So, ALMOST FIVE YEARS later, I return to this blog and cringe - just a little bit - at the focus I had on weight loss years ago. I'm happy to report that I let the diet go by the wayside January of 2015, and I've never been more clear-headed about what I eat, why my body looks the way it does, and the importance of moving joyfully (instead of viewing it as a way to burn X calories).

Anyhow, if you want to have your own epiphany about diet and exercise, start Googling #HAES (Health at Every Size) or Intuitive Eating or just read the research about how successful dieting is (only about 5% of people can keep the weight off long-term). I'm so passionate about this topic now - because I hate when I discover I've been brainwashed - that I started a Facebook page called Sticky SAP in order to share body positive/ body neutral images and articles and all that jazz.

Yeah.

I thought about going back to my old posts and taking out the "diet talk," but those thoughts are what I had in the moment, and while they aren't pretty to me now, they do record how messy my head was with CALORIES and HOW MUCH to eat and OMGOSH IF I WORKOUT TWICE TODAY I CAN EAT WHATEVER and... wow. Food's just fuel, kids. We don't owe anyone a certain body size or weight. And health is so subjective.

Okay.

More later, perhaps.

A Purple Hump Day.

So, I caved. I told someone yesterday about the lilac jeans that I didn't wear... and she said, "Wear them tomorrow! I demand it!" or something like that. So, there they are.

Left: Pre-doing hair and face.

Right: After tossing my hair up and adding mismatched earrings & punk-rock accessories.

Heels: Thrifted mary-janes, under $5.

Lilac Jeans: Gap, under $20 from Clothes Mentor in Fargo.

Top: Black tank with multi-colored feathers, Target? under $5.

Blazer: Thrifted from Savers, under $5.

Tomorrow: Hot Pink Gap Chinos?

Lilac Jeans in the Winter Time...

Okay, so I put the lilac jeans on.

Gap. Size 12s.

Yep.

They are, by no means, that tight on me, but I started fidgeting in them as I got ready (did my hair & face because obviously in the left pic you can see they aren't ready yet)... so I took them off after taking pictures in them. I have on a pair of light grey jeans instead - size 14s - and they are too big.

But I like comfort on my "grade everything" days.

Ugh.

What I like about the outfit is that it contains the faded colors of the Vikings (MN) and Wahpeton's sports teams, too... the top is from JCP - I think - and it was under $5. The necklace is from Savers in Fargo, and I'm positive that it was under $5.

This Week's Inspirational Guide...

Okay, so I went all rock-n-roll today (see post below about pleather!)... I want to challenge myself during the rest of this week to wear two pairs of pants I haven't thrown on my body yet.

I have lilac-colored Gap jeans from a Clothes Mentor trip awhile back... I want to wear them this week; maybe they'll make Ma Nature calm down and give us some freaking ABOVE freezing temps?

I love love love the image on the far left. Pastels winter-style! Hells yeah.

The other pair of pants I have from the Gap (via Clothes Mentor) are hot pink chinos. I'd like to wear them this week... maybe with a denim top (far right?) or white or grey? I don't know yet.

And, lastly, just a general lust image. I love ripped jeans with fancy items. Those heels are the bomb!

All images were pinned here: http://www.pinterest.com/scrible77/77-fargobradshaw-theory-inspo/

or here: http://www.pinterest.com/scrible77/47-fargobradshaw-practical/

Society's Problems.

Don't mind me while I jump on my venting machine for a moment... but I just saw this in Pinterest:

Okay, so not only am I supposed to have white teeth, shiny hair, and a thin body (whether that body is strong & healthy or not), but there's also the smell of my body that I'm supposed to worry about. Notice no man in this image. So, guys should buy deodorant and call it good, but women should really wear that deodorant stuff AND eat certain things.

UGH.

For the record, I've lost weight because I want to be stronger. Not to make anyone around me happier with my appearance. And that's what's important. In fact, I'm certain my bf liked my "heavier" body, but he'll never admit to it.

So, the question might be: "Why keep a fashion blog?" Well, I like to show off my ability to be creative with my clothing choices. I like to show off how frugal I can be & still look awesome. I don't think that has anything to do with vanity - mostly ego when it comes to being creative & financially sound while putting kick-ass stuff on my body. Yeah.

Pleather on a Monday: March 2014 Outfit Post #1.

Outfit worn today...

Pleather on a Monday! Blasphemous, right? Na... 

I was going to try to do a "pastel jeans in winter" outfit, but I wanted to start off this week with a bang instead. I love wearing rock-n-roll outfits! And why the hell should I "save" those kinds of fun outfits for Fridays or whatever? 

There is no answer to that question. :-)

Heels: Sam & Libby for Target, under $35?

Pleather pants: H&M, under $30.

Top: JCP, under $5.

Scarf: Thrifted, under $5.

Jewelry: Lia Sophia & Target...

February 2014 Outfit Post.

I'm going to attempt to "bring back" the idea of taking outfit shots each day.

Yeah.

I'll attempt it, yo. Calm down.

This outfit was worn on a Wednesday (February 19).

Left: At home, before I did my hair.

Right: In my campus office.

Heels: Thrifted in Lincoln, NE? Under $5.

Pants/leggings: Chinos or Land's End (got them at Clothes Mentor in Fargo for under $20).

Top: JCP, under $5.

Long Time No Blog... Ooopsie.

So, since my last post in Sept, I hit a loss of 30lbs. & have maintained since then (Nov/Dec). I'm in a plateau, but I'm researching ways to "break it." I lost 15% of my weight in 5mos. & I guess that can cause the body to "stall out" for a bit.

Anyhow, I'm at a size 12 in Gap jeans, my A&F size 14 jeans from back in the day are big on me, and my chest is shrinking too. It's strange to be this size. I've been in the 14-18s since I started Grad School; I think I bought Target size 13 pants when I taught high school.

I just ordered more pants from H&M ... And a bunch of dresses from ASOS (for a few upcoming parties/events). I might have to review my posts below to find other cute things!

Jeans.

I've lost enough weight now that my typical pile of jeans (that I wear weekly) in my closet had to be gone through... because they're all a bit too big. Even the jeggings. I saved some of my faves (why o why?) & will donate others (will try to get up to Clothes Mentor in Fgo a.s.a.p.).

So, I jump on the scale this morning, and I'm "only" down less than a pound from last week... I wish this bugged me less than it does based on my first paragraph! Ugh. Numbers are dumb.

Shopping Online, Yo!

This lovely blogger did a post about online sites for shopping. I thought I'd test them all out... I'm picky about online shopping (and even moreso in-store = example: I'd rather hit the Fergus Falls, MN Target than the Fargo one because things go on clearance faster there even if the selection is not as large as the bigger Fargo store) because I base my online shopping on the following:

1. True-to-size Sizing.
2. Quality & Selection of Awesome Things.
3. Easy-to-digest Prices.
4. Free & fast Shipping.
5. Free Returns.

ASOS.
I've been logging into ASOS for almost a year now (my Saved Items List with them is massive!). I have had to - on maybe three occasions - email them to say, "Um, where's my stuff," or, "You forgot that I returned something, nimrod," but they respond and take care of things. If you stay on the up & up with them, the site can be worth your while because they have all of the five things listed.

-Neg: Their web site leaves something to be desired, too. It switches me to UK prices and sizes once in awhile, and I can't look at my Saved List in certain ways (Low to High Prices, for ex; it defaults to listing them by the dates I saved them).

COTTON ON.
I'm ordering from them for the first time today to give them a try. They do not have free returns, their sizing is not as expansive as ASOS, and the time you get to return things isn't that long either...

+Plus: It looks like their Typo section could be a cool bonus; it has cards and journals and funky household items.
+Plus: If you sign up via email, you get 30% off your first order.
+Plus: Searching on their site seems easier than ASOS right now.

-Neg: Selection is not as expansive as ASOS.
-Neg: No real description of their items. Is it made out of cotton or what?

FOREVER 21.
I don't think I've ever ordered from them online; their selection, too, is lacking in comparison to ASOS. But I'll order some skinny jeans anyhow...

-Neg: It looks like I'm in-between sizes with them. Too "large" for regular sizes and too small for plus size. This could be an issue.

LOVE CULTURE.
I have plus-sized measurements* according to their size guide... and as I cruise the site, I see I will have the same issues with this one as I did F21. The dresses are "eh" to me in the plus-sized area. The only thing remotely cool to me? Faux leather leggings... and, okay, some of their shoes.

$43.

TOBI.

Ooooh, site tells me right away that returns are free. Yay! It looks like I am a large in their tops and an XL in their bottoms, but that doesn't really matter because you can't search by size. Ugh.

+Plus: I did get a 50% code in my email from them, but I'm unsure about using it just yet.

-Neg: Their stuff is more unique than Love Culture, F21, and Cotton On, but I'd almost rather use Urban Outfitters' site for unique things because I think their prices & selection are better?

FRANCESCA'S.
Free shipping on orders over $50 & returns are $5. So far, so good? I browsed the crossbody bags first for some reason, and found a green one that I think I had seen on ASOS (yet the ASOS one was bigger and, sadly, out of stock) for $48. Cool! I hit the "shoe rack," and they have some wonderful brands & a few pairs of ankle boots I can see myself wearing this fall on campus. Bonus!

-Neg: Clothing-wise, I would barely fit into their largest size. So, it would be a good site, like U.O., for shoes and accessories.

CHARLOTTE RUSSE.
Free shipping over $65; searching is easier than other sites (can browse by shoe size, for instance). Good Sale selection for shoes, accessories, and clothing; I'm a L/XL... prices look promising, too. In the name of research, I may purchase a few items.

My Additions to the Cool Online Shopping Sites List:

URBAN OUTFITTERS.
I'm adding this one to the list. It's only lacking large sizes & variety... but I can overlook those things because the quality is up there, and the selection is usually pretty unique.

*Recently, at JCP, I bought a medium button-up top (by St. John's Bay?) & JCP-based brand size 14 jeggings. I tell you this as a reference for how easy or tough it is for me to find things in online stores that will fit.

OVERALL: I purchased about $70 worth of stuff from both F21 & Cotton On as well as $58 at Charlotte Russe. I'll keep track of when things show up at my door & how everything turns out (fit and quality, etc.).

POSSIBLE HYPOTHESIS: I hope to discover that these sites will be better for searching for shoes and accessories than Urban Outfitters. I hope that the F21 jeans fit, so I can go there for uber cheap ($15!) jeans (beats Old Navy and ASOS). I'm thinking that my new fave place to hit up will be Charlotte Russe for trendy stuff when it comes to clothing; U.O. will still be a good site for trendy accessories. I might use Francesca's & Tobi for funky bags and shoes?

Cancellations.

Last week, I finally pulled the plug on Birchbox & the Sample Society's Beauty Bar. Glossybox is the pricey-est subscription (at $21), but I liked almost everything they'd send me every month! And the ipsy subscription ($10) always included a little bag (a big bonus to me) with valuable samples.

Out of ALL of the samples I got these last few months, here are my top picks (in no particular order):

---Novex Brazilian Keratin hair care treatment (Glossybox).
---Bvlgari perfumed shampoo & shower gel (Glossybox). I'm out & I want MORE... but should I spend $42!?
---Violet Oasis Argan oil (Birchbox). I love Argan oil!
---sexyhair Soy Renewal Beach Spray (ipsy).
---Benefit's Benetint (ipsy).
---Booth dry oil mist (Glossybox).
---Tarte lipstick (Glossybox).
---Antica Farmacista Body Moisturizer in Grapefruit (Birchbox).
---Mirenesse Glossy Kiss Lipstick (Birchbox).
---Cailyn gel eyeliner (ipsy).
---Philosophy Hope in a Jar (sample society).
---Sebastian Professional volupt spray (Glossybox).
---Cargo blush (Birchbox).

Glossybox #4, Take 2.

Sorry, ya'll, I've been distracted by publishing my first book (http://antitextbook.blogspot.com/)... yeah.

Anyhow, here's what was in the fourth Glossybox that I used already:
--- Anatomicals spray mist: Perfect for the office on warm days last week (and this week)!
--- Novex Brazilian Keratin hair care treatment: Smells great and my hair felt lovely. Win-win. I almost want to use it as a lotion all over me. Is that a good idea?
--- Jelly Pong-Pong lip blush: It's a little too PINK PINK...
--- Pandora's nail polish: It's the palest of pinks, and I think I really like it. For someone who has opened many of these boxes and rolled her eyes at various nail polish colors, this one is one I had to use right away. Very simple and pretty.
--- Sue Devitt triple c-weed pressed powder: I don't powder my nose or face often, but this is the perfect shade and it snaps close so well, I think I could throw it into my bags without it causes issues later.

BONUS: A little denim Guess bag! I will so use it in my purses to keep items separated into categories (you know... one little bag is emergencies - bandaids & tampons; another is touch-up stuff - mascara, perfume, lip stick that could be blush, too...).

What I Want To Wear.

What I Want to Wear To Campus To Teach (but Probably Shouldn't):

What I Want to Wear To Campus To Teach (and Probably Can):

Glossybox #4...

So, my fourth Glossybox showed up a day or two ago, and I've already used everything in it.
I think.
Yep, almost everything.
The only "eh" product was this VERY PINK lip stick/stain, but that's okay. I can put on here later what was all in the darn thing, but let's just say I think I'll go one more month with these subscriptions and then probably end up cancelling the Birchbox & Sample Society. Glossybox & ipsy Glam Bag are where it's at (in my opinion, of course).

Purple Ipsy Bag #4!

Alrighty then...

x = I won't use/don't care about it.

xx = I think it's cool, but I don't know if I'll use it daily.

xxx = This is an awesome item that I will use for sure.

Ipsy's contents for August:

--- Michael Todd Jojoba Charcoal facial scrub: I'll use this, but I don't think I've ever purchased a regular-prized item of this type before. xx
--- Nailtini in Mai Tai (orange): I might regift simply because I have all the freakin' colors of the rainbow right now in my own nail polish box. x
--- Mica Beauty shimmer powder in Bronze: A lot of these sample subscriptions have been sending out bronzers for the summer. This one actually, however, looks promising (color-wise = others have looked orange-y). xxx
--- Pixi Lash Booster mascara in Blackest Black: I love mascara, and I've purchased Pixi stuff before. Winner already before I try the stuff on! xxx
--- Noya Kosher lip balm in Cherry: I might regift? x

Glossybox #3; Sample Society #3; Birchbox #4...

I have THREE boxes sitting in front of me.
It's like they all came at once to gang up on me! Meanies. So, here's the brief synopsis. I'll also plug these things into my chart & upload that new version.

x = I won't use/don't care about it.

xx = I think it's cool, but I don't know if I'll use it daily.

xxx = This is an awesome item that I will use for sure.

Here's what was found in the third Glossybox:

--- Brazillian Blowout: Deep conditioning masque for hair: xx
--- Bvlgari perfumed shampoo & shower gel: xxx
--- Dr. Brandt all-in-one oil-free beauty balm: foundation in light to medium. With the SPF: xx
--- Figs & Rouge lip balm tube: x (regift to someone?)
--- Nails Inc. polish: x (gave it to my niece since I had that color already)
--- Nicka K NY make-up cleansing tissues: xxx

And from the third batch of Sample Society:

--- Jane Iredale Lash Conditioner: x
--- Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Cream: x
--- Dr. T's Supergoop SPF sunscreen: xx
--- Issey Miyake perfume: xx
--- Korres Cherry Oil Lip gloss: x (might regift?)

Birchbox's #4:

--- Juice Beauty oil-free moisturizer: xx
--- Miss Jessie's Original rapid recovery & sweetback treatment: xx
--- ModelCo Party proof lipstick: x (got one color and it's brown)
--- Violet Oasis argan oil: xxx
--- Birchbox bobby pins: xx

The IPSY Glam bag & Glossybox are "in the lead" for most items liked/used, etc.

Things Happen in 3rds? Ipsy Glam Bag & Birchbox.

Third time's a charm?

The "will use" items are in orange.

In the third Ipsy bag (the bag is clear & bright pink, by the way):
--- sexyhair Soy Renewal Beach Spray: Already used it and it definitely thickened up my roots post-workout. I will be using this a lot and will take it with me this weekend to Moondance Jam.
--- bh cosmetics Eye Shadow sample in the California Collection: The colors are a dark purple and bronze and gold. I might not use this now, but possibly for fall!
--- pop pouty Lip Crayon in Rose Romance: It's a very subtle pink color, and while it's a cute little crayon (great size for the purse), I'm into darker pinks and poppy reds right now.
--- benefit benetint Lip & Cheek Stain: I've ordered this before from Sephora.com, and I really liked it (just ran out of it awhile back), so I'm happy to have another! I like this product because it's a great color, AND it stays put! A stain, in this case, is a good thing.
--- Coola Mineral Sunscreen: Another item to bring to Moondance Jam this weekend!

In the third Birchbox box:
--- Dr. Jart ceramidin cream: I might use this as a night cream until it's gone, but other than that...
--- Number 4 super comb prep & protect: It's a leave-in conditioner; I honestly don't use these much because my hair gets overly conditioned in the shower (I'm one of those people who conditions first and then shampoos at the end). Granted, my hair is dry, but I prefer to use special oils on the ends of the hair (and sometimes the roots) to remedy that.
--- WEI purifying mud mask: I might use this this summer sometime; I'm not a big user of facials or masks, but this could be fun.
--- theBALM long-wearing powder staining blush: It's an okay color, a bit orange-ish for me (I got Swiss Dot), and we'll see if it lasts the rest of the day now? I might wipe it off in favor of the blush I got from Birchbox in May = the Cargo blush is prettier.
--- WEI pomegrante buffing beads: As I just mentioned about wiping off this blush, I might use these beads to do so!

ASOS !

ASOS.
ASOS.
ASOS.
I love love love love this web site.
It's fairly dead-on with its measurements & the selection is amazing.
Amazing!
Items go on sale (seems like Tues mornings are when they do price-cuts) often, as well...

Tips for using the site:
1. Spend over $140 to get the two-day USA express shipping promo code.

2. Try to buy shoes in each order, so it comes in a box; it's easier to send things back when you have a box to work with (vs. a bag).

3. Keep track of what you want in the Saved List & print it off, so you can see what goes on sale.

4. Print off what you purchase each time because their packing list doesn't come with prices on it. This way, as I try on the items in my bedroom, I can ask myself if it's worth X dollars and circle what I like on paper and what I'll keep. Then I hold onto that printout when I return things, too!

5. If they are slow to return your items, just consistently email them. Someone will respond eventually. I'm guessing that they are just that busy; they have missed things that I've returned, but are quick to resolve the issues.

*I was not compensated for writing about this company, but if I was, I'd be scooping up some of these very cute items below! :)

 

2nd Glossybox & 2nd Sample Society box.

Within days of each other (or maybe I'm dizzy and I got the Glossybox last week & the Sample Society one this week?)... I got these second boxes of fun.

Glossybox #2 came with these fun items:

c.Booth dry oil mist, 

Oscar de la Renta 4 sample perfumes, 

Phililp B leave-in cond, 

SpaRitual nail polish,

& tarte lipstick

The Sample Society box came with:

Deborah Lippmann nailpolish (sparkly purple), 

Dr. T’s sunscreen, 

Tres Pure face tonic, 

By Terry Cellularose brightening serum, 

& Reem Acra perfume

I'm leaning towards using the following (in pink text).

Glossybox #2:

c.Booth dry oil mist: Smells good & my dry skin will probably suck it in!

Oscar de la Renta 4 sample perfumes: I like a majority (3/4) of them!

Phililp B leave-in cond: This will be a good travel addition...?

SpaRitual nail polish: It's a pale sparkly pink & it might see some use (or I may regift it's so pretty)

& tarte lipstick: I already tried on & liked.

The Sample Society box:

Deborah Lippmann nailpolish (sparkly purple): May regift. I like blue and black for dark polish colors.

Dr. T’s sunscreen: Might take to Moondance next weekend & throw in purse?!

Tres Pure face tonic: It's a small sample that may go a long way...

By Terry Cellularose brightening serum: I like to brighten up my face!

& Reem Acra perfume: Not totally into the smell... it has an "older, rich lady" appeal to it.

Based on my chart, I'm still undecided as to which box/bag is the best, or which one I use the most stuff OF... Off the top of my head, I'm leaning towards keeping subscriptions to Glossybox ($21, most expensive) & the ipsy bag (because I like getting a little bag & it's a cheap subscription, $10), BUT we shall see if my thoughts shift with two more bags/boxes.

2nd Birchbox & 2nd Ipsy Glam Bag

So, my second Birchbox arrived sometime last week. I don't think I got a photo of the darn thing before I started using all of its insides!

The Goodies:
--- Antica Farmacista Body Moisturizer in Grapefruit. I slathered this one twice. The first time - just because it smelled good, and the second because it canceled out some self-tanner smell on my legs. It soaked in uber fast, too!
--- Wanderlust Collection nail polish. Cute and teeny and purple; I think I'll give it to my niece?
--- Mirenesse Glossy Kiss Lipstick. Love, love, love. Wore all weekend with or without my peppermint shiny gloss on top. Great color!
--- Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser. Have not tried yet. I burnt my forehead at a MN Twins game, so I haven't been scrubbing anything in the facial area for a few days...
--- The Lifestyle Extra was this Glee Gum. It was okay, but didn't last long in my mouth or in general. The bf got ahold of the last pieces.

My second Ipsy Glam Bag came today.

The bag is super cute = leopard! I will so use it in my purses!

Other goodies:

--- NYX blush. I have lots of blush, but this one is a bit darker than what I normally use; it's nice to have a variety?

--- J.Cats eye shadow & fake eyelashes. Very sparkly & the eyelashes come with glue!

--- Cailyn gel eyeliner. Looks promising.

--- Starlooks Tickle Me Pink lip liner. I don't think I've ever purchased lip liner?

SIDENOTE:

I had another bunch of samples from some things I purchased for myself around Christmas time. I should justify that with the fact that when I bought others' gifts, it was free shipping if I threw another item on the pile... yeah.

I can't recall what the gift bundle was called, but I got this stuff in it:

It's Benefit's "That Girl" brightening face primer. It was a miracle worker for my under eye area, even after a late night of craziness. I think this container is $29 at Sephora.com. It comes in a mini pack too, with other cool things, see below, for $15 at Sephora.com.

My chart, above, should help me decide which subscriptions to keep and which ones to ditch. It's looking like the first two are keepers, and the cheapest, but it might be too early to tell yet?