Day Forty-One: In Which I Become a Shopping Zombie and Stalk a Kim Novak Look-Alike

New rule:

I don't ever go shopping alone at the mothership without my iPod earbuds firmly ensconced in my ears and the music turned up to full volume.

On Sunday, I came to consciousness standing behind my grocery cart in the peanut butter aisle, mumbling in response to a man's recorded voice that was saying, over and over: "You loved Hostess Cupcakes as a kid. Remember the delicious cream filling? Your kids will love them, too."

Yes! Yes, I do love them! Take me to them, please!


Have you seen the video screens? They're strategically placed eye/ear level and play loops of perky mom-types smiling into the camera and extolling the virtues of hand-sanitizer, food wrap, mini-pads, brownies, detergent, turkey bags, diapers, denture cream, etc. etc. etc.

I don't mind the occasional commercial--even when it comes before a theater film. But I do get uncomfortable when my subconscious mind is subliminally hijacked. My big problem is that I zone out pretty easily--I think it comes from years of training my mind to slip into that place where everything is possible. I'm very open there. Vulnerable. Before I know it, I have a cart full of Twinkies, chicken nuggets, organic pomegranates and an eight hundred pack of clothespins. Or I get a call from my daughter asking if everything is okay and, btw, am I coming home?

So, on Sunday, I was not only wearing pants that felt like cheap pajamas and made me itch in uncomfortable places, but I spent about $100 more than I planned on food and left the store with three black belts, a questionable sweater, and this stuff:

 Haven't tried it yet. But as I'm lash-challenged, I will very soon. I'll let you know.

The other thing:

Envy. I'd noticed a particular woman in the store and saw her again as I was stuffing my eight hundred bags into the trunk of my car. She'd given me a rather cold look inside--not surprising as I was probably staring rudely at her. She wore dark denim jeans that broke just perfectly on her black boots, a tailored black gabardine jacket, a white blouse, and a red scarf. Her blond, bobbed hair was perfect, too. The effect was cool and polished.

She depressed me immeasurably. I realized that I was not only jealous of her gorgeous clothes, but I was getting angry with myself for being so jealous. Wish I'd taken a picture of her, but I'm sure she would've had me arrested. I love how dignified she looked. I, however, was not feeling particularly dignified.

Ensemble:

I know it's wrong to be a hater. But I really hate these shoes:

They're shapeless and plastic and not at all nice. Well, maybe I kind of like the snakeskin pattern--but that's it. Hardly worth the $11 full price.

As to the rest of the ensemble: I refer you this link.  Don't know why I'm not in love with the striped NK shirt. The lines are too harsh, I think, in addition to being horizontal. Wearing the inexpensive black jersey pants instead of jeans didn't help my mood much, either.

Norma Kamali OTS Striped Henley in Cobalt: $12; White Stag black cardigan: $12; White Stag black jersey pants: $12; George Slimming Cami $10; Shoes: Earth Spirit Mules $30; Jewelry: $7 and $7 Total  $90

Good news: I'm THRILLED with tomorrow's outfit. Will post in the morning!

P.S. Do you have your Halloween costume ready?