Isaac Mizrahi Fall 2011: Dye-To-Match Poodles, Pearls, and Pastries – Fashionista: Fashion Industry News, Designers, Runway Shows, Style Advice

Isaac Mizrahi Fall 2011: Dye-To-Match Poodles, Pearls, and Pastries – Fashionista: Fashion Industry News, Designers, Runway Shows, Style Advice

I can't help myself...I just love me some Isaac! ;-)

Final Thoughts on Fashion Week, Fall 2011 | YouLookFab

Final Thoughts on Fashion Week, Fall 2011 | YouLookFab

Well Fashion Week is over! As you noticed, I didn't say much about it - far too busy with my real life to try to view all the collections!

But the fabulous Ms. Angie of YouLookFab gives her summary of the week, breaking down the trends she picked up. Except for the tapered trousers (WHY, WHY!) they sound very friendly to the 50+ gal! As a bonus, she has links to her posts of her fav collections.

Enjoy!

Staying Chic in the Rain

HiP Paris Blog » Blog Archive » Paris Fashion: Staying Chic in the Rain

Delightful tips on keeping your chic when it's damp outside!

ADVANCED STYLE: Old Hollywood

ADVANCED STYLE: Old Hollywood

I love folks that have a very distinctive style and aren't afraid to sport it!

Sigh....wish I had that kind of courage....

Linda Wells, Allure Editor, and Her Lachaise Sketch - NYTimes.com

Linda Wells, Allure Editor, and Her Lachaise Sketch - NYTimes.com: "Linda Wells, Allure Editor, and Her Lachaise Sketch - http://nyti.ms/ebsjsZ"

Trust me - it's worth reading...

The Look Book - Funeral Consultant Vivian Munsey Thomasson -- New York Magazine

The Look Book - Funeral Consultant Vivian Munsey Thomasson -- New York Magazine

Leather AND mink - you go girl!

New York Fashion Week: Browsing Authentic Local Fashion, Beyond the Tents - Slide Show - NYTimes.com

New York Fashion Week: Browsing Authentic Local Fashion, Beyond the Tents - Slide Show - NYTimes.com

Political Style of a Different Kind - NYTimes.com

Political Style of a Different Kind - NYTimes.com: "Political Style of a Different Kind - http://nyti.ms/hFXOYT"

New York Fashion Week - Andre Walker’s Cultish Magazine, Tiwimuta - NYTimes.com

New York Fashion Week - Andre Walker’s Cultish Magazine, Tiwimuta - NYTimes.com

NYT: On the Street...

The incomprable Mr. Cunningham on flapping coats!

On The Street: Flappers

New York Fashion Week - Review - NYTimes.com

New York Fashion Week - Jason Wu, Peter Som, Rachel Comey, Richard Chai Love, Ruffian and Wes Gordon - NYTimes.com

The Secrets Behind Designer Inspirations! - Fashion Week Fall 2011 - Fashion - InStyle

IRINA SHABAYEVA - Exclusive: The Secrets Behind Designer Inspirations! - Fashion Week Fall 2011 - Fashion - InStyle

The Design Process - Video Library - The New York Times

The Design Process - Video Library - The New York Times

Sisterhood of Sweat: Women look to one another to stop hot flashes, hormonal night sweats

Sisterhood of Sweat: Women look to one another to stop hot flashes, hormonal night sweats

Must-Do’s « Girls' Guide to Paris

Must-Do’s « Girls' Guide to Paris

Because I still dream of seeing Paris....

I'm speechless...

But feeling encouraged! :-)

Ernestine Shepherd : 74 Years Young, Black Female Body Builder [VIDEO | WCHBNewsDetroit - WCHB 1200

Makes me feel like starting a weights regiment at my age may not be a totally waste of time after all!

WWD’s Bridget Foley Is Sick Of Playing The Weight Blame Game | Styleite

WWD’s Bridget Foley Is Sick Of Playing The Weight Blame Game | Styleite

Love Styleite's replies to yet another "The Fashion World can't be held accountable for model's weight issues" whine.

And Styleite points out something that I've felt all along - that designers SHOULD be able to design for a wide range of sizes, ages and body types. My personal feeling on this is that many designers, especially "high" fashion ones, are either just plain lazy - or too lacking in talent to do so.

And yes Fashion world - if you continue to demand that these under-age girls you trick out as adults be thinner and thinner because the designer hasn't got the skill to design for anything other than a stick - you ARE responsible for the health concerns that result! So STFU about being blamed - or act like real adults, step up to the plate and stop your behavior that feeds this madness!

Hermes Sues Thursday Friday For Using Birkin Bag Image (PHOTOS, POLL)

Hermes Sues Thursday Friday For Using Birkin Bag Image (PHOTOS, POLL)

As if consumers are SOOO stupid that they will "confuse" a canvas tote bag with a pic of a Birkin for a real Birkin! But I love the irony since the Birkin is just an admittedly beautiful, but glorified tote itself!

Get over yourself Hermes! It's a joke! Jezzze! :-/

By the by...

Here's a link to the bag in question...I think it's cute and definitely makes me smile!

Together Bag, Blue by Thursday Friday

Picture Perfect...

Is right!

From the wonderful The Sartorialist

Picture Perfect - Paris...

Love the gold flower and jewelery - complements the black outfit wonderfully!

Oh wait...

Rebecca and Drew - Insignia does REAL French cuffs? Looks like it will cost me a small fortune, but I'm SOOOO there! ;-)

Michelle Obama Responds To McQueen Dress Saga: 'Women, Wear What You Love'

Michelle Obama Responds To McQueen Dress Saga: 'Women, Wear What You Love'

Words to remember ladies - at the end of the day wear what YOU love! (I agree - this should be printed on a T-Shirt! ;-) )

Okay I think....

This is a fascinating idea...

Rebecca and Drew

If you've read my blog in the past you're probably aware that I love and swear by a good shirt! However, like most ladies, finding one that fits well is, to say the least, a challenge!

So when I came across this site link, I had to take a look! Reading through their site, I think it's a good attempt to address one of the constant issues with women's shirts - the gap issue right at the bust line. They try to address this by using what they call the Trio Fit sizing method. Since this is a different approach, they have also put up a series of very good videos to explain just how it works:











In addition to shirts, they also sell shirt dresses - using the same method for sizing.

I'm seriously thinking of giving them a try through, to be honest, I'm thinking this method will not work for me - along with being narrow in the shoulders, I've got the 2 sizes body problem - small up top, wide below. (However, when I stepped through the order process, just as a test, I see that they offer additional customizing if you order their Insignia line - so there might be opportunity to address the shirt for those hips! ;-) )

Still I might give it a go - the quest for the perfect fitting shirt continues! ;-)

Ms. Amy over at SassNStyle...

Is talkin' hemlines!


SassNStyle: Hemline Heaven

I've finally gotten it through my head that I need to have just about everything if not tailored than at least altered to have any hope of off the rack fitting me reasonably well! Amy is giving some nice tips on how to handle those hemlines!

Hiding Your Assets and Accentuating Your Liabilities | YouLookFab

Hiding Your Assets and Accentuating Your Liabilities | YouLookFab

Great post on how not to take those old saws so seriously!

how to: be beautiful | Wardrobe 911 ®

how to: be beautiful | Wardrobe 911 ®

In summary - you are who you think you are...

ADVANCED STYLE: More Beauty and Style Secrets from Stylish 60 Somethings

ADVANCED STYLE: More Beauty and Style Secrets from Stylish 60 Somethings

So-called gray hair makeover - Rock the Silver

So-called gray hair makeover - Rock the Silver

Interesting take on covering the gray! (Full disclose: I dyed my hair for the first time in years right around my birthday in Dec. I have to admit, I didn't really like it at first. It didn't really look like me - or at least the me I have become. I've gotten used to it - but not sure I'll do it again! :-/ )

“I’ve got to get some sleep!” Put an end to hormonal night sweats

“I’ve got to get some sleep!” Put an end to hormonal night sweats

Good suggestions on how to handle those nightly heat waves!

Fabulous video on a piece of fashion history I know I was not aware of....



American Renegades of Fashion - 40 years ago U.S. designers shocked everyone by using black models.

I LOVE seeing the different ways these ladies have aged - but are still absolutely fabulous!

I Heart....

Garmz - October Foxhunt

Garmz is the "you design it, get enough votes, we make it site" I blogged about previously. With designs like this being voted in - it's DEFINITELY got a future!

J'Adore....

Talbots - Bardot Dress - $159.00

(It sucks through that it only comes in Misses and Petite! What's up with THAT Talbots? :-( )

Barbara Hannah Grufferman: The Seven Biggest Mistakes We Make in Midlife (And How to Avoid Them)

Barbara Hannah Grufferman: The Seven Biggest Mistakes We Make in Midlife (And How to Avoid Them)

Wonderful article! Do yourself a favor and read it! ;-)

H&M Launches New Plus Line - Inclusive Madison Plus

H&M Launches New Plus Line - Inclusive Madison Plus - YES! ;-)

Yes I know - the styles are a bit young. However, if H&M sees a market for this size range, they may start selling a wider range of their clothing in those sizes - which would great for the 50+ plus sized gal!

3 Ways to Design Your Own Clothes Online

3 Ways to Design Your Own Clothes Online

Brilliant ideas to attempt to bring fresh blood into fashion design! Check these sites out!

5 Easy Ways to Look (And Feel!) Your Best in 2011 - Celebrity Fitness - Celebrity - InStyle

5 Easy Ways to Look (And Feel!) Your Best in 2011 - Celebrity Fitness - Celebrity - InStyle

5 quick tips for getting your life on a better track for 2011! ;-)

Study: Thinking, dressing youthful can make you healthier | abc7chicago.com

Study: Thinking, dressing youthful can make you healthier | abc7chicago.com

Art Inspired Outfits III - Polyvore

Art Inspired Outfits III - Polyvore - Very cool Polyvore page! Check it out and get inspired! ;-)

24 Fab Pumps on Sale at Zappos | YouLookFab

24 Fab Pumps on Sale at Zappos | YouLookFab - Check 'em out! ;-)

I Heart....

Pure Collection Pleat Front Silk and Cashmere Cardigan - $188.00

Sadly if you're larger than a Misses size 16 - you're out of luck! :-p

But if you fall in that size range, it's a lovely addition to your wardrobe - good for work and those never ending holiday parties! ;-)

A wicked outfit from The Tourist....

http://news.instyle.com/2010/12/02/buy-angelina-jolies-ferragamo-shoes-from-the-tourist/

And yes - I believe doable for the 50+ lady! Sleekly covered - and, dare I say a sexly look that can be brought off at just about any age!

You gotta love this...

Editor of Vogue's Italian edition celebrates black and brown women and fat ones, too

Great article! And do check out the links to the different sites - outstanding!

Team Straight Skirt or Team Flared Skirt | YouLookFab

Team Straight Skirt or Team Flared Skirt | YouLookFab

Personally I love both for different reasons - now that I'm several pounds over the "legal limit" a straight skirt is not as "slimming" on me as it once was - a flared is a bit more "forgiving"! ;-)

SISTERS AND DRESSES: MARRONES B*

SISTERS AND DRESSES: MARRONES B*

Lovely and versatile outfit - great for mid to late fall! Check it out!

Valentino's collection for Gap | Vogue

Valentino's collection for Gap | Vogue

It's not clear from this article that this collection will be coming to the U.S. But if it does, this is what I love in it for the 50 plus gal:

This lovely lady....

Is anything BUT a crone!



Check out her lovely blog at Style Crone (I've also added her to my links at the right.)

A Casual Saturday in Blue Coat and Boots | YouLookFab

I'm getting ready to go out and run Saturday errands - thinking to myself that I really need to step up my casual out wardrobe so I can stop look typical old lady dowdy...

Then I see this post from the wonderful Ms. Angie over at youlookfab - and I KNOW I have a long way to go with my weekend wear....

A Casual Saturday in Blue Coat and Boots | YouLookFab

I Heart....

Tip of the Day: Fashion - MORE Magazine

I Heart....

Button front tunic | Coldwater Creek

Fashion Under $100: Sunday Splurges 11.14.10 - Luscious Leather

The wonderful Fashion Under $100 gets us dreaming of what we'd buy if price were no object....

Fashion Under $100: Sunday Splurges 11.14.10 - Luscious Leather

Economy of Style: Informed Consumers Save More Money

As with anything in life - the more info you have prior to making a choice, the more likely the choice will be a good one....

Economy of Style: Informed Consumers Save More Money

gold coast evangeline at kate spade

I don't usually like quilted bags - but this one tickles my fancy...




gold coast evangeline at kate spade - $350.00

Advanced Style: The Top Ten Ways to Stay Stylish and Look Great at 98

Wonderful advice from a lady that obviously knows wherefore she speaks! ;-) Advanced Style: The Top Ten Ways to Stay Stylish and Look Great at 98

I've been feeling a bit sorry for myself lately when it comes to being over 50 and fashionable. This lady helps to renew my hope that it can be done!

Well it appears....

That just like everything else the French raise partying to a fine art....

From Girls Guide to Paris...

How to Socialize Like a Parisienne

Really...when do these people work? ;-) (Okay, I admit - just jealous! :-) )

Instyle gives a workshop....

On how to walk in heels....

How to walk in heels

Sigh, my days for high heels is long gone I fear. But for those of you who can still rock them, a few handy tips does hurt does it? ;-)

Yes it's Fashion Week....

Again!

Mostly I try to ignore Fashion Week for two reasons:

1. I just can't think about NEXT season when we haven't even entered the CURRENT season!

2. Most of the time there is nothing for the 1. Old and 2. Fat. Knowing that upfront, I just spare myself the irratation.

So, after my first year of blogging, I basically leave it to other blogs to do the coverage. It's probaly for the best - so many of them now actually go to Fashion Week that their coverage is way better than anything I could do from my little bedroom!

So if you want the Full Monty, here's my recomendations:

1. YouLookFab -- Ms. Angie always does a great job covering the shows and the trends they represent. And now with her new site she kicking it up a notch!

2. Style.com -- THE place to go to view all the outfits from pretty much every show - judge the looks for yourself!

3. Styleit -- Ms. Sarah blogs the shows from a plus-size gal's perceptive - refreshing to say the least!

4. Second City Style -- Hey, I have to give a shout out to my homegirls over at the premier Chicago fashion blog. That and the fact that it looks like their reviewing quite a few shows - nice.

5. The Sartorialist -- Last but not least, keep an eye out for Scott's always great pics of the street action during Fashion Week - almost always more interesting than what's going on on the runway!

6. And for just plain fun - get yourself over to Bill C's great videos over at the NYT: On The Street: Foot Notes . His commentary is the best! :-)

There you go - probably all the Fashion Week coverage you'll be able to stand! ;-)

I heart....

ADAM...

Yeah, yeah, I know what I said about Fashion Week. But when I saw this collection I had to feature it - there is just so much ageless style contained in it!

Phone credit: Style.com...

YouLookFab gets a new look!

Once again Ms. Angie over at youlookfab has updated the site's look. Go on over, take a look and let her know what you think!

Angie on Fashion and Style | YouLookFab

10 skinny tricks.....

Because who can't use a few? ;-)

10 skinny tricks (how to be the best you can be, and hide the rest!) - Vibrant Nation

Yeah, whether we want to or not....

It's time to start thinking Fall....

Instyle kicks it off...


http://www.instyle.com/instyle/package/general/photos/0,,20409214_20406156,00.html

Fashion question: When do jeans stop being age appropriate? | Fabulous After 40

NEVER I say!

However, here is Fabulous After 40's take...

Fashion question: When do jeans stop being age appropriate? | Fabulous After 40

I have to say....

That I've not paid much attention to The Gap since I left my 20s, early 30s. Then as I grew older and wider, the clothes at Gap not only seemed too young but too small as well!

Still, as I've been reading some of my favorite fashion/style blogger, at least a couple are singing the praises of the Gap.

Not to let it be said that I'm closed minded, I decided to take a look at the website. And yes, to my surprise, I found myself loving more than one piece:





I love sweaters and the two above just work for me! They're pieces you can pair easily with pants or a skirt. (I love the idea of the charcoal gray chunky one with a slim black pencil skirt!)

And as for pants...



They call these the "perfect trouser". I can't attest to that, but they certainly look close to, don't they? Pair them with the blazer...



And it's off to work!

With sizes 0-20, I might actually be able to fit into one of these pieces! I've decided to make a visit to my local Gap (there's one near my job) to see just what range of sizes they offer in the store. (Five gets ya ten sizes larger than 16 will be no where in sight! I'll let you know!)

(Get Ms. Angie of youlookfab take on the Gap's rework - The Gap is Back.... )

Another wonderful example....

Of minimalist style...

Of course from the wonderful Ms. Allie over at My Wardrobe Today...

My Wardrobe Today: Monday

Ms. Geri over at Fab Over Fifty....

Gives a shout out for the latest trends - ones that can be a LOT kinder to the 50+ figure!....

Hooray for the new look of fashion | Fab Over Fifty Blog

Talbots ...

Is giving away a trip to Paris!

Just tell them in 6 words about your favorite jeans!

Enter here....

Talbots Pearls of Wisdom - Stories

Can you describe for favs in just 6 words?

LOL!...

I'm with you girlfriend....Where ARE all those clothes going? (I've always heard that closets are much smaller overseas...)

From the wonderful Style...A work in progress....


Style...A Work In Progress: "Don't be afraid of death so much as an inadequate life." - Bertolt Brecht

Damn...

Why can't I have this kind of style courage?

Advanced Style: New York Time's Take On Advanced Style

Dior Couture Pleated Dress...

Classic elegance!

From the Luxist...

Dior Couture Pleated Dress

Good Girl Gone Shopping...

Gives the new Nina Garcia fashion tome a big thumbs up....

Good Girl Gone Shopping: "What To Wear for Every Occasion" by Nina Garcia

Humm...Might be worth checking out!

I'm loving this guide....

From Net-a-porter on how to rock a minimal look....

Net-a-porter goes minimal....Get The Essential Perfectionist Kit | Magazine | NET-A-PORTER.COM

And speaking of minimalism...

Check out Ms.Zulema's take on the subject over at her blog Fashion and Psychology...

What i wore today 8-21-10 � Fashion and Psychology

Love the way she's put together a simple white t, a great skirt and shoes to make a classic outfit!

I love it...

When we stop dogging ourselves about our looks and start developing an appreciation for what we have!

The Power of The Chubby . Supersisters . PBS Parents | PBS

And what a great message for her kids! Yes be healthy - but also accept your body as it is and make the best of it!

Try the Gap's Black Pants Collection and Get 20% Off | The Budget Fashionista

Try the Gap's Black Pants Collection and Get 20% Off | The Budget Fashionista

I have to say the pants are cute! And coming in sizes 0-20 makes them worth a look!

How Do Fashion People Define ‘Cheap’ ?...

How Fashion People Define ‘Cheap’ | Styleite - Needless to say not how MOST of us do. (The guy from Needless Markup is TOTALLY living in another dimension! :-/ )

Boy I really HAVE been away!...

One of my favorite (and one of the first fashion blogs I read when I started reading them) Too Fat for Fashion has changed their name and moved to Wordpress.

Check them out here...

Ne Plus Ultras

(Please note that I have updated their link on my blog list as well.)

It seems that simplicity....

Is my theme for today....

From the lovely (and may I add sensible) Ms. Duchesse over at Passage des perles (Whom I am VERY jealous of for doing the very French thing and taking all of August off!):


Passage des perles: Contentedly dressed

Just last week I was saying to my sister as we went through Macy's, that I was hardily sick of seeing my past closet everywhere I go, as they keep resurrecting the same old trends I've already lived through! Needless to say I am amused, but unimpressed by trends as well!

I guess when you get to be a certain age, you've just plain done - or seen - them all!

Girls' Guide to Paris: What’s Hot in Paris - Getting "Le Look"

Actually, this sounds doable (well, maybe the posture thing is a bit of a challenge...;-) )

Girls' Guide to Paris: What’s Hot in Paris: Le Look...

Looks like the art of being like the Parisiennes is the art of keeping it simple...and who wouldn't like to incorporate more of that into their busy lives...

Now this...

Is Advanced Style....

Advanced Style: Gitte Lee: Once A Model Always A Model

Say WHAT?????....

This from Styleite

Clothing Prices Rising | Styleite

I SO agree with Styleite - this can be a real pain for those of us who are still lucky enough to have a gig - we HAVE to up date our wardrobes on occasion!

That 6 outfits thing is sounding better and better...and maybe fiscally necessary! :-(

I Heart.....

Large Satchel with Oxford Detail: New Arrivals: ANN TAYLOR

Would make a splendid work bag, don't ya think? ;-)

Over at That's Not My Age.....

The lady tackles vintage Dior....

That's Not My Age: Adventures in Couture

Personally, I admire the fact that she could get into that dress at all! Were women expected to EAT when wearing this, admittedly lovely, flock? :-/

Now THIS is what I'm talkin' about!.....

Old Navy is offering free returns on Women's Plus online purchases...

Women's Clothing: Women's Jeans, Women's Shirts, Women's Pants, Dresses & More | Old Navy

One of my big complains re: retailers who only carry their plus size clothes online is that they don't offer free returns. After all, if they carried the clothes in their physical stores, plus size ladies could go to the stores, actually try the clothes on and decide before buying if they worked for them!

Sadly it's for a limited time only - so if you've been eyeing some pieces on the Old Navy site, take advantage of this offer while you can!

I Heart.....

These great images over at : Style Redux :

Style Redux: Stay Cool & Stylish

Fashion Under $100.....

Does a fun under $100.00 turn on a '20's inspired look!


Fashion Under $100: The Savvy Stylist: Speakeasy Party

I Heart.....

Talbot's 2010 Fall Lookbook....


Talbots Pearls of Wisdom - Look Book

As ever, Talbot's has plenty of sophisticated pieces for the 50 + gal to love!

Some of my favs....

Hummm...The whole 6 pieces thing....

Must be the clothing theme for today...

Could you wear just six pieces of clothing for a month? | Unclutterer

I have to admit - I'm intrigued by the idea....

Neat little article....

Little black dress - How to dress with just six pieces on Shine

I don't thrift shop....

(I'm more of a sales person!)

But if you do or have thought about doing so, check out this great post from Ms. Sally at Already Pretty for great tips on thrifting (wait - is that a word? Well I'm going with it!) and making thrifed clothes look like their not:

Already Pretty: How to Make Thrifted Clothes Look Spendy

Interesting article....

On whether or not that trek to the Outlet mall is really worth the trip!

Outlet mall bargains may come with a price | Atlanta Bargain Hunter

One of my very first long posts....

Was regarding what to wear to a wedding when you're 50+ - whether proud mother of the bride or happy guest.

I meant to do one again this year -- but just never got around to it!

Luckily, as ever, Wardrobe 911 is on the case:

wedding wear: a dress with sleeves | Wardrobe 911 �

Okay I live in Chicago....

So I have an H&M readily available. Admittedly I've never brought anything there, since the clothes don't fit me, however, they do have a great accessories section.

So good news for those of you who don't have an H&M nearby:

Finally – H&M Launches Online Shop September 16th

Frankly I'm surprised they haven't done this before now....

Ms. Angie at YouLookFab....

Does a mini-workshop on wearing tops with skirts..(So I'm not the only one blogging today!)...


How to wear tops with skirts

Speaking of Ann Taylor - I Heart.....

A sleek black shoe...






Perfect Leather Pump: Women's Shoes & Accessories: ANN TAYLOR

Ann Taylor Fall 2010....

Okay - as you know I'm not a big fan of Ann Taylor - since they only make clothes for Misses and Petites...

But I must say - this fall line is looking interesting for the 50+ working woman - if you can fit in it!

This from Polished Stars...

Polished Stars: Ann Taylor Fall 2010

Already Pretty Points Us....

To some very pretty shoes....

Already Pretty: This Week I Love ...

I'm ashamed to say I've never heard of this Lori shoes - and me a Chi-town girl!

Do check the site out - some lovely choices at lovely prices!

Look For the Laugh - 10 Ways to Live Longer - 10 Ways... - Beauty - InStyle

I'm doing maybe 3 or 4? :-/

Look For the Laugh - 10 Ways to Live Longer - 10 Ways... - Beauty - InStyle

PARIS FASHION WEEK - On the Runway Blog - NYTimes.com

Well...

It appears that it was (or still is, I'm not sure) Paris Fashion Week.

Check out an over view at the following....

PARIS FASHION WEEK - On the Runway Blog - NYTimes.com

Ms. Angie over at...

The wonderful YouLookFab, challenges us to make a choice...

Team Heels or Team Flats?

By necessity I'm a member of Team Flats - the issues I have with feet and knees simply (and sadly) don't support wearing a heal higher than 2 inches (and even then I'm pushing it at 2 inches!).

But trust me, if my knees weren't so bad - I'd at least have tried those three inchers! ;-)

Love the purity....

Of this lady's look....

Advanced Style in London: Shopping at Selfridges

Hi -- I'm kind of back...

And as you can see I've made a bit of a change in the blog's look.

Please forgive me for my long absence. A lot going on on the professional and personal side of my life.

Hopefully I can get back to posting at least once a week!