The Introvert's Party

I have a terrible confession.  I used to watch Legally Blonde to pump myself up.  Somehow Malibu Barbie-esque Elle Woods taking on Harvard Law School is oddly empowering to me.  I have since turned to other female characters for inspiration when a tedious to-do list cripples me into inaction.

Enter Betty Suarez.  The Little Assistant That Could cajoles me off my butt to tackle that thing, that thing that I am avoiding.  She makes me want to blunt cut my bangs and rock my coke-bottle eye-ware and nurture my grandma-chic style.

In the midst of a move, I am at that point again; job hunting, apartment hunting and wondering.  Lots and lots of wondering: if I'll ever publishing this novel,  if I will ever "make it," if this is the time that I become the girl with the four-year degree ripping your movie tickets and eating stale popcorn to subdue my grumbling belly.  Why, why did I put myself in this situation again? 

I will not fail.  If Betty can do it, so can I.  I will not fail.

For my dose of vitamin Against-All-Odds, I turn to my plucky little friend with the eternal can-do spirit.

via

Betty could have found herself playing for laughs and doomed to failure in a twenty-two minute comedy format, but lucky for her (and me), the hour long dramedy allows for character development a-plenty and the requisite happy ending pop song montage.  Lots of love and loss and hopes dashed and dreams realized and families formed and torn asunder in the "telenovela" based Ugly Betty.

She is the never say die, always do-good, fuzzy caterpillar-soon-to-be butterfly.  Just what I need.  Help me, Betty. 

via

I look to Betty because I am a costume-first kind of gal.  I can't tackle the world and all of its problems unless I feel appropriately dressed.  Costume first, confidence will naturally follow.  I like to think that Betty shares this trait.  While I opt for muted tones and a more J. Crew flavor of style, Betty jumps for, well, everything else.   Her fashion vocabulary is colorful, bold, cute, floral, layered, embellished, and bedazzled.  I find such joy in the Betty Suarez Style Formula, which goes more or less like this:  Pussy bow blouse + Knee length skirt + Cardigan + Bright Belt + Socks/Tights + Kitten Heels + Bulky Coat.  Crazy hat optional.

I believe her duds range from designer wear to thrift store finds, with splashes of Anthropologie.  Personally, I see Betty in every tab and corner of ModCloth, which is why I chose to dress her exclusively with their clothes.   I also happen to love ModCloth.

So, costume first, then the rest will follow.  Bear with me, non fashion-philes.  I promise Part 2 is less fluff.  But I enjoy fluff.  I can watch baseball and compose this fluff.

1. Grow Your Own Way Bag
2. The Estate of Things Heel in Green
3. Birdlandia Cardigan
4. Substitute Teacher Top in Pink
5. Isn't She Lovely Belt in Red
6. One in a Mullion Skirt
7. Tights for Every Occasion in Black
8. Came to Get Town in Abodes
9. Which Way to Galloway Coat

1. Precious Polish Belt
2. Go For Brooklyn Jacket
3. Bow to Stern Scarf in Navy Stripes
4. Tier to My Heart Dress
5. Funky on Foot Socks
6. Betsy Johnson Carry Your Heart Handbag
7. Rules of the Bowed Wedge in Teal
8. Candied Heart Bracelet
9. Recommended Reading Coat

1. Lots of Options Top
2. Two for the Show Belt
   
3. Professional to the Coral Blazer
4. Darling Buds of Maize Earrings
5. Bring a Guest Skirt
6. In Full Fierce Heel
7. Pretty in Pomegranate Bag
8. Tights for Every Occasion in Black
9. The Kids Are All Bright Coat

1. You're Teal the One Blazer
2. Bouquet Brilliance Earrings
3. Rosy Toes Socks
4. Upward Mobile Satchel in Mint
5. Intaglio You're It Pants
6. Know Watch You Want
7. Nature Walk in the Walk Belt
8. Coulda Danced All Night Heel in Ivory
9. Give You a Tip Top

1. Coin the Fun Dress
2. It Seams I Love You Tights
3. Never Too Jaded Earrings
4. Amber Mist Bracelet
5. Leaf a Message iPhone Case
6. Chief Elegant Officer Blazer
7. Turning Point Heel
8. Orla Kiely The Fox of Life Bag 

Okay, enough of my foray into fashion.  Back to the job hunting and apartment search and the Betty-infused positive thinking about my future.  Stay tuned; Part 2 includes the usual party fare and lots of shout outs to this great city that I will be leaving behind shortly. 

Happy Weekend, Folks!
Kris