MidSize Shopping: Brands I'm Wearing Lately.
To be a size 12-14 is so challenging at times. I’m a Large in one store while I fit better in XL in others. I’ve gained some of my weight back from when I lost a ton 3 years ago so my sizing is really all over the place. I’m a solid 185lb right now and plan on loosing some as the end of the year approaches. If I could get to a 10-12 like I was in 2021 and maintain it I’m ok! This post isn’t about that though! It’s about where i’m shopping lately!
New York City Shopping: Where I Shop Around the City
New York City. Born & Raised. There truly is no place like it and for me — no place like home. For those who aren’t so familiar it can be pretty daunting trying to do anything here. I want to help you tackle at least one thing — SHOPPING!
The Sweetness.
Ask me how fast the jacket came off because of this heat. It's the one piece in my closet I couldn't figure out until one day I found myself building an athletic vibe but wanted to cover up just a little. I tried it for fun — inside my apartment with the AC blaring. I forgot that all bets are off once you step outside.
My Work-From-Home Setup.
I also want to talk a bit about what I use to help me keep it tidy. Organizers are essential to make this space work. The goal one day is my own office so I can work and create in a space that fits me. When covid was at it’s height my partner had to work from home and it was decided he take the second bedroom once we moved to Harlem.
My Favorite Makeup Brands.
So what are my basics? I always need a red lip. I always need a dark eye brow and I always love a good eye liner. Maybe a little creme blush as well but the red lip is most important. It makes a statement. Plus it gets people to look at my lips which I always love.
My Favorite Skincare Brands: A Look at What I Wear Daily.
Skincare. As you get older you get more in tune with that you need on your face & exactly why it’s needed. As i’ve gotten older and life has gotten to me I had to study and quickly. I’m 37 years and I’ve got sunspots (non-cancerous) I still get pimples and my combination skin gets beat up a lot by the sun and general living in NYC.
maybe ally...sees "The Heart of Rock and Roll”.
I always get a little sad talking about a show that closed (way too early I may add). I still wanted to share all the fun I had when I got to see it. I keep coming back to that word — fun. What is it about spaces that seem so stiff about fun? I loved this show. I loved its high energy and with a soundtrack full of Huey Lewis & the News…it was just so fun. We've gotta learn to have some more fun.
Life Lately.
I’ve been kinda loving life lately. Usually, the summer season doesn't bring about much joy but this year it's different. All the anniversaries and firsts without my mom all take place in the winter, spring & fall. This is truly the only pocket of time where nothing is making me cry. Do I have my moments? Absolutely. In fact, there was a night already this week when Armand had to just stand there and hug me.
G.A.B. Until I Die, Happy 4th of July!
In all reality I wear this crop top often and I’m pretty sure I made my building manager very uncomfortable when I answered the door the other day in it. Ask me how many times in life I’ve been called a b**** I'd laugh and tell you plenty. While I can be passive, I can also set boundaries, stand my ground and speak up when I need to. If that makes me unbearable so be it. I don’t care.
What’s In A Name?
You noticed it. I’m sure you did. The name change. The blog changed. EVERYTHING changes. I’ve wanted to change my name for two years. For two years I debated it. Ask Armand he will tell you. I have long been free of the word “magic” and for a while there sure I took the girl loves magic to mean loving anything whimsical and free. It didn't feel right. It didn't feel like me.
maybe ally...sees "Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club”.
It took me a while to get to this show! But I'm so happy I did. Wow. That's the word I kept saying over and over. If you're a person who loves immersion you're going to love it in here. The August Wilson Theatre is completely transformed. The work done to turn it into The Kit Kat Club is nothing short of extraordinary.
She Wears Shorts.
You know me. I don't wear shorts often. I have thick thighs and while I love my Mega Babe chaffing stick sometimes I just don't wanna show the thighs off. I grabbed these shorts at NY&Co. & loved them so much. They've got a bit of a stretch to them that I love and navy always works well with my complexion. They are definitely good for the kind of weather we've been getting in NYC lately.
maybe ally...sees "Hell’s Kitchen”.
Wow. What a captivating, energizing & fun piece of theatre. From the mind of Alicia Keys comes the semi-autobiographical story of a girl named Ali. A 17-year-old girl on the verge of discovering her dreams & what her life could be. I loved this one. It brought me back to life in the ’90s and early 2000s instead of a piano gave me a pen and paper and it's almost the same.
Just Float.
Oh, how this day felt good. It's always fun when the Attack on Titan jacket is the one that works best for the outfit. Got it at USJ in 2020 during Cool Japan and never looked back. It's rare when it gets worn but when it does it's good. I think its the color of the pants. A nice military green. Always works well with other earth tones.
Happy Tony Sunday to Those Who Celebrate...
This time last year I was holding a Tony at the Paper Mill Playhouse and seeing RENT. This year I get to watch at home. Which honestly works out for what I need right now. It's a tad bittersweet as my mom and I loved watching the show together. But she will watch with me in a new way! So surreal what life could look like each year. Love you, mommy. Miss you dearly.
maybe ally...sees "The Notebook”.
I’ll start with the obvious. Bring Tissues, Joy Woods is a star (you're listening to her sing while reading this btw!!) & Maryann Plunkett deserves the world — but we already knew that. Dorian Harewood is mesmerizing & Ingrid Michaelsons music & lyrics are beautiful and deserve much more recognition.
The Back & Forth of it All.
Have I mentioned to you guys the tug of war in my heart every few months? The one where I fight the urge to get on a plane with a one-way ticket anywhere but NYC. How this city has slowly taken from me for 37 years and most days I'm over it? No? I haven't! Dang. Well…
She’s Got Color On!
Now if you have been here for a while you know I don't do this much color usually. In a sharp left turn, I decided to wear the brightest colors in my closet for a Spring/Summer transitional style that you could wear day or night. Love that the blazer is a lighter fabric. It's been so humid lately and I need breathable clothing or else I'm not doing it! Don't care what it is!
maybe ally...sees "Water for Elephants”.
Get to the circus I say! What a beautiful show. What wonderful performances. What amazing set designs. I could go on and on but I'll stick to one thing:
See this show and be impressed by all the acrobatics, a faithful retelling of a beloved story, and the cutest elephant you'll see on stage.
Mickey’s Girl.
Forever his girl. What can I say? Whenever possible I take the opportunity to throw on a Disney style just for the fun of it and this day was no different. I initially wanted to wear high heels with no socks but that got shot down once I tried the knee highs on. Loafers had to be the shoe of choice and I had just the pair to wear.