Author: Mel

Retail Therapy: what I bought at NY & Company

- Mel

So, not only was I super impressed by a recent Fall sale online, but I was totally smitten with cute separates. Furthermore, I was BLOWN AWAY by quality. That’s saying a lot about a mall store that (as much as it pains me to admit) for the longest time I thought was catered to plus sizes.

NOT THAT THERE’S ANYTHING WRONG WITH THAT. 

But, I’m decidedly small and borderline petite, so this misconception was keeping me away from a store that I haven’t shopped at for many years (the days when I was pushing size 12-14, which to be honest, I don’t even know where plus sizes begin). The misconception, of course, is my own.

I haven’t brought much attention to my “secretary spread of yesteryear” — mostly because I feel shamed at talking about body issues when I’m so tiny. But just as it happens to many women, I fell into an overweight (for my body frame) phase in my late 20s. I’ve always wanted to be larger-but-fit, especially because I’m now a roller derby player (and I have the sport to thank for creating some amazing curves on my small frame). The boobs? Yes, that’s why there’s Victoria’s Secret. I’ve become most fond of t-shirt bras that don’t make me look lumpy. But with being fit, working out makes my metabolism jump into overdrive. Thank you, genetics?

For disclosure: I typically fall somewhere between a size 2 or 4 (depending on the store/designer, natch); I’m 5’4” (heh, used to be an extra 3/4 of an inch… harumph), and I weigh around 125 lbs (but that fluctuates weekly between 122-127). My bust is 33; my hips are 36. Most of everything I bought (tops) is a small; bottoms can be tough, since I’m super small waisted, with a growing bottom (YES!!!), but I usually size up (then take what I need to the tailor). Regardless, these measurements might/not help you shop NY & Company clothing.

BE THAT AS IT MAY… wow, this post is getting away from me.

My bounty of awesome (that cost me only around $150, for serious):

Zig-zag knit vest — I could kick myself for tossing all my old sweater vests. I don’t own much in the red color family, mostly because of how it looks on my skin, but this deeper, almost-burgundy is spot-on.

Pointelle Sweater Vest — ahem, next verse same as the first. There was something about the style, the flow and color of this. It was irresistible.

A couple skinny belts: skinny lizard and shimmering skinny (in silver). A woman who is short with a long torso needs to define her waist. Always.

Smocked Tunic Shirt — all the waist skimming with the belting! Also see: need more white blouses; this one is just a pullover, which is nice.

Ruffle Placket Shirt — I bought this in powder blue, since I just donated an old, shrunken short-sleeve blouse that I wore tirelessly in the same color. Alas, it was DECIDEDLY shrunken, and PERSONAL OPINION: I don’t think that women over 30 should wear “belly shirts.” Just saying.

Ruffle Front Mesh Cap Sleeve Shirt — this is probably my favorite item I’ve purchased in a while. This color blue is so hard to find (even though I have three tops almost the same color in my closet; different styles, of course), AND IT LOOKS THE BEST ON ME! So, I’m excited to rock it. A lot. 

Silky Abstract Feather Drawstring Dress — true story: IMPULSE PURCHASE. I don’t do well with silky fabrics (they make me sweat! seriously, why is that?!), but I loved the style and print and POCKETS of this dress. It needs a little tailoring (length), but it’s not too often anymore that I purchase something crazy — and I was in the perfect mood.

Wow, that was some therapy, eh? Ah, I feel better. 🙂 THANKS FOR THAT, NY&CO! 

Did you make any impulse purchases this Fall?

Have you had your yearly skin cancer screening?

- Mel

It’s probably not a good thing when your dermatologist tells you, “Wow! You have a lot of moles!”

But, this is what happens when you get to your 30s after a lifetime of worshipping the sun. Thankfully, I stopped all that nonsense a few years ago. But as you know, the damage is done. Then, she proceeds to inform me that I’ll get even MORE spots before I turn 40. And then, that sun damage will start making friends on MY FACE. Groan.

I love my new derm, by the way — especially in the way she communicates the method of protection:

Abstain (stay out of the sun)
Keep it Covered (wear appropriate clothing)
Use Protection (SPF always; sunscreen in makeup is NOT ENOUGH)

In that order, to prevent skin cancer and sun damage that’s inevitably a part of aging. 

Well… today is biopsy day. I’m having three “funny” moles removed — only one of which is a raised, somewhat ugly thing in my armpit (thank the Shaving Gods that I don’t ever have to nick that thing with my razor again). The other two: one is flat, under the skin on my belly and has an irregular border; the other, is almost black in color, which I never noticed because it’s practically under my butt cheek.

I had a friend some years ago who died too suddenly because of a skin cancer issue that was left ignored and untreated for too long. You’re NOT too young, so be proactive — ALWAYS get a yearly skin cancer screening if you were a Sun Goddess in your early years (or used tanning beds ever) and ESPECIALLY if a mole ever changes. Finding this stuff early is the key to surviving it.

And remember your ABCDs:

Asymmetry
Border
Color
Diameter
Evolving 

Wardrobe Therapy: Date Night Summer Blues

- Mel

The boyfriend and I love to try new restaurants. So when we have date night — or in last night’s case, a double date night — we try to cross off a place to which we’ve never been. Our stomachs took us to Cioppino, a quaint Strip District eatery, hidden over in a small plaza by the Cork Factory apartments (on the back side of the now-closed Right by Nature grocery). If you love shellfish and pastas, it’s a must go. Not my favorite Pittsburgh restaurant by any means, but you will definitely leave full and happy.

I don’t get dressed up too often, but once I decided that this teal number would be the main piece for the evening, matching up accessories was a breeze. I love the fit and the studded-and-wrapped details at the waist — gives me a lot more “shape” in my upper torso area. The hemline is short, but so am I — and I love my legs, so I’m totally comfortable in it (even if I had to do a quick dry shave before leaving the apartment).

Also, I always get cold at restaurants (is that an “old” thing because it’s totally the opposite of my night sweats when I’m sleeping), so I decided to pair this fun, boxy jacket with my outfit. You probably can’t see it in these photos, but I added a small accent braid in my hair to keep it off my face. 

Dress: Dillard’s brand (I swear, I thought this was always an XOXO dress for some reason)
Jacket: Miss Me (awesome hand-me-down from my cousin)
Wedges: Colin Stuart for Victoria’s Secret
Necklace: DIY! (more on that in a future post)
Earrings: Zara Terez “Rockefeller” collection, gift from Spoil Me Fashion

Dressing according to my 30s: a rant

- Mel

I have a lot of clothes — most of which I’ve collected over the past decade (and a half). Certain pieces that I’ve clung onto for so long that I cannot rid my closet of them. Some are classics, well made, and I’ll probably be able to wear forever. Some are nostalgic (I know, EVERY stylist says to get rid of this crap now). It’s no surprise that I often get extremely frustrated at having “nothing to wear.” 

Which, if you saw my closet, is total shit.

My biggest problem is that I am 34, and I like “cute” very much. But I end up looking ridiculous. I haven’t yet found a way to style these items that don’t make me look too young or like I’m trying too hard (for what, I don’t know). Which is why 90% of the time, I wear basics: jeans, t-shirts, blazers, tanks… then dress them all up with fabu accessories (have I mentioned shoes & jewelry and my weakness?). And that can get boring.

I love to layer, but summer hates me for it (you know, the hot flashes). I also love dresses and skirts — short ones too, since I’m quite fond of my muscular (yet stark white, no tan allowed) legs, but “OMG, you’re wearing that in public?!”. I love prints, and I want to wear my floral and gingham patterns without feeling silly or like I work on a farm. I own a surprising amount of color (mostly blues and greens and interestingly, a bit of orange) because both beiges AND blacks look washed up against my fair skin tone (or is it that I look washed up?).

So, what are the “fashion rules” for women in their 30s? Apparently, “flirty” overrides “cute.” Whatever the heck that means.

Stop telling me to dress “classy” — I have no reason to. I mean, I don’t dress like a slut by any definition, but I work from home; I don’t need a closet full of polished suits and professional wear. Besides, I have 4-5 colored button-down shirts, that again, look ridiculous on me. And for someone who is only 5’4” with a longer-than-average torso, please do not suggest a pencil skirt.

Is there another side to classy attire? Is that why I also read about “sophistication” a lot? Isn’t that the same? Does that equate to investing in labels? Because I spend a lot on my designer jeans, thank you very much.

What is equally frustrating is the suggestion to “wear whatever makes you feel comfortable.” I cannot, justly, exit my apartment wearing running pants and a sports bra every day. Seriously, this is my favorite outfit in all my closet right now because I love how it looks in New Balance athletic wear (and my derby outfits). 

Perhaps my internal struggle lies with my athletic shape (or is it pear? I can’t figure it out) and that clothing is not properly made for my small size… maybe this just doesn’t match with “cute.”

*sigh* Thankfully, I have nowhere to go today…

Eminence:14-day trial

- Mel

My sister offered up some samples of her Eminence skin care products — enough for a 14-day trial of their handmade organic cleanser, moisturizers, masque, scrub and…something else (another masque, I think). The products are all organic, which I’m hoping translates into “good for sensitive skin.” And that whole “hormonally unbalanced” problem I seem to have with… well, everything these days.

After recently — and randomly — being diagnosed with eczema, my product purchases are heavily scrutinized. Can you believe I even had patchy dryness on my freakin’ eyelids?! I still haven’t pin-pointed what is causing an allergic reaction on my hands either. Soap? Lotion? Self-tanner? Birth control pills? My gummy vitamins? 

So far, I love how the Eminence products are concentrated and that only a tiny amount is needed (then add your own water). I’ve been fairly satisfied with using Murad over the last few years, but I keep getting a “Proactiv” vibe with them, with every mailed catalog. Plus, the products I NEED to supplement my skin care program (from the Resurgence line) — while awesome — are pricy.

Here is what I’m currently trying out for two weeks:

Mineral Cleansing Concentrate – good for acne AND sensitive skin
Eight Greens Whip Moisturizer – for “age-defying” on hormonally-imbalanced skin (although I will admit, hearing “whip” makes me fear breakouts)
Seven Herb Treatment (masque) – to help clear my “combination” skin problems (read: adult acne *groan*). It’s applied every other day for 2 weeks for only 10 minutes (I am already in love with this stuff after one use)
Eight Greens Phyto Masque – currently on hold, until I use the above treatment for a couple weeks, but it’s supposed to be an amazing anti-aging treatment.
Strawberry-Rhubarb Dermafoliant – did you know that rhubarb is a natural astringent and disinfectant? (it’s also delicious in ice cream; the fruit, not this product, of course)
Wild Plum Eye Cream – for dark eye circles and “signs of fatigue.” I only hope this product works as amazingly EVERY day, as it does on my first couple days of use. 

I’ll let you know my thoughts about the products after my two weeks are complete.

And so it begins.

- Mel

Welcome to my new project (and my personal exploration with using tumblr as a blogging platform). 

Consider this therapy… for 30-something women: a stylish place (I hope), where I intend to share both my passion and disdain for reaching another “end of an age bracket.” I’ve found that being in my 30s is not all that bad, but everything (I mean everything) CHANGES: your hair, your face, your body shape, as well as your clothing options. 

I barely learned how to style myself in my 20s, so I’m learning now (it’s not too late, right?). So, prepare for all the age-defying beauty products (and tricks) and wardrobe guidance (where your comments are appreciated) that you could ask for… mixed with a little hormonal ranting.