Ikat In The Best Of Times

After my husband took pictures of this outfit, he dropped me off at a local Mexican restaurant where I was meeting some girlfriends for Booze Book Club.

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I got there a bit early and so I decided to sit in the bar, by myself, and have a drink.

I told the waiter I was waiting for some girls for book club. He looked at me with obvious surprise. “What club?” He asked astonished.

Book Club.” Emphasis on the “k.”

“Ohhhhhhh. I thought you said something else.” I giggled, because I thought I knew what he had thought I had said. That would probably make for a more interesting club, but alas, Book Club it is.

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I think deep down I am a loner, because some of my favorite moments are spent in solitude.

I loved sitting there gulping daintily-sipping enjoying my margarita while I watched the people coming and going around me.

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The book choice last month was “You Before Me,” by Jojo Moyes. I was very hesitant to read it that month because I had read reviews stating it was gloomy and I did not want the book to send me into a spiral of sadness.

But my friend read it first and assured me that whilst it was a very sad book, it was not overly depressing.

I read it and found this to be true.

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What I am saying is: the book is good.

Having a margarita by yourself is better.

Having a margarita with friends is the best.

I know because I chose to have a margarita by myself and one with the girls. And four margaritas on a table are better than one.

That’s just basic math that they don’t teach in school.

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Did you sense me stalling here?

Avoiding the issue at hand?

I think it is obvious by now that I have been trying to distract you with books and margaritas to keep your eyes averted from my imperfections.

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Aw, well, just have a margarita and we will all feel better.

It is nice to see my favorite winter staple making an appearance again. Last year I purchased the Ruffled Sweater Vest from Anthropologie in two colors and I wear them all of the time. They have a new version this year with a cool ombre effect. The Anthropologie Ikat top was a popback that I got for 80% off (sorry, sold out). I love it and it is one of my absolute best deals. The Paige Cords were a find at Nordstrom Rack last year (and now I desperately want to find them if they ever go on sale in forest green). The thighs were happily earned from pints of Baskin Robbins Ice Cream.

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Do you ever go places by yourself? One of my very favorite things to do is go to the movies alone.

One bucket of popcorn + one girl = Happiness.

I really think I missed my calling as a math teacher hermit.

13 thoughts on “Ikat In The Best Of Times

  1. I used to go to movies on my own when I lived overseas, often in Paris or the south of France. I’d go because it was like a little trip back home. At home now though I don’t care for it. I’ve had to eat alone in a restaurant once and I brought a book. I hated that too. I’ve always envied people that can do this and feel perfectly comfortable.

    Having a drink alone makes me think people are thinking I’m there on the prowl. Before it made me feel powerful, now it makes me feel pitied.

    For me I like to turn to the person next to me while eating and say, “Did you taste that? It’s fantastic!”

    Or in the movie I sometimes like to make snide remarks. Complete strangers don’t appreciate that like my husband does ; )

    I love that sweater. Especially from the back.

    bisous
    Suzanne
    http://www.suzannecarillo.com

    • Oh my goodness! I never thought of looking like I was on the prowl. It would not have crossed my mind. I like going to the movies by myself because I like the peace and quiet. I like the break in the middle of the day. I find it so indulgent and a bit naughty. I don’t like eating by myself so much. I like to talk too much.

      Thank you about the sweater! I hope to get to wear it again soon!

      Have a wonderful week!

      Jenni

  2. I love the ikat with the vest. Very cute. I miss girls nights! I used to have them all the time in VA, but have yet to establish any girls night here in MI. I have never done a movie by myself. Sounds luxurious! I may have to sneak out on weekend and do that!

    • Thank you Alicia! I hope you get some girls night out soon! They are so much fun! Although I do admit I feel sorry for the folks who have to sit near our rowdy table. I went to the movies with my family today and saw “Big Hero Six.” Hands down the best movie I have seen in a long, long time. I will admit I cried from the beginning to the end of it but it is one I will purchase. I think it might be too much for your kids’ ages, but definitely in a few years they will love it!

      Have a happy week!

      Jenni

  3. Is it bad that I am reading this at 9 in the morning and now want a margarita (rocks, no salt) a bowl of chips and some spinach enchiladas? Like want it all really badly. Sigh … I guess I will go eat my banana and grape nuts instead. But I don’t want to.

    Adorable outfit! I love how the sweater creates such a pretty silhouette. And those red cords are rad.

    • Oh my gosh! I am right there with you! Ever since I wrote this post, I have been looking for a reason to have a margarita. In fact, I might go buy some limes and triple sec tomorrow with chips and guacamole! I like my margaritas on the rocks with no salt, too! We’re soul tequila sisters!

      Thank you about the sweater and cords! I love that vest so much I purchased one for my mom and sister last year, too! : )

      Sweet dreams!

      Jenni

  4. I love the collar on this shirt. You have a wonderful eye for pretty details.

    I love the first photo of you. You look beautiful.

    I tend to be kind of solitary. I’d almost always rather go shopping by myself. I’ve been to the movies by myself, and I used to love going to the movies when I lived in Cambodia and would go to Thailand for a break (the theater I would go to was heavily air conditioned, and they would bring you blankets to wrap yourself up in, and you got to sit in a lazy boy). I also have no weirdness about eating a meal by myself in a fancy restaurant, and actually that’s my plan for Christmas dinner probably as my husband will be in Spain without me.

    • Thank you Liana! I have been thinking of you all day with what you said. I am sad you will be alone on Christmas. Could you join your husband in Spain? I know you will be fine, but I just imagine how romantic that would be. Enjoy your yummy dinner! We always have chicken enchiladas for Christmas dinner! : )

      Have a wonderful Wednesday!

      Jenni

  5. Hmm…
    I remember years and years ago, I never felt any angst about solitary dining or solitary entertainment. In my early years I lead such a busy life that I think I welcomed those lonely moments as time to pause and reflect and dream.
    But now my life is so tied up in my son that doing things on my own feels awkward. I’m so used to having him along, that I forever feel as though I’ve forgotten something in those times when I’m out and about without him.
    Plus, and this is a big plus…it seems as though each and every time I run an errand or grab a bite to eat or head out on my own to browse, I get accosted by really uncomfortable, awkward hit-ons. Ick!

    • That is because you are wonderful and beautiful- directed towards your last line. I have sen the delicious dinners you make on Instagram. That make your own soup bowl was genius and really fun and cool so I can see why you would eat at home. Of course, I still cannot stop thinking about that centipede! Ahhhhhh! I know this has nothing whatsoever to do with food, but I cannot get it out of my head. ; )

      Sweet dreams!

      Jenni

      • Jenni: Thank you! 🙂 My son has a really difficult time with choices. Anytime there’s more than one option, he melts down into a panic attack or, more often, tries to deflect the decision making to me. So lately I’ve been trying to come up with safe-feeling, home-based ways to have him make some choices that won’t completely overwhelm him. It’s a good way to practice that skill without having massive repercussions. So that make your own soup was inspired by that. 🙂 Therapy, and tasty!
        Does it help you to know that the centipede was no longer of this world? He must’ve given up the ghost the previous night when the temperatures drop below freezing. So really, he (she?!?) was more a centi-popsicle. 🙂

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