amanda lee dot org

“Yes, and…”

amanda_lee — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 02:17:18 +0000

In improvisation, actors have a technique called “Yes, and…” It goes like this:

Whenever anyone adds something to the scene – a piece of information, a name, a fictive set piece – this is called an offer. Every time someone makes an offer, all the other actors onstage must go with it, and when they do, they use the phrase “Yes, and…” to segue into another part of the scene they’re adding. If you habitually block someone’s “Yes, and…”, then that means you’re stunting the group’s momentum, allowing the scene to move forward only under your own parameters.

Think about this at work this week. Are you a habitual blocker when you work in groups?

No related posts.

Inspiration: 8.30.2010

amanda_lee — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 22:27:51 +0000

[]

I Love Life I Love You: Shop Update

amanda_lee — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 23:59:36 +0000

First of all, to all my new readers who are here from College Fashion, hi! Thanks for stopping by! I hope you’ll stay awhile!

Just letting you guys know that I just put a TON of stuff into I Love Life I Love You, my Etsy shop. I’ve still got a bunch to go, too, so stop in and getcha some prints/knits/warmfuzzies. If you mention reading my blog, I’ll give you free shipping. Because I love you that much. Wink.

Inspiration: 8.27.2010

amanda_lee — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:19:21 +0000

[source]

Do It! Write a Thank-You Note

amanda_lee — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 04:23:57 +0000

I’m starting a new feature every so often. The Do It! Challenge will be like a weekly challenge – a task for you guys to complete that will hopefully push you to new heights of style, wisdom, and friendship. Here’s how it works: Complete the Challenge. Send me evidence – it could be a digital photo, a screenshot, a video, a personal reaction essay, or anything that shows me what you guys did and how it affected you. Before I post the next Do It! Challenge, I’ll post a recap of some of my favorite submissions for everyone to read and discuss. Sound like fun? Of course it does!

So, here’s this week’s Do It! Challenge:

When’s the last time you wrote a thank-you note? I really love writing thank-you notes for two reasons. First, it’s a way for me to show my appreciation for something amazing that someone else has done for me–in a way that’s typically not expected at all. And second, I’m always striving to create a stronger sense of gratitude around me–thankfulness for little, meaningful things that otherwise would go unnoticed if I didn’t take the time to tune in to them.

So, I want you guys to think of someone that deserves thanks. Maybe you have a really dedicated friend who’s always the first to say, “OMG, that dress looks amazing on you!” and constantly brings you coffee and treats when you’re down. Maybe it’s a coworker that saved your ass in a meeting last week when you accidentally missed a deadline. Maybe you need to send a card to your dad that says, “Thanks for putting up with my shit!” (I send this same card every year to my dad on Father’s Day.) No matter who it is, think of a way you can thank them for what they do. Be creative; a thank-you note doesn’t actually have to be a handwritten letter. Make them a video. Write them a song. Bake them a cake.

But thank them. They deserve it.

Okay, kiddos. Send your entries to amandalee [at] amandalee [dot] org. I look forward to seeing all the great things you’ll come up with!

Freakishly Fun Flats for Fall

amanda_lee — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 19:26:11 +0000

I’ve been commuting in flip-flops for months now, because I can’t justify the beating my shoes take between the bus and the not-built-for-walking streets and sidewalks of Cincinnati. And I’ve gotta be honest: I’m totally done with summer. I know I’ve been very vocal about that lately, but honestly, can I please start arriving to work not frizzy-haired and drenched in humidity?

To that end, I’m ogling all kinds of commuting-worthy flats on Amazon, treating it like my own personal Netflix of shoes – whenever I see one I want, I add it to the queue and buy it whenever I’m able to. Here’s my current favorites.

[A note on the links: since there are so many links in this post, I'm not using affiliate links, because I'd feel a little greedy. If, however, you're feeling generous and you want to buy any of these in support of me and my blogging habit, you can click on this little shop I set up and get them over there. The shop even features a few that I didn't write about here, so check it out. Make sense? Awesome. Thanks for understanding!]

Nine West’s Facinate [what is it with shoe designers and their spelling issues?!] comes in thirteen different colors and textures. Fun times!

Newlyn, also by Nine West, capitalizes on the current pyramid stud trend.

DV by Dolce Vita’s Dina. More pyramid studs!

Berta, by Tracy Reese. This comes in a few different color combos. I think I’d like to wear these with riding pants and a cloche hat.

Melin by Steven by Steve Madden is a funky take on the menswear-inspired wing tips. I have to have these.

Style Song: 8.25.2010

amanda_lee — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 20:46:35 +0000

[ALDO Mondier - Women Ankle Boots, photo from Amazon]

My suede ankle booties are old;
Unable to be re-soled
I need a new pair
So I’ve got them to wear
As soon as the weather gets cold.

Back-to-School Time for Big Kids, Non-Students, and Autumn Lovers

amanda_lee — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 14:20:53 +0000

This morning when I was walking my dog, I saw about seven kids in an all-too-familiar place: brand-new clothes, backpack that weighs forty pounds, sparkling white sneakers, a spring in their step. They haven’t yet gotten into the grind of projects, homework, and too many consecutive early mornings, so today is all about possibilities: new teacher, new friends, new goals, new knowledge. I don’t envy going back to school, but I envy them for their engagement in newfound routine and their ability to harness it, if they want, and do something completely cool with their time.

I’ve written before about how I think autumn is a better time for resolutions than January 1. And yesterday I shared with you everything I’m working on for the fall. But here’s a list of everything you can do to catch the back-to-school fever, whether you’re a student or not. Read on!

Get a new bag that properly holds what you need it to – and nothing more. Your bag takes a hell of a beating every day. Why not make sure you have one that does everything you need it to? Equally as important, don’t get a huge bag if you’re prone to hoard things and never clean it out. [Um....yeah.]

Stock up on school supplies, but only the ones that make you more organized, efficient, or happy. The awesome thing about shopping for school supplies as an adult is that you have no list. You don’t have follow your teacher’s rule and get crayons when you’re really more into pastels or pencils or Photoshop. You don’t have to color-code your binders and your notebooks. You don’t need a red pen. [Seriously, does anything good ever come from children marking up each other's work in red pen? When I edit for clients, I always use green or purple or orange, because red feels so aggressive.] So go grab whatever you need to get to work – a nice notebook for journaling, some watercolors, a vertical file to organize receipts. Bonus points if you do it about two weeks from now, when everything’s on sale. However, a note of caution: if you already have a ton of office supply-type stuff or you’re susceptible to hoarding pretty notebooks and sparkly pens like I used to be, buy sparingly.

Pick up some extracurriculars. Join a class at your gym, or get a Groupon for some discount yoga classes. Get some canvases at the back-to-school art supply sale. Take your knitting needles back out. Develop a taste for French cooking and French new wave cinema. It’s about to get really cold and dreary outside, so all the time that you’ve spent lounging around outdoors all summer will have to be filled with something, won’t it?

Do a wardrobe revamp and cleanout. Pull your coats and sweaters out of storage, and get some new tights that you can wear under your summer sundresses on days when you lust for sunshine.

Change your bed linens. It might not be cold enough for flannel sheets yet, but in a couple of days you’ll be grateful for an extra blanket after sunset. Get out your throw blankets and the afghan that your aunt made you when you were born.

Go over your finances. I’m a DailyWorth subscriber, and yesterday’s email from them was a kick in the face. Do you know that we’re only eighteen weeks from the end of the year? Are you ready for holiday travel and gifts? Take a look and see if you can save some cash by buying some gifts early, or at least socking some money away.

Think about your Halloween costume. I have no idea what I’m going to wear, y’all.

Stock up on autumnal snacks – dark-roast coffees and whipped cream, pumpkin pie, slow-cooker soups, and everything you need to make a dozen different kinds of hot toddy. Yum.

Autumn 2010 Goals

amanda_lee — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 20:03:09 +0000

I’ve written before about how much I love autumn as a time to set goals and make life changes. I learned a long time ago that making New Year’s resolutions wasn’t going to work for me, mostly because I was a) way too ambitious, having come out of a holiday season peppered with excesses of every sort, and b) too deep in a funk of seasonal depression to ever even get excited about my reslutions, let alone get started. It’s kind of like learning to work with your biorhythm: I know that my best working and writing time is between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m., so showing up to the office at 8 in the morning isn’t the best course of action.

So, here’s what I’m trying to get done this fall.

Spend money consciously to make my wardrobe better. I don’t mean buying more clothes; I just mean buying better ones, and being more prompt about replacing things that need it. [Pile of holey tights shoved in the back of my drawer, I'm looking at you.] Typically I can get whatever I need or want at thrift shops, but I could still use a round of new shoes, contemporary-style blouses, tights, and underthingies.
Go out more, damn it. I don’t know why this happened, but sometime in January I developed serious agoraphobia and started staying in. The weather was horrible; I probably also had a bad case of seasonal affective depression, because I stopped writing for awhile, too. When the weather got better, I just never started going out again. It’s only been in the last couple of weeks [read: since I moved into my new apartment] that I’ve gotten excited about going out again. [Notice how I've been blogging a ton more, too? Yeah!] I doubt I’ll ever be someone who’s okay with going out seven nights a week, but I’m getting to the point that I enjoy and look forward to it, when it used to be something awkward and dreadful that occupied my mind and my anxieties in the worst way.
Stay on track with repaying my debt. Kids, I don’t mean to brag, but I’ve been awesome at this. I’ve repaid almost forty percent of my total debt this year, and I’m hoping to have it completely done by my birthday in 2011. As of right now, I’m right on track. I’m super-obsessive about it, too – I have an Evernote worksheet that I use to estimate my income and my expenses of all my upcoming paychecks, and I use that to figure out how much I can pay every week. [If I had more time on my hands, there might be spreadsheets and line graphs. Yeah. You love me for a reason.]
Take a course on indexing online. I’ve rocked the editing game for over eight years now, y’all. It’s time to expand the skill set.
Guest blog a whole bunch more. I had a blast earlier this month when I did some guesting and interviews for Punch Debt in the Face and Yes and Yes. I love that it’s allowed me to write about things I don’t normally cover here – work-related stuff and personal finance, and I’d love to keep going with it. Right now I’m pitching my little heart out.
Move. This should be self-explanatory, but . . . Cincinnati leaves a little to be desired, and ever since I’ve been here I’ve regretted leaving. Obviously a lot of good has come of it, but I feel like I’m much more prepared to take on New York head on, instead of flying by the seat of my pants like I so frequently did last time.

What are you guys getting up to this fall? Do you make goals for autumn, or just for New Year’s?

IFB Links a la Mode: 8.22.2010

amanda_lee — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 18:36:38 +0000

Awesome week for Links a la Mode! I’m super-stoked to be included again this week, along with some of the coolest bloggers around, y’all. Check it out.

All Tumble Down- Focusing on style “best practices”; what we do well instead of what we don’t

Amanda Lee- 6 Great Ways to Repurpose Your Clothing

Beyond Fabric- Tips on size and fit for menswear

Chic Steals- Street Style the New Determinate of Cool? The Evolution of the Girl Next Door as Style Icon

Dramatis Personae- Style on the Run Guest Post: Fall Lust List

Fashion Cents- wants to make sure you don’t break any vows. Get 3 tips on what to wear to a wedding this season

Fashion Pulse Daily- Dana Lorenz, designer of Fenton Fallon Jewelry, oversees a blogger DIY jewelry session in her Lower East Side Boutique

Fete a Fete- Review of Givenchy’s new Blooming Fall 2010 makeup collection

Just B- B Deceived: Handbags in disguise

Lovely and Lavish- Fall 2010 RTW: the Worst Accessories!

Manda Bear- Sally Hansen Limited Edition Xtreme Wear Nail Polishes – Reviews, Swatches and a Giveaway

Mrs. Bossa Does the Do- Autumn’s a-comin’, and brings with it our perennial love of heritage chic – dig out your sequins and tweed, ladies…

RetroChick- 5 ways to update your wardrobe for next to nothing

Return to Sender- A fabulous interview with fat acceptance advocate, and author of FAT!So?, Marilyn Wann and her view on “fatshion.”

Shoe Day Dreams- Skin Secrets – maintenance is key over the long-haul.

Style Eyes Fashion- Fashion bloggers and consumerism – how fashion bloggers are discouraging consumerism and encouraging sustainable style

Style Wax Poetic- 10 to die for shoes All Under $100.

The Curvy Fashionista- Plus size indie label, Jibri gives the Curvy.Confident.Chic Fashionistas a tease with her Fall 2010 collection

The Coveted- Blown away by the Brazilian Blowout

Watch this Place- Dark, but don’t let it be dreary… how to wear Autumn’s dark colors without looking drab.

Enjoy your Sunday, kiddos!

New Prints in I Love Life I Love You!

amanda_lee — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 02:14:19 +0000

I Love Life I Love You [affectionate nickname: ILLILY] is out of its seasonal summer hibernation and springing to life. I’ve posted the rub-off letter prints I made last week, and by the end of the weekend there’ll be a few more [I'm hard at work at the land of Chroneos], in addition to some knitted and crocheted goodies [modeled by all my favorite people. Awesome times!

So, head on over and check it out. If you see anything you love, or you’d like something custom-made, get in touch.

What I Wore: 8.17.2010

amanda_lee — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 01:30:53 +0000

[Note: My good friend Matt helped me out with these photos. Katrina and Tori provided inspiration, and Tori and Bandmate Ben were the reason for my being out in the first place, 'cause it was their birthdays. So, thanks, kids, for being born.]

Dress, Prairie Underground

Blouse, vintage [a gift from Bandmate Hilly, who wore it and loved it for years]

Shoes, DV by Dolce Vita

This is my very favorite dress – one of the first things I bought upon moving to New York, to this day the most versatile piece of clothing I have. I wear it to work, out dancing, and running errands. Typically I wear it alone, so it’s easy, but on this night I wanted more jazz. [More jazz is always a good thing, right?]

Still rocking those same DV by Dolce Vita wedges. Still loving them. Still making waves every time I wear them at the office.

Hilly bought this shirt at a thrift shop, and she cropped the sleeves herself. I’m going to finish the edges and make them a little bit more clean-looking. I already took it in on the sides [it was really boxy], but all in all, I’ve worn it at least three times since she gave it to me, and I’m glad to have it.

My knee has that terrible scab on it, because I’m clumsy.

This was the night that Tori and Ben were celebrating their birthdays, so of course someone brought sparklers.

Style Song: 8.20.2010

amanda_lee — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 02:42:18 +0000

[source]

With two grand, I’d buy a blue scooter
For now, I’m a transit commuter
Waiting hours to be bussed
Causes rage and disgust
But first, I need a computer.

How to Get Rid of Your Clothes

amanda_lee — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 19:56:47 +0000

Over the weekend we talked about some eco-friendly ways to repurpose your clothing. But for the non-crafty kids out there, or for anyone who just wants to be a minimalist now, I wanted to touch onall the eco-friendly ways to get rid of it all. Ready? Okay.

Goodwill, salvation army, or charity shops. They collect your gently-used stuff [not just clothing, in a lot of cases] and sell it, using the proceeds to fund job training, missionary work, medical research, or aid to disadvantaged people. So you’re helping the environment while you’re doing good things for others. A+! However, a quick note on this: these shops get thousands of pounds in clothing donations every year, and a lot of it gets thrown away or sold for scrap processing. Don’t donate anything that’s not in good enough condition to give to a friend or family member – anything that doesn’t meet this criteria can be cut up for rags or pillow stuffing. Got it?

eBay. The best place for selling your old designer, name-brand, and rare/collectible items. I’ve never sold anything on eBay [though I've certainly bought a few things on it!], but eBay themselves have put together a handy guide on how to have a great auction. Have any other tips? Share them below.

Etsy. Sell off your vintage clothing and other goods among a community of like-minded collectors. Etsy prohibits selling items that are under 20 years old, so keep that in mind. Also, you’re not supposed to sell handmade things that have been used, so that granny-square vest your grandma knitted you six years ago doesn’t qualify. Here’s a list of things to do to make your Etsy shop better.

Gently-used resale shops. In high school, I used to take my old Abercrombie stuff [yes, I know, shut up] to Plato’s Closet and sell it for cash. Larger cities have places like Buffalo Exchange, where you can sell both high-end and low-end stuff and donate whatever they don’t want to buy. Anyone who’s a thrift fiend like I’m sure many of you are knows where your local shops are; for the rest of you, this is a good start for finding a place where you can sell your old clothes.

Yard sale. Yes, it’s a little bit labor-intensive, so if you don’t have a ton of things to sell, it’s probably not your best option. If, however, you’re cleaning out your closet for the first time since 1998, this can be a great way to get it done quickly. Set a time and promote it; slash prices in half an hour before you close down to make sure that everything sells. If possible, call a local charity shop and see if they’ll come pick up whatever’s left at the end of the day.

Shelters. Homeless shelters and domestic violence shelters always have clients that are coming in with literally nothing. They’d be glad to take your loot – you’ll be helping out people in a situation where they need it the very most. Here again, don’t give them anything that’s in such poor shape you’d hesitate to give it to a friend – homeless people might not have much, but they don’t have any more use for a holey, stained tee than you do, okay?

How do you get rid of your clothes? Any other ideas? Share ‘em in the comments!

Inspiration: 8.16.2010

amanda_lee — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 22:51:32 +0000

Sounds like today was sucky for a lot of people. [Not me, but I do feel busier than normal.] This is a good thing to keep in mind.

Tutorial Roundup: 6 Great Ways to Repurpose Your Clothing

amanda_lee — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 14:52:35 +0000

Lately because of my new closet situation and my renewed interest in being a grown-ass lady about personal finance [sidenote: did y'all see my tweet this morning about paying off an old debt? I feel amazing. Really.], coupled with my disdain for waste of any kind, I’m getting more interested in the clothing cycle – buy, use, use up or throw away – and how we can get more out of the clothing we’re using. I’ve been doing some repurposing-type crafts for awhile now. Here are my very favorites.

Make a new piece of clothing from an old piece. Cut a pair of tights ights into knee-highs or shredded leggins. Make a dress into a skirt by cutting off the top and adding a waistband or a sash. Crop the sleeves on a long-sleeved blouse into a sleeveless one. Be creative. The single best resource I can think of for make-new-from-old inspiration is the inimitable and adorable Marisa of New Dress a Day. If you haven’t been by to see her yet, get your ass over there. You’re missing out.

Cut up an old piece of clothing and make some accessories. Here’s a roundup of my favorite tutorials online:

Tiny fabric flowers from DesignSponge. I made a modified version of this that you all saw me wear with my Peggy Olson outfit last week. You can also put it on a pin, a headband, a bracelet, or a piece of ribbon tied around your neck.

Scrunchies. If it’s good enough for American Apparel, it’s good enough for you.

Hair bows. Put ‘em on a headband or a ponytail holder [like Anthropologie is doing this year], or on a headband like we all used to wear in grade school.

Make it into something for your home. One of my favorite bloggers, Erin Doland, writes about simple living over at Unclutterer. The t-shirt quilt is a perennial topic for discussion over there, and I think it’s a great idea for people who want to keep their old tees around – functional and fun, while retaining the sentimentality. Right now I’m working on a crotcheted rag rug for the kitchen out of some old yardage that I’ll never use up. And finally, you can use old clothing to stuff throw pillows and cushions around your house. They’ll end up heavier than pillows stuffed with poly fiber stuffing, for sure, but if you like a firmer pillow, you’re all set. In fact, this might be a perfect way to stuff your dog’s bed.

Make it into a stuffed animal or plush toy for your pet. I haven’t done this since I was a kid, but at that point, I did it all the time. Learn how here.

Make a laptop sleeve out of an old sweater or coat. You can even repurpose the sleeve from the sweater you use and make a matching sleeve for your iPod, phone, or camera. You know you’d love it. Matchy-matchy!

Cut them up and clean your house with them. I try to make my kitchen as paper towel-free as possible. To do it, I’ve got a bin in the linen closet where I keep all my old cut-up tees [most of which came from my last roommate in New York - when he quit his job at the Apple store, he wasn't allowed to sell his company t-shirts, and he didn't want them, so he gave 'em to me to clean with]. They get too dirty to use forever, even if I throw ‘em in the wash, but I figure that even if I use each little piece three times before I toss it, that’s saving me about twenty paper towels per scrap. That makes decent environmental sense, right?

Tomorrow I’ve scheduled a post about how and where to get rid of clothes you don’t want to repurpose. Should be fun! Check back!

Do you all repurpose your clothing? Do you have any great projects you’d like to share?

Amanda Lee Loves Typography. So She Makes Her Own.

amanda_lee — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 13:38:14 +0000

So, awhile back, I inherited an enormous amount of rub-off lettering. I used some of them to make Valentines, but really, it just sat in my closet, begging for use. I didn’t want to waste it. Until I decided it was time to use it all. As much of it as possible.

The two larger pieces are on canvas board that Chris had and wasn’t using.

This smaller one is on a manila file divider that they were going to throw away at my old job. I’m working on a couple more like it.

I drew the outlines by hand in pencil using a grid and a straight edge. They’re based on Helvetica, and the question mark is Helvetica Neue bold. I really should have used French curves to get the ampersand and the question mark exactly right, but I don’t think it turned out too bad. I think as I do a few more, I’ll probably print some stencils to tape down on the boards, because my drawing skills are somewhere between zero and sucky.

The rubbing of letters is killer – my right shoulder is sore. I don’t actually have the proper tool for doing it, so I’ve had to use the edge of a fork and press really hard. Who needs a gym membership?

I’m hard at work on a few more. What other symbols/typefaces/images do you think I should do? I’m seriously thinking of making tiny canvases with each of the letters in “Amanda Lee” and then hanging them in my office. I also might take a cue from Wendy Brandes’ swear rings and make a set that spells [or seems to spell] something naughty. I’ll definitely keep you posted.

Do you guys like ‘em? Any suggestions?

No related posts.

Looking for co-conspirators? I’m your girl. [Advertise!]

amanda_lee — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 18:10:48 +0000

AmandaLee.Org is now offering ad space for a select sponsors for the next few months!

My site averages around 250-350 unique views a day, featuring around a dozen posts a week on style, creativity, and happiness. My visitors come from all over the world, but are mostly concentrated in the United States, Great Britain, and Europe. They are young professionals and students, eager to support companies and causes they love. My readers value thrift and design alike; pride themselves on DIY and supporting independent designers and businesses; and appreciate aesthetics as much as intellect. Are you a fit?

Sponsoring my site could take several forms – sidebar ads, RSS banners, or newsletter issue sponsorship. I could also get the word out about special upcoming events. Alternately, if you have other ideas, I’d be glad to discuss them!

Sponsor spots will be available on a weekly or a monthly basis, with pricing plans constructed to reflect the sponsorship agreement we work out. What’s more, for sponsors who want to sign on for the long haul, I can offer discounts for 3-, 6-, and 12-month sponsorship plans!

I’d love to talk further with you about ways we can work together. If you’re interested, please get in touch with me at amandalee@amandalee.org Thanks!

No related posts.

Pretty Old Things: Knitting and Crochet Patterns, circa 1970

amanda_lee — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 18:00:49 +0000

My coworker graciously brought me these two old knitting and crochet patterns that her mother had used when she was young. Good thing, too, since it had been awhile since I had done a Pretty Old Things post.

Bright touches for gay spirits, indeed.

I thought rug yarn was a texture, but apparently it’s just a gauge. Good to know.

I’ve been trying to develop a hood-with-scarf pattern for months. This should help me along. The red hood on the right just reminds me of a Teletubby.

The photo on the left of this cover should probably be on Awkward Family Photos.

This little crochet bag is cute. I see ones like this all the time at thrift shops.

This knitted jumpsuit. Wow . . . there are no words. Okay, let me be really honest: I had one of these that I wore as a warm-up suit when I did ballet. Maybe I should revisit those days.

I’d make this rug all in one color, so the texture of the opposite grains could be the focus.

Cute mittens all around.

These little sockies on the front are so cute. I require ten pairs now.

No related posts.

My first blog profile? Really?! Thanks, Sarah Von!

amanda_lee — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 17:18:00 +0000

Wow, kids! This is a huge week for me and this here blog. I feel like a famous person. Sarah Von over at Yes and Yes has put together an amazing post on freelance writing, and I’m representing the copywriting/copy editing corner of the freelance world. Awesome stuff. Head over there and check it out!

And, if you’re here from Sarah’s blog, HI! Thanks for coming! Have a look around and introduce yourself, if you please!

Style Song, Mid-Century Modern Home Decor Edition: 8.11.2010

amanda_lee — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 17:53:44 +0000

[source]

I’ve got a few things to be stored
Too much yarn and cloth to record
A credenza would neatly
Hold my crafts completely
You’d have no idea how I hoard.

OMG Shoes [for ladies with bigger feet!]

amanda_lee — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 00:30:12 +0000

[A quick note: apologies for my absence yesterday. Sunday I got horrifically sunburned, so I was already in a terrible mood, and then I took a drink from a glass that I didn't know Chris was using to store one of his contact lenses. Yup, I swallowed it. And he was blind for the better part of the day. I had to run around and find him some new ones, a feat that was exhausting and frustrating. I'm buying him a pair of glasses, I think, so that the next time I ingest a contact lens of his, he's got no excuse for not getting new ones himself.]
One of my closest friends always balks at going shoe shopping. She loves it, but being of the Glamazon persuasion, her feet don’t fit into the shoes that most shoe shops carry – she wears an 11. She makes do – nay, she rocks her pumps and boots hard – but I know she’s envious of all us other chicas with more options. So this post goes out to her. All the shoes below come in sizes up to 11, and some go even bigger than that. I tried to price them at different price points and grab a few different styles – flats, heels, boots, oxfords, but no sandals.
['Cause you know you're looking forward to not having to wear them anymore, right? Autumn forever!]

[Disclosure: None of the links below are affiliate links. Sometimes I use 'em, but for a post as product-intensive as this, it just seemed overzealous. Make sense?]

Eric Michael Women’s Soho ankle boot: $135. Adorbs, and available in four colors. I’d like something similar for myself. [Note: Amazon didn't seem to have any more of these in larger sizes at the time of posting, but I found some on Endless.com, which I believe is one of their subsidiaries.]

Frye Jane 14-stitch boot: around $300 on Amazon. Fun fact: Frye is the oldest shoe manufacturer in the United States. Also check out the Frye harness boots for around the same price.

Love these Oxford Weave heels from All Black. $113.95. I’d wear ‘em with yellow tights peeking through. [Then again, what wouldn't I wear with yellow tights peeking through?]

Seychelles Gypsy sandals, $80-$90. I kinda want these to go a little more on sale and then wear ‘em for the rest of the summer. They look comfy.

Steve Madden Ulltra Pump,$50-$75. He’s got a penchant for titling his shoes with misspelled words, but I’m not complaining too much, because they’re pretty great for the money. This style’s available in tons of colors/fabrics/skins. Versatile as hell. What’s not to love?

Steve Madden Impereal T-Strap [Again with the misspellings! My inner copy editor is screaming!], around $60. They also make this style in red, but it’s sold out in size 11. Boo, Steve!

Aldo Sejkora, $14-35. In black and white. Aldos are amazingly comfortable and well-made, too – you’re getting a bargain.

Aldo Lubbs, $90. Embracing menswear-as-womenswear.

Jungle Java, from Indigo by Clarks, $100. Like something Gatsby’s lovers would wear.

Seychelles Lauren peep-toe pumps. $56-90. Awesome, no?

What shoes are you guys loving for fall? Do you ever have trouble finding shoes? Want me to do some research for you on shoes, fashion, or anything at all?

Guest Post Fun Times!

amanda_lee — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 20:30:15 +0000

For all my regular readers: I’ve got a guest post up over at Punch Debt in the Face. I’m wearing my personal finance hat, talking about things you can do while you get out of debt. Read it! You know you want to!

And for all the readers who are visiting from over there: HI! Thanks for stopping by. This is where I write about fashion and fun and design and dogs, among other things. You can subscribe if you want, or just leave me a comment letting me know you stopped by. You know you want to!

OMG Shoes: White Leather Bucks, Bass

amanda_lee — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 02:00:29 +0000

You won’t see photos of these shoes on my feet, because they’re secondhand and I’m still breaking them in [read: I need to take them to a shoe shop to be stretched, because no amount of breaking in can make them stretch the half-size that I'd need to make 'em fit for warm weather].

Lately I’ve been loving flat oxfords for transitioning from summer to fall. I was super-lucky to find these gems in mint condition [tags still attached!] at my local Goodwill goldmine – on half-off day, no less. They fit, but I could use some more instep room and maybe another half size so that when the weather gets cold, I can wear them over tights without screaming.

These are considerably more preppy than anything I’ve ever owned [at least, anything I've ever owned after 1994]. What should I wear them with? Last week I paired them with dark skinny jeans and a ruffled blue blouse that Bandmate Hilly passed off to me – no photos yet, ’cause it still needs some alteration, but I liked how it turned out – pretty prep meets menswear for the ladies. What would you pair them with?

Inspiration from Les Paul: 8.7.2010

amanda_lee — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 00:17:01 +0000

[source of original photo]