Gorgeous

Oscar de la Renta

Badgley Mischka

Badgley Mischka

Oscar de la Renta

All from Fashion Week. Images from Style.com.

Coco Chanel The Movie

Tonight on Lifetime. Be there or be square.

Best Packaging Ever

The cheese is pretty good too. Found at Super-Target. It was used to make this insanely good recipe with my awesome new Panini press. I made mine with peaches, it was too good for words.

Too Much?

D&G Dolce & Gabbana Ocelot Print Pencil Skirt, Saks $365

I really love it. It will last forever. But $365?

Just the other day, my Mom reminded me about a shopping rule that I used to have. I would not buy anything over $20. This was a long time ago when I was young and always broke, so it was a very practical rule. I think this is how I became such a great bargain hunter, because I had to. But when I started making a little more money, I started upping my limit. For my 30th birthday, I bought myself my first Louis Vuitton handbag. That was a year ago, and sometimes I find myself thinking "what's next?".

I think I might need to go back to the old limit system, but maybe I'll make it a little more than 20 bucks this time...

I'm curious, where do YOU draw the line?

The Fall Runway - Finishing Touches

When it comes to jewelry this Fall, the bigger the better. Large, chunky and bold. All metals are in; silver, gold and gunmetal. Look for fun pieces that really make a statement, none of that dainty, petite jewelry. Large cuffs, bangles and rings are great ways to punch up an outfit.

As far as nails go, keep them clean and neutral. Buff pinks, light metallics, and black will look the part. One color that would really be amazing would be a super pale grey, but I cannot find one anywhere, so if anyone sees it, give me a shout!

The Fall Runway - Accessories

When choosing belts, shoes, and bags, pick items with a little edge and a little attitude. Black is back (again, thank God!) and no more "chocolate" brown everything. Grey is HOT. Belt everything - thank you Sex and the City. Anything croco, quilted, or studded will give your look that little something extra it needs.

Booties are everywhere, especially with skirts. The good news is when that trend is over, you can still wear them with pants and they will look great.

My favorite look this season is hard vs. soft. An example would be a cream silk ruffled top worn with a black leather (leatha for you Project Runway fans) studded belt or bag. Perfection.





Tomorrow: Finishing Touches...

The Fall Runway - Translated Part 2

The next trends were inspired by Blumarine and Chanel. Blumarine is showing major femininity with heaps of ruffles and flowing fabrics and Chanel is classic and perfect as always, with an emphasis on the color grey (and black, but that's a no brainer).

Here are some examples of ways to incorporate these beautiful elements into your own wardrobe. Think ruffles, pleats, tucks, rosettes and detail. Neutral colors keep it clean and from looking costume-y or overdone.

Grey is easy. You most likely already have grey basics in your closet, so bust them out and wear them proud! All shades from light heather greys, to deep charcoals will look great - even together.

Next up, accessories...

The Fall Runway - Translated

There are so many gorgeous trends on the Fall runways this year, and they have me looking forward to Fall fashion. Don't get me wrong, I would happily skip all of the other seasons if it meant having warm Summer weather year round, but I live in Colorado and I have to face reality. Fall is right around the corner.

For my fellow Summer lovers, I don't mean for this to be a downer. I am simply giving you a heads up on some fun items to add to your wardrobe in the next few months.


We will start off with a little gift from my favorite gay Italian designers, Domenico and Stefano, aka Dolce & Gabbana. I.LOVE.THEM.

Basically, the D&G runway looks like attack of the tartans; very plaid, and very red. Since I don't wear ball gowns very often (never), I found some examples of how to participate in this trend in real life, without looking like I should be carrying a bagpipe (well, kinda).


This trend in particular should of course be used sparingly, meaning DO NOT wear a plaid pencil skirt with a plaid blazer or blouse. A little plaid, goes a long way. I know this warning does not apply to 99% of you, but there is always that one woman who will inevitably go ape-shit on a trend - you know the one.


Here is a collage to illustrate my point of view.





More to come tomorrow...

Perfect Summer Lunch

Grilled Squash with Garlic
Organic Mixed Baby Greens
Caprese Salad with Fresh Mozzarella, Roma Tomatoes, EVOO and Balsamic Vinegar
Garlic Breadsticks

A Night on the Town

This outfit makes me happy.

Remember The Jetsons?

Remember that awesome food machine where they would just push a button and in seconds have like a T-bone steak and garlic mashed potatoes? I wish I had one of those machines for clothes. Wouldn't that rock? Birkin Bag, presto! Perfect black pencil skirt, coming right up!

If I had a Jetsons clothes machine, I would be wearing this to work tomorrow.

Asparagus Pee?

I literally ate one spear of asparagus at dinner, and had asparagus pee. I have had this conversation with my friends and it seems that some people get this and some people have no clue what I am talking about. So, to cure my curiosity, lets do a poll:

Do you get asparagus pee? (poll results)

Every time I eat it 10 (76%)

Nope, not me 3 (23%)

I don't know what that is 0 (0%)

Interesting... And very scientific.

So...

Abstract *TUNIC*, Forever 21 $22.80


It turns out that my new "minidress" is actually a shirt. Who knew? I was so excited to wear my new "minidress" because I never wear skirts or dresses cut above the knee, so I was really venturing out of my fashion comfort zone with this one. I went online to get a picture of the dress to show my girlfriend, and found it listed under the "Tops" category, not the "Dresses" category. What a dork.


I'm rockin it anyway.

Wii Likey

Nintendo Wii

I do realize that this post is neither sneaky, nor chic, and probably classifies me as a nerd. However, for those of you who have not played the Nintendo Wii, you are totally missing out. Trust me, I AM NOT a video game person. In fact, I hate video games. But the Wii is so much different. It gets you off of your ass and you even get to create a little character in your likeness called a Mii. That is so cute! Thanks to my friend Melanie and her adorable daughter Lauren, I had the opportunity to play (and get spanked by a 4th grader). We played Tennis, Bowling and Boxing. I also read online that there is a Wii Yoga too - I have got to try that! Now I finally understand all the hype.

If I Had...

Black and Crystal Earrings, LUC KIEFFER $242



an extra $242 just laying around, I would SO buy these. But, I don't. And even though they are completely awesome, I just could not pay that amount of money for plastic and rhinestones.

J'Adore Dior

Christian Dior Extreme Cutout Sandal, Neiman Marcus $780

That's all.

Meow!

Julie Haus Tranquility Zazel Dress, chickdowntown.com, $403
Rachel Leigh Studded Belt, $150


Have you seen those super annoying commercials on TV for chickdowntown.com? Well, they are really lame and don't even show cute outfits, but the theme song was stuck in my head all day yesterday, so I guess the commercial was successful. I went to check out the site and found this gorgeous dress and some awesome accessories. The belt was inspired by Carrie's vintage studded belt in the Sex and the City movie. Me-ow!

Chair Lust

So, one of my current obsessions is a white or cream Barcelona Chair. I really want one (actually two). That chair is just plain awesome. Clean lines, timeless style, a little leather, a little chrome, modern and classic all at the same time, I love it.

I recently posted about my design dilemma here. I am trying to re-vamp my living room that was done by HGTV. I got so many great ideas from the blog world (THANK YOU!). I have been making small changes since then, but now I need chairs. Should I do two of the same, or two different? I kind of lean towards two of the same because I normally prefer symmetry.

Here are some that I like, including the gorgeous Barcelona chair that haunts my dreams. If anyone has a source for a good deal on these, let me know!


Barcelona Chair, DWR $5,027

Abigail Slipper Chair, William-Sonoma Home $995

Beatrice Slipper Chair, Madeline Stuart $ if I have to ask, I can't afford it

Louis XV Bodine Arm Chair, frenchdressing.com $895



I know I have a few different styles going on here, but that's how I roll. I have DMPD design multiple personality disorder. Deal.

Home Sweet Home

My bed.

Vacations were fabulous, but there is NOTHING on this earth better than coming home and sleeping in my own bed! You know what I'm sayin?

The Riu Resort in Puerto Vallarta was great. The grounds were very clean and well maintained. The staff was awesome and really took care of us. If you are a big drinker, then this is the place for you. In addition to being all-inclusive including alcohol, each room has a mini bar stocked daily with sodas, beer, water, tonic and club soda. Why would you need tonic and club soda you ask? Because right above the fridge is a liquor cabinet with Vodka, Gin, Rum, and of course, Tequila - all free. Crazy.

The food was good, not spectacular, but definitely better than I expected- and lots of options. We ate at the Brazilian style restaurant one night and that was really tasty and entertaining.

I was very careful and used bottled water for everything, but I still managed to get sick. Really sick. The kind of sick I am not even going to elaborate on because it is so foul. Unfortunately, I had to travel to our second destination in this condition. Ick.

Riu Jalisco, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Pretty sunset, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

The Dominican Republic was wonderful as always. It was fun to visit my husband's family, whom I love and adore. His class reunion was really nice. I was the only spouse there for the first half until a really nice guy called his wife and told her to come and hang out with me. I guess we didn't get the memo. I was happy to see my husband's face and the excitement in his eyes as he got reacquainted with people that he had not seen in 25 years. That was cool.

First wedding anniversary, June 22, 2008 Dominican Republic

All in all, Montezuma's revenge aside, we had two great trips. Now I have to go tend to my kitty, who at the moment hates my guts for leaving her for 3 weeks. This will require about three full days of ass kissing, petting and brushing before she is back to normal and will let us sleep through the night. God bless the little fur ball!

Coco, my very furry and codependent kitty

Adios Amigos

Tomorrow I leave for 3 weeks in Latin America before I start the new J-O-B. The first week will be spent at a lovely (I hope) resort in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for a little one year wedding anniversary celebration. I am hoping I do not pull a "Charlotte" while we are there, I will definitely be keeping my mouth shut in the shower. For the two weeks following that, we will be in the Dominican Republic for my Husband's 25th class reunion (he's a little older than me :)

I will be back in early July, but if I can post while I'm away, I will. Everyone take care and I will write to you soon!

Bed & Tango (and Breakfast)

There is an amazing woman that you all need to meet. Her name is Valorie Hart aka Visual Vamp. She blogs, she decorates, she tangos, she travels, and she has an adorable dog named Cholo - she is fricken fabulous!

I have to admit, I have never met Miz V in person, we became acquainted through the Internet. But, it is my goal to meet her in person one day. I have to. I have to touch her to make sure she is real. :)

Valorie and her husband Alberto Paz, are Tango Masters and run a Bed & Tango out of their home in the NOLA neighborhood of New Orleans. The weekend package includes private tango lessons and practice time, a guest room with a queen size bed, private bathroom, breakfast and refreshments. PLUS you get to visit the great city of New Orleans - Jazz, shopping, drinking, eating, what could be better?

The Weekend Package price is a very reasonable $600 for one or two persons up to four nights or $225 per day.

For more info or to book your getaway you can visit the blog Visual Vamp or email Valorie directly at mizvtheb@planet-tango.com

Now, get your Tango on!

Back to The Grind

I finally got a job. Boo. Getting laid off was scary, but it was also fun. It gave me time to reflect and to explore what I really want to do with my life. Now I have a goal and a plan for my future, and that is what will motivate me as I return to Corporate America for a while. Hey, I need a paycheck. So for now it is back to the grind, but one day in the near future, there will be bigger and brighter things for me.

I think a new job totally justifies new shoes and a new bag, wouldn't you agree?

Versace Open Toe Pumps $660


Botkier Isis Hobo $625

A girl can dream, can't she?

Worst Blogger Ever

ME!

You know how when you find a blog that you really like, you read it everyday? Me too. And then on the days when there is not a new posting, you are so disappointed? Same here. You think to yourself, why haven't they posted? What is going on in their life that is so important it would keep them from posting? I hope they didn't die (this one is probably just me because I am paranoid and irrational) :)

So, sorry for being the worst blogger ever lately. I will try to do better.

Love,

Sneaky

Cheeky Bev Naps

I love them all, but my favorite is "I love not camping" - that is so me. Available at Z Gallerie for $5.95 per set of 20.

Not So Sneaky

I have been spending an inappropriate amount of time on Craig's List the last couple of days. Seriously. I have a problem. My friend Hayley and I have been constantly emailing each other our awesome CL finds. And she has a job! Anyway, yesterday I scored a cute, cute, cute little credenza/sideboard piece for $60. I am going to work my magic on it and I will post pics when it is restored and glamorous.

It was too big for me to sneak into the garage on my own, so I had to get help from the Hubs. He was not pleased. Not because he had to help me move it, but because I once again purchased something that I do not need. Bah Humbug!

I have learned my lesson: next time I'll get my neighbor to help me :)

Cool Rugs

Just for fun. All available at overstock.com at fabulous prices.

Best Top Coat Ever

I HATE painting my own nails, really because I am impatient and I hate waiting for them to dry. I always seem to mess them up. Not any more! This top coat dries your nails completely in about 15 minutes. I use a base coat and 2 coats of color underneath, so you know this stuff is good! The bonus is that it is super shiny too. I love OPI!

Bravo Samsonite!

I was in the mall the other day and passed by the Samsonite store. I had to do a double take when I saw this awesome luggage. This is part of the Samsonite Black Label line and there is even a collection by Alexander McQueen. I never imagined Samsonite could be so cool. Great, just another thing for me to want!

Seriously?

This is Whitney Thompson, the winner of America's Next Top Model, correction: the "plus-size" winner of America's Next Top Model. She is a size 10.

Since when is size 10 a plus size???

Considering the average size in this country is 14, I think the wrong message is being sent by labeling size 10 as plus size. I think they mean well by showing that a woman who is not stick skinny is beautiful and can be a model. But really, is size 10 the new 24?

I am disgusted.

Design Depression - Please Help!

I must preface this post with: "I really don't mean to sound ungrateful"

Now that we got that out of the way... A few years ago my Husband (fiancee at the time) and I were very lucky to be chosen to be part of a new show on HGTV called My First Place. It was a very exciting and fun experience. HGTV gave us a designer and 3k to decorate any room of our choice in our first house. We chose our formal living/dining room, we figured, 2 birds one stone.
We both loved the room, and I cried on camera like a total moron. As time goes by, I like this room less and less. In fact, it is making me a little ill. I am not sure if it is just the normal "I'm getting tired of looking at this shat" or if it really sucked to begin with, but I was caught up in the moment.

So my dilemma is this, how can I change/update this room to make it look better without upsetting the Husband. You see, he is very frugal and practical, and I AM NOT. He would think I am crazy for wanting to change this room. To me, it feels cluttered and dark. I would love to get some outside opinions from the insightful blog world. Here are the ground rules:

1. Paint color stays - that was a bitch to paint, and I aint doin it again!
2. Window treatments stay - this will be too obvious and hard to justify to the hubs.

3. Painting stays - it was done by Moi, so if you hate it keep that to yourself - I'm fragile

That's it! Any and all advice is welcome!