The gold handle hardware matches up w/my gold wristlets complete w/satin polka dotted lining w/a large zipped pocket in the inside back + handy-dandy compartments to store keys, lipstick, etc. Carries well w/the adjustable crossbody & double snaps above zipper closure ~ what appealed to me the most initially was the bowling bag shape! This’d go great with the CK colorblock dress from my Nanay!
First, I sought a layering top to complete my ultimate presentation🎤 ensemble and went so far as to look for different colors🎨 and 🐆prints. I searched for a color-coordinating overlay, but did I want a solid🎱 sweater since I already had a patterned👙 dress? When I thought that I was getting warmer in reaching the 👓vision by shopping online, I imagined my striped sweater👘 that I scored earlier this summer ~ suprisingly perfect with polka dots in the same colors!
Next, I needed plaid🏁 for the 🍁fall🍂 and found this snap-button shirt that pairs well with my new skater 👗dress & come to think of it, may match my new sneakers for the 1st day of school! I can pull off this kicka** look!
Even when I wasn’t trying, when I went to my 🙏🏽Holy💖 💒Hour⏰ the other day, I made a masterpiece match with this 💐🌾spring/summer🍃 dress💃🏻 and striped👔 scarf🏂 that still could make a statement as we enter the cooler months!
For clothing in colors that already pop, I go for neutral/muted tones in the finishing touches, such as in these nude wedges & black Docs!
Then I realized that I had my latest pursuits as classic pieces in my closets all along!
P also is for …
Period
Since it’s my time of the month ~ YES, I admit it, no shame in my TMI as I bring more FYI ~ I don’t want my cramps to interfere with my shut-eye or staying productive as I power through my paper (I’ve also wondered whether the “crimson tide,” as Clueless‘ Cher puts it, will hit when I present it, but I’ll have to deal when that time comes and look dayum good in the process) … However, when I felt fatigued and craved energy yet didn’t want my coffee to add to my bloat, I sought acclaim/affirmation for or at least alternatives to caffeine
Also, I reminded myself that this flow wouldn’t mess with my flow. In fact, over a decade ago, when I worked at my my hometown gym, I wouldn’t empathize with fellow females who used their flow as an excuse not to witness their fitness ~ even when I felt crummy from cramping, I’d still exercise!
Well, this brand-spankin’ new member to our 26.2-mile club gives running while being on the rag a whole new meaning.
She even brings up chaffing, so speaking of which … enter {drum roll, please}
Powder
I’ve rediscovered this product that my mom had patted on my skin when I was a baby and had me keep applying it to maintain my hygiene as a child. When I ran my marathon, I realized how effective it could be to areas that experienced a lot of friction (which will remain unnamed) ~ now I use it more during this exceptionally hotter-than-usual ☼summer☼ whether I have a fun run in the ☼sun☼ or am just sweating bullets!
My personal preference: Johnson & Johnson’sBaby Powder with Cornstarch
For more cramp & comic relief, this No Strings Attached scene (no tampon pun intended) shows a period ♪playlist♫ ~ now I wish that someone could bring me cupcakes (red velvet & other assorted flavors ~ I’m not picky) like this character did!
♪I keep bleeding … keep, keep bleeding ♥love♥♪~ ♫Leona Lewis♫ | Pretty picture (“crime scene in my pants”), right?
But I might as well keep it real about my age and aging process!
How’d I begin my silver streak👵🏽 in the first place?
My seasoned teacher colleague whose office was down the hall from mine had a head full of gray hair and suggested ~ actually, more declared ~ to me that this is a sign that we’re smart
👴🏽White👓 = 💡WISE!!!
My BFF and sis observed their own prior to mine. I first noticed it while I was doing my game day braids👧🏻 the post-season after my NBA D-League🏀 team won the 🏆NBA-DL championship…
Now that I’ve found a few more stragglers as I’m growing out my hair to donate without chemicalsafterI graduate, I’m looking at the bright [light –> white] side ~ the silver lining, if you will (hence the pun)
My dear Nanay has been wanting to revamp my 💃🏽wardrobe, and with my 🎈birthday🎁 around the corner (hint hint), I took her up on her offer while mixing in pieces that I already have!
White Bottoms & Color Blocking + Silver & Gold = #BOLD
Since I wear white bottoms between Memorial Day & Labor Day, here’s what I wore to our evening/Vigil Mass at Church last weekend: my new *white HOT* slacks {Liz ClaiborneEmma} paired with black off-the-shoulder blouse {*Express} over navy blue tank top {GAP} + black patent leather wedges {BCBG} + black & white color block handbag {CoachHamptons} ~ I pay attention to every single detail, so the silver hardware on both my purse & sandals coordinate! [Alternate top: zebra striped cowl neck peplum {EXP*} 🇺🇸💒👠👒👜
Peachy Keen: My obsession with peach/coral has taken us by storm through this color block dress with taupe piping & white bottom {Calvin Klein} that looks dayum good with these nude patent leather cork wedges with gold trim {Antonio Melani, Dillard’s exclusive} ~ top it off with my rose gold heart tote {Guess?} + gold ♥heart♥ jewelry & we’re off! #PrettyInPink #GoForTheGold 🍑🌺👗👡💝👜👛🎀
My *new* nude (also available in black) patent leather cork wedges with gold trim by Antonio Melani can go with anything! ♥Love♥ the Tiffany Blue box & surroundings?
2 lessons that I teach & practice: (1) Visualization ~ Walking across the stage (2) Self-Fulfilling Prophecy ~ Taking the steps toward reaching this goal
Shift Dress (more forgiving / less flattering straight silhouette) in Coral (to suit my stylist Dr. Garza‘s taste): Spaghetti Strap Slip underneath Crocheted Lace Overlay * Skater Dress (more figure-framing A-line short skirt) in Mint (close enough to fulfill my Tiffany blue obsession): Strapless Slip layered under Sleeveless Scoopneck Sparkly Silver Lurex Fishnet
She’s still as beautiful as can be and has sustained the pain beyond the rain, from sleet and snow to hurricanes and hail storms, without damage (knock on wood ~ as in my luxury wood dash trim interior)!
“It’s got 4-wheel drive, dual-side air bags & a monster [hit high-pitch] ♪sound♫ system!” ~ Alicia Silverstone as Cher on Clueless {mine makes the last 2-out-of-3}
Although we’re freshly into ☼summer☼, I tend to think ahead …
While I’ve already planned what to wear on my BiG day right down to my footwear (yet still debatable), I’m wondering about plaid since it’ll be the look of next season.
I already know that I can *rock out*plaid! Just what the future Doctor ordered: these Doc Martens! {FYI: I have my phone screen shot for a reason ~ to show that I maintain Airplane Mode to prevent distractions during my study}
Perhaps I can go with one of these trendsetting patterns for my graduation photos that I’ll send with my announcements. Come to think of it, I really am treating this like I’m tying the knot! Here are similarities:
Writing Dissertation (way longer to write and present)
Writing Wedding Vows (shorter to present)
Walking Across the Stage
Walking Down the Aisle
Getting Hooded
Getting Hitched
Changing Name to Dr. ________________
Changing Name to Mrs. ________________
* Bearing in mind that I’m picking out how to dress for this milestone, I’m deciding between something stylish or timeless. Someday, as I flip through my Ph.D. grad pics to reminisce or show them to future generations, I must look put-together and NOT like a hot mess! ~ I definitely don’t want to reflect back and think
Despite the serious nature of my study and my own detail-orientation of my appearance for my final presentation, I can’t help but find fun in everything to lift my spirits, including with this clip:
I ended up scoring another A’GACI number that matches up with almost all-of-the-above ~ plus has this ☼spring’s☼ on-point trend: polka dots!
Then I had to remind myself of this scripture that I came across during †Lent†:
Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
Therefore do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of †GOD† and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” ~ Matthew 6:25-27, 31-34
My Ash Wednesday ensemble when I proclaimed the readings at evening Mass: IN San Francisco lavender 3/4-sleeved mini dress with ruffled v-neck & tan trim ivory braided skinny belt {thanks to María’s †CHRISTmas† gift card from Dillard’s} * Corral 2-toned cowboy boots * Nicole by O•P•I Kardashian Kolor in Back to Reality TV (lavender) as main shade & Follow Me on Glitter (black sparkle for ashes) as accent hue
Most recently, I wore this when I proclaimed the readings at Ash Wednesday †Mass†.
†
I did a diagonal side braid to float across the crown.
Welcome/Mabuhay/¡Biénvenidos! I am a USAF brat who was born in Germany and grew up State-side while celebrating my Catholic and Filipino heritage. ☼Sunny☼ DISPOsition Elaine’s Eye Candy/DISPhotos ~ I love GOD & His creations, so I take photos @ any given opportunity. Elaine DISPOrts ~ I am passionate about sports, which is my research focus on my ... Continue reading →
The Elaine Dispo Journal 