face lift minus the botox

You have not clicked on the wrong link. The blog has been given a little makeover. Do you like it? I feel like this look is much closer to what the feel of this blog is supposed to be. What say you? Like it, hate it, want the old one back?

Personally, I'm digging it, but I'll probably do another one in a few months. I gave the music blog a bit of freshening as well, if you're so inclined to travel over there and listen to some bad music.

Lots of photoshop-induced love, kasey

I'm fixing a hole where the rain gets in

If you can name the song and artist of the title of this post, email me and I will send you a special prize.

As we're teetering on April, I thought I'd look for a nice umbrella for you, because it's going to start raining soon, if it ever gets done snowing. Having a good umbrella can be key, and you don't want to get in the space where you will reach for any old umbrella -- or someone else's. Or, worse yet, something you got for free with some company logo on it. People pay more attention to umbrellas than you think. You may or may not care about that, but if you do, you can add a lot to your look with a slick umbrella. (pun intended)

You're probably not going to be shocked by this, but I found this umbrella at Target. I like this umbrella a lot. It can stay around for a while, preferably at my house. The stripes are very attractive, and I love that they chose yellow to highlight the handle instead of pink or light blue (though I wouldn't mind it in navy). It's also opaque, but heavily striped enough to not look like see-through plastic and cheap.

So, no more raindrops falling on that pretty little head when I'm around.

Stripe Bubble Umbrella in Yellow, $16.99 at Target or target.com

Big fat drops of love, Kase

right now it's in ma pocket

The title of today's post comes from one of the best matter-of-fact statements I've ever heard. I used to work for an insurance company, and we handled the repairs on automobiles post-accident. Many times, we had to make arrangements to have the vehicles towed, either from the scene of the accident, or their home. One day, my coworker was speaking with this older, salt-of-the earth type gentleman, and asked him where his keys were going to be (meaning, will he leave them in the car for the tow company and the repair shop to access them?). My older gentleman friend replied with a succinct, "well, right now they're in ma pocket." True dat, my man.

Moving on, today my lovely friend Lindsay has directed my attention toward this great wallet/pocketbook. Simple is a great, eco-friendly company that puts a lot of effort into creating sustainable products at a good price. Plus, it's CUTE as all get-out. i love the envelope shape! I also love the polka dots. If you're not 100% on this color way, there is another one to choose from. It could also easily double for a clutch if you wanted to go that route. The roads are endless, really.

To make it easier, I'm going to drop the link in its entirety, so you don't have to hunt for it on Simple's site. Yet another demo of how much I love you.

http://www.simpleshoes.com/ProductDetails.aspx?g=
Women&categoryID=206&productID=231&model=Roundtrip

The Roundtrip in Rabbit, $25.00 on simpleshoes.com (or click link above)

Lots of Diana Ross-style endless love, kase

chapter 12 in which kasey rants about designer jeans and culture as a whole.

[editor's note: I've been away for a few days - sorry about that, I don't make it a habit, but it was a hard week. I've missed you.]

Yes! It's time for my weekly rant - the one day every week or so that I set aside to pontificate on something related to snobbery, fashion, home goods, or all of the above. Last week I went off about the snobby stores. Hopefully you have been able to shake off any snobbery that had been stubbornly clinging to you.

This started as a small seed in my head as I was trying on a pair of Sevens/True Religion/Ernest Sewn/insert brand of high-end, overpriced jeans here. WHY are these jeans so impossible to get on, no matter what "cut" you try on? Every size seems to have the same principle to it - slim hipped and a 34'' inseam. Now, knowing that a majority of the population is NOT slim-hipped and 5'10, and assuming a clothier is in business to make money, why are these being mass produced in a cut that most people will not fit into?

Exclusivity. Ruling out most people. Thin is worthy, thick is not. The main message in building the brand is to have exclusivity and desire. Dangling that carrot in front of the masses saying, "if you worked really, really hard, maybe, just maybe, you could have this too. You could be one of us." And I love that people fall for this. Hard. Our culture responds so well to negative reinforcement, it's (almost) astonishing. Raise your hand if you've ever bought a pair of designer jeans you've had to diet/squat/not breathe/get 6 inches cut off the bottom before you could get into them. WHY? [editor's note: my hand is up in the air right now.]

Why are we doing this? Why are we willingly purchasing product that we can't even wear out of the store? Why do I see women squeezed into frighteningly unflattering jeans because they have "status"? Why am I seeing women paying over $150 on jeans, then adding another $25-30 to the tag for alterations? Why do we accept it when salespeople say matter-of-factly, "well, nearly everyone has to alter them, you have to be really lucky to be able to wear them off the rack." Do we really need to fit in that badly?

I used to. I used to need that acceptance, that perceived power, the idea that a pair of jeans could really do a bret michaels and "rock my world". And it never really worked. The jeans got old, they faded, shrank, became last season's, and there I was feeling the same way. It was never enough. And it was coming from me - my response to the world I saw, my swallowing and digesting of principles and ideas I hadn't thought about enough to decide if I even believed in them in the first place.

Well, darlings, I don't believe in it anymore. I really don't. Manufacturers can cut jeans any old way they want, and if they fit and flatter, I will purchase them. If they don't, back they go. I don't have to be a certain shape to be acceptable. I don't have to spend an exorbitant amount of money to prove that I belong somewhere or so I can feel superior to someone else, rather than just present who I am to them - warts and all. I don't need a suit of armor to hide behind anymore. I dig who I am, and I dig who you are too - and none of us have to prove ourselves to anyone. We really don't.

And to those manufacturers and those pimps of a certain exclusive aesthetic that most of us work like a dog to come close to but will never quite get it right because they set it up that way, I have only one thing to say and to do so, I will quote a strong man that has never been anything but himself - Jay Z: "I got 99 problems, being your bitch ain't one."

Lots of strong, opinionated viking love, kasey

beat the pants off him

Today is a new day, and with that comes a little clarity and focus, so it's safe to say your girl has bounced back. Thank you to everyone who shared concern, it was very sweet of you and even sweeter to know people actually read this thing. From the bottom of my lime-green, 70's themed heart, I thank you.

It dawned on me earlier today that I've never featured a pair of pants/trousers/what have you on here. I've done a dress and some skirts, but nothing that has 2 leg holes. Well, that changes today!!

I'm a huge fan of the JCrew pant in general. Well-constructed, good cut, and usually a good choice of color. The city fit (which is what these are) is particularly flattering as it's low on the waist without being ridiculously so, with a slight flare in the leg that's also not over the top. You won't look like you stole them from your 12 year old sister, but you won't look like grandma who just got off the golf cart either.

If I had to pick one word about these pants, I'd say slick. They're a great staple to a modern wardrobe.

And today, they happen to be on super-sale. If you don't like the color I've selected, there are plenty more where this came from. Plus, if you order online, you get an extra 20% off, bringing the grand total to $23.50. That, my loves, is a certified good deal. I'm getting some today.

Side note: If you are really small-boned, get a size down from what you usually take, as the cut is semi-generous.

City-fit wide-leg cord pant, $29.99 at Jcrew.com (and most J Crew stores)

Back in love again, kase

life is one big dot dot dot sometimes

Your girl is a bit, shall we say, discouraged today, and while I can't go into it in a public forum such as this one, just know I'm hurting, and that means I won't be sharing my usual cheer and excitement with you. I just can't muster it, I'm sorry. You know I love you, I tell you all the time, so just use that to carry you through until tomorrow.

This shirt is really cute and available at the buckle for under 30 USD. Perfect for all 4 seasons, especially paired with a black cardigan (winter) or white capris (summer).

Daytrip Polka Dot Shirt, $26.50 at The Buckle or buckle.com

Lots of melancholy love, kase

I love lamp

If I had it my way, my entire house would look like someone's den circa 1974. Unfortunately, I live with someone who does not share my aesthetic, so I have to grab the 70's accessories when I can. Lime green, orange, a little shag rug here, some dark wood there, you get the picture.

So when I came across this lamp today, I knew I had to have it in my home. The shape, the shade, the dark wood .... I am in love. I think I may put a yellowish orange bulb in there just to get the full effect.

You can make your own 70's rec room by purchasing this lovely from Bed Bath and Beyond for $29.99. I thought that was pricey, but after scouring through a ton of table lamps, I have come to find out that this is quite reasonable.

Now if I could only trade in the station wagon for a Van with a circular back window and a mural painted on the side....

Quatro Bronze Table Lamp, $29.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond

Sweet and mellow 70's love, Kasey

I'd like to belt him one

So I did. And then I vested him! hahahahah
Okay, terrible pun but I decided to do another Friday for the Fellas, and I managed to find 2 items that TOTAL less than 30 bucks! I am so happy/pleased with myself.
I wonder if any guys read this? If you're out there, let me know! I hate to think I'm spending time finding clothes for men that don't exist, and Himself never reads my blog, so I can't even tell myself I'm doing it for him.

Anyway, these 2 items are from Kohl's and I'll start with the belt that has both a sweet looking gunmetal buckle, and is reversible, so it works no matter what. I love it-it has a modern look without being over the top, and it's really versatile. You could pair it with almost anything and pull it off (tuxes excluded).

The second is this ADORABLE vest that is SEVEN DOLLARS right now. I am a huge fan of the sweater vest in general, and this one has a great color scheme. I would love it even more if they had thrown in some navy, orange and electric green, but you can't have everything for under 10 bucks, at least not in my neck of the woods!

Well, there you have it. Fellas, fork out less than 30 bucks, pair these items with some cords, a grey or white tee and sneakers, and stir vigorously for some instant hotness.

Apt 9 Reversible Plaque-Buckle Belt, $17.50 Dockers Argyle Sweater-Vest, $7.20 Both at Kohl's or kohls.com


Cheap, department-store love, kasey

Girl's got some baggage

When I was challenged to find some luggage, I honestly wasn't sure if I'd be able to do it. How are you going to find something reasonably attractive for under 30 bucks? I was not looking forward to this.

To my surprise, it was really easy and I actually had to narrow my choices down. Once again, Target comes through. I can't say enough good things about the place. I remember shopping there in high school and thinking, "this place actually has some good clothing," and that was 10 years ago. Since then, it's gotten exponentially better and now I'm angry that there isn't a single Target in the state of Vermont.

Anyway, this luggage set is pretty attractive for being 20 bucks. It's also available in a purple set, but for me the purple was a tiny bit too vibrant, so I'm featuring the pink. Just know that if you don't love this color way, there's another option. I probably wouldn't end up using the backpack, but it's still pretty cute on its own if you did carry it.

Part deux of this series on baggage is this great laptop case I found. CUTE! I know I overuse that word, but I love the color of this case, and it has a handle, which my current case does not and desperately NEEDS. You could rock it with the luggage for a splash of unexpected color, or you can also buy it in pink to match the luggage perfectly, if you're into the matchy-matchy thing. I know many people are. I myself am more into clashy-clashy but that doesn't work for everyone. To each their own, I say!

The case costs more than the luggage - no idea why - but you can buy both of them for under 30 USD each, and that's a pretty damn good deal in my humble-ish opinion!

Embark 3-pc Luggage Value Set - Multicolor, $19.99 Sumdex ImpactGuard Computer Sleeve - Blue Jeans, $24.99. Both available at Target or target.com
Big, overstuffed bags of love, kasey

a quick one

I'm going to start a music blog, I've kind of half-ass begun it but there's only one post for now. I will be posting regularly at the end of April once school is done having its way with me. I will continue posting to this one 5 times a week.

http://touchingthatdial.blogspot.com/

late night love, kase

circles being unbroken

Man, it felt good to get that off my chest yesterday! Speaking of chests, today I present something that goes on your chest and speaks to your heart.
I will admit this is not super "easy to find" but it's such a great cause and a really attractive shirt that it's worth going the extra mile.

Basically, a band called "The National" has teamed up with a company in Montreal (je t'adore!) and designed a shirt with proceeds going to benefit Safe Space in NYC. From the site:

Safe Space is a New York based charity, which works with disadvantaged families and children to prevent foster care placement, and allow children the opportunity to grow up and live a safe and healthy life. They do this by working closely with over 20,000 families across NYC, and offering programs and services which serve to strengthen them, and promote self-sufficiency.
I love the shirt and I love the idea behind it. Circles of life, circles of love and circles of giving. We are all connected whether we admit it or not. I am going to purchase this lovely shirt. You can too.
Special thanks to where I found this -- http://kitsunenoir.com/blog/

http://www.yellowbirdproject.com/thenational.html

The National Charity Tee, $25.00


Love to love you baby, kasey

You may be in a snobby store if ...

Thought I would chart a different course today and simply write a mini-article. As you may or may not know, this blog was born out of frustration. Time after time, I would enter stores or read blogs in search of fun and attractive clothing or products, and nearly every time I would leave angry. The pretension, exclusivity and downright bad manners that were being conveyed were overwhelming! Whether it was face to face or electronically, feeling the effects of snobbery drained me, and ultimately kept me from making many purchases. I finally decided that if I want to find fun products without the pretension, I would need to do it myself. And that brings us to now.

So today, for your reading pleasure, I bring you Five signs you may be in a snobby store.


1. You have no idea who is working there.
Red Flag #1 is walking into a store and having no clue who is there to help you. I'm certainly not saying that they have to be wearing a blue smock and greet you at the door, but if you have been there for 2-3 minutes and have NO CLUE who the employees are, it's probably because they are too busy talking to each other to help customers, and they blend in too much with the clientèle. They probably feel they are above this position, and are only working there for the clothes. Which means the clothes are great, but the store carries a massive attitude. Not worth it. Find what you need online and spare yourself the frustration of having to beg these people to let you try on something.

2. You have no idea how much anything costs.
Red Flag #2 is being in a store that can't bother with something like labeling its merchandise with prices. Again, you don't have to announce it with a big sign, but a tiny tag that you have to search all over god's green earth for is irritating. Especially when you (finally) find said tag only to read in the tiniest writing imaginable something ludicrous like, "94-" or "129-" on a tank top. Because, of course, the last thing you would be concerned with is the price of the item. How gauche! I am aware that some people don't have to worry about price. Good for them. Most of us do, however, and fighting a garment to find a highly disappointing price is not worth it.

3. The sale prices are more than disappointing.
Red Flag #3 is going through the "sale" rack and finding even the lowest markdown egregious. Merchandise needs to move, and snobby stores don't seem to completely get that, especially in areas where there isn't all that much money or practicality seems to rule (i.e., Vermont). Yes, I get it, your product is so fabulous and your store is so unique and snowflake-like that you have every right to mark it up far beyond the realm of fair margins. You are gifting us plebeians with a "sale" of 10% off overpriced, and we should shut up and like it. This may work in many areas and with many people, but it doesn't hold any water with this Midwestern girl. Your shabby 10% off can rot on the rack for all I care. Not worth it.

4. The inventory is slow to change.
Red(dish) flag #4 is an inventory that is really, really slow to change. I am a little hesitant on this one, because this sometimes depends on location and circumstances, and could happen at the Goodwill as well as the snobby stores. Let's say this rule has to be paired with another behavior listed above before we go labeling the store snobby, just to be fair. That being said, at snobby stores, inventory is slow to move due to some of the reasons listed above, and as they are slower to mark things down to reasonable prices, inventory tends to rot. After all, this is the best of the best, and they're not going to just give it to you. Not for a fair price, anyway. If you see the same stuff and you haven't set foot in the store for a few months, you may be in a snobby store. If you wait another month and it's finally on markdown for 10% off the regular price, you're definitely in a snobby store. Even if you somehow get it at an okay price, keep in mind it's been sitting there for a long time - and been tried on many, many times. Overpriced, old and practically used? Not worth it.

5a. You leave feeling bad about yourself.
If you leave a store feeling fat, poor, unstylish, intimidated, or a mix of all of them, you've probably just left a snobby store. Unhelpful staff, disappointing prices, and the snobby clothing cut (which I'll post about next week) can all come together in a perfect storm to really mess with your head. NOTE - if you have problems unrelated to the store that you carried with you into the store, then it's not the store's fault. I'm not talking about blaming the store for your hangups/ baggage, I'm talking about you feeling right with the world until you walked into that store, and leaving feeling disturbed as a direct result of store contact.

5b. You don't feel like you belong at the store/are afraid to ask for help.
This kind of ties in with #1 but deserves its own rant. It usually begins with being ignored by sales staff, but it doesn't end there. This can come from a lot of things: store music choice, store set up, finding price tags that are astonishing, no direction from staff (i.e., approaching a fitting room and having no idea if it's okay to go in and no one to tell you it's okay), and limited interaction at the point of sale, to name a few. None of these things are okay and pretty much go against the principles of customer service. But don't snobby stores just feel above that anyway? We're not asking for over the top. You don't need to wear a bunch of flair and get in our faces. We're simply asking to be treated like a member of the human race when we walk through the door. Patronizing those who don't seem to employ the milk of human kindness in their business practices? Not worth it by a mile.


Well, there you have it. I could go on a lot longer, but time doesn't permit and I'm sure you're about done with it for now. Tomorrow I'll be back with a wonderful find that not only helps your closet but helps others as well - the perfect marriage, in my opinion. In the meantime, remember the golden rule, mind your manners, and always wash your hands before dinner.

Lots of matronly Love, kasey

Cold kickin' it

The first part of today's title is certainly spot-on. I feel like we've all entered a time machine and gotten blasted back to January weather. Ugh! I'm so tired of the cold as I am sure everyone else is. There is something about March that makes me feel entitled to warmer weather. I've been doing it since I was little - I completely expect higher temps as soon as 3/1 rolls around and get mad at the outside when it doesn't cooperate.

Well, since Mama Nature is doing what she wants, you may as well please yourself by checking out these great sneakers I found on Eastbay. Have I mentioned how much I like Eastbay? I've been getting their catalog for the better part of 15 years now, and along with having a LOT of inventory, they have some pretty great sales on a frequent basis.

Today's pick are some great sneakers, something I have only recently learned the value of. I used to be a straight heel girl, you see. I needed to tower at all times, and didn't realize the infinite value of having comfortable feet paired (ha ha) with stylish combinations of color and fabric. I do now, and my back thanks me regularly.

I love the retro feel of these Etnies, especially the rubber bottom. I also like the fact that they are not pure white, which is something I personally can't handle in my sneaker. For 30 bucks, these are a great deal. Rock them with jeans, shorts and no socks (my personal fave), a short skirt, or a bikini (another fave).

Etnies Women's Lo Slip V - $29.99 on Eastbay.com

Heart, Kasey

oh my star(s)

It may be an outdated term, but I thought I was going to see stars when I fell last night and most likely broke/chipped my finger. Unbelievable! Ah well, I was having fun when it happened, so that's the price one pays.

Luckily, you won't have to pay a very high price at all to buy this fun rug! Simply go to your local Kmart and shell out 5 bucks. It's supposed to have a patriotic feel, but it reminds me more of a comic book or fun stickers. What a great accent. While I wouldn't put this outside on my porch, I would use it for a fun feel somewhere unexpected, like a bathroom or even a bedroom. Now if only I could have one wall of my bedroom painted like a comic book with the word "POW!" and have this rug to go with it, everything would finally be in place.

Dare to dream, Kasey, dare to dream.

Americana Rubber Backed Rug, $4.99 at Kmart stores.

Heart Shape, kasey

sorry

no post today. Your girl is sick. I'll make it up to you by posting on saturday.

It's all for you, Jada, it's all for you

Do you remember that line from the Omen when the woman jumps from the roof and tells Damien she did it all for him? So chilling, and so inappropriate to put in a post about Maternity clothes. Ah well, I rest assured that my dear friend Jada is not currently incubating the devil's spawn, so I think it will be okay.

Jada is one of my oldest and dearest friends. We met when I was just a pup attending Michigan State. She took me under her wing, and soon we were meeting at the statue and drinking vodka before classes. Oh, the memories....
Luckily we survived college, are both grownups, and the friendship has endured. I was at Jada's wedding, which was lovely, and now she is with child.

When she asked me to find her a dress for her newfound state of glory, I jumped at the chance. I have never really looked at Maternity clothes, so it was a fun little expedition. I rooted around and came out holding this.

Voila - a really cute dress for Spring from Motherhood Maternity that's versatile, fashion-forward, and 20 bucks. There's a lot of "room to grow" in it, and the print is placed perfectly to lengthen the silhouette. Very, very clever. It's a cotton blend, so it should be quite breathable, meaning you can roll up your sleeves in late spring and still feel comfortable. Pair it with red wedges, red flat sandals, boots, black sandals, or bare feet cause you're already pregnant, right? (I jest, I swear.)

So, get thee to a Motherhood Maternity store or go to motherhood.com and get there soon, cause this dress is on SALE.

Border Print Dress, $19.99 at Motherhood Maternity Stores or motherhood.com

Love abounds, Kasey

I need a drink of cool, cool rain

The title of this is a line to one of my favorite songs of all time by my favorite band, The Who. I love when I have an excuse to slip in a Who reference. It doesn't happen very often.

So this ties in because it's about rain, and specifically, rain boots. With April on the horizon (yes, yes, YES!), most of us are facing an increase in rain and MUD. Here in the Great Green state of VT, anything that's not concrete becomes a huge sloppy mess that you can literally lose a shoe in. NOT ON MY WATCH. I've found some really great rain boots to get you through the muck in style. One of them even has a wedge heel.

Note to the designer of said boots: I love you. I love that you thought about us in that way. I love that you knew we were sick and tired of wearing flat boots day in and day out for 3-4 months. You, sir or madam, are one thoughtful person and should be running your department based on this action alone.

So - I'm posting 2 options for the boot - one flat, one wedge. Target.com has 5 pages of rain boot options, all of them appealing. It was really hard to choose the best photograph. They are all the same price - 20 bucks! Love it. You do have to order these quickly, though - they're on pre-order right now.

Channel your inner Kate Moss and wear them with a short skirt, channel your inner Paddington and wear them with a bright yellow slicker, channel your inner freak and wear them to bed. The options are endless.

Shiny Hearts Wedge Rain Boots
Allison Floral Rain Boots - Multicolor both $19.99 at target.com

love always, Kasey

skirt the issue

Yay..my first post with partial nudity.

I just found this site by clicking on a google ad (ps-click on my ad) and I'm really glad I did. This site has a J.Crew-ish feel with what seems to be massive sales. YES!

Anyway, today I'm featuring this really cute skirt. It's a wool herringbone with a box pleat - stylist, chic and very sexy on someone with a curvy bottom half. Pair it with boots and glasses and you've got one hell of a hot librarian vibe going on.

You can find this one on www.tulle4us.com under the "sale" page. It's currently on the 9th page under the sale section. There are actually more where this skirt came from. You have been warned, so don't blame me if you end up buying more than just one item.

Wool Herringbone Box Pleat Skirt, $29.00 at tulle4us.com


I remain, your love, Kasey

ps: stay tuned for some blog changes. Himself has decided he wants to get involved with this. It will have something to do with sneakers, I'm sure.