Finding My Rhythm

Yesterday, I started jogging again. It had been over 3 years since doing any cardio, aside from the cycling that I do around the city. What does this have to do with design or anything creative for that matter? Well, read on.

I thought that I could never be able to jog or run again. About 4 years ago I got severe nerve damage in my left foot, and had a tough time walking ... so I of course had to stop every other aerobic activity.

And for the past 3 years, I've feared aerobic activity because of what I used to connect it to in my head - I was only working out because I was trying to manage my weight. It was always an equation to me - ok I can have this cookie if I go on a run later. Convincing myself to not feel guilt because I'll make it equal out. I've been sitting in this fear - and staying away from the gym and my running shoes for years.

But lately I had this drive to want to run. I decided, after weeks of thought, to put on my 6 year old running shoes. I didn't want to run to feel better about myself physically - I simply want to try and clear my head and sink into the music - and to see where my feet took me.

I allowed myself to go really slow. I allowed myself to stop if I needed to. I kept telling myself that I wasn't supposed to go really fast or be good right away, or that I needed to run 20 miles - that if this activity made me feel good than I would get better, slowly.

When I started singing lessons, I totally sucked. But I practiced and practiced ... and one day, I heard singing. Then I realized that it was coming out of my mouth.

When I started school, I could barely draw. I practiced and practiced ... and one day, I looked down on my paper, and there was a beautiful drawing from my hand.

The point is - I'm not supposed to be perfect at anything the first time I try it. Inevitably though, if it's an activity that makes me feel good, I'll find my rhythm. Sometimes its slow, sometimes its fast. But most of the time, it just is. And damn it feels good.

Japanese 3D Nail Art

My sister Joey just told me about Japanese 3D nail art. There are a few places in NYC that are doing this here in the U.S. ... but she'll be getting her nails done while she's in Japan next week (!!!).

This concept really sits well with me. I get really bored with the idea of red or pink nails - all the same color. Why not throw a fruit basket on your nails?

Check out some of the images I found:

An Addiction ... Sponsored by Agent Provacateur

Hi I'm Annie. And this is a real addiction. I love pretty, expensive lingerie. And I have to have it. Now.

It wasn't always this way. It began over 10 years ago, when I was a fitter at Nordstrom in the Lingerie Department. But back then when my addiction for pretty lingerie didn't have the same financial consequences. But since this is a progressive disease, I've always wanted more. And recently it's landed me in the Agent Provacateur store.

I already have a few of their bras, and what's so great about their lingerie is that they are supportive (I'm a 34d in their store) while being super sexy and fun. And they don't stretch out the way other bras do.

Don't get it? Go to Agent Provacateur and get fitted. Get a little taste. Then you'll want more more more ... Remember, this is about how it makes YOU feel. It can be your little secret.

Pretty gaga deliciousness ...





Check out Agent Provacateur here.

Walking 500 Feet Tall in Clogs

The only part I really loved about the Chanel S/S 2010 collection were the clogs. I've never really been a fan of clogs, but Chanel somehow transformed what was once considered an unstylish, orthopedic-type shoe into something really sexy and what-looks-like pretty comfortable. Mostly, I love the wood. But I don't have $1400 to spend on Chanel shoes. Maybe one day [hopefully]. But not now.

I've been searching and searching for the right pair ... and finally found a pair of Jeffrey Campbell's at Nordstrom. Jeffrey Campbell's been really good lately about putting a spin on designer shoes - but without the price tag. I tower over most people in these shoes ... increasing my normal height of 5'6" into 5'11". I like this.

Chanel's:

Jeffrey Campbell's version that I bought (there's a lot of other styles!):
And here are a few pics of me wearing them:

Buy Jeffrey Campbell's here.

NEED YOUR HELP! - Call for clothing donations by June 11, 2010

In the spirit of creating a stronger sense of community and cutting down on waste, we are hosting a large community-wide Clothing Swap in the Mission, San Francisco this Summer. On the day of the event, Swappers can participate by dropping off their own clothes to contribute and/or by taking a bag of clothes for FREE. We will be requesting a small donation of $5-10 upon entry to cover costs associated with putting on the event.

We are collecting local clothing donations from friends and family in the next 2 weeks so we will have piles of clothes to start off with on the day of the event. We would really appreciate a clothing donation from you - clothing in good condition that you don't wear .... clothing that you might otherwise donate to Goodwill or that you've kept in your closet for years thinking you might wear it or fit into it one day. This includes: jackets, hats, pants, shirts, skirts, shoes, gloves, accessories, sunglasses, bags, costumes, lingerie, Pjs ...

Please let me know immediately via email to annie.mccourt@gmail.com if you are interested in making a donation. We are taking donations until June 11 … so you have 2 weeks to get a donation together. We can come pick-up - Or, you can drop off at a location on 23rd and Capp. Just email me (annie.mccourt@gmail.com) and let me know what works best for you.

We will keep you posted about the actual event date (currently TBD) so you can come by and replenish your closet with clothes you will actually wear!

We appreciate your participation & joining us in the fun!!

For more info, or to schedule a pick-up or drop off, email Annie at: annie.mccourt@gmail.com

Judging The Cute, Stylish Girls

Do you ever look at a really cute girl who has ridiculously amazing style and think that she must be a bitch? Well, I do. Sometimes. Depending on my mood ... where I am at with my self esteem ... where I'm at spiritually, jealousy surprises me and I find myself all-of-a-sudden in my head creating elaborate stories of how awful this stylish woman is. I can pretend I don't do this, but I totally do. Not all the time, but I do.

So I've been challenging myself lately to talk to these women. And I've found that they are normal women - just like me. They are human. They are sometimes very nice and sweet.

Case-in-point - the couple below. I sat behind them at the CCSF Fashion show a few days ago, half watching the show, half obsessing about the woman sitting in front of us. Her dress was beautiful, and perfectly paired with a turquoise pair of tights and vintage boots. I loved her hair, and the little hat she wore. She was adorable. But I hated her. She must be a terrible person.

But then I asked her for a photo, and she was flattered and so sweet. She had an accent. She was perfect. And then I set myself a personal reminder - when I consciously recognize the jealous voices in my head, to go up to that person, give them a compliment, or ask for a photo ... then I am swiftly taken out of my head and irrational thoughts and jealousy to fully appreciate and see the person in front of me.

Here they are:
And this is me and my friend Janis that night: