use emojis. I had no idea that my all-text texts were rude and lacking context. I can now apply the subtle art of the smiley face and the even subtler art of the “hair flip” emoji. All though she’s really a helpful information desk person, her original meaning has been corrupted and she now indicates sassiness or sarcasm.

I was certainly feeling sassy today in my super print mixing outfit and professionally styled hair. (Thanks @foxblossom for the clean up and curls!)


Jacket, thrifted. Dress, Peter Som for Kohl’s. Shoes, Seychelles (thrifted). Sunglasses, Coco Sunglasses. Belt, thrifted. Bag, Croft & Barrow.


Wanna see some more sass? These ladies, wanted for grand theft by the local police, are full of it! This is a surveillance camera photo, but it looks like a still from a music video. They make crime look glamorous.