I Am So Out of Fashion

In an interview for Time Magazine, Tim Gunn (style guru and co-host of Project Runway), was asked the following question:

"What's the worst fashion trend you've ever seen?"

Answer: "...Generally speaking, it's footwear trends. I mean, the Croc - it looks like a plastic hoof. How can you take that seriously? I know its comfortable; I understand that. But if you want to dress to feel as though you never got out of bed, don't get out of bed."

To a point, I agree with him. I am late to jump on the bandwagon of anything, much less be at the forefront of any fashion trend (too much work for this girl). I didn't personally investigate Crocs until last summer, and when I did, I fell hard for the Mary Jane. So comfortable on my pregnant feet! When I was here in July, looking for places to live, I noted that the Croc was a BIG trend here. I chuckled to myself about it, as I think the original Cayman style is SO UGLY. Well, then I had to eat my words when I bought my Crocs in Salt Lake City. I wore them all year, and I was happy.

I take no issue with Gunn's comment. He is a man of great personal style. As CCO of Liz Claiborne, I have yet to see any of that style translate into the clothing line, but I'm sure it will. And I really can't quibble with his opinion on Crocs. After I read that, I took a hard look at my old Mary Janes. He's right. But I still like them. So don't worry yet - next time you see me, I'm sure I'll be clomping along in my comfy plastic hooves, thinking about how awesome they will look with socks this Fall. And now I'm going to bed.

Des Moines Ho

Much has happened in the last few weeks. I went to the DSM to look for a place to live, and was successful. I'm back in the office for a few weeks, and trying to prep for my 10 day trip in August. I've been to the doctors a few more times - and finally feel a tiny bit vindicated by the fact that they found my thyroid is going a little nuts. (I kept trying to tell them I wasn't "depressed"). I'm on thyroid meds and am actually feeling better already - more energy, sleeping more soundly.

The house closes on August 3rd, so we are frantically trying to clean up, throw out and pack away. The truck gets picked up next Saturday, so we have 7 days to get it all done. Do-able, right? M will take off a week from Monday, and I leave on Aug. 1 for my trip. Back on the 10th, then off to the DSM for good.

I'm excited about the move, but a little freaked about money. I'll work full-time through the end of August, then downshift to PT. We're trying to finalize health insurance, as that's critical right now. Cutting my salary in half also scares me. I think it's do-able, but I'm not one to have a lot of restraint when it comes to things I want (from food to shopping), and living within a strict budget is not something I am going to acquiesce to without a little kicking and screaming.

Some observations on Des Moines:
1. What's with the shared-wall (aka zero lot line) houses? I saw some nice, new developments that had shared walls, and I don't get it. Why wouldn't you want a stand alone house? Is the insulation better? Utility bills lower? I can't see myself paying $300K+ for a house that potentially allows me to hear ever word & footfall from my neighbors. Pass.

2. Fashion is about a year behind. Although Oregon isn't a fashion mecca, there's a lot of hipness to be found here. There - not so much. It was a bit like going back to Louisiana - lots of Abercrombie, American Eagle, blonde hair, and Skechers. I did see 2 trying-too-hard Urban Cougars. One could have been a grandma, but was rockin' a belly shirt and pierced navel. The other was wearing a full surf get up - boardshorts & Roxy t - in IOWA. Someone, please save them from themselves.