Universally Speaking

Envy inducing - creative work spaces from Martha Stewart.

Incredible paper art.

Love the image left.

Awesome movie.

Beautiful silhouettes.

Days With My Father: one man's moving photographic journal of life with his elderly father.

Alternet: It's Time To Recommit to the Fight Against HIV/AIDS.

What is it about French women and their style?

BoingBoing: website to tilt-shift your photos.

Absolutely amazing ring.

“Civil disobedience, that’s not our problem. Our problem is that people are obedient all over the world in the face of poverty and starvation and stupidity, and war, and cruelty. Our problem is that people are obedient while the jails are full of petty thieves, and all the while the grand thieves are running the country. That’s our problem.” - Howard Zinn

Lizzie Fortunato Jewels

I'm totally blown away by Lizzie Fortunado's jewelry!  I love the ones pictured (which Refinery 29 featured but I can't find on the Lizzie Fortunado website).  Also awesome: the Layla Necklace and the Collar Necklaces.  I don't even want to know how much they cost...

Modern Romantic

 The discovery of Ruche.com has made me eager to discover my floral, flouncy, and romantic side.  Everything in this spread is from the website (except the gold necklace - its from F21, and just went with the outfit so well)!  And it's all under $60!  The wildly patterned dress is so unique and those studded boots are to die for.  The paper bag skirt comes in a few different colors, and seems like the perfect comfy but not stuffy spring-to-fall piece.  This site will be hard to stay away from...!

You Commie Homo-Loving Sons of Guns

Uh oh, a new affordable online clothing shop to get me in trouble!  Ruche.com is a bit romantic for my taste, but there are still some great finds.  Check out this ruffled dress for $34, this purple dress for $39, and this great fushia bag, $38.

Left: back to Boston in 5 days...

Hard to look at but important to remember - the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia at Ferris State.

From Freakonomics: When Will Emergency Rooms Go Back To Being Emergency Rooms?

In honor of my favorite scientist, Ms. Phoebe, science tattoos from Boing Boing!

Towleroad: Idaho Senate Rejects Bill Forbidding Sexual Orientation Discrimination.

I always forget to carry an umbrella when I need one, but I've seen a lot of parasols in Florida recently (old ladies rock the ruffled ones!) and they've got me reconsidering the accessory...

Yay!  Public elementary schools that integrate dance, music, and art.

"...and the great advantage of being a literary woman, was that you could go everywhere and do everything." - Henry James (The Portrait of a Lady)

Get To Work!

This outfit, as you can see, was inspired by my love of the "sexy librarian" look captured so well by these short-sleeved sweaters from F21 (as always, click on the photo to see larger).  In addition to red and green, they also come in a great magenta and a basic white. Because I love choice, I made two different outfits, both of which I think would be well complimented by this classic trench, black handbag, and gold bracelet. I'm on a flats kick right now, hence the addition of these adorable and yet sensible black flats from Target, however I also have a crush on these incredibly versatile nude pumps from Old Navy. Just add a cardigan of your choice (and maybe tights if you are in the North) and you're ready to get to work!

From L to R, clockwise: black bag (Urban Outfitters), red and green sweaters (F21, $15 each), trench (Old Navy, $49), brown skirt (F21, $19), nude pumps (Old Navy, $19), grey skirt (F21, $19), black flats (Target), bracelet (F21, yipes, sold out already! But this one would be great too, in a different way).

Lust For Life

A stimulus for schools?  Makes sense to me.

Great advice on starting an Etsy business.

The Volokh Conspiracy: Do judges make better Justices?

Proving you don't have to spend a lot of money on supplies to make awesome art...

Left: love this photo!  The green bathing suit, the vintage style, the red lips...

Murder of Muslim-American Woman Sparks Media Frenzy: Tragic story, really interesting article about media coverage...

On that same, heartbreaking note, Domestic Abuse Rises As Economy Falters.

AlterNet: Are unions making a comeback?

Brazen Careerist: 6 Ways To Create Sexual Tension At Work: I think this is a really dicey article and, while I get her point, a dangerous idea.  I don't have anything against mild flirtation but even that much at work is asking for trouble.  Especially for young women entering the workplace, I think everyone should err on the side of caution and formality.  Many women already (consciously or unconsciously) think that flirtation is the only way to win people over or make good connections.  To encourage this is to not only encourage potential incidents of sexual harassment, but is also to undervalue relationships based on mutual respect.  Also, even if you and your flirtee (?) are in agreement about the appropriateness of your relationship, don't forget others are watching you and basing their judgement of you and your work on your behavior.  To all the young women out there, I'm telling you: it's not worth it.  The thrill of flirtation is not worth the potential loss of respect in the workplace, the loss of a friend when signals are crossed, or the loss of a job opportunity.

And on that note...Teen Sexual Harassment at Work - An Underreported Scandal.

Feministing: Las Vegas Cracks Down On Sex Workers...and Publishes Their Photos.  Oh, were you looking for the photos of the men who hired and payed them?  Or their pimps?  Keep looking.

Fat Girls Like Nice Clothes Too!  I like her blog and I laughed (in a "wow, I totally relate" way) to her recent post on nautical themes..."I fall for it every time. As soon as we get to the end of January I seem to think that spring has started and I go all stupid over nautical inspired fashion. I’m not a sailor. I’ve never even been on a boat in my adult life so why is it that at the same time each year I come over all Popeye and want to buy every red white and blue garment I can see?"  I seriously purchase a blue and white striped, boatneck shirt every season, convinced it is the key to my wardrobe...and promptly ditch it in the closet.  Sigh.  When will I learn?

Louise Only Got From Me Innocent Poetry

News flash! Even Gov. Palin's daughter admits her mom's ideas about teen abstinence are "not realistic at all."  Get with the program, everyone!

Left: what I thought high school was going to be like - reality was a harsh blow!  Long live Ferris Bueller!

Yellow stays strong as the pop color of the season.  I don't think I have any on my wardrobe, which means I'll be on the look out for some yellow spring shoes or a bag...or maybe, on my budget, a yellow headband...

Boston Herald: Ex-inmates hope for help after leaving prison.

The article is a bit cheesy and simplistic but I did appreciate someone taking out the time to thank construction workers.  As the proud step-daughter of a life-long laborer, I agree that they are under-appreciated and undervalued.  Additionally, I go crazy every time someone whines about the laws concerning slowing down in construction zones - and the high cost of tickets for violating these laws.  Think about if it was your father or daughter on the side of the road, with drunk or distracted drivers whizzing by all day.  So take the time and slow down, don't whine about your drive taking 5 minutes more, and appreciate the hard work of construction workers.

The NYTimes Article Skimmer.

Defamer: McFlurryGate!  30 Rock and product placement.

An interview with the always-inspiring Maya Angelou.  I particularly liked/felt her advice for people going through hard times: Well, I would say, look what you've already come through! Don't deny it. You've already come through some things, which are very painful. If you've been alive until you're 35, you have gone through some pain. It cost you something. And you've come through it. So at least look at that. And have a sense to look at yourself and say, 'Well, wait a minute. I'm stronger than I thought I was.' . . . So we need to not be in denial about what we've done, what we've come through. It will help us if we all do that."

“It takes a long time to grow young.” - Pablo Picasso

Shoe Fetish

Found these beautiful periwinkle pumps on ModCloth and couldn't believe how many things they would look adorable with.  (They also come in red...and I do love a red shoe...)  So I decided they warranted their very own post. I thought they would improve each of these dresses in different ways, from the casual to the dressy.  The top gold dress is also from ModCloth, as is the red one.  As you can see, the site has a great retro flare.  The bottom dresses are a more affordable - the black one is a strapless eyelet (click on the photo for more detail) from F21 an the yellow ruffle dress is from Delias (it also comes in white).  These shoes and dresses make me think this spring is going to be pretty femme-y for me...should be fun!

Shoes (ModCloth, $89), gold dress (ModCloth, $75), red dress (ModCloth, $75), yellow dress (Delias, $49), black dress (F21, $27).

Pretty Pretty Pretty Pretty Pretty Pretty Girl

I admit I'd never heard of him till the Inauguration, and I'm not happy about his fur line (which he has postponed...) but these looks from Jason Wu are absolutely gorgeous.

I've never really gotten the obsession with Marilyn Monroe, but I do love this photo (left)...

I probably just like this article because I think Barcelona is amazing, but also I could use some photo-taking tips...

A great knockoff!  Go Jane strikes again...

Dealing with the downturn: Simpson Thatcher takes an interesting approach...

Roald Dahl's "writing hut."  Nice to see this creative genius is a filthy slob, just like you and...ok, maybe me.

More beautiful opening sequences from The Art of the Title Sequence.  This time from Lolita and Saturday Night Fever.

Neck of State: a blog devoted to the tie choices of President Obama.

Son of T.D. Jakes Arrested in Gay Sex Sting.  I will leave out my commentary on this one...for now.

Accuracy and straight-talk in sex education?  Craziness!

About loving life: Feminism.

Hawaii House Passes Civil Union Bill: "The bill, which now moves to the state Senate, would grant partners in civil unions the same benefits, protections and responsibilities as married couples under state law. The state would also recognize civil unions, domestic partnerships and same-sex marriages performed in other states. Partners in civil unions would not have the same protections as married couples under federal law, so the recognition is a rung below treating homosexual and heterosexual couples equally."

The Sacred And The Profane

A glimmer of hope?  The St. Petersburg Times: "New Ideas On Prisons": "Florida's budget crisis may bring a modicum of reasonableness to the debate over criminal justice policy. Instead of the "tough on crime" mantra that politicians spout to win elections and that usually leads to more prison beds, suggestions are cropping up for alternatives as a way to save big bucks. These ideas are not percolating up from liberal sources alone. Some of the most ardent supporters for a more measured approach to crime and criminals include a conservative Republican lawmaker and a fiscal watchdog group."

Great article: "There isn't a yes or no in your career - there are opportunities, decisions, and shifts."

A follow-up to Glamours article about abortion: "Speaking Out About An Abortion Can Be Harder Than Getting One."

Awesome necklace (and affordable!) from BunnyLuxe's Etsy shop!

News out of Boston: "The state's highest court today struck down a law that allowed the state to keep juvenile offenders in custody for three years after they turned 18, if officials believed they would be 'physically dangerous to the public.'" 

A Japanese rape simulation game?  I didn't want to believe it, but I'm happy to see Amazon has pulled it from sale...

I know this is overpriced and made especially ridiculous by the recession, but I think its gorgeous and classic....so should anyone be looking for a graduation present for me....I'm sure just carrying this bag would guarantee me a job.  I'm sure of it!

Not to be a Scrouge but..."This Valentine's Lingerie Is Brought To You By The Prison Industrial Complex"

I love everything that American RadioWorks does.  Really.  Amazing stuff.  Just today I listened to their report on hospice care.  I have so much respect for people who work in hospice care - thank you, thank you, thank you for helping people leave this world in a peaceful way.  Listening to the program made me grateful for my health and family, and grateful for such compassionate people who would do hospice care.

And Almost Immediately I Felt Sorry

Unbelievable.  PA Judges Accused of Jailing Kids for Cash.  More from one of the attorneys allegedly involved.

A good post on the response to the Rihanna-Chris Brown situation (don't know what else to call it at this point).  Salon: "She's so beautiful and nice.  How did you hit her?"  A personal account, from Lemondrop, "It Could Happen to Rihanna.  It Happened to Me."  And from The Angry Black Woman, "Tales From A Survivor."  And, finally, from The Frisky, "Blaming the Victim: Can We Stop Looking for Excuses for Chris Brown's Actions?"

A mainstream women's magazine actually addresses a real issue!  Glamour: Opening Up A Dialogue About Abortion.

An interesting article about Nadya Suleman and "the Glorification of Family Freakshows": "Nadya Suleman may have been the one to selfishly create an entire litter of children she could barely take care of, but a lot of people within the media told her there was no harm in what she was doing."  Also: Bitch Magazine reviews the media attention.

From Jezebel, Susie Orbach: "We Need A War on 'Beauty Terror'."

I might sorta need one of these sweet lunchboxes...

A good introduction to the world of women Buddhist bloggers.

Fewer Women Winning Jobs in Executive Suites.  I gotta say, not a surprise to me that they didn't see much female advancement in Miami....It's still a man's world.

Via the Bilerico Project: "We are taking a stand today because gay students are entitled to a safe and secure education. Gay and lesbian students deserve schools that heed the rule of law. These students are trying to bring a message of equality and openness, and the lesson they are being taught is that Yulee High School administrators believe discrimination against LGBT students is an acceptable policy."- Robert Rosenwald, Director of the ACLU of Florida's LGBT Advocacy Project, on why the ACLU is suing the School Board of Nassau County, Florida for refusing to allow a GSA on campus.

She looks awkward on the cover, but I think the rest of the photos are great and I'm happy to see Michelle Obama on the cover of Vogue.

Cinch.

Let's talk belts! I'm not much of an accessorizer, but I've been trying - accessories are a good way for to try some color or shimmer (in my bland black wardrobe, especially) as well as to experiment without breaking the bank. Right now, probably partially due to my love of layering and the new-again Mad Men aesthetic, I'm getting into belts. I like to think they show off my curves and are a great way for ladies to create a bolder silhouette. Here are some of my favorite recent finds. Stylish ladies courtesy of The Sartorialist (love love love).

From top to bottom: studded belt (F21, $11), red double wrap belt (J. Crew), yellow belt (J. Crew), striped double-buckle belt (F21, $10), red wide belt (Gap, $39 - WANT!), green-brown belt (Old Navy, $12.50), blue patent belt (F21. $4!), gold belt (J. Crew), brown elastic belt (F21, $12).

Always One Foot On The Ground

Oh man, I just started taking a multivitamin!...and I was so proud of myself..."Supplements May Be Ineffectual, Even Harmful To Women's Health"

Will the recession turn the best and the brightest to new fields?

Feminist Law Professors: Student Describes "Black Exodus" at U Florida Levin College of Law.

Bitch Magazine rates how much our favorite teen shows really taught us about sex.

Obnoxious for there being only 10 and it still being a pretty limited list (and why does it have to be a separate list...), but I have to say it was nice to see at least a few gorgeous curvy ladies get a shout out.

"Seek out that particular mental attribute which makes you feel most deeply and vitally alive, along with which comes the inner voice which says, 'This is the real me,' and when you have found that attitude, follow it." - William James

Florals Galore!

Today a nice woman on the street complemented my blouse (which I proceeded to immediately text my friends about). In addition to brightening my day (and reminding me to be nicer to strangers and free-er with the compliments) it also reminded me of the cheap clothing haven that is Old Navy. The blouse I'm wearing today (here-ever-after known as the Lady on the Street Blouse) is much like the one here, both from Old Navy. While Old Navy often goes awry (all their men's clothes look like clothing for 4 year olds blown up into epic proportions, for instance), they also can have some great finds. I think this blouse is one of them, and it's currently on sale for $9.99! The rest of the finds are inspired by this bold floral. The earrings are from Urban Outfitters and come in a few other cute colors. The two sundresses are adorable finds from Forever21 (is F21 paying me for these endorsements yet?), as as the very cute bobby pins. Finally, if you are really bold, you could wear this Frida-inspired hair clip. I, for one, would be impressed. (As always, click on the photo to enlarge!)

From top L to R, clockwise: blouse (ON, $9.99), earrings (UO, $18), pink dress (F21), bobbypins (F21, $3), multi-colored dress (F21, $24), Frida pin (Etsy - still looking for the sellers name!), nude pumps (ON, $25), jeans (ON, $35).

Ask What Your Interests Are, Who You Be With

I've never heard of Steve Alan before this month but I'm loving all his stuff!  The flannel shirts and the short casual skirts are great, and I'm super coveting the blue open backed dress....gorgeous!

Fancy pants! Gmail Labs adds multiple inboxes.

Left: loving the hair, the coat, the shoes, the colors...

I'm excited to see this movie (and I usually couldn't care less about mainstream animation).  Wish my favorite animator was around to see it with me!

Another article about RBG, this time focusing on reproductive rights.

An adorable bird necklace!  I think my friend Natasha would rock this hardcore.

World Nutella Day!  There's a holiday I can believe in....

I totally am fascinated by this.  I think there is such a phenomenon of parents doing the work for their children in terms of cookie sales and fundraising....which makes it awkward when your coworkers or friends or family are pressuring you to make purchases....for their kids!

Glass blowing is so cool....Great to go watch if you get a chance.

Listening to: Sean Hayes "Balancing Act In Blue"

A Cozy Weekend

This outfit is maybe the most like "me" - cozy cozy cozy! This dress is a new one for F21 (as you can see, I'm a bit obsessed with their stuff) and I'm loving it - stretchy fabric, a bold color, and a bit of detail (check out the exposed zipper on the back!). I couldnt choose between these two bags so I thought I would let you choose...both are by the awesome Canadian company Mat & Nat. All of their products are vegan, stylish and very high quality. I have had a wallet by them for over a year and it's still in GREAT condition. Even if you aren't a vegan or vegetarian, their stuff is a great way to get an unusual piece of great quality, and make an eco-sustainable choice! Finally, who wouldn't want this coat? It's like the perfect combo of sweatshirt, bathrob, and high fashion!

Top from L to R clockwise: initial necklace (Urban Outfitters, $16), dress (F21, $27), jacket (Pretty Birdy Etsy shop, $220), purple bag (Mat & Nat, $275), silver grey bag (Mat & Nat, $275), boots (Ralph Lauren from Piperlime, $198), cabled grey tights (F21, $8).

Spring 2009: Take Two

Another spring outfit, this time office ready (with the addition of a cardigan, perhaps). Once again, it's a mix of the cheap and pricey, the chain store and the one of a kind. Top from L to R, clockwise: bag (Urban Outfitters, $68), blouse (F21, $19), earrings (Etsy Clementine, $30), shoes (Cutesy Girl, $8!), necklace (Etsy Clementine, $29), skirt (F21, $12!).

Once I Wanted To Be The Greatest

The clothes of Etsy shop Afton River look like they would be right up my alley - comfortable, simple but with attention to detail, and colorful yet still subtle.  And not expensive for handmade pieces!

Ooooh, I love working with felt, and these simple felt fortune cookies (left) are a great little project from Martha Stewart!

Here, here!  Forgiving student loan would stimulate economy.

From the ABA: Two Federal Lawyers Win Benefits for Same-Sex Spouses in 9th Circuit Orders.

From OhDeeDoh, a beautiful nursery made up of IKEA, Etsy, and thrifted items.

I still think this is one of the sexiest photos of one of the sexiest men ever...

Towelroad: Opposing Marriage Bills to Face Off in NH Thursday.

DIY painted furniture inspiration from Apartment Therapy.  

Despite being way more girly than I generally am into, I must admit I'm smitten with Marc Jacobs effusive hearts.

These scarves are simple (and now sold out because of their popularity!) but they are definitely beautiful and remind me to be on the lookout for a big, soft wrap for spring....I love having something to cover up with if an unexpected chill comes along, or just to add a little flair....

These Amy Butler dress patterns make me wish I hadn't given my sewing machine away...ah well, someday when I'm not so paripatetic....

A Little Bit Country...

...a little bit Rock and Roll! This excellent (if I do say so myself) outfit is centered around a very unique piece (click on the photo for a larger view). This re-purposed purple suede bag was once a jacket, and the pockets are still usable! Lisette at Rogue Femme Art has introduced this bag as part of her growing leather and suede line, and I think you can see even from this one photo that it would be a huge boost to any boring wardrobe. Lisette has been working with leather for over a decade, and her knowledge of leather work and visual design really come together in this great piece. This piece, and more, will be on display at DAME, so check them out before they are all gone!

The rest of the outfit is designed to let this bag shine, while still being casual and with a little metallic flair. From Top L to Right, clockwise: sunglasses (J. Crew, $275), shirt with chains (F21, $20), necklace (Etsy Clemintine, $26), sandals (F21, $15), jeans (Levis), purple suede bag (Rogue Femme Art, price on request).

Spring 2009: Take One

My lovely and supportive lady friends have encouraged me to take a swing at the ever-popular internet assembled outfit. On my first outing, I was inspired by the upcoming spring (although I know there's still a ways to go), as well as my new-found love for accessories. Additionally, I tried to let my belief that the best fashion comes from a mix of cheap pieces, quality purchases, and handmade items come through. I hope you enjoy!

From top L to R (clockwise): hair tie (J. Crew), grey jersey dress (F21), blue cardi (F21), yellow umbrella (J. Crew), crochet necklace (Muntedkowhai's Etsy shop), coral suede flats (Gap), gold ring (The Beside's Etsy Shop).