Where the Striped Things Are

Having grown up in NYC, I was bred with a certain amount of insecurity over a lot of things and Rule #1 was always make sure you stuff is locked down. To the degree that when I first moved out of the city years ago, I had a Club in my car (so old school, I know, but it - and the car - were passed down to me by my big sis and yes, I used it).

Combine that with a personal penchant to watch scary movies and then really be scared by them and we can fast-forward to today: BF is out of town on business all week and I'm home alone in our new place by myself for the first time.

I'm a silly person, I know. It's not like I haven't lived by myself before or can't discern reality from fiction. But I am taking some additional security precautions - a walk through the house before bed to make sure all the doors and windows are locked, phone by the bed, a jingly bell on the front door (if people are trying to break in, I want to know - not really - OK, really), a security Pooh Bear to snuggle with, an aluminum bat within easy reach ...

Are there any additional security precautions you ladies take when you find yourself home alone or in a strange place by yourself?

Today's outfit in spite of the weather.

Doing my best pirate "arrrgghhh."

This shot is for the BF, who equates nautical to pirates (he secretly hearts pirates like I heart vampires).

I also tried tucking in the split collar, but then I went from feeling pirate-y to

very "come on knock on our door ... we've been waiting for you ... " You get the point.

Dress: Banana Republic knit striped

Belt: Anthropologie Infinity (my vote for 'Best Belt You Can Wear While Eating')

Shoes: Keds Spright peep-toe wedges

Clutch: Old Navy ruffled metallic

Necklace: Laila Rowe