A Shot, a Shot, a Splash, a Squeeze

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OK, I hope you guys are ready because this post is about to get all deep on ya. I’m talking metaphors and shit.

I wore this yesterday to work, and then to a movie. (Side note: the movie was a free preview of Ruby Sparks, which is out today. It was a GREAT movie. I would have paid to see it. In fact, I will probably pay for the DVD when it comes out. I highly recommend.) So anyway, the movie was screening at my favorite movie theater, which has a great bar where you can get drinks to take into the movie (that might be one reason it’s my favorite theater). I went in the bar to get a cosmopolitan, because this place makes the best cosmos.

You might not think that there would be that much difference between cosmos, but it all depends on the quality of the liquor and on the perfect balance of ingredients. A friend once taught me how to make a great cosmo (assuming good ingredients). It goes like this: a shot, a shot, a splash, a squeeze. The shots are vodka and triple sec (or grand marnier), the splash is cranberry juice, and the squeeze is lime, which is also the garnish.

As I was sitting in the theater sipping my cosmo and waiting for the movie to start, I started thinking how this perfectly balanced drink was not unlike my outfit that day, and probably like many other outfits I wear. In a way, the perfect martini is not unlike the perfect outfit. Hear me out. 

Vodka and triple sec are sort of like liquor cabinet staples. They are used to make lots of different drinks for different occasions. Similarly, some pieces of clothing are wardrobe staples and can be styled in lots of different ways. For example: a white shirt and neutral, slim-fitting pants. You see where I’m going with this? My shirt and top are the vodka and triple sec of my ensemble.

But nobody would want to drink a glass of just vodka and triple sec. Gross. You need a splash of color and sweetness. That’s why you need to add a bright shoe. Wait…the shoe doesn’t go in the drink. It goes on your foot. Man, metaphors are hard. Maybe I should hurry up and get to the end.

The squeeze/garnish of lime is that little detail that you might be able to live without, but it’s really the cherry on top. Well, the lime on top, literally. So what’s the garnish on your outfit? Jewelry, of course! It could be gold or silver, dainty or chunky, anything really. Whatever makes you feel like you’re really dressed.

Et voila!

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Simple, classic, delicious. Cheers!

Chicago Day 3: a “What to Wear?” Challenge

Saturday was our last day in Chicago, and we planned to go to the Lincoln Park Zoo during the day, and then head to a suburb to see a college friend star as Elle Woods in a production of Legally Blonde, the musical (SNAPS FOR ANNIE!).

The challenge: We had to check out of the hotel in the morning, so I wouldn’t be able to change between city-trekking and theater-going.

The solution: this trusty sundress. During the day, I kept it casual with a braided belt and my comfy hippie sandals.20120729-195342.jpg

20120729-195415.jpgAnd for evening, I just kept some wedges, a clutch, and my bubble necklace easily accessible in my suitcase. A little switcheroo in the theater parking lot led to this:20120729-195438.jpg

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20120729-195513.jpgThe only problem with this dress is that I can’t even take a freaking pee without someone stopping to tell me how CUTE I look. My life is really hard, you guys. But you know who else has a hard life? My friend Annie, who has a real job AND is working on getting her Master’s AND has the lead role in Legally Blonde. I might be a little biased because I know her, but seriously…she is effing amazing in this show. Anyone who lives near University Park, IL, needs to go see it. Or else. There are two more shows next weekend; check out the theater’s website here.20120729-195535.jpg

Omigod you guys, I know her.

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Kristin, Annie (the blonde one, obviously), and me after her show

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And here are some meerkats. Just cuz.