So many times, I've stopped myself from writing things that seem to be a bit too 'heavy' or 'serious' for a blog that was created to share the things in life to love/that I love. Sometimes it's that weird combination of laziness and desire to get it just right - they play off of each other too, so the more I obsess over the thought that my post needs to be just right, the more I back away from it and put it aside and tell myself it's fine, I'll do it another time. I don't need to write it now. And perhaps it's true, in a sense that it's not life-threatening if I don't write it now, but it's also a crutch, isn't it?
Sometimes it's fear, too. Fear that I won't do a good enough job, that it won't be well-received or interpreted the way I meant, that it'll stop people from reading, visiting, and enjoying the content I post here. And then it's the tricky transition too, of turning a blog founded upon lightness and cheerfulness, into something that offers a bit more substance. I tried it, with my post on my shopping philosophy, a toe in the water kind of test. It felt good to write something a little deeper, that expresses a little more of my opinion, and puts the stuff in my head a little bit more out there. A baby step, to be sure, but hopefully a step in the right direction.
In short, it's difficult! It's really, really hard to do it in a way that's honest, constructive, thoughtful, and even beneficial to others, while remaining true to yourself. That's why I admire people who do it well. They are inspiring to me and I think they are so brave and amazing to be able to write how they do. I love them for the way they share, for their thoughtful and intelligent commentary on important issues, both personal and non-personal. I love them for their gusto. That's why I am sharing three of my favorite blogs with you today. One of the ladies I was lucky to have attended college with; the other two, I have never met, but follow their blogs just as ardently. I hope you'll enjoy the wonderful content they develop and share as much as I do, and that you'll walk away feeling emboldened and inspired.
A wonderful and honest post, from Kendi Everyday
Fiercely independent and intelligent, a collection of reflections from I Eat the Peach
Impeccable style and dedication to staying true to herself - Stina Auer's blog
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Hello again! I am happy to share some exciting news which I had sneakily mentioned a couple of posts ago. I will be starting a new job at the end of the month, and also moving into a new apartment. It will be amazing to have a real kitchen again, and I am very much looking forward to my new job!
In the midst of job and apartment hunting, interviewing, etc, I managed to snag a few great finds. Madewell.com was having a great promotion last week, with an extra 30% off sale prices, and free shipping over $50. When Madewell does these promotions, I pay attention. I love their stuff, and have gotten some great deals during previous promotions over the past couple of years. A pair of their nude patent leather flats, a great belt, a thick cozy scarf, and a linen striped tee, and all of these items I've been wearing to death.
This time, I was craving neon. I found it, in the form of these gorgeous items:
The silk front is done in a beautiful vintage photo-inspired floral print, and the back is a soft and silky rayon in bright yellow. I received this a few days ago and am absolutely in love. Today I'm wearing it to work with a white cotton blazer, khaki trousers, and my trusty nude flats. I kept accessories simple with a few favorite gold pieces - a botanical-inspired ring, a slim Art-Deco-ish bracelet from the LOFT, and a tiny opal pendant. I have some gray skinnies and a navy blue cardigan, plus bright pink flats, that I can also see this getting along with just fine. Definitely worth it for $25, and a testament to how versatile a good floral print can be.
The photo shown here is in the Palace Pink option, which is what was on the website. I went for the Luminary Citron. Check out the color swatch on the website - it is a gorgeous electric yellow/lemon color. I was so excited when I saw this - just what I've been looking for, and in beautiful silk too. I worked with a wonderful customer service associate, using the online chat option, to find the correct size. She was very helpful and was able to give me exact measurements for a couple of size options I was considering. Even though they were final sale and not eligible for return, she was able to put in a note for me that would allow me to return the skirt if it ended up not fitting.
As it turned out, the size I chose didn't work for me - it was a smidge too tight, and since it was silk, I wanted it to flow better so lines and bulges would be skimmed over and not accentuated. Working with another one of their great customer service associates on the phone, I was able to exchange my skirt for the next size up, free of charge. I also picked up a belt while I was at it - I have been looking for a wider belt to cinch dresses and tunics/cardigans with, and the color was just what I wanted. Since I called while the extra 30% off promotion was still running, I got the belt at a great price, too. I can't wait to share the verdict when I get the skirt and belt, and to continue incorporating bright pops of color into my wardrobe.
And I would be remiss if I didn't give praise and tell you how pleasant it was to work with Madewell's customer service for this seemingly convoluted set of transactions. When shopping online, it is very important for me to be able to talk to someone who knows the product, has it in front of them, and is able to give you information beyond what's posted online to help you make your decision. This helps you save time and money, so you'll be able to confidently say yes or no to pieces you are considering. Plus, they were so nice to chat with and did everything they could to help me. As a disclaimer, I'm not getting anything from Madewell (or any of the other merchants I've written about here) to write my opinion; this is just me sharing my opinion in hopes that it will benefit you down the road. I'm not afraid to pick up the phone and get in contact with customer service with questions about my orders from any merchant, and more than once I've experienced poor customer service. It's a tough job to be sure, so if any of you are working in this field, please do not take it as an offense. It just makes it that much more notable when someone really comes through, and so I wanted to praise these ladies and share my positive experience with you guys. In short - Madewell's stuff rocks, their customer service rocks, and Thursdays rock because it's almost Friday! (Wait, what? Non sequitur, anyone? But it's all true! :)
In the midst of job and apartment hunting, interviewing, etc, I managed to snag a few great finds. Madewell.com was having a great promotion last week, with an extra 30% off sale prices, and free shipping over $50. When Madewell does these promotions, I pay attention. I love their stuff, and have gotten some great deals during previous promotions over the past couple of years. A pair of their nude patent leather flats, a great belt, a thick cozy scarf, and a linen striped tee, and all of these items I've been wearing to death.
This time, I was craving neon. I found it, in the form of these gorgeous items:
Photo courtesy of madewell.com
Photo courtesy of madewell.com
As it turned out, the size I chose didn't work for me - it was a smidge too tight, and since it was silk, I wanted it to flow better so lines and bulges would be skimmed over and not accentuated. Working with another one of their great customer service associates on the phone, I was able to exchange my skirt for the next size up, free of charge. I also picked up a belt while I was at it - I have been looking for a wider belt to cinch dresses and tunics/cardigans with, and the color was just what I wanted. Since I called while the extra 30% off promotion was still running, I got the belt at a great price, too. I can't wait to share the verdict when I get the skirt and belt, and to continue incorporating bright pops of color into my wardrobe.
And I would be remiss if I didn't give praise and tell you how pleasant it was to work with Madewell's customer service for this seemingly convoluted set of transactions. When shopping online, it is very important for me to be able to talk to someone who knows the product, has it in front of them, and is able to give you information beyond what's posted online to help you make your decision. This helps you save time and money, so you'll be able to confidently say yes or no to pieces you are considering. Plus, they were so nice to chat with and did everything they could to help me. As a disclaimer, I'm not getting anything from Madewell (or any of the other merchants I've written about here) to write my opinion; this is just me sharing my opinion in hopes that it will benefit you down the road. I'm not afraid to pick up the phone and get in contact with customer service with questions about my orders from any merchant, and more than once I've experienced poor customer service. It's a tough job to be sure, so if any of you are working in this field, please do not take it as an offense. It just makes it that much more notable when someone really comes through, and so I wanted to praise these ladies and share my positive experience with you guys. In short - Madewell's stuff rocks, their customer service rocks, and Thursdays rock because it's almost Friday! (Wait, what? Non sequitur, anyone? But it's all true! :)
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