The Good Girl Gone Blog: sunday confessional

Sunday Confessional: the train ride of shame

Aug 29, 2010

I imagine I must have looked pretty silly riding the Amtrak back to Baltimore this past Saturday morning. Why? Because while most people were traveling in their comfy weekend clothes, I was wearing a black silk blend dress and ankle strap heels. I truly looked like I was wearing clothes from either a work function or a date, both of which would have happened the day before. To be honest, it looked like I was doing the "train ride of shame."

Now, before you get too excited, I really don't have that interesting a story to tell you. I went down to DC on Friday for a meeting...and then decided to spend the rest of the day there. I grabbed lunch with my best friend Becca, tried to make plans with my brother and sat in the sun reading Glamour on a bench outside of the Portrait Gallery.

I ended up staying in DC at Becca's, where we had an adorable Shabbat dinner, drank too much cactus wine and reminisced about high school. I ended up falling asleep around 8 with a stomach ache, only to wake up at 11, too tired to go out and then falling back asleep. What a crazy night!

So, while I may have looked like a tramp on the train ride home, I was really just a sleepy girl without the foresight to bring a change of clothes!

But seriously, has anyone every done an actual "train ride of shame," or do we think it's just a term I made up that only applies to fake situations like mine?

Sunday Confessional: Lessons from an overstuffed closet

Aug 15, 2010

I'm the first to admit I have a lot of clothes. I haven't grown since I was around 14 and I have two younger, bigger sisters who outgrow their clothes and give them to me. I also can't overlook the fact that I have a bit of a shopping problem- I love buying new clothes, especially when they're on sale.

If I didn't sort through my closet a few times a year, it would probably explode. And to be honest with you, my clothes are currently occupying three closets and a small dresser, partially because I like things spread out and partially because of their sheer abundance.

Which got me thinking- I probably don't even wear most of my clothes and when I do, I'm often not happy with the style or fit. In my efforts to be rid of my "unwearable" clothes, I came up with a few cardinal shopping sins that I unfortunately commit repeatedly. Here are some lessons I've learned.

Don't buy things that are too big:
I'm small (duh), so I often have trouble finding clothing that fits properly. Instead of waiting to find something that fits correctly, I often purchase pieces that are just a tad too big. I tell myself I'll hem that pair of pants, shorten the straps on that dress or wear the skirt a little lower on my hips, but those are mere excuses to allow me to purchase things that aren't right for me.

Just because it fits, doesn't mean it works:
I only fully came to understand this today when I went through my closet. I found a bunch of cocktail dresses from high school that technically fit, but just didn't look right. One of the dresses was simply too long, another had an unflatoring shape, while another's pattern was too overwhelming.

Resist the urge to buy something simply because it's designer and on sale:
I love a good bargain, especially when it's on a piece from one of my favorite brands (think Romeo and Juliet Couture, FCUK, Kensie, Loft, etc). I am definitely more likely to buy pieces that either don't fit or aren't exactly my style if they are a) on sale b) a "good" brand.

Not all hand-me-downs fit
This is pretty self explanatory...I'm not the same size as my sisters. Although I can wear some of their rejects, I can't fit into everything.

Don't get sentimental, if you don't wear it, chuck it
I often have trouble getting rid of clothing that I'm emotionally tied to. In high school, for instance, my friends and I all wore long skirts (partially because we liked them, partially because I went to a Jewish school). I had TONS of them, and to be honest, the religious girl look didn't really work for me. Still, it's hard for me to get rid of my long "Jewish" skirts, because they remind me of high school.

My closet is already a lot less cluttered, but I still have a ways to go. I'm going to try harder not to repeat my shopping sins, and purchases pieces that fit well and work with my wardrobe.

So what are your shopping transgressions?

Sunday Confessional: I'm Exhausted and loving it!

Aug 8, 2010

The team: Back row- Ali, Sara, Rebecca (SATC stylist!), Hannah, Karen, Ashley. Front row- Kara, some short girl in a pink dress, Kathy and Stephanie. MIA: Daniela and the photo boys

Wooh! What a whirlwind weekend I just had. Working with the eBay Fashion team was so much fun. I loved meeting everyone and playing dress up with some seriously stylish ladies.

I have tons more BlogHer pictures to post and will do it....eventually. For right now, I'm just going to sit in the train station, hopefully find something to eat and make my way home safely.

Tomorrow is for playing with Zooey and hopefully catching up on some sleep. Oh, and maybe doing some shopping on eBay fashion! (Seriously, after you see the photos of the merchandise we had in our eBay Fashion/Bill Me Later booth, you'll want to too!)

Sunday Confessional: I think I need some single time

Jun 27, 2010

First of all, thank you all for your kind words and encouragement on my recent post about Thibault. It means a lot to me that you took the time to not only read my post, but also to leave your feedback. Seriously ladies, you're amazing.

Building off of that, I've done a lot of thinking about relationships and what I need right now. As much as it pains me to say it, I think I need a break from boys for a little while. I know, that's big for me, and it's going to be hard! I need to focus on finding a job, getting settled in my new life and my own creative growth. I want to start cooking again, get out of my comfort zone, make new friends and explore my city.

I truly believe that you meet the best people when you're not looking- I mean come on, it is how Thibault and I met.

So, I guess we'll see how long this lasts. I'm definitely not giving myself a specific "no dating" period. I actually hate that idea. I think the point is that I have other things on my mind right now and they take precedence.

Did anyone else go through this kind of thing after a big break up or even just after graduation?

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.

Sunday Confessional: I'm such a homebody

Jan 24, 2010

As much as I love traveling, it only takes a few hours before I start missing home- my bed, my clothes, my roommates, my shower...that's why I'm so glad to be back.

Here's a quick taste of my weekend:

Sunday Confessional: A Swiss boy bought me cheesecake

Jan 17, 2010

I'm so cheating- this photo is in Israel haha

When I got a text message from a Swiss boy I'd met a few days before inviting me to get "the best Cheesecake in Kensington," the next day at 3pm, I couldn't refuse.

We sat and chatted for about an hour and a half, taking turns spooning off pieces of our shared cheesecake slice. Sure, it was a bit awkward, but I really think that's because of some sort of cultural barrier. I know that if he were American, the conversation would have been a lot smoother and more comfortable.

Still, I'd say it was a good experience. I'm glad to have met someone outside of my program who can show me more fun places around the city, even if he is an exchange student as well.

Oh, and you guys are going to love this. After walking me back to my building, we stood in the vestibule discussing what to do next. I told him there was really nothing to see (although he was slightly fascinated by the fact that we have couches in our kitchens), and that signing him in would be a pain.

It was then that he said he wasn't sure what to do next.

"I don't know what you guys do. Do you shake hands? Do you kiss?"

In true Alana form, I simply replied:

"I guess we do both. It depends."

Thankfully, a girl from my flat walked in and our conversation came to a halt. I ended up simply waving to him as he left. It was probably the most awkward goodbye I've ever had. Great.

Sunday Confessional: I now own this

Dec 20, 2009

My old roommate Samantha bought me this Madame Alexander doll and I think she's the coolest thing ever. Look familiar? She's Betty. You know, as in Ugly Betty? Oh, and if you look closely...she has braces. F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S. Hopefully my mom will like her as much as I do and allow her to sit next to the other dolls in her collection. We'll see :)

P.S.- I'm stuck in Boston because of a yucky blizzard in Maryland. Hopefully I'll be back in Baltimore soon so I can pack up my life and leave for London on Thursday. Ahh, so excited!

via

Sunday Confessional: Fashion Bloggers make me Nervous

Dec 13, 2009

My room pre (and post) Fashion Blogger Mixer

Yesterday, I attended a pretty awesome fashion blogger mixer with Rachel on Newbury St- a super trendy shopping locale in Boston. The mixer's headquarters was at Luna Boston, a boutique stocked with cute purses, shoes and accessories.

An adorable bag

The event, hosted by Punky and some other Boston-area fashionistas, consisted of mingling, drinks, special deals and giveaways.

Clearly, I am not a real fashion blogger (yet!!)- I just occasionally write about clothes and shoes. Still, Punky told me that I should definitely attend. It's safe to say I was super nervous. I knew everyone was going to be dressing up and I had no clue what to wear. I finally settled on my favorite strapless FCUK dress, a long grey sweater, a bright red heart belt, and a pair of black faux-suede boots. The outfit was very Alana, and I felt cute wearing it, so I think it was a success.

When we finally made it to Luna Boston (after first getting sort of lost), Rachel and I looked for our friend and fellow college girl, Anna. We proceeded to hang out with her for the entire event.

Rach and Anna

Though I wanted to talk to some of the other bloggers- I was a bit shy. I'm bad at mingling, especially when the other people are 1) dressed better than me 2) older 3) legitimate fashion bloggers.

Though I chatted with Punky a bit, I failed to introduce myself to the other bloggers. I wish I had, but I sort of freaked out. I did enjoy meeting Neira, who came over and introduced herself.

I think I need to get over my networking phobia, especially because I'm going into PR. Maybe next time?

Forgive me? A massive Sunday Confessional

Dec 7, 2009

How could you say no to this face?

Ok, I'm the first to say that I hate when bloggers apologize when they take blogging breaks, yet for some reason, I'm doing it right now. It's just that finals are approaching, I have a paper to write and my room is an absolute mess.

I'm freaking out about what to wear in London. I'm extremely tickled that Jaime decided to help me via her Style you Sunday post...but I still haven't found the perfect black shift dress. (Although, I did buy this one on sale at Banana Republic- a place where I NEVER shop. And um, it was only $25!) I still don't know what shoes to pack- I definitely cannot transport my entire boot collection. I don't know if I should invest in a new coat- one that is cute but actually fits and will keep me warm. I love this one from JCrew, but it's just so expensive even with the 30% off discount and free shipping.

I spent my weekend getting hit on by uber-Christian boys on the T, indulging in pop rock garnished drinks with friends and making my roommates sandwiches. I can't stop burning my tongue on hot tea and don't understand how I had an allergic reaction to a turkey sandwich last night...it must have been the condiments. I can't stop scratching- it's either fleas or allergy related.

My online scrabble obsession is turning into full on addiction. I haven't made my bed in about 25 years, which is hard to do, considering I'm not yet 22. I need to stop buying lattes. I miss cuddling with my non-existent boyfriend. My dark green nail polish is chipping and looks terrible.

I want to celebrate my 22nd birthday in London with the queen. Yes, the queen of England. I want her to come to a tea party. Ha. Wouldn't that be the best?

I'm about to listen to Taylor Swift's "You Belong with Me" because it reminds me of someone special. It's the third time I've played it since last night.

I told myself I would start working on my paper at 9:00. It's now 9:38. Ugh.