BlerDCon 2018
Tuesday, July 31, 2018 • blerdcon
Y'all, I'm not going to lie - I have no idea how to encompass BlerDCon. Once again I was completely blown away by the caliber of talent, on the floor and in panels. It's an incredible way to spend a weekend and I apologize that my pictures are so crappy. I have a hard enough time taking pictures in costume during an ORDINARY convention, and BlerDCon is definitely not one (in the very best way possible).
I'm going to share a post later this week with better costume pictures for myself, but until then, please enjoy these cell phone pics, and let me assure you that checking out BlerDCon's official Instagram is the better way to witness everything in all its glory.
I'm going to share a post later this week with better costume pictures for myself, but until then, please enjoy these cell phone pics, and let me assure you that checking out BlerDCon's official Instagram is the better way to witness everything in all its glory.
yes, it's another jumpsuit
Tuesday, July 24, 2018 • Lou Lou, Missoma, Neiman Marcus Last Call, OOTD, Seychelles, The Frankie Shop, World Market
Hi, name is Dana and I have a jumpsuit problem. Not one that's big enough to make me throw out half my wardrobe in favor of them, but I'm sure at this point I probably own more than enough for one person.
I picked up the one below from The Frankie Shop, a store in SoHo that combines new and vintage pieces (that I only went to because of Lizzy Hadfield). What's possibly most mindboggling about this piece is that it's considered "one size". Have I ever fit something labeled one size before in my life? If I did it was definitely before my memory was good enough to grasp the remarkability of that, so it doesn't count.
You can see from the link below that (obviously) it doesn't fit me like the model, but this is one of those rare moments where I like the way it fits me better. With my curves I don't do well in pieces that are super large and oversized, so the wide legs, belt, and fitted torso are more flattering. I've already worn this a couple of times and will continue to do so, because it's hot as hell in DC and this jumpsuit is 100% linen and unlined.
I picked up the one below from The Frankie Shop, a store in SoHo that combines new and vintage pieces (that I only went to because of Lizzy Hadfield). What's possibly most mindboggling about this piece is that it's considered "one size". Have I ever fit something labeled one size before in my life? If I did it was definitely before my memory was good enough to grasp the remarkability of that, so it doesn't count.
You can see from the link below that (obviously) it doesn't fit me like the model, but this is one of those rare moments where I like the way it fits me better. With my curves I don't do well in pieces that are super large and oversized, so the wide legs, belt, and fitted torso are more flattering. I've already worn this a couple of times and will continue to do so, because it's hot as hell in DC and this jumpsuit is 100% linen and unlined.
Jumpsuit: The Frankie Shop (OS) ~ Sandals: Seychelles (Size 8.5, past season) ~ Necklaces: World Market & Missoma ~ Bag: Neiman Marcus Last Call (old) ~ Earrings: Lou Lou Shop (old)
Pictures by @whitetowelsonly
Glossier Haul & Review
Tuesday, July 17, 2018 • Glossier, Makeup, review, skincare, WDDT?, what does dana think
As part of my most recent NY trip I made sure to warn my friends ahead of time that much shopping would be done, possibly very little would be purchased, and that this was completely normal/what I expected. I also apologized in advance for any boredom they experienced. There was possibly no better example of this than at the Glossier showroom, where in the middle of the late afternoon, in full blazing summer sun, there was a freaking LINE. A line. To get in to the building and up the elevator.
I sh*t you not, waiting in line with a bunch of chatty women at least two decades younger than me (some with THEIR MOMS) has never been less appealing than when I had to do it in over 100 degree weather.
And then, when I did make it inside (and full disclosure, the line moved faster than I thought it would) the showroom wasn't even much cooler D:. I understand that everyone's AC was doing the most trying to combat the intense afternoon sun, but I cannot browse - let alone try on - makeup and skincare while actively sweating. It's just impossible. I compensated by doing the fastest round robin in history, viciously denying my dollars and time to products I didn't think would perform well (i.e. 99% of the skincare and all the lip products. My friend Jessy bought the raspberry scented lipgloss and the only thing she said to me afterward was "make sure to tell everybody that lipgloss is sh*".).
Now, the way you actually shop the showroom is also unique, because instead of pulling products and collecting them as you go, when you walk in they hand you a paper with a checklist, and after walking around the (much too) small space, trying/swatching/smelling/etc, you grab an associate in a pink jumpsuit, who then takes your order. Finally, after all that, you wait and they call your name to hand you your pick padded envelope (that's in another plastic bag. So much plastic is wasted here.).
First up for review is Boy Brow and the Stretch Concealer, both of which I actually feel pretty positive about. Boy Brow is a brow gel in a teeny tiny tube with a teeny tiny brush, and I went with the tinted version because while I have a little sparsity in the front of my brows, I'm generally too lazy to apply product to correct it. Now I didn't realize until after I'd completed my purchase that there is actually a darker color available, but I don't think it's noticeably too light. Instead I would say it does a good job of grooming all my hairs and keeping them in place for the day, while adding a bit of color just where I want it.
I sh*t you not, waiting in line with a bunch of chatty women at least two decades younger than me (some with THEIR MOMS) has never been less appealing than when I had to do it in over 100 degree weather.
And then, when I did make it inside (and full disclosure, the line moved faster than I thought it would) the showroom wasn't even much cooler D:. I understand that everyone's AC was doing the most trying to combat the intense afternoon sun, but I cannot browse - let alone try on - makeup and skincare while actively sweating. It's just impossible. I compensated by doing the fastest round robin in history, viciously denying my dollars and time to products I didn't think would perform well (i.e. 99% of the skincare and all the lip products. My friend Jessy bought the raspberry scented lipgloss and the only thing she said to me afterward was "make sure to tell everybody that lipgloss is sh*".).
Now, the way you actually shop the showroom is also unique, because instead of pulling products and collecting them as you go, when you walk in they hand you a paper with a checklist, and after walking around the (much too) small space, trying/swatching/smelling/etc, you grab an associate in a pink jumpsuit, who then takes your order. Finally, after all that, you wait and they call your name to hand you your pick padded envelope (that's in another plastic bag. So much plastic is wasted here.).
First up for review is Boy Brow and the Stretch Concealer, both of which I actually feel pretty positive about. Boy Brow is a brow gel in a teeny tiny tube with a teeny tiny brush, and I went with the tinted version because while I have a little sparsity in the front of my brows, I'm generally too lazy to apply product to correct it. Now I didn't realize until after I'd completed my purchase that there is actually a darker color available, but I don't think it's noticeably too light. Instead I would say it does a good job of grooming all my hairs and keeping them in place for the day, while adding a bit of color just where I want it.
Glossier Stretch Concealer in Dark ($18), Glossier Boy Brown in Brown ($16)
I would say the same for the Stretch Concealer. I don't have super dark undereye circles, and the retinol's doing its job very nicely everywhere else, so a product like this that just brightens a tad without actually looking like "concealer" appeals to me. I would compare the way it performs to my YSL Touche Eclat, and while I don't get all day coverage, I don't think it fades in a super obvious way either.
The Wowder is nice, as in the powder itself has a nice texture, but I can't decide if it actually has too much coverage for my liking. I heard a Glossier associate tell another customer that the coverage was comparable to the Skin Tint, just in powder form, which I agree with. My problem is that because the colors go from WHITE to dark/deep, when I apply this through the center of my face it imparts a bit more of a "tan" than I like. But since I also use very little at any given time, this effect could all be in my head. The brush is fine, it's there, but I would not have bought it if I'd thought more about its usefulness.
Glossier Wowder in Dark/Deep & Wowder Brush ($35)
Now on to my only skincare item - Invisible Shield. I wanted to get my hands on this because finding a good sunscreen that doesn't 1) make me shiny AF 2) feel like silicone-induced death (*cough* Supergoop *cough*) has been a trial for me. I know I should just stick to Asian sunscreens and call it a day, but a girl likes to dabble and this one is worth trying. The price point is a little high for 1oz of product, but I found this one to be incredibly moisturizing, while also rubbing in to be completely undetectable upon application. All without any sunscreen scent. This may end up being too moisturizing for my skin during the summer, but as I'm still testing out combinations I'll have to get back to you with the final word on that.
Glossier Invisible Shield ($25)
Now would I leave you without swatches? No, I would not, AND I love you all enough to post high def pictures of my face wearing all this stuff, even though all I can see is my mustache shadow. There is no before, but I think you can pick up on the places where the concealer doesn't completely cover, like the redness around my nose.
Makeup: All the Glossier products featured here, as well as the Milk Makeup Bronzer in Blaze, RMS Beauty Living Luminizer, YSL The Shock Mascara, and Illamasqua Velvet Cream Blusher in Sleek (discontinued)
I think you as the consumer are the only person who can really decide whether or not this brand is even worth trying, but all in all I'll admit it was better than I was expecting. So huzzah for not totally wasted money!
rainbow
Tuesday, July 10, 2018 • Anthropologie, LOFT, Missoma, OOTD, Seychelles, Tracy Reese, Vineet Bahl, World Market
I've thought about this, and apparently I have very little to say about this outfit other than -
1) I love maxi dresses
2) I'm sorry this one is old so there's no current links to buy it new
3) The correct maxi dress length is always nearly skimming the ground while wearing your shoes of choice, thus guaranteeing the longest leg line possible.
1) I love maxi dresses
2) I'm sorry this one is old so there's no current links to buy it new
3) The correct maxi dress length is always nearly skimming the ground while wearing your shoes of choice, thus guaranteeing the longest leg line possible.
Dress: Tracy Reese (Size Large, old, but I found a Medium on Poshmark and an XS on Ebay!) ~ Sandals: Seychelles (Size 8.5, Past Season) ~ Tote Bag: Vineet Bahl via Anthropologie (no longer available, but this one's super cute too!) ~ Necklace: Missoma ~ Earrings: World Market ~ Sunglasses: LOFT ~ Watch: Ebay (similar)
May/June Clothing Recap
Saturday, July 7, 2018 • Wardrobe Resolutions
1. White Linen Dress (Reformation)
2. Linen Boyfriend Blazer (Reformation)
3. Cotton Joggers (Gap)
4. Mustard Ribbed Sweater (Theory Outlet, Also On Net-A-Porter (but annoyingly more expensive))
5. Denim Mini Dress (Free People)
*6. Linen Button Down (Urban Outfitters, different color ways are available online)
*7. Striped Pants (Urban Outfitters)
LWD
Tuesday, July 3, 2018 • & Other Stories, Anthropologie, Free People, LOFT, Missoma, OOTD, World Market
A big part of my trip to NY this past weekend was going to see in person a lot of the brands I'd only been able to interact with online: Sezane, Christy Dawn, The Frankie Shop, etc. You know, those big, usually more ethically minded darlings, that spoke to me aesthetically but who's size charts I was dubious of (to say the least). And in the end, while I'm glad I got to try things on, damn if it wasn't a bit of a blow to the ego.
I already knew that ethical brands didn't really welcome the inbetweenie/plus size customer. Outside of Universal Standard, I'm not even sure I could name another one focused on that demographic (Elizabeth Suzann kind of does, but their "Plus One Size" doesn't feel nearly descriptive enough to justify the price tag). Ultimately what I found myself faced with were pieces that either didn't fit, or fit so badly as to be comical, because the brand themselves didn't create clothing with curves - let alone big boobs - in mind. This usually isn't enough to get me down, but after the same experience in store after store, I'm not going to lie to you and say that it didn't.
When living in the interesting mindf*ck of a time where body positivity is being used to usher in a new wave of personal insecurities, being faced yet again with brands that didn't want or care about my body was annoying. And hurtful. The mental work I go through on the regular to try and reprogram the things my brain sees as "good" and "desirable" is exhausting enough, and when these brands that purport to disrupt the maintstream still act to enforce the extremely narrow definitions of beauty that are already all over the media, it's just another kick when I'm down.
Being a lover of fashion and a consumer/creator of content in the community means my personal style is a journey of discovery just as much as the rest of my life. I fall in love with people and places and feelings and hope that I can replicate them, but rarely do I feel like the inspiration stays true to the vision. For good or ill, once it's on me - curvy, average height me - it's not going to be what it looks like on anyone else.
I think the new hard mental work will be me getting to the place that NOT looking like it does on everyone else is ok. Great event. I'm not sure I'll be getting to the "love my body" place any time soon (if ever, if I'm being honest - I still can't see my FUPA as anything but a problem (which I'm also embarrassed to admit)) but I'm trying.
So please excuse my word vomit, in and among pictures of myself I was viscerally uncomfortable in, both because I felt like it highlighted features of my self I don't show often (tummy and legs) and also because I don't like male attention and I felt like this rode the line of making me a target (which I recognize is their problem and I shouln't make it mine, but here we are).
I already knew that ethical brands didn't really welcome the inbetweenie/plus size customer. Outside of Universal Standard, I'm not even sure I could name another one focused on that demographic (Elizabeth Suzann kind of does, but their "Plus One Size" doesn't feel nearly descriptive enough to justify the price tag). Ultimately what I found myself faced with were pieces that either didn't fit, or fit so badly as to be comical, because the brand themselves didn't create clothing with curves - let alone big boobs - in mind. This usually isn't enough to get me down, but after the same experience in store after store, I'm not going to lie to you and say that it didn't.
When living in the interesting mindf*ck of a time where body positivity is being used to usher in a new wave of personal insecurities, being faced yet again with brands that didn't want or care about my body was annoying. And hurtful. The mental work I go through on the regular to try and reprogram the things my brain sees as "good" and "desirable" is exhausting enough, and when these brands that purport to disrupt the maintstream still act to enforce the extremely narrow definitions of beauty that are already all over the media, it's just another kick when I'm down.

I think the new hard mental work will be me getting to the place that NOT looking like it does on everyone else is ok. Great event. I'm not sure I'll be getting to the "love my body" place any time soon (if ever, if I'm being honest - I still can't see my FUPA as anything but a problem (which I'm also embarrassed to admit)) but I'm trying.
So please excuse my word vomit, in and among pictures of myself I was viscerally uncomfortable in, both because I felt like it highlighted features of my self I don't show often (tummy and legs) and also because I don't like male attention and I felt like this rode the line of making me a target (which I recognize is their problem and I shouln't make it mine, but here we are).
Dress: Free People (Size Large) ~ Purse: Anthropologie (old) ~ Sandals: & Other Stories (Size 9) ~ Sunglasses: LOFT ~ Necklaces: World Market & Missoma
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