Veda Thank You Tee (s) | all proceeds benefit the Women’s Prison Association
Eileen Fisher organic cotton jeans (size 4)
James Perse cardigan (size 1)
Robert Clergerie shoes | I kid you not, I bought these shoes in 1999 or 2000,
which makes this pair of shoes nearly 20 yrs old, I think it’s my oldest pair. Whoa.
Reason 4,000,352 why I love Robert Clergerie so much
Marsell 4 Dritta bag
I’ve never regretted, or wanted to delete any post I’ve written here in the last 14 years (huh…april is my blog anniversary! Started in April 2004..). Until Wednesday. I don’t schedule posts, or write them ahead of time, I have always written what I feel like writing WHEN I feel like writing it. And then, I hit publish when I feel like it’s ready.
I’ve never looked back, or second-guessed myself until Wednesday. I felt SO vulnerable after writing that. And like I could be perceived as weak; unable to separate fantasy from reality on social media, and allowing myself to get caught up in it. And then, like I’m unhappy with my life, when I am so privileged. I am not a “slave” to social media, nor am I generally unhappy at all.
When I write such vulnerable, heart-opening posts, it is simply because I have to – it’s what I’ve done for 14 years. Maybe I should go to a therapist for these things (I know I should), but writing them down, getting the thoughts out of my head, in to the world, helps me process them. Ultimately, I look at what I’ve written and realize that I’m giving too much credence to thoughts, which are not real. Other things are more “real” – like timing of exercise, etc., and now that I’ve written them down, they are easier to address and do something about. Then I move on.
I also always find it immensely helpful to read other women’s thoughts and struggles as they go through life; I feel less alone when I can relate to others in a small way. So then, if I appreciate other women’s vulnerability, I must embrace my own, no matter what. Paying it forward is the least I can do.
I no longer regret that post. I get frustrated and anxious for hours sometimes, and then when I’m out, I don’t understand what just happened. How had I felt that way? I enjoy my life! But I think it’s important to also feel all the feelings as they come, move through them and then beyond. I don’t try and fake being “happy” when I’m not feeling it, and that includes here.
Anyway moving on. I couldn’t be more grateful, content and excited about my life. Dagny is here, Leo is here, all my family is healthy and happy. What’s more important?
Last night, Dagny got out from the back yard, something that we try so hard to avoid at all costs. She is a runner, and will go on and on without stopping. She was out for two hours, running in circles, around and in between houses, and until my husband and a friend cornered her in an alley, she wasn’t letting up. I dealt with it without Leo for about an hour, he was driving back from Austin, and had been doing okay, but once he got there, I let go and started feeling despair. I was worried she would run in front of a car, or out on a busy street (she didn’t) and get hit. I was worried she would run farther and farther away and we would loose her. I couldn’t bear it if we lost her.
She is here, and barely moving except to eat; she is exhausted from all that running. Leo and I joke now that we hope she had fun, because she nearly killed us! I could not be more grateful to our friends (who also live next door) for helping as much as they could, in more ways than just trying to get her back for us…
the little monster 🙂
Okay. Last thing. I received my Elizabeth Suzann X Alabama Chanin Marlena midi dress in Ochre yesterday, size medium. I like the fit (it might be a little big on me), and love the cotton (it’s mid-heavy though), but the color is not good with my skintone; I wish it was a little lighter, and more gold. No, sorry, I wish it was black…. I think it’s more of an olive/brown in person, a color I like, but not on me. So, before I return it, I’ll offer it here first to anyone who’s interested – it was $145 including US shipping (NOT in the original packaging though). I will ship to Canada for $15 extra.
First person to email me gets it! grechen (at) slowre.com
I also have my Elizabeth Suzann clyde culottes (size 8, short, black) up on slowre in case you didn’t see and are interested.
Happy Friday!!!! Hope you have a wonderful, beautiful, fulfilling weekend 🙂
For what it’s worth I really liked and appreciated Wednesday’s post!!
me too.
I write stuff I cringe over all time ( especially when I get hyper excited/annoyed with anime I’m watching, which is partially why I stopped writing those posts). I would say most of my posts I feel slightly cringe-worthy about because I can come off as being much more extremist than I actually am when I get worked up. I word-vomit my thoughts, but in person, I don’t think I give off as much of that crazy vibe. I’m not entirely sure though – maybe it is in my head.
I think it’s great that you’re so honest with yourself on your site. It’s a breath of fresh air compared to most fashion blogs that cater to safe, easy posts that have a sing-song like redundancy to them. It’s like, when you’ve read one post of theirs, you’ve read them all – the only thing that’s different are the photos. Even if a review is of a different product, you know the words will be the same sort of thing all over again. If I stop reading that blog for a while, I don’t even realize I stopped reading it because it’s so predictable. Reading your blog is different and I like to check in each day on what’s going on with you. You may be a stranger, but you are a comfortable stranger to keep up with and vulnerable posts remind me that your life is still very much your own and parts of it make you feel frustrated or stressed or whatever – just like I do. I think that’s worth a lot more knowing you have those moments than the blogs that constantly regurgitate the same-old, same-old.
Dagny is a little monster…and sometimes dogs run and run just to use up nervous energy and self-soothe. I am glad she is back – so worrying and exhausting for you (never mind her).
And your Wed. post was just fine – I enjoyed reading it.
I really appreciated your post last Wednesday. Your honest opinions are what make your blog so enjoyable! I could totally relate to what you wrote. I don’t have a blog, but I know what you mean about having anxiety after putting yourself out there. I’m constantly analyzing what I’ve said to people and worrying that I made the wrong impression. I’ll probably feel that way after I submit this comment lol.
Same as Tiffany 🙂
(which is also why I don’t comment much on blogs… sad)
I love your posts Grechen (and your’s too Jenkr!). Your real self is awesome!
Agree with others. Don’t censor yourself!
I really appreciate your honesty. I have the same thing where I get down into what I’m feeling and when I’m on the other side I have a hard time believing where I had just been. It is so comforting to read the stories of other women and see yourself (in bits and pieces) represented there.
“I think it’s important to also feel all the feelings as they come, move through them and then beyond.” This is so similar to a piece of advice my boss gave me a couple years ago when I was feeling some really big emotions. Feeling things as they come (and knowing that you have to sit with them sometimes) actually makes the whole process less painful.
I was really surprised to hear you (temporarily) regretted your Wednesday post. It didn’t strike me as weak or vulnerable at all. Rather, it was a thoughtful, sensible, pragmatic commentary that I really appreciated. Sometimes I think I should completely stop reading blogs that have anything to do with stuff/buying, but that post made me want to stick with you for the long haul. And back to fashion (lol) that dress does look pretty big on you in your pix. It could be because the fabric is heavy and just has not relaxed enough yet to be flowy, but I do think you could rock a size down (in black, or dare I say it: plum?)
Can I ask how you like your JP cardi? How doesn’t it fit/run?
I’m new to your blog am look forward to reading it:)
Hi Jean! I love it – I’m wearing the size 1 and it fits me nicely. it can look a little wide at the hips where the pockets are though.
it’s a very nice weight, and drape. the perfect layer for the weather right now!!
You be you! ? Happy your pup is home safe and sound. Have a great weekend.
I don’t think it’s unusual at all that you would use your blog to process your thoughts. That’s really normal! Successful writers “write what they know.” And to be honest, writing is a LOT like therapy….just cheaper! I believe one of the reasons you draw such a loyal following, Grechen, is your willingness to be vulnerable. Don’t be embarrassed – you KNOW how many times your thoughts have challenged me to work through my own issues?
Dagny! One look into those eyes and her precious ears and I’d melt!
Wednesday’s post was maybe the most normal thing I’ve read in a while. Questioning social media usage and being mindful of it’s negative impact on us… that is normal! We have all been there.
I just received my Elizabeth Suzann X Alabama Chanin order yesterday. I got the Eva Tee in black, Marlena tank in Natural and the Marlena dress in plum. I was prepared to send most back, but that is not the case. I am in love with all the items. The cotton is so soft yet sturdy enough to wear to work and not show all my bumps. The neck on the Eva T is so interesting and comfortable. The sleeve placement on the Marlenas are genious (don’t show my extra pit roll). The length on both shirts are great for mid or high rise pants and the dress is divine! I ordered Large in all for my size 12 body. Even my husband complimented me out the door today in my Eva T and Everlane high rise wide leg mustard pants!
I think you should give the dress atry again, but definitley in a different color and size!
oh! i love to hear that!! so happy you love your items.
i did really enjoy the weight of the cotton…
i will definitely try the small black dress when it comes back – i think it would be a great weight for fall…
Wonderful! And thanks for the review. I’ve been eyeing those tops and maybe I’ll go for it.