Fashion Plate

Since I have become thinner, I find I love fashion magazines. When I was heavy, I just bought the first thing I saw in the largest size they had. In a multitude of colors and called it a day.

I have never really enjoyed clothes shopping. In high school, because I was the world's biggest dork, I bought 3 pairs of pants (all the same) 3 shirts (all the same) 2 sweat shirts (all the same) some socks (all the same) and a pair of shoes. I could do all my school clothes shopping before the rest of the family even entered the store. I know, it is a gift. Then I would find the book aisle and promptly sit down and read. Amazing that I got married at all.

It would drive my mother absolutely insane. I didn't care. Then I would go to school and look like some sort of nut job who only owned one outfit. I'm sure the entire school body thought I wore the same clothes day in and day out. Because, seriously, there was no difference. A fashion plate I wasn't

It never really changed. Clothes didn't matter that much and I could hardly be bothered to even replace items when they wore out. Now I'm making up for lost time.

I love shopping. I go at least once a week, oh, I hardly buy anything but I love to look. I buy all the magazines and drool over the designer clothes. Some of these outfits are seriously strange and I really think normal day to day people couldn't wear them, but that doesn't stop me from imagining the dress in my closet.

Shoes, dresses, jeans, purses, I just love it all. It is like I am making up for lost time. I have fashion blogs that I read. Vogue and Harper's Bazaar live by my bed. I am ripping out subscription cards right and left. I keep a stack of post it notes on every flat surface in case I need to flag something.

And yet, the geeky girl is still here. I never pronounce the designers name right, which delights my kid to no end. I make fun of the little tiny models and there way over the top hair do's. I laugh at the interviews of which high heels would go with which itty bitty black dress and whether they are a supper heel or a nightclub heel.

But I won't be stopping anytime soon. It is an addiction and one that I happen to do well. Plus, it carries no hangover or weight gain.

Book 'em Sunday - Where Women Create

Today for book 'em Sunday we are doing Where Women Create.
The book was published first and has since inspired the magazine. The premier issue of the magazine was in the Winter of 2008 and the second issue is on news stands right now.

The artists in these publications are all amazing in their own rights. Even if I can't sew (I failed home economics every time I took it, the school finally put me in to watering plants) I enjoy the colors of all the fabrics. Same with painting, all the lined up paint brushes are lovely to look at.

But for me, it is all the different ways that women express themselves. In dining rooms, craft rooms, the kitchen table. Creativity comes shining through. The art is amazing. The talent awe inspiring. Women Rock!

I have a craft room. Lucky me! It is filled with all the things that inspire me. There is a very small path to the craft table. The floor is littered with small remnants of paper, dog toys, a tackle box of beads, a box of ribbons, a dog bed. Bookcases are filled with books, some melty mints, pens, glue, glitter, small weird pieces of the past I have accumulated. Every surface that can hold stuff, does. My I-pod is there with the music that keeps me going. Candles reside across the room for late night crafting. A TV is hung on the wall so my beloved Hart to Hart can keep me company.

My craft table has a sheet of glass on top so that it can be wiped down, plus I can put pieces of inspiration under the glass. It is a lovely, calming, rejuvenating room. It is pink and black and I love it!

These books provide a glimpse into other craft rooms. You can gather ideas, ogle beautiful art work, dream of finding a lovely antique cabinet, or just be amazed that someone has the most amazing organizational skills.The book is still available as is the latest magazine. Hopefully, you will pick one up and inspire yourself. There is creativity in all of us!