today’s outfit and week 31

Posted on 09. Mar, 2010 by Princess Lasertron.

I feel busier than I have in the last year. Why did I take on so many projects and responsibilities in the last few months? Oh yeah, because I am awesome and I can do it! (Self affirmations have been getting me through a lot lately.)

I’m in final negotiations to move into a new studio workshop. I have big plans for the space and I am excited to bring something to Omaha that our creative community really needs. When I get into this space I hope to hire an intern as soon as possible to begin helping me with fashion week projects, publicity, maintaining the store, assembling kits, etc. So keep that in the back of your mind if you know a young lady or gentleman who would be good at that. This workspace is awesome so cross your fingers that the negotiations work out!

I’ve been asked to contribute to a book and my studio photos and project are due in the next few weeks. What kind of project would you like to learn from me? What would make you buy this book? What in my studio do you want to see?

I committed to show five pieces at an Omaha Fashion Week runway preview show and charity fundraiser on March 31, so getting the accessories together right now is weighing on my mind. Click here if you’re interested in tickets for that.

And I have a lot of errands and chore-y things to do.
Gotta take care of some business with the IRS (joy).
Gotta open a new business account at my bank (glamorous).
Gotta get some quotes for insurance (blah).
Gotta finish bookkeeping for February (I actually enjoy that).
Gotta order tons of fabric.
Gotta pick models for the March 31 show.

And I have a lot of customer-y things to do.
Gotta figure out a few invoice issues.
Gotta finish photographing and listing new headbands in the PL store.
Gotta ship six kits and three bridal orders.

Dress: Alice Pinkerton
Leggings: Delias
Shoes: Jessica Simpson
Clutch: Vintage
Ring: Forever 21
Necklace: Forever 21
Bangles: Pierre Cardin

Plus a Mr. Lasertron outfit. Home from a long day at work playing Xbox and eating Chinese food, I’m sure! Love that man.

Shirt: Express
Vest: Express
Jeans: Seven for all Mankind
Cat: Turbo

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today’s outfits and 30 weeks

Posted on 02. Mar, 2010 by Princess Lasertron.

Hello month 8. You came up fast.

Hello Alice. Take your time arriving. I am eager to meet you but I’m not ready. I feel like I’m trying to lead two lives right now: The life of a devoted mommy eating protein all day long and trying to put up my feet for two hours a day, washing onesies and keeping a watchful eye out for the errant choking hazard–a dime on the table or a button on the floor. And the life of a business owner, juggling communication channels, manufacturing publicity, selecting fabrics, writing outlines, negotiating with a realtor, going to meetings and conferences, answering interview questions, scheduling photoshoots, and sewing all the time.

I shouldn’t say each is equally important to me. If I had to give one up, I know what it would be. But my work is my passion and for a long time it has been my baby. Something I made myself. Before you came along, Alice, your dad and I had a degree of “separateness” in our relationship. We came together because we are best friends and we fell in love and we like spending time with each other, but it wasn’t until you showed up that I realized how much your dad and I maintained our own goals and followed our own paths. I realized that dad and I always do our own things, but now we have a very big thing to do together.

You are the special girl who gives us something to be equally dedicated and devoted to. I’m excited to start my new life as your mama. But sometimes I am anxious about merging my two very special lives.

Hi bellybutton.

Hi Dave. Thanks for making me sack lunches in the morning and doing the dishes today. I hope the snow starts melting soon so you can ride your bike more. And I think your haircut looks really nice.

And thanks for going out to dinner with me tonight. We live in an awesome little neighborhood.

Hi Turbo. You are being such a good boy these days. I love watching your writhe all over the new rug in front of the tv until we rub your tummy. You are very brave when we use the new vaccuum. I know it’s scary.

Me:
Dress: Xhilaration
Sweater: Due Maternity
Leggings: Due Maternity
Boots: Vintage

Dave:
Shirt: Ben Sherman
Vest: Fink
Scarf: Urban Outfitters
Jacket: Urban Outfitters
Jeans: Diesel
Shoes: Macbeth

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29 weeks and today’s outfit

Posted on 23. Feb, 2010 by Princess Lasertron.

I have looked all over Omaha and still can’t find a copy of that magazine. All the newsstands still have the old one out–so I guess I’ll just have to wait a bit longer. Right now I am watching Barnes and Noble, which is where Dave took these pictures of me tonight on our series of errand runs.

After I finished my income taxes (yay!) I picked Dave up from school. We went to the bookstore to find the magazine (nope), Target to get a new front door mat and end a weeks-long argument about whether leaving piles shoes by the door was “ugly” (yes), and to Flavors, my favorite Indian restaurant in Omaha. The owners of that place are so nice and they always remember what I want. I also think the baby either really hates or really likes Indian food because she wakes up INSTANTLY when I eat it.

I also think my nesting frenzy has started. I have become obsessed with getting the house just right because when Alice comes, I want to save any excess energy to work rather than clean. And I know I’ll be cleaning anyway. My first priority is just feeding and bonding and loving on the baby, then finishing orders and managing the dress line and moving into a new studio space (gasp!), then cleaning is last last last last on the list.

Last week I picked up awful cold from the high school–one of the negatives of working part-time there as a speech coach! Like the can’t-breathe, full-body-ache, stand-in-the-shower-all-day type of cold. Today I am finally starting to feel better and I started coughing which is always good–that means the end is near! Saturday is our district speech competition so I’ll need to be in top form as a coach. Then we get to see who goes on to state, and then the speech season is over. Whew.

Shirt: Target (Gilligan O’Malley? It’s a jammie shirt…whatevs)
Belt: Forever 21
Coat: Target (Xhilaration I think)
Leggings: Duo Maternity
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Bag: BCBG
Watch: Target (Mossimo?)
Glasses: Oscar and Fitch

Oh! And hey! Thanks for the Shorty Award nominations in the past several months…I think I might have some good news about that soon!

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28 weeks and today’s outfit

Posted on 15. Feb, 2010 by Princess Lasertron.

We had a really, really great Valentine’s Day. We don’t usually do anything crazy or out-of-character for sentimental holidays, but I think we both love to be able to set aside some time and forget about our everyday obligations. Just taking time to be grateful for each other.

This year, I actually got a few gifts! I was so surprised. We lost our popcorn popper in the move (How do things get lost when you move? We are still missing lots of things!) and I have REALLY been craving it, so I was so happy to have a replacement. He also got me some of those Toms boots I have been coveting for months. Now the snow just needs to melt so I can wear them without getting them all wet!

I didn’t get him anything but later this week I promised to take him shopping for new jeans. I love a man who dips my food in chocolate for me and doesn’t complain about clothes shopping. Match made in heaven.

My mom has been searching high and low for maternity pants that fit my 25” inseam. Yes, I can hem. Yes, I can take them to a tailor. But I’m too lazy right now.

A few days ago a big box of pants arrived from JC Penney of all places. And there was a pair of adjustable-waist dark wash jeans that fit like a dream! This is the first time I have worn pants in like 7 months. Everyone always says “I love how you are so dressed up,” or “It’s so cute how you wear dresses all the time.” The thing is, I only wear dresses all the time because I have no pants.

We also started our childbirth classes on Valentine’s Day. We decided to go with the Bradley Method. I have read a few books about it and I’m excited to start learning from a coach. My belly button also popped out big-time this week and my first-trimester fatigue returned. Not good!

Corduroy jacket: Mossimo (Target)
Sweater: Robin
Jeans: Duo Maternity
Necklace: Xhilaration (Target)
Locket pin: Vintage (It has a DM monogram which I love…David and Megan!)
Wet, snowy shoes: Etienne Aigner (Bought at Scout, a great local shop)
Bag (on couch): Kimchi Blue

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week 27 and today’s outfit. so, a big long baby post.

Posted on 05. Feb, 2010 by Princess Lasertron.

It’s the beginning of my 7th month, my third trimester. This week I got a GORGEOUS new wool coat and wrap dress from Isabella Oliver and they fit beautifully. The coat has a little room to grow and the dress is perfectly versatile–I feel like I can do a daytime look that is modest enough but still says “notice me, I’m cute,” or a sexier look for going out. And anything that makes me feel sexy and beautiful these days gets a huuuuuge thumbs up.

Coat: Isabella Oliver
Wrap Dress: Isabella Oliver
Tights: No Boundaries
Shoes: Betsey Johnson
Necklace: Subversive for Target

I never really wanted to make this a “baby blog”…that’s not what I’m all about (just partially about). I haven’t shared an ultrasound photo yet because I think they look weird and alien. Maybe that’s not a nice thing to say…maybe that’s insensitive…but you know what I mean, right? When a doctor prints off a picture and I can clearly see a hand or a face or a butt and I know I’m looking at a picture of something IN me–something with its own heartbeat and circulatory system and fingernails–that is what makes it alien and foreign. As I sit here typing, I can feel her little foot jammed up my ribcage and her fists pounding, and it’s like one more thing for me to finally get used to before I push her out and my routine is switched up again. So that is what the picture reminds me of and represents to me–weird! And if you think ultrasound pictures are weird, it doesn’t hurt my feelings. I am right there with you.

My good friends are having their baby girl today by cesarean section this morning. All night last night I thought about them, about what it must be like knowing this is the LAST night alone. The last night you will sleep in bed as just husband and wife. The last night you will leave the house as a family of two. I can’t believe that day is going to come for me, too.

So this is Alice Elfie. I can explain this. Tilt your head to the right. Her head is on the right side facing toward you, and you can see the roundness of her eyelid pretty well and the bottom of her right ear. You can also make out some chubby cheeks (the whiter part), and her little nose and mouth. Horizontal from the left side are her arms and fingers curled up under her chin. It’s like a magic eye. You might need to cross your eyes to see the image.

I just can’t wait to meet her! I want to know what color hair she has (I am taking a chance and betting on red). I want to know what her favorite toys are. What she likes to do. What she wants to wear. What she thinks is funny. What she likes best about her dad.

For reading this long post, I drew you this picture of Alice (who we have nicknamed “babytron”) destroying the Omaha skyline. Raaaar!

xo
meg

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week 26, today’s outfit, and a peek at a new photoshoot

Posted on 29. Jan, 2010 by Princess Lasertron.

Quick post because I have to go get some sleep…I’m feelin crazy big!

(more…)

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today’s outfit, 25 weeks, and a giveaway winner

Posted on 22. Jan, 2010 by Princess Lasertron.

Thank you so much everyone for your comments in my last post about living with bipolar. I think that post generated more discussion than any other one I’ve ever done. I’m glad that I was able to reach out to some of you, and I am so appreciative that you have reached out and touched me.

I love this outfit.

Shirt: Old Navy
Dress: Collective Concepts
Tights: We Love Colors
Sash: from another dress
Boots: American Eagle (I love these!!)
Necklaces: one from Target, one from a small shop in Denmark
Glasses: Bebe
Pot belly: That’s little Alice! I’m 25 weeks pregnant with her this week. She is kicking so much, so hard, and I think she must be an octopus.

Also, I have the winner of the Valentine’s Day project giveaway. The random number generator picked Merry!

Thanks to everyone who entered and for your awesome feedback! I have a lot of fun making those videos–I am getting less and less nervous. Are there any projects you’d like to see demonstrated in the future?

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My outfits for the Altitude Design Summit…

Posted on 20. Jan, 2010 by Princess Lasertron.

Last week, PicScout ran a promotion giving away five free tickets to the inaugural year of Altitude Design Summit, the highly talked-about conference for bloggers and design junkies. I didn’t win the contest, but my good friend Carrie did.

And Carrie couldn’t go.
So she offered me the ticket.

I lost my mind! Within ten minutes, I was online checking plane tickets and hotel reservations.
For two hours…
and three hours…
and after four hours of scouring every travel website known to man, I conceded that it would be impossible to attend Alt Summit without spending about $1400 (including a 12-hour layover in Denver), and I really couldn’t justify the cost. There were just NO tickets.

Imagine that. I couldn’t find tickets to Salt Lake City one week before Sundance and the most hyped-up blogging conference of all time.

I admit it–I was pretty bummed. I was really looking forward to taking a mini-vacation. Away from the obligations I feel here at home to my business and my speech students and my messy house. A chance to mingle with other people in my industry who I have always wanted to meet and see a beautiful city that I had never been to.

But if there’s anything I have learned from my mind-bogglingly creative peers here in the Silicon Prairie (and from five years of running Princess Lasertron), it’s that you don’t have to be in the middle of everything to get a slice of the pie. There are parties to go to here. There are blog posts to write. There are customers to communicate with and orders to finish. There are as many possibilities in my workroom, with its dozens of bolts of candy-colored fabric and jingling jars of rhinestone baubles, as there are in Salt Lake City.

And of course there is always the AltSummit Twitter feed to follow during breaks. (Have you ever followed a conversation during a conference? It’s interesting, packed with information, and almost like being there.)

Although I’m not going to Alt Summit, I did indulge in some fantasizing about what I would pack. Here is what I would be folding into my oversized polka-dotted suitcase now!

For the plane:
Sweater: Isabella Oliver
Turtleneck: Isabella Oliver
Leggings: Topshop
Shoes: Tibi
Bag: Ted Baker
Necklace: Erickson Beamon for Target

All I need in my purse is my planner/notebook, a fistful of Stabilo pens, my iPod Touch, and a tiny travel bottle of my favorite Lolia Lempicka perfume.

Day one:
Tunic dress: Topshop
Bolero jacket: Topshop
Gloves: Merona
Tights: Topshop
Earrings: Dominque Cohen for Target
Shoes: Tibi
Watch: Michael Kors
Bag: Sara Berman
Sunglasses: Betsey Johnson
Necklace: Cupcakes and Mace

Day two:
Wool jacket: Isabella Oliver
Turtleneck: Isabella Oliver
Leggings: Topshop
Earrings: Dominque Cohen for Target
Scarf: vintage
Sunglasses: Vintage
Bag: Sara Berman
Shoes: Nanette Lepore
Necklace: Erickson Beamon for Target

If you are going to be in Salt Lake City this weekend, whether it’s for Sundance or the Altitude Design Summit conference, have fun! I wish I was with you! Instead I am taking my speech kids to two tournaments on Friday and Saturday. That is the reality of my life. It’s not as glamorous as I fantasize, but it’s every bit as exciting and full of potential. Plus the fantasies make every day more fun.

xo

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today’s outfit

Posted on 15. Jan, 2010 by Princess Lasertron.

I really love this yellow color–I’ve tried to get a lot of use out of this formerly-too-big pencil skirt, but I think it’s time to retire it!

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23 weeks and today’s outfit

Posted on 10. Jan, 2010 by Princess Lasertron.

It’s -15° F in Omaha today and I am dealing with this by wearing a shirt printed like a beach towel.

Physically, I feel like I really popped out this week!

We went to The Mart today and bought our first dining room table. Dave didn’t think we needed one (”We eat on the coffee table!”) but I am excited for the possibilities and potential it holds…dinner parties…lan parties and games…play-doh…forts…and all the pretty place settings we can have.

Tunic: unsure…the tag didn’t have a name but it’s from Anthro
Leggings: Oasis
Necklace: Erickson Beamon for Target
Shoes: trusty old Merona boots–I have worn these in seven countries over five years!
Bag: BCBG
Coat: Liz Lange for Target
Cat: Turbo!

This outfit is also on Polyvore.

xo

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22 weeks: pictures from new year’s eve

Posted on 04. Jan, 2010 by Princess Lasertron.

On New Year’s Eve we went to Goo, a dance party hosted by The Slowdown (where we got married in 2007).

I was going to wear my favorite Karta dress and I was elated that it still fit me, but after I got my hair and makeup done and Dave came to help me zip it up, the zipper split.

While Dave worked hard googling “split zipper” and trying to fix it, I moped for half an hour or so because I couldn’t find anything else that fit and was remotely formal. But I think I did a good job of prettying up this big tent-y dress from Ryu. And luckily it was comfortable.

Dress: Ryu
Belt: Kimchi Blue
Tights: Forever 21
Shoes: Etienne Aigner

The theme was “masquerade” so we went as kitties.

What did you do to ring in the new year? Quiet and relaxed or crazy and wild?

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