Mami, Am I Fat?

How many weight-loss commercials are there? With 2007 looming ever closer (like tommorrow...), the herd of weight loss adds have been released. Everything from those sketchy pills to Jenny Craig-like programs to joining the gym and buying work-out equipment.

My favorite commercial was the one for some weight-loss commercial where it says, "It's not your fault your fat. It's cortizones!" or something that my mind chooses to remember as that. The humor that I find in it is not that I think it's people's fault that they are fat-- complex subject that-- but that it blames it on your body and things designed to help people survive.

It also reminds me of Little Miss Sunshine when the dad was pretty much calling the little girl fat and trying to get her not to eat the ice cream. (So mean!) Really, if your kid is a little heavy and you're trying to get them to eat healthier, just take control of their diet. Tell them they can't have the junk food; don't tell them they're fat.

But back on topic, like much of America, I've made a fitness goal for 2007. My goal is not really to lose weight so much as to tone up and maybe gain some muscle. Really, I have like negative muscle...

I got some new fitness gear, and I have part of a plan started. I'm a runner at heart, or should I say legs, so at least a half hour run/jog/thing four days a week. I'm more of an endurance runner than speedy so it should work out fine for my cardio. Now, I just need to find some exercises to tone my thighs, bum, and abs.

Oh! & I really want this American Apparel tee, but not cropped because I don't have the hot abs yet and that's what I want it for, to work on those abs.

Sorry for the pic with the sex shorts? on, but this pic showed how it drapes so nicely and looks perfect for keeping cool when you have to wear a shirt while working out and it's hot.

I also want to better treat the part of my body I dislike the most due to its horrid temper, my skin. If I'm nice to it, it'll behave. It's so easy to mistreat in winter though, when it needs my love the most, since it ends up covered.

So, they we have it! Documentation of my New year's resolutions, going into effect after it's officially the new year. Chinese New Year, that is. Just teasing...

Outfit (from 12/20 dog walk around the lake)- cropped hoody and tunic- JC Penny, jeans and sneakers- Ross, rainbow tee and fanny pack- mom (70s,80s), scarf- Old Navy

Resolved Resolutions,
Ivy Frozen

Style Influence and Inspiration Pt. This One

The Sartorialistwanted to know people earliest fashion influence for his contest. I would have posted this over there for the contest, but one of his earlier posts stopped me. He mentioned semi-stealing a signed copy of a magazine because it meant more to him than the person he got it from. (Theoretically...) And the book he had up for prize was a book that I'm sure someone else who actually entered would enjoy more than me. I might like it, but might is the key word. I certaily wouldn't treasure it like a true fan, so instead I bore you all with my answer to the question. Madonna. Lacey, but racy, Madonna. Madonna made fashion fun with her "I'll wear a tutu with combat boots if I want to!" look back in the 80s. I wasn't to crazy about her cone bra looks, but Madonna is constantly roaming style wise and she seems to get into niches like me. But, when hers don't work, she doesn't cry or keep shoving the same thing down our throats. She moves on to something else, and that's why she's still a pop queen, unlike Michael Jackson.

I do like more color and pattern mixing madness than Madonna who plays more with shape, although her latest incarnation loves shiny pastels. But, my more bold looks are firmly rooted in my childhood from seeing the lacy Madonna look with her biting additude. Love the contrast and still do. Sweet and Sour, baby!

And for those skoffing at her latest 70s roller disco meets the 80s workout gear craze, comparing Madonna to your grandma in statements something like, "I wouldn't want my grandma to wear something like that," your grandma don't look like Madonna. Your grandma is also not a rich performer and style icon. So, your comparison is, well, not working. Madonna can wear a leotard if she wants to. Heck, she looks better than me in one.

Madonna, making fashion fun again.

Now, some Madonna time:

A quick run through of Madonna.



A longer run thorugh of Madonna, including photos and clips from her movies and stage performances in addition to her videos.



One of my fav. Madonna songs and videos.



Bedtime Story. Right on trend. Flowers? (S/S) Check. Shiny? Check. Futurific? Check. Check. and Check.



Take a Bow. My other favorite Madonna song. I've always loved it, and love her classy but also real look in this video. Right on trend again. (Christina Aguilera is always channeling in her vids...)

1st outfit (from 12/18)- puff sleeve polo- Ross, cropped hoody and flats- JC Penny, Shorts- Lola/Rave, tights and socks- H&M, brooches- mom's grandma

2nd outfit (from 12/27)- shirt- Mervyns, brown cami (under)- Lola/Rave, belt- thrifted, skirt (rose patterned long prairie skirt taken up and bustled by me and a safety pin)- mom (70s), black thigh highs- Hot Topic, ballet flats- Nu Pair (BOGO-ed with my prom shoes)

Not just like a virgin,
Ivy Frozen

Nostalgia

I'm alive and back to posting. Lookout for a stream... I started a bunch of posts and just have to finish them at odd hours of the night when I should be sleeping.

Everyone's doing top 10 and top 100 lists for 2006. I don't know why. Really, why 10 or 100? Because they're even? Easy to divide and count by? I don't know about you, but none of that is useful with any of the things I do with those lists. So, I present to you my favorite shopping rules of 2006. The list is as long as favorite shopping rules I have, which may or may not fall into these favorite numbers. Maybe next I'll do my top 6 looks from 2006 and the top 11 items I will not be sad to see go. Why? Because I like 6, but I'm not too keen on 11...

My Fav Rules of 2006:

1. If it's not exactly what you want, don't buy it. If you're like me, the substitute just won't do it for you and you'll still crave the perfect item, which you'll find later and then purchase and promptly shove the substitute into the dark corner of your closet along with all the other substitutes. Substitutes: just don't do them. And remember, good friends don't let good friends take home a substitute.

2. Think about when and where you will wear the item. If you can't think of any outfits made up of items you already own, if you can't think of several outfits, if you can't think of ongoing occassions and it's not for a very special one, then just say "no". It's okay.

3. Buy stuff that fits you now in all ways, not for when your feet spontaneously shrink half an inch or you finally lose those few inches. This also means not to buy that skimpy but oh-so-shiny top for the great nightlife you're planning to adopt. If these things actually do happen, you can always purchase those things. The world is not suddenly going to have a shortage of perfect items for your occasion. I know, it's hard to believe. I still have trouble believing it.

4. Just because it's cheap now, doesn't mean you have to buy it now. Sacrilege! Sacrilege! But true sacrilege. The reason why for this one, is actually reason #5:

5. Think about the clutter. As a messy person, I speak for all messy people who don't have some mold that at one time or other was pizza festering beneath their bed that my clutter annoys me at times too. The mess really comes from my attempting to organize my clutter on the biggest shelf in my house, all visible and within easy reach at once. Yeah, it doesn't work so well. And no, I don't think fondly of the pile of clothes waiting to fall on me when I open my closet or having to dig through it all for "that one top". Do I really want to add said item from #4 (typically multiplied over time) to all that just because it's cheap? Yeah. Not so cheap now, is it.

6. There is no Island of Clothes that No One Wanted. Rest easy knowing the item will go to a good home where it is loved (or tossed in the trash). I just need a moment to form a boring clip show in my mind, complete with cheesy and overly dramtic music of all the items that have been denied me this year via those rules T_T ...

Okay! Done!

Now that I've beat that into me, I'm going to try to limit my spending in 2007. Ultimate goal is $0 on anything I don't need or isn't replacing something worn out and/or broken. Of course, such a leap seems unrealistic for my itchy fingers. I might do alright the first part of the year as Christmas just passed and my birthday is in March, but towards the end, I'll need some retail therapy! So, perhaps I'll take it in month spurts and shoot for half a year. That's until summer. I think I can do that. Maybe... Possibly... I'll demand gift cards, ne?

Featured Outfit (from 12/11): romper dress thing- thrift store, long sleeve tee- Target, tights and belt- JC Penny, boots- Hot Topic, scarf- thrifted

Lock on her wallet est. 2007,

Ivy Frozen

P.S. Okay, so I totally ignored the rules for that that romper in the picture, but my sister bought it for me so it's okay. Plus, I did find a way to wear it...

On the 11th Day before Christmas, Ivy Frozen gave to me

The truth about jeans: they ain't so comfy. Sure, there's that old pair that you spent years breaking in until all the spots that rub were smooth and nearly threadbare, and about ready for the trash can. I repeat jeans aren't that comfy. All that hardware, the restriction on movement, and that heavy duty-fabric just can't be, no matter how hard it tries. The real comfort of jeans is the mindset that you can do a lot in them. They're so practical and can look pretty snazzy too. They're a go anywhere, do anything garment. Paint in them, garden in them, do heavy labor in them, play in them, etc.

But, if you want real comfort, I much prefer trousers or leggings.

So, so many people --and by people I mean "fashionistas"-- protest the leggings (and ankle boot trend) because they tend to make your ankles blend into your calves producing the horror inducing word, "cankles." When I first saw the word "cankles" used, it thought it was some horrible deformity or disease. But no, it's just what you see in the picture of my outfit above, where the indent of my ankle dissappears. I'm really unimpressed. So what if the line of my ankle disappears? I'm not seeing the horror. If you look at my right leg, it's pretty obviously there. I see no problem with the "cankle" look and I shall continue to sport items that supposedly give me this, including shoes with ankle straps.

Stay tooned for more crazy silhouettes that I love and support!

My outfirt worn Dec. 7th: red tunic- mom (70s/80s), faux fur bolero- um..., black leggings- Lola/Rave, white cuffed ankle boots- Hot Topic, thick black waist belt (under my arms)- JC Penny

Cankles: ankles with a "c" for cool,

Ivy Frozen

Silence Must be Heard! DIY

Not simply observed...



Okay, so didja really think I'd be over my Enigma obsession so quickly? Today's post is about playing with volume, as all the magazines suggest doing and talk about designers doing, etc. It's also filled with diy goodness.

So, in the picture, I am wearing a dress I made myself. It's the first item of clothing I've ever made, and I'm lazy. Anyone else get a headache when reading all that "use [insert name of stitch that is explained nowhere how to do] stitch" in those easy diy and beginner guides? Yeah, well I said I'll just work it out as I go. I used diy instructions for a circle skirt (pretty much just cut a circle how big you want the skirt out of fabric), sewed a band at the top, attached straps and some buttons (a few more than planned since it ended up a bit big; I allowed too much extra.) and voile! Unfortunately, the fabric I used ('cause it had plaid and was on clearance!) has a tendency to fray easily, so I also had to hem. (Many fabrics you don't have to.) But, here are some better pics of the dress. I do love the movement... But more fabric than I planned and the back is longer than the fron when I wear it do to tilting. I could always just hem up the back a bit though. But, here are the pictures really:

So, the second diy is a bustle. Once again, this is a bustle for the lazy person. Take a circle skirt pull some of the fabric from the sides back to create a bustle as you like. Then secure with a safety pin and you're done. Temporary but highly effective. Plus, your skirt is now two-in-one. I will say that bustles slim my hims considerably, as you might be able to see in the photo on the very top. Of course, I do tend to wear 3/4th length puff sleeved shirts with them...

Now, I haven't tried this with an A-line skirt, but it should work too. Also, with longer skirts and dresses, you can fold them up a bit to create an apron, then secure in back with pin to create a bustle and have more bounce to it (since there will be more fabric.) Otherwise, you'll end up with a more pencil/tulipy shape for the skirt.

My outfit worn Nov. 27th: puff sleeve blouse- mom (from 70s), plaid jumper/pinafore- made by me, long sleeve tee and boots- JC Penny, belt- Forever 21 (I like wearing it backwards!), tights- Target

Volume, it's good for you
Ivy Frozen

Go vintage, young girl

Look into the mirror of your soul.
Love and hate are one and all.
Sacrifice turns to revenge
And believe you will see the face who will say,
"I love you; I'll kill you
"But to love you...forever!"
--from Enigma's "I love you...I'll kill you"

Vinatage. It's not just about the look. It's not just about not having to worry about some chick wearing the same thing as you. It's about history.

While I do like vintage for all of the above reasons-- I seriously HATE wearing the same item at the same time at the same place as some other person--I LOVE vintage because it's a connection to the past. I love history and it's neat to think of all the time the item has survived to end up in my hands. It's also fun to muse about past owners of the garment. Who knows; I might have been the past owner (and/or creater of the homesewn stuff) back in a past life. Some items just have that big a draw to me. But my favorite vintage items come from my own family. Well, my mom.

My mom is a huge pack-rat and hates to throw stuff away. She's convinced that she'll need it one day after she's tossed it out. She's worse than me in her pack-rattish ways. I think our house might just be filled to the brim with stuff if my dad wasn't a neat freak to counter-act my mom's ways. But, I do love all the old stuff she saved from the 70s. I also love wearing the costume jewlry from my mother's grandmother and great grandmother. She was raised by them. It just gives me a worm feeling. Unfortunately, I left most of the brooches from the grandmas at home, but when I'm there, I wear at least one almost every day. I just love the warm fuzzies I get from wearing. I also think they watch out for me (they're both dead. Really, and interesting concept for me considering my less than clear views on spiritual matters...) as I do tend to be lucky, especially when paired with negative energy.

Going with that, I also adore the two rings my parents bought me. I "feel the love" when I wear them. One, I didn't particularly carefore. It was a result of a "momism". <-- That term actually does not come from my own poor grip on language, but from my American Indian studies teacher. "Momism" refers to those things mom's do, such as insisting you bundle up before going out, the doting and chicken noodle soup when you're sick, and all that stuff that you're just like "Aw, mom!" about. In this case, that would be insisting that I should get this ring, that I don't particularly want, because my sister got one, that she wanted. The other ring is my birth stone and diamond. It's the only ring I've actually ever wanted. Aquamarine, diamond, and white gold: a stunning combination. It's so winter fresh, pure/innocent, and also springy; all images and ideas I relate to myself. My name IS Ivy Frozen and I told you I adore it and find it just so fitting. Also, if I ever get married (which would involve a little thing, like I dunno, a boyfriend first), I totally want my engagement ring to be aquamarine, diamon, and white gold! I'd marry that guy on the spot if I got a ring in with that combo. And he'd be getting laid when he wanted, how he wanted (to translate some more lines from Enigma) if the proposal also came with these shoes. Ah, now that's a dream.

In the picture above, I am sporting a color combo fit to match that ring. And that shirt used to belong to my mother, way back when she was about my size. (I think she was always a bit bigger than me, at least her boobs.) Gotta love that parrot! As for the Enigma lyrics, I've been playing Enigma and E Nomine music obsessivly lately (sign me up for their cults!) and, well, the lyrics relate to this post with how love and hate are somehow the same thing, while be oppossites. A very thin line between them. Or is there a line at all? Sometimes, I'd say no. As used in this post, yes.

My outfit (from Sunday): button up shirt with parrot- mom from 70s/80s, white with black dots shirt (under)- Ross, blue corduroys- Sears, wedges- Kohls (They have leaves on side of the wedge heel!), green waist belt- Thrift Town

I love you, I'll kill you
Ivy Frozen

Mood Swings, Mood Rings

Just noticing how my dressing seems to be. I tend to go for more masculine (meets feminine) and slouchy/baggy looks when I'm grumpy. I go for sleek, classy and sexy when I'm feeling good, and I go for crazier stuff when I'm feeling bold/energetic. Anyone else notice their moods reflected in clothes? Colors don't really firgure too much into my feeling moods. Though you know I love a good sweet and sour contrast.

Oh my! It seems we have a new word for me to define: moods. See, I use "mood" as a word to refer to more than being happy, sad, mad, etc. Stuff like I'm in an ice cream mood (want ice cream), autumn mood (loving leaves, autumn colors, etc.), and sleek mood (I've been wearing sleeker, more classic outfits since I went home for Thanksgiving break.) Y'all know I need my fun though. I mean, what is the point if not fun? Or survival.

Now, I'll finish this off with test results you probably don't care too much about, but tests you might want to take. Both tests receive a thumbs up from me. I can see myself as the tests describe me. Actually, you probably do care about the results, voyeurs that we all are. So, here we go:

Glam.com's What animal (print) are you test:

The fact that a leopard can’t change its spots is not lost on you. Like the sleek and sensuous wildcat, you’ve wholly embraced your aloofness and penchant for self-indulgence and freedom. You live by your instincts, which comes in handy while exploring unknown territories, be they of the heart and mind or exotic places.

I luv leopard

Okay Cupid Enneagram test:

the Observer Thanks for taking the test !

you chose BZ - your Enneagram type is FIVE. "I need to understand the world" Observers have a need for knowledge and are introverted, curious, analytical, and insightful. How to Get Along with Me Be independent, not clingy. Speak in a straightforward and brief manner. I need time alone to process my feelings and thoughts. Remember that If I seem aloof, distant, or arrogant, it may be that I am feeling uncomfortable. Make me feel welcome, but not too intensely, or I might doubt your sincerity. If I become irritated when I have to repeat things, it may be because it was such an effort to get my thoughts out in the first place. don't come on like a bulldozer. Help me to avoid my pet peeves: big parties, other people's loud music, overdone emotions, and intrusions on my privacy. What I Like About Being a Five standing back and viewing life objectively coming to a thorough understanding; perceiving causes and effects my sense of integrity: doing what I think is right and not being influenced by social pressure not being caught up in material possessions and status being calm in a crisis What's Hard About Being a Five being slow to put my knowledge and insights out in the world feeling bad when I act defensive or like a know-it-all being pressured to be with people when I don't want to be watching others with better social skills, but less intelligence or technical skill, do better professionally Fives as Children Often spend a lot of time alone reading, making collections, and so on have a few special friends rather than many are very bright and curious and do well in school have independent minds and often question their parents and teachers watch events from a detached point of view, gathering information assume a poker face in order not to look afraid are sensitive; avoid interpersonal conflict feel intruded upon and controlled and/or ignored and neglected Fives as Parents are often kind, perceptive, and devoted are sometimes authoritarian and demanding may expect more intellectual achievement than is developmentally appropriate may be intolerant of their children expressing strong emotions Renee Baron & Elizabeth Wagele The Enneagram Made Easy Discover the 9 Types of People Harper SanFrancisco, 1994, 161 pages You liked the test? so please don't forget to RATE it... but remember! it had only two questions!!! ;-) you wanna know MORE? so check out, what Wikipedia says about your type... ...even more you'll find in Google

Link: The Quick & Painless ENNEAGRAM Test written by felk on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the The Dating Persona Test

My outfit (from Tuesday): Turtle tee- Sears, Long sleeve tee- JC Penny, Swing jacket- Lola, Pants- Uhhh... Back from my slouchy, skate-boarder/snow boarder/extreme sports player look days., Socks- Payless, Shoes- Ebay, Scarf- knit for me by a friend

Kid Tested, Mother Approved
Ivy Frozen

Naked

Apparently, I want to carry a bag with me when I'm naked. Really, what is up with all the naked ladies selling bags? What exactly is the message? Buy the bag so the lady can buy some clothes? Nudist style: you may not wear clothes so assert your style with a cool bag? Just really baffles/annoys me, especially when I see it back, to back, to back by about twenty different brands in the same magazine. I flipped through to page 75 with only a page or two of actual content before that. Y'all know fashion magazines annoy me, and yet I most be a masochist for I buy one or two every now and then. This time it was Bazaar, since I tend to like their articles. Yes, JLO on the cover sold it to me as I was wondering why she was on the cover of a best dressed magazine, considering she's been looking, well, old, decrepit, and isn't exactly praised often for her style. I must say, I liked how they did their best dressed list, showing the pictures and then an article explaining the choices kind of generally. It points out that we all have a different idea of style, and few people would agree with the list. And also how one guy had a problem with the list because his wife dressed better than everyone ont he list and he didn't want to read anything that didn't have his wife in it (or something close to that.). These ideas gave me pause, because I too am guilty about those quick judgements and irrational/hypocritcal behavior despite this lovely blog promoting dressing outside of the common box they try to force you to use and inside your own box, even if it does include things from the other box. (Dun-dun-duuunnnn!) So praise to Bazaar for that! I'll keep that in mind as I wonder "what that famous person was thinking!" Should they really be held to different fashion standards than the rest of us? Must every famous person also be a style icon? Just something to ponder... I'll try to keep that in mind as my mind next time it's relevant to my thoughts.

But, even keeping that in mind, I still must wonder why Britney is going out everywhere in short dresses WITHOUT UNDERWEAR? I mean, does she like flashing her parts to everyone? Is she depresses about divorcing K. Fed.? (Although I could never see why...) I don't have much love for Britney, but I did think she could do better than that creep. And I kind of feel sorry for her now. Am I the only one to notice how evil Paris Hilto looks in all of their pictures together? Paris has got this evil-friendly expression on her face (of course, she always looks like that...) and Britney looks all sweet, and like, "okay. Yay! We're going out. And you're my friend Paris. I'm n ot sure about this, but you said it was okay and I want you to like me so, I'll do it." Then, we have Paris who looks like, "Yes, yes, Britney. You look very pretty. And I have you right where I want you my pretty, mwahahahha!"

Even with my sympathy, however, the no underwear has no excuse. She's a mother! Do it for the kids, Britney. Do it for the kids so they don't get into a bunch of fights because everybody and their momma has seen their momma's nether regions. Now, I wore a very light, floaty dress today and it was a bit windy. Not windy enough to make wearing this really stupid/impracticle, but my skirt did fly up once while I was crossing a field. It was no big deal though because I'm wearing boxers. (And underwear under the boxers.) Yeah, that's right. I think boxers and socks that go over the knee are the hottest and really comfy too. Mine are red Aeropostale with little monkey faces on them. About the only thing I'd get from Aeropostale. Men's boxers too, I believe. (I won them at a party.) That would explain why they're so awesome versus th oddity that is women's boxers.

No, for Paris, I took the liberty of putting together an outfit fit for an heiress.

It's a total kick to your face, without being a kick. It's a sample of what I would wear if I had a rich daddy. Of course, I wore this even though my daddy isn't rich... Well, anyways, I think that if we are forced to see Paris (believe I do not actively seek images of her and would prefer not to be force fed her less than sparkling image), then she should take some notes from Dita von Teese. You don't have to be an ass or a boob to be sexy. And from me, it doesn't have to be pink, fluffy, and/or covered with Hello Kitty to be youthful, cute, and fun.

I believe Sullen Girl lays out the incidents mentioned above very nicely.

My outfits: The 1st worn today: skirt worn as dress & brown crochet shrug- Ross, cropped trapeze jacket- Lola, over the knee socks- Wet Seal, gold espadrilles- Old Navy, leaf necklace- Lulu's Fashion Lounge

The 2nd worn on Wednesday: faux fur bolero- eh, I forget. Last year somewheres on sale, cream corset tank (that flash of white there)- Ross, black long sleeve tee- Target, black pencil skirt and grey tights- JC Penny, brown cowboy boots- Charlotte Russe, brown belt- Payless, roses brooch- mom; used to be her grandma's, freshwater pearl necklace- Hawaii

Fully clothed Thank You,
Ivy Frozen