Second Banana-Rama: Fresh Off the Tote

Something for the fashion savvy sleepwalker.  

Pajamas: Simply Vera, Kohl's

Shoes: Delicious, Zulily

Bag: Betsey Johnson, Amazon

Miami Madness Necklace

Top: eric and lani, Macy's

Skirt: Bubblegum, Macy's

Shoes: Bucco, Kohl's

Bag: Bisou Bisou, JCPenney

Pineapple wristlet: City Streets, JCPenney

Blue Banana Charm Necklace

Top: Zulily

Skirt (a dress!): Modcloth

Shoes: Guess, DSW

Bag: T-Shirt & Jeans, Zulily

Guess what?  The Tote Trove is going bananas!  Which means that we have lots of bananas today.  Both exotic and familiar, this potassium-packed treat is at home in a Caribbean headdress as it is in a kindergartner's lunchbox.  That's what makes it so -- yes -- a-peel-ing.

As a fan of fruit motifs in general and yellow in particular, I've got a whole bunch of bananas in my wardrobe.  One of the newest additions is this T-Shirt & Jeans clutch:

The brand's tagline is: "The bag defines your style."  Although I don't subscribe to this philosophy (wear a plain tee and jeans?  I'd sooner sport a mullet.), I like the thought behind it, that is, that a great bag can make your whole look.

One thing I didn't have in my cornucopia was any Bananas in Pyjamas merchandise.  (And yes, "pyjamas" is spelled with a "y." I think it's an Australian thing.)  Surely you remember this famed produce pair as part of the '90s craze of adults donning costumes and singing for the sake of kiddie TV.  (Hey, just be thankful that I'm not getting all misty eyed over the Teletubbies.)  Anyway, the Bananas in Pyjamas wore blue and white striped (what else?) pajamas, they came down the stairs . . . and that's all I know because I never actually watched them.  I just thought that they were so cute.  (Would apples have been as endearing?  I think not.)  As a teenager, I saw the stuffed animals (fruit?) versions at a True Value Hardware while on vacation in Stone Harbor, and to this day, I regret not buying them.  Especially now that they're on Amazon for upwards of fifty dollars.  But I still wanted to include their sweet little faces in this post, so I persevered with my search.  The most economical -- and interesting -- option turned out to be this tee featuring the dynamic duo:

Tee: Amazon

Skirt: Dickies, Dolls Kill

Shoes: Christian Siriano for Payless

Bag: Nine West

Sunglasses: Michaels

Now, it's a little big for my taste (in this photo I've folded it under).  Which means that I'll probably wear it around the house or tie it at the the side to give it that '80s-rific crop top vibe.  Nevertheless, it looks great with this super old black and yellow necklace, whose color scheme is subtly reminiscent of the Grinch's iconic greasy black peel.  Which, while disturbing, isn't as bad as being like the seasick crocodile.

Super Old No Name Necklace

I can't help but wonder what the T-Shirt & Jeans people would say about that. 

Hope Notes: Bling Around the Collar

Blouses: Candie's from Kohl's except for the chambray one, which is Bongo from Sears.

What do you get when you combine clip-on earrings, colorful chains, and the spirit of speakeasy glam?  (And while I'm asking ridiculous questions, why do I, a teetotaler, make so many references to alcohol on this blog?)  The answer (to the first question; the answer to the second is best found at the bottom of a Dr. Pepper bottle) is collar clips!  Until now I've owned exactly one, a clear rhinestone affair from Hobby Lobby.  But I've long admired these adorable adornments and wanted to grow my collection.  Not quite brooches and not quite necklaces, they're the outliers of the jewelry world dangling, albeit dazzlingly, somewhere in the balance.  Despite my earlier tip of the newsboy cap to the 1920s, they make me think of the 1950s.  Something to do with sweater sets and Peter Pan collars, I guess.

Clip-on earrings, by the way, aren't easy to find.  The black teardrops were my mom's (although I added the crystals), and I stumbled upon the other three pairs on a Kohl's clearance rack.  I considered wearing the new ones as intended for like a minute before remembering that those little metal chompers are murder on the earlobes.  Far better, I decided, for them to grip the unfeeling flesh of a polyester button-down.

At first, I was a little leery that the clips and/or chains wouldn't lay right, but these turned out to be some of the easiest accessories I've ever made.  Also, working on them was kind of addicting.  (So much so that I went ahead and spangled a bargain brooch with Swarovski too.)  I can't help but daydream about finding an estate sale full of '80s earrings in rainbow rhinestones and plastic (bonus points for any with petrified ear wax.  Hey, if that kid in the Cottonelle commercial can say that she feels "as clean as a crystal castle," then I can, ahem, wax poetic about this.)  And who knows?  Maybe some Cyndi Lauper superfan's castoffs will embellish the blouses of today's Panic! at the Disco devotees.  Speaking of which, I feel as sparkly as a sequin serape (Google it, it's a thing.  Sort of.) whenever I hear "High Hopes."  Especially this part:

"Mama said
It's uphill for the oddities
The stranger crusaders
Ain't ever wannabes
The weird and the novelties
Don't ever change
We wanted everything, we wanted everything"

I know I'm preaching to the choir, but this song speaks to me because it says that it's harder to do what you want when you're different.   But that you can't let that stop you, that you have to keep going and hope all the harder.

Which is a lot more get-it-girl (or guy) than that Sandra Bullock-Harry Connick, Jr. romance Hope Floats.  But then, I don't think that this '90s summer snoozefest was meant to be anything more than a fling.  Still, it wasn't Sandra's fault.

As always, I think I'll blame Harry.   

Archaeological Gig: Dino-Mite

 Fantastic Jurassic Charm Necklace

Tee: JCPenney

Skirt: Decree, JCPenney

Shoes: Ami Clubwear

Wristlet: City Streets, JCPenney

Royal Rings Necklace

Jacket: Marshalls

Tank: Express

Skirt: Delia's, Dolls Kill

Boots: Simply Vera, Kohl's

Wristlet: City Streets, JCPenney

Black Blossom Necklace

Jacket: Wild Fable, Target

Tee: Merona, Target

Skirt: Bongo, Sears

Shoes: Journeys

Bag: Harajuku Lovers, Ross

Belt: Marshalls

Prehistoric-themed pop culture has always been, well, popular.  In the '80s and '90s alone, there was Jurassic Park, The Land Before Time, and that weird claymationy sitcom Dinosaurs.  (Also Barney, but I don't want to mention him, at least not in the same breath as the others.  Partly because I think that the baby from Dinosaurs will eat him.  But mostly because he's awful.)  And why not?  Dinosaurs are awesome.  Scary, yes, but oh-so-skillful at capturing our imaginations.  (And also dinner.  But that's more to the point of the scary.)  My favorite dinosaur was always the gentle, plant-eating brontosaurus.  When I was little, my dad bought me a purplish-blue one from that pre-Walmart mecca of a general store known as Jamesway.   I guess that's why there are two brontos in my rag-tag band of reptilian dust collectors: 

The T-Rex is just there to lend street cred.

Recently, I found some dinosaur key chains, and I was just as happy as I was when I got that brontosaurus.  I knew that they were destined to migrate to The Tote Trove.  Because I've got a lot of unicorns, butterflies, etc., in my band of magnificently misfit jewelry, but ferocious things not so much.  So I was excited to add some bite to my brood.  Just as I was excited to unveil my newish Jetsons tee.  Now, for obvious reasons, I probably should've used some Flintstones apparel as the backdrop for Fantastic Jurassic.  I mean, Fred and Wilma have that dog named Dino, which is short for -- yes! -- dinosaur.  You know what?  Never mind.  I like the Jetsons tee better.  It's more ironic that way.

As for these other two outfits, they're for dinosaurs who are into raves and/or Sunday-movie-matinees-slash-mall crawls.  The rave seems like a velociraptor thing, whereas the movie and shopping spree spell stegosaurus. 

That said, there seems to be nothing left to say except this:

"Open the door, get on the floor, everybody kill the dinosaur."

You may notice that I went with the "kill" instead of "walk" lyric.  That's because dinosaurs are awesome only in museums and non-museum-quality collectibles.  People want guffaws, not claws and jaws.  Something nonthreatening that they can laugh at that won't laugh at (or dismember) them.

Clearly, that line's not from a catchy pop song.

Hood Seasons: The More You Snow, the More You Grow

Ice Princess Necklace

Sweater: Merona, Target
Shoes: 2 Lips Too, JCPenney

I've spent more than my fair share of posts complaining about Old Man Winter.  The cold, the dark, the clunky boots, and, of course, the nasty driving conditions.  But today is the first day of spring, which means that it's officially over.  Also that it's safe to reflect on that one day when my Honda and I braved the tundra.

It wasn't as if the storm had come on suddenly, like a squall slicing a tranquil day.  No, I saw the flakes begin to fall while still at work around lunchtime.  Usually, the first flurry is enough to make me hightail it home.  But this time I stayed put.  For one thing, the news said that it wouldn't stick.  For another, I was tired of being afraid of the weather.

In other words, I got cocky.

When I left four hours later, the parking lot was an icy blanket.  With the help of a kind coworker, I cleaned off my car and crawled away, gripping the steering wheel like a life raft.  It was pretty grim.  My heart was pounding, and people were passing me left and right.  Then I heard Incubus's "Drive" on the radio.  You know.  That song about overcoming fear, and quite possibly (at least in this case), a fear of driving:

"Sometimes
I feel the fear of
Uncertainty stinging clear

And I
Can't help but ask myself how much I'll let the fear
Take the wheel and steer
It's driven me before and seems to have a vague

Haunting mass appeal
But lately I'm beginning to find that I
Should be the one behind the wheel"

I took it as a sign.  If Brandon Boyd could choose water over wine, then I could get myself home.  Who knew how many other people felt this way, how many other "special snowflakes" were, at that very moment, white-knuckling it through the elements?  It gave me hope, and it gave me courage, and when I finally inched into my driveway, I felt like I'd slayed a dragon.

A few days later it snowed again, although this time not nearly as much.  The husband built a snowman and snapped this pic of me with it, albeit wearing Betsey Johnson earmuffs instead of a hood.

If nothing else, then it's photographic evidence that snow can be fun.  And that I can't resist kooky headgear.

Then last night, I chased off my inner Abominable Snowman once and for all by making this Ice Princess Necklace (above).  It's more delicate than my usual stuff, but the glittery sky blue and white remind me that winter isn't just treacherous, but beautiful.  Kind of like admiring an exquisite ice sculpture instead of imagining some kid's tongue stuck to it.  Or appreciating the elegance of an icicle without thinking that it's going to impale Marvin the Mailman.  Also, it sort of screams Frozen.  Which is about as dark as a vanilla milkshake.

So I learned something from Old Man Winter.  Now class is in session with Senorita Spring.  (Which I know isn't a thing.  But it should be.)

Watch out, allergies, mosquitoes, and sunburn.  Mulan is coming for you.   

Happy St. Patrick's Day: Wee are Family, ROYGBIV Jig

Fiona Flowers Necklace

Top: Fifth Sun, Target

Skirt: Arizona Jeans, JCPenney

Shoes: Delish, Zulily

Bag: Cat & Jack, Target

Denim Diva Brooch

Top: So, Kohl's

Skirt: Bea & Dot, Modcloth 

Shoes: I Promise, Ami Clubwear

Bag: Sleepyville Critters, Zulily

Bright Buttons Necklace

Sweater: Poof, Marshalls

Skirt (a dress!) Esley, Modcloth

Shoes: Chase & Chloe, Zulily

Bag: Betsey Johnson, Amazon

It's March 17, and you know what that means.  The wearing of the green!  Also, the eating of the green, and hopefully not Brussels sprouts.  That said, here are a few of the things that make St. Patrick's Day worth all the blarney. 

- Mint-flavored everything, especially those yummy, gummy candy leaves.

- Rainbow-colored everything, including these sponges I spied (a while ago -- see, those random pics come in handy!) at ShopRite.

- Glorious green in lime and emerald and every shade in between.  Check out a smidge of it in these tricked-out tulips that the husband picked up (also at ShopRite) for today's festivities.  He apologizes for their droopiness, which he attributes to their -- wait for it -- having hung out too long in the beer garden.  What can I say?  Corny jokes run amuck in this household.

- Potatoes with lots of cheese.

- Good luck.

- The promise of spring.

- Rainbow accessories (and napkins).  I know I already said rainbows, but fashion, diva that she is, demands her own entry.  

- And, finally, spending the day with (albeit Italian instead of Irish) family.  Which is my way of saying that the husband and I had my parents over.  The husband cooked; I was the sous chef.  And it was delightful.  Although we did eat lettuce, we also had hot cross buns, which feature those super sweet, candied green cherries.  Take that, Jolly Green Giant!

And that's the end of the list, leprechauns!  I hope your St. Paddy's was a good one, filled with rainbows and loved ones and kitsch-tastic fashion.  

And, of course, unhealthy green things to eat.    

The Rants Go Marching Two by Too: Huzzah! Huzzah!

Flair Weather Friend Necklace

Sweater: Mudd, Kohl's
Skirt (a dress!): Monteau, Marshalls
Shoes: Guess, Marshalls
Bag: Lily Bloom, JCPenney
Sunglasses: Michaels

Punky Pineapple Necklace

Sweater: Mudd, Kohl's

Jeans: Vanilla Star, Boscov's

Shoes: Guess, Marshalls

Bag: Worthington, JCPenney

Barrette: The Tote Trove

Maroon bangles: Iris Apfel for INC, Macy's

Coral bangle: Silver Linings, Ocean City boardwalk

Fuchsia/white bangle: Mixit, JCPenney

If you're a college basketball fan (or just own a TV), then you know that March means madness.  As if the warp-speed winds of this lion-lamb month aren't bad enough, the NCAA sees fit to jab its elbows into the soft underbellies of our prime-time programming.  I know, I know. There's On Demand and Netflix, and no one watches TV in real time anymore anyway except ninety-year-olds.  And me. But I like my stegosaurus system of seeing my shows (as the oldsters say) when they air, commercials and all.  Choking down that last bite of tuna noodle casserole so you don't miss the opening zinger on The Big Bang Theory makes it seem like more of an event.  Like going to the movies to watch the next Marvel installment instead of catching it on cable while you clip your toenails.

Anyway, March is crazy.  One day it's snowing, and the next it's sidling up to sixty.  So I thought, why not embrace the madness and style summer stunner necklaces with sweaters that all but scream Christmas?  Because nothing says Santa like mulberry and jade in pop-the-champagne chenille.

I don't know about you, but sometimes I like buying things in (slightly modified) twos.  Like these sweaters.  In addition to being different colors, they're also different sizes (jade XS, mulberry S) and cost different prices (jade $3, mulberry $10).  Other than that, they're exactly the same, two jolly holly berries in a Mudd puddle pod.  I wore the mulberry one already just as it's pictured here, except with pink Uggs instead of the heels (snow, oh why do you hate me?).  And I'm looking forward to wearing the jade one, sun bag and all, before spring -- well, springs.

So I guess that March can be magical.  And magically delicious come St. Patrick's Day.  As long as that gruesome twosome -- sports and snow -- don't stink up the meadow.

Shamrocks hate stinkiness.

World on a Ring: Bonbon Baubles

Collecting stuff -- clothes, shoes, bags, jewelry, hair accessories, books, CDs, stationery, faux cacti -- is one of my jams.  (I'm also pretty partial to actual jam, although I haven't started hoarding it.  Yet.)  So today I'm sharing my collection of PinkBopp rings!  As you may know, PinkBopp is the Etsy shop of my fellow blogger and artist, the very creative and talented Samantha.  I've been collecting her rings for a couple of years and have half a dozen.  They're so bright and happy and are, ahem, hands down the coolest rings I own.  Also, I love the way they look nestled in this old Russell Stover Valentine's box, which is where they live (minus the pompoms).  Each super cute and girly creation is sweeter than the next.  They're a fitting tribute to the strawberry creams that once hung out with Russ's ruffles. 

Speaking of which, when I look at this first pic, it makes me think of two things, 1) Nirvana's "Heart Shaped Box," and 2) Le Vian chocolate diamonds.  "Huh?" you may be thinking.  "Isn't "Heart Shaped Box" the song where Kurt screams, "Hey!  Wait!  I've got a new complaint." with all the rage in his angst-ridden soul?"  Well, yeah.  Which means that it isn't at all in keeping with the cotton-candy-light tone of this post.  Still, it's a song I respect -- and one I'd rock out to while hitting the highway.  But I can't see myself ever purchasing a diamond, Le Vian or otherwise.  Even my engagement ring is a garnet (my birthstone), orbited by a rainbow of smaller sparklers.  What can I say?  I prefer my baubles kawaii-a-rific.  And preferably plastic.   

So thanks, PinkBopp, for making my quest for one-of-a-kind digit decoration even more exciting and colorful.

Le Vian ain't got nothing on you.

Kick Start My Heart: Feels for Heels

From left: Chase & Chloe, Zulily; Chinese Laundry, Zulily; Chase & Chloe, Zulily

I promise that I'm not getting an, ahem, kickback from Zulily to blog about these shoes. Although if Zu wanted to toss me that new pair of yellow Jessica Simpson ankle straps that I just bookmarked, then I wouldn't cry unethical. But if I can't get a pair of great shoes for free, then the next best thing is getting them for next to nothing. Because you can never have too many, and getting each pair cheaper means getting more.

It's a strong woman who can resist a new pair of kicks -- and an even stronger one who buys them anyway and endures the pain. A pain that comes, of course, from the bunions, corns, and hammer toes that are the price of fashion-forward footwear. Although today's trio isn't high on height -- or torture -- I wear plenty of pairs that rival skyscrapers. Whenever my feet sprout fresh deformities, I always think of that part in Shopaholic and Baby when Becky Bloomwood's gyno lectures her about her heels, tsk-tsking that fashion is bad for your health. This makes me angry. Becky already has to battle morning sickness and bloating; she shouldn't have to give up cute shoes, too. Then again, her gyno turns out to be a husband-stealing ass clown, so what does she know? Furthermore, the gyno's clothes are boring, which is a kind of symbol of her inner ass-clownery. You know what they say. Never trust a woman in sensible shoes.

They also say that beauty is pain. Which to me means the bunions are worth it.