Harsh Life Lesson No. 53

The other day I was flipping through my Mount Lemmon-sized pile of magazines next to the couch and came across this tidbit: If you just think about exercise, it can make you gain weight.

That explains it.

Seems that in a study — there's always a study — people who only thought about working out but didn't actually do it, gained weight because they ended up eating more, as if they had exercised.

(#&%)(&#%)(*&@(!*

The other night, I had this dream (an anxiety nightmare, actually) about hopping on the elliptical and then trying to find suitable floor space where there wasn't a puppy pee stain or children's crap so I could do some crunches. After I woke up, I didn't actually try to do either of those things. I got on the scale, and sure enough, a pound heavier than a few days before.

Damn studies.

The Latest Miracle Product

Theoretically — and I say theoretically because it's currently about 90-something degrees outside — it's fall.

I love fall, except for one thing: the old lady hands.

It never fails. A light chill hits the air and my hands start to look all prune-y. Excuse me, I believe I mean "dried plumlike," that's the term the fruit's PR people are pushing these days. Dry, wrinkly, gross hands. Seems I can't lotion enough. But after a spilled lotion incident in the purse, I don't dare carry it around with me. I've got stick sunscreen already in my bag for the same reason. Now, the sunscreen has company with Josie Maran Argan Oil Moisturizing Stick.

If you haven't heard yet about argan oil, allow me to enlighten you. It is the latest, greatest rage in skincare. Here's the dealio, the oil is very moisturizing and is purported to have anti-aging ingredients rich in fatty acids and vitamin E. In the stick form, the oil can be used as a multipurpose balm, soothing chapped lips and skin, relieving the itch from insect bites, even taming flyaway hairs. I just roll it over my hands. When I'm feeling braver (lately I've been plagued by pimples), perhaps the balm will take a trip across my face.

You can find Josie Maran Argan Oil Moisturizing Stick at Sephora for $22.

Gettin' Jeggy WIt It

Jeggings.

If you can forgive the lame term — it's "leggings" crossed with "jeans" — it's actually a cool concept. Take a pair of skinny jeans and cross 'em with form-fitting but forgiving material and perhaps slap an elastic band on the top. If you can get over that maternity-wear look — shudder — then these are phenomenal. That is, when they're appropriately paired with long, flowy tops. We do not want to see these on the Supermarket Sirens. You know who I mean — those chicks wandering the grocery store aisles who apparently don't own a mirror and choose to wear spandex without adequate badonkadonk coverage. Yuck.

Well, I LOVE this pair of jeggings (please don't let that be a Rachel Zoe term. I don't want to give her any more credit than she's already hogging) from Tobi.com. The price is a little steep, but as usual, Forever XXI has decent versions at allowance-friendly prices.

I'm thinking jeggings paired with this Sauce top, which, incidentally I just bought. On eBay! I loves the eBay.

My version is green and has these darling, oversized gold safety pins decorated with giant faux pearls. The pins adorn the front and back. Too, too cute. It'd make a nice casual, weekend outfit.  

Friday Shoe Haiku

Flat but not boring
These make my feet so happy
Leopard — ha cha cha!


Me Too "Nevada" Flats

A Bear-y Cool Faux Fur Coat

On the one hand, maybe this jacket is taking the whole faux-fur trend too far.

But, I find it pretty darn amusing. I also think you wouldn't have to pay me very much money to wear it around.

Absolutely Mad for Plaid

It all started with this cute pic on Luckymag.com (the Lucky magazine Web site): a fun, low-key plaid look.

Now, I'm completely obsessed.

Not only did I buy a $20 Forever XXI plaid shirt, so I could steal this look (except for the tights — still too hot), but I find myself needing more plaid. It's like fashion crack.

I found this awesome plaid tunic by Torn. (And yes, I do spend too much time looking for things to covet on the Internet.) Even on ebay, the top is still waaaaay too expensive for a novelty look. But man, I'd love to wear it with skinny jeans and some tough, peeptoe boots.

And then Stems — A Shoe Boutique got in these ADORABLE plaid Harajuku Lovers platforms in red plaid. I might be willing to torture my tootsies for these.

My question is....How much plaid does one closet need?

A Little Spritz'll Do Ya

OK, so after I celebrated a 77-degree day with Ugg boots last week, I'm now being punished — harshly — with high 80s temps.

Ugh.

No more boots this week. In fact, after taking the puppy and 4-year-old for a walk in the 86-degree heat yesterday, I reached for my Evian spray mist when I got home. Sure it smacks of a very "I-live-in-the-Hamptons-dahling-and-I-have-a-day-laborer-just-for-opening-the-pickle-jar" move, but that light spray mist felt so refreshingly good. If I'd put it in the fridge, that would have been even better.

You can pick up a duo of Evian spray for $11 at Sephora. It's a worthwhile little splurge.