The Good Girl Gone Blog

 
Bailey!

I've been back in Baltimore since Wednesday morning and it's definitely been a fun and food filled experience. It's also been full of allergies. Let's start at the beginning.

I arrived at the airport around 10am on Wednesday and then went home and met my new puppy, Bailey (yes this is another new puppy, but this one lives with my dad) and the allergy fest began.

Unfortunately, I was forbidden to take any anti-histamines because of my allergy test that took place just a few hours later.

I now know that I am allergic to:

• All tree nuts
• Peanuts
• Salmon
• Cod
• About a million types of pollen
• Most large trees (like the ones that surround my house...)
• Dust mites
• Cats
• Dogs

I am not allergic to:

• Shellfish (which I don't eat anyway)
• Eggs
• Soy

So, basically, I get sick whenever I come home because of the abundance of animals (3 cats, 3 dogs), the trees and the overall country air.

I guess this means I'm a city girl for life- there are very few trees near my Boston apartment. And um, the cold air probably kills all of the allergens.

Ann Taylor Loft, or, as I like to call it, "The Loft," is my go-to grownup clothing store. The first time I shopped there, I was looking for corporate clothing that was both cute and appropriate. I also didn't want to look like a little girl playing dress up. The Loft works for me because I fit into their smallest size and I don't look ridiculous. The petite section is amazing and might just be my happy place.

Want to know my secret: never buy anything at full price. (Well, unless you must have it immediately, but try to avoid it.) Sure, it's a little risky to wait, but there stuff always goes on sale.

Hope you enjoy my picks below:

After a very tumultuous and trying week, I almost forgot that I had tickets to the Joshua Radin concert last night. I've had a bit of a crush on him ever since my cousin Dahlia first shared his music with me three years ago. Jenni gave me some more of his music (and convinced me his last name was pronounced rah-din instead of ray-din...apparently she was wrong) and my crush only got more intense.

Flash forward to this summer in the springpad office. I find out one of my coworkers has Joshua's new-ish CD on his iTunes, and I can't stop listening. Rachel and I look him up on Wikipedia as part of the age guessing game and realize that he's short, like really short...and he's sort of 35. Still, even though he doesn't pass my height test, I'd still marry him in an instant...If only he were 10 years younger!

Flash forward to last night at the House of Blues in Boston.

 I couldn't stop yelling "I love you!" to the stage, and I must have squeezed Rachel's hand about a million times in excitement when Joshua played my favorite songs. Seeing him in concert only reaffirmed my love for him. His stories were funny, his "whisper rock" breathy and beautiful, and his new more "rock n' roll" songs extremely catchy.

I think my favorite JR story described the inspiration behind the song "No Envy, No Fear," a song he admits to playing for himself every night. Joshua described the jealousy and self doubt he initially felt when entering the music business, and how he finally decided to do something about it.

Instead of being jealous of something you think you want, turn that jealousy into inspiration. If you can do this, you'll be a much happier person. And you know what? I think that's just beautiful, and I might make it into my new life mantra. 

photo via

photos and video via Izzy

Last night was our final concert of the season and my last concert ever. Though I wasn't really psyched about being there for a few reasons (recent breakup, feeling unprepared, nervousness, etc.), I went because I had to. After a day of barely eating and way too many hours spent sleeping, I got myself together, put on a pretty dress and made my way to the concert venue aka BU Central.

As the choreographer/costume designer/fun machine, I'm responsible for making sure everyone looks good. So, right before the show, I gave this inspirational speech:

It must have worked, because last night was our best concert ever! I will admit that I freaked out a bit during my solo- my song, "Why Can't I," is all about the beauty of starting a new relationship. As I stood there onstage, microphone in hand and staring at an autographed photo on the room's back wall, I willed myself not to be nervous. I think it was the words "...isn't this the best part of breaking up, finding someone else you can't get enough of" that really got me.

Though I tried to be happy, those words really spoke to me. Yesterday, my perfect, new relationship was dissolved- no longer was I sitting around, waiting for him to figure himself out. He says he can't love anyone right now, and that's a real shame.

Like I said to him in my final text message:

"I think I would have fallen in love with you if you'd let me. That's what hurts the most."

News Flash: I love Free People. Their clothing is the perfect combination of bohemian and classic, and I always get complimented when I wear their skirts and dresses. Unfortunately, FP is very expensive, so I only buy their pieces from Loehmann's or if they're on sale. That's why I was slightly hesitant to make a FP wish list.

But...Free People is hosting a fantastic contest where you can win your entire wish list, up to $1000! I took that as a sign that I needed to share an FP wish list with you guys. I chose a bunch of ridiculously priced items that I would NEVER buy at full price. I rationalized my choices because if I were to win, they would all be free!

1. Beaded Wings Cardigan- $148.00
2. Manzanita Ruched Tunic- $88.00
3. Love Affair Corset Cami- $38.00
4. Printed Sequin Slip- $78.00
5. Sequin Gauze Top- $98.00
6. August Ridge Waist Wrap Dress- $88.00
7. Printed Bronte Lace Top- $58.00

1. Heart Charm Long Necklace- $28.00
2. Crochet Gem Headband- $28.00
3. Flower Tattoo Fishnets- $14.00
4. Ribbon Tie Necklace- $18.00
5. Small Studded Double Wrap Belt- $68.00
6. Studded Side Sling Bag- $48.00
7. Flash Layered Chain Ankle Boot- $188.00

I wonder if he's afraid too...

Like all great irrational fears, this one stems from my childhood. After the weekly Friday night dinner at my Gigi's apartment, my sisters and I, along with an older cousin, carried the garbage from the apartment to the trash room.

Of course the job was slightly stinky, but I always enjoyed playing games on the way to the trash room, pretending scary animals lived in the spaces between the large patterns on the carpet. Sure, the animals were "scary," but at least they were imaginary.

No, it wasn't the stench of the garbage or the trip to the trash room that scared me, it was the room itself. Tiny and lacking a doorknob on the inside,  that room was no place for a child, especially one who was afraid of getting thrown down the garbage shoot. What made matters even worse was that the light in the room mysteriously turned off when you closed the door. Add a clown and it was every five-year-old's worst nightmare. I remember my sister shoving me in there quite a few times, and while she never actually left me there, I still hated that room.

Now let's jump back to today:

In my new apartment, the girls and I take turns bringing the recycling to a room next to the elevator. Though it's bigger than my Gigi's trash room, it's the automatic light that throws me off. I know, I know, it's to save electricity, but still. As soon, as I open the door and see the light turn on, I chuck the bottles and paper as fast as I can, not wanting to get stuck in the room alone. I will say that this door at least has a knob on the inside, and the light takes a bit longer to turn itself off, but I can't erase the childhood trauma.

Sometimes I still feel like a five year old.

Since the holidays are coming up, I thought I'd bring you all a bunch of cool wish lists of things I like from all over the Web. Today's wish list comes from LuLu's, an awesome store with cute clothes at fairly reasonable prices. Sure, some things are a bit of a splurge, but I'd say buy one signature pieces to pair with something you already own!

Make sure you follow them on Twitter- LuLu's is always having great contests.

So without further ado, today's wish list: