Filed under: Holiday
I’ve been thinking of all the cool gifts I should get for my friends and family this year. Thinking of the ones that don’t cost too much:
Three Lavish Layers of Lip Balm - $16 at Sephora
Aconite Chandelier Earrings - $28 at Anthropologie
L’Occitane Hand Indulgences - $25
World of Kiehl’s Set - $46
Benefit Her Name Was Glowla - $36
Holga 35mm Camera in red – $48 at Urban Outfitters
Luxe Leather Gloves - $24.99 at Chadwicks
Heart Shaped Evening Bag - $20.80 at Forever 21
Of course, I always buy the gifts that I’d want myself… so many of the items above would also make ME a very happy girl. 
Filed under: What I'm Rocking
For GK’s birthday party, I knew I wanted to wear something fab. The ensemble I’d envisioned was ruined by low quality satin, so I did some thinking and came up with this little number:
Black & white polka dot dress: Goodwill – I got this dress at the Savannah Downtown Goodwill back in 2007. I’ve long considered having it hemmed to knee-length but I’ve never been able to fully embrace the idea. GK and I agreed to leave it as-is. The gypsy look ended up working out very well for me last night, so I’m keeping it just as it is.
Purple ombre knit beret: Forever 21 – I bought this last month & was finally able to wear it. Love, love, love it. Will be a winter fave for certain. Thinking about needing more knit berets, as I LOVE the look. Chic, not overly bohemian.
Leopard print pony hair booties by Jessica Simpson: Piperlime - I bought these last month. Just as I suspected, they are not so comfy. 
Jessica, why do I keep falling for the okey doke? Damn you! These ended up in the coat closet after an hour or so.
Black opera length leather gloves: UK adult website whose name escapes me – Amy got me these for Christmas in 2006, I believe. I was feening for some leather opera length gloves, and we were looking for a version way less than $300. She got me the red ones for my birthday the next year. And I love them all. Gloves are a particular weakness for me, looking forward to new ones.
Gold double hooped earrings: One of those teeny bopper stores (Wet Seal, Body Central, etc.) – I love these and don’t wear them nearly often enough! I thought they took the gypsy dress to being truly boho-chic. You’ll see them again soon. 
The party was super fab – great people, fun times, but I was especially impressed by the delicious spread of food prepared by Andreas. I love all of his European-syled appetizers, which were too pretty to not photograph and too tasty to not eat a lot…:
The watermelon with goat cheese and mint canape was my fave. Tasty and low cal. I’m knocking it off soon. Thanks, Andreas.
Filed under: What I'm Rocking
I really love this jacket. It makes me feel so lady-like. Sadly it smooshes my boobs together when closed. I had never noticed that. Of course, I roughed it up with some denim:
Pink and white tweed jacket with rhinestone buttons: TJ Maxx – I think it was on clearance for $12. I scored this a few years ago. Sad Jamison didn’t take a detail shot of the buttons. They are fab.
Pink v-neck t-shirt: Express – Had it forever. Almost never wear it. But the color is perfect to coordinate with the jackets.
Premium Denim Straight: Gap Outlet – I got these in 2009. They are the perfect length for flats/kitten heels. Wish they were darker.
I am also wearing my large pearl stud earrings, bone-colored peep-toe kitten heels, and the same messy bun I’ve rocked all week since I need to get my hair done. This weekend I’ll get it taken care of! I promise…
Filed under: Blow Your Paycheck Friday
This boot is SO badass. I mean, it’s beyond badass. Of course, it’s Alexander McQueen. And he WAS badass. I’m sad that he is no longer on this earth being badass.
But I can walk around like a Sons of Anarchy old lady in these super fly five inch ankle boots, that cost a mere $1285. Of course, they are available at Saks.
Filed under: What I'm Rocking
You guys know I live for stripes, and I live for accessories. So I really loved the concept of this outfit – mixing nautical stripes, knee-length pleats and a red bow:
Navy & white striped boatneck sweater: TJ Maxx - I’m sure that I bought this on clearance a few years ago. For $12 or less. OxiClean is my friend to keep it bright. Sadly, it makes my boobs look GIGANTO! LOL.
Navy pleated skirt: Random Thrift Store – If memory serves me, I got this at a “$1 per grocery store bag” sale at my neighborhood thrift shop. I scored like 40 dresses, 20 blouses & 4 skirts for less than $10. It was a good day.
Red bow belt: H&M – I got this after returning from Ben & Jory’s Wedding in DC, where I bought the exact same belt in black. Yes, I am a multiples kind of girl. And I think it’s brilliant of me. So don’t hate, people! For real…
Red patent slingback pumps: Nine West Outlet – I got these for $29.99 back in 2007 at the Nine West Outlet in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., when I was working at Unilever. Afterward I enjoyed the most expensive margarita – $23 – of my life at Blue Moon Mexican Cafe. I enjoy a Blue Moon of a different sort here in Atlanta – a gourmet pizza place. And you KNOW I live for pizza.
Filed under: Girl Crush Wednesday
My auto post didn’t auto post yesterday… So Sorry.
When I was a little girl, I remember my mommy telling me stories of how Vanessa Williams lost her Miss America crown because she did something “bad.” None of that stopped me from thinking she was the coolest girl in the world. “The Right Stuff” and “Save the Best for Last” were some of my favorite songs in the 90′s. Many years later I was jealous she married my “baby fava” Rick Fox. And I loved to hate her as Wilhelmina Slater on “Ugly Betty.”
I certainly hope I get to see her again soon. B/c I miss her and the REST of the “Ugly Betty” cast.
Filed under: My Shopping Finds
So, I had to start really thinking about what I want for Christmas this year. There is nothing worse than when someone says, “I don’t know…,” when you ask what they want. So I really started thinking of exactly what it is that I want and need and gotta have. So, here it is:
Benefit All You Need is Gloss Gift Set - many colors for only $26
Timex Zone Trainer Watch - to ensure an accurate calorie count in my workouts going forward
Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses - classic shades in black, only $74 on amazon
Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2010 - I so need this for my home laptop
Louis Ghost Chairs - for the newly painted black dining room, I’m getting around to it… some day… soon
Lush Gorgeous Moisturizer - still dying for it since my facial this summer
Poetic License Glamming Up jeweled heels – only $97.95
TJ Maxx gift cards – to buy new skinnier clothes
HTC Droid Incredible or Verizon iPhone (if it ever happens)
Looking forward to all of my Christmas loot! Hint to everyone on my Christmas list…
Filed under: Random
This past weekend, Jamison and I spent some time on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. We enjoyed gumbo for dinner and dancing & live music at the Beau Rivage on Friday night. On Saturday, we enjoyed lunch buffet at the Imperial Palace, grabbed the shoes Jeanette was admiring from DaMilano accessories store and got afternoon snacks from Bozo’s Seafood Market before heading to the Secondliner’s Coronation Ball:
We look forward to Mardi Gras season!
Filed under: Blow Your Paycheck Friday
What an upgrade from the Steve Madden version with all its shedding glitter – these Tory Burch Glitter Ankle Boots are killer:
I love the charcoal glittery color. Man, I need them in my life. Why, Saks, must you do this to me?
Filed under: Girl Crush Wednesday
For many years, my alarm clock was Billie Holiday singing “Don’t Explain” on my stereo. (Of course, it’s a song about an unfaithful husband.) My obsession with Billie (and all the jazz greats) started from my adoration of my Ganny. Billie had a rough childhood – rape & prostitution before the age of 14, being raised by extended family, reform school, prison, workhouse - so it’s no wonder she took to the stage – and unfortunately to drugs.
The sad song, “Strange Fruit,” was her big break. Then came along “Lover Man.” I can hear her singing it, “Lover man, oh where can you be.” Her drug convictions led her lose her cabaret license, which created a financial hardship. Her long years of hard partying (AKA drug abuse) and alcoholism are surely the reason she died from cirrhosis of the liver at a mere 44 years old. But boy, could she sing:
I was so inspired by Billie’s general fabulosity (and memories of my Ganny singing, “Good Morning Heartache”) that I decided to dress up as her for Halloween. You know I’ll be sharing a “What I’m Rocking” photo in the very near future.
