Signature Look or a Rut?

Do you ever have the feeling when you look in your closet that you basically have many versions of the same outfit?

Guys, I feel like I'm in a rut. Partly because having this blog is making me more aware of what I wear every day, but also because every day when I get up, I feel like I'm putting on the same thing. Full skirt (whether printed or solid), solid top, sandals, and maybe a belt if I'm feeling creative. On one hand, this look mostly works for me. It flatters my pear shape and keeps me comfortable. But on the other hand, shouldn't I mix it up sometimes? Granted, it is harder in the summer, when I can't do my usual compulsive layering and often find it too hot to wear pants. But still. Is it time to diversify? Is the blog getting boring?

Sarit wanted me to post this on the blog solely
because of the belt. So there you go.

I recognize that this feeling often happens at this time of year. I get tired of my summer clothes and start wanting boots and tights again (but NOT my big winter coat.) But I think this is also partly a post-summer malaise. I love summer because I get to teach and it reminds me of why grad school is worth it. But the anticipation of going back to the library (basically) full time is sometimes difficult for me. I am very spoiled that I get to learn what I love full time, but sometimes I feel like I am not out in the world doing enough. Sigh. Apparently I am introspective tonight. I'll be more fun next time, promise!

Anyway, food for thought. And if you have thoughts on ways to mix it up, please leave them in the comments!

What I'm wearing: Moon skirt via ModCloth, Target shirt (super old, similar here), random belt from Bolton's (similar here)

Summer Bucket List: Governors Island

Dear friends, I have so much to tell you about! I just went through my pictures and realized I am two weeks behind. Yikes! I shall try to catch up in the next week or so.

As you know if you have been reading for a while, I am in the midst of studying for the last of my comprehensive exams for my doctorate. The phrase "so close and yet so far" has never felt quite so applicable to my life. Since I have to spend so much of my time reading, I have been trying to do it in beautiful places.

One of those beautiful places was Governors Island. Governors Island is just south of Manhattan, which means it only takes $2 and a 5 minute ferry ride to get there. It is only open from late spring through early fall, but it is one of my favorite spots. It's super quiet, right on the water, has lots to do, and there are no cars. There are art shows, playgrounds and minigolf for kids, and a giant tree house. Also, there are hammocks. I love me some hammocks.

The plan had been to lie in said hammock and read, but it was a little too hot and the hammocks are all in the sun, so I had to relocate to a lawn chair under a tree. I know, life is hard. It was a beautiful day and I actually read two whole books, so a productive one too. There's something to be said for getting away from your computer when you actually want to get work done.

And, of course, I had to explore a little bit, and take some pictures.

Not a bad view for reading, right?

After looking at these pictures, I think I'm done with this skirt. It sits lower now than it used to, and I am not convinced it is super flattering. Or at least, there are certainly better options in my closet. So good bye, random British skirt. You served me well for the last five years.

What I'm wearing: Jones New York shirt via TJ Maxx (similar here), random super old British skirt, Franco Sarto sandals via DSW (similar here)

The Blog Hits the Road: Party at the Beach, Party in the Back

Here we go, the final of the three part series of my DC adventures!

When I talked to my close friend and former roommate Divi about my trip, she asked what I wanted to do and I immediately said, I don't care except that I want to go to the giant ball pit. You see, all of these pictures had been showing up on facebook of a ball pit for grown ups! To quote Liz Lemon, I want to go to there.

The ball pit, which was officially called the Beach, was at the National Building Museum. I had never been there before because why pay to go to a museum when there are so many free ones in DC? But the Beach lured us in and then we actually really liked rest of the museum too. So everyone was happy.

The fun part.

This dress is SUPER comfortable and I love the color. Plus, it's a party in the back look, with an open triangle and a bow. I added a tank top for extra modesty, but I still felt a little sassy. (Because you know. When people think sassy, they think Rachel.) The only problem was, dresses don't do great in giant ball pits. One is much better off wearing pants. I'll keep that in mind in case this opportunity ever comes up again.

Drowning in a sea of plastic balls

Hi Div!

 We discovered that the pit was a little scarier than expected because it took a while to find the floor in the "deep" end, which was sort of disconcerting. So then we went to hang out in the shallow end. But still, a great time was had by all and now there are pictures of me covered in plastic balls. Really, what more could one want in life?

The sand, for relaxing, if the water gets too rough.

Now picture over a million of these.

What I'm wearing: Eshakti dress (modified to add length and slightly longer sleeves; sold out in purple but available in other colors here), Downeast Basics cami

The Blog Hits the Road! DC Monuments

First of all, thanks for your help on the Stitch Fix! After much deliberation and another round of trying things on, I ended up only keeping the pink shirt. I look forward to wearing it soon, when it stops being sooooo humid.

On the steps of the Lincoln Memorial

Second, we now return to our regularly scheduled programming. As I mentioned two posts ago, two weekends ago, I had the pleasure of spending Shabbat in Washington, DC as a scholar-in-residence. I went down on Thursday and spent a lovely evening with my friend Elana, but on Friday, all of my many DC friends had to go to work because apparently that's a thing, so I decided to be a tourist for the day and hit the Mall.

Chillin' with FDR

One of the most amazing things about DC is that all of the monuments and Smithsonian museums are free. So you can go walk around for as long or short as you want, without worrying about getting your money's worth. I ended up hitting all of the monuments, and also my favorite museum, the Museum of American History. It was A LOT of walking, and while these sandals are one of my favorite pairs, they were not meant for 10+ miles. My feet were in a not insignificant amount of pain by the end of the day. Lesson learned: next time, sneakers.

One of the funny things about DC is I always feel super patriotic when I'm there. Also, it makes me want to watch West Wing. Josiah Bartlet in 2016, anyone?

I spent a not-super-successful summer in DC while in college, which made me hate everything about the city, but it has become one my favorite places to visit-- partly because I have great friends there, partly because it's pretty easy to navigate, and partly because of all of the interesting things to do. I still wouldn't want to live there, but it was lovely to spend a weekend. Also, the weather was not super hot or humid, which for August in Washington was a miracle. Thanks, DC! Hope to see you again soon!

What I'm wearing: Kosher Casual shirt, Boden skirt, b.o.c. sandals via DSW

The One Where I Can't Decide: Stitch Fix Review August 2015

Friends, it Stitch Fix time again! But this time, I need your help. For the first time ever, I got a fix where I could imagine keeping everything or keeping nothing. Most likely outcome will be something in between, but any and all feedback would be welcome. So please leave opinions!

Alison was my stylist again, and we are still very happy together. I had asked for a striped dress and a specific polka dot shirt, but I guess they didn't have either, as neither arrived in my box. However, Alison did send me some great 3/4 sleeve shirts that would be good for summer or for layering in the fall.

Always so exciting to see 

Look! Colors this time!

 After my last fix, some more of you signed up. Thanks guys! So I have $75 to play with, which is good, because a couple of things cost a little more than I would want them to if I was paying full price. The total would have been $234 to keep all five, but if I kept it all, it would be $159 because of my credit.

The Style Card

Sorry that there are fewer pics than usual. Studying for comps is really taking all of my concentration, and someone, hanging each item and photographing it again was a little more than I had the energy for. I'll try to do better next time! So let's get on with it, shall we?

Mystree Lodi Shirred Back Cardigan in Dark Purple (although it looked brown to me)-- $64

The coolest part of this cardigan is definitely the back. Otherwise, it's sort of blah. It feels very lightweight (although well made) for something that costs $64. The color didn't do anything for me, and I generally feel like drape-front cardigans swallow my super narrow shoulders. Alison suggested pairing this with the maxi dress I loved in fix #8, but I have a sweater to go with that that I like much better.
Status: Return

Pixley Edmond Henley Knit Top in Teal Green-- $54

This shirt is a Stitch Fix classic these days. A lot of people I know have gotten it, and it is as soft as advertised. However, I didn't love the colors on me, and the shape didn't do much for me either. Definitely not worth $54 for a t-shirt, even a cute one. I would have kept this one for the discount, but since I'm sending back the sweater, I won't miss it when it's gone.
Status: Return

Dear John Marson Wide Leg Denim Trouser in Black-- $78

Now things start to get complicated. When I saw wide leg trousers, I was skeptical. Those of us who have bottom halves that are bigger than our top halves usually do not do well in trousers, as they can make you look even bigger. However, these were more of a hybrid of a bootcut and a flare, and they fit perfectly. Plus, they had a mid-rise, which I loved. However. They are sort of a faded black, which is really not my look. It just feels sort of dated to me. And I'm not sure I can spend $78 on a pair of jeans where I don't love the color? My friends Sarit and Miriam were pushing hard for me to keep them. What do you think? Keep? Return? Ask for them in my next fix in a blue wash instead? Decisions, decisions...

Status: Undecided

Collective Concepts Rilo Button-Up Blouse in Pink-- $68

I know, who has $68 to spend on a blouse? But the answer might be that I do, as I could keep it and still not actually pay anything. I love the color and the pretty print. Plus, it's a nice fabric that could work with jeans or work clothes. It's sheer, as you might be able to see (I would not usually wear it with that tank top, but I was in Sarit's apartment so I didn't have other options.) The detailing is actually navy, which I like a lot. And I think generally it fits me nicely. This was both Sarit's and Miriam's favorite.
Status: Likely keeping

Market and Spruce Crescenta Henley Top in Teal Green-- $48

Out of the box, this was my favorite. I love the color and the pattern, and you know that I am a sucker for popovers. However, the fit is not the best. As sometimes happens to me with almost-tunics like this one, it's a little tight in the hips. But then Sarit and Miriam said it didn't look small at all. But they still liked the pink one better. But this one is so soft. Guys, SOMETIMES STITCH FIX IS SO HARD. I mean, not really. But anyway. Keep or return? (It's also the least expensive thing in the box, which is a plus.)
Status: Undecided

So what do I do? Keep the pink shirt and the blue shirt? Just the blue shirt? Just the pink shirt? Is it a bad idea to send back the jeans? And if it's only $20 more to keep everything, should I do that and try to sell everything else at a discount? Decisions, decisions. All comments are welcome!

And want to get in on the fun? Don't forget to sign up for your fix here!

Summer Bucket List, DC Edition: Outside Movie!

As I mentioned earlier this week, I hit the road last weekend for a long weekend in DC. After a VERY delayed train ride (50% more time on the train!), I went straight from Union Station to meet my friend Elana in the park for an outdoor showing of Pitch Perfect.

If you are a loyal reader, you know that I looooove Pitch Perfect. So this was very exciting for me.

Also exciting for me: this shirt. The outfit didn't photograph so well. I feel like the pic isn't super flattering, but it actually looked very cute, especially before I ran through lots of heat to catch a train and then sat on said train in it for more than 5 hours. It's a really pretty dusty pink color, I love the pintuck detail, and I am very into popovers. I have found that a shirt like this is best worn with pants, and I like the navy and pink combo.

In the meantime, Elana said, "I'll wear a cute outfit in case I'm on the blog!" So here you are, Elana! Welcome to the blog.

Free popcorn! Hurrah!

The screen was inflatable, which is so cool.

It was a beautiful evening, other than a little rain, and always super fun to hang out with Elana. We realized we've actually been friends for 25 years (eek!) and have had many adventures together over the years. Here's to many more!

The Bellas win!

 In other news, my August Stitch Fix is apparently coming today, so a review is coming your way soon. Have a great weekend!

What I'm wearing: GAP Factory shirt (similar here), GAP khakis, Downeast Basics cami