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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 22 to 46 of 46. Go back in thread:
Posted by noa on June 7, 2003, at 16:27:36
In reply to Re: Holy cow another money-making idea! » whiterabbit, posted by Snoozy on June 7, 2003, at 0:19:44
Yes, simple, comfy clothes, with pockets. And no tags--I especially like that part as I am always noticing the irritating little tags. I've taken a lot of them off!
Posted by noa on June 7, 2003, at 16:32:39
In reply to Re: Holy cow another money-making idea! » whiterabbit, posted by Snoozy on June 7, 2003, at 0:19:44
The "simple" concept--I noticed this erroneously applied to food too. Yesterday I saw a garden show on TV that had a cooking segment. The host was going on about how simple it turned out to be to make asparagus tempura--he had always thought it was so hard, but it was so simple, etc. Well, you should have seen this recipe--there were all these steps and they have to be done in a certain time frame, and the tempura has to be eaten very fresh out of the fryer, so you have to make it after your guests arrive, and the oil has to be a specific temperature, etc. etc. I could not believe this guy actually used the word "simple" to describe it. He could have said a whole lot of other things to describe it that are true, but simple? No way.
Posted by whiterabbit on June 7, 2003, at 18:09:19
In reply to Re: Holy cow another money-making idea!, posted by noa on June 7, 2003, at 16:27:36
I saw an ad for a clothing collection that looked pretty much like our dream ADD wardrobe - very soft and roomy and comfortable-looking in nice colors, mix-and-match pieces. The ad says: The foundation for an easy wardrobe. Simple shapes.
Clean lines. Fabrics that move and breathe. In a neutral palette.I thought well look at that, ask and you shall recieve. But then I went to the website and dang it, I can't afford that stuff. My sister could spend $110 on a tee-shirt without blinking, but if I bought something like that I would be afraid of messing it up so I'd never wear it. What good is that. Oh well, back to square one...
-Gracie
PS. If anyone else wants to take a look, go to
www.eileenfisher.com
Posted by wendy b. on June 7, 2003, at 22:51:11
In reply to For a minute I got excited, posted by whiterabbit on June 7, 2003, at 18:09:19
> PS. If anyone else wants to take a look, go to
> www.eileenfisher.com... oh, god, i hate the fact that eileen fisher clothes are so expensive! the clothing is beautiful, though, so you COULD justify it by telling yourself (after the divorce, no one else to ever have to justify anything to... this is BIG!!) you'd hang onto it forever... and you would, too, the natural-fiber fabrics hold up over decades: i know this to be true -- i got a vest from my bro for x-mas one year, and then i found the matching skirt in the town where i live, so i bought that for myself. they are still hanging in the closet (a little big on me now, but that's ok!), fabric is a good as when they were new. then the styles: they are such clean lines, no frilly s__, no loud colors (all are muted and earth tones), no flowers, no zippers, etc. BUT i DID have to cut out some of the labels! -- yeah, i bought a couple more items, but the shop in my town sells the clothes when the eileen fisher stores and the retailers haven't moved them out on schedule, so they're "old" fashions, so to speak, but of course, still beautiful clothes.
drool, drool,
gracie, you're a treat to read,
i know things suck right now, but
life will be good again,
i promise,
wendy
Posted by noa on June 8, 2003, at 10:46:33
In reply to Re: For a minute I got excited » whiterabbit, posted by wendy b. on June 7, 2003, at 22:51:11
I love a lot of Eileen Fisher clothing, but you are right that it is so expensive. I also like that her clothes are fashionable but aren't going to go out of style any time soon. I recently complemented a co-worker on her pant suit and she told me it is really old--and it's Eileen Fisher. It was so classic looking and has stayed in style even though it was old. She was starting to worry because she felt that the pants were getting threadbare and dreaded the day when they would wear out.
I was at a store recently with a friend who shops expensive (I rarely go shopping with her because we are not that compatible financially as shoppers). I saw some E.F. clothes that I was drooling over but didn't even consider trying on because of the price. They were actually on sale, but even the drastically reduced prices are out of my budget. My friend tried to convince me to try them because she thought the price was reasonable (she buys much more expensive things all the time) and worth it because of quality. Well, perhaps they are worth it because of quality, but there is the little problem of not actually being able to afford it. LOL.
The only fault I find with Fisher's clothes is all the linen, which isn't very practical. Ironing is not part of my repetoire! I do own some linen items, and have them cleaned and pressed at the cleaners, but having a lot of linen clothes isn't practical for me.
Posted by Snoozy on June 8, 2003, at 13:10:32
In reply to Re: For a minute I got excited, posted by noa on June 8, 2003, at 10:46:33
Every year I end up asking myself this, but why oh why is linen, the fabric that needs more ironing than anything on earth, the summer fabric? You'd think we'd have some good un-natural alternatives!
>
> The only fault I find with Fisher's clothes is all the linen, which isn't very practical. Ironing is not part of my repetoire! I do own some linen items, and have them cleaned and pressed at the cleaners, but having a lot of linen clothes isn't practical for me.
>
>
Posted by whiterabbit on June 8, 2003, at 14:12:43
In reply to Re: For a minute I got excited » whiterabbit, posted by wendy b. on June 7, 2003, at 22:51:11
Thanks Wendy, I enjoy reading the posts here from ya'll and it's SUCH a relief to be honest with people who understand. I chased away most of my friends during the years that I was so depressed and screwed up (I didn't want to talk to ANYBODY by the time I got home from work, I was just so
peopled-out) and the few friends I have left now,
I just try to hang out with them and have a little fun, I don't really discuss my mental state to any degree. And my soon-to-be-ex-husband,
he quit caring a long time ago. I'd try to talk about it but his eyes would just glaze over, so I quit talking.Anyway. Sometimes - not so much anymore but sometimes - I start to panic. I start thinking like, "My God, I have to take care of my own car now, I don't know anything about cars! Will I be safe in my own place? I probably won't be safe, a woman living alone is a target is this city! And I'll be lonely, I'll probably just dissolve from loneliness. I can't even balance my checkbook, I'll be out on the street in no time..."
I'm getting a little better at stopping myself...
"Gracie SHUT UP. Turn that off right now. Think of something useful instead of scaring yourself,
why don't you." Like furniture. And clothes!As long as I'm on this outwiththeoldinwiththenew
kick, I might as well include my wardrobe. I'm sure I can weed out bags of stuff that I almost never wear. Man wouldn't it be great to replace it all with an Eileen Fisher Essentials
collection? I imagine I would have a lot less "fat days" - you know, when you're trying to get dressed in the morning and you start to get frantic because everything makes you look huge.I went ahead and ordered a catalog from her website, maybe she has sales. Of course, you would still be paying $90 for a tee-shirt, and I don't do ironing (another reason I don't wear collars - besides the fact that I don't like clothing around my neck. And turtlenecks - ack!).
Oh well, maybe when I get my life on track I can start saving up for Eileen Fisher. (I'm looking at the ad again...sigh. What great colors!) It just makes me think that in these clothes, you would always look pulled-together and very cool in an artsy sort of way. If I ever wanted to "project an image" of myself, I guess that would be it!
Okay...that's better. That's a much more productive way to think rather than dwelling on my impending doom as a single woman.
Smiling bravely -
Gracie
Posted by Dinah on June 8, 2003, at 15:27:37
In reply to Eileen Fisher clothes, posted by whiterabbit on June 8, 2003, at 14:12:43
Oooh, I love turtlenecks. Just because they really do work that way. I can stick my chin in them, let my hair fall over my face, and become almost invisible. (OK, I am probably quite conspicuous to others but it *feels* invisible).
I love linen but don't iron. And I've purged my closet of anything uncomfortable because I just don't wear them. So cotton mainly - soft cotton. I love J Jill, although I don't suppose I can afford that any longer. Not only are a lot of the clothes comfy, but they have great dusty muted colors. If I like something I buy it in a lot of colors and basically wear the same thing every day. Winter clothes are my favorite. I have some J Jill turtlenecks in cotton with a bit of silk that feel heavenly. Mmmmmm.....
Posted by leeran on June 8, 2003, at 16:11:26
In reply to Re: Eileen Fisher clothes » whiterabbit, posted by Dinah on June 8, 2003, at 15:27:37
I have an Eileen Fisher gray knit sheath (?) or maybe it's a jumper - or maybe just a sleeveless dress with a long matching sweater that I bought at the Eileen Fisher store in Soho. Way too expensive, but very classic styling.
I later found the matching slacks on sale here in California. I always feel very country club/grown-up when I wear that ensemble - but out here, it's rarely cold enough.
Eileen Fisher is pretty pricey and there is NO WAY I will commit to linen. I wear linen five seconds and look like a bag lady (whoever said linen looks "fresh" must have been talking about it in terms of mannequin wear).
When I started losing my waist with perimenopause I fell in love with Chicos clothing. I have worn the h*ll out of travelers collection pieces (actually had to buy a second pair of pants because I literally wore the first pair out). There's a Chicos outlet in Ontario, CA - and supposedly one in Camarillo, CA and the bargains are unbelievable. One time I had a $25 coupon (when you get "involved" with Chicos you get in their "Passport Club" and they send catalogs, coupons, birthday gift certificates, etc. Anyway, I had this $25 gift certificate and went to the outlet mall and ended up spending $1.37 and got $275.00 worth of clothes (at the outlet stores they mark down some racks at 75% off of the lowest prices - usually things have been marked down a couple of times, plus, you get a 5% discount when you're a "Passport" member).
Here's the website: www.chicos.com
Great clothes for comfort.
I more or less "bought" my waist back with Adderall and major liposuction - but on those days when I feel like clothes P*SS me off (yes, I have ADD and the way clothes FEEL is a major issue with me as well) I always fall back on the Chicos stuff.
Posted by noa on June 8, 2003, at 18:29:57
In reply to Re: Eileen Fisher clothes, posted by leeran on June 8, 2003, at 16:11:26
Several of my friends are chico's regulars. But they don't make my size, unfortunately.
Posted by whiterabbit on June 8, 2003, at 20:25:58
In reply to Re: Eileen Fisher clothes » whiterabbit, posted by Dinah on June 8, 2003, at 15:27:37
LOL, I do the hair bit too, I HATE short hair on myself. Consequently I walk around half the time looking like an African bushwoman, which is fine if you ARE an African bushwoman, so maybe I should move. No, too hot over there.
I used to fry my hair with a curling iron every morning trying to get it to behave, but I gave up on that awhile back. It's really thick and curly so I just let it do its thing. I bought some new
stuff at the store that I really like, L'Oreal
Studio Line Aqua Gel ("Holds like gel, feels natural as water"), it actually gives some control without looking greasy or stiff. And it smells nice!
-Gracie
Posted by Dinah on June 8, 2003, at 20:34:29
In reply to Hiding behind your hair » Dinah, posted by whiterabbit on June 8, 2003, at 20:25:58
Oh you lucky soul!
Mine is bone straight and baby fine. I have to hide behind a very thin curtain of hair. :) I've always wanted thick curly hair.
And I've started nibbling the ends of it again.
Posted by whiterabbit on June 8, 2003, at 20:51:13
In reply to Re: Eileen Fisher clothes, posted by leeran on June 8, 2003, at 16:11:26
I went to their website and the travelers' collection does look good. They even have a no-collar jacket. I like the "starter kit" too, all black mix-and-match stuff - and wrinkle-free!
Heavens! I've worn mostly black since I could dress myself, much to my mother's horror. It wasn't so much a "statement" as just an easy color for me to wear. Ironically, I'm the only one who looks half-way sane in old photographs from the '70s where everyone else was wearing the most ungodly tasteless stuff.I went out today and bought one of those "Simplify Your Life" books by Elaine St. James. I've already done quite a few of the things she suggests on my own (Low-maintenance clothes, groundcover instead of lawn, screen phone calls through caller ID, cut up all but one credit card, etc.) as survival tactics for my little ADD-fevered mind, but you can always do more. A LOT more. Workin' on it.
-Gracie
Posted by whiterabbit on June 8, 2003, at 20:59:02
In reply to Re: Hiding behind your hair » whiterabbit, posted by Dinah on June 8, 2003, at 20:34:29
Posted by Tabitha on June 9, 2003, at 12:39:43
In reply to Gearing up for the single life, posted by whiterabbit on June 5, 2003, at 21:45:22
> I want white plates and sisal rugs and big pieces of sturdy comfy furniture with no patterns. The only thing I want a lot of is books, I love my books. And candles, I have a thing about candles.
> And okay pillows, I like pillows...I'm kinda late chiming in on this thread.. but that sounds LOVELY. You're wise to avoid patterned furniture. You get the plain sofa and chairs then you can go hog-wild with beautiful pillows.
Posted by whiterabbit on June 9, 2003, at 13:37:14
In reply to Re: Gearing up for the single life » whiterabbit, posted by Tabitha on June 9, 2003, at 12:39:43
Out of all the stuff in the house the only things I've singled out so far are three heavy pieces of wood furniture - a big oak table and buffet that I grew up with and an old cherrywood cabinet that
I found in a junk store when I lived in Massachusetts. Also I need a computer and printer, some very basic cookware, dishes and kitchen appliances, and besides that I really don't care. He can have all the rest of the crap, I don't want a bunch of stuff that reminds me of HIM. I want my own things for this new life that he's forcing upon me, and I might as well do it right.It doesn't feel like it right now, but he's probably doing me a big favor. I hope the "other woman" can make him happy (the other day I put on his jacket to make a quick run to the store - it was raining - and there was a packet of tissues in the pocket from the Red Roof Inn. I have to get out of here, this is torture) because I sure never could....good luck, girlie, whoever you are.
-Bowing out with Grace
Posted by WorryGirl on June 15, 2003, at 18:32:58
In reply to Gearing up for the single life, posted by whiterabbit on June 5, 2003, at 21:45:22
Hi Gracie,
I'm very late on this thread, too, but I have to say that married or single the look you are aspiring to (simplifying everything) really works.
I have been paring down things for the last year and with two young ones, I was going crazy trying to find things all the time, and constantly walking through and looking at clutter.After moving most of the clutter downstairs (where it's stacked in piles but at least hardly anyone sees it now), much of my anxiety related to my constant messes has eased. Now if I could just get rid of my countless other anxieties.
Like you, I love books and have left most of them upstairs, but I've eliminated most of the riff-raff and even taken some of the pictures off the wall. Simple sofas and pillow really work, and like Tabitha mentioned have fun buying those pillows!
ABout the wardrobe stuff, I've gotten rid of so many outfits I really never wore (couldn't fit into most of them anyway!). It's all about comfort and simplicity for me now and it's actually a pleasure to go through my closet. I have about 4-5 outfits I continuously wear and when they wear out I'll just replace them. I wear my wrinkled linen anyway on special occasions, even if I look like I need to be ironed badly! I don't know your personal style, but what is really working for me during the warmer weather are those casually cool, sleeveless cotton-knit dresses (long and short). They can be thrown in the washer and dryer and look great for a long time. I've seen them in expensive boutiques as well as discount stores.
Unfortunately we have to keep our candles high so our girls won't get into them, but you can have as much fun as you want with those, too.
Hope you start enjoying your new abode soon.
WG
Posted by Eddie Sylvano on June 16, 2003, at 14:29:43
In reply to Gearing up for the single life, posted by whiterabbit on June 5, 2003, at 21:45:22
>But when I look around at all the crap we've accumulated over the years as a family, my little ADHD-fevered brain starts to blow its circuits. No wonder I could never keep anything organized,
> keep everything dusted. So from now on, editing is the name of the game. Whoever said, "Simplify, simplify, simplify" really had a clue.
----------------It always saddens me to see the motley collection of plain junk that people offer up at garage sales. Not only did these people buy this stuff, but they held on to it for years and bothered to label it with a price (usually pocket change), put it all out on tables, advertise it, and sit around all day waiting for people to paw over it and maybe buy something. Maybe I'm missing something about the experience, but it just seems small and dismal. Part of me wants to drive around town in a garbage truck, buy everything they're selling, and compact it all in front of them. It's the same deal with people selling items for $5 in the want ads. The thought of them placing the ad, fielding phone calls, showing it to potential buyers, etc, just makes me feel sorry. It's $5.00.
I can appreciate the ideal of recycling items into the community instead of throwing them out. I just think that people should be more selective about the stuff they buy to begin with. Who needs an uninspired statue of a coyote made from pressed pecan shells?
Posted by whiterabbit on June 17, 2003, at 8:51:10
In reply to Re: Gearing up for the single life » whiterabbit, posted by Eddie Sylvano on June 16, 2003, at 14:29:43
I've seen people trying to sell used Suisse Mocha tins at the flea market. Now that is sad.
I'm not very good with money myself (that's one of those areas I REALLY need to work on) so it would be too traumatic for me to agonize over every cent...it's just not worth it in my book.
(My sister was appalled recently when I told her that I don't know what I pay for gas, if I need gas I just go the nearest Amoco and use my card to buy gas, it costs what it costs.)I live in the city and whenever we replace a piece of furniture we always just set it by the dumpster in the alley and zip, it's gone overnight. Our old furniture is probably decorating every cardboard-box-home in town. I don't mind that, I hate seeing people that are even more poor than me. I don't give money to the panhandlers because I can barely afford my own cigarettes, it's getting more and more expensive to kill yourself these days. But if I see someone holding a sign that says "Hungry" or "Will work for food", I go to McDonald's and buy one of those Supersize meal things (that'll fatten you up) and drive back and give it to the guy. I don't like to see anybody go hungry.
Okay I'm just rambling now to avoid doing anything productive. A favorite past-time...
G
Posted by whiterabbit on June 17, 2003, at 10:53:13
In reply to Re: Gearing up for the single life » whiterabbit, posted by WorryGirl on June 15, 2003, at 18:32:58
I would like to get over my fear of dresses. I've always worn uniforms for work and I certainly didn't wear dresses to school, they would have hooted you right out of the building in those days
(the 70s), at least at my redneck high school they would have.So I own a few of those all-inclusive job interview/wedding/funeral type dresses and suits, that's about it. And sleeveless! Heavens even when I was in good shape I never went sleeveless because I thought I had fat arms. And unfortunately, quite aways back while I was still in the Army, me and my drunk friends thought it would be a really cool idea to go get a tattoo
(I started regretting that one even before the tatoo was finished, but half a tattoo would have been even worse) so now I have a great big moon tatoo on the back of my shoulder. Still these days you see a lot more women with tattoos so I'm not so self-concious about it as I used to be.What the hell was I talking about. Oh yeah, dresses. As you can tell, I've never been accused
of being what you would call your slave to fashion. Maybe I should save up enough money to buy one of those great Eileen Fisher dresses on sale and just make myself wear it once a week until I'm not terrified of getting jelly on it. Everything else in my life is changing so why not that.Gee aren't I Chatty Cathy this morning. My bedroom and office is wild with books and boxes and bags of stuff to keep or not keep, and I don't even feel like looking at that mess. Sigh.
Better hook up the espresso IV and get a move on.
-Gracie
Posted by noa on June 18, 2003, at 16:44:07
In reply to Nickel and diming it » Eddie Sylvano, posted by whiterabbit on June 17, 2003, at 8:51:10
I have some curbside furniture! It is a nice piece, very interesting art deco-ish vanity, just missing the mirror is all. It has served as a "desk" kind of place to organize papers, as a TV stand, and now as side piece in the bedroom. Someone in a building I lived in a long time ago threw it out when they moved. It was just what I needed then, as I was quite poor at the time, but I've liked it enought that it's moved with me a number of times.
I wouldn't pick up anything upholstered from the curb, though. I have my limits.
Posted by BekkaH on June 18, 2003, at 18:24:52
In reply to Re: Nickel and diming it, posted by noa on June 18, 2003, at 16:44:07
> > I wouldn't pick up anything upholstered from the curb, though. I have my limits.
*************************************************And don't EVER use a "used" mattress!!! A friend of mine bought a used mattress from some neighbors who were moving out, and she ended up with THE WORST case of lice. Her hair and all of her clothes and bed linens became infested. She had to use some medicated shampoo for her hair and body, she had to boil everything else, and some beautiful antique clothes she owned had to be discarded.
Posted by shar on June 18, 2003, at 18:37:32
In reply to Re: Nickel and diming it, posted by noa on June 18, 2003, at 16:44:07
LOLOL!
I did not think it was possible that I would laugh today, but you all did it. Ahhh, yes, curbside furniture! That is not only good advice, but serves me as a reminder that we are where we are more because of random events (when I think of my OWN curbside furniture) than decisions (or, at least, what feels like a decision!).
I think there is too much randomness in the world!
Shar (still smiling)
Posted by kalyb on June 19, 2003, at 16:28:51
In reply to Re: Nickel and diming it--Noa and Bekka, posted by shar on June 18, 2003, at 18:37:32
Veering at a slight tangent to this interesting (and humorous!) thread, I had a small "result" myself yesterday.
I found a pair of unworn leather jeans in a charity shop (=UK version of Goodwill) and they were my size!! and they were only £3.50!! (less than $6). Would cost at least £100 ($160) new.
Just a small thing, I know - but on a stressful day like yesterday, it was one of those little events that makes your spirit soar and think there really IS someone up there looking out for you.
Even if S/He Upstairs does have an ironic sense of humour and perfect comic timing. I was on my way home from - stressfully, painfully -collecting the last few items from the ex bf's house, who has a motorbike, upon which we rode almost every weekend.
Many times during our relationship he kept promising to buy me a set of bike leathers.
Now that I have no need for leather jeans, because I have no motorbike of my own and am unlikely to ride on one for the forseeable future, I actually have some....!But cool, anyway.
Kalyb xx
(still chuckling)
Posted by noa on June 19, 2003, at 20:42:57
In reply to Re: Nickel and diming it, posted by kalyb on June 19, 2003, at 16:28:51
Kaly--Perfect clothing item to go out of the relationship in style!!
This is the end of the thread.
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