Back From the... Well, Not the Dead, So Maybe the Lazy?

Hey there.  Remember me?  Yeah, I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t.  Indeed, it’s been awhile.  A crazy Spring here.  And all of a sudden, summer is here.

No, really, it's here.  See?

Not a pathetic, half-melted snow mound in sight...  but a few storm clouds are visible (seems these days we can't get a weekend without severe weather).

I digress.

So, I had considered launching back into the blog by bringing up a couple of heftier topics…  Asian models being all the current rage and the social/cultural implications that it raises…  The whole eating/shopping/whatevering “local” movement and really, what does that actually mean?

Then I decided that all I really wanted to do is show you more stuff that I like.  Things I’ve seen over the last few months.  Clothes.  Images from retailers.  Same ol’ drill.  The problem with starting into a discussion about the weightier themes is that, well, it kind of opens up a can.  A good can, I do believe.  But it steers away from what this blog is about…  liking stuff.  Of course, you can like things that make you think instead of making you simply drool.  It’s good for you, really, to make that hamster in the wheel known as your brain do some exercise.

For now, however, a month-plus of inactivity calls for gentler efforts.  And perhaps I’ll bring back the other topics later.

With no real rhyme or reason, this is what’s been “gefaelling mir” during my absence:

First off, check out these great Tory Burch espadrilles.  They come in other color combinations, but the architect in me is attracted to that OSHA yellow and army green striping.  Hey, at least I’d stand out at the job site, right?

Tory also has a mini-messenger bag I’ve been coveting for over the last half year.  Black is such a basic yet elegant staple color.  It also converts to a clutch, which makes it even more drool-worthy.

Diane von Furstenberg, she of the famous wrap dress fame, launched a vintage print collection earlier this winter.  I like this one…

And speaking of dresses, gotta love this Milly dress.  While it looks notoriously high-waisted, in person the waist sits a little lower.  I enjoy the mixture of colors, pattern and texture, all wrapped into a neat little work option.  Note:  I’m short-waisted, so I typically steer the hell clear of dresses with the whole “empire waist” style, a few exceptions being a grey Anthropologie dress I’ve worn to death and a nice belted Banana Republic work dress that I pair with a shrug.

Somewhat similar to the Milly dress is this lacy but not too lacy dress from Beth Bowley.  The simple but classic styling reminds me of good ol’ Tory Burch, too.  Work!  Brunch!  Weddings!  This dress could do it all.

Summertime means the return of white jeans.  For whatever reason, I’m partial to Citizens of Humanity’s offerings, and these Avas will pair well with a variety of tops, plus the straight-leg styling of the Avas work best for me instead of bootcuts, cropped and skinnies.  I’m not even going to mention jeggings (or jorjeggings – yeah, not only is this an actual word, it’s an actual item).  Anyway, here are the Citizens:

From white jeans, I bring you to a fabulous white dress (with patterns) that screams Summer.  It might also scream Tennis Match!  Or, um, Confused Decade Dress?  The voluminous skirt seems to recall what I think the 50’s would look like, the color scheme and styling feels like tennis, but in the 20’s?  (Remember when I said I’m not a fashion historian?).  Well, whatever era it make you think of, I just think it’s a great dress for sipping cocktails on a patio surrounded by lush greenery.  Once again, the designer is Milly.

Now, summertime up here in the Midwest does not guarantee four straight months of heat, humidity and sun.  Considering it took summer so dang long to get here, I wouldn’t be surprised if we get a “cold spell” in July with temps topping out in the 60’s for a few days.  This makes people nuts (mostly because happy time in the sun, warmth and green stuff here is short-lived compared to those of you in, well, the whole rest of the country – except maybe Fargo and Bangor, Maine).  Anyway, the cool down always feels more severe after hot weather, so we dig for jackets to carry us through the spell.  I would pick this one.  Coming from Urban Outfitters, it’s a little bit edgy campus kid, but I can still wear it to work with one of my Milly/Tory dresses.

Ever have one of those days where the less people you have to talk to, the better?  Days when that Dilbert comic strip that snorts, “I like my coworkers until they talk” rings all too true (oh, c’mon you guys, you know I love you…  I’m jus’ sayin’)?  Well, here’s the shirt for you!  It’s got a cat.  It’s got attitude.  What more do you need?

You say you want a dog?  That cats just make you sneeze?  You’re allergic to hairballs?

Here you go.  You can thank Radley London for this adorable purse.  Avec pooch.  And a seagull.

Or…  domestic pets not your thing?  Are you one of those peeps who goes gaga for anything panda?  This backpack is for wee ones, but it sure wouldn’t stop me from buying it.  Oh wait, I did buy it.  Because I’m one of those panda people.

I also love Spongebob Squarepants.  Oh, and Space Invaders a la my old Atari 2600.  So, this Nooka watch is perfect because it’s like Spongebob Invaders.  

Too bad they didn’t pepper the pattern with Sandy the Squirrel (I love Sandy because she's a karate-choppin' spazzy chick from Texas).  Or Patrick (I love Patrick because he's just Patrick).

In neighborly news, Local Motion (a boutique that offers items made both near and far) is having a fashion show at the Lexington Restaurant in St. Paul on Monday, 5/23.  Here's the e-flyer showing some cute clothes (I particularly like the middle dress:

I'm not sure what's funnier...  the melding of two cities that just love to hate each other, or the fact that young fashion is coming to the home of 5:00 prime rib dinners for the early bird crowd.  Sounds like fun.  Too bad I'll miss it.  I love the crazy decor and coconut shrimp at the Lex.


Falling asleep?  Too much stuff gefaelling Dir?  (quick German lesson, Mir = me, so Dir = you…  in the dative case…  nevermind ;)

Well, I hope this parade of recent finds makes up for over a month of being MIA.  As you can see, I’ve been e-browsing like crazy this Spring, but I fell off the blogging wagon for a bit.  Time to climb back on and get busy.  Some upcoming posts I want to share include recent food and booze finds here in the Twin Cities, patio dining favorites (now that it’s quit snowing), and just maybe taking the dangerous dip into the topics I mentioned at the start of this entry.

Seen or bought a dress, purse or other fashionable find that's got you all fired up for summer?  Please share!  (Totally shameless appeal to you international readers - I know you're reading this...  I'd love to  hear from you guys :)

Oh, crap.  Speaking of dangerous, the tornado sirens are going off.  Again.  Off to the basement I go (again)!

Happy Summer!
M



Photo credits:

Our friends' backyard in summer - my own
Tory Burch espadrilles - Shopbop
Tory Burch messenger bag - Tory Burch
DVF dress - Diane von Furstenberg
Milly dress - Revolve
Beth Bowley dress - Beth Bowley
Citizens of Humanity jeans - Shopbop
Milly dress #2 - Bloomingdale's
Sparkle & Fade jacket - Urban Outfitters
Wren t-shirt - Revolve
Radley purse - my own
Beatrix New York backpack - Gilte Groupe sale
Nooka watch - swirl.com
Local Motion e-flyer - Local Motion (while I would provide a link to their website, it seems to be out of date)

Green Thoughts on a Grey Day

As I sit inside my house today, recovering from a 3-day trip to Cold & Sinus Hell, I'm not even sure what to think about tonight's prediction of another 2-4" of snow.  Part of me wants to say, "Are you !@*$% kidding me?"  This is the same part of me that hasn't left the house since Friday night, thanks to being sick.  I'm starting to go a little cuckoo for cocoa puffs in here.  Then again, part of me wants to say, "Meh.  We live in the Upper Midwest.  It snows in May.  Getoverit."  This is the same part of me that figures I might as well enjoy being house-bound if the flakes are gonna start fallin'.  The fridge is stocked, I've got a surplus of Pier 1 candles, and there's a wonderful thing called pizza delivery.

The impending snow and overall crappy, cold weather does make me think about the climate in general.  Which then makes me think about the Earth.  And Earth Day.  Which is on the 22nd.  How timely.

If I'd forgotten about Earth Day, a hazy memory rolled into the college experience of years past, then retailers have definitely made sure I remember it this year.  From promotions to "go green," to offering "upcycled goods," to simply asking what you might do this year to make the Earth a little more healthy, stores are making sure to participate.  I guess selling green = seeing green (and, on a slight tangent, it feels like countless retailers are attaching themselves to all sorts of causes, the Japan tsunami/earthquake being the latest example).

OK, without further ado...

Daily Candy's limited-sale site Swirl offers an Earth Day-themed pop-up boutique this week (I can't guarantee how long this sale runs, so check it soon!).  Among the brands on sale are vegan bags by Matt & Nat, a great handbag line I ran across years ago in Chicago.  Glad to see they are still going strong.  Here are a few of their items for sale:

Poketo, a fun and quirky retailer known for collaborating with artists, sent me an email today about their upcycled leather accessories.  Fun, cute and salvaged!  Take a look:

The second image is a bag that was created from a leather sofa - the vintage (as in Brady Bunch-era) fan in me got a kick out of it.  I even spied some bags that look like they're crafted from suits - you'll have to check it out.

Anthropologie tells me it's hosting Earth Day events at many store locations with this crafty email:

Click here to see if there are any events at your local store.  Weirdly, they don't seem to have anything here in Minnesota.  Odd, since this state prides itself on green initiatives.  Their email also says:

Mega-retailer Target spread its word on Facebook today, asking:

Over 600 people liked this question, but man, over 1200 had something to say about it!  Personally, I always hold on to their bags.  If it's paper, we use them for recycling day (the city of Minneapolis has a  nice program which I really appreciate...  from plastic bags to junk mail to, um, cardboard boxes from Nordstrom and Zappos, they haul it all).  If it's plastic, well, I do this:

Why, NO, that's not a big bag of...  shoes.  

Hey, I wrap 'em up in my TGT bags and throw a pair in my purse to take to work.  They're also great for stuffing wet umbrellas into while on the bus.

Kate Spade's "color of the month" is a very kelly green for April, but I have no idea if that anything to do with Earth Day.  It seems to have more to do with lush lawns and the general celebration of the return of all things green and summery.  Sure is purty to look at, though:

While we're on the subject of green-colored treasures, you might want to glance at my earlier post dedicated to such finds here.

And finally, Threadless has a great little Earth Day shirt for sale on their site:

I wuv.  If you do, too, check it out here.  They're also promoting tree-planting and other nature-friendly wares.

"Green retailing" aside, Earth Day does compel you to give serious pause about the state of the environment today.  While the forecast snowfall for tonight is fairly benign and mostly scoffable, other areas of the US have had far more serious weather:  wildfires burning in Texas and tornadoes that marched a lethal path through the South.  You do have to wonder how much is linked to climate change and how much we've contributed to that.  And whether Mother Nature is giving us a stern warning to clean up our act.

On that didn't-mean-to-be-so-somber note, are you celebrating Earth Day?  Do you try and incorporate sustainability or recycling in your daily life (like my shoe bags)?  Is there an event you're attending in your state or country?  Or, simply, is there a favorite retailer of yours that's promoting Earth Day themed awareness?

Cheers (til the snow starts to fall anyway),

Maggie

Image credits:

Matt & Nat purses - Swirl.com

Upcycled leather clutches and "sofa" purse - Poketo.com

Anthropologie email excerpt - Anthropologie.com

Target Facebook status - Facebook

Shoe mountain images - my own
Kate Spade bags - Kate Spade

"Let's Plant" t-shirt by Chow Hon Lam - Threadless.com

Telling Your Inner Mean-Girl To Take A Hike

I know.  I've been MIA.  Bad me!  Life's been a little busier than usual, but that's a lame excuse, right?  Well, then I'll blame it on our prolonged winter.  After enjoying a few glorious days of temperatures in the, gasp, 60's...  we're headed right back to the mid-30's tonight.  Even better?  Snow is forecast for Saturday.  Guess I'll delay shoving the winter coats and boots into the hall closet.  Hmm, also means I can delay the quitting of comfort foods:  creamy mac-n-cheese, pillowy gnocchi, big ol' burgers, and the to-die-for lobster and eggs concoction at Bar La Grassa.  Oh, and cheese, cheese, cheese!

However, I did want to rouse myself from a self-induced weather pity-party (with cheese) to pop in here briefly and give another shout-out to a fabulous blogger and friend of mine.

Whether we want to admit it or not, all things fashion inevitably link to something a little less fun and sparkly:  body image.  Arguably, all those trendy magazines, e-tail sites, and billboards, down to the pretty pictures of clothes that I post on here, saunter hand-in-hand with an evil twin.  Even if said wares are not being modeled on a Photoshopped, size 00 nineteen year-old, it's hard not to automatically ask yourself, "I wonder if I could pull that off?" when you're facing that image.  And unfortunately, that question often spirals towards giving yourself a less than flattering once-over.

To add insult to injury, the arrival of warmer weather (ahem, for some of you anyway) means warm weather fashion.  Retailers parade swimsuits, shorts, and other skin-baring ensembles before our summer-starved eyes.  It's hard not to laugh/cringe/smirk when imaging some of those outfits on our own bodies.  Someone save us from ourselves already!  Sheesh!

That someone might just be Sally McGraw.

Armed with a background in creative writing and a heartfelt mission to quash all the negativity, Sally writes an impressive and thoughtful blog dealing with the many questions, perspectives and yes, positive takeaways, that come from such a loaded issue.  I invite you to check out her blog this week:  Already Pretty.

Ms. McGraw has become quite established in the blogosphere.  She's been invited to attend blogging conferences, she's appeared on local TV and print to share her advice, and her blog/full-fledged website garners many admirers who are excited to add to the conversation.

And it's not just serious stuff - Sally takes the hefty subject matter and then applies it right back to fun things.  One of her blog's highlights is her outfit of the day.  It's great to see how she styles the many items in her closet, and it's hard not to envy her collection of shoes and boots.  In fact, here's an image direct from her blog, showing off some of those great boots, on her great legs, I might add:

As I scan recent headlines from fashion news sites that yap on about the curviness of Victoria's Secret models and calling Kate Moss "fat," Sally's blog is a timely read and I daresay a bit of a life buoy in a sea of relentless body critique.

And while I've been guilty of the self-criticism, it's sure as hell not going to stop me from eating all the cheese I can unearth in this house while I wait for Spring to really, really arrive.

Happy reading!
Maggie


Image:  courtesy of Already Pretty

FFR?

Every once in awhile, I feel compelled to write an entry about stuff that I see and, like a gag reflex, makes me think, “For freakin’ real?”  Usually it’s an image, occasionally it’s a post.  Today, I’m going to share both.  Maybe you won't make an ishy face like I made, but maybe I’m just getting old fast.

Here are some flummox-worthy finds...

This email from retailer Singer 22, which sells trendy threads and shows celebrities sporting said threads, is what gagged me to write this post.  I hadn't even seen the actual image yet.  I simply scanned my Inbox and came to a screeching halt when I saw the subject line.  While all it touted was the brand's name, it was WTF enough for me:

Fairgound Bunny Gets Nailed.  Eh?!  Wha???  Yep, I kid you not:

Their latest obsession.  And they want it to be yours, too!  I'm going to have to pass that plate on down the table.  I'm on a diet.  Trying to cut back on things that make me look like...  well, that.

More options for you to look like a bun-bun who wants (and apparently got) plenty of action:

Um.  Looks a LOT like the trend that both Singer 22 and Revolve were peddling last Fall...  Spirithoods!  Say it with me (and the models) - RAWRRR!!!

Really?  Those pants?  And really?  That top?  Not even commenting on the hood...

Don't forget the "paws!"

This email from Barneys gave me a shuddering pause as well.  I know fashion and art often produce  images meant to provoke and even disturb, which is fine.  It just weirded me out a little.  You can probably think up multiple storylines, but they all seem to include "bank robbery" and end with "jail uniforms."

I've designated this news about Abercrombie & Fitch selling push-up bras to elementary-aged girls as my runner-up to first prize for FFR.  I stumbled across this article thanks to the women at Threadbared (again, boy they aren't missing a beat).  They reposted from the original source, which comes from Racked.com, a site I need to explore more.

If that's the runner up, you ask, then who's the lucky winner?  Why, here is the image upon which I bestow that sketchy crown:

Whuzzat?  Why...  it's a RAT.  A sweet, furry, ginornous rat.  In the windows of the NYC Skechers store.  This snap of Cuddlekins comes courtesy of my weekly Fashion Alert e-newsletter.  The unexpected display-crasher was spotted by a passer-by, who took the photo and sent it on to Gawker, which was picked up by Racked (again), which was picked up by Fashion Alert/The Cut - phew.  While you read more, I will reminisce briefly about waiting for the Red Line back home...  Sweet memories of watching the subway rats scurrying around the tracks, down in the depths of the Clark & Division El stop.  Makes me all warm and (cough) fuzzy.

Hmmm...

You know, the more I think about it, Mr. Whiskers may need to share its status of FFR royalty with today's weather.  April starts this week.  But Mother Nature sure as heck didn't get that memo:

There's a somewhat perverse pleasure in hearing those poor birdies chirping away as the snow falls steadily.  Silly birds, you thought it was Spring!  HA-ha!  Coupled with a low tonight of 17 degrees (Fahrenheit), it may as well be December all over again.

Well, then!  Since we're feeling so Christmas-y, here's the video I promised you last week:

'Tis the season!  For flippin' real :)


Images:
Fairground Bunny Got Nailed pix - Singer 22
Spirithoods - Singer 22, Revolve
Junya Watanabe pic - Barneys
Skechers rat - Gawker.com
Snow video - own
Christmas Laser Cats - You Tube

Japan Aid, Part 2

So, I wasn't sure whether to talk about something new and shiny and upbeat, or if I should continue to update you about retailers pitching in to help Japan.  Since I've continued to notice additional emails and Facebook postings dealing with the latter, I decided we can have one more entry dedicated to sobering events that bring out something good.  Something in which the commercial goes beyond pure commerce (even if briefly).

As I thought, more companies have used email and social media to give a shout-out to Japan and link to various charities for donation-giving over the past week.

Private sales site Gilt Groupe has placed a banner at the top of their website encouraging their members to donate.  They've also posted to Facebook:

Kate Spade took advantage of their Facebook platform to do likewise:

I'll be curious to see what their tote bag looks like and how much it drives sales.  I am a fan of those sophisticated, preppy-urbane clothes and accessories!


Taking place on March 18th, Forever 21 stated that it would donate 100% of all its sales on that day towards aid for Japan.  This news comes courtesy of The Cut, a weekly e-newsletter full of oft-amusing snippets of all things fashion.

The retail family known as the Gap, Inc. (which includes Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime and Athleta as its relatives) has made sure to show they want to help out.

The authors of the blog Threadbared (which approaches fashion and its politics from the minority perspective) provide links to check out as well.  They also posted a link on their Facebook site to an article by Rachel Lamb on the Luxury Daily website, which discusses how the luxury retail industry is participating in the cause.

While you're visiting Threadbared's page, be sure to browse through their writings - interesting and thoughtful articles.

Ueber-entertainer Lady Gaga has designed a wristband to support aid efforts.  While I'm not a big fan of her music (mostly because I live under a rock when it comes to Top 40 music and don't know her tunes, not because I dislike her), she's smartly taken advantage of her fame to advocate for this cause.  Here's a link straight to her online store (which for sure marks the first time I've ever logged into her site!).  And here's a picture of said wristband:

Even United Airlines jumped into the action.

Overall, it sounds like there is some tenuous reason for hope.  Of course, the situation is still a very fragile one, and things change constantly.  But I truly wish conditions will only improve and that, over time, the rebuilding and healing can begin.

On a more positive note..  I had wanted to post a really hilarious You Tube clip after my first Japan post.  I figured after all the depressing news, we could all use a great laugh.  Then I got busy, and it slipped.  Also, although it's done in a totally silly fashion, the end does flash a nuclear bomb mushroom cloud.  Since one of the main concerns with Japan's current state deals with its nuclear reactors, I decided to play it safe and abstain from sticking those things in the same post (OK, granted, a slightly different situation).  So...  it'll be in the next one.  I promise the video is all light-hearted, geeky and fun.  You don't believe me?  Umm...

Engineers + Cats + Christmas music** = Hilarity

In closing, have you seen one of your favorite retailers extending wishes of hope and aid?  Is there one that really surprised you?  United Airlines kinda took me by surprise, but honestly, there's no reason it's odd.  I'd love to hear of any companies/designers/retailers that you admire who are offering assistance.  Or one who caught your eye unexpectedly.

Wishing you a happy, silly week (cats and engineers optional),
Maggie



** - Yes, Christmas music.  Because, hey...  where I live, we are expecting snow and temperatures in the teens this week.  Mother Nature apparently doesn't care that April is near, so why should I?  As far as I'm concerned, 'tis the season, dammit :)


Images:  Facebook snapshots - my own, Lady Gaga's wristband - Lady Gaga website

Keeping Japan In Our Thoughts

It has only been a handful of days since a record-setting earthquake and tsunami devastated parts of Japan and affected many other countries (sheesh, devastated seems like a gross understatement when you consider the sheer loss of life and damage).  When you see each new image and read every breaking story, it’s only natural that things like a blog dedicated to shopping feel pretty frivolous.

When I first read about the disaster, I immediately checked in on a good friend and a few other friends who have connections there.  Thankfully, they and their loved ones are OK.  Big sigh of relief.

The news is still very recent and constantly developing.  In a sad and downright scary way.  Nuclear meltdowns?  Radiation sickness?  Millions of people without heat, water and food?  Estimates of 10,000+ casualties?  Makes you feel helpless, and sad.  Very, very sad.

Fortunately, besides the regular players who come to bat in times of crisis (like the Red Cross**, Doctors Without Borders, and many other countries’ governments and volunteers), some retailers are already responding.  While you can argue that the help comes via sales, I've seen those who are using their networks to encourage their subscribers and fans to take action.

Initially, I did a Google search to get information about any retailers supporting relief to Japan, but it didn’t turn up anything besides reports on business in general being affected by the earthquake and tsunami.  So I turned to Facebook, that insane behemoth of all things networky and social.  I’ve “liked” a number of my favorite retailers, and I hoped I’d find some good stuff.  Which I did!

Threadless, of whom you already know I’m a big fan, has launched a t-shirt design competition to benefit Japan.  As their webpage states, 100% of the net proceeds will go to the American Red Cross's effort to aid Japan's victims.  Here are a couple of designs so far:

To learn more, vote, or even submit your own design, click here.


My favorite department store, Nordstrom, posted on their Facebook page as well, asking people to send a text and donate to the Red Cross:

Luxury retailer Neiman Marcus (which my mom and a couple others like to refer to as "Needless Mark-Up", heh) did likewise on their Facebook page:

Tory Burch joined the action as well.  Check out her blog entry here on her website.

Other designers who gave mention on their Facebook pages include Poketo and Trina Turk. I'm sure there are additional designers, stores and shopaholics who are Facebooking, Tweeting or just plain emailing their support.
If you are interested in donating to the relief fund but leery of scams and unsure of who all is out there, I recommend this site:  Charity Navigator.

I'm sure there will be more outpourings of support, both emotional and financial, over the next weeks, months, and year.  I'd be surprised if a celebrity-studded fundraiser doesn't happen in the near future.  In the meantime, I can only hope that all those who are injured, displaced and grieving receive aid, food and counseling very soon.  I'll be sending off a donation this week.  Even if you can't afford to donate, feel free to send along the above information to whomever you think would like to help out.

Hugs to everyone tonight,
Maggie




**While I have not done a lot of digging behind the controversy, mention of the Red Cross has brought up charges of questionable percentages of donations actually reaching victims.  I think this argument happens with other charities, and it’s not my intention to delve into the claims.  I thank all legitimate organizations for their help to those affected in Japan and all other disasters, from headline-grabbers like Hurrican Katrina to smaller but no less important events around the world.

Putting the Cart Before the Horse

So, I’ve been a no-show at ballet class lately.  After the very first day of the new session, in which I attended two back-to-back classes (on pretty much an empty stomach), I have been MIA.  The crappy weather is partly to blame (who really wants to venture out in subzero temps and icy streets on a Saturday afternoon when they could stay snuggled in bed).  Really, though, I’m just plain lazy.  Browsing the latest fashion emails is a lot more appealing (and easy) than trekking downtown to plié and relevé for 90 minutes (or in the case of that January day, closer to 150 minutes).

Also, I was somewhat deterred when the instructor at that class asked how many people had seen the just-released Black Swan.  As the first class of the winter session, the room was packed – maybe 40 students crowded into a room that works better with 20 bodies.  Probably close to 90% of their hands shot in the air when asked about the movie.  Ugh…  I missed the nights of the smaller group; faces that, over the year of being in Becky’s class, had become familiar and even welcoming.  Katie, the dancer who kindly offered to sew the straps on my slippers.  Dave, the older guy who was in better shape than me (and always seemed to end up to my right in our unofficial weekly spots at the barre).  And a woman who’s name I’ve sadly forgotten (Corinna?), but who encouraged me on day one to stick with the class, even though I was whining about being a newbie.  It was comforting to see her in that room over the weeks and months.

But!  I must return.  I’ve told myself I shall be back when the spring session commences, which is in a couple of weeks.  A mere 14-ish days.  One reason is that I truly enjoy the class.  Like I said in an earlier post, ballet is my yoga.  I love it.  Even if I’m not very good at it.  I focus and yet I relax.

Another reason is that I just saw Giselle, a classic ballet (and, admittedly, one I’d never heard of before my friends asked me if I wanted to see it).  Performed by the local Metropolitan Ballet, the cast includes both local professional dancers and students from the associated school.  It also boasts an amazing Russian dancer who now serves as school director.  I enjoyed the overall performance and paid close attention to all the footwork – it gave me a newfound appreciation for all the exercises we did in class and the sheer difficulty of many moves.

The third reason?  Dang it, those blasted, seductive pointe shoes.  Yes, of course, it's the shoes.  The whole impetus behind starting ballet (besides helping me kick and punch things) was the ridiculous, six year-old "I'm a princess" urge to be on pointe eventually (funny, since I was a tomboy growing up).  Oh, the graceful lines of the legs – the gorgeous arch (that I don’t have and never will, damn you biology!).  Hell, I’d probably walk around work in pointe shoes if I could get away with it.  I did rock that Benetton sweater recently after all…

It shouldn't be surprising then, that I thoroughly enjoy browsing online for pointe shoes.  Of course, this is a total joke.  Cart before the horse, as they say.  I haven’t even taken pointe yet.  I need to complete another round of basic ballet before I can even move on to an advanced beginning class.  You know, the advanced beginning class that is also offered in conjunction with beginning pointe.

I’ve even found some possible shoes, courtesy of Discount Dance (a site fellow students recommended).  These are the Aspiration by Bloch, a company dedicated to dancers.

Bloch is pretty awesome.  They've branched into the commercial shoe world and now offer ballet slippers for the street, like pretty much everyone else is doing these days.  I own these guys and adore them, both nabbed on Revolve.com.

From the website:

For realz (love the cute packaging):

They're called the Giselle.  Go figure.

Anyway...  back to pointe shoes.  Never mind that in reality I need to shop in a real store and get fitted for the correct pointe shoe.  Or that I still need to take more classes to shop for these babies.  Or that maybe, even after another class, my teacher will deem me unfit for beginning pointe.

Why the hell am I so obsessed with shoving my feet into little satin shoes that are supposed to totally eff up your feet anyway?  As an artist, maybe it’s the admiration of the line of the body.  As someone who likes to kick, maybe it’s the power, strength and focus needed to be up on your toes.  And as someone who loves to dance (like no one’s watching), maybe it’s just the pure enjoyment of a new kind of expression.  Cue the cheesy music.  Oh wait, it’s already seeping into my brain from the headphones.  No, really, it is.  I recently downloaded the soundtrack from Somewhere in Time.  Silence from the peanut gallery already!  I like it J

Even as winter laughs at the calendar (it snowed yesterday, it’s supposed to snow later this week and again next week…), spring is approaching.  And so is my next shot at getting a little closer to those satin shoes.



Image credits:

Bloch Aspiration pointe shoe:  Discount Dance
Bloch Giselle formal image:  Revolve.com
Remainder of Bloch images:  own