30 Before 30
In honor of my upcoming 30th birthday, I’ve researched countless “things to do before 30” lists. And while there are plenty to choose from, I kept coming back to “Thirty Things Every Woman Should Have and Should Know by the Time She’s 30.”
The List was originally published in Glamour by columnist Pamela Redmond Satran in 1997. Over the next 30 weeks, I’ll be tackling each item on The List and reflecting about it here… publicly (gulp). I hope you enjoy and we can grow together. After all, turning older is a privilege denied to many.
By 30, you should have…
4. A purse, a suitcase, and an umbrella you aren’t ashamed to be seen carrying.
It wasn’t until I moved to New York that I realized how valuable it is to have at least one quality purse, suitcase and umbrella each in my collection.
Despite the Louis Vuitton resurgence during my high school years, plus plenty of travel and thunderstorms in college and beyond, it hit me the night I landed in New York. Yet another Target purse ripped, my suitcase handle came clean off the rails and a Walgreens umbrella failed me in the falling snow.
In the four years — and one day — since I moved to NYC (and now San Francisco), I’ve invested carefully in some quality pieces.
I waited for a handbag sale at Macy’s and used multiple coupons (plus my corporate discount) to treat myself to this Vince Camuto beauty last year. I don’t use it every day, or even every week; but I always receive compliments and am proud of this stylish, yet practical purchase.
The luggage I’ve coveted for years finally became mine after I signed my relocation paperwork for San Francisco. Again, I waited for a Macy’s sale and piled on promos with my discount to save a considerable amount of money. The Samsonite spinner set has served me well over thousands of miles, and it’s always easy to spot at baggage claim. My only regret is not adding on a carry-on size at the time, but I’ve got about 26 weeks to do so before my birthday comes 😉
Finally, the ubiquitous umbrella… such a seemingly simple item, but a puzzling purchase nonetheless. Get one too big, and it’s a pain to lug around — remember, I don’t have a car anymore. Get one too small, and it’s pointless during a downpour. I eventually ditched the last of my $5 drugstore umbrellas, and went with a not-much-more-expensive Totes option. It opens and closes with the push of a button, and it provides enough coverage without breaking my back to carry to and fro. Bonus: It comes in plenty of colors and patterns, so you’ve got endless options to style your stormy day.
So, there you have it: the purse, suitcase and umbrella I’m not ashamed to be seen carrying. Which of these items are you most proud you purchased? Post in the comments so I can scope your styles!
30 Before 30
In honor of my upcoming 30th birthday, I’ve researched countless “things to do before 30” lists. And while there are plenty to choose from, I kept coming back to “Thirty Things Every Woman Should Have and Should Know by the Time She’s 30.”
The List was originally published in Glamour by columnist Pamela Redmond Satran in 1997. Over the next 30 weeks, I’ll be tackling each item on The List and reflecting about it here… publicly (gulp). I hope you enjoy and we can grow together. After all, turning older is a privilege denied to many.
By 30, you should have…
3. Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour.
I’m sure every woman can relate to the hunt for the perfect LBD, or Little Black Dress. And while I myself own a handful of them — and have worn each for various job interviews and dates — I actually prefer my LRD, or Little Red Dress.
The Dress is a cotton shell, which makes it easy to care for or stash away in a suitcase when traveling. The red hue is vibrant without being overbearing, perfectly tinted for festive fetes or standing out in a sea of black. The back features a gold zipper, and the shoulders are accented with black pleather, providing just enough panache to keep it from being plain. Finally, The Dress has the ultimate modern feature every girl adores: pockets!
I bought The Dress a few years ago, and keep it in my repertoire for fancier occasions or last-minute plans. It pairs well with tights or without; with booties or flats or wedges or heels; and with or without an outer layer. I even recently wore it to a holiday event and a girlfriend was wearing essentially the same thing — the ultimate style compliment, in my opinion.
What’s your go-to garment when you need to be fashionable in a flash? Post a comment and let me know!
Cheers to the LRD!
WO: Weekly Obsessions
I flew about 3,000 miles since last week’s post and boy, are my arms tired. [Insert bad-joke rimshot noise here.] I’ll spare you any more corny jokes and get right to it:
- NYC: It’s a great time of year to be back in one of the most electrifying cities on Earth. The air and leaves are crisp, the people are crazy as ever, the Mets are hanging in there, and I feel very #blessed to spend a week in the city.
- Macy’s Herald Square: A big change with this visit is that my NYC team recently moved down the street to work in offices at Herald Square. It’s completely insane walking these hallowed halls and being right in the action — but I so appreciate the chance to “be a part of it.” 😉
- Halloween: Um, duh. This year, I have a friend’s wedding to attend and will then continue the celebration at my friends’ party. The costume isn’t as surprising as you might expect, but it’s still sure to be a winner. La la la la la.
- “Hello” – Adele: OK, so everyone and their mother — litchrlly — is obsessed with this new release from the queen of soulful singing. If this is what three years of anticipation brings us, I’d have to say it’s worth the wait. And the video? Damn, girl.
Images courtesy of: SSN.TV, Visit Macy’s, In Just Seven Days, Daily Cal
WO: Weekly Obsessions
It’s rained for the past week in SF — and despite how much I’m getting use out of my adorable rain boots — I’m reeeally ready for it to stop. Still, I’ll take it over the polar vortex’s crushing temperatures any day. Also brightening my mood? These little lovelies:
- THIS Watch: I finally decided to retire my rose gold watch that’s been (fashionably) tarnished for a few years. My first day wearing Betsey Johnson’s beautiful creation has made me smile nonstop.
- “Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce”: The first-ever scripted series from Bravo is endlessly entertaining. From its controversial advertising to a killer soundtrack and biting dialogue, I see many seasons in this show’s future.
- DOSA SF: One of my first forays into Indian food was pure magic, thanks to the incredible flavors and huge portions at DOSA SF. The menu is huge, so I already know I’ll be back soon to try even more delicacies.
- “This Is My Wish” – Kevin Ross: This Motown crooner’s voice litchrlly gave me chills. Fast-forward past the Glad campaign nonsense … then sit back, relax and listen to a lovely holiday tune.
WO: Weekly Obsessions
Fall! October! Orange! Pumpkin! … What is it about this month that makes everyone lose their collective shit? Clearly, I’m not one of those people.* Riiiight.
- MY NIECE!: Yes, this is an all-caps situation. Allison Marie was born last Thursday at 7:56 p.m. Both she and my sister-in-law are doing well, and I can’t wait to see them (and Brother, too) soon!
- These Boots: Even though NYC’s weather isn’t cooperating, every new season requires new shoes. These Bandolino rider boots were 40% off with my discount, so of course I needed them in two colors.
- Leah & Sam’s Wedding: My dear friend celebrates her marriage Saturday, and I’m thrilled to be there for her. We’ll take in the Washington sites (possibly), and eat and drink for days (definitely). Speaking of DC …
- The Government Shutdown: OK, I’m obviously not thrilled to see Congress implode. But Jon Stewart’s rant below is pretty damn entertaining, and Jimmy Kimmel reveals just how clueless so many are. Shocking, I know. Whatever your stance, it can’t be argued: The downward spiral of American politics continues.
Poor quality, but the original one is no longer available.
*Did you count how many of those very things I featured? Amateurs.
Images courtesy of: Facebook, Macy’s, Facebook, Policy Mic
All Grown Up
Today marks the 100th birthday of the Girl Scouts of the USA, founded in Savannah by Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low. While we all love the cookies, the benefits of scouting — including leadership and youth development — are endless. The Girl Scouts marked many milestones in my childhood and teen years, so it’s only fitting that I revisit some of my favorite past trends and update them for this millennium.
The Side Pony Grew Up to Become –> The Side Braid
Want to play outside with the big kids, but need to scrape the hair off your face? Enter side ponytail. The side braid is the best I-rolled-out-of-bed-but-have-a-big-girl-job style and takes just a few seconds and bobby pins to create.
Hypercolor Grew Up to Become –> Neon
Whatever happened to that crazy trend where your body heat created “fun” patterns in different colors? It matured a bit, got introduced to a classier crowd and was born again as the new neon. And from lips to fingertips, it’s so hot right now.
The Skort Grew Up to Become –> The Romper
I haven’t personally tried out the updated version (I fear the saggy-butt effect), but I rocked a mean jean skort in the ’90s. My fave?: The orange-and-purple gem with Minnie’s face along the bottom edge. Straight-up gangster at La Petite Academy.
Stirrup Pants Grew Up to Become –> Jeggings
This is the trend I miss the most — anchoring my stretchy pants into my shoes was right up there with those plastic T-shirt clips I coveted. Lucky for me, jeggings have hit the runway and are here to stay. Get a pair with extra stretch, so they feel surprisingly similar to the OG version. Oh yeah.
Jellies Grew Up to Become –> “Adult” Jellies
The first form of torture my feet ever knew are now available in women’s sizes too. If you’ve been craving an awkward waffle-pattern imprint and sunburn for your toes, these are just the thing. Plastic – on your feet – now.
Which trends from your childhood have you reinvented? I’m eager to find an appropriate update to my famed collection of slap bracelets. Rock on.
Sweet, sweet playlist — you’re welcome.
On Being Boot Cute*
Some guys at work have a hard time understanding the phenomenon that takes place with the womenfolk this time of year: excitement about wearing boots.
I am a devoted participant in this craze, which usually begins in November and lasts throughout February. Especially in Florida, we try to stretch every second of boot-wearing as much as we can.
While I can’t fully explain our rationale — nor speak for the whole female population — I can say that boots are exciting, simply because they are not flip-flops.
We wear open-toe shoes (read: sandals) most of the year, and it’s wonderful to dress up jeans with sleek riding boots or make a classic sheath trendy with tights and heeled booties.
Pick your poison.
Ladies, all of the styles below can be found for $150 or less — you heard me. And most styles come in multiple colors, so be sure to check the links for more options.
Boys, even though you may not understand it, you should be able to appreciate the beauty that is a nice boot(y):
Wildly Western — Find your inner Carrie Underwood with these styles.
This gilded Bubbly pair from Dan Post kicks things off right.
Though called Uptown, these are more fit for the farmer’s daughter.
Ride off into the sunset with Kagome at your feet.
Call It Spring brings a distressed distinction with Hammerle.
Relaxed Riders — Running to the grocery store never looked so good.
Nine West consistently delivers, and Vermillion is no exception.
For just $40, you can make Magaska yours.
Love of my life Enzo Angiolini drops some style with Zayra.
Not to be outdone, here’s the MIA version of “Xara.”
Well-Heeled Ways — Add some height and interest with a reliable heel.
Sassy and edgy, Nailah will take you to the dark side.
Alicia is just here to look pretty — and damn, she’s good at it.
Volatile’s Cassidy design is equal parts classic and trendy.
Sheila can assure you why you must have blue boots — now.
Brazen Booties — Fiercely dramatic, these will make any outfit even hotter.
Boyfrand Enzo Angiolini had me at “Haver.”
Did you just die a little inside? Yeah, Cybelle will do that to you.
McKenna: So beautiful, a song could be done in her honor.
I don’t think I’d ever leave the mirror while wearing Katana.
If you’d like an invitation to join Shoedazzle or Just Fabulous, leave your email in the comments section. Both clubs have on-trend styles, as well as classic looks for your feet — all for about $40/pair.
I’m personally drooling over the Cybelle booties — good thing payday is Friday!
*By definition, UGGS are not cute. If you’re looking for praise of this brand, you’ve come to the wrong blog.
Meet Me at the Barre
One goal while I was home for Christmas was to help Magz clean out my former bedroom. As we went through countless old memories, I dusted off a favorite book of mine from childhood: “The Silver Slippers.”
My parents enrolled me in dance classes at a very young age, and it soon became my passion. I practiced all of the time, and I read this magical ballerina book from my grandma over and over again.
The necklace that came with it was also rediscovered, so here are some Pinspirations for every little girl who dreamed of being the Prima Ballerina.
1st Position: Ballerina Buns (of Steel?)
2nd Position: Fouetté in Fashion
3rd Position: Accesory Arabesque
4th Position: Party Pirouettes
5th Position: Tutu Cute
Grand Plié: The Book that Started It All
Wittyburg.com 