The Year(s) in Review

I just noticed that I started my blog on this site almost exactly 11 years ago today. So I thought it might be interesting to look back at the 11 blog entries closest to today's date each year. Here's a summary of my life over the past 11 years, as noted in my blog. 

2010: My son was not quite three months old, and I was madly in love. With him, but also with how proud my husband was of him, and of me. 

2011: I had just announced my pregnancy with my daughter, and was laughing hysterically about all the food-related descriptions of how big my growing fetus was: grape...apple...cantaloupe...pumpkin. 

2012: My son was in the midst of potty-training, and I had really lost any sense of privacy. He was fascinated by people using the toilet, so I frequently had company in the bathroom. Ironically, since we recently adopted a pair of kittens, I once again am dealing with constant company in the bathroom of small creatures who are fascinated by the toilet.

2013: I described the concept of the "Mama Siren," which is when a child repeatedly announces, "Mama. Mama. Mama. Mama!" with gradually increasing volume until it cannot possibly be ignored. If you're a parent, you'll know exactly what I mean.

2014: Much like today, this day in 2014 was apparently bone-chillingly cold, so much so that I used the expression "booger-freezing cold." And lest you think I'm disgusting, I would like to point an accusatory finger at cartoonist Bill Watterson and one of my favorite Calvin and Hobbes comics.

 

But clearly I was also making an effort to overcome, as my entry focused on the parts of a cold, snowy day that I enjoy. I can use that reminder today. 

2015: I was obviously wearing my homeschooling hat, and I had figured out a way to teach my son how to cook while incorporating chemistry, math, geography, nutrition, physics, botany, and penmanship.

2016: This year I was in the midst of one of my "Photo a Day" stints (which reminds me that I should do another one of those), but I took a break to write a cocktail blog. Which reminds me that I haven't had a good sidecar in a while. Today is Friday and I think we have some nice steaks in the fridge. Might need to do up a fancy restaurant-style dinner tonight!

2017: Speaking of food, it was cooking blog time 4 years ago today! I blogged about making lasagna, which is one of my absolute favorite cold-weather dinners. I nearly always make it for my husband's birthday (it's one of his absolute favorites as well), so a month after his birthday we're both ready for lasagna again. I feel like this is a very common late-January meal for us.

2018: Another of my regular blog "features" is red carpet fashion reviews, and this year I reviewed the Grammy Awards. And since I'm always looking for a twist, this particular review compared the 2018 Grammy red carpet looks with similar looks from past red carpet events: my personal version of "Who Wore It Better?". Another blog topic that needs to be revisited.

2019: I'm not sure what was going on with me in 2018-2019, but there is a big gap in my blog between July 2018 and late February 2019, when I reviewed the red carpet for the Oscars. Burnout? Exhaustion? Dealing with being back to work part-time and still managing two active young children and a husband? Distinctly possible. 

2020: Another gap in my blog, with the last entry for 2019 on December 11 (topic: Christmas music by decade), and the first for 2020 was March 13, when the world around me shut down due to COVID. I can't claim that I saw it coming (I most certainly did not), but I do recall that it was a very busy time for me at work, which made it that much more disappointing that the students weren't able to finish out the year and perform the show they'd already begun working hard on. 

2021: We're still in partial lockdown; I'm actually physically at work today for the first time in about 6 weeks. My husband went in to his office this week for the first time in about 8 months. So we're still in a weird place, but we're managing. We're settled into our new house, still working on fixing it up the way we want it, and the kids have found their groove with both school and friends. We're all looking forward to things going back to something like the way they were, but until they do, we're hanging in there, healthy and happy.

So it's been an interesting walk through the past decade or so. From being a new mom, to a mom of two, to a homeschooler, to having a growing focus on food and fashion, to a drift away from writing, and now to hopefully getting back to my blog, as I am reminded of how much I enjoy recording pieces of my life here. 

If you enjoy reading my blog, I'm glad. Even if you ignore some topics and read only others, I am happy to share my thoughts with you. I'd love to hear any comments my readers have on topics they'd like to hear more on, and even ones that you don't much care for, so please don't hesitate to post a comment (I get weird spam comments sometimes, so be patient while I moderate the comments before they appear publicly). I mostly write for myself, but I write for my readers, as well. Especially now, when social connections are a bit more of a struggle, I like knowing that someone out there is "hearing" my voice. I hope what I have to say makes your life a little more pleasant.

Inauguration Fashion: Where Can I Get It?

Prada, Ralph Lauren, Miu Miu, Markarian, Chanel. I don't know about you, but I can't afford those labels. And without those labels, I can never dress like the women at yesterday's inauguration, right? WRONG! You may not be able to get the exact same look, but you can certainly find a reasonable facsimile, if not for cheap, then for at least more reasonable than the original designer version. 

Here are some more affordable and accessible versions of 2021 inaugural fashions for the rest of us.

Amanda Gorman's yellow coat, red satin headband, birdcage ring, and red spangled mask:

$60.94 from Light in the Box 

This pretty vivid yellow wool coat is accented with large black buttons down the back, front patch pockets with flaps, and a belt. 

$63.99 from Walmart

This shorter version is double-breasted like the original, and features a flared silhouette, large black buttons, and black piping on the cuffs. 

$6.99 from CN Hair Accessories

A full circle hat (called a "church ring" hat, incidentally) is difficult to find; however, this padded red satin headband can be worn in a traditional style across the top of the head, or tiara-style like Ms. Gorman.

$480 from Ciner NY

This is the closest version I could find to Gorman's original ring, which is not cheap at $480. But it is lovely.

$20 from Poshmark

This version isn't quite as...well, posh, but it is 3-dimensional, gets the point across, and is certainly much more affordable. 

$22.50 from Natalie Mills

Dozens of crystals bring the bling to this 2-layer cotton mask with adjustable earstraps.

Hillary Clinton's purple pantsuit, scarf, and brown wool coat:

$90.99 from Woman Within

This vivid purple, double-breasted suit jacket with cropped sleeves and shawl collar paired with straight-legged pants can give you that politically polished look.

$6.00 from Poshmark

Add this pretty knitted ruffle scarf to your suit and you're both professional and feminine.

$53.51 from Wish

This wool blend coat with cashmere collar is available in rich, dark brown or elegant eggplant. Its classic A-line silhouette can be as professional or relaxed, as formal or casual as you need. 
 

Jill Biden's spectacular blue tweed coat:

$50 from Poshmark

While not quite as spectacular as the original, this lovely long blue tweed coat features pale aqua piping around the lapels, pocket flaps, and cuffs. 

$463 from ZCrave

If that hint of sparkle is what caught your eye, this darker blue coat with pearl beading and buttons might be a good (if a bit pricier) alternative for you. 

JLo's iridescent white harem pants, sheer ruffle-front blouse, and white dress coat:

$15.98 from White House Black Market

These softly-draping knit pants have a beautiful shine and an elegant fullness.

$72.00 from Club L London USA

For true JLo bling, go for these crisper iridescent sequined pants instead.

$24.99 from Shein

This sheer white blouse with ruffled cuffs and jabot adds texture with its dotted Swiss fabric.

$13.41 from Yes Style

For less sheer and more ruffle, opt for this high-necked ruffle-front satin blouse instead.

$42.54 from Light in the Box

This simple fit-and-flare white wool coat is simply timeless and will flatter any figure.

$132.60 at Lupulla

If you prefer a straighter, more classic A-line silhouette, this option is another elegant style. 

Kamala Harris' cobalt-blue coat and pearl necklace:

$149.99 from Chadwick's

This classic wool trench is a bit darker than the original, but just as tailored and elegant.

$74.74 from Light in the Box

This version is brighter and a bit shorter, but still with the classic A-line cut. 

$169.19 from Overstock

Pearls separated by links of chains; just a little different from a traditional plain strand of pearls.

Michelle Obama's plum turtleneck sweater, wide-legged trousers, belt, and overcoat:

$128 from Jennie Liu

This classic soft cashmere sweater can pair with nearly anything, from jeans to formalwear.

$53.40 from Bloomingdale's

More classic cashmere, but with a slightly nubbly texture and a softer turtleneck collar. 

$17 from Shein

These high-waisted, wide-legged pants are nicely fitted at the waist for a smooth fit.

$55 from ChicStar

This fuller, softer version has more movement and less crispness for a softer, more feminine look.

$20.99 from OCIET

This extra-wide belt features a round brass buckle.

$9.99 from Chanelia

Simple wide leather belt with a simple round buckle embellished with rhinestones.

$44.95 from Berrylook

Classic belted wool A-line coat with wide lapels.

$126.95 from Milanoo

Another classic silhouette with notched collar and squared shoulders.

Oh - and one final link, because I know you're all dying for this one (but you're on your own to knit the mittens): $369 from LL Bean

Inauguration 2021: Fashion Review

I tend to avoid public posts about politics, so this is not a political post. But since fashion, as well as politics, is always on parade at a presidential inauguration, this is a red carpet review of the fashions on parade at the 2021 U.S. Presidential Inauguration. And there were plenty of red-carpet-worthy looks on display! Here are some of the more notable looks.

 

Let's start off with the best of the best: Amanda Gorman, Youth Poet Laureate, stunned not only with her beautiful poem and its moving, heartfelt delivery, but with her striking canary yellow Prada coat, vivid red satin headband, and red spangled mask. The lines were clean and simple, the vivid colors were perfect for her youth and the joy of the day, and every accessory was perfect, from her hairstyle to her ring. Her ring was a gift from Oprah, a caged bird representing poet Maya Angelou, who also read one of her poems at a presidential inauguration, Bill Clinton's in 1993.

Symbolism and fashion tributes were present in other outfits as well. Kamala Harris' two great-nieces wore matching leopard print coats similar to those worn by Kamala and her sister Meena (the girls' grandmother) as children in this old family photo.

Another fabulous look from members of the Harris family was sported by Ella Emhoff, daughter of Harris' husband, Doug Emoff. Emhoff wore a gorgeously tailored plaid Miu Miu coat with a fitted and flared silhouette and amber beading on the shoulders, set of by a large white collar. With its princess seaming, angled pocket flaps, and just slightly puffed shoulders, it was reminiscent of turn-of-the-century fashions yet was completely contemporary. Emhoff accessorized with demure black headband, mask, handbag, and leather gloves to complete the stylish look.  

Hillary Clinton looked terrific in a bright purple Ralph Lauren wide-legged pantsuit that was set off to perfect with a perfectly-matching ruffled scarf. I didn't love the boring black shoes, or the black accessories with a dark brown coat, but honestly, the suit was so fabulous that I didn't mind that much. Also, I love her longer, flipped back hair.  

One of my absolute favorite looks of the day, and the one I would most like to own myself, was First Lady Jill Biden's coordinating cerulean dress and coat by Markarian. (And yes, if you've ever wondered what color "cerulean blue" is, it's this.) I love that the tweed fabric had both texture and a hint of sparkle; I love the velvet collar and cuffs, I love the mesh inset and neckline beading (possibly a necklace), and the matching shoes and mask. The variety of textures in the various pieces worked without being overly matchy-matchy or bland. 

Jennifer Lopez stunned in head-to-toe white Chanel, wearing wide-legged iridescent trousers topped with a sheer, ruffle-front blouse and accented with silver chain belts, all covered by a long wool coat. As with many of the women, her jewelry focused on pearls, including large pearl earrings and a multi-strand pearl bracelet. Very JLo, very chic, but very appropriate to the occasion. 

Lady Gaga, another inaugural performer known for her outrageous fashions, also toned her usual look down without losing her personal style in a black and red Schiaparelli Haute Couture gown. The central focus of the look was a large brooch in the shape of a golden dove carrying an olive branch, representing peace. The black top had a simple high round neck and slightly flared sleeves, and was fitted to the slightly dropped waist. The hugely full red skirt and train could have been unwieldy, but Gaga is an expert in managing oversized costumes and was perfectly comfortable moving around. Her braided coronet hairstyle incorporated a touch of black and was just the slightest bit messy, which worked surprisingly well for me. A great look for her, and perfectly appropriate to the occasion. 

Of course, all eyes were on Vice President Kamala Harris, who did not disappoint in a traditional style purple-blue dress and coat with simple accessories. Her outfit was designed by Christopher John Rogers and Sergio Hudson, who are both Black, no doubt a conscious choice by Vice President Harris. Harris also wore a pearl necklace, something she has done for years as an homage to her college sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha. 

Nancy Pelosi opted for a short turquoise coat with matching scarf and shoes and coordinating print mask, over a white dress. The slightly flared sleeves with deep cuffs was rather reminiscent of Jackie Kennedy - never a bad thing, fashion-wise. I almost wished she had worn a pillbox hat to complete the look. 

Michelle Obama looked beyond fabulous in an all-plum ensemble by Sergio Hudson, with flowy, wide-legged trousers, turtleneck sweater, wide belt with large brass buckle, and an ankle-length, flared dress coat. At first I was bothered by the fact that there was some slight variation in the shades of plum in the pieces, but it grew on me and I decided that overall I loved the look. Bonus points for rocking the extra-long COVID hair. 

One of the few fashion flops for me was worn by Harris' sister, Meena Harris. She wore a long gray-green Coach coat with a fluffy fur collar that was almost a capelet, and a bright green prairie-style ruffled Ulla Johnson skirt and blouse. Although the coat wasn't the best color for her, it was not a bad look. But it seemed a completely different style than the outfit underneath. I liked the color of the skirt and blouse, but the ruffles made for an unflattering and overlarge silhouette, and the curved, ruffled hem of the blouse didn't seem to go with the straight ruffles of the skirt, despite clearly being intended to be worn together. It just was a very dowdy and disappointing look for me, and felt out of place with the more polished and tailored looks worn by most of the women in attendance. 

And of course, no fashion blog for the 2021 inauguration would be complete without a mention of Bernie Sanders' infamous look. In a sea of long woolen dress coats, Sanders wore a parka, and his knitted mittens stood out among the black leather gloves. Although I do wish he'd worn a more formal coat, I love that he kept his tradition of wearing these mittens, which were given to him by a supporter who knitted them from recycled sweaters and lined them with fleece made from recycled plastic bottles. Meaning is sometimes as important as fashion. 

Let's hope that we can all support the new administration as universally as we support their fashion choices!