the opposite of spring cleaning.

I don't spring clean. I clean, all the time. I am constantly throwing shit hell-west-and-crooked (hell-western-crooked? discuss...) because I love getting rid of things. Because it means I can get more THINGS.

The lovely Christina of Easily Entertained sent me a Modcloth gift card for my birthday and I have never been so indecisive in my life. I want to buy one of everything, but then I want to hoard my gift card JUST IN CASE. You never know what they will add to their lovely and addicting boutique!

Spring is finally speaking to me, guys. I mean, not to brag but its been pretty nice around these parts for the past few weeks. I know, I know. Hashtag California problems. I think I am ready to give up my comfy, baggy sweaters for something light and bright. Help me decide, will ya?

Romy & Michele's Flashback

Hey PCD readers!! I'm Kat and I blog over at Shop.School.Sleep. While our hilarious friend Tiffany is off celebrating her big 3-0, I'm filling in for her here on her little ol' blog. Hope I can keep you entertained with stories of Tiffany and me in our younger years.

Tiffany and I (and Leeann of Join the Gossip) met in junior high...we hit it off pretty quickly. I think it was our fashion taste :) See we went to a fundamental school (or public-private school as I like to call it) and had a strict dress code. We had to play around with our "fashion" as much as we could without getting sent home....hence our need to wear plastic skirts and pants....oh wait that was just me...anyways we became friends over our rivalry friendly quest of "Best Dressed" yearbook. We even traveled to Washington DC together our 8th grade year. Our younger sisters (the twins and my sister Hillary) were in the same grade and became friends too!! High school gave us more chances to bond as we played volleyball together and did the usual high school activities. Once we got into college, with Tiff in San Diego and me in Fullerton, we lost touch...kind of... thanks to Myspace and later Facebook. We reunited the summer of our 10th year
reunion from graduating high school and it's been fun continuing our friendship into adulthood :)

So let me explain the title of the post before I show you the pics of us....Freshman year of high school (right? 1997? dang!!) the thing to do Friday nights was go to the movies. Tiffany and I made a date to see the "it fashion" movie of the time, Romy & Michele's High School Reunion!!

via

That movie was corny, but so COOL at the time!! After the movie we decided....I don't know why...but we were like the main characters...I was Romy and Tiffany was Michele (right?) That Monday at school our
big joke was we invented post-its.... It gets better and NO, I don't have picture proof!! At one of the many sleepovers we had (because that was the 2nd best thing to do...have a giant sleepover and go TP a boy's
house) we tried to copy the dance sequence for "Time after Time" in the movie!! Along with making our own Spice Girl music videos, right Trixie Firecracker?! hahaha!!

Sad thing is we didn't have easy access to cameras as kids do today, so I don't have too many pictures of young Romy and Michele us but I did try to find some goodies for you guys reading!! I also clearly have a long memory of stories, but pictures say it better!! **Disclaimer: all pictures are out of order and I'm lazy didn't know how to do the fancy circles and writing on the pics...it will be a "find Waldo"-like feel to some pictures :) Enjoy!!

Our sophomore field trip to
the LA Zoo

Freshman year before Leeann
and Tiffany moved up to Varsity and left me on JV alone!!

This is sophomore year at the
Zoo...I think or Senior year at Senior retreat in the mountains

7th grade...our beginnings :)

8th grade Washington DC
trip

Junior year the day of our
annual Seniors Vs. Juniors football powder puff game

I'm pretty sure this is at Six
Flags for our friend's bday...but it could be the zoo again

Freshman year at one of our
Volleyball tournaments....there's Leeann too!!

7th grade for our Yearbook
picture....we were suppose to look serious

Last day of school 7th grade

There you have it!! Us as little teenagers :) I hope you enjoyed my blast from the past :) I think we all hope Tiff is having a wonderful time, but that she comes home quickly to share her hilarious stories of JmeowW (who isn't as bad in person...at least not when I met her!!) I seriously have to stop reading Tiffany's blog when I'm at work because I literally starting laughing out loud and my students all look at me all weird!! 

You in first place.

Something is going on with my music choices. Meaning, shit got ghetto. Real ghetto. Meaning, this song has been on repeat even though it has nothing to do with my life and I don't really want to be buried in the booty club. I might win a bad bitch contest though. That could actually happen.

While I'd like to state that I'd like nothing more for my birthday than peace in the blog world and stricter gun laws, we all know that isn't ever entirely true. I like things. Pretty things. 

You know, in my 29.975 years on this planet I still haven't mastered the light scarf. I'm setting my goals really high this year, guys. Thirty is the year of the light scarf.

make me over.

In 19 days...NINETEEN DAYS...I will be celebrating my 30th birthday with my most beloved family and friends. In 21 days I actually turn 30 and will be on a vacation along the central California coast with that Justin of mine.

I had planned to lose 20 pounds in time for my birthday bash. I lost maybe 2. But I feel (and look!) so much better from eating healthier, drinking less, and working out regularly.

Two weekends ago when my momma visited I forced her into the center of her hell known as the two-story Forever 21. And yes, I know I am turning 30 and still shopping at Forever 21. POINT BEING, I found the dress I had been anxiously searching every corner of the interwebs for. It is a little bit too short and a little bit see-through. Nothing a slip won't fix, or as my little sister kindly suggested, a spanx! Which she kindly suggested more than four times. I get it.

So now I must accessorize THE DRESS. Help me, won't you? I am most stuck on shoes and for some reason I am really stuck on mint/turquoise shoes. It would be most economical to go with the closed toe black suede shoes because I own them. But. BUT this is my party and I need some fancy feet. Which shoes would you choose?

I will also be visiting my hairstylist to get my bangs back and rejoin the ranks of the banged, along with some fun color that is yet to be determined. And because I cannot enter my 30s with these tranny brows, I'm going to visit the Benefit Brow Bar.

And then, and only then, my 30 makeover will be complete! Clearly this 30 thing is going to be fun. Clearly.

Have something fun to talk about today? Link up with Join the Gossip!

Awards Season!!!!

Yes, yes indeed I just shouted that. Because I fucking love awards season. And yes, it was necessary to swear. I barely tuned in to the Golden Globes because our damned cable hasn't been installed yet and I assumed we didn't have the proper channel BUT WE DID. Although I missed the red carpet, I quickly caught myself up and gave my amateur opinions on things that do not matter in the grand scheme of the world. But OMG LUCY LIU. Sorry, she just walked on stage to present and I died all over again. Has she no stylist?

Yes, awards season is full of opulence and unnecessary clammering over movies that 10% of the world saw that cost millions to produce staring people who get paid millions to do what they love. But I CAN'T GET ENOUGH.

The dresses. My god the dresses. I would even wear that Lucy Liu monstrosity if given the opportunity.  And I get emotionally wrapped up in acceptance speeches like I've personally experienced the trials and tribulations that these people have. And please, Anne Hathaway. Let's not act like life is hard for you. Above all things, Anne, you can even pull off that haircut. So congratulations, but stop it.

And did we see Bill Clinton? I mean, come on! It doesn't get better.

And now I'm not even paying enough attention to spot my man, Daniel Day Lewis. So forgive my passion-rant about awards season. But JMEOWW and I will be glued to the couch all season. Yes, her too. She is currently sitting on my chest between my face and my laptop. And believe me, she died over J.Lo's dress too.

Some things will never change.

At the risk of my cousins disowning me, this is happening. And I am peeing myself over it. This post was very much inspired by two of my favorite fashionistas, Michelle & Alissa.

Girls dominated our generation so our mothers took it upon themselves to made sure we matched as much as possible, and that we were as flammable as possible. And Granny had the honor of purchasing our matching dresses each year. I don't know who had the honor of crimping my hair, but I do know who cut my bangs and she will be hearing about this very soon. YES, MOM. I'm talking to YOU. 

I die for those tv trays.

Here is a group shot, with my cousin Jamie dressed like she was in The Crucible. It appears as though we were singing until Jessica had a meltdown. This one is my favorite because you can only see those spectacular bangs of mine. And also because Mandy is still singing. She was always the most committed to our group performances. And I always tried to hide behind her hair.

Matching pajamas were incredibly vital to Christmas eve. And as you can see, as the only boy in our generation, my cousin Jesse had a lot to deal with. But that didn't stop him from sporting a Hulkamania jacket at all times and by ending our group singing performances with the splits.

And because we believe in tradition above anything else, we still sport the matching pajamas on Christmas eve.

And as you can see, of all of the things my mother has taught me cutting my own bangs stuck the most.

Fancy Fridays: Fall

As hot as it has been and as sweaty as I have been, I cannot wait to get myself in a giant sweater like the one pictured below. I would wear that thing every day of my life. If it were not still 900 degrees and HUMID outside, I would start now. Yes, it is still summer in San Diego. Isn't it always? Shut up. It's been awful for us spoiled people that are used to beautiful weather. AWFUL. And weather magic predictions show more awful coming our way. You want to do something fun today? Try to argue with me about climate change. Try. Science wins. And also kills us.

My fall lust list turned into a OMG I NEED THIS Christmas list of sorts. All I want for Christmas is everything druzy. Everything. Earrings, rings, necklaces. All the colors, all the druzy. My love for rocks has not dwindled over the years since I started collecting rocks as a child (or "nimrod" as my mom called me when I was going through my collection a few months ago because I won't let her get rid of it EVER).

And that perfume will be the last thing you want to smell ever. It is perfect. As is that hoodie. And that pullover. You know what, cancel Christmas I'm buying all of this now. BRB...

linking up with {av}

Oh, and if someone else mutters the phrase "Pumpkin Spice Latte" at me today I will wipe my sweat on them.

Fancy Fridays: Back to school. Booty school.

Things got weird with that title. See what happens when I try to make a Friday's Fancys theme relevant to my attempt at dieting? The main point here is that I am officially motivated to do something about the ever present and ever growing beer belly (and thighs, and buttocks). I am tall, but I am curvy. I am slender, but I jiggle. And not in a good Beyonce sort of way.

I've hit this weight before, about 5 years ago. But I was unknowingly in the throes of a deep depression and a very unhappy period in my life and had zero motivation to do something about it. Until some of my family members were like, "you know what..." and one of my friends husband asked if I got implants. Fine. I get it.

This time, I am motivated but busy and tired and insert excuse here. But it has to happen. IT HAS TO. Last time I did Weight Watchers and turned into a crazed fanatic. This time, I'm just going to not eat everything that is placed in front of me. And not drink every night of the week. Only two nights a week for alcohol. Okay maybe three. And special occasions. Like Columbus Day.

And I will exercise. And not in the streaming netflix fitness shows kind of way that always turns into a giggling dance party. Real exercise.

Also, VEGAS is happening very soon. Like 6 weeks soon. Like I want to fit in a skanky leather dress soon so goddamit Tiffany put down the cheese danish! I will fit in these dresses.

linking up with {av} for friday's fancies! 

And don't forget to enter my super awesome giveaway! Cheers to a more sober and less-fattening weekend!

Show your shark pride! Sunkissed Sisters giveaway.

Summer is officially over and I did not go to the beach once. I mean, I went to the beach bars but not once did my feet touch the sand or the Pacific Ocean. And I'm totally okay with that. I am not a beach girl, but I do love the ocean and the animals that live there. Which is probably why I stay out of the water.

Another fun fact about things I did not do this summer: I did not watch Shark Week. I can not do such a thing. No, I'm not afraid of sharks. I'm afraid of bad science and inaccurate information so I just don't watch. It's better for my blood pressure and for everyone around me.

Anyways, when my fellow animal-lover friend showed me this bracelet during one of our etsy spirals, I wanted it immediately. And you probably want one too. So here is your chance to win a gorgeous shark tooth wrap bracelet (black wrap & green gem) from SunKissed Sisters. These California girls create beautiful pieces inspired by the beach and nature, and this wrap would make a perfect addition to your arm party!

Sharks can have up to 30,000 teeth in their lifetime, because
broken/old teeth are immediately replaced with ones from the
back rows of teeth. You learn things on my blog, yes you do.

My number one rule of this contest: You have to promise me that you won't hate sharks. I realize that is not something that rafflecopter can moderate. However, sharks are really fucking cool and they face a multitude of problems in the ocean, all of them caused by humans. So pick up your trash, and eat sustainable seafood. Or don't eat seafood at all because it's disgusting.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fancy Friday: We're goin' to France Y'ALL!

Name that movie! Why do I keep testing you? Because I can. We really, in all actuality are not going to France. I'm sure someone you know is or you have and that instantly makes you cooler than me. However, here is a little story.

A few weeks ago when we were deep in the trenches of the great FLEA WAR of 2012, we went out to dinner and got a little drunk in order to cheer me up because I was completely losing my shit. Shocking, I know. This led to a conversation about taking a vacation when led to him telling me that he would one day like to take me to Paris. And then I died. And now he has to take me because I blogged about it. That's how this works, right?

And because this is a safe place, I'm going to come out and admit that I have no idea what the hell you are supposed to wear while you are in the most romantic city in the world. All I know is THIS DRESS. That dress. Right there. Is what dreams are made of. Oh, Anthropologie why must you kill me so? I can't even walk into that store without feeling like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. And it's so quiet. I can't help but feel like I'm not quite enough of a lady yet to shop there. One day, Anthro. I will come to you.

Linking up with {av} of Long Distance Loving for Friday's Fancies.

*Disclaimer: I don't typically post things that I truly can't afford. But, see above. The dress made me do it.*

Fancy Friday: Summer Weddings x 5

Hey, have you heard? I have 5 weddings to attend this summer! FIVE! Now I'm not complaining about the actual weddings. I love weddings. It's kind of sick how much I love weddings. And open bars. I'm complaining about how many times I have to dress my ass up and try not to look like a total hot mess.

HENCE. Incorrect. Therefore, below you will see two of the dresses I've already purchased. Aren't they fucking adorable? I can't wait to spill beer on them. Now, because I'm financially challenged, I thought I could kill two birds with one stone here and get one pair of shoes to match both dresses. What do you think? Do any of my options fit both dresses appropriately? I'm bad at matching shoes to dresses mostly because my feet are so far down my long ass legs I forget about them. And one dress is satin and one is not and I don't know if that's okay for the shoes and holy shit I just got stressed again. Help me. Please.

I'd also like to minimize the amount of accessories I add to my ever-growing ridiculous jewelry collection. Can any of these bracelets pull double duty? Please say the bow bracelet. The bow bracelet, right?

Linking up with {av} of Long Distance Loving for Friday's Fancies!

Fancy Fridays: Stripes & My Summer Uniform

Today I'm guest posting for Miss Christianna of The Girl with the Blue Bow while she is on a fabulous vacation that I'm so jealous of.


Let's be honest here for a moment. This is a safe place, right? So I started browsing for items based on the FF stars & stripes theme, and I was mildly appalled. Is there no other way to express your pride than a string bikini with stars on the nips?

So, I opted for stripes and found all of these lovelies which I would wear every day of my life. Which leads to my next point. You guys, I'm getting a little chubs. My friends have called it "the love weight," which I know sometimes happens, but refuse to accept that is the problem here because I haven't changed my eating habits (only an increase in my drinking habits...) AND I quit my 4-a-day diet soda habit (because my boyfriend was convinced it was killing me but I still haven't lost any of the bloating that diet soda contenders claim happens) and I spent about 5ish weeks in a bootcamp. What the hell is happening, body?

Therefore, it's the middle of summer and my pants are bursting at the seams and the best outfit I can come up with is a sheer, loose top, pants that have some forgiving stretch in them, and a shitload of obnoxious accessories to distract from the fact that I am growing more quickly than Violet in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. Ask me about the time I ripped the crotch out of my favorite gap jeans. I DARE YOU.

Sheer top / Sheer top / Sheer top / Striped tunic / The Breeze Knees Top

Linking up with {av} of Long Distance Loving for Friday's Fancies!

My Precious

I have been drooling over La Mer watches since I first spotted one as I was window shopping on Urban Outfitters a while ago. Window shopping online is one of my favorite pastimes, and safer than shopping in real life. In real life, I can find something and then wander around a store convincing myself that it is okay to buy it and then do so and then hit the food court for something fattening because why not? I'm already broke lets add fat to that list as well.

But when you shop online, shit starts to add up. Shipping is always an insane amount. Unless I'm being enticed with free shipping if I spend only $15 more! So yes, lets do that! And then I ALWAYS forget about tax. So by the time I'm ready to submit my order, I've scared myself away from purchasing anything and now I'm going to drive to the food court just to be fat because I'm still feeling sorry for myself, this time for not purchasing anything. See how quickly things spiral?

And then. THEN. One of the hundreds of newsletters I've subscribed to over the years made me an offer I couldn't refuse. Refinery29 has what I've been calling a "fancy groupon," also properly known as Refinery Reserve. A coup for a La Mer? Hell yes. I snatched that sucker up without even thinking more than three times about it. 

That is how I became the proud owner of this beauty. It's an automatic arm party that also tells time! Which I forget and still bust out my cell phone. It is still a little tricky to put on and I've given up a time or two a la Samantha in SATC (double high-5 if you know what I'm talking about). But once it's on, I can't help but stare. At my own arm. You would too.

I tried to take a picture of the actual watch on my actual arm but I wasn't
impressed and you wouldn't have been either.

La Mer Collections :: Chain / Charm Wraps :: Black - Rose Gold...

Fancy Fridays: Summer Wedding

Today I'm linking up with Long Distance Loving for Friday's Fancies. This week is about crushes. You know that feeling that you get when you see someone that makes you smile? They take your breath away and you just know that you could love them forever. That is EXACTLY how I feel about these shoes. When it becomes legal to marry shoes, this is happening.

I’m desperately searching for summery wedding-appropriate dresses because I have 5 weddings to attend this summer. Yes. FIVE. This dress is an unexpected pairing with the shoes, but I love how it works together and suggests a little vintage flair. If I had the necessary padding on my chest to support a strapless dress, this would be mine.