Monday, September 30, 2024
Over the years, I have spent a lot of time in the mirror putting together business styles that worked for me. I have also purchased a great many outfits to accommodate my business world.
A type of suit that worked for me- included a tunic jacket with a matching pencil skirt. Two examples from my closet are shown below.
How am I defining tunic jacket? The jacket to the suit could be worn without a blouse underneath because it had some type of closures from top to bottom.
What I do not have in my closet is the suit shown below.
I would like to own the suit illustrated above. I know this suit will work for me in black, caramel, and the gray shown. Leave a comment if you have answers.
Thursday, September 26, 2024
The new flyer for Costco arrived Monday, and I wanted to pick up several sale items on Wednesday with the start of the new promotion.
The problem, it rained all day Wednesday. So I made plans to go today,
Thursday, September 26, 2024. Though it rained earlier in the morning it was
not raining around 11:00 AM when I left the house. Because it was steamy and
wet, I
decided to wear jeans and a sweater. Below photos taken before leaving the
house.
Below, closeup photos of the items I wore.
What is amusing about this? Before I could reach the entrance to the store I had to
pin my hair up because I had absolutely no curls left. Outside, it was like a
steam bath. You would think, I would simply pin my hair up before leaving the
house on days like today.
I managed to purchase most of the items I wanted on sale. In addition, I noticed a
bright LED OttLite being offered for $49.99. These days I need all the bright
light I can find and the lamp on display seemed to cast a bright light.
Happy to report, the lamp worked out well in the area I wanted to use it. See this link for a similar offering on Amazon.
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Yesterday, I ate so lightly, that this morning when I made my morning espresso, I was surprised I wanted nothing else.
In addition to the items shown above, I also had the following drinks-
- Morning espresso
- Glass of Pepsi
- Capri juice drink with my daily B12 vitamin (noon) (the only pill I take)
- Hot Chocolate w/Whip Cream (5:00 PM)
This morning, after my AM routine (see below), I had some fruit and a small amount of candy/nut mix. Then I decided to re-transplant a new plant I recently transplanted.
I purchased the original snake plant in late August (2024), and noticed last week a new bud peaking through on the side. I was able to dig out the smaller plant without damaging the larger or smaller plant.
Initially, I thought the copper planter would be perfect, however decided this morning, in the initial stages of the new growth, the ceramic planter would be more aesthetically pleasing.
How is my diet going? Okay. Are you surprised I am losing weight?
I have a myriad of financial issues that I manage daily, not only for my personal and business accounts, but also for the house and other matters. Some days I spend a good part of my morning taking care of just the day to day as related to financial matters.
This morning, I ensured the 20 or so bank accounts I manage, all report the numbers I have and I paid off my PayPal Business Mastercard.
It is now 12:10 PM. Today, I think I am having chicken fajitas around 2:00 PM. I used to purchase the frozen Weight Watchers Chicken Fajita entrée when I wanted to maintain a Misses size 6/8 for my business suits. My version of this entrée is also effective.
Monday, September 23, 2024
I seldom wore or purchased sweaters to wear to the office. Three sweaters I owned before I started or early in my professional career are shown below.
On occasion, I did wear the brown sweater to the office with a long brown
plaid pencil skirt if I had no meetings planned. One of the photos below shows
the brown sweater with a dress similar in style to that of the skirt. Keep in mind I was a lot
smaller when I worked in the corporate world (resume).
When I started my small business it seemed I purchased a lot of sweaters.
This probably due to the fluctuations in my weight and working from home. Below
photos taken in October 2009 showing styles incorporating sweaters I wore back
then. Note the tweed lavender college sweater from above.
See this post for my corporate business style.
In the previous set of photos did you notice the burgundy sweater I have on in the top left photo? I like that style and since leaving the corporate world I have purchased several in the same style however different colors.
I can also change the look of the crew neck sweaters shown above- by clipping on the black velour collar shown below.
Three of the sweaters I purchased after leaving the corporate world came
with collars and are shown below.
And finally, okay yes I have purchased other sweaters, however these are the
sweaters I wanted to use for business style, I purchased the following
sweaters to wear with pencil skirts rather than a business jacket.
Why are the tags still on these sweaters? Though I love them and only paid $15.00 apiece for this designer brand, they are men's sweaters and have pockets where I need no further adornment, breast pockets. Because the sweaters are thick the pockets added too much. Now that I have lost weight, the fit is more to my liking. Purchased the sweaters over 15 years ago.
Sunday, September 22, 2024
With my recent weight loss I have looked forward to trying on old and new clothes to see how things are shaping up.
Around ten this morning, after my AM routine, I did my hair and makeup in preparation for trying on Fall fashion styles along with some of the new pieces recently acquired.
This did not go exactly as planned.
One of the old pieces, I have always wanted to wear is the brown sweater
shown in the following photos.
The problem with the sweater is not size, more, it simply did nothing for me. I purchased it from the Saks Off Fifth Avenue at Arundel Mills many years ago thinking at the time- it was more suitable for the area I lived and worked in.
Next I tried on another
sweater with the same cords and boots and liked the results better.
That said, I was annoyed about the first sweater and thought about the Mac & Cheese casserole I made Friday and finished off late Saturday. Why doesn't that sweater work for me? I look heavy.
The upshot? I did not want to try on more old Fall pieces.
So next, I tried different looks with one of the new tube tops.
This too rather annoyed me because I thought my top seemed disproportionate as compared to the rest of the look. Yes, I had on the new strapless black bra, which does have a bit of padding.
Thought the outfit looked better in the mirror than the photos I took. One of the photos shows an evening jacket that will help to correct the styling error. In my case, when I wear something like the tube top shown, I always have a jacket or shirt topper.
Friday, September 20, 2024
Yesterday, I had several errands to run and I wore something new- which worked out well with the spaghetti string camisole I wore underneath my dress.
- Banana Republic Wrap Dress (Black)
- Charlotte Russe Spaghetti String Camisole (Tan)
- Light Weight Summer Jacket
- Calvin Klein Black Patent Slingbacks
- Tan Strapless Bra (new)
- 14K Gold Button Clip On Earrings
- Timex Brass Watch
- Brass Bangle Bracelet
- Sunglasses
- Readers (I wear contacts)
I was up early, however some of the photos seem to suggest I just rolled out of bed. It was a productive day.
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
On September 9, 2024 I submitted my first order to Temu and yesterday (September 17, 2024) the package arrived. Below a redacted copy of my purchase order.
I was pleasantly surprised by the whole experience and very happy with the items I ordered. Below photos of the items I received.
What led me to try Temu? I used to own a velvet/velour corset that had hidden snaps in the back. I could pair the corset with business suits, dress slacks, or a long velvet/velour skirt I had that went with another top. The original velvet/velour skirt and top are shown below along with other top options and the new corset I just ordered from Temu.
Somehow the black velvet/velour evening top (corset) was stolen and though I have searched over the years for something similar- could never find a replacement until I ordered the new one from Temu.
No the new corset it is not velvet/velour, and not as deep in color as the one stolen. In addition, the new one zips rather than snaps in the back, however it will work for the look I want.
Examining the purchase order shows I received quite a few discounts (first time buyer), so I am not sure if the same deals are available for existing users of Temu. If you are a new user, you may be able get a good deal too, here is the Temu link.
I always loved the idea of a simple classy corset as an evening top option so when I noticed a wholesaler offering a similar style in different colors I thought about also offering them as women's accessories via WiredShops.
Still thinking about it. What do you think? Again the above tops are not the same as the new corset I ordered via Temu.
Sunday, September 15, 2024
I had a nice weekend, mainly because things I wanted to accomplish, were realities by the end of the day on Saturday.
After the Tuesday, September 10, 2024 appointment to have the new dishwasher installed failed, I was worried the Saturday appointment would have the same result. Happy to report the old dishwasher was replaced with the new one by 1:00 pm on Saturday.
I was so pleased with this turn of events that I decided to update my hair color later Saturday evening.
This too, went off without a hitch, so all in all- I feel I had a great weekend. I combed out my hair and put makeup on around noon today, while I tested for the first time the dishwasher (yes the guys tested it before they left, however it was not a full cycle). Also liked the way some of the new items worked with my hair update. Below photos of the before and after of the hair update.
Why so happy these things (dishwasher install/hair color) worked? Lately, I have been feeling, if something could go wrong- it would.
I am very happy with recent additions to my wardrobe, but mostly, lately things have been a challenge. The reason? The number of things in disrepair. Hopefully things are looking up.
Hope you had a nice weekend.
Friday, September 13, 2024
Sometimes I get questions.
- Is that hair all yours? Yes, every raggedy strand.
- Why don't you do something with that hair? I keep my hair pinned up until I have to go out or depending on the visitor. It needs color and a good cut, however hairdressers never do what I want. My hair is very thin and a hairdresser tends to want to make it very straight. I prefer more of my natural body to cover how thin my hair is. Not bald thin. Just thin.
- Why are your legs so white in coloring? Though my skin color changes from very pale on some days to a bit darker on others, for some reason my legs always seem very light. A relative once told me I had poor blood circulation. I believe I have a rare blood type like my mother's- AB negative. Not sure if this is the problem.
- Why do you dress old? These days I am old. That said when I was 20 I wore the same style suits. Classics. Did you watch the Gilmore Girls? I have always preferred Emily's style to that of her daughter's or granddaughter's on that show.
- If you are a techie, why is your style more a TV lawyer or the old Charlies Angels wannabe look? I love style and spend time and money in this area. I also like makeup. I like being a girl. When I first started my career, there were not many girls doing the same thing. There were secretaries and support staff, however I was often at the Pentagon or NAVSEA and the support staff was not. Sometimes I had lunches, meetings, travel. That said since high school I have liked what a business suit could do for me. I interned in offices in high school.
- Did you really develop all of the applications found on WiredPages and other areas of your sites? Yes.
Just a few of the old suits in my closets. Yes, some need to go to the cleaners for a good pressing.
Why am I showing you these suits? Because I wanted to show my style is the same as it was 30 years ago. Should I brag that I wear a dated look? My old style suited me and is similar to the outfit I have on in the top right photo of the series. I have a lot of business suits. I have no plans to get rid of them. The problem? The sizes. I am now beginning to fit many of my old suits.
Why don't I look like a vlogger claiming to be a software developer? Software developer roles have changed over the years. In my day, someone with my role owned the software project. Requirements definition, all areas of development, debug, documentation, and customer interaction.
These days, software developers on Youtube own a bug and they have to fix it. Then go through many levels of review to make a change. They also do not wear suits.
I do all of my own work- from soup to nuts and continue to wear suits.
Software development has changed. I like understanding the whole project. I own the project.
I love working, coming up with new business ideas, developing software applications, reading, old movies, shopping for new outfits, and tennis.
Why am I telling you I am not really an agile software developer? Because I do more, which is not really wanted in software developers anymore. Businesses do not want programmers 'owning' the software project. They cannot afford to allow one or two programmers to own the project. I own my software consulting firm.
When I have a problem with a resource I have to work out the issues. For example, Google notified me earlier this year that the Representatives API resource I use for the "Who are my representatives?" application on the WiredPages Government page will retire in April 2025. I have been researching for a new resource, and thought I had a good option, however, today I found out I need to continue searching.
Today, most developers are not required to do this type of research nor engage with outside organizations. Well not the ones on Youtube, in any case. Okay, a little annoyed I thought my problem was resolved.
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Yesterday, before the dishwasher installer arrived I quickly snapped photos of me trying on the two sweaters and caramel jacket I recently highlighted in this post.
Unfortunately, after the dishwasher installer left, I was too upset to re-shoot the photos with a tripod and more lighting.
I like the way these pairings turned out.
I also decided the new lip color I have been playing around with, works with my new Fall wardrobe additions.
I would love to offer these items for sale, however, not sure the wholesaler would be onboard with this plan and the sizes may be problematic.
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Today, at long last the new dishwasher was to be installed. I spent most of Monday, moving things around so the installer would have easy access to everything.
About 25 minutes before the installer was to arrive, he called to request the power to the dishwasher be turned off. I had to make about four trips to the basement before finding the correct switch. For some reason the switches are labelled rather ambiguously.
When the installation company called to set up the appointment I explained I had measured the width of the dishwasher as suggested by Costco and was assured because it was standard the height was not a factor.
The first thing the installer did after unloading the new dishwasher was to measure the height and said the dishwasher would not fit because he needed 33.5 inches insofar as clearance and I only had 33 and 3/8 inches.
It did not matter that I explained the hardwood flooring was not underneath the dishwasher and that he was measuring an inch of flooring that should not have been included.
I also explained that both the old and new dishwashers were the same size so I did not understand why he could not install the new one.
Included in my discussion, the hardwood flooring was in place when the old dishwasher was installed. Nothing worked. Though the guy had a very large head he spoke broken English and did not seem to understand what I was saying. Have you ever noticed the size of my head in comparison to the rest of my body? (See the last post).
I had to set up another appointment for a second opinion.
I am upset by all of this. This should have been an easy replacement and I had prepared carefully for everything.
I took some photos today, so I had on something other than my usual outfit. I will provide the other photos in the next post.
Why is this tagged FBI? Just something off about the whole thing. Most know there are sometimes the wrong issues involved in things like this and I do not like hassles for the wrong reasons. FBI, I said no.
Sunday, September 08, 2024
Since June 2024, I have added a number of pieces to my wardrobe, ostensibly to research new items for my online shop, however, for one reason or another decided many of the items were not a good fit for my shop.
That said, I absolutely love most of the new acquisitions to my wardrobe.
Two weeks ago I ordered the tan and caramel leather jackets along with the two sweaters with the peter pan like collars. I am very pleased. I ordered the black leather jacket in June, and have since lost a bit more weight. The two new jackets are the same size.
I have begun pairing the new pieces with other elements in my wardrobe. Shown below an example using my old paisley corduroy skirt.
What else have I been up to?
How am I losing weight eating things like that doctored cinnamon raisin bagel? Getting my workouts and moderation. That bagel for breakfast, is often only half a bagel.
Sunday, September 01, 2024
It was a quiet Sunday. With the beginning of each new month, I spend time reconciling all of the financial matters under my charge.
In addition, I decided to make this great Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders recipe I found sometime ago.
In the above set of photos, I included shots of what I wore today because lately I have been going through my closets, trying to decide if I should get rid of somethings. Decided to keep the old jeans skirt and suspenders.
That said, the light orange dress shown in the photo below is something I have never worn and though I like the style (shown with the black version I love), the color is not the camel shade I thought I ordered.
Do you own a lot of little black dresses? I do, and it seems I cannot part
with any of them no matter how old.
The little black dress (shorter dress) shown in some of the photos, is over 30 years old. I think the last time I wore it was in the early 90's to a night club in Washington, DC called Rumors. Think the club no longer exists, however the dress is in great shape.
So what did I throw out? Still working on this.
