10 April 2013

Upside Down Frown

june's meadow

My apologies for my inadvertent mini-blog break, ladies. Believe me, I'd rather have been blogging than dealing with some of my regular life stuff. I know I should feel more grateful in general, but sometimes when the bad outweighs the good and has a tendency to repeat itself, I can't help but to ask myself - why can't All This just be easy for once?

 When I'm feeling down, I typically end up doing one of the following to try to put myself into another state of mind-

Eating - well, there really isn't anything that can keep me from eating. I eat when I am happy, I eat when I am sad, though when I need to "turn that frown upside down," my choices veer towards the more deep-fried or refined sugar variety. Doughnuts are my friends. I had a brief stint during college where I had "boy troubles" and literally could not eat the food that was in front of me. This went on for probably two weeks. I look back now and cannot help but to think, "what's a matta wit you?!" College boys versus ramen noodles - sometimes there's no contest. And I don't mean the college boys.

june's meadow  june's meadow

Nothing. Some days are best left to doing just plain ole nothing.

What's a fashion fiend's favorite cheer-me-up hobby? Buying something, of course, the more frivolous, the better. Though I'll typically keep my shopping to solitary online shopping. The last thing I need when I'm not in a good mood is to battle the mall parking lot or feel like I'm getting bombarded too-helpful sales associates. Online shopping alone in the dark, can help take a girl's mind off of things.

I paint my nails. It takes my mind off of things because I need to concentrate - or I just enjoy sniffing polish - and the end result is usually pretty.

And sorry, friends, but for me, a bottle of wine and a good gab still can't compete with the sheer glee of taking my pup to the dog park and watching her run amuck amongst her furry friends. Is there nothing more smile-inducing than to watch a grateful smiling pup bound her way through the fields?

What do you do to cheer yourself up when life is getting you down?

june's meadow

june's meadow

june's meadow

Top: J.Crew Liberty perfect in june's meadow (same in blazer, sim, sim) 
Skirt: Ann Taylor striped flounce (worn here - sim, darker, deal, as dress)
Belt: Anthropologie ekbal (worn here - sim, muted, casual)
Necklace: Personal Jewelry via Etsy (sim, sim)
Bracelets: F21 faceted (sim) & Tag Heuer
Bag: Kate Spade quilted signature ellen (worn here - patent, sim, flap)
Shoes: Audrey Brooke via DSW mary (worn here - sim, nubuck, flats, higher)

72 comments:

  1. Wow, I love this! I am so into pops of red for spring and summer. You look great!

    Katie
    Style Diary

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  2. Haha, the polish comment spoke to me. I so often come home from a crappy day, where none of my statistical models are working and I paint dem nails. And then I chip them up making jewelry. PS: totaly jealous of that j crew shirt, I've gone and tried it on about 3 times now. I had no idea it was on saaaaaaale finally. Thanks!

    www.lesartsplastiques.ca

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    1. I just wish I was better at painting my nails - but now at least it is not looking like a 5yo did them - I think I've matured to an even 10yo.

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  3. Definitely wine, that helps a lot. Going for a run even though I don't want to. Sweating seems to do the trick too. And finally, this is terrible, but going on tabloid-y sites like US Magazine and reading about how effed up "stars'" lives are. Hehe, misery loves company.

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    1. That's kind of why I dig reality TV - my problems apparently not as bad as Kim K's, haha!

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  4. Nothing like spending time near or on the water for me.

    LOVE your belt. Whole look is fab.

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  5. very pretty and spring-like top! Love it.

    Nothing can cheer me up more than retail therapy. Before online shopping, I really didn't know how I survived haha! I agree with you that taking your puppy out for a walk. When you try to see things from their perspective, things cannot be that complicated.

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    1. Shoot, nowadays I couldn't think of how I shopped before online shopping, since I do a lot of online shopping in general now. Too easy ...

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  6. Going for a run always works for me, but lately I've had killer shin splints so I can't. Bummer. So I, like you, eat doughnuts. Why are they so delicious!?

    Online shopping also, though sometimes I like to go shopping at the outlet mall on weeknights after work when it is dead. No annoying other shoppers to deal with and not as many salespeople, either! Win-win!

    Great post!

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    1. I went to the mall this week for a work errand but it was so nice to be walking around in the morning on a work week - no lines!

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  7. I was just wondering this morning what you've been up to! I missed the fun chit-chat you always generate with your blog posts.

    I, too, tend to drown my sorrows in food, and I, too, am a deep fried food fanatic. As far as I'm concerned, deep frying food is one of human kinds greatest achievements, just after inventing the wheel and discovering how to control fire. I'm also a shopaholic trying to change my ways, so I'd rather not think about retail therapy and think about food, glorious food, instead. But I know a few women who swear by buying new lingerie as a surefire way of curing the blues.

    That all said, I love those red shoes and may have to stop by DSW later this week to check it out!

    I hope whatever in real life has been getting you down and keeping you busy lets up soon.

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    1. Thanks for your well wishes - deep fried food is pretty spectacular. I did have McDonald's for dinner last night. Mm, fries ...

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  8. Such a cute outfit! Love the nail color!
    I also cringe at my past end-of-the-world moments. Time heals!

    choochoo
    choochooli.blogspot.com

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  9. I used to grab a book and immerse myself in someone else's misery, but ever since I found my writing mojo with my blog, my best therapy is working on the sucker. Whether culling through my Pinterest board for inspiration, or playing dress up in my closet while rocking out to Pandora, or crafting clever witticisms that describe my outfits, I know I can find peace and, ultimately, satisfaction when I hit "publish".

    www.myclosetcatalogue.com

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    1. The commercials on Pandora drive me nuts though, even on the paid service. You're sitting there chill, relaxing to some music, and then bam! random really loud commercial for no apparent reason!

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  10. Ice cream usually does wonders for me. I hope you feel better soon! Love the pattern mixing Lisa!

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  11. a soothing jaunt through anthropologie's web site helps keep me focused, and watching my fat cat sleep on his back, enormous mitts pawing the air... And maybe, just maybe, a bag of plain chips. or salt and vinegar. heaven.

    I'm wearing my June's Meadow Liberty blazer today! And bemoaning the lack of black and white stripes in my life- all my standards are wearing out or too small (see above reference to chips...) Love the way it works with the blouse!

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    1. Salt and vinegar chips are awesome, especially the real puckery ones where you kind of have to stop at a handful, but you can't ...

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  12. I eat just like you. Got a promotion? Celebratory dinner. Failed an exam? Carton of ice cream. It's really not good. I love your shoes a ton!

    7% Solution​

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  13. Sorry to hear you've been dealing with crappy life stuff. I hope it gets worked out. In the mean time, eat and shop!! :) I love those heels! The bow is soo cute!
    Meredith
    createthatoutfit.com

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  14. Aw, I'm sorry to hear you've been having a rough patch! It's always such a delicate thing, talking about your feelings on the internet because you don't know who will read it. Whatever it is that's happened, I hope you manage to resolve it and find solutions you can live with! :) :)

    Things that cheer me up are, in no particular order: Victor and his insane sense of humour. Taking lots of stuff out of my closet and mixing up new outfits. Doing nails. Playing this one video-game where I get to snipe people in the head. Satisfying, that. And making myself a green tea latte - nothing helps like frothy macha goodness!

    Anyway, I like this outfit a lot! Florals and stripes, and that belt really pulls it all together! Funny that J.Crew is doing Liberty patterns, I always walk past Liberty's to get to the London Anthropologie!

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    1. Thanks a lot! I know, it's weird, because you kind of want to share but still not really so you do a lot of "alluding to..."

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  15. First of all you look AMAZE - I loved that J.Crew top online and it looks gorgeous with that striped skirt. :)

    I had a similar week last week - especially last weekend - just bleh. I would really like a do over. I also eat (chocolate, or really bad for you chips are usually the primary offenders), and shop - online, by myself. In fact, I did just that with the last Anthro sale. And (luckily) it was all fabulous and not regretful impulse buys.

    My little pup is always a source of happiness for me, too. Cuddling with her always makes a bad day brighter!

    xo
    See Mo Go.

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    1. I don't need a do-over, I'm just glad it's over, hehe.

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  16. Man, the blogging world can be so small sometimes. I wrote a post with a similar theme this week & have seen others along the same lines. I swear, just when I'm feeling most alone I can count on my blogging buddies to let me know I'm not the only one out there who is dealing with crap. I know we all know this, but there's not a whole that makes you feel more alone than dealing with life's BS. Whatever it is I hope it clears up for you soon.

    I agree, one of my go-to bad mood killers is play time with Copa. Life is so simple to dogs & it's impossible not to smile when you see their carefree & happy attitude. Plus, Copa can't stand to see people cry. She will run over & lick your face off until you stop, which usually doesn't take long because how can you cry through slobbery dog kisses?

    I agree with others that running helps a lot but when I'm in a certain mood I can't get myself to do it. Listening to my favorite tunes helps too - I have a certain playlist for that type of thing (compiled over time by hearing a song & thinking "that song always puts me in a good mood!"). I'll put it on & do something mind numbing like painting my nails or playing computer games.

    Last thing then I'll stop this novel...my therapist has had me trying something new that has helped me a bit. She modified the idea from Julia Cameron's "Morning Pages" concept. In the morning you sit down & write, freestyle, for 15-20 minutes. Maybe you have a song stuck in your head so you write the lyrics, maybe you rehash a dream you had last night, maybe you just write "Oh I have no idea what to write about..." Basically whatever comes to your head ends up on the paper. When you finish, you don't go back & read it, you just throw it away. (I like to take mine to work & shred them) It's sort of like putting all your worries onto paper & then tearing them up so they don't burden you anymore. It didn't really sound like it would help me but as I've been doing it, I notice a difference between the days I do and the ones I don't. Anyway, email me if you want more info - I'm sure I didn't explain it that well here. Or just Google Julia Cameron.

    And wine. Lots of wine. Hang in there friend!

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    1. I certainly can't cry when there is a dog tongue rolling my eyeballs around for me, hehe. My pup is the same way, you start crying or something and she is all over you!

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  17. oh i love the floral with the stripes!

    sometimes a cup of coffee from starbucks will do it, or reading in bed. or a nap. naps are great.

    hope everything is back to normal soon! <3

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    1. Naps are awesome - I may have indulged in some napping this past weekend.

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  18. Hope everything is ok! Sounds like we do a lot of the same things...food and shopping are both high on my list lol...love your fun pattern mixing combo!

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  19. Pretty much straight to buying things when I feel blue--Essie nail polish especially! Cute shoes!!!

    Taylor

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  20. At Christmas time, Christmas song always works for me. I like to watch YouTube videos to cheer me up as well, such as my favorite figure skating videos.

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  21. What a cute outfit, love it. A glass of wine, a good book, and a block of total quiet time usually makes me giddy. A little shopping is always fun, but only if it's in the budget, otherwise it just turns the smile into guilt. :) Watching my son laugh hysterically at something will always cheer me up. Popping on a favorite cheerful movie is great as well.

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  22. Lisa, this is such a cute outfit! I especially love the pop of red and your shoes!!!

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  23. Hang in there, blog-friend! We're all rooting for you and sending some virtual hugs your way!
    I usually eat when I'm in a funk, but the again, I usually eat when I'm not, too! I like to watch trashy TV, and even though it melts my intellect, it really takes my mind off things. Gotta love those Real Housewives!

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    1. Thanks! I know what you mean about trashy TV - at least I can think I'm not like THOSE people!

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  24. Food, shopping, puppies... all very good things to deal with feeling stressed. Glad to see you back, especially with this cute pattern mix!
    Chic on the Cheap

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  25. Hi Lisa, sorry to hear you have been stressed out. I am with you on the internet shopping, although it is not good for my bank account. When I am bummed, I like watching movies which are an escape from the real world, like Lord of the Rings. I hope things turn around for you soon!

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  26. You look fabulous Lisa! I love the mixed prints! I can certainly relate about having the blahs sometimes.... for me, it's definitely eating and shopping!!! A definite cure all! Just keep smiling!! Things will get better soon!!

    xo, Kenya

    www.kenyaldesigns.com

    Kenya L Fashion Blog

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  27. I couldn't agree more about the doggie trick. My pug can make me smile even when all the world is collapsing around me. Thank heavens I have a dog. Life would be a whole lot tougher without her by my side.

    Hope things turn around for you.

    bisous
    Suzanne
    www.suzannecarillo.com

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  28. Sorry to hear about that Lisa! I'm sure we can all connect with you in our own way! A good drive with some of my favorite music, loud singing, and crazy dancing.....while another car pulls up right next to me....this always perks up my mood and gives me a good laugh:)! On the bright side, your outfit is so pretty! I Love the touches of red!

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  29. I usually buy something for myself. It's usually either food, something sweet, beauty or fashion related. Sometimes all of the above. Lisa, I hope whatever it is, passes quickly for you. We all have these "storms" we have to go through, but there's a rainbow ahead doll :) Keep your chin up.

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  30. Love,love your outfit!!!
    Its the perfect combination-flowers and stripes:)

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  31. you know i LOOOOVE the monogram necklace! and those flats are so darling!

    and sending you good vibes!

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  32. A good chat is a better way for me to refresh and de stress. Coffee somehow relaxes me but it's hard to sleep =_= I hope you're feeling better now. It's also good to maintain your optimism in the midst of all these concerns of the world. Have a great weekend!

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    1. By the way, the outfit looks fab! Love the red with neutrals =)

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  33. I usually try to ignore the issue - either through getting out of the house to shop (takes my mind off things quite nicely) or through hanging out with family/friends. Sometimes browsing the web for fun things (like fashion!) does the trick. So sorry to hear that you have this rough patch and hope it'll be over soon!

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  34. Sorry to hear your were feeling down, I think everyone has their turn of that! I usually like to watch a good movie and sip a cup of tea. Love your outfit though, the stripes with the red looks so great!

    Rebecca
    www.winnipegstyle.ca

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  35. I love this outfit! The stripes and floral are perfect together! And I definitely turn to shopping when I'm feeling down...
    ~Jessica

    Jeans and a Teacup

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  36. Hi, I came over from effortless anthropologie and love your blog:) sorry to hear you were feeling down. Shopping always helps me forget my worries!

    I loved the Petaluma dress which is sold our in my size and you had mentioned you had a dress in a similar print. Would you have a link to the Chelsea girl dress with the same print please?

    Thanks:)

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    1. Hey there - unfortunately I got that dress last year so I think the dress is long gone. I tried looking it up on the River Island site in their Chelsea Girl section but couldn't find it anymore. Here's a link to the dress off Asos, but it's long sold out: http://us.asos.com/River-Island/River-Island-Chelsea-Girl-Floral-Tea-Dress/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2281051&SearchQuery=chelsea%20girl&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=-1&sort=-1&clr=Redprint

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  37. ohhh your kitten red heels are ADORABLE! love them!!

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  38. Sorry to hear that you had a rough patch. But know that what doesn't kill us makes us stronger (albeit the frustration when being in the midst of it). One thing for sure that I like to do is eat chocolates when things seem to get out of hand. Only dark chocolates though! The other thing that helps me is active meditation. :)

    Here's to hoping you have a good weekend! :)

    fauxionista.com

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  39. Such a wonderful outfit. You look great in it. Love everything about it.
    Sorry to hear you were down. Hopefully you are back to your good natured self again. You should be happy when you see yourself in the mirror wearing this.
    I am so gonna copy this belt.
    You are a great stylist. I have to say this again as it is so true.
    And what do I do when I am upset? I shop and shop. But I also do that when I am happy. Oh hang on, I think that is my bank manager on the phone.... LOL

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  40. Awe so sorry life got funky on you. Welcome back, I enjoy your funny posts and love seeing you style this skirt b/c I have it too. Love the flowered top with it, I am SO stealing that look. I can't agree more with you on the fur babies making us smile. Somehow they know when you are down and do their part to cheer you up. Who says aminals don't have souls, right? Sending cyber hugs and well wishes to you, so that everything gets better. Chin up and keep on kicking butt!

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  41. Loving this combo! Florals and stripes are my favorite!

    sincerelysammie.com

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  42. Ah! Super cute Lisa! This is the best outfit for spring, nautical vibes and florals :D BTW loving the new design update - dots are perfect for you :D

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  43. I adore those red shoes! I'm with you, when I'm really low, I like staring at my computer screen online for pretty dresses, especially on sites that have endless, huge inventory like ASOS or ebay :)

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  44. I'm glad you're back Lisa! I hope you're feeling better! When I'm down I like to do a little yoga or play with my chihuahuas. They ALWAYS make me happy. Oh, and I must mention how much I love reading your posts. I actually "LOL" when I read them :)

    xo

    Ashley

    Southern (California) Belle

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  45. Oh gosh, what a great outfit! I love the accessories!

    I try a new photography project, look at some pretty blogs, or eat cookies. The worse they look for you, the better.

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  46. This outfit by itself is already an interesting mix of patterns, but the red bag and shoes makes it a winner! Love how casual chic you look!

    Oh and I paint my nails to distract myself too! I don't do my right hand too cleanly, but I just rub off the excess after it dries.

    Abi
    http://thebelatedbloomer.blogspot.com
    twitter and instagram: @BelatedBloomer

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  47. Love the bows on these shoes.

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  48. You have a knack for mixing patterns that makes the pairings seem so natural and expected when really they're fun and fashion forward.

    I'm like you in the fact that I'd take ramen over college boys any day or the week and I love to treat myself to something frivolous or sparkly when I'm feeling down. Retail therapy aint no joke!

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  49. I am sorry to hear things aren't the best for you Lisa! I do hope all is well now.

    I am sure you remember I wrote about the nutter of a time I've been having recently. Since it's wedding year, I have to resort to shopping. I am just glad I have return policies to mitigate impulse buys that just can't stay within the wardrobe. (ps kept both J Crew dresses though - love love love them!)

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  50. You look fabulous! I love the liberty print and that belt! FAB!!!
    xoxo,
    Nikki at www.bedazzlesafterdark.com

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  51. OOoh, this combination of colors is heavenly! Beautiful, all of it. Every. Piece. I hope your spirits are up. Such a pity to miss any spring day with gloominess. Usually, I watch my favorite English drama to cheer me up haha.

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