New Cut, New Cap

About a month or ago, I decided to cut my hair (see default, black and white blog picture). It was one of the most impulsive decisions I've ever made, and I don't regret it in the least. 

I literally took a pair of household scissors and cut off the processed portion of my hair, so all that was left was a few inches of new growth. Needless to say, I avoided my stylist (aka, the person who had given me my curly perm 10 or so years prior) and only spoke to her on the matter when she called and asked me where the hell I'd been. She wasn't too thrilled, but when you get to the point where you want to do the big chop, YOU JUST KNOW. Obviously, I was so over it that I didn't even consult a professional, but thank God for twist-outs because I have no idea what I would be doing with my teeny fro! I'm sure it isn't all the same length but this style does a good job of hiding it, lol.

Today I was out with the boo, and we stopped by H&M. I was telling him he should look for a new jacket when I peeped the Spring hats. Granted, they're mens hats, but who cares? I tried a pale grey one on, I liked it, he liked it, I purchased it, and we rolled. First hat purchase since cutting my hair, woohoo! 

Booking It

I have the best news ever! After a lot of writing, erasing, and a few bouts of writer's block, I am officially a published author. Head on over to alexandrabowmanwrites.com to get a copy of my book: A Little Rant on Retail.

All of the years I spent working in retail couldn't fit in this lil ole book, but suffice it to say that I chose a good portion of the more noteworthy stories to relate to you all. There's drama, despair, dancing, dinero... the whole nine.

This book is for anyone who's worked in the service industry. And for anyone who's dealt with difficult customers. And for anyone who sometimes worries if they have a shopping habit. Which, let's face it, is most of us. Here's to you, everyone. I hope you enjoy my pièce de résistance.

Keep it Simple

Lately I've been paring down my wardrobe a bit; trying to weed out things that I don't wear/need because a.) it frees up some closet space, b.) it makes it easier to get dressed, and c.) if I sell it, it gives me a little extra cash. Haha!

I do my fair share of eBaying, so it makes me feel less guilty about spending money when I sell something that has been collecting dust. Lately I've been selling a few of the leather bags that I fell in love with a few years ago, mainly because they aren't as practical as certain other bags that I grab on a daily basis. It made my heart ache to part with my Marc by Marc Jacobs and Alexander Wang satchels, but at the end of the day, I didn't miss them nearly as much as I thought I would. It's crazy, because I absolutely LOVE bags. It's like the icing on the cake to a great outfit. I had a pink MbyMJ satchel, a black one, and a grey, badass strappy Wang one, but all of them are making homes in other women's bag collections. So why is it that I DON'T find myself wishing I still had these bags in my possession?

I guess the main reason is because I've fallen head over heels for the leather shopper. It's incredibly simple, yet cool enough to be worn almost Every. Single. Day. Working a 9-5 job in the city means I often take lunch with me most days out of the week, so I like the fact that I can toss my lunch bag in the same bag that I carry my makeup, wallet, and other various necessities in and be ready to go. In the winter, I can stuff my scarf and gloves in it when I get to my destination. In the summer, I can store my cardigan in it when I step out of the sometimes too chilly, air-conditioned office. 

Another great thing about the simplest leather shoppers is that they go with a variety of looks. Perfect for work, whether you work in a tattoo shop, or in a law firm. Wear one with anything from strappy sandals, to Converses, to oxfords, and it never looks out of place. No hardware, so you don't have to worry about matching the metal in your jewelry to your bag. There are also a wide assortment of price ranges to suit any wallet: I found my first (ZARA) leather shopper on eBay for $40. My second, and most favorite one is by Baggu; they offer different colors throughout the year, and sell in multiple stores so you can sometimes catch a deal if you shop around. (The Baggu one was $160, but well-worth every penny, especially when you consider the fact that lots of other leather bags cost $300 and up.)

Anywhoooo, suffice it to say that you need one. Trust me, you won't regret it ;)

Baggu Basic Leather Tote in Persimmon: $160

Genuine Leather Tote in Teal-  Alexbender on Etsy: about $210

Spring Cleaning

It's been almost a year! As usual, I got so caught up in everything else, I neglected my writing. Even my journal is looking kind of dusty.

Anywho... I'm sick of Winter. Sooooo through. I'm tired of wearing a pair of socks on top of my sweater tights, tired of squinting in the wind, tired of dreading every little errand that I have to run out in the cold.

Needless to say, my shopping habits haven't changed much; they've just shifted. Instead of making my monthly runs to Georgetown or the huge Forever 21 on F street or Pentagon City, I've been looking high and low for the things I want online. 

Etsy has been getting a portion of almost every paycheck for the past few months. Ever since I got my second earlobe piercing, I have been scouring sites, looking for cool mismatched earring studs. I'm always excited for a new excuse to buy jewelry!

Lite Brite

For the past few weeks I've been seeing brights pop up everywhere: in stores, online, in fashion magazines... And so, I have it programmed in my brain that I NEED some fun, punchy colors in my Spring wardrobe. Today at the mall I found a few things that definitely fed my hunger for the trend. I got a stretchy, pink mini (I'll wear it high-waisted with a neutral tank tucked into it), and an adorable orange clutch with a zipper that is the same hue as the skirt. I loved the clutch so much that I grabbed a kelly green one with a bright blue zipper as well. *Sigh!* Now to wait til it's warm enough to wear my little gems...

Skirt: Nordstrom. Clutch: Zara.

Happy New Year!

Oh wow... *brushes dust off of keyboard* It's been over a month. I've kind've been avoiding my laptop ever since I got my Ipod Touch for Christmas; I love being able to get on Facebook away from home! Next stop: Twitter?!?! I dunno... my friends are tryna convince me to get one and I just might...!

Anyway, life's been pretty good, can't complain. I've been working hard since the holiday season brought in beaucoup customers; i'm glad things are slowing down a bit though I still work like, every day. As far as shopping goes... I've been... trying, and failing (lol) to quit. I HAD to hit up the semi-annual Vicky's sale (in-store and online, lol), and I also bought a pair of jeweled glovelets (from Free People's website, not to mention music, a pair of jeggings, a New Year's outfit (we were staying at the Gaylord Natonal Hotel; had to look flyy), etc.... yikes. Yesterday I bought a plaid tunic for work @ A&F, as well as this adorable military-inspired cropped cardigan that they *gasp* only had one of in my store! How lucky is that? It happened to be a customer return (we don't even sell it at our store because it's kinda small compared to other Abercrombie & Fitches), but it was still new with tags attached so I considerd it to be fate and bought it! It's the one pictured... I'm wearing it now as I type, lol.