Oops. I did it... again.

Damn it!

I failed.

I couldn't help myself... I bought a few glossy fashion magazines, and what happens next?

I'm on a hell bent mission for boots that are look-alikes of those KILLER Balmain boots that are just about everywhere right now (and I found them!!! Can't wait to post photos!), a military jacket (because Chloe at the Chloe Conspiracy inspired me- she made it all look so good!) and a damn cute pair of ankle booties (thank you, Macy's sale....)

So I know, I was weak, I crumbled, my good resolutions fell so quickly... but I gotta climb back up on that horse. I mean, for heaven's sake, I've been riding horses my ENTIRE life, I know that when you fall off, you have to dust off (figuratively in this sense, and no, I'm not returning anything!) and pull yourself back up.

EEEK!

(P.S.- As soon as I get my grown-up job, where I get paid, versus this unpaid internship thing, I'm going to start an account at mint.com and get my life back in order!)

Tightening my belt- so to speak

I wish I could say that I am able to tighten my belt an extra hole because I've lost weight- sadly, that is not the case. Student teaching is extremely stressful, and I know my greatest enemy is my stress eating. Sucky.

No, what I'm referring to is slowing down on my spending. Its gotta happen. Its going to happen. It IS happening. No more spending on makeup- as much as I love the finish of my Bobbi Brown foundation, sadly, I shouldn't be spending money on it. I am going to spend less on things like makeup and clothes so that I can save up for the security deposit that is right around the corner. (In January!) No more spending on nice jeans, no matter how nice they make my derriere look. :) No more spending on party clothes- because I don't go out often enough any more to justify purchasing them.

*sigh*

So, for now, I have to kiss some of the things I love farewell.

I know many are feeling the "pinch"- how have you dealt with it?

Gym chic

I have to share something that is weighing heavy on my mind.

Yes, it is gym attire and gym-goer's behavior.

I know that not everyone likes to wear the same thing as they are busy sweating and making their hearts pump and turn their faces red, but I do think there are some laws of common decency (in both appearance and behavior)that should be followed.

1. Try to avoid VPL (visible panty line.) YES, you should NOT wear a thong when you work out, and YES, you should wear a breathable fabric. However, there are so many options out there now (like these from Victoria's Secret- I'm a big fan of the Lacey HipHugger)that you could at least try.

2. Please don't wear denim at the gym. Lets just leave it at that.

3. Please carry a towel so that your sweat doesn't pour over everything. Thank you.

4. Its a proven fact (which I really did read, somewhere, I swear!) that you are more likely to exercise when you feel attractive in your clothes. Choose flattering cuts (I am a big fan of crop tights/leggings, like these from Nike ) and not-so-massive tee shirts... I know that shirt was free, but that doesn't mean that you HAVE to wear it... especially if you swim in it. I don't know about you, but I feel a lot cuter- despite the extremely flushed face and sweaty strands of hair- when I wear gym clothes that fit well and look good. Trust me on this one. Try it, and you'll see.

5. WIPE DOWN EQUIPMENT AFTER YOU USE IT! If you don't- you're gross and that's jacked up.

Thank you for reading my tirade/soap box. Any other rules you think should be added?

Kudos.

Has anyone read the November issue of Glamour? For that matter, did anyone read the September issue?

Oh, my, goodness. I think I just found a new hero- both a person AND a fashion glossy...

Cindy Lieve wrote her editorial about readers' responses to the "Woman on Page 194," plus size model Lizzie Miller. (Considered a plus size model at size 12... the size of the average American woman, I might add!) But she looks absolutely SPECTACULAR! (If you want to see more, click here... Glamour has the interview with Lizze Miller on msnbc.com/Today show and a little bit about Cindy Lieve's response to the response SHE got from Glamour readers.)

This is the picture that was on page 194 of the September Glamour issue:



But really, wow. How inspiring! I think most of us have something like this- those imperfections that drive us nuts. But don't you think that she is still beautiful, despite those little flaws? And honestly, what courage! I can barely wear a swimsuit at the beach!

I think we all need a little "Lizze Miller" courage- the knowledge that we are beautiful no matter what the rest of the world says is the beauty ideal. And thank you to Glamour for posting a picture that I know has not only resonated with me, but with women around the world as well. You should really check out the November issue with Scarlett Johannson (another curvy girl! :) and you'll be inspired to. At least, I was.

Being Cheap

There comes a point in many of our lives where quantity matters more than quality, where you have to have enough clothes in your closet to make it look like you aren't wearing the same thing constantly. And when you don't have money, this becomes pretty difficult.

Especially when you are completing an 18 week unpaid internship. *Cough*

SO, to save money- money that I really have to STTTRRREEETTTTCCCCHHHH to last for quite a while, I look for bargains.

I've found a few great websites that really help me put some mojo back into my wardrobe, and offer clothes that are appropriate for the classroom.

A few favorites, in no particular order:

www.forever21.com

Obviously... who HASN'T shopped this website or mega-store for cheap, cheap, cheap fashion finds? Especially now that they're springing up everywhere in California in old Gottschalk's locations... anyway, I am a big fan of the Love 21 line... as Forever 21 says, it offers more modest cuts (which is a necessity around high school boys!) I much prefer the website, because I find the store completely overwhelming... just too many choices!

www.jcp.com

This used to be a go to when I was little... and then, around junior high age, the stuff there just got bad. But they've been putting a lot of work into improving their clothing line, and I have to say, it shows. Plus, they always seem to have sales.

www.oldnavy.com

Great for basics and fun tops... and it always seems like every shirt there is never over $20. Fabulous!

www.target.com

The ads in the fashion glossies say it all... "Frugalista." Gotta love it! (And they always seem to have great shoes, too.)

These are my favorites for saving a buck... do you have any other places that you LOVE? Share, please! :) Because student teaching isn't over yet... and I don't the promise of a job in January! (Yikes!)