FAB FRIDAYS: AMAZING ALTERNATE UNIVERSES

It's Friday, Knuckles!

I have been really into watching science shows these days, and wanted to share this cool photo:

(Photo of Earth, Voyager 1, taken from 6 billions miles away)

That little spec of light is the earth, you guys!  We are so totally tiny.  Some people think that the entirety of our universe is just one of an infinite number of alternate universes in the multiverse.  Which means somewhere out there I am yelling at Adam Levine to take out the dog. (#SCIENCE)

Speaking of alternate universes, the Rick Owens show yesterday was awesome.  Instead of models, he employed competitive step teams to strut and dance down the runway.  It's generated some controversy but I found it inspiring.  If you have a moment, check out the write-up at Fashion Bomb Daily (with Instagram videos) and the full collection at Style.com and decide for yourself.

(Photo Fashion Bomb Daily)

Have a wonderful weekend, Knuckles!

FEELING THE BURN OF A NEW REALITY

Good morning, Knuckles, and happy Thursday!

(Sunnies, Chanel; vest, H&M; belt, Banana Republic; jeans, James Twiggy; shoes and bag, Marc by Marc Jacobs; necklace, J.Crew Factory; bracelet, my mom's vintage gold cuff)

I admit, when it comes to metabolism I got pretty lucky in the genes department.  In fact, I am the curviest of all Knuckles women (I distinctly remember my gorgeous cousin once say, in a totally non-humblebrag way, Sometimes it seems like the more I eat, the more weight I lose.  I am definitely not that lucky).

Despite good genes, recently I've put on a few pounds.  I attribute this to three things.  First, my metabolism and I are getting older (sigh).  Second, I lead a sedentary lifestyle.  I don't exercise but prior to moving to the suburbs I walked a lot; now my butt has formed a nice ass-groove in my car.  Finally, I eat like a 16 year old boy.  The power that hamburgers wield over me is embarrassing.

Recognizing a new reality, a couple weeks ago I started Jillian Michael's 30-day Shred.  I picked this particular workout because it's manageable and realistic; it's only 25 minutes long and can be done at home in the morning (fact: I'm a lazy mofo).  I also resolved to cut down on superfluous sweets and limit my french fry intake to just once per week.

How has it been going?  Well, I haven't lived up to my food resolutions.  You'd think a person could refrain from stuffing her face with french fries at every possible opportunity but actually, I'm just that weak.  I've been diligent about working out and I feel stronger but my pants are still tight (I don't own a scale, so my only gauge of success is how my clothes fit).  

Why am I sharing this with you today?  Well, it's a slow news day.  But I also just wanted to tip my hat to everyone who makes time to work out and eat well.  It means you are prioritizing yourself which, amidst the craziness of every day, is not easy to do.

Have a great weekend, Knuckles!

MILWAUKEE DATE NIGHT

Good morning Knuckles!

I apologize for the seriously long absence.  I recently started a new job (same company, different brand) and I've been spending a lot of time getting up to speed.

BUT!  Mr. Brass Knuckles and I took a well-needed mini-vacation this weekend.  We drove up to surprisingly scenic and adorable Milwaukee, WI for 36 hours of date action.  It was our first evening alone together in over three years.  We left on Friday morning and by brunch on Saturday, I had the same lovesick butterflies in my stomach that I had at our first brunch (I was also considerably less hung-over this time).

On the way back home, we stopped at the outlets where I picked up this gorgeous silk printed BCBG blouse and fun Aldo boots:

(Sunnies, Target; top, BCBG; skirt, H&M; boots, Aldo; bag, Elliott Lucca; bracelets, Alex+Ani; necklaces, MyNameNecklace,com and PersonalizedBoutique.com)

I love these new boots!  They are super comfortable, and they remind me of Jeffrey Campbell Lita's but less crazy.  

Also, I jazzed up this look with blue hair chalk, which you can barely see in the photos but adds a touch of temporary fun.  I bought the chalk at the big Walgreens on the Las Vegas strip and even though it's really messy, I love it because it reminds me of a time when I used to have blue hair (more on that in a different post). 

Have a great week, Knuckles!

STYLISH MOMMAS FASHION CHALLENGE, B&W EDITION, AND "MOMMY BLOGGING"

Happy Monday, Knuckles!

As you know I participate in a monthly fashion round-up with several other stylish mom bloggers.  This month's theme is black and white prints:

As always, please check out these gorgeous mothers who make style look easy:
Top left, Megan from Fashionista Momma (how adorable is she?!)
Top right, Akiko from Akiko & Captain (Instagram: AkikoSenda).
Bottom Left, Aracely from Mama Fashion Files (Instagram: MamaFash)
Bottom Right, Janise from Mama in Heels

"Mommy blogging" is a strange thing.  When I was a straight-up "fashion blogger" I was rarely solicited but now that I've joined the Top Mommy Blogs registry, I get hit up for everything.  Every company, apparently, wants positive reviews or write-ups from "Mommy bloggers."  Mr. Brass Knuckles and I (both marketers) often chuckle about how I am now part of the most coveted marketing demographic: 30-something women with kids.

The thing is, I don't define myself as a "Mommy," and in fact if that's the first word someone used to describe me I would be a little embarrassed.  Some women really embrace being mothers; for me my children are really just one, albeit dominant, facet of my life.

Where am I going with this?  I dunno dude.  Nowhere that hasn't been traveled before.  Why don't you just click on that Top Mommy Blogs widget (right -->) and gank me some more pageviews?

(A less lazy post is forthcoming, promise!).

Have a great week, Knuckles!
  

ROMP AROUND!

Allo mes amis!

Apologies for the week-long absence; I was travelling for work.  I'm so bummed that the summer is finally winding down.  The weather was still nice enough, however, to enjoy one last romp in the romper below:

(Sunnies, Target; romper, F21; shoes, 9West, earrings and rings, H&M; bracelet, my mom's vintage gold cuff; watch, Casio)

I purchased this from Forever 21 four years ago for a black-tie event.  Black tie?! you skeptically ask.  I'd searched high and low for a fancy dress but everything felt so tired and trying-too-hard, so I gave up and walked into Forever 21 for other random crap and BOOM.  I dressed it up with colorful Fendi heels, a sparkly clutch and a fascinator and it looked amazing.  More than one woman asked where I got it, and I openly admitted I paid like 30 bucks for it.  Sometimes the best formal garb is the most unexpected.  I once saw a non-Indian woman wear an incredible sari to a black-tie affair and it was so chic and perfect I stopped in my tracks, mouth agape.

Anyhow, I love rompers but is it just me or is going to the bathroom the weirdest thing?  You're basically naked in the stall and it's like Hello boobies!

Have a wonderful day, Knuckles!