J.Crew New Arrivals vs. My Better Judgement

I got into an argument with My Better Judgement this morning over J.Crew's new arrivals.

Sequin Birds Top

Me: I like that! I still like to put birds on things!

MBJ: Have you bought a J.Crew Tee in the past year that has not developed holes under the arms?

Me: No.

MBJ: Do you want to risk having to throw away an $80.00 tee shirt after one wear?

Me: *sigh* No.

MBJ: And let's not forget that 4 years ago you could buy a tee like this for $45.00 that would not get holes in it. 

Me: I know, you're right.

Colorblock Stripe Boatneck Tee

Me: What a pretty color!
MBJ: What did we JUST discuss, like, 8 seconds ago in regards to J.Crew's tee shirts???

Unidentified Silk Tee

Me: What a beautiful tee! And it's silk, so no holes!
MBJ: And it costs $495.00! Are you on crack?
Me: Well, I could get it for 30% off today.
MBJ: Just stop. You'd hate yourself tomorrow.
Me: I know.

Fair Isle Ski Sweater

Me: See, this is a winter staple, I could wear this for years.
MBJ: I'm not going to argue with you on that. Only...you don't wear all of the sweaters you own now.
Me: We've talked about how much that bothers me.
MBJ: It's ok, you're not going to be in the Deep South forever. There will be other sweaters.

Collection Embellished Raglan Sweatshirt

Me: Talk me out of buying this.
MBJ: I don't know if I can.
Me: It is ridiculously impractical, I can't wear a sweatshirt to work, even if it does cost $148.00.
MBJ: You can get it for 25% off if you add a pair of socks or something.
Me: You are really bad at this job.
MBJ: Sometimes I like to wear pretty clothes too, okay???

Boulevard Trench in Windowpane Wool

MBJ: You DO NOT need another coat.
Me: But I don't have any that are printed!
MBJ: Yes you do, remember the camel and red tartan Doncaster trench? Hanging in the closet in your parents' house because you knew you wouldn't get to wear it very much in GA?
Me: Oh.
MBJ: Yeah. Plus, look at that picture. That coat even makes the model look thick through the middle, so you know it would make you look like Mr. Staypuft. Is that what you want?
Me: *sigh* No, it's not.

Collection Sequin Feather Dress

Me: OMG.
MBJ: OMG. If you were cooler, you would totally have someplace to wear this dress over the holidays. Why are you so lame?
Me: Ok, now you're just being a bitch.
MBJ: Whatever, you can't afford it anyway.
Me: If it was a really special event, I'd buy it.
MBJ: It looks short-waisted.
Me: I'd buy a bigger size and get it fitted. Might as well if I was going to spend $1500.00 on a dress.
MBJ: A fabulous dress.
Me: Yes, it is a fabulous dress.
MBJ: I'm sorry for being a bitch before.
Me: Thanks, it's ok. Maybe someday I'll have an exciting reason to drop $1500.00 on a party dress.
MBJ: You'd better hurry, you're getting older and I don't think that saggy boobs go very well with sequins and maribou feathers.
Me: You're being a bitch again....

It is a truth universally acknowledged...

...that you can lose hours of time in the veritable black hole of visual delight that is Pinterest. The "Hey Girl" meme is pretty much played out by now, but - as an Austen freak and Colin Firth fan - I got a big  kick out of these images when I saw them on the Pinniverse:

And, although I'm a member of the "BBC P&P is the ONLY P&P!" camp, I like this image from the KK P&P because I have yet to tire of the "Call Me Maybe" meme:

For realz. I mean, Darcy and Lizzie knew each other for about a year before they got engaged, but most Regency heroines have no problem hitching their wagon to a total stranger after one mug of mulled wine so long as he can lay claim to $5,000 a year! Of course, back then most people died before they were 50, so making hay while the sun still shone was warranted.

I'll be seeing you.

This is a picture of my grandfather. He was 21 years old, serving as an MP in General Patton's 4th Armored Division in Europe during WWII. He passed away two weeks ago at the age of 89.

We shared a middle name, a love of dry roasted sunflower seeds, and a belief in the importance of honesty, reliability, and service to one's community. I never once heard him say the words "I love you" to me or anyone else in my family... but he was a man for whom actions spoke louder than words. If he loved you, you knew it. I miss him today, and I'll miss him for the rest of my life.

On this Veterans Day, I thought I'd do a little post in his honor. He wasn't much for goodbyes; he always said "I'll be seeing you." That was also the title to one of his favorite songs, which was published in 1938 and became a beloved anthem for American and British soldiers serving overseas during WWII. I think of him whenever I hear it.

Ill be seeing you;
In all the old, familiar places;
That this heart of mine embraces;
All day through.

In that small cafe;
The park across the way;
The childrens carousel;
The chestnut tree;
The wishing well.

Ill be seeing you;
In every lovely, summers day;
And everything that's bright and gay;
Ill always think of you that way;
Ill find you in the morning sun;
And when the night is new;
Ill be looking at the moon;
But I'll be seeing you.