Sole Intuition – A Fusion of Insight and Style

Things have been crazy for me the last few weeks that I have so been slipping on my posting. My apologies as I don’t mean to leave any of you all hanging. It’s actually a two fold issue that I have going on: I’ve been crazy busy and I haven’t been all too inspired by any one thing or things as of late. As I’ve mentioned before, I’m a lover of all things art whether on a canvas, photography or performance.

I spent a little time looking at fashion photography this afternoon and it it did re-energize my battery a little. Take a looksie at a few images I uncovered that I found pretty beautiful. I will say this. I’m feeling some kind of way about the lack of women of cover when I did a search of fashion photography. Should I really have to do a narrowed search of “asian fashion photography” or “African American fashion photography” just to find what I’m looking for? Oh and let me just say that a search of “African American fashion photography” didn’t publish any real results. *sighs*

I’m the type of person who believes ALL cultures and nationalities are beautiful (anyone who knows me would vouch for me) so excuse me while I vent… Be sure to comment and express your thoughts on the lack of representation of women of color. I’m not just talking African American women, I mean all women of color.

Even though I made two trips to Target over the weekend, I stayed focus on the items in which I was there to purchase. This meant that I never made it over to the apparel section to check out the latest installment of the designer series, Jean Paul Gaultier for Target. This morning, I spent some time checking out the collection online and let’s just say I’d be lying if I said I weren’t completley disappointed by the collection.

It includes lots of bathing suiting, tops, dresses and even a few jackets are sprinkled in but with each click of my mouse, I found myself slipping into a deeper trance. Can someone please come splash water in my face to wake me from this boredom-induced coma? With the exception of maybe two tops and the red and brown moto jacket, the 52-piece collection isn’t much to write about. I’m curious to see how many people will say they absolutely love the collection just because its Jean Paul Gaultier. Target has had hit after hit with their designer series and Go International campaign so I really expected much more. The designers aren’t too inspiring and quite honestly, I’ve seen them all before.

Be sure to check out the full collection and let me know your thoughts.I want to hear from you – is Jean Paul Gaultier for Target a HIT or MISS.

Jean Paul Gaultier for Target® Cold Shoulder Knit Top $29.00 / Target

Jean Paul Gaultier for Target® Lingerie Dot Print Lace Trim Dress $34.99 / Target

Jean Paul Gaultier for Target® Necklace Sleeveless Top $24.99 / Target

Last night, I went to Ross Dress for Less. I wasn’t going for anything particular as sometimes, I just like to browse to see what they have. Majority of my purchases are home decor and every once in a while I might find a top or dress…never handbags, and I mean never. Their selection as compared to say, TJ Maxx, is unparalleled. I found the Guess Metallic Hobo and contemplated purchasing it, but since I wasn’t really too crazy about the grommets/stones at the top, I decided to forgo the purchase. I was perfectly willing – or at least I thought I was – to spend the $70 because I typically spend more on handbags. Then that question that I always ask myself when I’m in a discount store popped in my mind: “Do I really want to pay that much…in here?”

Why is it that I see no problem with spending $70 – or more – at Belk or a boutique, but when in Ross or TJ Maxx I feel as if they’ve lost their minds because how dare they charge so much? What’s that all about exactly? My bff and I have had this conversation more than once and the only thing I could come up with is knowing that items are typically last season, defective or something and that’s why they end up in the discount chain.

What are your thoughts? Are you willing to spend the same amount regardless of where you are? I’m really interested in knowing your thoughts, so please be sure to comment.

Guess Metallic Hobo $69.99 / Ross

Most offices have clearly defined policies about Causal Friday. Some deem business casual as the acceptable appearance while some places basically allow you to wear cut offs and flips flops if you want (trust me, I’ve seen it). Fortunately, I work in an environment without any sort of dress policy. Some business owners may cringe at the thought, because let’s face it, there are people who will always push the limit of what’s appropriate. I could get away with wearing jeans five days a week, but I reserve them for Fridays and days when I have to pretty much throw myself out of the bed. I’ve always felt that the more polished my look is, the more productive I am. It may just be a philosophy that I’ve pysched myself into thinking is true, but I really am more focused on certain days.

I’ve seen women with cleavage out, panty lines showing and worse, which makes me think, “Where does she work?” What’s the casual Friday policy in your office? Are there people who push the limit time and time again? Exactly how much do you think is too much for work?

I drug myself out of the bed at exactly 4:30 this morning. Clothes were laid out as if it were the first day of school and the game plan was mapped out in my head. First on list, Target. I found a few deals there before heading on to Old Navy, Best Buy, Belk and Kohl’s. Factor in a pit stop at Starbucks and I was home around 10:30. Now, a few mimosas and a cat nap later, I find myself sprawled out on the couch wondering if it was all worth it.

I usually shop Black Friday, but this was the first year I was actually there when the doors opened. Fortunately, the shoppers who frequent the Target by my house aren’t the kind who rush through the doors with elbows out ready to jab someone in the stomach to get to that flat screen. Along with a couple of gadgets, I purchased one pair of jeans, a pair of slacks and five sweaters. Yes, I got pretty good deals, but were the deals really worth it?

Either the deals weren’t as great as they usually are or I just didn’t really need anything. Am I the only one that feels this way? Did you get out in the Black Friday madness and find any really awesome deals? Be sure to comment and let me know your thoughts.