Pink Flamingos - Beauty on the Stage

The past two months have been very busy for me! I have been working very hard in staging rehearsals for two different operas that I am currently singing in. I am a hardworking chorus girl in a young opera company in Boston called Odyssey Opera. Last year, I was very excited to be in the chorus of their last fully staged production and this year I am so honored to be back and singing in two productions! The first, Vaughn Williams', Sir John in Love tells the story of Shakespeare's Merry Wives of Windsor and it's hysterical.

In addition to Sir John, we are also performing Arthur Sullivan (without Gilbert!)'s very charming operetta; The Zoo. It's a pair of classic love stories with constant running commentary from the "British Public". Being that there are no actual animals in the show, the producers have decided that the chorus should be elaborately costumed as members of Victorian British society, but as caricatures of zoo animals. I happen to be cast as Miss Flamingo - she's very pink! And I am so happy to have the opportunity to wear some beautiful pink and fuchsia lip color to go with her gorgeous pink feathers.  I have mixed Bite Beauty's Quince with Palomino. I think the effect is terrific! Bite Beauty is in the opera! She also gets a gorgeous pink flush from Nars Starscape blush - a limited edition neon pink from their Christopher Kane Collection. It looks scary in the pan but it's the perfect flush!!! Get it while you can! 

Singing at the Copley Square Tree lighting!

Copley Square Trinity Church

Just a quick post! Every now and again, I'm grateful that I am able to do some pretty cool fun stuff and get paid to do it. Last night, I sang Christmas Carols at the Copley Square Tree Lighting in Back Bay with Copley Singers and it was pretty fun and festive. This was the main event that made it okay for it to officially be the holiday season. Being outside at night in December meant I had to dress pretty warm, so I broke out my wool under layers so I could sport my Karelia Coat on top! If you have this coat from Anthropologie, you know that it's awesome, but it's NOT warm at all. (Also, for the record, there have been TWO products called Karelia Coat).

Here's a lame mirror photo of me at Nordstrom Rack, LOL.

While I was there, I spotted a bunch of Nars Foreplay Blush Palettes! Thinking about picking one up!

Copley Square with the Library and Old South Church in the Background

I also picked up two of the new L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow Pencils at Walgreens on my way home! I will post a few review when I try them!

Can't wait to try these!

Letting Go

Every person who spends over a decade perfecting an art has a dream. Whether or not they want to admit it, every painter, every writer, every singer, every dancer and every actor would love to spend all day at their craft and be handsomely rewarded for it. If you have ever watched a talent show, such as The Voice, America's Got Talent or American Idol, you have seen the amount of talent in the world that is unrewarded. Only a select few can really put food on their table solely through the money earned through their art. This is a reality we all know at the core of our hearts, but few of us want to admit.

During the past 6 years that I've been singing professionally after having not sung at all for 7 years, I've been through a lot of transformations. There was a time when I didn't think I was worthy of getting paid for singing and that I should give it up and never open my mouth again. I started to get hired for things...little things and actual good things with great ensembles and big names. I got good reviews. Over the past 16 months, I've felt really great about the work I've done vocally. I am a professional singer and I can say with confidence, that I'm not bad. I'm actually quite good and I'm proud at what I've accomplished.

That being said, I'm all over the place. I have spread myself so thin with all of my hobbies and pursuits that I have not been able to put 100% of my effort into any one thing. I'm teaching here, I'm singing there, I'm organizing here, I'm selling there. Aside from work, there are all of those other things in life like eating, being a friend, love, living and basically trying to enjoy your life. Some people are content to be a Starving Artist. I have decided about three weeks ago, that I am not one of those people.

I want to be able to buy frivolous items, go on vacations and go out to fancy dinners more than I want to excel at my art...and that's okay.

At one point in my life, I may have looked at this crossroads as one path being failure and the other path being a valiant artist, but I really don't think that it is either of those things. There is no failure in wanting to live a certain lifestyle and making sacrifices to get there, as much as there isn't necessarily valor in eating ramen noodles every night and working 6 different jobs so that you can go on thousands of auditions. They are simply paths to be taken. There is neither shame or valor in either one.

Over the last few weeks, I have been struggling with the realization that I cannot "Live The Dream" anymore. I have been grieving as though someone close to me had passed away. I am spending a lot of time struggling financially, going to job to job and losing track of my schedule. I lead an interesting and fascinating life and it is so satisfying and amazing when someone hands me a check for singing. It's actually unbelievable to me. But it is no longer enough for me. Giving up music as a "career" is not a failure when you haven't actually failed. The failure would have been all of those years spent at my office job, passing the time, wondering if I had any talent at all. That would have been the ultimate failure.

Letting go has been one of the hardest things I've ever done. And letting go doesn't mean abandoning my art. In fact, I am more in love with music than ever. I've done great work. I am still a very hire-able soprano. I still am working to perfect my technique. I will still audition. But it is not going to be my primary career, and I'm okay with that. Letting go has made it possible for me to sing more freely. I am not critical of every single sound that leaves my throat, I'm grateful I'm able to produce it. I still have gigs to do and recitals to program, but not depending on these things for my income is freeing. To have music in my life be the sweet dessert instead of being the entree makes singing all the more delicious.

My life has been such an adventure. Here's where one chapter ends, but let's turn the page. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Of Nymphs, Fairies & Goddesses or why Early Opera is Way More Fun

As if it weren't fun enough to sing opera, it's even more fun to be a niche singer. Because all of our instruments are so different, there are some singers who do better in a niche - like me. Standard operas call for big, dramatic voices (there are some exceptions, but this is mostly true). As much as I love a good Puccini aria, I will never sing one in public. Why? I'm just not built for it. I've got a light voice and it would not sound appropriate in a role like this. Isn't this gorgeous? I mean, it's glorious and her voice is to die for. I bring this aria to an audition and I'm laughed all the way back to the Conservatory.

Written before 1800? I'm all over it! I've found that the early music people like my sound and I like the repertoire, so I decided to specialize a few years ago. And why not? Doesn't this look like fun!?!?

You HAVE to watch this one all the way through. (This is Les Indes Galants, "Les Sauvages". American Indian theme obviously. My dream role is to sing princess Zima. So fluffy and cute with a great aria in the end!) Rameau is one of my favorite French Baroque dudes and Patricia Petibon is the cutest soprano ever. (I swear she's part fairy.) Doesn't this make you want to go to an early opera right now?

Early Operas were fun!!!! They still have BALLETS, costumes were outrageously extravagant (the wigs!) and a lot of them were about gods and nymphs and stuff. This is where I get typecast usually: In my January project, I'm a fairy/fury/something little and probably is accompanied by a twinkle sound. Today I had a callback for a sort of god-like virtue who is a young boy. Pants Role. Always something cute. Do I care?! NO WAY! I LOVE these kinds of characters! Not all my gigs are fun, but staged opera gigs are where the fun is had. How often do you get to step into another character and make beautiful music? I am so grateful that I get to have this much fun in my life and call it "work" :)

Maybe I'm gushing because it's kind of fall and everything is starting up again, but I'm looking forward to a great season!

How about an outfit?

Dress: Anthro Nostalgic Asterisks Dress, Limited Cardi, J. Crew Scarf, Anthro Elk Camp Wedge Boots

Did you all enjoy our healthy shopping show on the Dereck and Kay Show last night? If you missed it, click to play the show on my sidebar! We did a two hour show JUST for you guys! Enjoy!

OOTD & Reconnecting

So, when I was about 8 years old, my mom signed me up for piano lessons because I was obsessed with playing. My grandmother had gifted me one of those tiny wooden pianos (à la Schroeder from Peanuts) when I was 2 or something and I loved it and could not stop playing it and figuring out tunes I heard. When I was about 10, my piano teacher suggested to my mom that I take voice lessons because she had heard me sing during one of our solfege lessons and she thought I had a nice voice. This is WAY too young to be taking proper singing lessons, but we didn't know any better. My cousin was taking some lessons with a gentleman and my aunt insisted he was great with children's voices without doing any damage. So, my mother took me to him and I starting singing. All kinds of things, classical, musical theater...amazing! I enjoyed it so much and to my amazement, he was also the artistic director of a Musical Theater Review Ensemble, which I joined when I was 13. I learned to tap dance, jazz dance, do a little ballet and sing my little musical theater butt off!!!

Ultimately, when I was 17 or so, I decided to focus my musical studies exclusively to classical singing and decided to leave the group and study exclusively with the teacher I was studying with at my high school. But, being that he was my first voice teacher, he remained a close, beloved friend of the family and we have managed to keep in touch off and on throughout the years. Well, he was able to come to my wedding four years ago, which was totally awesome and this week, he is visiting Boston and is staying with us. It's amazing to re-connect with someone who met you when you were a kid and watched you grow and go through all of your changes and situations.  Now, as an adult, it feels great to reconnect with someone and share your shared passion for music! So, I'm having a great week!

Here's what came out of my closet today!

Anthrpologie: Deuxhill Cowlneck (2010), Pinochle Skirt (2010), High Prairie Belt (2010?), Salutations & Closings Heels (2011)

A surprisingly All-Anthro combo. The Deuxhill Cowlneck and the turquoise in the skirt play off each other perfectly. Turquoise is one of those colors I am obsessed with these days. I have always been a fan of blue, but I'm loving all things turquoise right now.

Darwin-izing Anthro Flux: Blog Evolution

So, I noticed that I've been posting a lot about my singing stuff, so I figured instead of trying to control myself, I may as well embrace the trend and make my music adventures become an official part of the blog. So, I've changed the name of it from Anthro Flux to "The Stylish Soprano", which has great alliteration, but implies that I think I'm a fabulous dresser. Well, maybe I'm presumptuous, but the alliteration is too good and I try to be stylish. I will continue to post mostly about Anthropologie and other clothing pursuits as well, but I have a lot to say about being a singer, so...welcome to The Stylish Soprano. There.

Um...so here I am trying to be stylish. Behold, the OOTD! (Cue, Rebecca Black's "Friday")

Dress: Anthropologie Kissing Friday Dress, Cardigan: Anthropologie Jemima's Shrunken Cardi, Wedges: Payless

I recently have become obsessed with LASHES. EYELASHES. I am not a makeup junkie, but I do have a slight obsession with mascara and eyelashes. In my next post...a mascara review!!! Benefit's They're Real, Beyond Mascara.

Happy Friday, Ladies!

The Singer's Catharsis

Afternoon, Ladies! I am catching up on all the weekend blogging as I have been out of town all weekend. I sang a concert as part of Connecticut Early Music Festival and instead of making the two hour trek home after our Friday and Saturday rehearsals, I had the opportunity to experience my very first homestay. Professional musicians who travel for gigs, instead of being provided a hotel room, are provided a room in a home, courtesy of a volunteer associated with the organization who hires the performers. They can be a bit of a gamble if you do not know the family you are staying with, but I definitely won the lottery this time! I stayed with a wonderful lady in her beautiful Mystic, CT home and she could not have been a more gracious host. Rehearsals were intense (challenging music and only two days to get everything ready!), but the concert was AMAZING. The music was so beautiful (especially the Schütz Motets, but I'm a biased Schütz lover). I was so honored to be a part of such a wonderful, virtuosic performance. So many wonderful, talented and lovely musicians!

Being that it was the first time for me to do this and for me to meet many of these performers, I was thew new gal. I had been decidedly anxious as I am performing for the first time for strangers, fearful of their judgment. Until now, it didn't matter to me how many people who I respected told me I was a decent singer, I found my inner critic to be very intrusive. Sometimes, she would say to me; "Wow, man. You actually sound really great! You should relax and sing for x, y and z. You are gonna be okay after all!" and I would be completely high and feel great for a day (or more if I was lucky).

Other times, she would be very cruel and negative: "OMG, you suck! Why can't you improve your vocal technique? OMG, that tenor over there is whispering to that guy next to him and shaking his head!!! I'll bet he's saying, 'that girl sucks, how the hell did she get this gig?' They're going to fire me...OMG, I'm going to be so embarrassed when that happens!..." Etc...etc...

Saturday afternoon, after about 6 hours of rehearsal, we returned to the piece of music that made me extremely nervous. I had a solo that was very exposed and tricky for me to sing and I lost my nerve. The inner negative voice would not stop. My arms and hands trembled, my eyes filled with tears. I got through what I needed to go through and when I came out of my negative haze, the only person who seemed to care about it was me.  I suddenly had a disturbing revelation.

I was my own worst enemy and I was sabotaging my own success.

When rehearsal was over, I got into my car and burst into tears. I had been getting in my own way all these years. All these years. It was the reason I gave up singing after graduate school, it was the reason I am fearful at auditions and the reason I don't do well at them. Why did I think I was not worthy of the work I was hired for? Why did I think I was somehow beneath success? I cried for opportunities lost. I cried for energy wasted. I cried for my singer self, who had been a victim of my bully self. I cried for letting the inner critic call the shots.

It wasn't as if I hadn't been aware of this in some way. I had talked about it with a few people and over the past year, my performance at auditions had been getting progressively less successful. Over the past few months, I hadn't been able to figure out how to improve. I talked to a flutist friend about it and she said she went through a similar situation. She recommended a book to me, called Effortless Mastery by Kenny Werner, a jazz pianist. I bought it last week, but hadn't cracked it open. Before I left for CT, something told me to grab it and take it with me. So, Saturday night after I had lost my cool, I cracked it open. It was like good ole Kenny was IN MY HEAD. All of the things I had been doing to myself, he had done to himself. I think one of the most important things he said right in the beginning is: Be Kind To Yourself.

So, I feel like I have turned a corner as a musician and as a person. The lesson here is not just for musicians, but for everyone. It's not easy to be confident if you have been berating yourself a whole life through, but confidence is what will help you succeed. Beating yourself up in any way is wasteful. Period. All of that time you spent telling yourself you sucked, you could have been practicing. You could have been making yourself better, strengthening yourself. It's about giving yourself a chance to succeed.

Anthro: Salty Seas Dress (2010), Limited Cardi, an AMAZING BOOK

I hope that this post will help at least one frustrated artist out there. It's about making a commitment to your own voice. If you're not willing to make that commitment, then how do you expect anyone else to? Music is a gift and making the most of the gift you've been given is essential. I hope I am able to succeed in overcoming my inner critic. I don't expect it to be a perfect journey and I don't expect it to happen overnight. But I will trust the wise Lao Tzu who said: Even the journey of 1000 miles must begin with a single step.

Tiny Windows and Obsession in Art

There are sometimes when at night, I have trouble sleeping because I cannot stop thinking and thoughts and ideas are swirling and swirling around in my head. It's usually on nights like that, I slip on my iPod and turn on a Sports Junkies Podcast and listen to that instead of my brain.

I think the blessing and curse of being in a creative profession is that one can easily become obsessed with one's work and on some level, you need to be. Performing arts careers are not something I would recommend to someone to pursue unless you absolutely cannot do anything else and be happy. The stress of rejection, along with the simple fact that you will be needing to have some sort of other job (to pay your bills) and that your life will not be normal is not exactly glamorous. I'm lucky to have a good friend who understands the extreme highs and lows of life behind a music stand and we are there to support each other when times are good and when they seem their darkest and you feel like no one will hire you.

A few years ago, after I received (or rather, wrestled it away from the institution I was attending) my Master's Degree, I took up a day job in Arts Administration which was somewhat satisfying. I was still working around music and creativity. I didn't think I was talented enough to actually make a living from the field I just spent 7 years studying after high school. I didn't sing a note for anyone for a long time, until I was 2 years into my Pre-Med Program at Harvard Extension School where I was pretending to be someone who was good at math. I sang a song set for a friend's recital and at rehearsal, my best friend turned to me and said; "What are you doing? Why aren't you singing anymore? You're wasting it, man.". I appreciated her candor and I asked myself the same question. That one performance felt like a recovering addict's forbidden, sweet taste of their vice that crumbles them into helpless relapse. I figured I would give it a try while I was still young and if I wanted to be a doctor after I failed, it was always there.

Three years later, I can say I've come a long way, but lately I've become somewhat obsessed with my work. Obsessed with programming recitals, writing exercises for students, learning new music, etc. It's both frightening and delightful at the same time. I am currently programming a recital of all 20th and 21st Century Music (two living composers too!) and I feel alive with excitement and anticipation! I may not be the best soprano in town, but I love it hard. I know if you love music hard, it gives love back to you. A Labor of Love, indeed. Letting music back into my life was the best thing I have ever done.

The Tiny Windows Dress is a Dress I loved so much last summer, I bought two. Today felt like a pink day, being the perfect 70º day. I'm still wearing an ace bandage on my ankle as its still really swollen, puffy and painful. It's a little frustrating, but I'll try to be patient with my recovery. It's not stopping me from walking all over the city. I guess I just can't try kickboxing this month :)

I hope everyone is having a wonderful week! BEMF is so great this year! I am enjoying some beautiful performances this week!

Mushroom Bourguignon & the Peggy Sue Dress

It's Mother's Day! Have you called your mommy yet?

As well as loving to wear pretty dresses and sing pretty music, I also adore to putz around in the kitchen. I adore French food, but don't do that much French cooking in reality. It's involved and there's lots of butter and cream going on. I love beef bourguignon and have made it from time to time. It's delicious, but quite heavy. So, last night, I decided to try a recipe for the mushroom version I saw on Smitten Kitchen. 

Start with lucious, portobello mushroom caps...

Slice.

Simmer with wine, onion, garlic, stock and other yummy stuff...

Serve over creamy egg noodles...swoon!

 This is a great little recipe if you are vegetarian or prefer to eat less meat. I certainly love good beef, but in reality, I only eat meat maybe twice a week. I'm not gonna lie, it's a tad labor intensive (I like low maintenance food) but it's worth it.

I got asked to sing at a recital of a composition major at the Walnut Hill School this afternoon. Walnut Hill is a high school for the arts and I remember wanting to go there so bad when I was in high school. I was asked to learn the song cycle pretty short notice since the soprano on hire had backed out. I have been working very hard for the last 6 days on this piece, but it's brilliant writing and lots of fun to perform! I thought it was a great chance to wear my Peggy Sue Dress. It's a hard little frock to dress down, but the navy worked great with the Remaining Lilies Cardigan.

Dress: Anthropologie Peggy Sue Dress, Cardigan: Anthropologie Remaining Lilies Cardigan, Shoes: Seychelles Kiss at Midnight Pump

 I was feeling so pumped after my performance, I thought I might as well leap! My ankle is feeling much better so I think I'll be heading to the gym tomorrow before work!

It's Sunday and that means it's time for another Dereck and Kay Show today at 7:00. Please listen in and call in if you feel so inclined! We'd love to hear from you!

The Irresistable Maxi goes for Baroque

Hello, ladies! Well, last night went great! I personally think the dress rehearsal was better vocally all around, but it was a great to get back into the swing of doing a solo concert again. It's been a long time! And I'm excited about collaborating again with this program at another venue (fingers crossed someone else will hire us!). I want to thank the ladies who wished me well and said sweet things about my sound sample. You guys are the sweetest!

And...the dress. FAB. It was a big hit. Even though I had it tailored, I still find it a touch too long. But whatever. Tracy Reese is on a roll, dude.

Cats in the pictures again. Hams.

Um...what to wear for shoes? Glad Rags T-Straps! The only heel I had high enough to accommodate the hem.

Anyway, tons of auditions coming up. I hate auditioning. It's so awkward always makes me super nervous, but c'est la vie.

I also have a new obsession: San Pellegrino Limonata. It's so good. Does anyone else love this little can of soda? I don't even like to drink soda, but somehow, when it's European and fancy, then it's okay. I don't even know if it's actually soda.

This crap appeals to my former European-dweller sensibilities. Why is it so good?! Is it laced with something? Crack? Plus, it's called "Limonata" which is fun to say, because it's L-eemon, not Leh-mun. Lee-moh-nah-tah...mmmmm...

Sweet and Salty.

Well, 9 months after I purchased the dress from the EA Trade Market, it's finally a nice enough day here in Boston to wear it! At one point, it was 80º. Craziness! I had the dress tailored to be a petite length and I had the straps shortened.

Dress: Anthropologie: Salty Seas Dress, Cardi: Limited (old), Wedges: Joe Campbell

Plus, it is the first time all year I haven't had to wear tights! This dress makes me so happy! How can you not love it, it's got friggin' lobsters all over it!

Last night was my dress rehearsal for my little concert tonight and I must say that my lutenist and I are sounding awesome! Singing such gorgeous music doesn't hurt it either :) For those of you who have never heard a John Dowland song, do yourself a favor and click on the video:



And...of course...this song is totally on my program tonight. This is my first time doing a program with lute and I am TOTALLY in LOVE with it. It's sooooooooooooooo intimate and the lute is so gorgeous. I'm very excited about tonight! PLUS, I'm even more excited about wearing the gorgeous Tracy Reese dress during it! It's the perfect length now and the color is OUTRAGEOUS!

Are there enough all-capital words in this post for you? I'm not excited or anything.

Edit: Not a diva, by any means, but a preview from last night's rehearsal for those who care to listen: 

O, Sweet Woods by AnthroFlux

I'm Back in Stock! (Size 0)

Well...remember me? I've been away from my blog for a while and for that, I apologize. I have been keeping up with others' blogs, but I've been refraining from posting for one reason or another. I have recently taken on quite a bit of work and it's been eating up a lot of time. Between teaching, outreach, my retail job, gigs, the radio show and getting ready for my concert at the end of the month (and also something else called "life") I've been stretched pretty thin. However, all of this has been very exciting! I'm perfectly okay with being busy if I get to do something I absolutely LOVE! I've never been a "regular job" kind of person and this crazy life is me all day long. I have been very motivated and been auditioning and singing my little butt off all of March and April. I also have some plans for some voiceover coaching and creating a demo in early summer, so it's very exciting, yet somewhat insane...so something had to go on the back burner and it was unfortunately, Anthro Flux.

BUT, I'm back and the good thing is, I did not stop photographing outfits, although most of the pictures are poor quality. I have GREATLY enjoyed sporting a lot of my pretty frocks whilst I've been away. So, enjoy!

 

Anthro: Marine Mural Dress

Express: Cashmere Cardi (super old)

I adore, adore, adore this dress! It's so comfortable and I was super, super lucky to snag it on a charge send for $29.95. It's gorgeous, the print is incredible and it's comfortable as all get out. I LOVE marine themes and the little octopus on it is way cute. This is the first time I've worn this dress since I received it last season and I'm so happy to have it.

 Sweater: Ann Taylor Cashmere (old)

Skirt: Antho 1952 Skirt

I'm always challenged about how to wear this skirt because I'm so short and it's long and has a very serious pattern and poof to it. However, I love it and being the savvy Anthro shopper (and cheap), I scored this one for $29.95 after waiting months and months for it to hit sale. I find it works really great with a fitted top and subtle accessories to let the awesomeness of the pattern be the focus.

 

 Top: Anthro Molded and Melded Tee

Cardi: Limited (super ancient, it even has a small hole)

Belt: Anthro High Prairie Belt

Skirt: Anthro Flight Round the Garden Skirt

Boots: Anthro Bowtied-Beauty Boots

This was a really fun outfit for a crazy day. When the Natalie Lété collection debuted last year I was taken by many of the pieces. I own 3 and this skirt is the first one I bought. It runs slightly small which was great for me, because I also run small :)

 

Top: Anthro Picture Frame Blouse

Cardi: Anthro Stretching Sprigs Cardigan

Skirt: Anthro Circle the Globe Skirt

Boots: Payless Marley Boots

Boy, this picture sucks doesn't it? And check out the demon cat in the background! I remember this day, this was my first rehearsal with my lutenist for my concert later in the month and I was feeling pretty super. It was the first time it was warm enough to wear my CTG Skirt since summer and I suddenly remember why I was so in love with it. It's the only skirt I've paid full price for and don't regret a single dollar. The color is the best!

 

Top: Express Button-down (old)

Cardi: Limited

Skirt: Anthro Weave-The-Ring Skirt

Boots: Anthro Elk Camp Wedge Boots

I walked into Anrtho one day just to see what was going on and came across these boots that someone returned. (There are NO Anthros that sell shoes anywhere in my state although there are like 5 stores) They run a whole size too small and when I tried them on (they are labeled size 40), they fit PERFECT. For $69.95 (originally $298) they were too awesome to pass up and I think they are my new favorite pair, especially since they are mid-calf. Anthropologie Gods were smiling on me that day.

 

Dress: Anthro Dreamy Drape (aka Speckled Ink) Dress

Necklace: Anthro Gilded Impatiens Necklace

Shoes: Anthro Glad Rags T-Straps 

This was my attempt to exorcise this dress from bad audition karma. I had previously worn this pretty for an audition in October which I completely bombed (well, not completely, but it wasn't awesome and I cried over it). I decided to wear it to another audition! Well, I felt good going in, but for some reason, I didn't do as well as I thought I could have! I do not know the results yet, so we'll see whether or not I have exorcised this little Tracy Reese Dress. No matter what happens, I still LOVE it! And I have to add, I was the only soprano wearing yellow shoes.

So, I'm in the middle of my run with Boston Ballet singing in the Fairy Chorus during their run of Midsummer Night's Dream. I did this gig back in 2007 and am SO pleased to be asked to do it again. The Boston Ballet has been moved from the Wang Center to the Opera House downtown and it's a much smaller orchestra pit. We don't get to see the stage this time (boo, hiss!), so I don't get to watch the awesome dancing. So here is what I see:

 

Dress: Anthro Southward Stop Shirtdress

Boots: Anthro Elk Camp Wedge Boot

I wish we could wear colors in the pit, but we have to wear concert black. We are at the back of the pit and there are people seated right in front of it, so they can most definitely see us! However, we are having so much fun and it doesn't stop us from laughing when the dry ice spills from the stage into the pit right over us. 

Thanks for reading this super long catch-up post! I am back full force, because I missed my little blog! I hope all of you are doing FABULOUS and I'll be bringing back the Anthro Flux Closet Challenge as promised this month (albeit scaled down a bit). Stay tuned, ladies! 

Check-in: Dreaming of Spring

Good morning, Ladies! Just wanted to let you know I was still alive! Over the past week I have found myself presented with a few wonderful professional opportunities. It turns out, in springtime, will be a concert bonanza! I am so excited to be getting back on track after having such a horrible time in Autumn. I am happy to be a working singer again and I'm motivated to pursue more opportunities in my work. Not that I don't love my day job, but I'd much rather sing for my supper, if you know what I mean :)

That said, I haven't been to Anthro very much...I did score a Laced with Grace Dress on Sunday after I couldn't stop thinking about it all week long. The gal that answered the phone at the Cambridge store was nice enough to track one down for me and on Sunday, I exchanged my Curry Comb Cardigan for it (plus, $30). The ladies at Anthro Cambridge have been so nice ever since the store opened! So, I thought I'd give them a shout-out.

It's also been a GRUELING winter here in New England. It's the worst I've seen in YEARS...possibly ever. It's not terribly motivating to get dressed all pretty when there are icy sidewalks, 9' snow piles and 4" deep puddles everywhere :P

I'll be back soon with reviews and outfits for you!

Making up for Lost Time in B-minor

It's January and I'm a teeny bit behind on my Audition Applications for 2011.

In the Boston Metropolitan Area, the Organization called Boston Singer's Resource has an annual regional audition for a panel of auditors who may or may not be able to offer you a gig, but you only get 4 minutes to sing. Since this audition is only once a year, the last time I did this audition I had come down with a bad cold and refused to cancel. I had made up my mind that I could sing through the sickness, even though I was sick enough to call out of my retail job that morning. I was so out of it, I drove all the way to the audition location and realized, I left my music at home! I drove ALL the way back to grab it and got there just in time. I sang pretty poorly and received scores and comments that reflected it. My self-confidence took a huge hit from it and I did not have enough chutzpah to sing it again in 2010. Even though I am having a hard season, I promised myself I would attempt it again...but not if I was sick, which is rare nowadays anyway. So...it was the first one I filled out.

For today's rehearsal, I pulled out my Lost Time Skirt. This sits in my closet and I always forget how cute it is until I put it on.

Skirt: Anthro Lost Time Skirt, Cardi: J.Crew Jackie Cardigan, Shoes: Bare Traps

 My hubs hasn't quite got a grasp on the camera yet and caught the very white couch arm in every photo. I was quite pleased to wear this skirt to the first rehearsal of the Bach B-minor Mass which I will be performing in March. I actually always love March because it's Bach's Birthday and that always means lots of Bach concerts! If you haven't guessed yet, Johann Sebastian Bach is my very favorite composer with Francis Poulenc being a close second.

I am so excited about this rehearsal process! All Bach all the time is a very awesome thing! Here is an aria from the end of the piece. The melody is so hauntingly beautiful. If you have never heard a Countertenor before, you're in for a treat. I know a lot of people get freaked out when men sing and it sounds like a "woman", but to my ear, a countertenor sounds nothing like a woman. He just sounds like a countertenor, like a viola and it's a beautiful sound. I LOVE Countertenors and Andreas Scholl is a pretty popular one right now:

Refined in Red and Anthro Website Magic

I think all of my days should be like yesterday...music all day long from morning until late night. I had a meeting for my music outreach program in the morning (which I'm SO excited about doing again! 4th graders writing their own songs?! So fun!!!), a voice lesson in the afternoon (I love my teacher!), and a rehearsal at night. Perfection. And I made music all day long in my Red Refined Cord Shirtdress. I also got a chance to try on my new Delancey Boots that arrived yesterday!

Look at DEMON CAT in the background!!!!

 The Refined Cord has been my favorite thing to grab all season so far. I know, I know...I said the same thing about the Sugar-coated Shirtdress, but I end up reaching for this one much more often. I promised myself that if I bought another one, it would have to be on sale and not at full-price. The moment I spotted a red one in the store on Tuesday, I grabbed it. It's so cute! My husband says he likes this color more than the navy, although I think I actually like the navy a little more. I am wearing the Delancey Boots and the Pony Prix Tights as well.

Sorry for the crappy pics. The Delancey Boots (Lucky Penny, sale price $149.95) which I scored on a popback are really nice! I can tell they are going to be a pain to break in, but I think they are cute! The quality is really nice and the little sweater bit at the top is a nice touch.

I logged on to the Anthro Website this morning and took a look at my wishlist and it was showing BOTH: "web style #" and "Retail Sku#" next to the product!!! I thought this was amazing and a great change, then POOF!!!! It was gone!!! Maybe they are experimenting, but I liked it. I hope this little feature comes back! It would make searching for items though CS and calling stores a lot easier!

In all good news, I finally am going to get my car back today! I am very excited, although a little nervous to drive it back! I am scared someone else is going to hit it again!

OOTD: 1952 Molded and Melded

 

Anthro: 1952 Skirt (now $29.95!), Molded and Melded Tee

Cardigan: Ann Taylor Petites (old), Scarf: Ann Taylor (old)

Boots: Payless!

Look at the petite girl wearing this long, weird skirt! I love this so much, but it's a little tricky to style. I thought paring it with black and wearing boots instead of heels would make me look less stumpy. I adore the pattern of this skirt and I felt so adorable in it at church this morning. I totally rocked my solo, but I had a totally embarrassing moment. I'm supposed to stand about 3 bars until the end of the introduction of a hymn to cue the congregation when to start singing. The last hymn, I stood like a whole PAGE early (like 30 seconds of music) cause the first page had a double bar line at the end, so I just went into auto pilot. I was like; "Why isn't anyone else standing?!?!". Then I felt like a total idiot!  Luckily, I don't think I'll be getting fired over it ;-) LOL

It's SUNDAY!!! That means a NEW live Dereck and Kay Show! We are having a facebook fan contest!!! The show should be terrific tonight, so be sure to tune in! Who knows!? You could win some crap from Starbucks!!!!!

A Tough Couple of Days and OOTD

Happy Saturday, Ladies! I hope everyone is taking it easy today. Thank you so much for your thoughts on my audition outfit choices! It helped a lot!

Well, I have some weird news for you guys. So, after my post on Thursday morning, I was on my way to work and whilst I was in unfortunately involved in an auto accident! There was a State Trooper (quite luckily) on the scene and I didn't even have to deal with the other driver (who was cited). I wasn't hurt really, but my back and neck are a little sore from suddenly tensing up and probably from the impact (my car was struck on the rear side and it spun around, scary!!!). It's the first time that I've been in an accident and I was super shaken up. For some reason, I had the brilliant idea to keep on going to work (I was almost there anyway) and I didn't really have time to emotionally react. I spent 6 hours at work just, yanno...working and then my poor back started to hurt. I'm feeling better today.

I still had to audition for Super Amazing Conductor™ yesterday afternoon. It was kind of hard for me to keep focused since I was super traumatized by...oh, I dunno...being in a freaking car crash! But, I woke up yesterday and sounded decent, so I was ready to go and YES, I did wear the gray Dreamy Drape dress with the Foxy Tights! They looked so good together and that dress is just so soft, it almost makes you feel like you have nothing on, which is cool and creepy at the same time. I was feeling so good!!!! It was kind of rainy and windy but it was HOT! I got to the venue on time and I was ready to go and here's what they had asked me to prepare:

• 2 Arias from the BAROQUE repertoire, at least one of which is in English
• sight reading

Sweet! I was ready! When I singing my first aria, I suddenly became super nervous, but it manifested itself in my left leg shaking out of control! How embarrassing!  Regardless, I thought I sang well. My second aria wasn't as good, but it was decent. At that point, I was given some advice and was told; "Thank you." NO SIGHT-READING. Even though, I could see some stuff on a music stand right to my left.

I made the assumption that this meant, it wasn't even worth their time to see how well I sightread and I proceeded to have a full-on, emotional, opera-diva breakdown. I kept my composure until I was outside the building and then I let loose! I cried in front of the building, I cried on the train on the way home, I cried in the street and I cried back at my apartment! I think I had a delayed reaction from the car accident or maybe I had some pent-up frustration, but let me tell you ladies, I was inconsolable for about 3 hours.

After I got back to reality, I saw more clearly. As a musician or any performing artist, you never know WHAT to takeaway from an audition, until you get the results about the gig. The ones you think you rocked, you don't get the gig and they never want to hear you again and the ones you feel like were kind of sucky, you get the gig. You cannot predict whether or not you get hired from what you experience at the audition because it's a weird situation. I definitely over-reacted. I will patiently wait for either a "Thank you, but no" letter or a contract. Either way, it's not the end of the world. This was my first full on Diva Breakdown™. I think I'm fully inducted into my field now...wearing Anthro and all.

Anyway, I needed to be with my best friends last night, so I went to my good friend's performance and afterward, we went to dinner and cocktails! I of course was wearing Anthro! Here's what a post-breakdown, post-car crash, Anthropologie addict looks like at midnight!

Anthro: Dagmar Shirtdress, Anthro: High Prairie Belt (The Black colorway has quietly disappeared from the wesbite?), Nine West Boots (old)

Boo, there's some smooge on the camera lens. I LOVE the Dagmar Shirtdress! It's so flattering and the pattern is so bold and feminine at the same time. It was fine for this cool autumn evening and I got lots of compliments on it! I hope to get some Anthro therapy today and I'll be back with some reviews! I hope you all are having a great and safe weekend!!!