Albertus Swanepoel for Target Ganache Hat, pink pearls-Kmart, faux leather brown bomber jacket-Dots, Carol Anderson brown and white polka dot dress-thrifted, green pantyhose-Target, Rocket Dog heels-thrifted
As you’re aware I have a bit of a 90s fetish. So as of late I’d found myself ogling the cute, comfy looking shirtdresses sported by Bridget Fonda, Mary Stuart Masterson and the like while watching 90s flicks. So yes, I was on the look out for a shirtdress to add to my wardrobe. What I happened to come across was actually one that I believe is from the 80s that was trying to evoke the 50s. I loved it. And yes, it totally came from the local magical thrift shop where I score stuff like this super cheap.
As I mentioned in my Miracle-Gro post I’ve been wanting to do an OOTD in front of our garden. However I’ve been feeling run down and not even trying to dress in anything but tees and cargos lately. However at the end of April during a day that felt like fall I tried to improve my down in the dumps spirit/downtrodden body by wearing this and whatever other fun things that struck my fancy.
I paired my dress with some green tights I got at Target over the winter, adorable brown and green Rocket Dog heels, a faux leather jacket I got at Dots a while back, my pink pearls (cuz why not) and topped it with a cloche hat that I snagged at Target on sale. Yes, it was from that Albertus Swanepoel for Target collection that I was coveting last fall. I managed to score this one and the blue hat in my snow alien photo set (also from his collection) super cheap since people in this town don’t love hats like I do (clearance baby!).
I sort of felt like I was walking around from a different time period in this outfit but it definitely cheered me up, thus doing its job.
I don’t normally write specifically about my life. My life is both boring and sad but this is important.
or how my magical trip to Kmart was a slap in my face
Right now I would rather be writing an upbeat post about the beautiful new Sofia Vergara Intimates line at Kmart and they are beautiful. Instead I have to write about what actually happened to me at Kmart today. I have to write about it because it’s been going on for half of my life.
This past Saturday the talented Sofia Vergara hosted Saturday Night Live. She did a great job BTW. She has a fun, clothing line with Kmart that I’ve previously mentioned. The ad that was played during this episode of SNL (shown above) was fast and vibrant. It really excited you about her new spring pieces. Included was an intimates line (sleep and loungewear). There were a few bras in the commercial but I was unsure of whether or not they were included in the line. I happened to be screwing around on Facebook the next day and saw a status update from Kmart Fashion about the commercial. So I inquired about the bras. Normally I would go searching myself but I was feeling lazy.
I edited it with flowers so as not to include other people without reason.
Today I had a reply from Kmart with a link to the new collection, including bras! Super duper I thought. Obviously I was headed to Kmart at my next earliest convenience, which turned out to be today.
On my way to the underwear department I swung by to see if there was anything else new from Sofia in the regular clothing section. On my way I happened to breeze through the new Spring/Summer stuff from Bongo (amazing 90s influenced stuff). However I was on a mission so onward to intimates.
At this point I was in a good mood. Maybe another time I’ll come back for a few pieces from Bongo I thought. When I entered intimates I was in 7th heaven. I really adore the collection. It’s obviously Asian influenced. Most of the pieces are super soft and all are striking. I was in such a wonderful mood. I’m not kidding. I know that if you know me my default mode is eh but I was giddy, okay? There were sheer sleepwear caftans! To give you an idea of how awesome this stuff is, I usually am incredibly cheap when it comes to nightwear, I can often buy vintage nighties at thrift stores for $2-$3 that I love so it’s not unusual for me to stick with those mixed with some fugly worn out pj bottoms. There weren’t any Vergara bras at my store but they don’t get everything, so no biggie.
Of course I was piling pieces onto my arms. I do not know how many pieces and I was later so angry that I didn’t do a proper count but somewhere from 12-16 things were on my arm (including a couple of clearance things, a couple of bras and other pj bottoms). This is how I like to shop. I need to go through everything and then getting the trying on over with. I do have bad knees but that’s not really the reason. I just have no interest in running back and forth repeatedly from the clothing sections to the dressing room. Any woman of most any body type can tell you that we can’t just pick stuff up and expect it to fit correctly or be our style either (especially since there still isn’t a universal sizing out there). We need to go through a lot of things to find the personal gems. This usually isn’t a problem at this store. The store is often slow, there are a surplus of dressing rooms (about 7) and so it’s not often manned. I like this as dealing with people is not my strong suit.
I heard them call for someone in the ladies section over the loudspeaker but I didn’t give much thought to it. As I arrived at the dressing room and elderly school marm type wanted to know how many clothes that I had. “I’m not sure, just a lot of good stuff” is something to the effect of what I said. Now if you are having an average day of shopping (this has included trips to Dots and Target for me) they usually just smile and say “go ahead”. They might count the pieces first but that’s about it. She was adamant though. “5 pieces at a time only”.
I was getting angry. I was getting angry because this has been going on for half of my life. When I was a teen I was horribly bullied for years. As a result I am twitchy. I have severe social anxiety. People scare me. So to put it mildly I look suspicious to people. I also have an affinity for finding a jacket or coat that suits me and wearing it until it falls apart. At this point I am still wearing my faux leather bomber that I’ve had for something like 3 years. When it’s colder I go with a long black peacoat (that I’ve had forever, no it doesn’t go over either).
You might wonder how I can be profiled for anything. Obviously I cannot be racially profiled. I am a nondescript white girl/woman (whatever). Right now I have a labret piercing, this also doesn’t seem to go over here. However I don’t really believe that any of this has to do with what I’m wearing, but just for fun, here are two pics of what I looked like today, for you.
my normal disposition
my "happy face" that I probably had while in wonderment
It has more to do with my disposition. So that’s why I’m saying social profiling. I have no other way to put it. I have poor social skills. Yes, this has happened to me in the past at other places (Bon Ton comes to mind). But no I’m not used to it. I’m done. I’m done with being treated like a stealing teenager my entire life. I do know that’s what it is. I was told this to my face once at CVS for spending too much time in the makeup section trying to pick out the best shades for my face.
But today I realized something important. I’m not changing. I will always be me. I am sick of being treated this way. Had this happened as a teen one of two things would have probably been the outcome, I would have screamed at this woman that I was starting to think of as a super bitch (you can say she was just doing her job but I used to work in women’s at a Target and I would have at least sympathized with the person if I’d had to do something like this to someone) and thrown everything down (leaving with nothing, so only punishing myself) or I would have went into the dressing room, felt demeaned and cried while trying on everything (incredibly slowly because you have to keep getting redressed to go out for more stuff).
Instead after muttering to myself and at her (about being sick of being treated like a teenager and for them wasting my time, etc) I thought of a plan. In the first 5 pieces I found a darling nightie that I freaking loved (photos below). I was definitely buying this. So this is what I did.
After trying on the other pieces I put the nightie back on and went out with my rejects and pieces that I was considering buying. I hung up the rejects and sat the others to the side and I told her “I’m not getting dressed every time”. And that’s what I did. Every time I went back in with 4 pieces while walking out into the toddler section (yep, that’s where the dressing room is, no toddlers were present) in my nightie to get more pieces. I call this self confident bitch mode. I’m tired of being stepped on in the name of fashion/the basic human right to clothe my body. I was semi hoping someone would ask her why this ridiculousness was occurring but it was slow, as is common.
Sofia Vergara by Sofia Vergara Intimates Chemise
She never did relent. I did mention a few more times while bringing stuff out how ridiculous this was. I also addressed her directly at one point, “you can tell them next time they make you do this that not everyone is a teenager, some of us are just trying to get stuff done”.
And now I’m writing about this. This is for all of the social misfits. This is for all of us with problems. This is for everyone who is sick of being stepped on because we are solitary (that never would have happened had it been an occasion when I was shopping with another person, for instance my sister). They saw me as a thief. The fact that I’ve never stolen anything from any store ever is irrelevant. Life is about perception. This is not just a Kmart problem. This is a world problem.
At one point someone came back to the dressing room to ask about an item that was supposed to be on sale but that they didn’t actually have (not unusual at this Kmart BTW) and she told them that she couldn’t leave because “I have to finish folding these socks”. I shit you not.
I don’t know the answer to all of this. All I know is that I’m sick of being pushed around.
What did I buy? I bought the chemise above and a pair of soft, purple shorts (both by Vergara), a top for a gift and some mouthwash. (I am on the poor person’s budget).
In case you are a fashionable lady, sizing info, cuz I’m cool like that
The chemise and shorts are true to size. I got a large in both, which is what I currently wear. In the future (when I have a bit more dough and/or it goes down in price a bit) I will probably be picking up the sheer black caftan to go over the chemise/other nighties and slips (it is being sold online as a coverup too though, which is awesome). I needed that in a medium. I would even consider a few other pieces in the future.
I am sick of this though. I am so sick of this treatment. I’ve changed myself enough for other people. This is getting ridiculous. I can’t even say what I think is at the root of what’s been going on with me my entire life due to what I’ve discovered about myself in the last year because, well, you try getting diagnosed with a little known developmental disorder when you are almost 30, believe me it ain’t easy. If it were I guess I could call this some other type of prejudice.
But instead let’s go with people hate me so they think that I’m shit. I’m not shit and I refuse to be treated like it my entire life. I matter. All of this matters. In the past a few other people have told me about stores treating them like this (a Dots in Maryland was mentioned at one point).
I don’t want special treatment.
I want human treatment.
I want to not be singled out.
I WANT TO BUY A FUCKING NIGHTIE!
That’s all.
UPDATE-After posting this I messaged Kmart on twitter and Facebook to no avail. However when I emailed them Sears (they merged a while back) offered me an apology and requested the info of the store so that something like this doesn’t happen again.
UPDATE April 28, 2012-After I emailed Kmart, Sears (they merged a while back) got back to me and apologized, which I was satisfied with.
Yes, I’ve posted an OOTD of me in this dress before but I think that pairing it with the hat gives it a different look. Speaking of the hat, I bought this during the Missoni for Target madness but there’s like never a good time to wear it. I love how it looks and it’s fun to wear. The problem is that it’s so large and floppy that I can’t really see. So I felt like that pretty much made it unsuitable for going most places, to see a movie, out to eat, shopping, etc. I wore it shopping recently anyway. As a bonus it was very windy that day so I had to keep clutching it so it wouldn’t blow off my head.
Missoni for Target Felt Floppy Hat-Target, Jovovich-Hawk for Target Chiffon Dot Print Dress-eBay, Miley Cyrus & Max Azria faux leather bomber jacket-Walmart, chain necklace-Dots, Xhilaration leggings-Target, Bongo Honor Cowboy Boot-Kmart
This look is pretty simple other than that. I did feel a bit like a witch in this hat dress combo. It reminded me of the song Witchy Woman when it was featured in that episode of Seinfeld when Elaine chooses it as her song. There would be a clip of it included but I can’t locate one, darn!
I’m (possibly) getting to arty with these. Ah, that’s my modeling side wanting to break through. I really need to do a new photo set soon.
Last week it started snowing one night so I thought the next day would be perfect for some outdoor outfit photos.
Sofia by Sofia Vergara Shawl Collar Wrap Sweater-Kmart, C&C California tank dress-thrifted, Attention scarf-Kmart, Xhilaration leggings-Target, Bongo Women's Honor Cowboy Boot-Kmart, Baby Phat corset style wide elastic belt-Beyond the Rack, floral ring-Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival, cat ring-CTB's Closet
I had just snagged that Sofia Vergara sweater I’d been coveting. Kmart was having a huge sale and there was one left. It was a size smaller than I’d planned on getting but the only difference was it’s a bit more boobaliscious than the next size up. I also included these awesome boots that I scored at Kmart. I have a bunch of thrifted boots that I wear all of the time but I really wanted a new pair (that I didn’t have to worry about the heel popping off of). They are cowboy boots but to me they really seem like a cross between cowboy and motorcycle boots. So that makes them a bit more interesting. I’ve been wearing these often since I bought them. They’re perfect for winter.
I decided to layer my sweater over a cotton tank dress and leggings. To give all of that black a little pop I added a floral scarf. Plus I incorporated a corset style elastic belt for shaping. It came with a bubble coat that I wear often but I don’t really care for wearing belts over coats. To finish the look I added a couple of rings.
Last month I picked up a couple of great deals and I finally got around to wearing them last week. I found this cute striped top at Kmart. I loved Kristen Wiig’s striped top that she wore during the plane scene in Bridesmaids (as seen below). However I didn’t go looking for a similar top as something that boxy would not flatter my figure. I have seen similar styles offered from StyleMint but I couldn’t justify spending $30 on a tee shirt that might not even fit me well. When I saw this on the clearance rack at Kmart I thought it probably wouldn’t look great on me but why not try it on since I was there? I actually found it really cute. I felt a French vibe when I put it on. I think many associate stripes with France, not just me, (see also, the time Carrie went to France on Sex and the City, below).
Route 66 top-Kmart, Lyon Bag-ShoeDazzle, faux pearl and fabric necklace-Body Central, snake ring-Big Lots, black Bongo jeans-Kmart, Missoni for Target pumps-Target
Plus I found these adorable Missoni for Target pumps on sale at Target. They were 70% off. When the line was released I limited myself to two pieces so I passed these by even though I dug them. I considered going with some cowboy boots for this look but I really love these so I’ll do that next time.
I usually wear a bag out before I move on to the next one. So even though I bought this Lyon bag from ShoeDazzle last summer I hadn’t started using it until last week. It’s so cute. Then I added some skinny jeans, a faux pearl and fabric necklace and a snake ring. It’s a simple, casual look but I dug it.
First off, read the reviews for sizing info carefully, as aside from your personality, fit is basically the most important thing when choosing a Halloween costume. Then order accordingly, some costumes run large while others run small.
My top pick is the sailor pin up costume because I adore the pin up look.
The Greek Goddess, pirate and flapper costumes may be good choices if you don’t want to feel so exposed in your costume.
The space girl costume is just adorable.
The nurse is sexy and sassy.
From what I’ve read the Bride of Frankenstein costume is surprisingly very fitted so it’s a sexy choice as well. Just add a wig or a bunch of hair spray and some color from one of those $2 cans that crop up this time of year.
The Merlotte’s apron is simple. The items that you need to add to it to complete the costume are things that you most likely already have in your closet (a white tee and some jeans or black shorts). For added impact pick up a bottle of True Blood from Hot Topic or FYE. Then draw on some fake bite marks with cheap Halloween makeup or a lipstick or lip pencil. Then you will be set to go as an Merlotte’s waitress, including Sookie Stackhouse. This costume is also an easy segue into hitting on any hot guys dressed as vampires that you bump into.
Please consider the prices in the polyvore set a rough estimate as they’ve been fluctuating this season but they are all still under $20.
Shipping In Time For Halloween If you read this after 5PM ET today and need the costume for this weekend then you are going to have to pay more than $20 total (rush shipping). However these will still be cheaper than more expensive costumes + a rush shipping charge.
I recommend BuyCostumes.com because if you pay for fast shipping you can get that. If you order is over $85 (order your families costumes at the same time to get bang for your buck) you can still get them on Friday with free shipping if you order by 5PM ET today. Other current coupons from BuyCostumes.com include 15% off with code HAUNTED15 or $10 off of orders of $80 or more with code NAT10.
Another option to get your costume fast would be to buy one from Amazon after signing up for a free trial of their Amazon Prime service. It includes 2 day shipping.
If you don’t want to deal with online fast shipping deals then I recommend hitting up your local Kmart (costumes at 50% off). The flapper dress above is from Kmart. Plus they offer many storybook and vampire costumes. Find one that fits well and you’re set. Or you could hit up Hot Topic and get the Merlotte’s apron or space girl costume.
Hi, I'm Mary. I share awesome things with the world. 
