Tag Wardrobe

updates, wardrobe multiples, permanent jewelry, and a plant inventory

Michelle 10 Comments
elizabeth suzann x alabama chanin james mock neck top | everlane twill cotton shorts | pamela card jewelry

It’s time for an update guys.

For the past 6 years, I’ve been dealing with an abnormal heart rhythm issue called supraventricular tachycardia (spoiler alert: don’t worry, this ends with good news!). Most cases of SVT are relatively benign and manageable. Mine started out as random bouts of palpitations that resolved after a few minutes. Sometimes the episodes were triggered by physical exertion or a little too much caffeine. Other times they happened out of the blue, while I was at rest, and not particularly stressed or excited about anything. Luckily my primary care physician took me seriously right off the bat and referred me to a cardiologist, who instructed me to carry a portable Bluetooth enabled EKG machine to capture the events as they happened. The first arrhythmia I captured had a rate of 160 beats per minute, the second one 180 beats per minute. Because initially the episodes were sporadic, short-lived, and didn’t seem to interfere much with my life, I decided to decline cardiac ablation and decided to manage the issue with medication instead. (Of note, SVT is something that can happen to otherwise young healthy people and are often misdiagnosed as a panic attack. In between episodes, the EKG will usually look normal.)

Eventually though, the episodes were breaking through despite the medication. A few weeks ago, while I was working, I had a severe episode that persisted for over an hour. It caused chest pain and shortness of breath. My portable EKG was showing me a rate of 218 beats per minute!, the highest I had ever experienced. We called an ambulance. My blood pressure had dropped extremely low (60/40), but somehow I was still conscious and able to walk. I probably would have lost consciousness if the paramedics hadn’t quickly converted me back to normal rhythm with IV adenosine. Long story short, I ended up seeing another cardiologist who strongly recommended I get an electrophysiology study and cardiac ablation procedure this time around to identify and definitively cure the problem. It involved inserting multiple probes through a vein into the upper chambers of the heart, mapping out the heart’s electrical activity, and ablating the problem areas with heat. The whole idea was unnerving but the more I looked into it, the more reassured I felt. I’m happy to say that it all went well, my cardiologist felt pretty certain it was a cure, and the whole ordeal was actually pretty easy. Honestly, going to the dentist was much worse than the ablation. Thank God for modern medicine and anesthesia! I’m feeling a lot better now, and relieved that it is finally behind me.

During the week before the procedure, I tried to do things to distract myself from thinking too much about it. Aside from binging on Adrianne Lenker’s lyrics while she was played on repeat, I spent some time pruning my wardrobe again. I ended up letting go of some pants that no longer fit and a few other things that I was certain I’d never wear. And in the process of digging around piles in my closet, I rediscovered a few favorites that I had thought I lost. I reorganized my storage system as well, arranging the most worn items in the most accessible areas of my closet, which makes getting dressed a lot quicker. There’s no more digging around to find things.

After this was done, I had a bit of a shopping spree. Stress shopping, yes, but it wasn’t reckless. Taking inventory of my wardrobe usually leads to smarter purchases for me. I felt really confident about what I was buying. I bought a few tops that were multiples of some of my most worn tops, some new and some secondhand. These were pretty low risk decisions. Take this ES mock neck (pictured) for example. I already own one in yellow and love it. I’ve worn it weekly since I received it. I wanted the black one for a while but it was sold out until recently. When it came back in stock, I bought it right away, but this time sizing up to medium. Size small can fit, but I wanted a looser style. I’m going to size up to medium more often now. Larger sizes often look better on me. I want to break the habit of defaulting to the smallest possible size that I can fit into.

In other news, for the first time in my life, and maybe the last time, I spent a significant chunk of money on jewelry. I used some of my wedding gift money on this beautiful Pamela Card 14K solid gold necklace. I was really getting into the idea of wearing a base layer of jewelry everyday-all day, almost permanently, like a tattoo. I wanted something that was timeless, easy, and can be the foundation for other jewelry added to it. For a base layer, something water and sweat resistant is necessary which is why I decided to go for solid gold. Vermeil or gold plated will be fine for occasional layering pieces, but they aren’t durable enough for everyday. I never really gave much thought to jewelry, but the right pieces can really add a touch of elegance and bring a whole outfit together. Now that most of my stylistic self expression is from the neckline up on zoom calls, it is even more important to adorn those areas. I think a simple base layer of jewelry is a nice way to consistently create looks that appear put-together no matter how understated the rest of my clothing is. I’m really happy with my Pamela Card pieces. I first heard about her through Audrey Coyne and Dearly Bethany on YouTube. I love that each piece is hand made by the designer and have a beautiful old world feel to them.

And finally, I wanted to end this post with an update on my house plants. You might recall my olive tree sapling from last fall. Well it didn’t do so well and we were forced to get rid of it after it got infested with some mysterious parasite. I made the mistake of using a dead tree branch that I found at the park to offer structural support for the sapling. This branch must have been the source of the infection. I don’t know what it was but hundreds of ugly bumps appeared all over the trunk of the tree and the tree started emitting a sticky substance. Since then, my confidence about caring for plants have taken a hit, but I’ve started to get back into it. So without further adieu, here are all my plants:

Tradescantia Nanouk
jade plant
rosemary
rubber tree (outdoors)
grocery store flowers
jabily tree

This last plant is the newest addition. The jabily tree is a hard to find succulent that is native to Madagascar. They are often shaped into bonsai trees. Mine is still really young, but as it gets older its trunk will thicken and it will start to branch out a lot more. With pruning, propagating, and wiring, I want to eventually get this tree to look something like this:

instagram

If ya’ll have any plant care tips for me, please do share!

All the best, M.

outfit: post-80’s main street USA

Michelle 5 Comments

ootd 2018-02-25 at 1.26.52 PM

This is what I wore today, but it could just as well have been taken in the 1990s, 2000s, or 2010s. Fashion hasn’t really changed much in the post 80’s era. In my teens and 20’s, I wanted my clothes to stand out and say something special.  That was probably the 1980’s era American optimism and my youthful naïveté still brewing at the time, which has since faded away, alongside the death of the American dream.  Fast forward to today. I’ve developed a sober appreciation for dressing just like everyone else.  That attitude though, has not taken the joy out of getting dressed for me.  It’s a quieter joy than it used to be, but there’s joy nonetheless.

ootd 2018-02-25 at 1.26.25 PM

It was raining and muddy at the park today, where I took Freddy for his morning walk, so I decided to forego my usual oxfords and dusted off these crepe work boots for the occasion.  I covered the boots in wax a while back to protect them from water damage.  The wax dried and leaves a faint white dusty layer unevenly distributed in the crevices, which gives the boots the appearance of spending a lot of time on a construction site.  This is workwear chic done unintentionally.

I went to the cleaners to pick up my tailored shirt on Friday but the tailor said the seam work was more difficult than expected and she needed more time to work on it, which was OK with me.  She spent more than two hours tailoring this shirt and was not finished. I’m only paying her $35 for it.  That’s barely a living wage in the U.S.  It was another affirmation that I should be paying more for clothes.

How was your weekend?  On Friday, we stayed out late. Then I spent Saturday getting some much needed R&R. And today, Sunday, I’m working on a presentation that I have to give at work.  I have a number of presentations and research projects that I need to work on right now.  I’m starting to resent all these extra projects that I became involved in, which I don’t get paid extra for, and which dip into my free time.

And lastly, here’s a documentary about the anti-fashion movement that started in the 1990’s, as a reaction to the over the top optimism of the 1980’s.  I think you’ll find it interesting.

[outfit:  *lauren manoogian ribbed tee, *levi’s 501ct jeans, APC armelle boot, everlane long puffer; *=pre-owned]

What’s in my bag?

Michelle 6 Comments

bag contents

Prototypical ‘what’s in my bag’ blog post here.

I’m working on a research project today.  It’s very tedious. I got bored and decided to unload everything from my bag onto my desk to write this blog post.

What’s in my bag?

  1. A 6 year old leather wallet from Madewell that holds my cards, cash, and coins all in one pocket.  I’m really unhappy with this wallet.  It’s quite dirty inside and the two card slots are too small.  Because everything is in one pocket, I find it takes a long time to find the card I’m looking for, which I’m sure irritates the hell out of the New Yorkers waiting behind me in line.  I should probably replace it with something more functional and structured.
  2. A 4 year old key chain from Madewell with my house keys.  Very happy with this.  It’s functional and the furry texture of the key chain makes it easy to find in my purse.
  3. My work pager (it hardly ever rings anymore, thank god); battered from the many times I’ve dropped it, held together with scotch tape.
  4. A pill box for random OTC meds that I use on an as needed (PRN) basis
  5. A cheap pen
  6. Cerave healing ointment for lips.
  7. Dr. Hauschka rose day cream –  I no longer use this on my face because of all the botanical ingredients that I’m actually trying to avoid, but I need to use it up so now it is delegated to hand cream that I keep in my purse.  It smells amazing; nice for freshening up the stinky air inside the subway on my commute.

Not shown are my ID badge and headphones, both of which I usually wear on my body while commuting.  I tend to carry bags on the smaller side.  There are times where I need to carry larger items, and for that I take along a canvas tote or one of those netted french market bags.  I’ve had mild scoliosis since puberty which has never given me any problems but when I was diagnosed with it at age 12, my pediatrician warned me to never carry a big purse because that could make it worse, so I never did!

Fashion: My April Wardrobe Additions

Michelle

Ganni Lousa Shift blue 148 Ganni Lousa shift dress blue close up 148

1)  Ganni Lousa Shift Dress in blue from Anthropologie

This dress met my criteria for being a staple item for work, but had many unique qualities that made it a must buy for me.  It’s soft, thick and stretchy, has an embossed pattern and can be worn wrinkly if that makes sense.  Royal blue in this fabric gives it a deep velvety richness.  It maintains its form while being loose at the same time!  Can be nicely dressed up with a scarf, necklace, or a thin belt.  Would go well with some opaque stockings and flat oxfords or low heeled ankle boots.  The dress on the model is a bit shorter than it is on me.  I’m 5’5″ tall and got this dress in x-small, it ends just 2-3 inches above the knee.  I can see myself repeatedly wearing this and mixing it up with different accessories.

J crew boy shirt dots 78 J crew boy shirt dots 78 - model

2) J. crew Boy Shirt in Dots

This buy was intended to be another staple item for work, but could also be worn in a casual day outfit.  The excellent fit and comfort were the selling points for me.  It’s 100% cotton, very soft.  The fabric is thick enough to be to be opaque in white (don’t have to worry about your bra showing through).  There’s a button at the back of the collar that keeps the collar well folded and neat throughout the day.  It looks chic buttoned all the way to the top, sleeves rolled up, tucked into a skirt or dress pants and “casual fun” when sleeves ironed and rolled down, untucked over some fitted capri pants or skinny jeans.  I’m really digging button down collared shirts these days!

J crew cafe capri

3.) J. crew Cafe Capri in Seersucker, Navy, and Camel

I loved these pants so much that I bought 3 of them.  These are going to be great staple items for my wardrobe (notice a theme here?).  The shape is just the right balance.  It’s well fitted, somewhat skinny and tapered, but not at all tight.  There’s plenty of wiggle room and a tiny bit of stretch but you wouldn’t guess that by looking at the fabric.  You can iron a seam down the front of the leg to give them a more professional look but they can also be ironed flat.  Can be worn straight or slightly rolled up for a more casual look.  The fabric is 100% cotton and pretty thick compared to the average dress pant, which is good if you don’t want to have to think about panty lines or bunching of your tucked in shirts.  Great with a colorful belt and because they are tapered, dress shirts look good tucked and untucked.

Baggu chestnut backpack 42 Screen Shot 2013-04-09 at 12.20.53 AM

4) Baggu Backpack in chestnut

Thanks to my lovely friend who tipped me off to this!  I love it!  The picture on the right is via the Sartorialist.  The Baggu backpack he is carrying is an earlier version of the one that I bought (on the left).  The only difference is in the clasp.  The old version had a strappy closure while the new version has a snap hardware closure.  I wanted a backpack with no frills and large enough to carry my 13″ laptop, a water bottle, and some books.  Its also unique in that the small pocket is hidden along the side and opens with a zipper.  It’ll have some edge when paired with a green military jacket, black tights, and combat boots or just totally simple and understated when paired with casual workwear.

EDIT: this blue Ganni dress is now on sale for half price at anthro as of 4/24/13