GOAL #2: ALWAYS BE LEARNING

Soundtrack: Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want, The Smiths (Pretty in Pink soundtrack, specifically)

Hello everyone! My posts have been increasingly infrequent; I apologize.

If you've been following along, I've been sharing some of my goals for the remainder of the year. My 2nd goal is to KEEP LEARNING.

Senior year rules! Dress, F21; socks, H&M; shoes, Tory Burch (old); Kate Spade Wordsmith clutch, available on eBay.

I've always loved school, and if I didn't have to work I'd be a full-time student. I doubt I'd run out of classes to take. Physics, car repair -- it's all fascinating to me.

When I find myself stuck in a rut, it's often because I've stopped learning. Things have become too routine. Work and motherhood provide opportunities but these "life lessons" can be heavy. It's much more escapist to immerse yourself in the intricacies of, say, welding.

A few things to help me Always Be Learning (coffee's for learners!):

Read more books by picking less difficult books. I naturally gravitate towards books like The Theoretical Minimum. But snuggled into a warm bed after a long day, it's physically impossible to read more than a few pages of The Theoretical Minimum.

Enroll in a class. Community colleges in Cleveland have great continuing ed courses, including Astronomy, Content Marketing, and Holiday Desserts.

Do unfamiliar things. Last year I joined -- of all things -- a fantasy football league (I am currently in first place!). You can't believe how much the world of conversation opens up with the most basic sports knowledge. I'm sorry I looked down on it for so long. I still don't care much for professional sports but I think my prior disdain cost me from getting to know some interesting people.

In summary, read easier books, make Holiday Desserts, root for NFL teams based on points assigned to players known to me only by their first initial, last name, and geography.

Have a great week everyone!

xxo 

(Blouse, Asos (old); sunnies, vintage Dior)

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!

FAB FRIDAYS: I'M THE BACKPACK LOADED UP WITH THINGS AND KNICK-KNACKS TOO...

Hi Knuckles!

I recently made a life-changing purchase during my vacation: a backpack.  Okay, so I felt a little bit like a dipsh*t carrying this thing around New York City, but honestly it was liberating.  So free!  Arms fully available!  Even weight distribution!  Compared to a heavy shoulder bag, slipping on my backpack felt like taking your bra off after a long day.

Backpacks are tricky to pull off.  If you wear the wrong sandals you'll look like a Park Slope Food Co-op shopping Putamayo world music devote.  An an Asian woman, if you wear the wrong skirt you'll elicit looks from icky anime fetishists.  But actually, who cares?  So free!  Arms fully available!  Even weight distribution!

Luckily backpacks are in full trend right now, and there are millions of styles to choose from:

1) Forever 21, $29.80; 2) Vivienne Westwood, $956; 
3) Eastpack x Nicomede Talavera, $193 (on sale); 4) Free People, $528; 
5) Meredith Wendell, $595; 6) Madewell, $248;
7) Tory Burch, $255.50 (on sale); 8) Steve Madden, $98;
9) Charlotte Russe, $26.99; 10) Rockland, $84

Just for fun, here's a peek into the contents of my own, recently-cleaned, Deux Lux backpack:

(Clockwise from top left: Tory Burch Revas (I always keep these in whatever bag I carry), Revlon ColorStay Overtime lip stains, black socks (you never know when you'll need socks!), gum, fruit snacks, WAG brand bandages, crayons, Cars Hot Wheel, Peter Thomas Roth Mega Rich body lotion (this stuff smells so good!), tinted Lipstick Queen in Medieval, Elliott Lucca wallet, anti-friction stick (have you tried this before?  It really helps prevent blisters), headphones.  Not pictured: keys, phone). 
   
The other life-changing thing we were recently gifted is a Dustbuster.  It is amazing.  I'm a master Dustbuster now.  No more Goldfish crumb graveyards.

Have a wonderful weekend, Knuckles!

WHAT THE LITTLEST KNUCKLES THINK OF MY BLOG

Good morning Knuckles!

I've now been blogging for a little over a year, and I have to say it's been a lot of fun.  It's given me the opportunity to meet other amazing bloggers and even re-connect with old friends.  I feel grateful to every single one of my readers, thank you!

I've always known that The Covert Boutique has a limited shelf-life and will eventually be a source of embarrassment for my children, but I thought I had at least a few years.  Here's what they already think of Mommy's fashion blog, LOL:

(Sunnies, Target; shirt, H&M; skirt, F21, jelly gladiator sandals, Old Navy. On CoStar: dress, Target; shoes, Crocs.  On the little guy: Superman T-Shirt, Target; shorts, Carters; shoes, Stride Rite)

You can always count on your kids to tell it like it is!  For every sweet "Mommy, I love you," you get a zinger:

(Putting on jeans) Mommy, your booty is really big, it barely fits into your jeans.

(Trying a new hair style) Uh, there's not enough hair on that side of your head.

Me: Can I have a kiss?  Little Knuckle: Nooo, you have stinky breath!   

Hope you have a great weekend, Knuckles!

WE RUN THE WORLD

Good morning Knuckles!

On Wednesday I spent the evening with three inspirational women.

Beyonce played the United Center, and she was amazing.  FLOTUS and her daughters sat a few boxes down from us.  Her handlers asked us not to take any photos but said we could "take her in," which I gladly did.  And last but not least, I got to spend some quality time with my work BFF.

(Here I am awkwardly posing against the wall, and yes I have a dozen bug bites on my legs.  CAN'T STOP SCRATCHING.  Sunnies, Target (recently I've lost/destroyed two beloved pairs of fancy sunglasses so I've decided I do not deserve expensive sunglasses this summer); watch, Casio; earrings, Anna Sheffield for Target; necklaces, MyNameBoutique, PersonalizedBoutique; jacket and skirt, H&M; bustier, F21; shoes, Asos; purse, Elliott Lucca.  The women at this show were DRESSED UP!  Slinky jumpsuits, sexy dresses, sequined shorts, all paired with sky-high heels.  I honestly felt like a mini-Shrek in my googly-eyed flats).

What did I learn from these amazing women?

1) As L. observed, Beyonce owns the "swimsuit as eveningwear" look.  I would like to embark on a butt-toning adventure this summer so I, too, can pull off swimsuits as eveningwear, or at least give the seams on my skinny jeans a break.

2)  FLOTUS was wearing a patterned green peplum blouse, with a metallic belt and matching green pants.  It was the exact outfit I would like to wear when I grow up: classy yet on-trend and all-around gorgeous.

3) I love living vicariously through L.  She is living proof that you can be foxy and successful in a corporate environment.  She never wears pants and basically taught me how to wear skirts again. 

Have a great weekend, Knuckles!  I hope you spend it surrounded by successful, talented, beautiful, and inspirational women!

CHANNELING A BY-GONE ERA

My dearest Knuckles!  

I hope you enjoyed your long weekend.  Sorry for the brief absence in activity.  No reason, really, except that my allergies were acting up like a mofo and I was holed up in the house in glasses, sweats and t-shirts.  But I got straightened out after a visit to the CVS Minute Clinic and now feel like myself again.

(Sunnies, Times Square; dress, worn as a blouse, Asos; skirt, F21; belt, Banana Republic; purse, Elliott Lucca; shoes, Prada; earrings, Kate Spade; ring, purchased on MyHabit, can't remember the designer)

I love all the textures in this outfit, from the woven belt to the flowers on the skirt.  I also really love this retro hairdo.  I got my hair permed recently to give it some texture and I'm still waiting for it to relax, and if it's not pulled back I look like Rick James.  Superfreak!

Have a great week!

PUT A BIRD ON IT

Good morning Knuckles!

I don't have any tattoos but my favorite one of all time is Cat Hartwell's (of Fannypack and Holy Hail fame).  Holy Hail played at the Fur Cups' second album release party and pretty much ever since I've wanted her tattoos: two birds in flight, one on the forearm and one on the bicep (I won't be creepy and post an image but you can see a small photo here).  Alas, tattoos aren't in my future due to a) the pain and b) my job so I'll have to settle for birds on my skirt instead. 

(Sunnies, Target; blazer, Moschino; top, Banana Republic; skirt, F21; belt, H&M; pearl necklace, J.Crew; necklaces, MyNameNecklace.com, PersonalizedBoutique.com; purse, Elliott Lucca; shoes, Fendi; bracelets, F21, Alex+Ani)

The most amazing part of this ancient Moschino blazer is the piping.  It's made of reflective material that glows in direct light (e.g. when the flash went off) like something out of Tron or Jack Donaghy's laid-back future self in 30 Rock:

Anyhow, I am a huge sucker for tattoos.  Lately I've been really into The Voice and I have to say, that Adam Levine is one winsome dude.  Actually he and Mr. Brass Knuckles are long lost twins but one has tats and the other doesn't, and consequently one does not have to hear me waxing poetic about how hot he'd be with some ink, or nagging about mowing the lawn or putting his cups into the dishwasher.  (I'm coming after you, Adam Levine.  ALL DIRTY CUPS MUST BE PLACED IN THE DISHWASHER IN A TIMELY MANNER).

Have a great week, Knuckles!

HAPPY SPRING BREAK! BRIGHTENING UP THE SEASON

Good morning Knuckles!

Despite what the thermometer says, it's Spring!  I've been on such a black and white streak lately that I feel like I need some bright colors to liven up my wardrobe.

(Sunnies, Target; jacket, F21; blouse, new, Aqua; jeans; Chip and Pepper; shoes, 9West; bag, Elliott Lucca; bracelets, Alex+Ani, H&M; necklaces, PersonalizedBoutique.com, MyNameNecklace.com)

Luckily I have the day off tomorrow for Spring Break (unfortunately when you're a working mother you don't get hedonistic spring breaks anymore; you have to squeeze in hedonism where you can, and normally hedonism consists of sitting around in your pajamas, drinking martinis and online shopping).  I'm meeting my work crush for shopping, dinner, and drinks so maybe I will find some color --  in my cheeks, if nothing else!

Have a happy and wonderful weekend Knuckles!

BUYING THIS $19 SKIRT MADE ME FEEL LIKE KIM KARDASHIAN AT AN ALL-MALE REVUE

Good morning Knuckles!

When I made my resolution not to buy clothes for a year, I did give myself one exception: spending old giftcards is fair game.  Not that I have a huge stash lying around, but I had a few with random small amounts and it seemed reasonable to be able to use them.  If this is cheating, ah well... <shrugs indifferently>.

I had one for F21 with like $23 on it from a shirt I returned last year, which was the perfect amount for this high-low skirt.

(Jacket, Zara; French Connection dress worn as a shirt; skirt, F21; shoes, River Island; purse, Elliott Lucca; jewelry, F21, Asos, H&M; Twitter-handle name necklace, MyNameNecklace.com)

I have to say, buying the skirt felt simultaneously like a splurge and like I was doing something really naughty.  Perhaps you can teach an old dog new tricks.  Woof woof!

The shoes are from River Island which I purchased in London with my dear friend Jen.  I miss those trips!  We'd spend the day shopping for work, go back to the hotel to drop off our packages, and then go back to the stores to shop for ourselves.  Oh, the excess.... <shrugs indifferently>. 

(Now excuse me while I get myself another cup of coffee to wash away all this meh).

Have a great weekend, Knuckles!

DEAR LEADER

Hi Knuckles!

It's "Superfluous Sunglasses Day" here on The Covert Boutique (it was highly overcast):

(Sunnies, YSL; scarf, a gift; jacket, F21; skirt, Topshop; tights, Hue; belt, H&M; boots, Miss Sixty; purse, Elliott Lucca; bracelets, Asos, H&M)

I rarely wear this coat because it's not very warm, but it's incredibly special to me.  It was a gift from my mother when I was pregnant with CoStar.  At the time I lived in New York and she was in Chicago, so we hadn't been shopping together in years.  That fall, however, I went home for a visit and we went to the mall.  My body was just starting to change and I think this really touched my mother, and she generously bought me a bunch of new things to accommodate my growing belly.

The scarf was a bridesmaid gift from my dear friend and bandmate, K.  Her wedding colors were eggplant and chartreuse and we wore these shawls over deep purple dresses.

I gotta say, I'm kinda loving the photo of me smiling.  It isn't the best of the bunch, but I included it because even though I've worn these YSL sunnies about a million times for some reason this shot reminds me of Kim Jong Il (or maybe Margaret Cho?)

(Margaret Cho on 30 Rock)

Have a great weekend, Knuckles!

A WARM WINTER... A FEDORA

Hi Knuckles!

While I appreciate the mild weather, I do have my fingers crossed for a white Christmas.  Here I am, perfectly comfortable in a straw fedora and denim jacket.  In December. 

 (Fedora, Rainbow; sunnies, YSL; scarf, J.Crew; jacket, H&M; jumpsuit, F21; shoes, Asos; bag, Elliott Lucca; watch, Casio; jewelry, Banana Republic, Asos, Alex+Ani).

I bought this sleeveless jumpsuit when I was 7 months pregnant to wear to a dear friend's wedding in Miami.  I didn't want to spend tons of money on a maternity dress and it was wonderfully stretchy and forgiving.  A fascinator and an oversized necklace dressed it up nicely.  

The fedora was an impulse purchase; I was visiting New York and on my way to meet some friends for dinner.  I was wearing a silk green dress and felt like the outfit was missing something, and saw this fedora in the window of the Rainbow store on Avenue A and it was like HUZZAH!  Exactly the perfect thing, once I got over the "Dag I am wearing a fedora" insecurity.

Have a great weekend, Knuckles!  May it be full of smiles, and a martini or two.

MARRIED WITH CHILDREN

Hello Knuckles!

I am totally going to embarrass CoStar by being the Mom who refuses to wear age-appropriate clothing and shows up to PTA meetings looking like Peg Bundy:

(Sunglasses, Carrera; blouse and pants, both F21; earrings, (can't remember); jelly bracelets, Claire's; watch, Casio; shoes, Enzo Angiolini, these shoes are the anti-FLOs, they are the most comfortable heels I own.  Even after epic evenings out, when I wear these shoes my feet and I remain on speaking terms) .

Though I'd rather channel Kelly Bundy:

(All photos, Nasty Gal lookbook)

Have a great week, everyone!

STEALING AWAY TO CREEPY SPACES

Last weekend I got to attend a fundraising event hosted by my gorgeous friend Linda who, like me, is not buying clothes for a year.  The evening was lovely, and afterwards Mr. Brass Knuckles and I went exploring and found ourselves on an empty floor that reminded me of something out of The Shining.

 (Jacket, F21; dress, Diane Von Furstenberg; shoes, Prada.  This carpet is mad crazy yo!).

I bought this dress to wear to my friend Heidi's wedding several years back.  Mr. Brass Knuckles (then boyfriend Brass Knuckles) was my date, and it was one of the first times he visited my family home in Chicago.  Paris Hilton was spotted in the same dress that very weekend!

Isn't Linda just dreamy?  She's my work crush!

Have a great week, Knuckles!