Relaxing in the Mitten

I hope you lovelies have had a fabulous Christmas with your families. I'm relaxing in the Mitten (aka, Michigan) with Stephen's family until the new year. So far it's been stuffing my face with cookies, cake and wine, but there's nothing better in my book. I'm not sure I'll post again before we're back in Boston, so if not, have a wonderful New Year's!

A Last Minute Christmas Wish List

Dear Santa, 

I don't know if I've been naughty or nice this year (who am I kidding? We all know I've been a little of both) but I found some last minute items I would really like you to bring me for Christmas. 

Spotted on Julie's site here, I'm hoping this shows up under my tree come Christmas morning. If not, I'll snag it for myself ASAP

La Sportiva Hobnail Grips - a must have for anyone who wants to brave the snowy streets

CW-X Insulator Stability Tights - Geared to keep your muscles aligned, these promise better runs - and who doesn't wish for that?

So there you have it, Santa. It would be super swell if a few (or all) of these items found their way under my tree. I promise if they are, I'll be even nicer next year. 

Best,
Michele

Santa Speedo Run

This is quite possibly the post I've been most excited to blog about in a really long time. It's the photo recap from the Santa Speedo Run, which was held last Saturday in Boston. 

First, I want to say thank you to everyone who donated to my run - I raised $415 against a goal of $300, so thank you, thank you, thank you! And even bigger news?! The run raised almost $220,000! That's a lot of good going toward some wonderful children's charities. 

Before I show you photos, I want to say that I sort of cheated in the race; I did not wear a speedo. I opted for a modest coverup and went with some booty covering PJ shorts from Target instead. I wanted to be nice to those running behind me, and skipped the possibility of having my speedo ride up during my run. I also wanted to note that mother nature sort of cheated too. She gave us gorgeous temps in the upper 40s - that sort of defeats the purpose of running through Boston in winter wearing very little. That's ok though, I think it was a way to ease me into this run - I bet next year we get snow and temps in the teens. (fingers crossed... sort of.) 


Without further ado, the 2010 Speedo Run, seen through my eyes. 

Runners celebrating pre-run

Mark and me pre-run

Mark, Justin and me pre run

This guy looked like Jesus

Heading out for the run

And we're off!

I give this run a thumbs up

Hilariousness ensued throughout the run

Justin's action shot

Coming up on the finish line

The end of the run - look at all the watchers

 So there you have it - one of the best races I've run in a while, and already looking forward to next year's race.

I'm Back, With Good News!

Lovelies, 

Thank you so much for your patience while I was temporarily disengaged. I'm pleased to report that I secured a new laptop power cord and I'm back in business (thank God!)

So much has happened in the nearly two weeks I've been gone - but all really good things. 

I owe you two posts - one on my Michael Buble experience a few weeks ago, and of course, last week's Santa Speedo Run. All I will say about that right now is holy wow!, that was a fun race! 


In other good news, I got a promotion at work! What an incredibly lucky girl, right? It's a position I've been working toward my entire career, and it means I'm officially management. Me, helping develop young minds in their career is a scary thought, no? All kidding aside, I'm over the moon about it. I've only been with my company for four months, so this promotion was completely unexpected, but I'm incredibly thankful for the faith my company is placing in my ability. 


Thanks for sticking with me while I've been out. I promise I'll get you posts on the ever handsome Mr. Buble, as well as my run.

A shameless/ful plug asking for your donation

Friends, I realize it's right before the holidays, but I'm kindly requesting your help (and a small donation) for a charity run I'm doing next Saturday. However, this is not a normal charity run. This is the SSRun. Formerly known as the Santa Speedo Run, this will be the craziest/most fun run I've ever done. 

What is the Santa Speedo Run you ask? Well, let me tell you! It's where 2,500 of my closest friends get together in December wearing nothing but speedos and run through the streets of Boston, all for charity. See? 

(I spared you photos of dudes in speedos - you can thank me later)

photo via Santa Speedo Run

This year, all donations will go to benefit three amazing charities: Starlight Children's Foundation, Hospitality Homes and Play Ball Foundation. So please take 5 minutes and donate $5 to my run. In return, you'll get photos of me running practically naked through Boston. In December. I know, scary thought, but please don't let that keep you from donating. My donation page is http://www.ssrunners.org/ssrun/participantpage.asp?fundid=388&uid=565&fkroledescid=5 and every dollar helps. 

So please, I'm asking you from the bottom of my crazy charity heart, please donate to these worthy charities.

Laptop Down

Y'all, I have to apologize for the lack of posting this week; my laptop's AC power adapter bit the dust this weekend and the battery is officially... dead (RIP power cord, you've had a good life.) 

I have my work laptop, but I can't download any photos onto it, so I'm sort of...stuck. And I have stuff I want to post! I have photos from my night at Michael Buble, photos of gift ideas on my Christmas wish list, and... and... well, I'm sure there's other photos I want to post on here! 

I don't suppose anyone has a spare power cord for a Dell laptop they'd care to send my way? Bueller? Bueller? 


Ok, until I get this problem resolved, you're left with my unwitty ranting. I promise I'll get a solution worked out soon and be back on track ASAP. 

Until then, thanks for your patience!

Another Successful Thanksgiving

I hope you lovely readers had a wonderful Thanksgiving and extended weekend. I know I needed this break from work like nobody bidness.

My Thanksgiving break was extremely busy in the best kind of way. I spent Thanksgiving morning running a 4-mile road race, where I was lucky enough to get a personal record (meaning I ran my best 4-mile time - 37:16!) and my knee held up (a miracle in itself since my IT Band has been sore lately) and then came home and cooked a Thanksgiving feast for the man and myself. 

On Friday, the man braved outlet mall Black Friday crowds so I could check out the Kate Spade sale, and I got to pick out a few of my Christmas presents at William-Sonoma (I know, the element of surprise is ruined, but I got what I wanted, right?!

And finally, the moment arrived where the Kate Spade online sale hit, and I was lucky enough to grab my green holiday dress as well as this Yardley structured tote, which will be perfect for work travel. 

  

We also went to see Michael Buble at the Garden Saturday night. The boyfriend mentioned that he wouldn't mind seeing Buble live, and I didn't need any more convincing to snap up tickets. We sat front and center, about 20 rows back, and while this was my third time seeing the crooner, it was my first seeing him up close and personal.

So how was your weekend? Did you, like most people overeat? Or did you eat a mini meal and hit the sales to get most of your holiday shopping done? 

Christmas Came Early for Me - Yippee!

I don't consider myself an exceptionally lucky person, but holy wow did I hit the jackpot this time! I recently entered an APART giveaway on The Lil Bee for a chance to win a $200 gift certificate. I picked this stunning Diamante Tiered Mini Dress as my wish list item I'd buy in a heartbeat if I won the gift certificate, and guess what?!?! 

The amazing/wonderful/awesome/badass folks at APART did the most unheard of thing, and gave EVERYONE the item on their wish list! That's right! All 157 lucky ladies who entered the drawing WON! 

Seriously, I don't remember feeling this lucky! When you try to win on a blog as well respected and well read as The Lil Bee, you never think you stand a chance of winning. So all I can say is the biggest THANK YOU! to both Melisa and the great folks at APART. I know I speak for all of us lucky ladies when I say that what you did was beyond what anyone could ask for.

Is She Plus Size?

via Fashionista

I came across this article on Fashionista and just had to blog about it. This photo of "plus size" model Crystal Renn caused a stir on the Internet last week with people asking if she's no longer plus size, and her agent confirming she's now a full size 8 (just weeks ago she was a  size 10). 

As someone who's struggled my entire life with weight issues, I'm baffled that the industry considers a size 8 and/or 10 "plus size" Ac.cording to a WebMD article I found, the "average" woman is 5'4" and wears a size 14, so how can an 8 possibly be "plus size?" 

I know that the fashion industry/Hollywood is different, and that many people fit into the sample size 2, but seeing stats like this for the fashion industry is so frustrating. It breeds a culture of insecurity for those of us who aren't sample sizes. Crystal herself has been a champion for healthy living and not buying into the hype of size labels, but if she really wants to be a champion to the average American woman, then she has to take the opportunity to not keep dropping dress sizes. And really, who would complain about that?

Addicted to Online Shopping

I spend so many posts talking about fashion I'm green with envy to own, that I thought I'd mix it up. It turns out that I'm an online shopping addict (and it also turns out I have a strong desire to own lots of gray) and I've been doing some really serious shopping. The good news is that everything on here was had at a really decent price (hooray for my bank statement!) 

Sweater dress via (on sale) 
Skirts via (bought through Ideeli for half price) 
Boots via (bought on sale) 
Suede Pazzo pumps (purchased through Ideeli for cheap)

Mellow Yellow

I have a case of yellow fever. I blame my need for the gorgeous jewel tones on the gray skies that have plagued Boston for most of the past week. But the thing is, I've only started coming around to yellow-toned hues within the past year because I've never had the right coloring for yellow - the yellow undertones in my skin have always made me look like I have jaundice whenever I try to don the shade. However, with the darker shades popping up, I think I have a chance to wear one of my favorite colors this fall. Here are a few items that I'm checking out.

More BDG...

Spotted and Stalking: The Perfect Holiday Dress

Have you ever found the PERFECT dress? You know, the dress that looks like it was made for you (and only you?) This Kate Spade Galleria Bette dress is that dress for me. Seriously, I love this dress so much I could marry it. 

It's made of silk and cotton douppioni, and has the cutest - but not overly girly - bow detail at the neckline. It would be perfect for my upcoming holiday parties, but at $395 I need to have a heart-to-heart with my shopping self to really justify the cost. 

What do you think? Worth the cost? And wouldn't it look perfect with these shoes? 

Breaking Plateaus

 

It's such a great feeling to overcome obstacles. Fears. Plateaus. It's been a long time coming. I've been working on this challenge for months now. I've thought about it a million times, thinking that this will be the time I do it. Today, I channeled my inner Nike and just did it.

I finally broke my 4-mile hurdle. I just went for it today. It didn't matter that I could have run behind getting ready for work (one of my favorite weekly excuses) or that my knees were a little achy (stupid cold weather) but I just got tired of making excuses and went for it. 

And holy wow, did it feel good. It was such an accomplishment and felt so wonderful to finally get past that plateau I've hit. The best part is? It didn't even phase me. I can easily run 5-miles, and I plan on doing it every time I hit the road. 

Spotted and Stalking - Lanvin for H&M, Part Deux

Last month I wrote about the Lanvin for H&M collection, and how giddy I was over the sneak peek. So imagine how breathless I was today when I got the preview of the full collection, courtesy of Fashionista. 

I'm not usually a huge fan of H&M; I personally have a hard time picking through the racks (it's probably why I'm a power online shopper), but I will dig through a thousand racks to get my hands on these gorgeous garbs. 

But enough . I've got my favorite duds below, but head on over to Fashionista for the full line. I promise you won't be disappointed. 

 All photos courtesy of Fashionista

Link Love - Ebates

I have to share a little link love today for a site I discovered through the Bon Bon Rose Girls (seriously, these ladies can single handedly be blamed for my online shopping addiction, ha!). The site is Ebates and is one of the greatest inventions ever! 

Ebates lets you shop at most of your favorite online retailers, but the kicker (and this is the best part) is that you can earn cash back when you shop. Basically (as I learned reading about Ebates) retailers will pay sites a percentage of a sale for driving a customer to the site, so Ebates takes that money and puts it back in your pocket. How brilliant is that?! 

I recently used Ebates to purchase my new running shoes, and earned 6% cash back buying shoes that I was already going to buy. So I can honestly say that it felt awesome to know that I was going to save even more money. And I've done some serious digging through Ebates and there are a ton of my favorite go-to stores - Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft, Urban Outfitters, DSW - so it's likely you can shop at most of your favorite stores and get some serious cash back.

So as you start thinking about shopping for the holidays, consider Ebates. You'll be saving money while you shop (and who doesn't love that?) 

And in case you need more inspiration, tonight is the #WeAreFashion Twitter Party that BonBon Rose Girls is co-hosting with Ebates, The Looks for Less and The Cheap Chicas Guide to Style!So if you're on Twitter (and I'm talking to you, Becky!) check out the #WeAreFashion Twitter Party tonight starting at 8 pm ET. 


*Disclosure - I was not asked and did not receive any form of payment for this post. I'm just a girl with an online shopping addiction, and I feel better saving a little money to keep feeding my addiction.

West Coast Work Week

Hello lovelies! I'm starting my week with a quick trip to San Francisco. Unfortunately it's for work (and not for fun), but I'm looking forward to the change in place and the warm temps the weather channel is promising me. 

This is my second trip to the Golden Gate city, and, like the time before, I won't be there long enough to actually explore this amazing city (I'm there for less than 24 hours.) So, in lieu, I've included a few photos of my favorite scenes from San Fran, so we can both get into the West Coast vibe. 

Whenever I go somewhere for new business, I always get nervous about what to wear. I want to look professional (especially when it calls for biz casual) but I want to look stylish too. I admit I have a go-to outfit of black slacks, a black blouse and I throw in some punch with my shoes (this time it's my leopard print calf hair). It's a little tragic that I wear the same thing every time, but I don't know how what else to wear. What do you think? Do you have any suggestions on how to look professional and stay away from black?

Kmart for Fashion?

I love fashion. And I also love fashion at a really great price. There is almost nothing better than finding something that looks like it cost you two week's of pay, when you paid less than $50. And there are a few stores I think of where you can find this type of buy: Target (natch), H&M and Kohl's. Kmart is not one of them. So I have to admit I was SHOCKED when I saw their spring line up at Fashionista last week. 

They have some really cute stuff y'all. Attire that pulls double duty by being work appropriate (it's all I think of when I buy clothes) AND easily transitions into a cool weekend look? Sign me up. Below are some of my favorite finds. 

Spotted and Stalking: Lanvin for H&M

Photo via

I just had to share this fabulous sneak peek from the upcoming Lanvin for H&M collection. It's no secret that I love designer gear, but I also love snagging designer gear at reduced prices. I'm o.k. with getting the "outlet" version of a designer's duds (thank you Kate Spade), and I'm a HUGE fan of designer collections for stores like Target (hello, Isaac Mizrahi!) 

I have to say that November 20th will literally be my black Friday - I hope P.B.S. girl is ready for her 3 am wake up call!

Just in time for Halloween - A Literal Haunting

Have you read The Lovely Bones? I'm reading it right now and I have to confess that it's haunting me. In case you haven't read it - or seen the movie - it's the story of a young girl who is raped and murdered by her neighbor, and what happens to those around her in the aftermath while she watches from "heaven." 

I confess I'm only halfway through, and while I can't put it down, it's freaking me out. Remember how I said that I'm overly emotional? Well, it applies here too. I can't help but imagine  myself in these situations and it gets me all worked up (plus it doesn't help that I have a seriously over active imagination), which then means that I can't sleep, which then means I toss and turn dreaming about this book, which means... well, you get the point.

Anyway, I'm desperately trying to finish the book so I can move on with my life, though I think this book will stay with me for a very long time. 

Are there any books that have haunted and stayed with you for a while?

Monday Musings

I had a few random musings this morning while I was making my toast, so I thought I'd share: 


Everything has a place/must match: Are you as fixated as I am about everything having a proper place? We have mis-matched plates in our cupboard, and it drives me bonkers if the matching sets aren't stacked together. It's the same with my closet. Colors must be matched together and in order from tanks to long sleeve/sweaters. Is this just me? 

WTF Shoes:

I didn't think about these shoes while I was making toast. I came across these things while searching for a photo about something pondering on their musings. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm all about creative pumps and having fun with your footwear, but WTF is up with these shoes? Seriously, would anyone wear these? 


When did I become such a sap?: Lately, it seems that I cry about everything. Animal cruelty case on the news? I'm choking back tears. The weekly list of soldiers who died serving this country. Water works. Pick any TV show with even a hint of a sappy story line and chances are I'm bawling. I wouldn't even care so much, except that it makes me wonder how much more emotional I'll be if/when we have kids.

Don't be a Fashion F**k Up

Video via

Hilarious video from Lauren Conrad. Don't let your fashion faux-pas friend bring you down. 

Fall Foliage

Stephen and I took advantage of the long holiday weekend with a quick getaway to Lincoln, NH for fall foliage. We got a great deal on a suite up there (b1g1 night!) that was complete with a fireplace in our room and a jacuzzi tub in the bathroom.

The weather couldn't have been more perfect for hiking through the woods and the leaves were breathtaking! We ate our way through the weekend and hit a killer ski sale on our way out of town, so we're now both fitted with snowboards, boots and bindings. Guess who's going to learn how to snowboard this winter?!

We made it to our destination - Greeley Pond

 

The foliage was spectacular

 

Beat the Gray Sky Blues

A thousand apologies for being MIA lately. A project at work has my head spinning; the good news is that the launch is today so hopefully things will return to normal (including my stress levels.) 

To add insult to injury, a semi-perma rain cloud is stuck over Boston until Thursday, and that's got my spirits down. I have to admit I wasn't thrilled with having to layer my tops AND throw on a coat yesterday. But I have a plan to beat the next round of gray skies that are inevitable with fall/winter in New England.

image via

This double breasted, funnel collar coat from Calvin Klein is just so gorgeous, and goes with the military theme I can't seem to get enough of this season. Just looking at the bright red color makes me happy, so I can only imagine how great I'd feel wrapped in it's warmth trudging through snow. 

What do you think? What coats are you longing for this winter? 

Weekend Recap

Did y'all have a nice weekend? Boston experienced a really nice (read, really warm) weekend, so my race didn't go as well as I had hoped. My goal was to come in under :30 and I came in at 30:16. It's not terrible, but I'm already looking forward to my next race so I can beat my time. 

After the race, I came home and took a much needed nap, and started getting ready for Pop.Bop.Shop's birthday party. All the ladies got dressed up and went to Cuchi Cuchi, one of my favorite restaurants in Boston. The room is dimly lit (think Red Light district) and the waitstaff wear outlandish, Gatsby-esque costumes. Seriously, I'd work there just to wear the fab outfits. 

All the gorge girls

I was so stoked to wear the dress I got from Ladyee Boutique (thank you Bon Bon Rose Girls for pointing it out to me) and unfortunately did not get a photo (I'm horrible with remembering to pull my camera out) but I got tons of compliments on the dress. Here's to hoping someone else captured it on their camera, otherwise I'll be forced to rock it again! :)

After that, the weather turned cool and Sunday was spent cheering on Stephen's softball team (I went just to spend time with PBS again) in the drizzly rain. I think fall may officially be here (hooray for new outfits!)

Friday Wind Down

Hi Lovelies, 

What are you doing this weekend? In addition to my 5K race, I'll be getting a mani/pedi, celebrating in style with Miss Pop.Bop.Shop for her birthday, catching up with friends, and longingly dreaming of these shoes. 
 

















From Guiseppe Zanotti, these gorgeous heels stopped me in my tracks. If you're interested, you can get them at Bluefly for $680 (down from the original price of $850.) I sent these to a fellow industry colleague and we lamented about how our jobs should give us  a spending allowance to look snazzy for client meetings. How can you argue with that?

 

Pavement Pounding

I'm doing my first road race in over a year this coming Saturday, when I run the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. I'm excited to be getting back into road racing, and so far I'm signed up to do another road race in November (a 4-mile Turkey Trot in my neighborhood on Thanksgiving day.)

I've always enjoyed running, and I am naturally competitive (about everything... seriously), so I can't express how glad I am to be back out there pounding the pavement. More importantly, I'm super thankful that my knees have held up all summer too. So wish me luck as I get back into the race game.

Fashion Week Wind Down - Oscar de la Renta

I had every intention of closing out my fashion week favorites with Isaac Mizrahi's show, but I have to admit... I was disappointed (believe me, it was painful to write that.) So, instead of Isaac, I'm going a little more retro. A little more be bop. The show to end all fashion week shows. I mean none other than Oscar de la Renta (p.s. did you see the WSJ fashion cover spread on @OscarPRGirl?). 

Oscar's show was jaw droppingly gorgeous and I can't wait to see some of these designs grace red carpets in the upcoming awards season. The designs were retro and so was the music. It was the perfect way to close out fashion week. Below are my dream picks (if I could be so lucky to wear OdlR*): 

I love this dress... and those flats!

 

                                                       I LOVE polka dots

*all images courtesy of fashionologie