Searching for the Perfect Chariot

Sorry for my lack of activity lately, and for the more than usual sporadic postings. I'm in the midst of a graduate literature class that has me writing for the pleasure of getting an A rather than for the pleasure of entertaining my small but loyal followers. I thought I would put together something I had been working on, but kept putting off posting because... well...when I have some free time, I'm usually watching old episodes of Ally McBeal or 30 Rock on my Netflix.  I digress...

Because I've been spending every night and weekend stuck to my home office chair, typing away at my computer trying to come up with something prolific to write about The Waste Land or Hemingway, I started thinking it might be time to get a new office chair. Something cute and comfy came to mind, but what's out there is mostly boring, black, leather monstrosities that cost an arm and a leg. I get it -- you spend most of your day sitting in these things -- but that doesn't mean what you sit in can't be chic and affordable.

So, starting with my inspiration, here are my bargain chic alternative for the humble office chair.

Inspiration Piece

Horchow, Cooper Office Chair, $1099

Bargain Chic Options

 Clockwise: Walmart, Padded Microsuede Executive Chair, $139; Office Max, Odessa II Task Chair, $89.99; Target, Feature Mesh Task Chair, $169.99; HomeDecorators, Craftsman Leather Swivel Desk Chair, $289.

What's Nude?

Nude. It's a tough color to pull off, and, well, it's an even tougher look to feel confident in. But hang-ups aside, wearing nude and even being in the nude usually makes a woman feel sexy and sultry, vivacious and daring. You're taking a risk -- exposing yourself -- by wearing nude. Even if you don't necessarily feel confident, wearing nude will instantly give you the persona of someone who is willing to reveal a side of them that they don't often reveal to the world.  So, try a little nudity in your life -- even if it is just with a pair of shoes.

Jessica Simpson, Ramonna Open-Toe Pump, $43.45; Michael Kors, Colette Pump, $60.50

 Naughty Monkey, Flirt Pump, $51.17

Remembering 9-11

10 years. Amazing. It seems so long ago, and yet also like it was just yesterday. I was 24. Living at home. Looking for work. Trying to figure out my life. My sister's best friend was living in NYC. She tried calling him all day. She finally heard his voice, and she cried. My mom's good friend was also in NYC. She worked not far from the World Trade Center. She was safe, thank God. My good friend's sister worked near the Pentagon, but again, she was safe. I was lucky that the people in my life were spared the grief and horror of that day. But that doesn't lessen my grief -- it didn't lessen the tears I shed then and the tears I shed today. Ten years have come and gone. We've had wars, and death, and tragedy, and hope, and grace, and love. But without the countless broken hearts from that day, we wouldn't have been able to open them up to new beginnings and the chance for something better.

Battery Park, NYC: The Sphere from the World Trade Center