Displacement, Used Furniture & Dreams.

I suppose it's the fact that I just moved out of my apartment in Olathe, back home for another six months: I still feel like I'm in some kind of funky transit. Almost all of my clothes came with me, but all of my furniture went east to Columbia into my brother's condo. It's a relatively large place to fill so we're talking about my completely awesome sofa and bench, super-comfy bed, rolled-steel bookcase, and dining room set. That stuff went away a week before I actually left the place so I made do with a thick sleeping bag surrounded by bags and boxes for a few days, which I didn't really mind at all. (My inner minimalist nods in approval.)

Most of the rest of my non-essential personal belongings remain in the otherwise-empty apartment, which I technically still occupy until the end of the month. I'll go get the rest of my crap over an upcoming weekend, but in the meantime I'm left with an almost-disquieting sense of displacement because so much of my stuff feels like it's everywhere. I realize that's pretty overblown and sounds alarmingly materialistic -- and I swear I'm not -- but there it is.

That's probably the reason I found myself looking at furniture for sale on Craigslist. I've never really used that site for buying stuff (leave that to my sister) but I'm looking ahead to when I get my own place again after graduation this summer. Since I'm not planning on taking anything to Seattle other than what can fit in my car, I'm going to have to start over with regards to household items and furniture. This is pretty exciting -- the prospect of starting completely fresh, free to design and arrange my new place to fit my own standards and aesthetics. With the limitation of budget, of course ...

... which is why Craigslist is so appealing at the moment. During the hour or two of my fantasy used-item window-shopping experience, I found several relatively inexpensive pieces that would look great arranged together in an apartment. I had visions of repainting end tables, installing shelves, reupholstering bar stools and hanging original art on my new unblemished walls. I saw myself visiting consignment stores and finding the perfect office desk, ready for a second life. I wanted to take "before" and "after" photos of my glorious handiwork and submit them to the galleries on Apartment Therapy. Okay, so that last one's far-fetched, but the homes (even the tiny 500-square-foot spaces) featured on that site are seriously tasteful, carefully maintained and well-appointed -- and always leave me all jealous and whatnot. But they give me something to build toward.

I know I have a number of months to go before I can even begin to start outfitting my new crib from the ground up, and years before I can even think of being able to afford an actual home that I can, you know, do things to -- but it doesn't hurt to be prepared.

Maybe I should stop browsing Craigslist and AT. Ah who am I kidding -- it doesn't hurt to dream a little :)

Retail Therapy 001: Dangoon | Funnel-Neck Zip Jacket.

I have never considered myself a shopaholic. Back when I was working full-time, I limited shopping to a couple of times a year and bought pieces mostly for the office. I do have to admit my greatest impulse buys were caps/hats (damn you, Urban Outfitter!!) but they are largely timeless, so I like to think of those as investments -- plus I can still rock 'em with no hesitation. So no, shopping wasn't really the addiction for me as it was for some of my friends.

Lately though, I have gotten the itch to buy something. I'm currently phasing out the baggier casual clothing I used to wear on a daily basis and replacing them with slimmer gear that actually fits better (yes Mom, you were right). Since the weather is definitely getting colder, I wanted some some new autumn outerwear, but didn't feel like rocking anything from the usual department stores found here in Kansas City. I turned to the Web.

I'd read about YesStyle a few weeks ago, so I decided to visit the site. Apparently they're the fashion arm for YesAsia, a huge site where you can buy Japanese/Chinese/Korean DVDs, electronics and music. I figured it might be cool to get some gear from overseas, and found this jacket from Dangoon, a South Korean fashion brand:

Dope silhouette. It's got "unusually cut side pockets, zipper hardware on the sleeves and body and a funnel neck with straps." Not your run-of-the-mill top. I really like the features, fabric and the cut so I'll give it a try. Since the order is being shipped from across the Pacific it'll take a couple of weeks to get here, but I'm thinking it'll be worth it. I'll post an update when I get it in the mail ...

Scarf Weather.

Today, if you hadn't been aware, is the Autumnal Equinox, signifying that the night and day are about equally long. Also known as the First Day of Autumn -- my absolute favorite season -- this event can only mean one thing:

SCARF WEATHER IS FINALLY UPON US! *cue trumpets*

Hollaaaaaa!! Very soon it'll be time to break out the knit caps, hoodies, light jackets, sweaters and other clothing layers. About time too ... I was getting tired of coming out of work to find that my car had mysteriously transformed into an oven, and having my clothes stick to me at inopportune times. Seeing as I hate sweating when I'm not supposed to be sweating (and I perspire very easily), the change to cooler weather will be welcomed with open arms.

I haven't really been clothes shopping much since I went back to school almost two years ago; I relegated shopping to every few months and hit up consignment stores when I did go. I'd never paid them much notice before, and I'm kinda mad at myself now for not doing so then. When Gen lived there a few years ago, she upped me on consignment shopping during one of my visits and it was like I damn near experienced Retail Enlightenment. I mean how are you gonna pass up perfectly-fitting designer denim for about $20-40?

You can't. (If you can, your will is definitely stronger than mine.)

Not that I ever used to buy cheap stuff, but since I started consignment shopping I've been retro-fitting my wardrobe with some choice apparel. Yeah I'm buying fewer things now, but that only means that I'm more careful with choosing the items I end up purchasing and taking home. I like to think that my "look" has been narrowed down and upgraded as a result. WIN!

So here's to cooler, more comfortable weather! And best believe: I got my scarves on deck.

Rest In Peace, Pluggy.

I love free wifi at the airport. Why stimulate your mind by reading a book when you can surf the Web on someone else's dime while waiting for your flight? The choice is easy.

(Only half-kidding. I'm planning on diving into Savage Peace by Ann Hagedorn in a few minutes.)

We passed by the gutted remains of a Circuit City on the way to the airport earlier this morning. The electronics retail giant's last day of existence fell on the same day as my birthday. And although I'd heard of CC's demise long before then, I'd never gotten around to peeking inside to see if I could cop a good deal on ... well, anything. I don't think I missed much; for one thing, most of the things that are usually "on sale" at CC can be had for regular price at Walmart (or for even less online). I'd read various reports on the Web about the massive nationwide liquidation of items in the stores (good) and the resulting consumer reaction (not good) -- which was enough to turn me off to the whole thing. Not to mention I'm on a budget and don't really need any shiny new toys*.

Anyway I'm a little partial to CC because I used to work there for a few years during college, hawking CDs and making sure little thugrats didn't make off with any merchandise. I worked with a few good friends which made the corporate retail experience fun and almost worthwhile, and it seemed like in those times Circuit City was unstoppable. The store was almost always busy, even on Sunday evenings, and it was a huge event when technological advances like *gasp* DVDs and *gasp* broadband Internet were introduced. It was a good time to be in retail electronics. Just read this glowing article for proof.

Obviously they bit off more than they could chew.

Funny how Best Buy's still around and thriving -- I haven't shopped in a BB for months now either, but they must be doing something right. For one thing, their employees didn't work off commission (to my knowledge). But I'll be popping in now and then if I can't wait to buy some random cable or something. Otherwise, the Web will get my money.

Rest in peace, Pluggy. It was good knowing you.

*I still browse Craigslist for a good deal on a used projector though. I probably turn my TV on for less than an hour a week.