The New Normal

Hey, guys...

Last Monday, after being cooped up for two weeks straight, I woke up around 6:15am with full plans to get to the nearby grocery store by no later than 7.  I had ran out of ice-cream and needed to re-up because... priorities.

When I got to the store’s underground parking lot, I saw that the elevators to the main floor were blocked.  I followed the crudely printed signs that pointed to the stairs and proceeded up towards the street where I was met with a somewhat significant line of people at the entrance of the automated doors of the store.  I sighed then took my place at the back of the line.  Approximately six feet behind the last person at the back of the line.  Thankfully, the line looked a lot worse than it ended up being.  I didn’t count the exact amount of time, but sooner than I knew it, the whole lot of us were being ushered into the store one by one.

Inside, no crowd, but enough of a head count for so early in the morning.  Some donned face masks while others went bare.  I was part of the latter; however, I did take a produce bag and fashion it into a “glove”, so I could quickly navigate my cart to the aisles I needed and then quickly leave.

When I got home, I stripped down naked right at the front door and left my packages on the floor while I grabbed my bottle of rubbing alcohol from my bathroom as well as dish detergent.  I doused a paper towel with the concoction and proceeded to thoroughly wipe everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, down before putting it away.  Food, credit cards, keys... nothing went un-wiped.   When I was through with the wiping, I jumped in the shower and scrubbed.  After showering, I laundered everything I wore to the store, including the hat I wore to cover my hair.  Then and only then did I relax.

Two days ago, I fashioned a makeshift face mask out of an old scarf and two ponytail bands after seeing the quick and handy tutorial on Instagram.  Took me less than five minutes.  Very happy to have it.  Another piece of armor for the battle...

And now I’m just sitting here... all dolled up with nowhere to go.  But I’m so thankful that all my family and friends, including you guys, are here and accounted for.  So blessed to be here myself.  Hopeful that this tide will soon ebb.  Encouraged that it most certainly will.

Strange times we’re living in, huh?  But I guess this is our new normal.

Strange times indeed...

Barbie: Rosie O'Donnell

Last week, Barbie announced some significant changes regarding its fashion doll line.  Already the hardest working doll in the toy business with a wealth of cultures and nationalities deeply embedded in the collection, they are further diversifying the brand by including a new line of dolls with an expanded range of eye colors, skin tones and even body types - the latter garnering the most attention.  In addition to Barbie's traditionally lithe, model-esque body shape, the Fashionistas Line will also offer a tall, petite and curvy version of the beauty.  It's a move that left many shocked and surprised (pleasantly), but I wasn't.  I knew that these were waters that had been previously chartered.  Long before "curvy" Barbie, there was Rosie - a Barbie made in the likeness of well-known "funny girl" Rosie O'Donnell.  Full-figured with her signature smile to match, she was a perfect replica of the star... and a welcomed visual departure from its usual celebrity iterations.        

Best known as the brash "wise-cracker" Doris in A League of Her Own, Roseann "Rosie" O'Donnell has quite the entertainment resume.  With prominent roles on both the big and small screen, the Long Island-born comedienne even helmed her own talk show - a snapshot in time that has been dutifully captured with this doll.  From her signature pantsuit and sneakers to her microphone and additional accoutrements, every detail has been provided and accounted for.

Even the back of the box has been recruited for the sake of authenticity, displaying a full mockup of the set of her talk show to serve as a backdrop during playtime.

Keeping in line with the raven-haired entertainer's simple approach to aesthetics, Rosie's makeup is kept to a minimum; her brown eyes are lightly lined in a burnt sienna, allowing her lips to take center stage in a bright cherry-red.

So there you have it!  When they made the Rosie O'Donnell Barbie, they broke the mold... and defied convention.  Long before all the hubbub over "Curvy", there was Rosie - a doll that lauded the comic's achievements as well as her physical attributes.  It's a doll that acknowledges and celebrates the fact that women come in all sizes.  It's a doll that served as the precursor of what was to come...  And I'm so glad to have her in my collection! 

Barbie: My Scene

You know, there's nothing wrong with changing things up once in a while.  Exaggerated eyes with a profusely plumped up pout, she's an obvious break from the traditional Barbie aesthetic.  Upon their novel debut some years ago, Bratz dolls - with their overplayed facial features and funked out fashions - rode an overwhelming wave of popularity as the new "IT" girls.  Armed with youthful bravado and sass, they let their presence be known with a rebel yell.  As a response, the line of My Scene dolls was born, giving direct notice that Barbie (and friends) could be just as hip as the "new girls" on the "doll block".  Out of the many iterations that came from the line, I did grab a few.  But right now, if you're at all interested, I'd like to tell you a little bit about one of the originals.

No stranger to the elements of funk, Barbie decided to take it "old school", getting totally "funkdafied" in a burgundy leather jacket with a faux fur core and split flared sleeves.  Underneath it all is a gauzy, printed tee.

She decided to match the "up top" funk with something just as groovy "down below":  cream leather bell-bottoms with a serious set of split flares as well.  Burgundy wine seams with thick trimming at the waist earns her a few extra notches on the groove-o-meter.

On her feet are a pair of chunky heeled, over-the-ankle platform boots.

And hanging from her shoulder to help keep her unmentionables from being mentioned is a brown leather satchel.  A mean throwback to the 60s, it has a snap closure with whipstitching along the edge of its flap.

Her remaining accessories (in addition to the scarlet red shades perched atop her head) are a pair of silver hoops...

... and a silver belly chain.

Not only does she come sporting a groove-tastic outfit, but she comes with one to spare!  Perfect for a quick change without the fuss, she has a printed bandeau, "barely there" leather mini and flower-printed go-go boots to round out the surplus ensemble.

With her water-blue eyes and cushioned lips already on the bold and overly expressive side, Barbie decided to keep the makeup slightly more subtle.  However, that doesn't totally rule out the use of frost in her mind as she adds a little pink pizazz to both to help up the ante without going too overboard. 

So there you have it!  The My Scene dolls were a whole new visual take on Barbie (spurred on by a dose of healthy competition) and, for me at least, I think it worked.  I don't think they still make the line here in the states, but may have some editions available overseas.  Whatever the case, I'm just glad I was able to get my hands on the ones that I do have and am overjoyed to have them, including this saucer-eyed beauty, as part of my collection!

Weekend Report: His AND Hers

We women just know how to take over, don't we?  From boyfriend jeans to tuxedo jackets to wingtip oxfords - we seem to have a natural knack for taking what's traditionally not "suited" for us and making it all our own.  Well, being that I'm no stranger to this style-driven modus operandi, this weekend I plan on donning my share of testosterone influenced wares, along with a vintage piece that holds a special place in my heart.  So, if you have a few moments to spare, I'd love to give you a preview of what I will be rockin' this weekend.

This weekend, it's all about the shirtdress.  Borne out of the genuine love and comfort of wearing a man's oversized dress shirt, I believe the shirtdress to be a must-have staple for any woman who truly desires a well-rounded wardrobe.  Incredibly versatile in its styling, it can be played up or down without missing a beat.  Modified with a feminine flair, this light-blue linen frock displays a mandarin collar, rolled up adjustable sleeves and a tasseled, braided belt.

On my feet will be an offering from unisex sneaker giant Converse.  Serving up an eyeful of white from toe to heel, these monochrome, all leather All Stars will act as the perfect accent to give the outfit a laid back feel.

Weathered from years of wear, this tobacco-hued beauty has a lot of miles under its flap.  I've had it for, like, FOREVER!  It's my beloved Etienne Aigner and it's the very first purse I ever bought in my entire life!  Man, I'm so glad I was able to hold on to it for this long.  And this weekend I am going to dust it off and rock it cross-bodied, leather stretchmarks and all!

I'll be taking the minimalist approach when it comes to accessories, opting for a simple pair of frost framed sunglasses and a sugar white watch to complete my ensemble.  This arm candy from Marc Jacobs is not only laced with a little bling-bling, but is fitted with an oversized face that's traditionally reserved for men's watches.  And it's exactly this über masculine feature that makes me love it even more - it's a timepiece that's built like a man's, but "made" for a woman.

Now, I was thinking of adding a hat to the mix, but I don't know.  What do y'all think?  Yes?  No?  Eh... I prolly won't even bother.  I think I like the arrangement all on its own... but I was tossing around the idea a bit.

Well, there you have it!  That is the total rundown of my outfit for this weekend - something old, something new... nothing borrowed, but there is something blue.  I love that fashion is so malleable, especially for women.  From clothing to undergarments to hats and even cologne - what's his can easily be hers with very little editing (if any!).  Basically, WE CAN WEAR IT ALL!

So if you're ready to put your style acumen to the test and have never explored the woman-friendly world of male-oriented clothing, try it!  Better yet, venture over to an actual Men's Department and see what you find.  At the very least, you'll find inspiration.  At the most, a brand new outfit!  I don't know about you, but that sounds like a sure fire win-win to me.  #BEINGAGIRLROCKS!    

Mint Sorbet

Now that summer is officially here, it's time to fall in line and get our fingers and toes season-worthy.  Color is the name... and for this go around, soft and easy is the game.  As you guys already know, I'm not a true fan of pastels, but - lulled by my latest grab's name - this romantic, pale shade of lacquer is more of a "sorbet" (self-indulgent semantics, I know, but let's just roll with it, shall we?).  Anywho, it's an all too familiar story: it was love at first sight when I laid eyes on it in the store and I just had to have it.  So, without further ado, I'd like show 'n' tell you a little bit about Sally Hansen's Hard As Nails Xtreme Wear nail polish in Mint Sorbet. 

Mint Sorbet is a blanched, pale green and hails from Sally Hansen's Xtreme Wear line of long lasting, brightly hued nail polishes.  Richly pigmented, it has a nice, creamy texture and left a nearly opaque layer of color in the first pass.  I did, however, use two coats of polish and found that the lacquer dried fairly quickly between applications, which is a plus.  And while I had slight bubbling on one nail, which was totally due to "user error" as I was rushing during strokes and inevitably caught air, it did not streak.  Worn sans the aid of both a base and top clear coat (which is how I review all nail polishes), it held up well with only minor chipping at the tips despite undergoing the daily rigors of hand-oriented chores like washing dishes.  Mint Sorbet lasted about five days on my busy digits, which is about average for me.

So there you have it!  Although I don't really dig the "P" word when it comes to colors, using words like "sherbert", "sorbet", "custard", etc. help me push through my misgivings.  It's silly.  It's mind over matter, but it's all in fun.  Obviously, I like what I like.  And I really like this Mint Sorbet polish.  I can see it easily playing the perfect complement to sun-kissed skin and it wears well to boot.  Soft and easy and very pretty.  #TWOMINTYTHUMBSUP!  

Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Xtreme Wear in Minty Sorbet is available at various drugstores, including drugstore.com and Target, and retails for around $2.50, depending on the outlet.   

Barbie: Basics No. 9

And so, without much thought or deliberation, I plucked yet another stylish diva from the flock of like-minded fashionistas I like to call the "BBC" or "Barbie Basics Crew".  Oh, you may have seen them around.  They're the über sophisticates whose style boasts a simple philosophy: black frocks rock!  Their style is unmistakable, each flaunting a uniquely tailored interpretation of "minimalistic chic" via surprisingly simple LBDs that are, no less, worthy of a double take.  So let's jump right to it, shall we?  I'd love to introduce you to Number 9 from the BBC and do a little show 'n' tell on what she's working with.

While her voguish cohort Number 1 opted for a cowl-neck version, this beauty decided on a slouch turtleneck ribbed-knit with an empire waist.  Sleek with a gentle hug on all the right places, this sleeveless LBD's cocktail length affords her the best of both worlds as she can comfortably go from daytime's uptown to nighttime's downtown all without having to make a pit stop in between to change.

Working as the perfect complement to her dress in both comfort and versatility are a smart pair of black slingbacks.  Pointed in the toe and high-heeled, they provide the extra BAM! needed for her already shapely gams to achieve pin-up worthy status.

From the top of her arms right down to her naked wrists, there are no excessive adornments in sight... except for the flash of color beaming from her freshly manicured hands.

Short hair, don't care!  Every flaxen lock is in its assigned place as she fearlessly sports a sculpted, chin-length bob, courtesy of the expert shears at Vidal Sassoon.

And while at the salon, Barbie decided to have the full-on works and get her face "beat" by one of the resident makeup artists, giving the MUA carte blanche in the process.  Sparkling gold with a brown cut crease and purple highlights was what the artist composed for her lids while large, butterfly-like lashes were used to accent her almond-shaped eyes and make them appear more open.  On her lips, a glossy rose-pink helps to balance out all the drama and add the final touch.

So there you have it!  Another member of the BBC expertly rockin' a version of the "little black dress" and doing it with finesse and much flair... but without the raucous and visual clamor of bangles and such.  Again, simplicity is the main element to their philosophy.  Hair and makeup bring a bit of interest to the conversation, but clearly the floor belongs to the LBD, leaving the timeless classic to do most of the talking and speak for itself.  As Barbie has proven time and time again, less is more when you stick to the basics.  It's the perfect equation for fashion success!