Vegan Leather Pants

Yes, vegan leather pants is how these pants were described at Anthropologie where I nabbed them on sale a couple of weeks ago. I keep talking about trends coming around for the second (or third!) time around, and the funny thing about these pants is that I had almost similar pants in the distant past, although those pants were actual leather. They may still be hiding in the closet upstairs, waiting for the liposuction and tummy tuck. Anyway, I love pairing these pants with the green velvet shirt I also bought from Anthro on sale. I've been wearing this exact outfit a few times by now, so I'd say I got a good value for these sale finds. I don't shop that much anymore, so when I get something new I actually enjoy wearing the new things. Imagine that! Makes me a little sad/mad to think about the level of entitlement I had where new clothes didn't even bring that joy anymore. I'm trying to remedy the situation, be more eco-conscious, shop less and enjoy more. 

Hey, is that a penny? 

 PS. I was at the Americana Mall to check out the recently re-vamped Gucci store. I've been Gucci-gang since the early aughts, and the new rise of Gucci has been delightful. And aaah, there were so many clothes in that store that I drooled for...however, not quite in my budget...but inspiring nevertheless.

Books: Where the Crawdads Sing

I've been trying to get my hands on this book for a long time, and finally was able to get it via the e-library. I heard so many things about this book; how wonderful it is; it was Reese Witherspoon book club pick, and subsequently it's been reported that she's making a movie of it. Anyway, after all the hype for the past couple years, I was dying to read the book. So....did it live up to the hype? Yes and no. Delia Owens is a wonderful writer, and her language and story telling is beautiful. The story is initially heartbreaking, and then very intriguing. The nature description is gorgeous. But I don't know if the story itself was always that believable. A girl lives alone in a shack with no electricity, no running water, almost no human contact since she's around 9 or 10 years old. She never gets ill, never sees a doctor, the community makes a feeble attempt to get her to go to school but then abandons her. She's shy and introverted, but doesn't go crazy from the loneliness. At times I couldn't help myself but wonder if this is really plausible in real life. Maybe I'm just too naive. But, despite this doubt, I was totally sucked in by the story, and enjoyed the book very much. 

A Different LBD

This Saturday was date night with hubby, and that gave me a good reason to wear my new, a little different, little black dress. It's faux leather (or fox leather, as I used to call it, ha!). Faux leather, or what some call "vegan" leather, seems to be a big trend lately, and though I'm no slave to trends, I love it when I find something trendy that I can still wear at my ripe age when most trends have come around twice or thrice.

Fleabag

I'm a little late to the Fleabag party, but better late than never. What a fun, crazy, wonderful, hilarious, weird and poignant comedy/drama. Phoebe Waller-Bridge deserves all the accolades and awards that she's been getting. If you haven't seen Fleabag yet, please go binge. But a warning, this show is not for kids!

In Pursuit of Fashion

I love checking out the exhibits of the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute. The current exhibit is called In Pursuit of Fashion and it displays the best parts of private collector Sandy Schreier's costume collection. I went during the Christmas break when the museum was super crowded, but I was still able to snap some pictures. Sandy loved fashion since she was a little kid and initially collected used dresses from the Chicago socialites, but then expanded to collecting from auctions, estates, and anywhere she could find amazing clothes. Sandy did not collect these items for wearing, but to preserve and catalogue. This became her passion and life's pursuit. Whether you love fashion or not, you must admit that clothes tell the story of the time, and are an important part of our history. What's cool about the collection is that it's not only couture or big names. Some of the most beautiful dresses are by anonymous makers, like the flapper dresses from 1920's Paris below. The exhibit is at the Met until mid-May. Well worth a visit!

Books: Circe

Circe was the second book I finished this year. I actually started Circe last fall, but even though I found it intriguing, I didn't really get going reading it until the electronic loan got returned. It stayed in my mind though, and I borrowed it again from the digital library early this year. Now I had more time to really get into it, and once you get sucked in, it's hard to let go. This is by far the best book I've read in years (since the Goldfinch!). It tells the story of the witch Circe, with whom Odysseus spent a year on her island.   My knowledge of Greek mythology is not very strong, and I found myself googling some of the gods and goddesses mentioned in the story. But no matter, the book is a stunner, whether you're a fan of mythology or not. In the hands of the author Madeline Miller, Circe is described as a strong character, a feminist and very relatable and human despite her goddess abilities. I loved this book so much that I now want to read Miller's earlier books as well. What an enjoyable education in Greek mythology!

Books: She Said

This is the story of the New York Times journalists Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey investigation into the Harvey Weinstein case. It's a mind boggling story of how one man used his position to abuse so many women, and a fascinating look into the work of these two investigative journalists. The picture above was on my Insta story when I was reading this book. The Weinstein trial is now on-going, and I hope that he gets his due in court. These cases are very hard to prosecute because so few women want to step out and ruin their own reputations in the process. But whatever happens in the trial this book exposes Weinstein as the monster that he is. Recommended reading for anyone who's interested in the #metoo movement, and interested in the truth behind the Weinstein story. 

Textures, Throwbacks & Blizzard

I am in love with my new gray turtleneck sweater. Its texture is so soft and cozy. I had forgotten how great turtlenecks are. How nice it is to have your neck warm, and not need a scarf when you go out. Another 2000's throwback that's recently made its way into my closet is stretchy bootcut yoga pants. Is there anything more flattering for a tall, curvy body type? I especially love these soft corduroy type pants. With my furry Ugg slippers on my feet and I'm covered neck to toe in beautiful, soft, warm texture that is cozier than cozy. And cozy is what this snow blizzard day calls for.

2020

New Year, same old me. I made no resolutions, didn't swear off sugar or alcohol... The only "resolution" I made was to have more fun (I think I made that resolution last year too).  I also keep repeating a promise I made to myself when I turned 40; to travel somewhere new every year (I don't know what this year's new destination is yet..so far all my travel plans are to places I've already been to at least once - Laguna, London, San Diego). But in the spirit of having more fun, last weekend I took my girls to the Buttercooky Bakery in Manhasset. Everything there is beyond yummy and for that reason this place is our new favorite bakery.