Clever Things

After a 14-mile run, I would have preferred to wear my jammies for the rest of the day. But, I had an audition, so I put on real (comfy) clothes.


Jacket and dress, Forever 21. Belt, Deena and Ozzy. Tights, Urban Outfitters. Boots, Matisse. Bag, Nicole Lee.

I totally forgot to apply my lipstick for the photos, but, never fear, I wore some for my audition.


I auditioned for a musical and a mystery. Here’s how it went from my (biased) perspective:

Singing: I’ve been in voice lessons since the fall and this was my second audition since I began. The song went pretty well (much better than last time!), but I either gave the tempo wrong or the pianist sped up. As a result, it was probably the most “up-tempo” version of Tap Your Troubles Away ever.

Dancing: I’ve taken three semesters of tap at CCM prep. I dropped out of this spring’s semester, but a few extra weeks still wouldn’t have prepared me for tonight. The audition piece was WAY over my skill level. Still, I smiled and gamely carried on.

Acting: Frankly, I rocked the cold reads. The read was pretty short for the musical, but I got plenty of stage time for the mystery. Cold reading is one of my favorite activities. I know you’re supposed to prepare by reading the script ahead of time, but I enjoy the challenge and thrill of performing just minutes after seeing the lines.

In all, it was a humbling and educational experience. I’m becoming more comfortable with singing in public. I need to find a way to take tap lessons more than once a week. And I wish I had the chance to do more straight plays, since that’s where my comfort, experience, and talent really lie.

Photos by Beefy Muchacho

Ruth

Another day, another pattern mix, and another audition. This time, I’m auditioning for Blithe Spirit. (Performance dates are Jan - Feb 2011.) I’ll audition for another winter show, The Importance of Being Earnest, next week.


Cardigan, Old Navy. Dress, Frederick’s of Hollywood. Sandals, Aerosoles. Necklaces, Pangaea and Target. Sunnies, Claire’s. Bag, Tommy Hilfiger.




Photos by Beefy Muchacho

Because

I wasn’t going to get dressed today, but I had call-backs for Enchanted April (I was not cast) and Joy called me to ask if I was ready to return her Purdy bags.


Dress, thrifted. Belt, H&M. Bag, Purdy. Boots, Dan Post. Earrings, self-made.

My friend Joy makes upcycled bags and wallets. This version, made from camouflage utilities, is my favorite. She takes custom requests, so if you have old cammies of your own, she can repurpose them as a satchel. This bag is not made from one of my uniforms. I was a Marine, not a Soldier.


Now, I am just Silly.

New Shoes

Plaid swing jacket, No Boundaries. Gray skirt with single pleat, Eddie Bauer. Black fishnet tights, Danskin. Black pumps, Bandolino.

One of my wardrobe staples is a pair of black, pointy-toed pumps with some sort of detail at the toe. I go through about a pair a year. The last pair is still serviceable, but the heels are chewed up from slipping into the cracks of the Cincinnati pavement and the vamp is starting to tear. I hadn’t begun to actively look for a replacement when I spotted this pair of Bandolino pumps at TJ Maxx a week ago. Hooray.

Black Black

Black wrap sweater, Bloch. Black lace top, Newport News. Black strapless dress, Moda International. Silver acorn necklace, Express. Black pumps, Michelle D.

Looking at today’s photo, you might think you have the wrong blog. I don’t think I’ve ever worn all black (at least, not in the last year). The closest I’ve come is a black and gray outfit last November. (I was going to link to the entry from last November, but it is a truly horrible picture.)

I was instructed to dress in black for an audition I have this evening. I wanted to at least wear brightly colored shoes, but I don’t want to be labeled “that person who can’t follow simple instructions.”

Speaking of “Black Black,” that is the name of my favorite gum. I used to chew it when I lived in Japan. It had a mint and menthol taste and was rumored to contain both caffeine and nicotine. It was great to clear the sinuses and wake one up. I should look for it next time I visit Jungle Jim’s. I could use a piece today, after a late night at the thee-ay-tah.

(All black outfits are difficult to photograph. If you want to see the details, I think you can pick most of them out by clicking on the photo to see a larger view.)

Ordinary

Black, silk blend shrug, INC. Black overlay cami, Halogen. Khaki pencil skirt with pockets, Talbot’s (thrifted), Black, patent slingbacks, Audrey Brooke. Indian silver necklace.

I have an audition today. They are looking for “ordinary people.” I really tried to dress “ordinary:” no crazy colors, no giant belt, no bright headband, no wacky jewelry. Still, my husband laughed at my outfit and said that I’m “anything but ordinary.”

I bought this skirt for my role as Joanne in Vanities. In scene three, I wore it with a tucked-in, white blouse and looked quite dowdy. Off stage, though, I try to avoid the matronly look. Because the skirt is highwaisted and pleated in the front (to accommodate the AWESOME pockets), it has the potential to make me look as if I have a flat ass and a bun in the oven. I’ve paired it with a long, form-fitting top to counteract the effect. It still pooches a bit in front, but as long as I have my hands in my pockets, I can convince people that the lump is not due to my gut.

*Update on 8/9/07: I must have looked ordinary enough because I booked the job!

Punchy!

Black lace shirt, Newport News. Lime tank, New York & Company. Rose patterned linen skirt, Talbot’s. Black belt, Steve Madden. Lime pumps, Colin Stuart.

This is the first Talbot’s skirt I bought. Most of Talbot’s clothing is a little stuffy for my taste, but I LOVE their skirts. I shelled out over $100 for this one. Six months later, I found it in their outlet (in Jeffersonville) for much less. At least I could console myself with the thought that I’d been wearing it plenty to my job at Career Innovations (where it always received compliments). It’s also held up well. I’ve been wearing it for three years, and it still looks as fresh as it did the first wearing.

I have an audition today, and I’m probably WAY over dressed. I just couldn’t resist this punchy outfit any longer. I dreamed it up on Monday night and then managed to wait two entire days to wear it. I’m quite proud of my restraint.

Comfy

Pink sequined sweater, Moda International. Black lace shirt, Newport News. Hot pink tank and gray flannel pants, Express. Ugly black boots, LifeStrides.

After spending the long weekend in my grubbies painting, sewing, and rehearsing, I was ready for a more upscale look today. I also needed to appear my best for an audition as a hostess. I wanted to look sexy, but comfortable. I think I’ve achieved my goal. In fact, I’ve never had an easier walk from my car to my building. These boots may be ugly, but they were made for walking.

Carrie or Miranda?

Black, silk-blend shrug, INC. Sheer black top, Mossimo for Target. Strapless brown dress, Newport News. Brown lace leggings, Forever 21. Brown boots, Nine West. Amber necklace, Ali’s Boutique. Leopard obi belt, Sugadaminka (via Ebay).

I had already decided to wear this outfit when my agent called me and notified me of an audition for Friday morning. I’m auditioning for two characters, based loosely on Carrie and Miranda from Sex in the City. I don’t know which character I’m dressed more like, though. Compared to normal Cincinnati-wear, I’m definitely looking Carrie-ish. However, next to some of the outfits Carrie actually wore on the show, I’m dressed quite conservatively. What do you think? Carrie or Miranda?