Big News!!

Happy Monday, friends! I hope you all had a great weekend, wet as it was here in New York.

Work started last week for the summer, so I am teaching and happy as a clam. (I'm not sure what makes clams happy, but okay.) Unfortunately, this has meant that I have lost all motivation to work on my prospectus, which now just sits open on my computer staring at me forlornly as I desperately do anything else and try to pretend I don't see it.

Right after I got back from Israel, NY had a crazy heat wave. Not quite the 106 degrees I had there, but here we have humidity, which is basically the devil. These pics were taken the day I got back, before it got bad, so you can see both my sunburn and the fact that I did not sweat through my clothing at all! Good for me. Shaina and I went for a walk, so we snapped some pics in front of this garden on Riverside Drive. As you can see, this is not the most interesting thing I've ever worn, but I liked the contrast of the different patterns and blues with the dress and shoes.

And look at my cute new bag! Purchased after much dithering at DSW. So far it is giving me much joy. Hurrah for a brightly patterned purse.

As the title says, I have big news! Yesterday, I signed up for a half marathon. Eek! It's the Staten Island half, on October 9th. The end is at home plate in the stadium where the Staten Island Yankees play, which sounded fun to me. Now, you might have followed my various sisterly forays into 5ks (which I apparently have not blogged about) and 10ks, but this a whole other beast. The 10k has been a distance I can run most days now, so I decided it was time for a new challenge, but I'm sort of scared because running 13.1 miles is, objectively speaking, totally bonkers.

The plan as of right now, in order to keep me blogging and training, is to write periodically about the process. I imagine those posts will also include some of my thoughts about body image, my various iterations of getting my body healthier, and also what it means to think about modesty when you don't always feel amazing about your body. But don't worry, the cute outfits will keep coming too.

I'm hoping you all will cheer for me along the way. Also, I'm writing about this so you can keep me accountable. Plus, if you live nearby and want to help me train, I'm always looking for running buddies! Also looking for your favorite songs to get you amped up and ready to go. Please leave suggestions in the comments!

Current countdown: 4 months and 3 days to go. (Yes, that is a long time. Yes, I know I don't need to train yet. But I've always been an overachiever, so why should this be different?)

What I'm wearing: Charter Club dress via Macys (similar here), Kosher Casual shell, Toms shoes (similar here), Fossil bag via DSW

International Edition: The Ode to Gila

How's this for confusing? My last blog post, about America, was written in Israel. Now, I am writing about Israel, but I am back in America.

No, that's not confusing? I always knew you were smart, dear readers.

Anyway. I am recently back from a week in Israel, which is not nearly long enough, but better than nothing. The main purpose of my trip was to visit my dear friend Gila, as well as her delightful family (who you will meet below.)

This is Gila:

Gila and I met when I was teaching elementary school after college, before I realized that I would rather learn Talmud than teach multiplication. I was her assistant teacher. At first glance, we were not a likely pair. I had grown up in a secular prep school. Gila had grown up in Bais Yaakov. She wore a sheitl and had two kids, despite being only a few years older than me. I had none of those things. But dear readers, in an important life lesson, it is best not to make assumptions because lo and behold, we fell in love.

After two always interesting years together, we both left the school. I went to study Talmud full time and Gila made aliyah (aka moved to Israel) because we are both such mitzvah girls. But we have always stayed in touch via gchat and WhatsApp, and every couple of years I save my pennies so I can go visit. While I am there, we eat waffles and go to the mall and she works while I pretend to the do the same. I always spend some time in Jerusalem (and this time, briefly, in Tel Aviv too), but Modi'in, where she lives with her husband Donny and their kids, is the home base. (Despite the fact that is not dissimilar from deciding to go on vacation in New York and then spending most of your time in Teaneck, NJ. But sometimes you do what you have to do.)

Some pre-Shabbat hiking, after which I got to be in the family selfie!

Yes, you counted correctly. Gila and Donny have five kids now. Five! But don't worry. As she writes on her blog, twins are easy. (Also, even though her blog is not updated so often these days, I highly recommend.)

And since I promised you an ode, here you go:

Every few years I get on a plane
And fly 'round the world to see a great dame
Her name is Gila, she gives great advice
She might sometimes be skeptical but she's always nice
Her husband is Donny, whose humor is dry
And he claims that I function as his rabbi
Every time I come we have to eat waffles
And she introduced me to the world's greatest falafel(s?)
She has five lovely children, including some twins
She knows where to buy sandals, and so the blog wins
I could keep telling tales of an affection so deep
But it's nighttime in Israel and soon she must sleep
(And I want to finish before she goes to bed, so as to embarrass her in real time.)

Lest you think there are no sights to see in Modi'in, which would be unacceptable to Donny who claims it is the greatest city in the world (clearly he has not listened to Hamilton), here are some sights around town:

What, you didn't know Israel was known for its dinosaurs?

Oh wait, you came here to read about my outfit? I forgot! Here it is:

The view from the balcony

Not my most exciting, although I am wearing my Stitch Fix skirt which has become one of my great loves. Also, I had fun mixing blue stripes and stripes, so let's call that today's excitement. Like Modi'in, sometimes the fun is subtle, but that doesn't mean it isn't there...

Love you, Gila!

What I'm wearing: Jones New York shirt via TJ Maxx (similar here), Gilli skirt via Stitch Fix (similar here), Toms via Zulily (similar here)

Adventures in Pattern Mixing

One of the fashion trends that most intrigues me but also scares me is pattern mixing. When done well, it looks so cool. And when done badly, you just look sort of like a three year old who insisted on dressing herself. (Not that that's not bad for said three year old. But three year olds can pull of things that 30 year olds cannot.)

Our super elegant, not at all dated or ugly hallway

One of my fashion resolutions for the new year was to be more adventurous in my clothing choices. So when I saw this dress at Fox's it seemed to fit the bill perfectly. It mixed patterns, but in a way that worked because it was made that way. It was a shape that I was comfortable with, to make up for the less comfortable pattern mixing. Plus, it had sleeves. And it fit perfectly. The only problem-- it was about three inches too short.

But wait! There was a large hem! So I bought the dress and took it straight to the tailor who told me no problem, he could definitely let it out. Hurrah! Never underestimate the power of getting things tailored. It can change the whole ball game.

I wore it to synagogue the first night of Rosh Hashanah, and then a couple of more times since. The fabric is a scuba-type stretch, so it's versatile enough to be worn with sandals or with boots. I love it when I don't have to put my dresses away for the winter.

Here's a close up of the patterns:

I get many compliments every time I wear it. And I love it more every time. Look for it to be back on the blog soon, styled for winter.

And now, back to my books. Enjoy the last of the weekend, everyone!

What I'm wearing: Taylor mixed print dress (here, but for a lot more than I paid for it), Dr. Scholls sandals (similar here)

Stitch Fix Review October 2015: Decisions, Decisions

Yes, my dear readers, it is that time again. Not because I get my Fixes two week apart now, but because I am blogging about this one right when I got it because I need some advice! I thought I had decided, but then I put everything on again to take pictures and now I can't decide.

I apologize for the mirror selfies. Shaina has a new baby and Sarit is getting married in three weeks and away at a conference, so I decided to leave them alone and take my own pictures this time around.

For this Fix, I made two requests. First, I'm going to Nepal(!) in three weeks (more on that later), so I asked for things that could be easily layered and washed while I'm there. Second, because of the fashion rut I've mentioned, I asked for new things to try to push me out of my comfort zone a bit.

Doesn't that sweater look delicious???

If I kept the whole box, it would be $169.50. Here's the styling card:

And the note. Hi Alison!:

(P.S. You might notice that my hair is much shorter. It was in terrible need of a cut so I went in an said, Do whatever you want. It's very different but I think I like it!)

Let's see what I got:

Skies are Blue Cathy Wide Leg Pant in Burgundy-- $48

I know what you're thinking. Stitch Fix sells hideous pajama pants???

No! I am supposed to wear these outside! For reals!

Apparently this is what I get for asking to have my comfort zone pushed.

I would call these pants hideous, but that would be insulting to hideousness. I HATE them. I actually could not imagine something less flattering to my body. I already carry my weight in my hips and thighs. Why make them look bigger? Perhaps if I was twice was tall and half as small these would have worked. But I am not. Good bye, horrible pants.

Status: Return

Market & Spruce Arto Embroidered Bib Top in Black-- $68

This shirt was just sort of eh on me. I'm of average height, but my torso is long-ish, so it was a little short. It was also slightly tight in the sleeves and too big in the body.

Plus, the peplum is not for me. And $68 is a lot for a shirt that I don't love, even with the beautiful embroidery. Finally, I already wear too much black. I won't miss this one.

Status: Returned

THML Bresee Scoop Neck Top in White-- $64

This is where things get complicated. This blouse, while on the pricier side, is GORGEOUS. It's super high quality and has great detailing on the sides, neck, and with the zipper in the back. However, as you can see in the picture above, it puckers strangely at the waist.

Then I thought... what if I tuck it in? And now I love it! I also feel like it's so different from the things I have and would pick out for myself. It's sophisticated but interesting, and naturally modest. But is it worth keeping a blouse that can only be worn tucked in? Help!

Status: Undecided. What should I do??

Market & Spruce Denver Cable Knit Elbow Patch Cardigan in Brown-- $58

I was so psyched when I pulled this out of my box. It is super substantial without being itchy. I love cardigans. It's a totally reasonable price for a sweater of this quality. It has pockets. And it has elbow patches! Which is perfect for me because next semester I'm going to be a professor so obviously I need elbow patches!

It seemed great for evenings in Nepal too. But then when I put it on it seemed like it was swimming on me. So I thought it had to go back. But then today I tried it on today and maybe it wasn't too big? I'm so confused! What do you think?

Status: Undecided

Skies are Blue Jacklin Mixed Print Knit Top in Black-- $48

This might be the most "me" thing in the box. It is super soft, striped, and has fun details. I like that it has two types of stripes and a diamond print around the waist. I also like the u-shaped front and back. It means I can add a brightly colored tank for a pop of color. It matches with everything and also would be great for my trip.

My only concern about this shirt is: is it TOO me? I use Stitch Fix to help me push my fashion boundaries a bit. Would I just be buying something that's similar to what I already have? Or should I stick with what works?

Status: Undecided

So there you have fix #11. Alison is getting better and better, and so are my Fixes. But it is hard to decide! Please leave thoughts. I need to check out by Tuesday!

And if you want to get in on the fun and try it for yourself, sign up for your Fix here!

On Breaking Fashion Rules

Let's talk for a minute about fashion rules. We all know them. For example, no white socks with dress shoes. Don't wear black and navy together. Or, in this case, people who are pear shaped should not wear horizontal stripes on the bottom.

Well, fashion rules, I thumb my nose at you! (Except for the white socks and dress socks thing. Men, take heed.) I love this skirt. In fact, I can't believe it's never been on the blog before, because I wear it with great frequency. I get compliments almost every time I wear it. And more important than that, you know what? I think it looks cute. So there.

This skirt is a few years old, but Boden just came out with it in other patterns for the winter. It's actually the same as the black one I wear all the time (like here and here.)

Stripes and stripes!

 In addition to my wearing horizontal stripes, I also wore my striped Toms with my striped skirt. REBEL. I'm going to tattoo my face any day now. I want to try more pattern mixing this year, and this seemed like a good way to slowly tip toe into those experiments. And it made me smile every time I looked at my feet.

Except for here, where I frowned because I was watching the Republican debate at Shaina and Avi's and it made me sad about America. Regardless of your politics, dear readers, I think we can all agree that we deserve a higher level of discourse, and also less lying. Sigh.

Finally, you might notice that my hair is not its usual curly self. I got a blow-out for Rosh Hashanah because it was easier to deal with over the holiday, and they did a good enough job that it actually lasted through four days, including a rainstorm and a rather warm walk in the park. My friend Sarah said that I wasn't allowed to put straight hair pictures on the blog, but again, I am a crazy rebel! And also, I had them add some curl on the bottom to maintain my curly haired roots (or tips, as the case may be.) Also, it made me realize that my hair has gotten super long and I really need a haircut.

Don't worry, I went for a run this morning and then washed my hair, so I am back to my usual curly haired self.

That's all for tonight. Coming soon: I will tell you all about my Stitch Fix that came last week! It was a good one, so come visit again!

What I'm wearing: Boden skirt (same cut here in different patterns), Jones New York shirt via TJ Maxx (similar here), Toms striped shoes (similar here)