Author Archives: themetaphorgirl

Rachel Berry Called, She Wants Her Sweater Back

Posted in fashion, outfit of the day by

10/26/12
Seriously, this looks like an outfit that Rachel Berry wore in the first season of Glee. Slightly ridiculous. At least the boots keep it from looking too sweety-sweet, right? If I really wanted to look like Rachel, I should have added mary janes or something.

The sweater was a serendipitous Goodwill find- an Izod sweater, tags still on, perfect condition. And unlike most sweaters, it doesn’t make my boobs look super awkward massive! My mom used to buy me chunky turtleneck sweaters and shirts every Christmas when I was growing up, in order to cover up my burgeoning cleavage. Yeah, thanks, Mom, that just made my boobs look even bigger and lumpier, especially since she also bought me ill-fitting sports bras that made me sag like a geriatric bingo player! My middle school/early high school photos are tremendously unfortunate, especially when coupled with my unattractive poofy haircut.

I wore this outfit for a long, long, LONG day. I got to work at 8:30 for a meeting about the TACS fine arts competition- I’m coaching a bunch of students to compete in monologues and duet scenes. And then I sewed a butt-ton of costumes. Then I met with two students at lunchtime about Narnia things. Then I sewed. Then my theatre arts kids finished their reader’s theatre presentations (they did a series of David Ives one acts.) Then I had Narnia rehearsal, in which I choreographed the battle sequence. Holy crap are my legs bruised now. Lots of rolling around on the floor and smacking people with fake weaponry. Let me just say that the boots were exchanged for a pair of hot pink Converses pretty quickly.

The white string/red ribbon bracelet is from a student. One of his friends recently committed suicide, and he was asking if people wanted the bracelets- as a memorial, as an anti-bullying symbol, and as a reminder that the wearer is loved, since one of the things his friend had said was that she didn’t feel loved. I’ve been wearing the bracelet daily ever since, and I’ll probably wear it till it falls off. I’ve watched a lot of my sweet kiddos get picked on and torn down, and I’m not okay with it. I’ve tried to make my classroom as welcoming as possible as a safe space, and some of them have really taken to it.

Sweater: Izod, thrifted
Skirt: Modcloth Craving Curry Skirt in Saffron
Tights: Target
Boots: Blowfish Aerins via eBay

Nail Polish: OPI Katy Perry Teenage Dream
Perfume of the Day: Bath and Body Works Dreamy Vanilla Woods

All Thumbs Thursday: Birchbox by Color Club in Tweet Me

Posted in beauty, Birchbox and Ipsy, nail polish by

Birchbox by Color Club: Tweet Me

Birchbox by Color Club in Tweet Me

This arrived in my October Birchbox. Initially I was really excited to get a nail polish, and then I was like “…lime green? Really?” My preference veer towards subtle glitters or neutrals, and I don’t wear a lot of crazy colors, but I thought I would give it a try.

Color: a bright lime green creme

Consistency: a little on the goopy-thick side, but nothing unmanageable. Two coats covered it, but I added a third just to keep it smooth. There’s no visible brushstrokes, but it got a little clumpy on the nail.

Staying Power: Yikes! The ends were chipping by the end of the day. Like…majorly chipping. This picture was taken the day after I painted my nails, and you can already see how much it scraped off on the edges.

Color and Dupes: I already have a bright lime green in my collection- Did It On ‘Em from the Nicki Minaj collection. I haven’t compared them to see how they look, but the shade and quality seem pretty close.

Restock: Will I buy it again when I run out? Nope. Probably not.

Overall: This probably won’t be on my usual rotation- it’ll probably be used mostly as a pedicure color in the summertime. But a free polish is a free polish, right?

The 8th Von Trapp

Posted in fashion, outfit of the day by

Untitled

I am a SUCKER for anything with a sailor collar. I don’t even know why. I think it has something to do with my childhood obsession with my American Girl Samantha doll and my yearning for the my-size copy of her summer middy dress. But in any case, I love this dress.

Originally I came across this dress in the Memorial Day clearance sale. It was at least 50% off and I got super excited, but all they had left was a size small. I’m rather big of boob, so I always buy a size large in Forever 21 to accommodate the bazoombas and then take in the waist from there. So there was no way a small was going to fit. I mean, seriously. Snowball’s chance in hell. So I let it go.

Imagine my delight when it turned up in my size on eBay! I sniped that baby at the last minute and have treasured it ever since. It’s a wee bit on the short side, but I don’t even care. It’s so cute and so comfy.

I wore this for Narnia rehearsal- we’ve been trying to run act two and it is a HOT MESS. Well, actually, it’s not that bad, but my kiddos won’t focus and they get super silly, and it’s not as tight and clean as act one is. We’ll get there, though. They’re sweet kids and they work really hard when they set their mind to it, so hopefully it’ll all turn out.

Dress: Forever 21 via eBay
Leggings: Faded Glory
Boots: Rocketdog via eBay

Nail Polish: OPI Katy Perry Teenage Dream
Perfume of the Day: Bath and Body Works Dreamy Vanilla Woods

What Season Is It Anyway?

Posted in fashion, outfit of the day by

Untitled
Oy, this outfit. Spring cardigan, summer dress, autumn boots…I don’t know how to dress myself right now! Nashville just can’t decide what season it wants to be. Ordinarily I like wearing summer and spring clothes- it’s so much easier, just throw on a dress and you’re done!- but I have all these cute boots and tights and sweaters I’m dying to wear.

Today was a pretty low-key day- the usual gamut of library, theatre arts class, and aftercare. The only downside? The only movie the aftercare kids wanted to watch was High School Musical. Which they also watched on Monday. Ughhhhhhhhh…I’m bringing different movies next week.

Also, please ignore the fact that my cardigan is misbuttoned. Oops.

Dress: American Eagle
Top: Old Navy
Cardigan: Forever 21 via eBay
Boots: Rack Room Shoes
Headband: Goody’s

Nail Polish: OPI Katy Perry Teenage Dream
Perfume of the Day: Harajuku Lovers G

Tuesday’s Ten: Sewing Frenzy!

Posted in sewing, theatre by

I have to sew All the Things for Narnia.

Lucky for me, not only has Simplicity come out with a whole slew of patterns that I can use, but JoAnn’s had them on sale for $.99! SCORE.

#1, 2, and 3: Simplicity 1771

I’m making a modified view A dress for Mrs. Beaver- the skirt isn’t nearly as full, and because of the actress’s height, I’m adding a ruffle on the hem. It’s a combination of a brown gingham, red stripe, and a yet-to-be-determined accent color, as well as a yellow and brown daisy trim on the bodice.

I’m also making the cloak for Lucy (and then saving it for myself!)

#4: Simplicity 1737

I’m making this for the White Witch- but in white, obviously. The overlay is going be sheer with silver snowflakes on it, and I think it’s going to look AMAZING!

#5, 6, and 7: New Look 6872

This is my all-time favorite pattern for a gathered skirt. I’m making three- one in navy floral for Susan, one in a gray, black, and yellow print for a member of the Witch’s Army, and one in red gingham for a follower of Aslan.

#8 and 9: Simplicity 2072

Yes, I’m using a slutty Halloween costume pattern. Don’t worry, I’m not dressing my students up like trollops! I’m using the basic dress pattern for the White Stag, although longer and without a bubble hem, and the sailor jacket pattern for Lucy. Lucy seems like the type for a sailor dress, doesn’t she?

#10: Simplicity 1873

And this is the dress that Lucy’s wearing with her sweet little sailor jacket. It’s such a lovely, simple pattern, especially with the full skirt, and when it’s done and she has all the accessories, it’s going to be adorable.

But that’s only part of the sewing list I’ve got! Stay tuned for more…

…and hopefully some progress shots soon!

Today I Am a Peppermint

Posted in fashion, outfit of the day by

10/23/12

My mother walked by as my husband was taking this picture and said “so on Tuesdays, you’re a peppermint,” and I laughed. Hence my silly face.

This was a comfy outfit, but it was too hot in the morning and not warm enough in the afternoon. And I ended up changing into shorts and sneakers for rehearsal anyways, so…yeah!

Also, today I had the sock bun, but I kept grabbing at it during rehearsal so I took it down. My kids started laughing because I looked exactly like Merida.

Dress: Carnival You Could Want Dress via Modcloth
Shoes: City Classified
Cardigan: Forever 21 via eBay

Nail Polish: OPI Step Right Up!
Perfume of the Day: Harajuku Lovers G

I Am So Not Punk Rock

Posted in fashion, outfit of the day by

10/22/12

The closest I come to being punk is my collection of Fall Out Boy MP3s, which is definitely too mainstream to count.

Never the less, this is a super comfy outfit- important when you’ve had a headache for a week and have to deal with a bunch of noisy kids! I got a lot of compliments on my crazy leggings and my giant cartoon character shoes, which was awesome!

On the downside, I forgot that I was going to church at night, and while it was 81 degrees during the day, it was going to drop to the low 60s-upper 50s at night. I stopped by Target to run some errands and picked up a Converse One Star jacket for 50% percent off, which is super comfy and will probably live in my library for days when I get surprised by Nashville’s crazy weather!

Dress: Forever 21 via eBay
Leggings: Modcloth Budslide Leggings
Shoes: Fluevogs via eBay

Nail Polish: Sinful Colors Frenzy
Perfume of the Day: Harajuku Lovers Lil Angel

New Look 6872

Posted in sewing by

10/17/12: Bad Hair Day

Pattern Description: 
Misses skirts in various lengths with sash, pocket, and hem band options.
Pattern Sizing:
Sizes 6-16, I cut view D in a 12.

Cost:Pattern: $4
Fabric: 2 1/2 yards for $6 per yard; $15
Zipper: $3.00
Total Cost: $22

Time:About two hours

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

It did! I eliminated the patch pockets, but other than that it worked perfectly.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Honestly, I didn’t really follow them. There’s only a few pieces to the pattern and it’s very easy to put together.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I loved this one! It went together very easily and it’s really flattering to my figure.

Fabric Used:
Cotton from JoAnn’s- it’s very thick and washes well.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I didn’t add the pockets- I thought they were distracting with the print I chose. I also think that I won’t cut the waistband on the bias next time. It made it stretch too much and I had to take it in.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I will definitely sew it again! This is my TNT skirt pattern and I’ve got plans to make it several more times, both for myself and for costume work.

Conclusion: 
This is probably the best gathered skirt pattern I’ve found. It’s easy to cut, doesn’t take too much fabric (it helps that I’m short and I don’t need a long hem) and only took me about two hours to construct! I highly recommend this one.

Le Gasp, Pants!

Posted in fashion, outfit of the day by

10/19/12

This is the first time I’ve worn pants to work ever. Ever.

I don’t really like wearing pants- I feel like they fit me funny- but I don’t mind this particular pair. They’ve got that cropped pedal-pusher 1950s look I like, and they were extremely comfortable for today- I was choreographing the battle scene for Narnia and needed to be comfy and covered enough to do crazy things like roll around on the floor.

I also wore my contacts! I wear disposables and I’m down to my last pair without knowing when I’ll have time for a doctor’s appointment, so I only bring them out for special occasions. Today was headshots for Narnia, so I needed to look prettyish and stuff. Also the reason for the plain black tee shirt, and why I wore it with pants.

And there are my glorious rainbow Keds! I love them.

And also a cameo appearance by my car keys.

Tee: Target
Pants: Old Navy
Shoes: Keds via eBay

Nail Polish: Birchbox Exclusive by Color Club in Tweet Me
Perfume of the Day: Harajuku Lovers Super G

September 2012 Birchbox: The September Issue

Posted in beauty by

 

Somehow my September Birchbox got misplaced. BUT IT’S OKAY, I FOUND IT.

On the other hand…it was an underwhelming box this time around, so I didn’t quite miss it. My October box should be here today or tomorrow, so I hope it’s about 20% cooler this time around!

For a quick recap, my box had:

Jouer Matte Moisture Tint ($38 for full size)

This bottle is so tiny I haven’t gotten a chance to use it! I’ll probably save it for a weekend trip or something, since it’ll probably only last 2-3 uses.

La Fresh Eco Beauty Acetone-Free Nail Polish Remover ($9.99 for a pack of 20)

This’ll be great to stash in my purse or take on a trip, since it’s just a little packet of nail polish remover wipes. And it’s cheap enough that if I like it, I won’t mind splurging a little to get a pack of 20 wipes!

Vasanti BrightenUp! Enyzmatic Face Rejuvenator ($34 full size)

I think I’m most excited about this one. I’m always looking for new face washes- I have pretty clear skin, but I’m always on the hunt for a face wash that’ll keep my skin super clear and won’t dry it out.

kate spade new york Twirl ($80 for 3.4 oz)

Man, I’m just racking up the perfume samples, aren’t I? It’s fun, though. I like having a lot of scents to choose from. I’m a big fan of the Kate Spade style and the scent is nice- floral without making me feel like an elderly woman’s pocketbook (I’m looking at you, Viva La Juicy.)

Birchbox and Color Club Custom Collection in Tweet Me ($8 full size)

On one hand, I’m excited to add a new nail polish to my collection. On the other hand…lime green? Really? Not too excited. Especially since I already have Did It On ‘Em in my Nicki Minaj mini set, and it’s practically the same color. Oh, well. New polish is new polish.

Mighty Leaf Tea Pouches ($9.95 for three packs)

I’m a tea fanatic, especially when it’s cold out, so I was pretty excited about this month’s freebie (even more especially when a friend told me that Mighty Leaf is really good). I got three flavors, Green Tea Tropical, Vanilla Bean, and Chamomile Citrus. I’ll probably bring them to work with me- I keep several mugs and an electric kettle in my library to make tea for myself in the afternoons.

So that’s my super belated review of my September Birchbox! I’m super excited about my October one to arrive today or tomorrow.

But it needs to be about 20% cooler.