$30 Project

Jean Jacket: BCBG Max Azria owned since college, Owl Tee: Urban...

Mon, 20 May 2013 11:30:29 -0400

Jean Jacket: BCBG Max Azria owned since college, Owl Tee: Urban Outfitters $10 on sale, Leather Skirt: thrift shop in Utah $20, Boots: Swedish Hasbeens $178 on sale, Sunnies: gift, Bracelets: vintage via my mom

I wanted to wear these boots one last time before the weather got too warm. So this morning, I decided to go whole hog and add the leather skirt in there too because why not? This denim jacket has been such a boon this spring, easily the best-kept secret of my closet. It hid in a dark corner for years, languishing away, unworn and unloved, but it’s persistance paid off.

Also, is anyone else suffering from “tights syndrome”? Do all the hemlines on your skirts seem irrevocably shorter now that bare legs are making an appearance? I swear that this skirt used to be three inches longer.

Do you like the cat toy in the background? (Also, Meg Wolitzer keeps making an appearance because I am inundated with library books at the moment and I haven’t picked it up. She’s living on my coffee table because it would take far too much energy for me to actually put her away on the shelf.) I am about to start The Orphan Master’s Son after finishing Michael Pollan’s Cooked this weekend. I have now been googling how to ferment my own vegetables because Pollan has convinced me that there are not enough live cultures in my diet and I hate kombucha.

Hopefully it will go better than the time I tried to grow tomato plants in my practically sunless apartment in Queens after I read The Omnivore’s Dilemma and ended up with an aphid infestation. Or this.

Total cost of the outfit = $208

Remaining budget for 2013 = $527

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Sweater: GAP via Beacon’s Closet $9.25, Shorts: Uniqlo...

Fri, 17 May 2013 11:30:09 -0400

Sweater: GAP via Beacon’s Closet $9.25, Shorts: Uniqlo $25, Espadrilles: Macy’s purchased with gift card, Sunglasses: Old Navy $8, Belt: JCrew purchased with gift card, Necklace: Forever 21 $10

So ready for the freaking weekend.

I want to talk about this whole Mindy Kaling “cutting off” her hair for some weird plot line on her show. Basically the whole message was, “ladies with short hair are totally less attractive, who wants to sleep with them, lol.” (Also the ease of short hair can be a myth depending on the person. Longer hair was easy for me. Hair products were never involved and on bad hair days, I just put it up in a bun. Now I don’t have that option.)

This touched a tiny nerve in me because a.) Mindy Kaling looks pretty cute with short hair and b.) f**k Mindy Kaling for this plot line, srsly.

Look. I’d be lying to you if I said that the pixie doesn’t bring out some interesting reactions in men. Some hate it. Some love it. Some are totally into it in a really weird way that I will not describe here so as to spare you. I had several very disheartening experiences when I first cut it off. Men who had known me for a while stared at me like I was some kind of alien life form. (Upside, the reaction from women was universally positive.) I like to think of my pixie cut as a filter. Men who are able to compliment and understand that it’s about a lot more than just my look, those are the dudes that I want to kick it with anyway. Also, I feel way more attractive and confident with short hair than I ever did with long hair. SO THERE, MINDY KALING.

And maybe it’s just because I live in Brooklyn, where the pixie is not some kind of anomaly but rather worn by many women with lots of different styles, this whole thing shocked and puzzled me.

Chopping off your hair ain’t always some weird sign of mourning/sacrifice/horrible mistake, okay?

Total cost of the outfit = $52.25

Remaining budget for 2013 = $527

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"That we now think of such peasant fare as fancy or elite, while regarding the tossing of pricey..."

Thu, 16 May 2013 18:22:34 -0400

“

That we now think of such peasant fare as fancy or elite, while regarding the tossing of pricey filets of meat on the grill as simple food for the masses, represents a complete reversal of the historical situation. There has always been a trade-off between time and technique in the kitchen and the quality of raw ingredients. The better the later, the less of the former is required to eat well. But the opposite is equally true. With a modicum of technique and a little more time in the kitchen, the most flavorful food can be made from the humblest of ingredients. This enduring formula suggests that learning one’s way around the kitchen–knowing what to do with the gnarly cut, the mirepoix, and the humble pot–might be a good recipe for eating delicious food without spending much to make it. These are skills that confer a measure of independence.

But there are ethical implications here as well, about the way to approach the eating of animals, and the environmental issues the practice raises. If we’re only going to eat the prime cuts of young animals, we’re going to have to raise and kill a great many more of them. And indeed this has become a rule, with disastrous results for both animals and the land. Nowadays, there is no market for old laying hens, since so few of us know how to cook them, with the result that much of this meat ends up in pet foods or landfills. If we are going to eat animals, it behooves us to waste as few and as little of them as we possibly can, something the humble cooking pot allows us to do.

”

- from Cooked: A Natural History of Transformation (pg. 147)

MICHAEL POLLAN SAYS EAT YOUR SOUP. IT’S GOOD FOR YOUR WALLET AND THE ENVIRONMENT.

(Also, a mirepoix is mostly sauteed onions, celery, and carrots. See, it sounds fancy but it’s not even.)

Linen Dress: thrifted from Tea and Tulips on sale for...

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:30:22 -0400

Linen Dress: thrifted from Tea and Tulips on sale for $24, Shirt: Target $20, Braided Sandals: Cole Haan thrifted for $10, Head Scarf: Belt from an ancient dress, Woven Bag: thrift store in Utah $1, Geode Necklace: gift from stone & honey

Pay no attention, I’m just dressing like your third grade art teacher. Again. (Sometimes it just happens and I don’t know why, OKAY?!)

I do love the crispness of a blue, white, & brown color palette and I like the mixture of chambray and linen. That’s a little match made in heaven. I include a lot of color in my wardrobe, so it’s nice to take a step back and wear more simplified pieces.

There’s a reading tonight at Pete’s Candy Store and you should come! We have Fiona Maazel and Peter Trachtenberg on deck! Plus I can drink again now that the Whole 30 is over so you can totally buy me a whiskey, thanks guy.

Total cost of the outfit = $55

Remaining budget for 2013 = $527

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britticisms: New Solange! “Looks Good With Trouble” by Solange...

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:44:37 -0400

britticisms:

New Solange!

“Looks Good With Trouble” by Solange (featuring Kendrick Lamar)

I am SO glad that she’s released a full-length version of this song. It was one of my favorite from her EP even though it was just a snapshot of something fuller. Making it longer allows the song room to breathe, to fully expand. Sonically, it sounds magnificent in my headphones, so full and lush and heavy. Adding Kendrick Lamar doesn’t hurt, of course.

I’ve been in the mood to make a few reckless decisions. Maybe this can be the soundtrack?

Polka Dot Tee: Hand-me-down from Miss Beca, Shorts:...

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:30:27 -0400

Polka Dot Tee: Hand-me-down from Miss Beca, Shorts: Beacon’s Closet $7.50, Ruffle Cardigan: Old Navy $20, Oxfords: Target $18, Tights: Banana Republic purchased with gift card, Woven Bag: thrift store in Utah $1, Rock Necklace: Nobletown Vintage $20, Pendant Necklace: vintage via my Nonnie, Snake Bracelet: Charlotte Russe $4,

I’m stopping by the Met tonight to see the new exhibit, so obviously I had to dress as punk as possible. (ahem)

Was that whole thing not totally ridiculous? Say what you will about Gwyneth Paltrow, but at least she admitted that it sucked. For the record, I would totally make a flan with Gwyneth Paltrow and eat it while we talked about how we’re indulging because usually we don’t allow ourselves refined sugar, while getting drunk on some selection from her expensive wine cellar. I would do it and I wouldn’t even feel sorry and then we’d be best friends.

Anyway I’m kind of in a bad mood this morning, but here is my outfit with some mixed patterns and new shorts. You can like it or not, that’s okay too.

Total cost of the outfit = $70.50

Remaining budget for 2013 = $527

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Neon Tee: GAP $10 on sale, Leggings: Uniqlo $25 with...

Mon, 13 May 2013 11:30:00 -0400

Neon Tee: GAP $10 on sale, Leggings: Uniqlo $25 with hemming, Jean Jacket: BCBG Max Azria owned since college, Saltwater Sandals:Available here for $40, Woven Bag: thrift store in Utah $1, Locket: The Market NYC $30, Ring: purchased years ago from a street vendor in Philly

Right after I wore these leggings last, I was cooking and olive oil went splashing everywhere. (And yes, I know that this is somewhat of a weird, disturbing trend in my life.) I thought that the leggings were totally ruined.

But then patterned pants started appearing as a huge trend for spring and a little idea came creeping into my head. With a little bit of time, fabric paint, and a stencil (cost about $6 total for the entire project), I remade the leggings and covered the olive oil stain.

I’m quite pleased with how they turned out! Aren’t they pretty funky? They’re obviously not perfect, but that makes me like them more.

Total cost of the outfit = $47.50

Remaining budget for 2013 = $527

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There’s more than one way to wear platform wedge...

Fri, 10 May 2013 16:36:26 -0400

There’s more than one way to wear platform wedge leopard-print booties.

Previously:

There’s more than one way to wear black & blue.

There’s more than one way to wear a navy sweater.

There’s more than one way to wear a pair of red pants.

There’s more than one way to wear pink scalloped shorts.

There’s more than one way to wear a leopard print skirt.

There’s more than one way to wear a chambray shirt.

There’s more than one way to wear a little print dress.

There’s more than one way to wear a navy pleated skirt.

There’s more than one way to wear a denim skirt.

There’s more than one way to wear a pair of denim shorts.

There’s more than one way to wear a yellow maxi skirt.

There’s more than one way to wear a little denim dress.

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HOW’S THAT FOR A HUNK OF MEAT, EH? Three more days, you...

Fri, 10 May 2013 13:30:59 -0400

HOW’S THAT FOR A HUNK OF MEAT, EH?

Three more days, you guys. Three more days and I will have officially completed the Whole 30. AND THEN I AM GOING TO HAVE A BIG OL’ DRINK.

Honestly, I miss alcohol. I am semi-troubled by how I miss alcohol in fact. Because when I consciously chose to give up alcohol for 30 days, I did not think that I would bemoan its existence in my life. I’ve done it before and I’m not a big drinker anyway. But those stressful days. Those days when you want to come home and plunk some ice in a glass and rattle it around when you’re sloshing back a few sips of whiskey? Those drinks I do miss. Those drinks I would still like to partake in. Those drinks are waiting for me.

What have I have been up to this week? Oh, just been thinking about meat. (That’s what she said.) I finally took a trip to The Meathook! And then I paid $44 for a 5.5 lb. pork shoulder and I almost died! So now it’s time to talk about the economics of this whole way of eating. It can be put off no longer.

A pork shoulder is traditionally a super cheap cut of meat. I’d pay maybe $9 or $10 for it at the regular grocery. So why did I choose to pay four times that price? It’s a reasonable question and one I asked myself. I would be lying if I did not say that the price made me choke.

But let’s just look at that pork shoulder. It’s beautiful. Truly. I’m not being clever or quippy here. The color is rich, the fat is nice and thick, it’s all lovely and marbled. In the regular grocery, it would be a weird, unnatural beige kind of sickly color. The layer of fat would look like the underside of your shoe after a season of NYC sidewalk-wearing. The freshness of this pork shoulder is a reason in and of itself.

Also, while I am just as subject to our culture’s idea of cheap food as the next person, I also don’t necessarily believe in it. Yes, there is a part of my brain that screams, “DEAR LORD THAT IS SO MUCH MONEY, OH MY GGGAAAWWWDDD,” there is also a part that says, “You are putting this INTO YOUR BODY. Should it not be good for you?” And since I spent a lot of time in my earlier life ignoring that later voice (i.e. alcohol consumption and so many cigarettes), as I creep on up in years, things like my own health and the health of the environment start to weigh on my mind.

But if food politics ain’t your thing… here’s simple economics.

I cooked that pork roast. I froze half of it. So far I’ve eaten it for breakfast with spinach and eggs everyday this week. I’ve used it every night in stir-frys or these make-shift spring rolls thingies that I whipped up using cabbage leaves. I still have enough for the weekend, plus the other half in the freezer.

So that’s… let’s say… 28 meals. TWENTY. EIGHT.

How much is that per meal? That’s approximately $1.57 per portion. And it’s a meal that you would pay upwards of $15 for at brunch in Brooklyn.

So, it makes more sense now. Don’t it?

Now for recipes this week!

I’ve been making my own almond milk, which means that there is a lot of crushed almonds left over. I tried this Paleo Chicken Bastila to get rid of ‘em. Warning, it’s labor intensive. Also when I scanned it, I thought that the cooking time would dry out the chicken and it did. (Should have followed my intuition there.) I actually prefer it cold and I have been adding a little more olive oil to counteract the dryness.

I used this Carne Asada Marinade on the pork and then I used this method to cook it! I’ve been splashing this Tomatillo Avocado Salsa all over everything! I recommend them all because they make you feel like a stellar chef and you don’t even have to do much aside from plan. You basically mix a bunch of stuff and then toss them in the crock pot or blender, but people will think that you are entirely fancy.

Promise.

White Tee: GAP on sale for $7, Studded Jeans: via Beacon’s...

Fri, 10 May 2013 11:30:31 -0400

White Tee: GAP on sale for $7, Studded Jeans: via Beacon’s Closet for $7.50, Wedges: Spotted Moth $33 on sale, Belt: JCrew purchased with gift card, Elephant Necklace: purchased 5 years ago at a boutique in LI, Bracelets: vintage via my great-aunt

IT’S FREAKING FRIDAY. This week… took it right out of me, folks.

I am cashing in my bets with a white-tee and jeans combo. Simplicity, people. Simplicity.

But let us not forget the details. There’s no reason that you shouldn’t have studs on your jeans and your belt. There’s no reason you can’t add a bunch of jewelry. There’s no reason that you can’t wear your platform wedge cheetah-print booties because they’re good for all occasions and everyone has a pair of these, right?

Total cost of the outfit = $47.50

Remaining budget for 2013 = $527

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"It often bothered Travis afterward to think that if the dog had got loose at another time, perhaps..."

Fri, 10 May 2013 09:57:03 -0400

“It often bothered Travis afterward to think that if the dog had got loose at another time, perhaps just as the motorcade passed, messing up the precision and timing of things, or if it had thrown itself under the wheels of the presidential convertible in an act of sacrifice, or leapt into the President’s lap, what followed might not have happened. This so gnawed at him on some nights that he lay awake wondering just how many unknown and similarly inconsequential accidents and bits of happenstance were at this moment occurring or failing to occur in order to ensure of his next breath, and the next. It gave him the sensation that he was tottering on the tip of a flagpole. He was poised on circumstance.”

- from The Round House by Louise Erdrich (pg. 152)

Dress: ModCloth during The Cabin Fever sale $25, Sweater:...

Thu, 09 May 2013 11:30:00 -0400

Dress: ModCloth during The Cabin Fever sale $25, Sweater: Beacon’s Closet $9.25, Hunters: 2009 Christmas gift, Socks: Uniqlo $10, Necklace: Forever 21 $10

Is this the weirdest week in all of existence? Are all of you having a totally weird week too? Can we blame the eclipses? Let’s blame the eclipses.

Maybe this is also a totally weird outfit, but it makes sense to me!

I bought this dress when we all thought bubble hems were cool for a few minutes before we realized that we were being idiots, but I still love the pattern so I try to work it into an outfit now and again.

I mean… black & white and neon and wellies and glittery necklaces totally go together. Right? RIGHT?!

I feel so weird this week, you guys.

Total cost of the outfit = $54.25

Remaining budget for 2013 = $527

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Striped Tee: GAP $18 on sale, Denim Skirt: GAP $13...

Wed, 08 May 2013 11:30:00 -0400

Striped Tee: GAP $18 on sale, Denim Skirt: GAP $13 on sale, Blazer: free in a Rachel Red Lips give-away, Hunters: 2009 Christmas gift, Belt: JCrew purchased with gift card, Socks: Uniqlo $10, Letter Brooch: House of Ismay $11, Flower Brooch: vintage via my great-aunt

This morning it was pouring buckets. So much so that I took one look outside and decided that I would rather arrive a few minutes late to work and stay longer this evening than run the risk of getting soaked. Also, I’m pretty sure that every woman on the subway was wearing a pair of Hunter wellies as well.

Honestly, I like a rainy day now and again.

I also like brooches so I decided to wear two of them.

Total cost of the outfit = $52

Remaining budget for 2013 = $527

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Striped Tee: Gap on sale for $10, Skirt: via the swap, Saltwater...

Tue, 07 May 2013 11:30:00 -0400

Striped Tee: Gap on sale for $10, Skirt: via the swap, Saltwater Sandals: Available here for $40, Elephant Necklace: purchased 5 years ago at a boutique in LI

I know that a debate rages on about whether Saltwater Sandals should only be worn by children, but I’m really enjoying my new pair. Both look and feel. It’s difficult to find a good, durable sandal that will stand up to the NYC sidewalks, especially when your apartment is approximately three miles from a subway like mine, so I’ll take it.

I have to admit that I used to be firmly in the NO SALTWATERS EVER camp, but last spring during the hellish 3 months that I actually lived in Williamsburg (scary), I used to stop by Oslo every morning for a “treat yourself” coffee. (Because when you’re in crisis-mode, you’re like, “Screw this, someone else can make my coffee.”)

And I always used to see this beautiful, tall, lanky woman and she would always have on these slinky black maxi skirts and a pair of beige Saltwaters. She looked so effortlessly chic, and I was feeling so frumpy and gross at the time, that I took a shine to her and developed a real admiration for her personal style.

I know that wearing these sandals isn’t going to make me beautiful or tall or lanky, but they help me capture a little of that lady’s confidence so I’M WEARING ‘EM.

Total cost of the outfit = $50

Remaining budget for 2013 = $527

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I seem to find myself a wee-bit obsessed with jewelry lately. If...

Mon, 06 May 2013 18:26:44 -0400

I seem to find myself a wee-bit obsessed with jewelry lately. If it’s gold, and sparkly then I’m like a baby with a set of keys; eyes locked and focused, brow furrowed in concentration.

What’s worse is that this infatuation has extended to pieces that are way, way out of any conceivable price-range that I could fathom or justify at this point in time. (Well, maybe not the earrings.)

But.

We can still look right? Just a little peek?

Perhaps someone would like to buy me a present?

( Pictured: 1920s Art Deco Ring for $875, Blue Agate Earrings for $38, Hidden Message Necklace for $415, Enamel Locket for $95, Natural Druzy Ring for $95, Textured Circle Post Earrings for $38, Facet 43 Ring for $165)

Yellow Coat: Modcloth $27.50 on sale, Short Sleeved Print...

Mon, 06 May 2013 11:36:00 -0400

Yellow Coat: Modcloth $27.50 on sale, Short Sleeved Print Sweatshirt: Buffalo Exchange $10, Studded Jeans: via Beacon’s Closet for $7.50, Hunters: 2009 Christmas gift, Ring: Banana Republic previously owned for 5 years, Elephant Necklace: purchased 5 years ago at a boutique in LI

Sometimes Monday morning hits hard.

In that case, I reach for thrifted jeans and a comfy printed sweatshirt.

With a chance of rain, I add wellies and a colorful coat into the mix to counteract the gray skies.

Total cost of the outfit = $45

Remaining budget for 2013 = $527

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Still going strong with the Whole 30! As I’ve passed the...

Fri, 03 May 2013 13:30:00 -0400

Still going strong with the Whole 30!

As I’ve passed the halfway point, I can tell all of you that I’ve decided to keep eating paleo as much as possible moving forward. I’d like to go out and have a drink with my friends and less restrictions when I am ordering at restaurants, but other then that… in my home and on my time, I’ll be sticking to this plan.

The past week in particular, I’ve noticed that my skin is brighter and clearer. This is such an exciting factor for me because it’s such a touchy area of self-confidence.

My moods are also much better all around. I’ve been in a couple of tough spots lately, work hours have been long and some unforeseen financial circumstances were tossed in my path, but I’ve managed to stay relatively upbeat and keep a level head. I feel calmer, I tend towards more mellow, peaceful activities. I am just digging this vibe.

I don’t have trouble sleeping, which I didn’t anticipate and is an absolutely lovely and welcome side-effect. I am a heavy sleeper, but I often have difficulties drifting off. (I am the kind of person who needs like, a humidifier AND a fan AND a movie on AND a book nearby just in case the movie isn’t working or else I toss and turn.) Now my head hits the pillow and I conk out. I sleep for 8 hours and I’m ready to get up in the mornings.

Over all, I just… feel good. I want to keep that going.

This week has been a little nutso, so I didn’t get to try as many new recipes as I would have liked. I have been relying on fresh herbs quite a bit and these Salmon Cakes when I need a quick go-to dinner.

I also hosted my writing group for brunch and frittatas are a great way to maximize your veggie intake and get your protein at the same time. I made my frittata with asparagus, peppers, brocoli, scallions, and garlic chives. Lightly saute the veggies, put them in a shallow baking dish, pour 4-6 scrambled eggs, add salt + pepper, cook at 400 degrees for 20 minutes with an additional 5 minutes under the broiler to get the top nice and crispy.

Since the frittata was so savory, I served it with strawberries and roast sweet potatoes covered in a thin coat of coconut oil, sprinkled with cinnamon and ground ginger.

I also discovered the site Primally Inspired, which has fantastic recipes, and I am making my first pilgrimage to the Meat Hook this weekend. Since I am eating so much meat, I need to learn more about it and talk to the butchers. (Plus I heard the butchers there are cute.)

Sweater: GAP via Beacon’s Closet $9.25, Polka-Dot...

Fri, 03 May 2013 11:30:00 -0400

Sweater: GAP via Beacon’s Closet $9.25, Polka-Dot Skirt: Modcloth $55, Vintage 70s Heels: Pineapple Mint shop on etsy $29, Woven Bag: thrift store in Utah $1

I’ve been in love with the weather that we’re having these last two weeks. I like waking up and still needing a sweatshirt. I like going to bed with a heavy blanket and the windows open. It reminds me of beach vacations and the kind of temperatures that you find when you’re near or out on the water.

And I really enjoy being able to wear two of my favorite clothing items, sweaters and sandals, together at the same time.

Since this outfit has mixed prints with the bright mint, I skipped the accessories to keep it simple and opted for a pink lip instead.

I hope that all of you have a great weekend!

Total cost of the outfit = $94.25

Remaining budget for 2013 = $527

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Even though the weather has been quite fickle with us lately, I...

Thu, 02 May 2013 13:30:24 -0400

Even though the weather has been quite fickle with us lately, I know that the extremely hot months will be here before we know it.

I like the idea of wearing very simple, minimal accessories against a summer tan; neutral rings and earrings that will catch the light just so.

1. Eco Resin Rings from Rosella Resin - $50

2. Tiny Diamond Studs from Sew a Song - $32.05

3. Black Tourmaline and Vintage Link Earrings from Mineralogy Design - $60

4. Arrow Ring from Apple Latte - $14

5. Pyrite Nugget and Chain Earrings from Sarah Safavi Jewelry - $30

Look, I have no problem with Baz Luhrmann. Romeo + Juliet made...

Thu, 02 May 2013 11:30:20 -0400

Look, I have no problem with Baz Luhrmann. Romeo + Juliet made my little teenage life. (How many times did you alternatively listen to “Kissing You” and “Lovefool” on repeat?)

And I still remember when Jenny and I saw Moulin Rouge during a trip to California. (We had milkshakes afterward.)

His style is totally over-the-top, but it’s his style. You have to just accept that you’re watching his movie. (I feel the same whenever I watch anything directed by Julie Taymor.)

I don’t even dislike Carey Mulligan.

But here’s the thing. The 1974 rendition of The Great Gatsby is one of my favorite, favorite films. Mostly because no one is more perfectly cast as Daisy Buchanan then Mia Farrow. (And if you need any more evidence of my Mia Farrow love, look no further then my haircut.)

That whole “her voice is full of money” scene where she calls out, “JJJAAAYYY GGGAAATTTSSSBBBYYY!” is permanently engraved in my brain. It is the epitome of Daisy’s character. I can even recall the pitch of her intonation.

So while I will likely have many issues with Luhrman’s version and enjoy it all at the same time (except please get Leo off the book cover for sweetsake), I was already against it from the start.

Because no one can really be Daisy but Mia.