reLYME

Glancing at the calendar today, I was stunned to discover that yesterday marked reLYME's 2nd birthday, and I had failed to notice.

But that only makes sense considering reLYME has become like a stray doggy left by the side of the road since August. Sure, I've posted from time-to-time, but not enough to score a following--or any readers for that matter. And why should I?

I wanted to talk about the 10-month sabbatical I've taken from the Internetz. If you've visited this site at all before now, or if you follow me on Twitter, you might have noticed my absence. It's quite simple: I'm super busy! Well, that's the generic answer. It's more than that. Allow me to explain.

Since I was a little girl, I've always wanted one thing: to live in New York City. Well sure, my life's ambition has since childhood been to become a novelist, but I had hoped to accomplish this feat in the Big Apple. So, when I arrived, my life felt complete. I had an amazing circle of friends who made me laugh and encouraged me to strive for more than complacency. Plus, they took me on trips to Pinkberry or to Forever 21 for accessories! I also had a job that I loved, where I experienced a learning curve, but I loved the challenge. And, this was taking place from my apartment in the East Village. Life was good.

Until it wasn't.

Things started falling apart. My personal life was falling apart. It didn't seem fair. I had everything I'd ever wanted and yet felt like I had nothing that I needed. Personal health and family issues which I have never disclosed forced me to move home. And what choice did I have but to return to business as usual. I accepted a position in education, spent much-needed time with my family, worked on ME for once, bought a townhouse, and settled down with my dog, just us two.

Life is quieter now. There's absolutely no sound anywhere. Sounds peaceful?

How's a writer supposed to write without any inspiration? How's the creativity supposed to burn intently with such a silent spark? I haven't had a lot of time to shop, to spend on the web, to dilly dally in personal projects. But now, life is settling. Everything's settling.

I'm realizing what's important, what I care about, what matters. Are there more important issues in my life than the perfect shoe? Heck yeah, but that doesn't mean I will ever stop my quest for the perfect shoe...if such a mystic wonder exists. (Oh, please let their be a perfect shoe...two perfect shoes!)

So this summer is providing me with time to write, time to decorate my very own house. (And time to get my butt in shape, as it IS swimsuit season. Well, in Florida, it's ALWAYS swimsuit season.)

If I never gain another reader, fine. If I've already worn out my welcome, that's OK, too. All I know is that I have LOVED blogging here and I have loved the wonderful friendships I've made as a result of reLYME, even if we've lost touch over time. reLYME reminds me of happier times--of calling out people who don't quite know the purpose for Twitter or for taking photos every morning on daily booth, of writing all about a coveted piece of jewelry or pressing the 'Publish' button on a post I'd spent hours on.

And there it is in black and white. My lame excuse. If you stick with me, friends, I'm trying my best to make it up to you, as best as can be done from a very quiet, very simple Floridian location. xo!

This weekend's Link Love are posts that made me think a bit, weep a bit, or cheer a bit. I hope you feel as inspired as I did.

• IWANTTOWEARIT offers some perspective on the tragedy in Haiti through photographs taken before their world forever changed in Haiti Alive.
• Fashion.Style.Beauty makes single women everywhere, including me, feel even more self-assured and confident about our lives as independent, single women in Editor's Commentary: No, I'm Not Married: The "Samantha Effect".
• Poetic & Chic reminds us blog and Twitter enthusiasts to be kind and well-informed before putting in our two cents in part two of her series,I Sing the Blogger Electric, Part Deux.

*Photo courtesy of David W. Dunlap for NY Times.

With Halloween just around the corner, it's very possible that there are those of us who still don't have a costume. And heck, maybe like me, you've run into a friend who doesn't have an idea yet either?

Why not go as the iconic smart-mouthed dynamic duo, Laverne & Shirley?

The outfit is simple enough, and can be created incorporating clothing you may already have in your wardrobe. No, you may not turn heads for being a scantily-clad, and dare I so uber-skanky twosome, but you're guaranteed to get a, "Hey, it's Laverne and Shirley!" here and there!

Laverne and Shirley Halloween 09 by reLYME featuring Celine

As the summer is winding down, and most likely so are your summer vacation plans, it's time you start planning ahead for cooler days while looking for a way to unwind. (That's kind of a pun...I'll explain when you're older, if you don't figure it out by the end of the post.)

Why not try knitting?

Before you go out an over-indulge your need for chunky knits at overpriced department stores, consider this: you can make that yourself!

The Cup of Yarn Scarf Knitting Kit in Very Berry comes equipped with all you need to start your first purl stitch - wooden knitting needles, yarn, and instructions.

Best of all, it's cheap and arrives in delectable packaging!

For even more adorable knitting ideas or for knitting help, check out Stitch 'N Bitch Nation by Debbie Stoller and Knit Aid by Vickie Howell.

Dear reLYME,

I recently got my first out-of-college job as a ninth grade teacher. I'm very excited about my new career, but a bit worried about my wardrobe. I always have this vision of teachers wearing hideous, plain clothing. I love wearing vintage, and would love to continue wearing vintage, if possible. But, how can I make it look a bit more grown up and classroom-ready?
-Miss Mod

Dear Miss Mod,

Don't worry your pretty little head: You don't need to surrender your style in order to be an effective teacher. However, since you are a new teacher, you still do have to work hard to impress your administrators, and that often means looking the part of a professional. A teacher myself, I understand the fear that you feel: that one day, you are going to become one of those matronly teachers who wears boringly bland, and often downright, frumpy frocks, but this doesn't have to happen.

The important thing to keep in mind is that you do need to stand apart from your students. If you look too cool, sadly they might regard you as a cool big sister rather than their grownup teacher. (Trust me...this DOES happen.)

So, how to keep your flair for all things vintage, while still looking the part of an educational mastermind?

Trade in the a-line pinafores and jumpers for dresses with a more grown up silhouette. Then, throw a cardigan or blazer over them. Add a pair of tights and some flats or pumps, and voila! You still maintain your style, while mainaining order in the classroom:

Try on some of these dresses for size (all available from Modcloth.com):

Now, go teach your heart out!

Hey, reLYME!

At my new, corporate job, it's pretty much expected that I wear pantsuits, or ultra-corporate attire. My day-to-day look consists of black or gray pants, and a black or gray blazer. Every once in a while, I'll wear a colorful shirt underneath. Aside from that, how can I add some more fun to my office look without looking office inappropriate?

Sincerely,
Bored in the Office Jungle

Dear Bored in the Office Jungle,

Boy, do I hear you on this one. I faced this same dilemma in a past job. I tried experimenting with my look a bit, until I realized that it only takes about one addition to your ensemble to make you stand out in your cubicle. (Plus, too many trend infusions might look unprofessional!) Here's what I suggest:

1) Try adding some zest to your feet with these saffron Julia Drivers from Elie Tahari.

-or-
2) Incorporate some blue hues with this tiered turquoise stone bib necklace from Banana Republic.