Fall Wardrobe for Bob

I went out shopping to freshen up Bob's work wardrobe today. Found some cool stuff at good prices. Think next week I need to hit the mall for a few things for myself.

Dress Hunting Season

It's that time of year once again -- yes, time to find a dress for the Winter Gala. This year's gala is not black tie as it has been the past three years. It is cocktail instead. That doesn't mean much difference for me, but it means no tux for Bob.

I went out today & found one in about an hour. I tried on at least 30 and ended up with the second one I tried on! :D Can't really explain why I tried on so many. I even tried styles I wouldn't normally choose. I guess I was in the mood for torture...lol!!

It's made of matte jersey so not nearly as dressy as previous gala dresses.

Beading detail on straps at neckline.

UGH - photography class certainly has not improved the quality of my dress images...lol!!

My Fall/Winter Fashion

Olivia & I went shopping this afternoon. She had money from her paycheck burning a hole in her pocket (This is what's leftover, as she calls it, after the 50% we require her put into her savings account.) She bought herself some goodies and never once hinted that I should buy it for her. She thought about her purchases a lot longer than she would have had Mommy been paying. She's starting to think of how many hours it takes her to make a certain amount, and realizing it's "real" value.

I also made a few purchases to freshen up my seriously boring fall wardrobe. I picked up this sweater in perfect plum at TJ Maxx for $19.99, this sweater in dark brown (not on website), and this top for under it. A couple more of the fun fall sweaters that are out there, and I will be all set!

Help Me

My hair needs help big time! My bangs are too long, I need the length trimmed, and my roots are beginning to show. I am trying to wait until my usual stylist, Diane, returns from maternity leave to have my hair done, but I need it done SOON! I am not sure of the exact date she will be back, but she better hurry!! :) The stylist I went to last time wasn't bad, but she wasn't Diane either. Diane just knows my hair!

Hurry back woman or I will be spending the foreseeable future in ponytails with headbands! LOL!!

The Dress

Here is the best shot I could get of the dress. The true color is so hard to capture which must be why I cannot find it online.

The shot on the left is pretty close to capturing the true color that the black overlay gives to the overall dress color. On the right is the color of the satin. Pretty close to one of those hot 80s colors, isn't it?

Anthropologie

I just learned today that Anthropologie has finally come to Milwaukee. I knew one was coming and have been so excited for it to open. Well, I just read today was opening day. I didn't have time to go, but I plan to next week! Woohoo!

Project Runway Countdown Begins

I just read the "official" word that Project Runway's fourth season will begin on November 14. I am SO excited, and will be counting the days! :) Here are the names of the 15 designers who will be competing this season:

- Carmen, 37: Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina; Resides in New York
- Chris, 44: Hometown: San Francisco; Resides in New York
- Christian, 21: Hometown: Annapolis, Maryland; Resides in New York
- Elisa, 42: Hometown: El Paso, Texas; Resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Jack, 38: Hometown: Seattle; Resides in New York
- Jillian, 26: Hometown/Resides In: Long Island, New York
- Kevin, 30: Hometown: Fairfield, New Jersey; Resides in New York
- Kit, 26: Hometown/Resides in: Los Angeles
- Marion, 39: Hometown: Tyler, Texas; Resides in Dallas
- Rami, 31: Hometown: Ramallah, Jerusalem; Resides in Los Angeles
- Ricky, 35: Hometown: Escondido, California; Resides in New York
- Simone, 32: Hometown: San Francisco; Resides in Los Angeles
- Steven, 30: Hometown/Resides in: Chicago
- Sweet P, 46: Hometown: Los Angeles: Resides in Glendale, California
- Victorya, 34: Hometown: Winchester, Virginia; Resides in New York

Anyone else as excited about this as I am? Bring it on!

Simply Vera

If you want anything from the Simply Vera line at Kohl's, I suggest you order from their website or RUN to the store right now! The line is going to be shown on Oprah tomorrow, and we all know what happens when Oprah likes something.

I checked it out today and love it! Some of it is a little dressy for my needs so I didn't pick anything up.

I Heart Dancing Hannah!

Isn't this lovely? I recently purchased this necklace from Shelbi of Dancing Hannah & Keeper of the Chocolates fame! It arrived QUICKLY in beautiful packaging along with a sweet note of thanks! The piece is more wonderful in person!

If you like unique, one-of-a-kind pieces, stop by Dancing Hannah. You will not be disappointed. While you are there, make sure you notice the amazing shots Shelbi takes to show off the details of her beautiful creations. Just keep your hands off the pieces I have my eye on...lol!! :)

Dress Shopping -- UGH!

We have a wedding Friday afternoon, and I have been looking for a dress for a couple weeks now. The reception is at a country club so I want something not too casual, but not black tie formal either. Do you know how hard it is to find something like that? I did find one this afternoon, but now that I have it home I think the style is too mature for me. Guess that means I have to go back to pounding the tiles of the mall once again tomorrow.

Tuesday's Tri Training: 35 minute run
Today's Tri Training: REST (If that's what you call running from store to store in two malls.)

I Heart Target!

I found the cutest little white bird salt & pepper shakers this afternoon. I cannot find them on the website, but will post a pic tomorrow after I have them in their new home.

These aren't in store, at least not my Target, but check out their version of Wellies at target.com! SO cute! I am thinking of order two pair for myself! How about three?

Thursday Thirteen #5

Thirteen Fads I wore in the 70s & 80s
1. GASS shoes

2. Banana Clips

3. Diaper Shorts -- Made of a long strip of material with ties on each end. To wear: tie the front "panel" around your waist with the tie in the back. This will leave the back "panel" hanging down in front of you. Bring the fabric up between your legs just like a diaper to cover your behind...lol. Wrap ties from both panels around to the front of your waist and tie in a nice little bow. These were usually made of safari print fabrics. I think they took about 15 minutes to make so I had about 10 pair...lol!

4. Jelly Shoes -- I even had a pair of them in HIGH heels! UGH! To wear with my diaper shorts of course!

5. Leg warmers

6. Ear cuffs -- A metal cuff that slid on and fit closely around the cartilage of the ear. Usually they had a charm of some sort on them.

7. Moon boots

8. Roach Clip Hair Clips -- A roach clip decorated with leather strips, beads and colorful feathers. We wore them in our hair, clipped to a belt loop or a purse. I was so naive; I didn't know what these were "really" used for until about 10 years ago...lol!!

9. Satin running or boxing shorts with matching tube tops. YIKES!

10. Terry cloth anything -- In sixth grade, I had a dress with a red & white striped knit bodice and white terry cloth skirt. It was supposed to look like a two piece outfit. Man, that thing was hideous!

11. Big hair and LOTS of AquaNet.

12. Express off the shoulder sweatshirt and matching spandex pants. The color of Express and the pants were bright pink, turquoise, orange or green. Mine was the turquoise!

13. Swatch watches (nope not just one...lol) with the swatch bands.

I could go on and on! Remember wearing about four or five shirts? A turtleneck, a polo or two, with an oxford or two over those and the collars up on all of them! LOL!! Talk about layering!

Links to other Thursday Thirteens! brit stacie Ms. George kimo & sabi

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Fashion Change

I wasn't able to find the shoes I posted yesterday in my size. I am not going to run around to three more malls. I have enough to do this week without spending another day or two running around town. Here they are:

Nina Spicy, Black Luster

(Again, the picture is in a color other than black (red) so it is easier to see the details.)

I love them!! I think they go with the style of my dress a little better than the ones I picked out yesterday. The best part is the are more comfortable than the ones I picked out yesterday. I think that is because of the platform.

The Shoes & Jewels

I found the shoes I wanted for the gala. Of course, they didn't have them in my size at the mall I was at today. Luckily, I live in an area with 5 malls who all have this store. It's just my luck that the one closest to me doesn't have my size in stock.

The shoes:

Nina Fashion, Black Luster
(The image is actually steel luster.
I used this color for the image because it was easier to see the detail.)

The jewels:

apt 9. Crystal Opulence Necklace

apt. 9 Crystal Opulence Earrings

Calling Harry Winston or Fred Leighton

I hit the mall yesterday afternoon and found my dress for the Winter Gala in about 45 minutes. I tried on seven or eight dresses. The one I picked was the second I tried on and knew the second I slid it over my head. I kept going just to be sure.

Before Christmas I saw this dress and have had it stuck in my head since. I had my heart set on it and was hoping I would still be able to find it in my size now. I did find it in my size, but it accentuated ALL the wrong places on me. The waist is pleated which made the full skirt add WAY too many inches to my backside. It would be darling on someone with the right shape.

The second dress is Jones New York. It fits perfectly in all the right places. It camouflages all the spots that need a little camouflaging. The chiffon & lightweight satin with deco faux brooch was the winner!

I wasn't able to find an image of the dress online and hanging on the hanger doesn't do it much justice.

The dress is made of a light weight black satin. The straps and the fabric draping from the faux brooch are chiffon. The straps cross in the back. I LOVE the bodice on this baby!

Bob wasn't too crazy about me wanting a red dress for this event, but what does he know about fashion? The little black dress isn't just black anymore...lol!

I still need to find shoes and jewelry. Do you think if I called Harry Winston or Fred Leighton, one of them would would loan me a couple baubles? LOL!!

Lovin' Everyday Minerals

I recently discovered a new brand of make-up, and I am in love! I am not a big fan of foundation, but let me tell you I need it...lol!! I ordered the Everyday Minerals sample kit last Tuesday, it arrived Friday. I could not get the package open fast enough. This stuff is wonderful. I do not feel like I am wearing any make-up and my skin looks better than it ever has with any make-up. It's similar to Bare Minerals, but I like the price tag on Everyday Minerals MUCH better! :)

You can order the sample kit here. All you pay for the sample kit is shipping, and you chose how quickly you would like to begin using EM!

Rekindling My Sewing Passion

Finally! I chose fabric and a pattern for my first clothing project in a LONG time. I spent quite a bit of time on some pattern websites and sewing blogs today. I chose a kimono style shirt from Simplicity 4020. I was inspired to do this by Stacy Sews!

Here it is:

In this fabric:

The fabric is a jersey knit in olive green (a bit lighter than it appears in the scan) with gold flecks. It is SO soft!

Miss USA in the PR Gown

I want this evening gown:



You can see a better picture of Tara Conner, Miss USA, in the gown here.

When I Grow Up

When I grow up, I would love to be a fashion (or interior) designer! I have LOVED sewing since I was about 6.

I have been watching this season's Project Runway. From what I have seen in the first two episodes I really like the styles of Laura Bennett and Kayne Gillaspie.

The task in last night's episode was to design a dress for Miss USA, Tara Conner, to wear in the Miss Universe pagent. (I believe it airs this Sunday night.) Kayne was the winning designer. Isn't that dress stunning? I think I want one...lol!! Ooooh, Kayne!! hehehe!

Watching Project Runway is stirring up the sewing passion in me again. I have the itch to make myself some new clothing. However, my trips to the local JoAnn's in the last two weeks have left much to be desired in the fabric department. Unless you are looking to do some crafting or make a dress out of polar fleece. I guess I will have to venture out of the immediate area a bit or hit eBay.