The Good Girl Gone Blog: How embarrassing!

Sunday Confessional: I stress shoe shop

Jul 11, 2010

Yes, I admit it, it's a bad habit, but sometimes after a particularly difficult day at work, I need to do something positive. I like the joy of the hunt- I love finding a great pair of shoes at a great price because for a little while, my mind is occupied with something I love.

If I order shoes online, I can excitedly await a package, and if I purchase them in stores, I can pair them with an outfit to wear the next day. While it is definitely an expensive habit, I try not to spend more than $30, and I attempt to limit my stress shopping episodes.

Sometimes, I simply browse- I may love shoes, but I'm picky- the style, price and color must be just right! The above shoes were a recent SSS (stress shoe shopping) purchase from 6PM. I wore them to work the day after they arrived in the mail, and my colleagues couldn't believe they cost just above $20.

Sure, it's not like I smoke or gamble to deal with stress, but my SSS needs to stop. In addition to not having much more space in my closet, I now have the extra expense of my dog. I know these first few weeks will be the worst (adoption fee, supplies, initial vaccinations, etc) but having a dog isn't cheap!

Next time I have the urge to stress shop, I'm going to try some breathing exercises. They're waaaay cheaper!

Now that I've spilled my embarrassing stress coping mechanisms- I want to hear yours, so spill!

Your unmentionables are showing

Jul 5, 2010

I'm not sure if you know this, but my mom is a music teacher/puppeteer and ok, sometimes a total rock star among her 3-year-old students. I don't remember exactly which puppet mentioned the word "unmentionables" to describe a pair of underwear to a bunch of little kids, but the term still sticks out in my mind. Yes, I was present during the show, and yes, I probably laughed like a little kid.

I mean seriously, underwear itself is funny, but give it a great name and it's hysterical...especially if you're under the age of 6. Or if you're a boy.

So yes, in the picture above you can see my "unmentionables," which in this case refers to my slip. Oops.

I'm Wearing:
Vest & dress: H&M
Tank: Target
Shoes: Gap
Necklace: Primark
Slip: "vintage" aka it used to belong to one of my relatives (maybe Bubbie?) and my mom cut it down to fit me

Also notable, I wore this outfit on a day I knew Sam (the dog) was coming to work. I made sure I was wearing something that he in no way could pull down. Seriously, with a tank top, a dress that ties around the neck and a vest, he had little chance of exposing me again!

PS- your epidermis is showing ;)

Final exam in fashion

Jun 29, 2010

Before Thibault left Baltimore, I asked him to put together a G3B worthy outfit. Determined to use all of the fashion knowledge he'd acquired over the past 5 months, Thibault set out to do what would have been impossible just weeks before (totally kidding).

Here's what he came up with- I will say, he picked most of the pieces himself!I'm sorry for all the awful faces made in these photos- Sophie took them while we were sitting in the back seat of my mom's convertible that was top-down and in motion. It was windy. I made faces. End of story.
Ughhhh sorry about the face- we took limited photos because I'm awkward about having my picture taken in public places.
I'm Wearing:
Shirt: Loft
Belt: Primark
Skirt: Uniqlo
Shoes: DSW
Bow: won via Daily Candy contest

***

Student Report Card

Student Name: Thibault
Age: 21
Major: Physics
Course title: Fashion 101

Use of color:
Grade: A-
Teacher's comments: Great choice of red! It adds a pop of color to the outfit without being too overwhelming.

Attention to detail:
Grade: A-
Teacher's comments: The student chose both the bow embellished shoes and the bow hair clip, which I think go very nicely together. It's details like these that help pull together an outfit.

Use of accessories:
Grade: B+
Teacher's comments: Although the student correctly chose both the shoes and hair piece, he neglected to add a belt to this outfit. The belt shown was the model's own addition.

Ability to match:
Grade: B-
Teacher's comments: The model had to choose the skirt for this outfit...

Overall Grade: A-

On behalf of everyone at G3B Style Academy, please accept this diploma:Congratulations Thibault, you've passed with flying colors! The people of Switzerland thank you and look forward to your style advice in the army.

Casual Friday: so busted!

Jun 25, 2010

There are a few things I don't want to be known as by my neighbors:

The Landlord's Daughter
The Weird Girl who Takes Pictures of Herself
The Girl who has a New Boy Over Every Week
The Girl Who can't Park Correctly

Sadly, after today, I think it's possible that I might have acquired all of these titles. Let me explain.

The Landlord's Daughter:
Yes, my family owns the apartment building where I currently live. For a while, I only introduced myself as "Alana" to my neighbors and put no name on my mailbox. Then the mail man/lady left a note saying "no name, no mail," so that didn't last very long.

The Weird Girl who Takes Pictures of Herself:
This afternoon, a girl totally noticed me taking pictures of myself on the balcony. Though she didn't say anything, I know she must have looked. Seriously, she walked her dog past my balcony about a gazillion times!

The Girl who has a New Boy Over Every Week:
First, my friend Eric came to visit from Boston. We were seen coming home late and then drinking tea on the balcony together the next morning. Then, my friend Jon came to see the new place. And finally, Thibault stayed here for two weeks and I know the grandma lady who lives across the hall saw us together often.

The girl who can't park correctly:
For some reason I almost always park in this HUGE space in front of my building. It's not your typical rectangular parking space, it's more like a trapezoid. So really, however you park, it looks like you're doing something wrong. But, because my car is so so small, it makes my parking job look even worse.

Sigh. What's a fashion blogger who is friends with lots of boys, has a really small car and happens to be the landlord's daughter supposed to do?

I'm wearing:
Top: Loft
Belt: Primark
Jeans: Citizens of Humanity, found in a pile of neatly folded clothing in the trash room of my college apartment
Shoes: Old Navy
Headscarf: my childhood "dress-up clothes!"

Fit for a picnic

Jun 21, 2010

To be honest, I wasn't really quite sure what to wear to my company picnic. Because it was a picnic/pool party/extravaganza, I knew I wanted to wear a bathing suit under whatever I ended up choosing. But, I also knew I couldn't wear anything too skimpy (aka beach clothes) as I'd be hanging with coworkers. There are some things the people you work with just don't need to see. (Plus, after the dog fiasco, I wasn't taking any chances.)

Thibault and I arrived early and helped fill up water balloons. I think we filled one up for every five we accidentally popped. After a while, I told Thibault he could only curse in French, as there were children around. French cursing is so funny!

We sort of pregamed the picnic with bagels from the Quarry. Please, don't act so surprised, it's me we're talking about here. Oh, and Thibault is now totally a bagel lover. My work here is done!

Meet Inga, one of my coworkers. She's super cute, has a shoe addiction (just like me) and LOVES eating crabs.

Now, I don't actually eat any type of seafood, but I did enjoy watching everyone else eating crabs. They're like a snack and a game. Cool!

Blame my 13 years of Jewish Day School education, but I just don't eat crabs. Look at that guy's eyes! You sort of have to like crabs if you're from Baltimore.

Thibault is wearing a child-sized cowboy hat that we later gave to my cousin Alec. Alec, the boy who can usually be seen sporting toenail polish, told us that this hat "was for girls." I think it's because Thibault has become his man idol. Seriously, he loves him. It's adorable.

I'm wearing:
Kaftan: SiBelle by Sibel Mesta (from Daily Candy contest)
Belt: Primark
Shoes: New York and Co.
Hat: Eugenia Kim for Target
Bathing suit: Loehmann's. You can't see it, but I promise it's cute!

Welcome to Bawlmer, Hon

Jun 14, 2010

Yesterday, my parents and I took Thibault to Hampden to experience some Baltimore culture at Honfest.

"HonFest is a local tradition. The Bawlmer term of endearment, Hon, short for Honey, embodies the warmth and affection bestowed upon our neighbors and visitors alike by historic working-women of Baltimore. HonFest is an annual celebration in honor of these women."

We had a blast! There was a tent set up where you could get your hair done in a traditional Bawlmer Hon beehive, tons of greasy-delicious food and lots of women (and even men) dressed in amazing costumes.

Surprisingly, I'd never attended Honfest before. If I go again, I definitely want to dress up. I'm thinking leopard spandex, biggggggg hair, cheesy flowers and maybe something flamingo inspired.

Did I mention that you can compete for the title of Baltimore's Best Hon? This year's winner received $1000, a ton of bubble gum, a set of plastic flamingos and a bunch of other great stuff in addition to bragging rights.

I loved seeing all the little girls in their Hon costumes, it reminded me of Toddlers & Tiaras!

I really wanted the cute old lady to win. Sadly, she didn't. I guess there's always next year...
...and I'll leave you with these amazingly tacky leggings! TONS more photos here.

Oh, and just for fun, check out the Bawlamerese Lexicon and learn how to speak "Hon."

And one last thing- my dad always says his favorite Hon is Atilla. Tee-hee.

Sunday Confessional: a dog pulled down my dress...at work

Jun 13, 2010

On Friday, I was greeted at work by an old friend. He's big, dark and furry and I hadn't seen him in two years. Of course I was super excited to see Sam, and clearly Sam was excited to see me!

After spending a few seconds petting him and using my special high pitched dog voice, I was surprised when Sam jumped up on me. The next thing I knew, my cute, strapless dress was at my waist. Because of Sam, two employees and two interns got to see my very stylish bra. Cool. Thanks Sam. I missed you too.

Note to self: do not wear a stretchy strapless dress, even if worn under a sweater, to work.

A glimpse

May 17, 2010

Here are some of my favorite shots from my weekend in Boston. Don't worry, there are tons of actual graduation photos to come, I just didn't take them! All of these snaps, minus the cute kitty, were taken on a sunny afternoon spent working on a project with my friend Eric. He's one of the most creative people I know, and you can see it in practically everything he does. From his amazing homemade ravioli to his tasteful yet stylish apartment, Eric possesses a truly unique ability to make ordinary things beautiful.

Expect some of Eric's amazing talent on the blog in the near future. You will be shocked, wowed and possibly a little jealous!

And yes, Eric did take me on his Vespa. Lesson learned: don't wear a sundress while riding on the back of a Vespa unless you want the world to get a great view of your legs.

Stylish Snippet: Photo Flashback

Apr 15, 2010

How awesome do Sophie and I look in this photo...not! Well, Sophie looks adorable, I'm making a really scary face. It's like I didn't photograph well as a child! I think I was probably around 13 when this was taken, based on the fact that I was wearing one of my favorite tank tops of that time period.

I liked to call it my "cotton candy" shirt because of it's blue and pink stripes. I remember thinking it was really cool to have your bra straps showing when wearing a tank top. Cool, Alana. Really, cool.

ps- wow, I don't remember the last time I looked "so tan." London, you are not helping with my complexion!

23:59

Apr 7, 2010

Hi everyone. I've been a little stressed recently- lots of paper writing, unfulfilling work days and to top it off, Thibault is leaving in less than a week. Anyway, I've been wanting to post this for a while. I wrote it way back in January, but just didn't feel right posting it at the time. Anyway, better late than never, I suppose!

via

After pondering what to text the Swiss boy post-embarrassing vestibule moment, I innocently checked my phone, and low and behold, he had texted me asking if I'd like to see a movie.

Clearly I said yes- it's not everyday I make friends with people from strange countries- and we decided to meet Wednesday night outside the student union. After practically running there thinking I was late (in a new pair of red shoes), I sat outside for a good 10 minutes assuming he'd stood me up (he hadn't) and we began our journey.

I must admit, I hate having to choose the movie, especially with a) someone I don't know very well b) a boy, so when he suggested we watch Le fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain, I immediately agreed. The only thing I remembered from watching that movie at around age 12 was a really awkward orgasm scene- my mom and I immediately turned off the tv- so I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Amelie was not, in fact, about sex.

After we finished the movie (which was in French, I might add- his language, not mine), we talked about various things, including my upcoming birthday. I told him I wasn't excited to celebrate 22, and that I'd much rather be home with my family than here in London. I told him about the birthday cake my mom always makes for me, and how I miss my sister- we're 3 years apart but both born on January 21st.

I then asked him to look at the clock- it was 23:59.

"It's 1 minute until my birthday," I exclaimed.

"But I thought you weren't excited," he replied.

I then forced him to check his watch every few seconds and together, we counted down to midnight.

Boom- I was 22.

He insisted on giving me a proper birthday kiss, and after he planted it on my right cheek, I pulled away. Apparently, he was going for a traditional Swiss kiss- a kiss on one cheek, a kiss on the other, and then another kiss on the first cheek.

Oh well, I'll know for next time. Why can't Americans have cool cheek kisses?