Fashion Challenge Ends So Let The Shopping Begin!

On January 31, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, China, Chinese New Year, Dog, expat, Fashion, Shopping, TravelLeave a comment

If that Banana Republic package filled with 50% off bargains doesn’t show up until next week, then I will have done a decent job not buying any more clothes in January for my challenge. Damn those seductive emails tempting me with great deals!

How can one resist?? Having gone through 30 days and not worn all the clothes in my closet is a wake up call. First, I have too many clothes. Not too many shoes, of course, because there is no limit to how many shoes a person should have in my world at least. Second, my daughter needs to come and visit me soon to edit my wardrobe and take some outfits home to Boise with her so I can shop again. It’s all about sustainability and recycling–I’m so “green” I could be Kermit. Come see me Hannah and, oh, bring along Mia too!!! Nai Nai needs some Mia time.

This week was all about Super Bowl prep and so I broke my fashion rule not to wear football jerseys to work. Yes, I caved to peer pressure. Sue me! Friday was the company tailgate party complete with Seahawk face painting, fried chicken/potato salad and 12th man dress up contests so, in order to retain my employment, I bit the bullet and wore my China version of Wilson’s jersey to fit in. I even decorated my boss’s office with Seahawks themed party goods–it looked like a green and blue acid trip. She loved it! Score points for me!

Travelling woman-all you need is a scarf and necklace and pretty overnight bag!

I also got to travel to Dallas and enjoy 80 degree sunny weather (for the few minutes I wasn’t working inside a stuffy conference room). Not that I would ever live in Texas but, hey, at least it’s not cold and rainy. Not that I don’t love you Seattle but the winter here is gloomy. Working fourteen hour days and travelling calls for my comfy Toms wedges and size 2 black pants-yep, I’m not delusional and totally realize they must have been labeled wrong but it still feels good. Still, somehow I’ve lost a little weight not living on carbs like I did in China (didn’t have to worry if it was rat or cat if it was a bakery product there–or at least you hoped)– lots of fruits and veggies here in the good old USofA. I am loving the huge salad bar at work when I actually take a lunch break. Chopping up all those veggies is too much work at home so I appreciate it being done for me to enjoy.

This weekend it’s all about the Seahawks hopefully showing that the team that has good karma wins because they don’t cheat. Yes, I’m calling out the Patriots for their lying, cheating and other bad karma-deserving behaviors. Seattle will pull together as a team, never stop trying and believing in each other and rally around Russell Wilson. I BELIEVE! Go Hawks!

Fashion Challenge is a Challenge

On January 18, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn Dog, Fashion, Seattle, Shopping, TravelLeave a comment

Days 14-18 of the Fashion Challenge were a challenge. No excuses but between a trip to Canada, being assigned an additional “stretch” assignment on top of my other job, blah/blah/blah….it didn’t leave time for writing, one of my true joys in life. So, I’m back now and ready to rock the fashion challenge in the upcoming week. Today, however, I didn’t even get out of my PJ’s except to throw on my Seahawks jersey to watch the most amazing football game ever. Lesson reinforced from the come-from-behind story of the Seahawks is that you must never, EVER give up. Russell Wilson crying and praying on the sidelines made me tear up as well and his inspirational post-game discussion highlighted how, despite playing truly horrible for most of the game, he kept a positive attitude leading his team to the win when it would have been easier to give up or make excuses. I hope the Seahawks do win the Super Bowl just to recognize their teamwork and dedication. Oh, and we hate the Patriots and Tom Brady as well. Arrogance doesn’t play well with me.

Wearing my green custom made shirt from China!

Animal prints are appropriate with my favorite animal, Izaak

But, on to fashion. I don’t have any fashion tips to share today except to say that EVERYONE needs to have a “PJ only day” once in awhile and not bother with getting dressed or leaving the house. Though I did work all day on my new project, at least I was able to do it in my own beautiful cozy home surrounded by my love and my puppies and comfy as all get out. But earlier in the week after I made my way back from Canada, I did manage to dress appropriately wearing new fashion outfits from my too-packed closet. I especially loved wearing the green knit shirt that I had made to order in Shanghai. For only $20 US, I took in my favorite Michael Kors shirt and they replicated it for me with a few modifications in the fabric/colors I picked. I only got green and black and wish I had gotten more colors while I was at it. It fits like a glove and is so flattering that it is my “go to” shirt to make me feel good for important meetings. Of course, coming home to my puppies at the end of the night and cuddling makes all my stress go away. I highly recommend “puppy therapy” if you are having a stressful day or just need some unconditional love. When life gets too busy and you forget what’s important, the wagging of a tail and nuzzle of a cold nose will set you on the right path again. Life is short but puppy love knows no bounds. Thank goodness for dogs!

Day Eight Demands Double Sweaters

On January 8, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn expat, Fashion, Seattle, ShoppingLeave a comment

One sweater was just not enough today. Brrrr..it was cold and it was dark this morning as I lay in bed and contemplated the day ahead. What could I wear that will make me happy AND look good? After putting on the animal print sweater and wide leg cuffed pants, I just wasn’t warm enough so on went the funky grey sweater vest as well. Double protection against the chill. It kept feeling like Friday all day but no, it was only Thursday and tomorrow is not Saturday. DAMN. But my Banana Republic sweaters did comfort me all day as I raced from one meeting to another. Busy, busy! Though, I have to admit that I did miss wearing a scarf all day but you have to let that neck breathe once in a while so today was my neck’s day off from sporting a soft fashion accessory. So sad! Tomorrow, it’s back to wrapping my neck up and decorating it with a lovely something, something from my scarf collection.

I did get compliments on my Spectacle Necklace that I sell in my online store, which is great validation that I bought the right stock. My peer loved it so I just took it off and gave it to her. Probably slightly weird of me to do that but I like to surprise people and give unexpected gifts. I hope she really did like it because it’s hers now! So, when I got home I added a long silver tassel necklace that I can’t really wear at work because it is so long that it gets stuck on my magnetic part of my tablet keyboard. Hello Melinda–are you stuck on your Surface??? Why, yes, I am! Awkward!

Want to buy a Spectacle Necklace for your very own so you can get compliments too? Here you go: