Kate Spade Surprise Sale! (And it included a Serious Surprise!)

Hi everyone!

I'm here to break my long silence (so sorry about that - things have been moving merrily along in Carol-the-activist-and-public-servant-world, and I'm still trying to find about 6 more hours hidden in the day to get everything in, that I'd like) because a shopping miracle of sorts occurred today.

I know, I know - it's a little silly. But you know how we all have those things "that got away?" Because we couldn't afford it at the time, or because we hesitated, or because we had other priorities - whatever.

So, one of those things for me is the Kate Spade All Typed Up Clyde. Back when I first saw it, I felt like I couldn't justify the full price purchase for such a quirky bag. And then, later, when it went on sale, I hesitated because I was on a shopping ban at the time. And shortly after that, it disappeared from view completely, and despite sporadic checks on eBay for it over the years, I never saw it again.

UNTIL THIS MORNING.

That's right!!! This morning, my inbox greeted me with the notification that Kate Spade is having a 48-hour Surprise Sale. And what did my eyes behold in the "handbags" section but this?

All-Typed Up Clyde

Two and a half years after I first laid eyes on it, I found (and purchased - as a belated birthday/Mother's Day gift for myself) the handbag that got away. There's a part of me that knows it's still not the most practical purchase and there's a part of me that also thinks that I should be updating my professional wardrobe (more on that later) and that a candy-apple red handbag emblazoned with an old-school typewriter keyboard isn't contributing to that. But I also know that this fun, playful bag has indelibly wormed its way into my life somehow and well, there you have it. When something as unique as this comes around over and over again, I imagine we're allowed.

And speaking of Kate Spade, here are some of the latest offerings that have piqued my interest:

1. 'Elaina' Jacket (Love the retro-silhouette, geometric pattern, and how it'll go equally well layered over a dress, slacks, or jeans.)
2. Natural Trompe L'oeil 'Mariella' Dress (There's nothing like the combination of a bateau neckline, cap sleeves, fitted waist, and flared skirt, is there? And the neutral colors make this dress understated while the print makes it memorable.)
3. 'Fresia' Sandal (I love the black-and-cream combo - so classic - and the flash of gold in the heel? Perfection.)

What about you? Are you checking out the Kate Spade Surprise Sale?

Hoping you're having a great day. Thanks for stopping by!

Where I've Been (Checking in)

Hi everyone!

I have been a really bad blogger lately. I think it's been nearly a month since I posted last, and really, that's just ridiculous. I'm sorry. I've been meaning to check in with you for weeks on what I've been doing, but time keeps slipping away from me. But finally, here I am. And I want to share with you what's been going on.

A few months back, I wrote a post talking about discovering my vocation.

I'd discovered it - but you know what? I hadn't committed. I thought I had, but not really, because I wasn't really talking about it with many people. Just a close circle of friends, the DH, and a few others. I was afraid to talk about it too much, for fear of upsetting people. Instead, I stealthily, fairly quietly, went out and started dabbling in it.

Just dabbling. A little volunteering here. A little organizing there. But essentially treating it like a hobby - something I did in my spare time, when I wasn't working my job or caring for my family.

Remember that thing about spending a lifetime diminishing myself (and therefore the value of my interests, beliefs, etc) and how hard that is to overcome? Yes, that. I call them my "gremlins," and I'll write more about them later. But even though I knew - knew - that this was IT - the thing I'd spent nearly all of my adult life and most of my young adult life trying to discern, I was still hesitating.

"I'm just exploring," I told myself and others. "Just trying things out."

It's an incredibly hard thing to really own who you are and step into yourself. There's so much exposure in that place! No armor, no protective shells - just you.

You and your raison d'etre.

My raison d'etre? (Deep breath.) Public service. And its erstwhile attendant, politics.

I love it. I just do. I love the service. I love the work. I love the organizing. I love the ideas. I love what being American means to me. I love the range of issues encompassed within its scope and I love the passion it draws from people.

Oh, and that's what I love best of all - the people. I've met so many in these past couple months and they're just wonderful! Generous, hard-working, idealistic, pragmatic, vehement, timid, but all stepping out and stepping forward to try and contribute and do something good. Sure, there have been one or two with particular agendas that don't seem to be about serving anyone, or who I passionately disagree with - but, they're all just...amazing. And I know that in the news, we read stories every day about people who do really horrible and even evil things, but my interactions with the larger community have disproven the popular notions that strangers are likely to be baddies. Maybe I've just been lucky so far, but all the people I've worked with have just been lovely.

So as for the work, I decided that as part of this stepping into my Self and living my truths, I would take on some community organizing. Where better, than with "average" and "ordinary" citizens to start connecting with the courageous, creative, generous, and driven spirit of our country? I started with a couple of service events in support of Operation Gratitude, and then moved on to starting a chapter of Organizing for Action in San Diego. I like this particular group because while we definitely tend to lean left in terms of political orientation, we identify as non-partisan. This means that we're able to reach out to all of our friends, neighbors, and family and find those intersections of caring - those things on which we can agree and care deeply about - in order to start making meaningful progress towards solving problems together. It means that we can step away from the pissing contests policy-making can sometimes be (you know - the part that makes everyone grimace and roll their eyes) and be positive, constructive, and supportive.

Those are the things we need in politics now. Along with kindness, consideration, and love. I believe they're there - but they just get buried under all the noise and bluster and anxiety.

Can you imagine what public service and politics would be like if we just remembered how loving, kind, and thoughtful we actually already are?

Anyway, I just wanted to let you know where I've been. And I'm hoping to continue my blogging - style blogging here and issues-and-personal-development blogging on my other blog, Material Good. But getting a chapter of grassroots volunteers doing multi-track issues activism up and running while simultaneously working a full-time job, being a mom and wife, daughter, sister, and friend has been a lot to juggle. My hope is that things will settle down a bit soon and I'll be able to check in here with you more regularly.

Wherever this takes me - and whatever it is I eventually end up doing - I want to thank you all wholeheartedly. This blog and your interest, care, and company have been a constant source of creativity, joy, and support to me for the past three years. I wouldn't be where I am now, without it or you.

I'll be back soon with our regular programming!

Nordstrom Designer Preview Spring 2013

Last week, I was fortunate enough to attend the Nordstrom Designer Preview for Spring 2013. It was, as usual, a fun and fabulous time with over 400 guests in attendance. The event took place at the Wyland Center in the Del Mar Fairgrounds and helped raise $83,000 for the San Diego Opera. 

But enough of those details - let's get to what's important here - the clothes!

In past years, I was wowed by the likes of Jason Wu and Oscar De La Renta - and these designers continue to impress, but it was Dolce & Gabbana that completely swept me off my feet this year. Here are some of my favorite outfits from the fashion show this year (photo credit: June Bayha).

I love this black and white striped dress, it's full skirt, and the mid-calf length. I'm pretty sure it'd be terrible on shorty-McShorterson me, but I love the look:

Dolce & Gabbana White and Black Brocade Striped Dress (I can't find it online anywhere, but here's a shorter, cap-sleeved version), Miss Sicily Leather Shopper, Prada Wicker Sandal

I loved these two outfits below - and how perfect are the red-and-white stripes paired with the floral skirt?

Left: Dolce & Gabbana Multi-Stripe Dress and Prada Wicker Sandal; Right: Dolce & Gabbana Striped Three-Quarter Sleeve Jacket, Floral Print Linen Skirt, and Prada Wicker Sandal

I'm not entirely sure I know why, but I love the crazy print (featuring a painting of Spanish Conquistadors?) on this D&G skirt:

Dolce & Gabbana Lace Sleeveless Top and Red Print Skirt

After all the color and flamboyance of Dolce & Gabbana (which I adored the way I adore chocolates and sweets), Lanvin's offerings was like a cool drink of water. I love the sophisticated, minimalist styles:

Left and Center: Lanvin V-Neck Blouse, Asymmetrical Wrap Skirt, 'Happy' Quilted Bag, and Grosgrain Bow Pump; Right: Lanvin Sleeveless Vest with Contrast Lapel, V-neck blouse, Gabardine Pants, and Satin Bow Belt

While my style tends to be not aligned with Donna Karan's aesthetic, I still appreciate the graceful, flowing lines of her designs. I always imagine that her clothes are what you might wear while on a very chic safari. Or while sojourning in a desert. You know, that sort of thing. 

Left: Donna Karan Envelope Jacket, Jersey and Crepe Dress, and Prada Wedge Sandal; Right: Ruffled Linen Blend Cozy, Ruffled Linen Blend Tank, Pintuck Linen Blend Skirt, and Prada Wedge Sandal

I love the fun, wearable quality of Jason Wu's designs. I actually bought a pale pink leather motorcycle jacket during last year's Anniversary Sale, so I think I'm going to have to recreate the outfit on the left. Too cute!

Left: Jason Wu Leather Motorcycle Jacket, Pointelle Knit Pullover, Tiered Leather Skirt, and Studded Strap Sandal; Right: Jason Wu Stripe Crochet Sweater, Nappa Leather Pencil Skirt, 'Jourdan' Leather Crossbody Bag, and 'Peggy' Sandal

 Is there anything more perfect in terms of feminine details than these Oscar de la Renta dresses?

Left and Center: Oscar de la Renta Embroidered Tulle Dress; Right: Oscar de la Renta Guipere Lace Blouse, High Waist Tie-Front Skirt, and Gladia Cage Sandal

Pucci was surprisingly...not full of loud prints and patterns. There were audible gasps when that red column dress on the left appeared on the runway.

Far and Center Left: Emilio Pucci High Neck-Low Back Gown; Center Right: Elisse Stretch Silk Dress and YSL Tribute Sandal; Right: Mesh Sleeve Dress

Here are some of the pretty dresses I perused after the fashion show. A girl can dream, can't she?:

Left: Stella McCartney Floral Front Dress; Center: Celine Dot Print Dress; Right: Oscar de la Renta Embroidered Tulle Dress

In the meantime, here's what I wore. Also, thanks to my friend June Bayha who not only kept me company, but who took all the pictures for me.

My outfit: Alice + Olivia 'Lorena' Dress, J. Crew Jackie Cardigan, J. Crew Bubble Necklace, Sole Society Wedge Pump

Thanks to Nordstrom for the invitation! And thanks to all of you for stopping by!

Shopping Confessional (wishlist)

Hi everyone!

Hoping you're doing well. I've been having one of those weeks where I've been sort of super-non-stop-busy, including late nights and work-related phone calls as I drop off kids (at babysitters) or pick them up (from school) and all that sort of thing. And then, this afternoon, it all sort of came to a halt.

I finished...at least as much as I can do for now...on most of the things I'd been working on and well...

I'm not quite sure what to do with myself.

Soooooo, I've decided to do some virtual window shopping instead. And in the process, I'll update you on the types of purchases I've made or am planning to make or even unmake, as the case may be.

I'm sorry - my creativity is completely sapped right now. I promise I'll try to do better tomorrow.

Okay, so you already know that last weekend I went shopping and bought some boyfriend jeans. I had a whole list of things I wanted, but that was the only thing I actually checked off the list. Here are the other items I had in mind:

1. Charlie Fatigue Jacket (I was worried this one would be way too long on me, when I first saw it in one of J. Crew's ubiquitous emails. But then I saw it in the store and tried it on. It is long - but I think it still works. The store only had a size small, which is a bit big on me in the body, so I'm holding out for an XS, which I'll hopefully be able to track down soon. It helps, of course, that I've got a gift card burning a hole in my pocket...)
2. Glazed/Coated Denim (not so sure on this one...still mulling it over. I love the sheen and the finished, sophisticated look of these jeans. But are they too rockstar for me? Maybe black instead? Questions, questions...)
3. Sassy black sandals (I came across these and these online and love them both. Also these. They're all super $$$, so I'm going to keep looking. These and these are more reasonable possibilities, but will need to have them on my feet to know. These are pretty different from anything I own but I kind of like them for some reason. And these are crazy, pretty, and fun but practically a mortgage payment. Will continue to look and be sure to update you as I go along.)
4. Ted Baker Dotted Dress (I bought this. I received this. I actually don't like this in person. First, it's polyester which I think is ridiculous for a dress that cost over $200. Second, the color is a bit odd on me. And last - the cut doesn't work for my body the way I hoped it would. Back it goes.)
5. Rag and Bone Dress (I bought this on impulse the day I bought my jeans. I love it - it's totally cute and it fits really well. It's really pricey though. And that very day, I saw a woman carrying a black Celine handbag, which has now completely eclipsed the Sophie Hulme Buckle Bag I was obsessing over, so I think I should take this dress back and save for the Celine, yes? Yes.)
6. Anthropologie Lousa Shift (I love the green of this dress. And shifts are so lovely and easy to wear. This one looks extremely promising - and it comes in a petite version!)
7. Anthropologie Kanshi Dress (How sweet is this dress? Can't you just see it with a denim jacket thrown over it? Or a cardi? Or a blazer? Love!)
8. Anthropologie Firebloom Cardigan (So pretty. WANT.)


So, yes, all that talk a few weeks ago about not having interest in shopping? Mmm, it seems to have passed. Or maybe it's just that after lots of intense thinking/working, the abrupt halt has left a vacuum, and well...we know that nature abhors a vacuum.

Yeah, that's it. This is just a law of nature. Mmhm.

What about you? Any current cravings?

Boyfriend (OOTD)

If you follow me on Twitter (@raphaela235), then you know I went shopping a couple days ago for the first time in what feels like a reeeeeeeally loooooooong time. You'll also know that I had a list of things I wanted to find - the first and foremost being a pair of boyfriend jeans.

Sweater: Celeste Cashmere Cardigan (similar here, here, and here)

Shirt: Gap Stretch Cotton (similar here, here, and here)

Jeans: Joe's 'Easy High Water' Fit

Shoes: TOMS 'Classic Polka-Dot' Slip-On

Necklaces: J. Crew Necklaces (similar here, here, and here)

I've been wanting a pair of proper boyfriend jeans for quite a while. These Joe's are great. The denim is so soft I could literally sleep in them. I tried on a couple different pairs, and for whatever reason, these worked best on my frame. Stephanie tweeted me a recommendation for the CoH Dylan jeans (these run pretty big - size down 1-2 sizes) which were also cute, but didn't hang from my hips with the kind of slouchiness I was shooting for.

And now you know - in my world, "slouchy" can get that specific.

A couple tips about wearing boyfriend jeans that I picked up from Kelly (who helped me find this particular pair - thanks, K!): roll the cuff narrow, rather than wide, especially if you're shorter like me. A wider cuff can serve to shorten the leg proportionally, to the eye, and when paired with the relaxed leg, can make a person look positively stubby. Also, don't be afraid to keep the cuff rolled low. You don't need to roll them so high that they make you look ready to wade through a kiddie pool. After all, these are boyfriend jeans, not clam-diggers. 

For those of you who are curious, I got these in a size 25 - and I usually wear a 26. It's worth noting that the size 25 is roomy - I think I could have gone with a size 24, but the whole point of boyfriend jeans is that they're big - like you took them from your boyfriend, right?

That's my story and I'm stickin' to it. 

I hope you're all having a great Monday and for those in the USA, happy President's Day weekend!