A massage therapy student shares eight things she’s learned from 50 naked people. (Cheers, Annette!)

Oh, how I love navy and magenta worn together.

Caitlin wants to know if the scale has replaced the glass ceiling. And she remains so insightful and hilarious that I shall coin a new term for her: Insightfularious.

A few months ago Beauty Bets told me, in no uncertain terms, that Cetaphil is bad news. I’ve been doing oil cleansers ever since! (Post forthcoming.)

Peeking into Nubby’s shoe closet made me SALIVATE.

“… more and more, we seem to equate the idea of people appearing without cosmetics with ‘bravery’ – when it’s actually just making a slightly less socially advantageous choice than usual.”

Here’s a quick reminder that incredibly chic, incredibly famous celebs wear bright tights, too.

How fun is this criss-crossed and belted leopard cardigan? And so perfect with the tailored skirt and slouchy boots.

Actress Laura Linney shares some down-to-earth thoughts on aging.

“In fictional characters—cartoons, icons, heroines, Muppets—we see women who are literally constructions, and when these characters catch on, it’s an opportunity to see what constructions of femininity our culture responds to. What can we learn from the Langwideres, Dorothys, and Glindas about our ideas of femininity?”

Such a marvelous mix of muted tones and neutrals in this chic, sleek ensemble.

A fabulous reminder that it’s usually not possible to love your body completely and fully all of the time. And that’s just fine.

Quick reminder: Iggy Pop is awesome. And he looks great in a dress.

A recent YA novel examines a question that I brought up a while back: If we were all identically, physically beautiful, wouldn’t we all long to be different, unique, and “flawed”? This review explores other issues that surface in Scott Westerfield’s Uglies.

Psyche puts together three stellar outfits featuring her bright orange blazer.

This essay on moving beyond beauty is interesting and inspiring. I especially loved this tidbit; “Even if other people want to tell you it’s not; it’s your personal expression, not theirs. It’s your body and you get to decide how you want to dress it.” (Via The Beheld)

The gals at Broke & Beautiful put my recent Insomniac Sale Picks post to shame with an amazing array of colorful pant styles available in sizes from 1 to 38. I bow to the queens.

How do you spice up an outfit of dark neutrals? Just add a brilliant yellow cardigan.

Loved these tips on how to give your body sincere compliments.

Kelly shares some fantastic tips for faking fit on clothing that isn’t quite right.

“Learning to love yourself regardless of your size is one of the most crucial and beneficial gifts that a person can give themselves. The ripple effects of learning to experience self love will touch every part of your life, improving and lightening the load of your heart with every step.”

This marvelous mix of of warm, autumnal tones just plain works.

Expert thrifter Casey shares a few of her tips for making your thrift excursion fun and successful.

And from the Department of Random: What do muralists do in winter?

One more from the DoR: I embrace my weaknesses and call them uniquenesses.

… lifting weights.

Yeah, this photo cracks me up, too. That is my very own 15-pound dumbell and I do occasionally lift weights at home, but I seldom feel compelled to put on full gym regalia to do so. And even less frequently choose to do so in my dining room. This was taken for a Lucy workout gear giveaway a few months back, and provides photographic proof that I do, in fact, lift. But it’s undeniably humorous. And wow, check out our mint plant going nuts in the background. Anyone need some mint?

Whoa. Tangent.

It’s the dead of winter and that means the Workout Doldrums have settled in. In Februarys past, I’ve slacked off on my weight routine, saying to myself, “Ah, screw it. I’ll worry about tone come spring when my muscles will actually be visible. Why bother right now?” But since I conned Karen into giving me some arm-toning tips, I’ve been much more engaged in my workout and I’ve actually stuck to my weights all winter.

And I’m SO GLAD. I adore biking (when I can do it), I’m loving my great winter walking experiment, and am pretty proud of my planking prowess. But there is something so satisfying about lifting weights. It feels amazing. It feels like I am, quite literally, warehousing personal power for later use. And my little routine involves 12 and 15 pound dumbells, a Bosu ball, and a yoga ball. No bench, no fussing with machines, simple but challenging. I have no fear of the man-populated weight room and can use or figure out any machine in my gym, but it has been really rewarding to cook up a custom weight routine and play with it to such great effect.

I might have mentioned this 900,000 times already, but allow me mention number 900,001: Weight lifting is a fantastic way for women to improve bone density. Even if you are running your little hiney off, adding some weight training to your routine is wise. Even if you’re at your ideal weight, doing a few bicep curls will help you down the line. This article pulls a few annoying tricks, but it’s written by a pro trainer and explains in no uncertain terms why lifting won’t cause you to bulk up like the Hulk. (We’ve got a Strong, Sexy & Stylish podcast on this very topic coming up soon!)

I’ve been lifting weights for more than 10 years, and plan to stop … hopefully never.

Do you lift? What’s your routine like? Ever worked with a trainer? If you’re unsure about weights for your own workout, what are your concerns? Questions? I can try to get Karen over here to answer any technical queries you may have!

*In this new late-night feature – which will run Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of each week – I’ll gather up three fun items that are currently on sale online and share them with you! I would LOVE suggestions: Stylish wide-width pumps? Classic v-necked sweaters? Chandelier earrings? Petite dress slacks? What would you like to see featured?*

Several folks have requested a few picks for fun, colorful, or patterned plus-sized tights, so here we go:

Avenue Open Circle Tights – was $14.90, now $5.96

These black openwork tights would look so fun layered over a solid bright color, or on their own with a flirty dress. Only available in sizes AB and CD right now. From what I can gather, AB fits to 225, CD to 275 pounds, but if anyone has more specific insight, PLEASE shout!

Woman Within Cable Sweater Tights – was $21.99, now $12.74

Many of the options I found that seemed fun and funky were sheer or openwork, so I was delighted to come across these cozy sweater tights. Reviewers say these are fabulously warm! Available in sizes 2X, 4X, and 5X in this lush teal as well as burgundy and chocolate brown.

Mustard Open Lace Tights – $15, buy one, get one 50% off

How fun are THESE? A fun pattern and a fabulous color in a single pair of awesome tights! Mustard is a favorite of mine this season, and looks so amazing paired with neutrals, navy, or rich reds. Available in size 1/2 (size 14-18) and 3/4 (size 20-24).

Other not-currently-on-sale resources for fun, colorful, or patterned plus-sized tights:

1. Avenue – In terms of patterns, sheers, and interesting textures, Avenue has some great options. Size availability is currently patchy since it’s pretty late in the tights-wearing season, but do take a peek.
2. Sock Dreams - This comprehensive sock and hosiery site always carries a handful of great plus-sized styles, though they vary in size range.
3. Torrid – Prints, bright colors, openwork styles, and more!
4. Foot Traffic – So this site has a ton of funky prints including leopard, florals, and funky abstracts. However, their plus size fits 5’7′-6’2′, 150-200 pounds, so pretty limited.

**Disclosure: Actions you take from the hyperlinks within this blog post may yield commissions for alreadypretty.com. See Already Pretty’s disclosure statement for more details.

Gray cardigan, J.Jill (no longer available) – similar
Navy tank – Bella Brand
Skirt, Anthropologie Field Skirt (no longer available) - a few on eBay
Tights, Target (no longer available) – similar
Boots, Indigo by Clarks Proctor (no longer available) – similar
Amber chip necklace, a gift – similar
Earrings, thifted – similar
Bag, courtesy Ellington Handbags – giveaway forthcoming

Today was a coworking day, so I met up with my lady pals and we exchanged ideas over our laptops. Very little laptopping got done, per usual, but we had a whale of a time brainstorming.

It’s been marvelously warm all week long, so I risked letting my wrists peek out a bit from this 3/4 sleeve cardigan. Luckily, nothing froze off.

**Disclosure: Actions you take from the hyperlinks within this blog post may yield commissions for alreadypretty.com. See Already Pretty’s disclosure statement for more details.

Jewelry is both ubiquitous and incredibly varied. It can be jaw-droppingly expensive, made at home for pennies, or handed down for free. It can be made from precious materials or disposable ones. Most women have at least one piece, and many women have one or more pieces of emotional significance. Jewelry can be subtly invisible or the perfect finishing touch on an outfit. And, like so many people, I absolutely love it.

Please note that I’m not limiting myself to “shopping,” here, my friends. There are plenty of ways to get new jewelry that don’t involve spending big on pre-made pieces!

Etsy

Let’s start with the obvious, shall we? I’d estimate that 70% of my jewelry hails from Etsy. I’ve been buying pieces from the various individual vendors on this shared site since 2005 and just keep finding more designers to love. As many of you already know, Etsy offers consumers the chance to interact with designers and vendors directly, so you can buy up finished pieces, but you can also collaborate with merchants to create custom pieces. Which is SO MUCH FUN. Some of my favorite Etsy jewelry vendors include:

• Dana LeBlanc
• Mocahete
• lulidesigns
• April Kawaoka
• Infrared Studio
• Bionic Unicorn

eBay

If I’m looking for a specific piece – like a snake-shaped cuff bracelet or red drop earrings – I generally hit Etsy first, and then turn to eBay. You can get just about any piece you can imagine from Bakelite bangles to estate jewelry to enormous lots of rhinestone brooches. Prices run the gamut, as you can imagine, but there are always some amazing deals to be nabbed. (In case you need a quick refresher on how to shop eBay, here you go.)

Trader Lou

OK, I’ll admit that I’ve never bought from this site. And I’ll tell you why: The inventory is so massive and amazing that I get overwhelmed. But the search function works pretty well, and if you’re on the hunt for semi-precious gem designs at reasonable prices, Trader Lou has got you covered. The site also sells supplies, but my understanding is that Fire Mountain has better deals.

Antique malls and flea markets

If 70% of my jewelry hails from Etsy, much of the remaining 30% was purchased at antique malls and flea markets. I adore costume jewelry and find that I can get phenomenal deals on fun, versatile, and well-made vintage pieces when I shop at these places.

Thrift and consignment stores

Most thrift stores offer a small selection of jewelry, most of which is relatively inexpensively made but well worth a peek. I’ve nabbed a couple of my workhorse pieces at my local thrift haunts and always make a point of hitting the jewelry rack just in case.

Consignment stores are a bit choosier, of course, and the ones I frequent keep their offerings in cases. If someone has gone to the trouble to consign a piece of jewelry, it’s likely valuable, well-made, trendy, or some combination thereof. Don’t forget to comb those cases before you check out!

DIY resources

I’ll throw a couple of sites on the fire, here, knowing full well that many of you can contribute dozens more! Most of these are hodgepodge DIY sites that throw the occasional jewelry project into the mix, but when they do? Fun times.

• Dollar Store Crafts
• A Pair and a Spare
• Honestly WTF

For Twin Cities Locals

Gotta plug a few of my favorite local resources in case you TC folks are interested!

• Fringe
• Patina
• Bibelot
• I Like You
• Karin Jacobson
• silvercocoon

Now, I’d love to hear from you! Where do you get most of your jewels? Are you a DIYer or craftsperson? Do you have designers or lines that you love? Share links if you’ve got ‘em! (Quick note: If you share more than three links and don’t see your comment awaiting moderation, let me know. You may have gotten sucked into the SPAM filter – I’ll check periodically, but appreciate a holler, too.)

Image courtesy Karin Jacobson.

**Disclosure: Actions you take from the hyperlinks within this blog post may yield commissions for alreadypretty.com. See Already Pretty’s disclosure statement for more details.

*In this new late-night feature – which will run Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of each week – I’ll gather up three fun items that are currently on sale online and share them with you! I would LOVE suggestions: Stylish wide-width pumps? Classic v-necked sweaters? Chandelier earrings? Petite dress slacks? What would you like to see featured?*

Trystan requested a few picks for affordable knit tunics, so here we go:

Lole Principle Tunic – was $50, now $39.99

How could I resist the stripes? This 95% organic cotton tunic is definitely a slim-fitting style, which will work great on many figures and be a fabulous layering piece for others. It’s got a flattering scoop neck and a great curved hem. In addition to this gray, comes in red stripes on cream, white stripes on brown and is available in XS through XL in most colors.

ASOS Petite Skater Dress – was $44.76, now $33.12

Here’s the deal: ASOS currently has 163 “skater dresses” for sale, and this is just one of many adorable versions. I own a red one that would never have been long enough for actual dress use on my frame, and looking at the photos I’d wager most of these “dresses” would make great “tunics.”  This gorgeous green petite version has long sleeves, an empire waist, a keyhole cutout in back well above the bra line, and lovely gathering detail at the waist. Available in US sizes 2 – 12. But seriously: Get on ASOS and search for “skater dress.” There are petite, plus, and maternity versions in addition to average sizes.

Eileen Fisher Jersey Tunic – was $98, now $65

Trystan specifically asked for options under $50, but I can’t resist throwing this into the mix. Only $15 more, such a gorgeous color, and it’s Eileen so it’s bound to be great quality. Has slight dolman sleeves and a bias-cut hem with a generous fit. Available in XS (2-4), M (10/12), and L (14/16).

Other not-currently-on-sale resources for knit tunics:

1. Boden – I may have lost interest in the embellished skirts, but oh, the Boden tunics. Season after season, I LONG for them. Such gorgeous designs and prints. Be sure to check reviews, though, as materials and sizing can be problematic for some styles.
2. J.Jill - Always a good bet for tunic-length tops. Many of the current offerings are woven or sweater-y, but keep checking. Also hit the brick-and-mortar stores as you never know what will turn up on the sale racks. Some petite, plus, and tall size tunics currently on their website.
3. Bella Brand – So. Caveats. Bella is a great basics brand, but they cut stuff pretty small and some of the fabrics can be somewhat thin. That said, pieces like this Cory T-Shirt Dress make fabulous layering options.

**Disclosure: Actions you take from the hyperlinks within this blog post may yield commissions for alreadypretty.com. See Already Pretty’s disclosure statement for more details.

Skull print sweater, gift from Sheila! – similar – this might fit a few of ya, too
Han Solo pants - Gap Skinny Moto Pants
Boots - Frye Vera Slouch
Socks, thrifted sweater sleeves - tutorial here
Earrings, Noir via Ideeli - similar

I wore this on Sunday – a day that was mostly packed with errands, but ended with me curled up in a coffeeshop poring over the Spring/Summer Vogue lookbook. I’ve been hunting around for this magazine monstrosity for ages and it finally turned up a few weeks ago at a local Barnes & Noble. I never find the Spring/Summer ready-to-wear looks nearly as inspirational as the Fall-Winter ones, but I still consider it to be worthwhile research into coming trends.

Sheila sent me this darling sweater MONTHS ago, after I’d gushed in a comment on her blog about hers. So she gave me one of my very own. Because she rules.

**Disclosure: Actions you take from the hyperlinks within this blog post may yield commissions for alreadypretty.com. See Already Pretty’s disclosure statement for more details.

There’s a popular saying that goes something like this:

If you talked to your friends in the same way that you talked to your own body, you’d be all alone.

Sounds a bit harsh, no? And yet it’s an amazingly effective concept to keep in mind if you find yourself devolving into body-bashing: All those accusations you’re flinging at your thighs, wrinkles, bony joints, cellulite, and age spots? Would you ever consider saying those things to someone you love? Or even say them aloud when you’re AROUND someone you love? You’ll be amazed by how quickly your negative self-talk is put into perspective when you compare it to the thoughts you would consider expressing to others.

But let’s also examine the”friend” portion of this idea: If you’re thinking nasty thoughts about your own body, you may be separating your body from your mental and emotional self. Creating a rift that makes you feel as if your “true” self isn’t a physical one at all, and your body is fighting against that essential self. And even if you’re not deepening that particular rift, you are treating your own physical form as something other than your friend. If you conceptualize your body as some kind of cumbersome object that you’re saddled with, it becomes much harder to care for it, live with it, love it. Your body should be talked to, treated as, and conceptualized as a friend.

Naturally, those of you facing down illness will have a much, MUCH harder time cultivating friendly relationships with your bodies. There are ways, but they are challenging. Regardless, there’s no arguing with the fact that expending loads of energy actively hating, berating, or separating from your body can become harmful and counterproductive. You and your body? You’re in this together. And working as a united front is likely to lead to more good things than bad.

Much of the language we use to address our bodies is fraught with struggle: Fight the bulge, beat acne, conquer frizzy hair. But our bodies are not enemies or foreign entities to be beaten back or subdued. They’re important participants in our inner lives and integral elements of our whole selves. And unless we treat them as our friends, how can we expect them to look and feel their best? How can we expect ourselves to look and feel our best?

Next time you’re furrowing your brow into the mirror, swearing silently at some physical attribute, pause and consider: Are you treating your body as a friend?

Image courtesy subcomandanta.

*In this new late-night feature – which will run Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of each week – I’ll gather up three fun items that are currently on sale online and share them with you! I would LOVE suggestions: Stylish wide-width pumps? Classic v-necked sweaters? Chandelier earrings? Petite dress slacks? What would you like to see featured?*

Helen requested a few picks for flattering raincoats, so here we go:

DKNY Belted Rain/Trench Coat – was $76.99, now $69.29

Ahhh, the classic. This take on the water-resistant trench appeals to me as a gal who likes a cinched waist and a full skirt – both flattering details for pear-shaped figures. The deep V opening will look marvelous with most face shapes, too. This coat is water resistant but not waterproof, and runs a size large. Available in XS through XL in black, S through XL in camel.

Marmot Destination Jacket II – was $225, now $169.99

Although this coat is considerably sportier than the belted trench-style one above, it’s still got a very sleek, chic overall look. It features a shaped waist, gently flared hem, and nice long lines. Plus it’s not just water resistant, it’s waterPROOF! Available in XS through XL in both this dark olive and classic black. Also comes in plaid.

Merrell Frances Jacket – was $149, now $59.60

Depending on your proportions, a shorter jacket style might work better. Petite women and those wishing to balance torso/leg proportions might benefit from a hip-length raincoat like this Merrell version, which also features a waist-defining belt. (Belt is removable, and the coat is designed to look finished even without the belt.) This cutie is waterproof and breathable. Prices vary, but this coat comes in this bright coral, light turquoise, black, and tan. Largest size range is available in the brights, XS through XL.

Other not-currently-on-sale resources for flattering raincoats:

1. The North Face – I no longer believe this manufacturer creates superior down coats, but dang, they’ve got an amazing array of shaped, flattering water resistant and waterproof coats and jackets. Particularly loving the Erin style.
2. Nordstrom - More than 70 fun raincoats in a gorgeous array of shades. Size availability is patchy, but do take a peek.
3. Amazon – As always, this clearinghouse offers up a huge array of options, including petite, tall, and plus sizes.

**Disclosure: Actions you take from the hyperlinks within this blog post may yield commissions for alreadypretty.com. See Already Pretty’s disclosure statement for more details.

Houndstooth moto, Talbots – similar
Black skirt - Banana Republic ages ago – similar
Tights, Target (no longer available) – similar
Red suede pumps, Pumps, Tsubo Dufay courtesy Tsubo
Watch - Nixon Kensington
Earrings, art fair – similar items
Necklaces, thrifted – similar

Most days, I work on small, urgent, short-term projects and will churn out several per day. Today, I did my quick-turn work in the morning, and dug into a bigger, long-term project for much of the afternoon. Strange as it may sound, I wanted to be fairly dressed up for that task because I find it easier to focus when I’m wearing something business-y. So today I reached for a structured blazer and bright, cheery heels!

Do you find yourself more focused when you’re dressed up? Or does your outfit have little impact on your productivity?

**Disclosure: Actions you take from the hyperlinks within this blog post may yield commissions for alreadypretty.com. See Already Pretty’s disclosure statement for more details.