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

I Carried a Watermelon.

Guys, today is a very exciting day. Our first ever fashion-recipe mash-up! (Not literally, though, as that would be messy.)

No one puts baby in the corner!

When I was a kid, we used to go to Connecticut for the summer. I called this the country, although in retrospect, it was clearly the suburbs. What did I know? I was from Manhattan.

Anyway. During said summer adventures, one of my strongest memories is making popsicles. We had molds that we filled with juice (or, during one ill-fated adventure, milk and mashed up Hydrox, which did NOT turn out to be cookies and cream) and then ate as popsicles. So when I realized I had a gift certificate to Zabars, I decided to relive my youth and make some popsicles!

Sarit and I have been having lots of fun with my popsicle molds and her Vitamix, which is crazy awesome and amazing. Last week, we made watermelon lime ginger popsicles and they are delicious.

Aren't they a beautiful color???

The original recipe is here. We didn't exactly measure anything and we left out the sugar and instead added just a little bit of honey. The spicy/ sweet/ sour combo is amazing and super refreshing. And healthy! Hurrah! We made waaaaay too much, so we made icees in plastic cups and then, when we had too many of those, brought some to Shaina and Avi next door. Watermelon for everyone!

And if you don't get the references to the movie cited above.... well.... you should spend more times watching 80s-tastic movies.

What I'm wearing: Boden skirt (super old, similar here), Tahari v-neck shirt via TJ Maxx (similar here), Downeast Basics cami

A Night at the Theater

Hi guys! I know what you're thinking. Hey, that girl Rachel. Didn't she used to have a blog? And doesn't she keep promising that she'll actually update it, only to disappear again?

Well, dear readers, all of those things are true. Your favorite Curly Haired blogger hit the road this week, spending a lovely four and a half days in Washington, DC and leaving her laptop behind (at least in terms of use, as in terms of actually, it is my constant companion.)

Anyway. DC was great fun, thanks to my many friends who live there, and you can be sure that there will be blog posts about that coming your way soon. But in the meantime, I am trying to blog roughly in order, so here is last week's jaunt to the new Shakespeare in the Park play, Cymbeline.

The stage! You will notice that some lucky folks are
sitting right next to it. So cool!

I actually have never gone to both Shakespeare in the Park productions in a summer before, but I realized that since all I'm doing these days is sitting around and reading for comps, I could do that just as easily sitting in line in the park. So I did! And my friend Jess was kind enough to join me for the show.

I have to say, before I went, I had never heard of this play and knew nothing about it. It's one of Shakespeare's later plays, and apparently not put on very often. But I have to say, I liked it even better than the Tempest. It isn't as weird or racist, and it was a wonderful production. Rachel says: Two thumbs up! I recommend waiting for tickets if you can, or entering the online lottery. But do so sooner rather than later, as the play only gets more popular as the summer goes on.

The last time I went to Shakespeare in the Park, I wrote about the importance of covering up, so as not to be eaten alive by mosquitos. Unfortunately, I did not take my own advice. So while I do very much like the red striped shirt- button front skirt- turquoise sandals combo, I also came home with some very itchy and unwelcome companions. What do we learn from this? Do as I say and not as I do, apparently. Oh well.

What I'm wearing: Old Navy shirt (similar here), Eshakti button front skirt (here in a different color), Blowfish sandals, LOFT headband (similar here)

Summer Bucket List: Free Kayaking!

Lately, I've been finding myself longing for last summer, when I only turned on my air conditioner four times all summer. Since I have already used it that many times this week. And it's only Wednesday.

It has been a rough summer, weather-wise. With the temperature scheduled to hit 90 for yet another day, Sarah and I decided that it was the perfect day to hit the Hudson River. One would not want to swim in the Hudson, in my opinion, but kayaking is perfect!

Every weekend in the summer, the Downtown Boathouse hosts free kayaking in the Hudson off of Pier 1 at 70th street from 10-5. Although swimming gear is not required, I highly recommend it, as you do get quite wet. Plus, I got to wear my awesome rash guard! Hurrah! Modest and sunburn-free. Plus, adorable. Wins all around.

Also, the kayaking was super fun. We weren't great at steering because we have little upper body strength and even less coordination, but we had a delightful time and didn't get stuck in the middle of the river even once. Go team!

Sisters: two out of three.

If you have been reading all along, you might remember my post on modest swimwear. Here you can see it in action. Plus, since it's in July, a lot of places have their swim stuff on sale, so it might be the perfect time to make an investment. I heart my rash guards.

In vaguely self-serving news (because what's the point of having a blog if you can't be self-serving occasionally?), I just listed a bunch of stuff on eBay-- things that don't fit, that I never wear, etc. If you want to dress like me, here's the chance to do it at a discount! (Sorry, that was obnoxious.) Anyway, you can see the listings here.

What I'm wearing: Lands End rash guard (similar here), Target board shorts (similar here), Chaco sandals, '47 Yankees hat

Sarah Loves My Dress!

I know, I am the worst blogger. Thanks for sticking around, friends.

The good news for you/ sad news for me is that my summer teaching is over now. This is a HUGE bummer for me. I love July, and it's always a letdown when it's over. But it means that now I'm supposed to be studying full time, so the blog will benefit from my inevitable procrastination. I'm glad that this will have a bright side for someone.

I got this dress off of Zulily. It was a little big, but I decided to wear it anyway, partly because I couldn't return it anyway (the one bad part of Zulily), but also because it was as comfortable as a nightgown. And then I got a million compliments! So go figure. In fact, when I wore it again on Tisha B'Av, my friend Sarah liked it so much that she wanted to take pictures of it for the blog as soon as the fast was over. (I declined, as the combo of fasting and no showers is not so charming.) So Sarah, here are the pictures I promised!

These pictures were taken during an evening walk in the park with Shaina. We were hoping for a beautiful sunset, but it was only okay. I'll try again-- I want it to be great for the bucket list! In the meantime, here are some pictures from that evening. Not awful, just not good enough. I have high standards, after all. So the list marches on.

P.S. If you don't know about Zulily, it's worth checking out. It's a little hit or miss, but sometimes they have great stuff really cheap. (Just know that there are usually no returns and sometimes shipping takes a while, but each item will warn you about that in advance.) You know how I love me a good bargain and how one of my hobbies is owning too many dresses, so Zulily has helped me with both of those things without blowing the budget. You can sign up here.

What I'm wearing: Reborn dress via Zulily (similar here), Kosher Casual shell, Claire's headband, Toms shoes