Stilettos and a Good Book

Online Shopaholic

2011-11-08T07:45:00.000-08:00

Lately, I've been on this shopping kick that I can't seem to break, despite the rapidly depleting funds in my checking account. I tend to be a bit of a cheapskate when it comes to buying clothes, often waiting for a good deal or a sale. I also tend to stay away from online shopping as I am super-scared to buy something and then not have it fit, and then have to go through the trouble of returning it.

Recently, though, I hit up http://www.oldnavy.com/ and http://www.gap.com/ to buy some sale items for me and some new fall clothes for the boy. And now? I'm addicted.

I guess I shop so much at those two venues in person that I just know my size and I'm comfortable ordering and then, if need be, returning something to the store.

I am a taller girl, blessed (sorry) and cursed with long legs. This makes pants shopping a bit tough, especially of the velour lounge variety. In store, there are no options for "tall." And when I spend my money, even if it's only $20, on a pair of velour lounge pants (with matching jacket, of course), I want them to fit past the first washing. I have this tendency to shrink things. I'd rather buy pants that start off a bit too long and give myself a fighting chance when it comes to laundry.

When I saw these at Old Navy a couple of weeks ago, I just knew I'd found a winner!

Women's Velour Lounge Pants

Not only do they come in "tall" sizes and pretty colors, they are now on sale. I also just washed and dried this pair and they did NOT shrink! Which means that I can still wear them out of the house on a lazy Saturday afternoon.

*Apparently, we now have to post disclaimers. Old Navy doesn't know who I am. These are all my personal opinions and experiences.

Sandals!

2011-04-06T08:42:00.001-07:00

I'll admit it. I've been obsessed with buying these shoes since I first saw The Possessionista featured a question about them on her site (Jennifer Anniston was wearing the cream colored variety) last summer, I believe. I searched high. I searched low. I searched everywhere in between. But when Dana (a.k.a. The Possessionista) said that the Stuart Weitzman Alex Espadrille was sold out? She meant it. So imagine my surprise in January when I saw the above shoe at my local Neiman Marcus? I was ecstatic! Thrilled! And I adored the new color! I then requested a pair in my size, tried them on, and was almost crippled with pain. My foot wan decidedly unhappy I had done that to them. So I left Neiman's dejected and flat, much like the soles of my shoe of choice that day.

Fast-forward to last week. I was browsing Amazon.com after a long self-imposed shoe and Amazon moratorium. I stumbled across THESE! What are "these," you ask? They happen to be The Steve Madden Fantastik Open Toe Espadrille. Since I know my size in Steve, I ordered a pair, along with a few others (a girl cannot have too many wedges for summer, no?).

Today, I wore them for the first time. My feet are in love. And more importantly, my bank account thanks me as well. You see, The Stuarts cost $365. The Steves? A smoooth $71.28! I picked up three pair of wedges that day, plus a mystery, for under $300!

I'm all set for summer!

Coats, part 2

2010-09-20T13:04:00.000-07:00

A couple of years ago, I mentioned that I was in the market for a new coat. Well, guess what? I still am! I have yet to replace my old faithfuls, but it is time. In fact, I'm well past due on this.

So I've been looking around online and while I am not a particularly "trendy" gal, I do like certain trends that can be converted into relatively timeless pieces (Read, last another 10 years and still look decent).

I think I may have found my coats. At the prices listed, I can definitely have both!

The Sanctuary Frost Faux Fleece Lined Twill Parka pulls in the oh so current military inspired theme, while still being neutral with classic lines is definitely on my list. It retails for $198.00.

And the Weatherproof Faux Fur Topper above satisfies my need for something that is more formal, furry, snuggly, and animal print. It is a bargain at $138.00.

*Please don't buy these before I can grab them in my size! :)

Back on the Reading Wagon

2010-09-20T10:07:00.000-07:00

Hey there! I haven't updated in a while, mainly because everything I've wanted to say, I've said over on Facebook and on Twitter. I haven't bought many new shoes, and I went on this no-reading kick for about two years. My skincare habits still run toward a merge of Obagi and La Mer (So. Worth. The. Money. People!). My clothes shopping and non-work style still run toward "Mexico Beach Chic." My work-style is laid back and casual, usually consisting of jeans and some sort of knit top.

Let's face it. I'm totally bo-ring!

But let's talk about this reading thing for a moment, shall we?

I literally took two years off. Well, with the exception of any Janet Evanovich book that has come out, I have read nothing! Nada! Zip! Zilch!

A couple of years ago, one of my coworkers lent me the first four "Sookie Stackhouse" books. If you watch True Blood on HBO, then you know the books (or at least the name). I read the first two in rapid succession, started the third, and then put it down. I attempted it several more times over the past couple of years, but it couldn't hold my interest. Then again, nothing could. Fast forward to about a month and a half ago. I picked it up and could NOT put it down! So I then devoured book 4. In a day! I then immediately went out and purchased every other single book written in the series, including the short story collection. Of course, I read them all very quickly, was done in record time, and needed something else to read. I'm always game for anything Janet Evanovich writes, so those were on my list. Add in the always-funny Jen Lancaster, and I ran through my "go-to" reads pretty quickly.

Now I'm on the hunt for more. I've started the light and fluffy "Donut Shop" mysteries by Jessica Beck. They are quick, easy, fun reads, and come complete with scrumptious recipes. It's funny how I used to be a romance junkie and now I cannot get enough of fun, quirky, sometimes dark mysteries.

Oh well. At least this English major is back on the reading wagon once again. Now to finally finish the stack of books previously purchased and just sitting and collecting dust on my bedside table!

I Am Addicted to Sunglasses!

2009-08-14T06:56:00.000-07:00

I'll admit it. I have a problem. I am obsessed with sunglasses. I suppose it started in high school. The summer before my junior year (1990), my parents took me with them on a trip to Vienna. The trip started out as a cultural event. I climbed the hill that Richard the Lionheart climbed to claim his crown. I hiked up the steps of St. Stephens cathedral. We saw more art than I can even begin to say.

One of my mom's good friends was with us, too. After oh, the eleventy-millionth Rubens museum, she blurted out in all her Texan glory, "I'm tired of museums! If you've seen one fat butt, you've seen 'em all. Let's go shopping." And since everyone but my dad agreed, off we went!

I came home with a Louis Vuitton wallet that I still carry today. And a new pair of sunglasses. Kenzo sunglasses. The lens glass was etched just so that if you fogged them up with your breath, you could see their signature "K" very faintly.

I loved those sunglasses and wore the hell outta them for several years.

My obsession continued into college. I went to a party at a fraternity house. And I found a pair of Georgio Armani aviators. They were not in great shape, but hey! Armani! I asked around and no one claimed them, so I took them home with me, lovingly restored them, and wore them for a summer. They are still in my drawer. I still have all my sunglasses, actually. My collection has grown as my tastes have changed. Lately, though, I've been averaging one new pair a year. What I learned early on, was that if you were label-conscious, or lived in a place that was, sunglasses were the easiest and most inexpensive way to "wear" a designer. They still are!

In my top dresser drawer, you will find my Kenzos, the Armanis, two pair of Guccis, two pair of Ralph Lauren, Chanel, D&G, and Prada. Being the bargain-hunter that I am, I have only paid full retail on three pair.

And now, I've set my sights on the latest pair I must have... These Ed Hardy bad boys:

New Shoes! And a new book, too!

2009-06-01T13:41:00.001-07:00

So, it's been a while since I've updated this baby. So it seems fitting that I tell you all about the goodies I just purchased with an amazon.com gift card my brother gave me for my birthday (two months ago)...

Above are the last pair of size 10 Aldo Condezza sandals. I have no idea if I will be able to walk in them, but aren't they adorable? I have a couple of pairs of jeans that are very long and these will look great peeking out from underneath. I hope they are comfortable...

These are the Steve Madden "Afrodite" Black wedges. I bought one of 5 pair in my size that they had left in stock. As with the above shoes, I hope they fit, aren't too terribly high, and are fairly comfortable. I already have outfits planned around them.

Finally, I preordered Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich. I have read every single one of her books. Each one has been a rip-roarin' page turner and I expect this one to be the same. The "Stephanie Plum" novels (like this one) also throw in a good deal of suspense and danger for good measure. I cannot recommend enough that everyone read these!

Happy Summer Y'all!

Skin Care

2009-04-16T08:56:00.000-07:00

I have troubled skin. It's not a secret. It is also not a secret that I am open to suggestions and to trying something new. The one thing I've been completely opposed to, though, is La Mer. I can't really explain the "why" of it all, just that I've spent quite a good bit of time opposed to the stuff.

Recently my stress levels increased exponentially, and the stress, combined with my hormonal breakout patterns, plus my complete inability to keep my hands off my face turned my skin into a big ole mess.

Desperate times called for desperate measures. Two days before I left for Cancun, I stopped by my local Neiman Marcus as it was right next to the restaurant where I was meeting my family for dinner. I was early. I wandered over to the La Mer counter.

The wonderful consultant gave me this:

La Mer "The Concentrate." She made me a two week sample to try. Well guess what? My self-inflicted red marks faded! My fine lines were reduced! And my face wasn't peeling with a massive intensity like it does with Retin-A!

So I've saved my money. And tomorrow, during the Neiman Marcus "InCircle" event, I will spend $350 for a bottle of this. (and get All this cool stuff for free, too!)

I know it is insanely expensive. But it works.

Coats

2008-10-20T10:33:00.000-07:00

I am in need of a new winter jacket/coat. After 8+ years, my two "old faithfuls" have just about run their course. They are both mid-thigh, sleek black numbers. One is an Andrew Marc Nylon/Microfiber job with a detachable faux fur collar and the other is a leather Bebe coat.

I love these two coats dearly, but it is time to move on. My only question is, to what?

And I thought finding the perfect shoe was hard...

Ciao bello*

2008-08-27T07:56:00.000-07:00

*Or rather Ciao Bella! I have a new hair salon and new stylist. My new salon has a restaurant inside with chair delivery service! My new salon has great receptionists, a lovely seating area, infrared dryers, a world-class spa, and lots and lots of products to choose from.

I have a stylist who has an assistant. He has already taken the time to teach me new techniques for styling my hair and using different tools. I've had two luxurious scalp massages. I'm in love with this place!

For the past month, I've been taking vitamins that are supposed to support healthy hair growth (Hair, Skin, and Nails multivitamin, plus MSM to promote fast hair growth). I've also been using the following two products:

Joico K-Pak reconstructor once a week (more than once a week will actually reverse the positive effects)
Sudzz FX Enhance Sustain Conditioner** the rest of the week

I had my first appointment for color last Wednesday and I absolutely love it! There were two deep conditioning treatments (before and after) plus a protein treatment pre-color. He used a low-volume peroxide developer and used very little color. Surprisingly, I'm just as blonde as before, only my color isn't nearly as harsh.

I've run out of the Enhance conditioner and per my hairdresser's instructions, I'm now using the following products on my hair:

Joico K-Pak
Sebastian Penetraitt shampoo and conditioner**
Framesi Options Soothe leave-in conditioner***
Sudzz FX Zenyth Frizz Eliminator shine product

Not only can I see a difference in my hair, I can FEEL it. I have been so abusive to my hair over the past several years, that it will take a while to get it back to where it was. I've given up my flattening iron and my curling iron. I am using better brushes. And the 50-70% of my hair thickness that has been lost due to breakage and damage should be recovered within 6 months to a year.

Here's hoping miracles do happen and I can have healthy, BLONDE hair.

**So I've been having some image loading problems. I've given you the complete names of the products, though, so if you want to give 'em a try, go ahead and google them. I did.

***Wow. During my search for a picture to upload, I see that this product has been discontinued. Now the hunt is on for a new leave-in conditioner. Oh well.

Reading and then More Reading

2008-06-25T13:17:00.000-07:00

While on my recent vacation in Mexico, I treated myself to some completely uninterrupted reading time. I was able to blow through several books and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed each one for varying reasons.

Book #1 was Bright Lights, Big Ass by Jen Lancaster.

This is her second memoir and a follow-up to her first memoir, Bitter is the New Black.

I laughed out loud more times than I could count. I love her wit and her ability to poke fun about everything around her, including herself.

After finishing Jen's book, I turned to a book that had lived on my bedside table for about six months, Whose Wedding is it Anyway? by Melissa Senate.

This is classic chick-lit. It was an easy read and had my favorite kind of ending for such a book... A happy one. I hope that doesn't spoil the book for you, but if you are purchasing books published by Red Dress Ink and NOT expecting a happy ending where the good people win and the bad ones lose, then you are delusional. Sorry.

I enjoyed it and it was a great beach read!

Moving right along, I picked up the book that was edited by Dooce, Things I Learned About My Dad (in therapy).

This was a collection of essays by multiple bloggers on fatherhood (being a dad, their dads, their relationships with their dads, etc.). I mostly enjoyed it, but I confess I'm not quite finished with it yet. I only have a couple of essays to go. It still hasn't pulled me all the way in, but since it is a collection of essays, I am only making a few-page commitment each time I open the book.

Finally, we get to the exciting one! Janet Evanovich, my favorite author, just released her 14th in the Stephanie Plum series, Fearless Fourteen. Appropriately titled, no?

Yesterday, I had to report for Jury Duty for the very first time in my life. I came prepared with my book and a magazine. While the jury duty experience is one for a different blog, let me just say this... Janet hits a home run once again with her series.

I started and finished this book yesterday. The pages practically turned themselves and I was on the edge of my seat, ignoring everything around me the entire time.

For those of you who don't know, this series centers around Stephanie Plum, a bounty hunter in Trenton, New Jersey. She's Lucille Ball-ish in her antics and the cast of characters are written so vividly that when I read the books, I can almost see the characters acting out the story for me.

This is one series that I hope never gets put on the Big Screen. Hollywood could never do justice to the movie that plays in my head each time I open one of these books.

You may not like action/comedy/suspense/romantic adventure stories. If you don't, though, you are missing out on one Hell of a genre.

Go forth and buy the Stephanie Plum series. You will NOT be disappointed!

Finally! I've done some reading!

2008-06-23T09:53:00.000-07:00

I ended up doing a fair amount of reading on my last vacation and finished two books and nearly finished a third. I have purchased the new Janet Evonovich and cannot wait to tear into it, either. I suppose since I have Jury Duty tomorrow, I may have ample time to get some good reading in...

New Shades

2008-06-23T09:48:00.000-07:00

I ordered some new sunglasses last week via Ebay. They arrived Friday. The D&G 8041B's.

They have the perfect amount of sparkle! Love them!

I think I may have a sunglasses obsession. I tend to go gaga over a new pair every year. But to me, purchasing a new pair of sunglasses or a new accessory like a purse or pair of shoes is a great way to update a look without spending a fortune on clothes. Since my look tends toward simple and classic, most of the "sparkle" comes with the details.

Working on a New Page Element

2008-04-04T09:53:00.000-07:00

Since half of this blog is supposed to be dedicated to books, I thought I'd keep a running list of the books I've been reading.

Unfortunately, that list is relatively short. The reason? I just haven't been feelin' it lately. There is simply so much other stuff going on that I don't have the attention span to sit down and actually read.

But I am really excited about some of the books on my nightstand, namely the Maximum Ride Series by James Patterson. There are four of these books currently taking up residence on my nightstand.

I have four books that I've started to read, but have yet to finish...

1) The book in the above link. It's fascinating and the beginning grabs me, but I cannot sit still enough to read.
2) French Women Don't Get Fat. This is a great book with some fabulous recipes, but I just stopped reading it.
3) Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister. At this point I'll just have to start over with it. I loved Wicked and I want to read the sequel to it, too (Son of a Witch).
4) The Nymphos of Rocky Flats. This is a cool book. It's about vampires. And crazy shit. And I really want to finish it!

And then, of course, there is the remainder of the stack of books sitting on my nightstand... Untouched...

Let's Talk Foundation for a Minute

2008-04-03T07:31:00.000-07:00

I have made it no secret that I adore Lancome foundation. Love the coverage, weight, and longevity. But when I started to read a book about skin in February, I began to look at my choices and try a few of the suggestions listed in the book.

That led me to Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Foundation. The dermatologist recommended it by name, so I picked some up.

Love It. It is light, airy, provides full coverage (I apply it with a large powder brush), and has lasting power. Best of all, it's good for my skin and inexpensive! Can't beat that. I've been using it since about mid-February and have zero complaints. I still love my Lancome, but I think I'll put it aside for a while.

More From the Easter Shopping With Mom...

2008-04-02T07:59:00.000-07:00

While visiting my family and on that shopping trip with my mother, I picked up this little number at Old Navy. I love it so much, I think I'll get it in a solid color, too.

I'm not one to wear many strapless tops or halter tops, but that is mainly because I cannot find one that is comfortable to me. That ended when I tried on this top.

FYI, Old Navy also has a great selection of white jeans and capris this year. Go. Get them.

Easter Shopping Trip with Mom

2008-04-01T10:52:00.000-07:00

I've been coveting a pair of white jeans for quite the little while. I'm not sure why, maybe it's because they are bright and spring-like. Whatever the reason, while I was visiting my family over the Easter weekend, and while my husband and dad were golfing, my mom and I went on a little shopping excursion.

We went to the usual places, hit up a sale at the local Dillard's (hello BCBG for 75% off!) and Old Navy. All told, I ended up with about 8 new tops, including an adorable Old Navy strapless number that would go great with a pair of white jeans!

We decided to make one last trip out to a local botique, which is just about the only place in a 120-mile-radius to get brands such as 7 for all mankind, peace love mom, etc.

We found these white jeans and I fell in love:

You can find them online here: The 7 Website

They were a bit pricier than I was comfortable with, but thanks to Mom (who was also a bit appalled at the tag), I walked out of the store with them in a bag.

Last Thursday, my mom called me and was very excited to let me know that Oprah had just mentioned white jeans as one of spring's "must have" items.

Now she's on her own mission to get a pair.

More New Shoes!

2008-03-01T19:25:00.001-08:00

These are my anniversary gift from Dr Pop.

Pretty friggin' sweet, no?

BCBGirls Saraff Slingback sandals. They have an unbelievably high heel, but are amazingly comfortable. The upper is fabric and the heel and platform are patent leather.

I cannot wait to wear these. Soon!

So Sad

2008-02-27T10:58:00.000-08:00

I was at Neiman Marcus Last Call Clearance Center (side note: There used to be only two of these in the US. The original two were in Austin, Texas and somewhere in New York) in Austin not too long ago.

I always peruse the shoes there as you never know when you can get acid green Manolos for $70 or Gucci stilletto sandals for under $100...

Typically, shoes for me are few and far between. Let's face it, shoes usually don't make it to a clearance center anywhere if they are popular and fit well. Lo and behold, there were multiple pairs of Christian Louboutin shoes in a variety of classic and fun styles in my size!!! I gingerly pulled the shoes out of their spot on the rack and headed over to try them on. I was so excited!!!

Um. Yeah. I don't know if was just these particular pairs or if it is all Louboutins, but... I could not for the life of me squeeze my wicked stepsister foot into a reasonably and correctly sized pair!

Poor me. But yay for my savings account!

NEW SHOES!!!

2008-02-08T15:06:00.000-08:00

I have a new source for fashion.

The Better Bag Lady

I purchased the above from her late on Wednesday. They were waiting for me today in my mail.

So. Great value and excellent service. I really could not ask for more!

And she also carries great brands. Stylish and fashionable brands. My two favorite adjectives for clothing and accessories...

Highwaters

2008-02-07T08:55:00.000-08:00

Two posts in two minutes! Wow!

I have to get this off my chest... Unless you are wearing capri pants, the pant leg needs to break across the arch of your foot.

This means that if you are wearing pants that hit at the ankle, you need to go buy new pants!!! The exception, of course, are the horrors known as "ankle-length" pants. In this case, please only wear with flats. PLEASE!

To the woman who walked into my building in front of me today (in 37-degree weather, mind you): Your platform sandals are simply adorable! I covet them. I should not have seen much beyond the toe, though. Sadly, your pants ended a good inch above your ankle. This means that no matter how well they fit you in the waist, rear, hips, and thighs, THESE PANTS DO NOT FIT YOU PROPERLY!

Why is it so hard to get the leg length correct? When in doubt, go longer not shorter.

This public service announcement brought to you by Mrs. Pop.

Skincare Book

2008-02-07T08:51:00.000-08:00

I posted about THIS BOOK on my workout blog because it has some diet tips for better overall health. Namely, the Green Sludge Cocktail that I'm going to be drinking for the next two weeks at least.

I feel it is appropriate to post about it here, too, because it has all kinds of skincare product tips and tricks and is written by a successful dermatologist.

In my world, anything is worth a try...

Awesome Moisturizer!

2008-01-31T07:59:00.000-08:00

I've been a huge fan of Philosophy (www.philosophy.com) skincare products for a while. I spoke earlier about the "Makeup Optional" kit for congested skin. In it, there was "hope in a bottle" which I loved (and still do love).

Over Christmas, my brother got me another Philosophy collection that included their microdermabrasion product and "hope in a jar."

This stuff is A-MAZING! It's perfect for the drier winter weather and keeps my skin hyrated, makes the fine lines less visible, and doesn't break me out.

I've been using it since Christmas morning. Go get this stuff!

First Book Review of 2008!

2008-01-15T12:24:00.000-08:00

Yes, the first book I read in 2008 was a fantasy-type semi-trashy romance. Sucker Bet is book four of Erin McCarthy's Vegas Vampire series.

If you are a Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan, then you will enjoy these books.

Sucker Bet revolves around a 900-year-old vampire named Gwenna and a present day police detective. They are trying to solve a series of murders and, you guessed it, end up falling in love.

It's a fast read and helped get me over my non-reading hump. I still have the huge stack of books on my nightstand that have only been touched for dusting purposes, but I think I am finally ready to start attacking those.

New Posts Coming Soon...

2008-01-07T10:57:00.001-08:00

Lots of loot to post, plus a book review!!!

Preliminary Christmas List

2007-11-26T11:25:00.000-08:00

Prayer Bracelet

Cathedral Pectoral Cross

Cartier Pasha C Watch

This Michelle Watch

Or this one

World Food Programme Feed Bag

Prayer Bead Necklace

Also, gift cards from Neiman's, Nordstrom, and Sephora are always welcome!

Why I Do Not Wear Nail Polish

2007-11-14T12:25:00.000-08:00

I must apologize for the blurry nature of the pictures... Pesky camera phones and shaky hands!

Once I get a little, tiny chip in the polish, I cannot rest until it is all gone. Unfortunately, that typically happens when there is no nail polish remover around. So I pick. And pick. And pick. Until it is all gone.

As a side note, geez, my hands are vein-y! Whoa!

Holiday Party PSA...

2007-11-13T12:33:00.000-08:00

Need a cute and festive dress for upcoming holiday parties?

Go HERE for adorable and inexpensive velvet dresses.

I just got this one:

More Favorite Cosmetics

2007-11-09T12:02:00.000-08:00

Since I'm on a roll...

Favorite Foundation:
Lancome Teint Idole Ultra

Bronzing Powder:
Isadora's is fantastic!

I simply adore Sally Hansen Diamond Strength No Chip Nail Color, especially in pale pink and "Chocolate Kiss."

Benefit Cosmetics has several products I'm loving right now:
Benetint (This stuff is awesome on cheeks AND lips and really easy to apply!)
Ooh La Lift
Eye Bright (to be used with Ooh La Lift)
and Georgia

The one area I always seem to have trouble with is my eye shadow. I have palette after palette of eye shadows but always seem to gravitate to one basic look. And that particular look is boring. I am a fan of all-in-one kits and I like having a simplified makeup routine. In fact, my skincare routine takes much longer to do than my makeup.

So in one of my many self-improvement efforts, I am going to clear out the clutter in my bathroom and pare down the makeup, throw out the old stuff, and replace as necessary.

Favorite Cosmetics and Skincare

2007-11-08T08:18:00.000-08:00

It's time for me to replenish my supply of cosmetic and skincare items. As I peruse Sephora, I realize that I have a lot of favorites and I'm out of everything!

I may just incorporate this list into my Christmas Wish list as well and just go ahead and ask Santa for gift cards. ;-)

I'm at the end of my NARS blush and lipgloss in Orgasm. I like old-school blush and love the lipgloss. It isn't too gooey and the color is subtle and flattering.

I also need more of my Philosphy skincare. Right now I use the Philosophy Makeup Optional Kit for Congested Skin. I've been going back and forth between that and Obagi, something I've mentioned before. I am, however, all out of everything but Retin-A, so I'm in limbo.

I love Covergirl's Lash Exact mascara and Perfect Point eyeliner.

I have more to bring up, such as foundation, bronzer, eye shadow, cheek and lip stains, etc, but I'm tired of posting links at the moment.

More to come...

It's that time of year again...

2007-11-07T10:12:00.000-08:00

Time to start the ole "Wish List"...
So. I want this. The only thing I can't decide upon is the color... Brown is always stylish, but pink or indigo are a little more fun. And I have a pair of shoes that would match the lime color perfectly. Decisions, decisions...

Style PSA

2007-10-16T05:53:00.000-07:00

It's the little things that matter when you are presenting yourself...

If, as a woman, your self-esteem is tied to the size of your pants, cut that tag out! I've been seeing a lot of women lately wearing clothes that are a size too small.

The #1 single thing a woman (or man) can do to look nice is to wear clothes that FIT. Don't kid yourself that it is the size of the clothes that determines how the world views you as no one sees the size but YOU! Do yourself a favor and go up a size if you are struggling to keep a button closed. You'll thank me because you will be able to breathe easier, AND! You'll look thinner!

It's a win/win.

2007-10-15T06:32:00.000-07:00

Lately, much like Victoria Beckham, I've hated "flat" shoes. I mean I've gone out of my way to not wear them. But I'm a realist and I recognize the need for them (maybe your pants shrunk and are too short, maybe you plan on being on your feet all day, no matter). Two weeks ago, I got out my trusty "go-to" flats, my Nine West ballet flats. Sadly, they had been worn so many times, they were at the end of their lives.

That also happened to be the day that my mom was in town and she, too, was distressed by the state of my shoes. She suggested we go to Nordstrom and take a look at these ballet flats she loved. Never one to pass up a trip there, we were on our way.

I found these. They are the cutest little snub-nosed, cap-toe ballet flats I've seen in a very long time! I adore them and want them in many colors. I ended up walking out of the store with them on my feet and I've worn them at least 8 times since I got them.

As a side note, the man who helped us told us that BCBG is actually making Jessica Simpson's shoes now. I'm not sure how true this is, but it seemed interesting. It's funny, though, as there are not very many shoemakers around the world and most shoes do originate out of one of four major factories.

Semi-annual Closet Cleanout

2007-10-14T17:28:00.000-07:00

This afternoon, spurred on by Dr Pop's decision to go through his clothes and get rid of things, I decided to move my summer clothes, in favor of my fall/winter ones (even though the highs are still in the upper 80s/low 90s).

I've been lamenting my lack of clothes lately, or rather, my lack of anything to wear... Ever! What I discovered during my treks upstairs told another story. I have plenty to wear and I told Dr Pop that if I said that I needed a sweater within the next 10 years, he is to swat me upside the head.

It's nice to only keep seasonal clothes in ones closet, though. That way there is room to see what you have, and things don't get crammed in corners where you cannot see them. I have such a difficult time sorting things and letting them go, though, that I have ended up with a monster on my hands... Me! I think I need professional help, because I am simply not strong enough to say goodbye to my "stuff."

Notes on "Fashion"

2007-08-23T06:29:00.000-07:00

I'm a pretty boring person, clothes-wise.

I have plenty of clothes, but the last time I plunked down a significant amount of money for a "trend" was in the year 2000, when I spent $300 on a pashmina. Noted exceptions to this include shoes, sunglasses, and purses, though I will say that even when I do spend money on these items, they are more on the scale of "timeless" instead of "trendy." In other words, if I'm going to spend a lot of money, I don't want it to go out of style in 3 months. Needless to say, my wardrobe is woefully out of date!

I've never really been comfortable in clothes other than my normal, casual, semi, sort of preppy look. My uniform for work and play consists of a lot of jeans, capri pants, t-shirts, khakis, and polos. Period.

This weekend, I took a step toward changing that somewhat. I bought trendy clothes! If you're in Texas, you may have avoided the malls this weekend because it was tax-free weekend. Not me, though. I took advantage of the sales and the whole "no tax" thing and dedicated a portion of my income to looking good.

First stop was the outlet mall on Friday. Dr Pop went with me. He bought me two pairs of jeans and a Polo (baby steps, people, baby steps!). Later, I went to Old Navy and picked up two pair of pants. I looked at what I'd gotten and I realized that instead of breaking out of my pattern, I was giving into my casual, boring ways.

So on Sunday, I bit the bullet. Armed with a list compiled of "wish list trendy" items, I headed to the mall. Two hours later, I arrived home with an adorable shirt dress from the Gap and this long cardigan/wrap/sweater thing. Still not perfect, but getting better.

With tax-free weekend over, and me still not being all that trendy, I made one last stop at a store near work. Hello sale! And finally, FINALLY! I hit the jackpot. I'm wearing one of my trendy tops with my new jeans today. And damn, I look good!

So is there a point to this little tale of woe and shopping? Not really. But I managed to hunt some good bargains and move toward a new, more stylish, less casual me.

A demonstration of the reading list...

2007-07-17T09:27:00.000-07:00

I have finished the Janet Evanovich book... It took a total of about four hours to read from cover to cover. That's what I love about her writing. It is just so fast!

Currently, I'm reading Toujours Provence by Peter Mayle.

I really don't know what I'll read next. Maybe I'll revisit Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister. I don't know, though. I'm really not in the mood right now for anything that is taxing to read. I'm more in the mood for fun, flirty, easy, and cute.

Reading List

2007-06-15T06:25:00.000-07:00

I have a stack of books that is about a foot tall sitting next to my bed...

I have really gotten into Peter Mayle. He wrote A Good Year, which was turned into a movie (look it up. :) ). I loved it so much that I read the first memoir he wrote, titled A Year in Provence. It is found in the travel section of any book store and chronicles the year that he and his wife decided to buy a 200 year old farm house in Provence and move there. It is fascinating and it will make you hungry. I can't wait to read his follow-up to that one and also the rest of his work.

Also sitting is the half-finished Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister by Gregory Maguire, who also wrote Wicked, which I loved.

To be read:
The Other Bolyn Girl by Philipa Gregory

And... Well... I'd have to go back home to look at the rest of the books sitting there. I swear that there are at least 10 books.

What is on your summer reading list?

Stating the Obvious

2007-06-14T10:34:00.000-07:00

Again!

No matter how tall or short you may be, if you wear high heels, please don't walk with permanently bent knees. It's not attractive and it makes you look self-conscious about your height.

It is my personal contention that all young women should take a modeling class just to learn how to walk with confidence.

Way to go, Sak's!*

2007-06-08T11:23:00.001-07:00

*And the lovely, lovely La Mer representative.

Question: What happens when you walk up to the La Mer counter, tell the representative what you want, and also that it is your first ever purchase of their product line?
Answer: You get set up with samples of the entire La Mer skincare line, including the wondermous, fabulous, cult and celebrity favorite Creme de la Mer.

I think I'm going to be in a LOT of trouble if this kind of treatment keeps up. ;-)

I finally get the hype...

2007-06-07T07:41:00.000-07:00

I received a sample of the La Mer SPF 18 Fluid Tint prior to my trip to Mexico this year. Being a doubter, I pretty much scoffed at it, but went ahead and threw it into my bag at the last minute.

I'm not a summer foundation wearer. My skin, even though I wear sun block all the time, does get darker in the summer, so my regular tint never looks right and my face always ends up looking strangely white. At least it does to me.

I found myself needing some coverage last week, though, so I tried some of my sample and... I have few words other than Amazing. Incredible. Wonderful. and other hyperbolic, and yet totally true adjectives.

This stuff goes on smooth, provides light moisture, sun protection, and the perfect amount of coverage. I could not ask for more. And while I am a notorious about not being able to let go of money if it's for something for myself, I find that I simply MUST shell out $65 for a full-sized tube. It is WORTH it. Plus, a tiny drop the size of a pea is all you need!

Tip of the day...

2007-04-30T14:20:00.000-07:00

Just because something makes your waist look smaller, doesn't mean it is stylish or attractive.

At-home Peels and Microdermabrasion

2007-04-05T10:08:00.000-07:00

I think that it is no secret that I'm a fan of leaving certain things up to the professionals. I do not believe that even with the advancements of science that you can get the same strength or results at home as you can get in a doctor's office.

That being said, I am a huge fan of the two products above, both by Loreal.

First, the ReFinish Microdermabrasion kit...

We all know (or should know) that it is a good idea to exfoliate regularly. How often depends on your skin's sensitivity. I use this product once or twice per week, usually in the mornings. It leaves my face feeling very smooth. It in no way replaces a clinical Microdermabrasion, but it is a damn fine exfoliator and does contain aluminum oxide crystals, delivered in a creamy base. It's clinical counterpart is delivered by a technician who uses a tool to blast the face with the dry crystal powder. The temptation with this product is to rub too hard, thereby leaving red, chaffed skin. This really needs a light touch (as do all at-home exfoliators).

Now for ReNoviste, the anti-aging Glycolic peel kit...

This kit contains a 10% glycolic acid solution, which is applied with a cotton disk. The instructions are to leave it on for 5 minutes, then use another disk to apply the enclosed neutralizer. You are then to rinse your face and apply the enclosed moisturizer.

Again, this cannot compete with an in-office visit as you are working with liscensed professionals and stronger chemicals. If you have sensitive skin, this might be too harsh for you as well. What the acid peels do is another form of exfoliation, this time, delivering the results via an acid such as glycolic or alpha hydroxy instead of scrubbing. I personally love this peel product above all the other over the counter ones that I've tried. I try to do one every week or two because I do see results.

*Please note that this commentary is in no way an attempt to replace the advice of a doctor. You are dealing with chemicals here, and it is always a good idea to have the "go ahead" by a professional.

Just in time for warmer weather...

2007-03-16T08:32:00.000-07:00

I hope Dr Pop doesn't get mad at me for posting this yummy recipe. This martini will be my downfall. It is delicious. It is healthy. You cannot taste the vodka. It is easy to drink in large quantities.

Ready?

Fill a cocktail shaker with crushed ice.
Add an ounce and a half of vodka. We like Tito's.
Add an ounce and a half of pomegranate juice.
Add an ounce of pineapple juice.
Put the lid on and shake the hell out of it.
Pour into a glass.
Drink.
Repeat.

You get all the benefits of pom juice and the lovely side effect of a healthy buzz. :)

Annual Spring/Summer Foot PSA

2007-03-15T10:09:00.000-07:00

As warm weather and sandal season fast approach, don't forget to visit your friendly neighborhood salon for a pedicure!

Here are some at-home tips for getting your feet sandal-ready:

Apply cuticle oil to your toenails
Soak your feet in warm, soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes
Use an orange stick to gently push back the cuticles
If you feel comfortable with it, use cuticle nippers to gently cut away excess skin
Invest a couple of dollars in a foot file. Use it on your heels and the parts of your feet that get the roughest. It can be used wet or dry, but best results are wet.
Use an exfoliating scrub on your feet. This can be done in the shower when you are scrubbing the rest of yourself. It doesn't have to be a different scrub from what you'd use on your body.
Be sure to file your toenails down to a decent length. You don't want your toenails to be longer than your fingernails!

Don't let embarassing feet stand in the way of enjoying all the cute shoes this season has to offer! A little nail polish and extra effort go a long way toward making your feet a star attraction rather than something you want to hide!

Inflation?

2007-03-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

The other day, I went out and bought myself a tube of Sally Hansen Lip Inflation lip gloss. I am a sucker for lip gloss and I'm always looking for an excuse to buy more. So I thought, dear readers, that I would be a guinea pig for you guys.

As lip gloss goes, this is nice. It's a bit tingly when it goes on, has decent staying power, and tastes okay.

The drawbacks? It's kind of goopy, which I don't love. I also didn't notice any difference in the size of my lips. No "inflation" at all. Also, my grocery stores and drug stores don't have much in the way of selection. They in fact only carry a blush color and clear. That is a drawback to me because I prefer pinks and reds for my glosses.

Overall rating? For doing what it says it will do: D

For being a decent lip gloss: B+

Best. Deep. Conditioner. Ever.

2007-03-08T09:25:00.000-08:00

www.aveda.com

I have become a HUGE fan in a short month of this amazing product: Aveda Damage Remedy Intensive Restructuring Treatment.

As you may or may not know, only "Aveda" salons and stores are allowed to carry Aveda products. This, to me, seems to prompt certain hairdressers and stylists to not recommend their products because they make no money and most salons make a lot of money on these back-end sales.

At my last hair appointment, I was lamenting my lack of a really good deep conditioner for my poor abused hair. My hairdresser (who sells incredible brands such as Pureology and Alterna) immediately wrote down this product and told me that I had to get it.

I did. He was right. My hair hasn't felt this healthy in YEARS.

Thank you, Aveda!

Cute Stationary Update

2007-03-08T06:13:00.000-08:00

Well, my Adorable Anne Taintor notepads arrived yesterday.

I have to say that I'm very disappointed in what I received. Yes, they were adorable, but for the price I paid, I expected, I don't know, more substance.

Honestly, I would have felt infinitely better about spending the money on cute notebooks at Target. I could have gotten about 12 of them, plus a book or two for the price I paid for three little POS notepads.

Adorable!

2007-02-27T07:31:00.000-08:00

I was doing a little blog surfing and came across The Grosgrain Garage. From there, I found a link to www.annetaintor.com. And all I can say is These are just so awesome!

I'm ordering some little things for myself from here for my birthday.

Obagi, Day 57

2007-02-20T11:37:00.000-08:00

I'll admit that I've been a little lax in my skincare over the past several weeks. I'm really, really good in the morning, scrubbing my face, applying my Regenerist Eye Lifting Serum around my eyes, and my Obagi Clear and Exfoderm prior to putting on my makeup. But at night, I've been really, really bad. I've actually averaged about two or three nights per week of the Obagi Blender and the Retin-A. For someone who is trying to resurface her skin, well, this is a bad thing.

As my 33rd birthday is fast-approaching, I've decided to be totally faithful to the regimen for an entire week without rest. I started on Sunday morning with an AM dose of Retin-A. My skin today is peeling big-time and looks like I am slightly sunburned. This is good, though. Once I get through this week, I'm scheduling a microdermabrasion and will take a "mid-point" photo to compare my pre-Obagi face with what it is now.

The surface lines around my eyes and mouth are continuing their disappearing act and I am really loving that. Once I can make it through a full 3 months of this, I plan to schedule a partial blue peel (enough to make a difference, but not enough to turn me blue) as a reward. I cannot wait to get to that point.

While the things I describe may sound a bit harsh, this is all just part of it. We put our poor faces through so much! If we want to begin cellular regeneration, this is the price we pay. And at this point in my life, I really don't care if I have to peel a bit. The only person I care about impressing is my husband and he gets to see the transformation first hand.

Let's talk about ironing for a minute...

2007-02-08T06:12:00.000-08:00

Actually, let's not. I hate to iron. H.A.T.E. it. With a passion. I don't quite know why I dislike it so much, but it probably has something to do with the fact that I am lazy. I don't mind doing laundry, but please don't make me iron. It's probably why I end up spending more on dry cleaning than I do on the clothes...

Until now. Now, I have found the perfect shirt. The non-iron cotton button-down shirt from Brooks Brothers. Take a look at it on the Brooks Brothers website.

Many people told me about this shirt. I decided to buy one to see what all the fuss was about. And all I can say is WOW! I washed and dried this shirt. When I pulled it out of the dryer, it was as though I'd picked it up from the cleaners! Even the crease on the sleeve was razor-sharp. Simply put, this shirt is amazing and I want more.

Dos and Don'ts

2007-02-02T11:57:00.000-08:00

This is really more of a random thought than anything else...

I often wish that Glamour magazine would hire me to be a "Dos & Don'ts" contributing editor. I would have a month's worth of material each day... Mainly Don'ts, but still...

Like one of today's for instance... It's 36 degrees outside. She is wearing a black tank top, a beige crocheted short-sleeve tie-front sweater, skinny jeans, and stilletto faux-leather boots that come up over her jeans.

DON'T

Designer Fakes

2007-02-01T18:47:00.000-08:00

Hmm... I've been toying with this post for about a month now because I am so torn on the issue.

Is it okay to buy fake designer goods such as Louis Vuitton handbags or Hermes scarves, etc?

On the one hand, if all the reports out there are to be believed, fake goods help fund terrorism and are created in sweatshops. Not only that, they are illegal in most parts of the world.

So okay. I get it. That fake Prada tote bag sitting in my closet is from the Devil.

On the other hand, there are so many fashion trends out there, and if one were to pick one and follow it, a girl could end up paying thousands of dollars for just a few little items. And unless your last name is Jolie-Pitt, Gates, or Beckham, you probably cannot afford to do that. The whole family to support thing kind of gets in the way.

It is my belief that the average woman likes to treat herself every now and then. If you're like me, you fantasize about the "treats" being that new Jimmy Choo purse that all the stars are carrying, but the reality is that you cannot justify the expense, so you go to Old Navy and pick up a track suit and cool tote bag on sale. There is nothing wrong with that. In fact, I believe that is the responsible thing to do. Spending money that could be better used for things like bills, groceries, and living expenses on a pair of shoes or a purse is NOT a good choice.

So every now and then the siren song of the fake bag/accessory beckons. And there in front of you is the brand new Chanel bag for $45. You have the magazine ad in front of you and it is identical to the naked eye. Sure the lining might be different or the leather might really be "pleather" but for $45, who cares? Right? And you find yourself writing a check...

So I come to the point of my post. If the siren song beckons and is too strong to resist, please, PLEASE take a little advice from me:

1) Remember that your purse is FAKE.
2) Enjoy it.
3) If someone asks about its authenticity, don't lie. Be proud of your bargain. It's likely that the person asking already knows and wants to know where you picked it up.
4) Do your homework. If you've never, EVER seen a magenta and orange striped Louis Vuitton, then your fake will stick out like a sore thumb.

I will say this, though... In my closet, I have a handful of fake purses that sit next to a handful of the real thing. I have experienced buyer's remorse on about half of my collection (real & fake). Don't buy something just to buy it and don't buy a name. I've used purses as an example, but we could be talking about scarves, jewelry, watches, you name it. Spend money carefully and when you hand out your cash (whether it's $20 or $2000), make sure it's on something you're going to ENJOY.

Review: Eye Cream

2007-01-22T07:28:00.000-08:00

I love products. Especially eye care products. You see, I suffer from the malady called "dark undereye circles." Yes. It's true. :(

Since I have zero qualms about trying something new, especially something in a well-done commercial, I picked up a tiny little bottle of this stuff at the grocery store. I did think to myself, "For eighteen bucks at a GROCERY store, this stuff had better work!" And guess what? It did. No one has been more amazed than me. I didn't think it would.

I use this lightweight gel-like cream each morning after I wash my face and before I put on all of my layers of Obagi stuff and makeup. It perks up my eye area and does make a difference on my circles. Best $18 I've spent in a long time.

Obagi, Day 28

2007-01-22T07:24:00.000-08:00

Well, I've been at this for about 4 weeks now. There have been some days here and there where I skipped the Retin-A or used regular moisturizer instead of the skin bleaching and exfoliating creams, but for the most part, I've been extremely faithful to the program.

Drumroll please...

The fine lines around my eyes diminsh more and more each day.

The little acne scars that I only recently created (like, WTF??? I'm in my 30s! I should know better!) are becoming less visible as my skin regenerates.

My overall complexion is brighter.

One of my friends told me last week that my skin "glowed" and I wasn't even wearing makeup.

I'm still not posting a picture yet. Not until I've gone through at least two more weeks. Then y'all can have the before and after shots.

Obagi, Day Eleven

2007-01-05T08:17:00.000-08:00

Well folks, it's day 11. My face is so red and itchy and peeling that I can hardly stand it. But then I look at my right eye... And I notice the visible lack of surface lines. The crow's feet have all but disappeared on that side. So has the line that goes from my nose to my mouth. But only on the right side. My left crow's feet and mouth line are both still intact (GRR!), but they are a bit less visible.

If a person can tough out the peeling and redness, the results will speak for themselves. The true test for me will be going back to the office on Monday, peeling face and all...

One thing on my list is now checked off...

2007-01-05T08:13:00.000-08:00

And I didn't even have to win the lottery!

Dr Pop gave me the above bag for Christmas. While technically, it's a tote bag and a bit too obnoxious to carry around all the time as a purse, I haven't been able to help myself. So I'm THAT girl now... The one who, with one turn to look back at something can take out people like bowling pins. It's so awesome!

Obagi, Day Four

2006-12-29T07:43:00.000-08:00

Well, the Retin-A has turned my face red, and it, combined with the Exfoderm product have made my face begin to peel in earnest.

It would be much harder to deal with in the summer. It's annoying, but I know that the end result will be worth it as my skin begins to regenerate.

Revisiting Nail Polish

2006-12-29T07:34:00.000-08:00

So folks, here, I told y'all about Sally Hanson's Diamond Strength "No Chip" nail color. I believe my exact words were: "New Favorite Nail Polish"

Right.

Let me begin by saying that while my toenails haven't been without nail polish on them in, like, YEARS, I can count about three times since my three year old son was born that I actually polished my fingernails.

Because this stuff was so great on my toes (and still is great there), I decided to give it a whirl on my fingernails (it was Christmas, after all, and I wanted to be festive).

Day 1: Fine. Looks good.
Day 2: One nail has chipped. It could be my application. No big deal.
Day 3: All but three nails have chipped.
Day 4: All nails have a chip or five.
Day 5: I'm going out and don't have time to re-do my nails, so I apply another coat on top of my nails. BIG mistake. Three coats of polish apparently turn it into some soft and waxy, never-quite-dry sludge. After three hours, it still wasn't hard. Or dry. So I took it off.

I don't want to give up completely on this stuff, so I will try it again on my fingernails. I still love it on my toes, too, so I'm sort of 50/50 on it right now. I'll let you know if I have a better experience the second time around.

Obagi

2006-12-28T07:04:00.000-08:00

A few years ago, I went through the entire Obagi regimen (www.obagi.com) for about four months. My love for all things Obagi culminated in a partial Blue Peel (I didn't turn blue because they didn't go all the way with it). Honestly, my skin never looked better than it did at that moment in time. I went without any kind of foundation for almost two weeks and there were no fine lines at my eyes or around my mouth. I just had this amazing, clear, perfect, smooth skin.

So what do I do? That's right. I start using something else right away. I found a system that combines the ONLY approved and proven anti-wrinkle, skin lightening products (Retin-A and hydroquinone), loved it, saw results, and decided to quit. Brilliant.

Some people HATE Retin-A with a passion. It's too harsh, it makes the skin peel, the face turn red, blah, blah, blah... Of course it does and it is harsh. We all would like there to be a miracle product out there that doesn't have TEMPORARY side effects, but, well, there isn't one. And Retin-A is about as miraculous as it gets. Yes. There is redness and peeling. But you get through it. And results are noticable.

Almost three years after the first time I tried Obagi, I'm going to do it again. I'm also going to post before and after pictures for the world (or just my three readers) to see. I started on the products Tuesday morning, but forgot to take a photo. Last night, I had a petite facial and a microdermabrasion (an in-office one, NOT an at-home one... DON'T get me started on my feelings about THOSE) to sort of prepare myself for the coming weeks... I then came home and had Dr Pop take the most unflattering and horrible photo of my make-up free face. I'm still debating on waiting to post the picture until I have an "after" shot. :)

I've found religion...*

2006-12-21T09:10:00.000-08:00

True Religion, that is...

Neiman Marcus has these and others out on their site right now.

The cut and fit is flattering. It has a slender leg without being a "skinny" jean, and the stitching detail on the pocket is just right and not over the top.

Add 'em to my wish list!

Need a last-minute gift for the lady in your life?

2006-12-19T14:08:00.000-08:00

This Bracelet Is Stunning

Hey, Santa...

2006-12-19T14:05:00.000-08:00

Will you please destroy all copies of Madonna's version of Santa Baby? If I hear it again, I may smash something...

What's wrong with Eartha Kitt's version, anyway?

Oh, and by the way, Judy Garland did a MUCH better job at singing Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas than ANYONE ELSE. So why on earth isn't her version getting more airplay?

The Christmas List

2006-11-30T13:16:00.000-08:00

Okay... So I'm making this because Dr Pop is insisting... Aside from the items on my "wish lists" below, I have a few more trinkets that I wouldn't mind calling my own. ;-)

From Sak's:
These bracelets

This purse

These makeup brushes

Or this tunic

From Nordstrom's:
These cashmere lounge pants

This Vera Wang chemise

This sweater jacket

Those are some ideas, but what I keep telling him, and what I really, truly mean with all my heart is that I will treasure ANY gift he chooses for me as long as it is something that comes directly from his heart.
And that's the truth. It's not what you get from people this season in terms of "stuff," but rather what you give of yourself. The more joy you can spread, at any time of year, not just Christmas, the more joy you will receive.

Wish List, continued...

2006-11-29T06:14:00.000-08:00

So, let's say I win the lottery and go on the below shopping spree... I'm going to need something pretty to haul the purchases home... What better than the Porsche Cayenne S Titanium Edition? That's what I thought. As an added bonus, it's RED!

A girl can dream... Which reminds me, I need to buy a lottery ticket today.

Wish List...

2006-11-28T10:31:00.000-08:00

If I won the lottery, after sectioning a large chunk off into savings/investments, buying a house, and giving rather substantial gifts to my family and friends, but before the vacation, I would go on a shopping spree and buy the following items:

The tote bag.

Cartier Pasha C Unisex watch with the pink face. The better to tell time with, my dear.

Christopher Blue jeans. They seem to have such a flattering fit!

This outfit by "Just Cavalli" or something similar.

These need no explanation.

The Jimmy Choo boots I so covet.

Dressing up for the holidays

2006-11-27T15:37:00.000-08:00

Yeah, yeah, I know. What, in fact, DO I know about fashion? Not a thing except what I like and what is tacky.

Folks, we know it's Christmas. We see it everywhere, we hear it everywhere, and there are currently TWO radio stations in the Greater Austin Area playing Christmas music 24/7. That being said, when you are interested in showing your holiday spirit, it is truly not necessary to do so by wearing the Santa earrings, Christmas tree watch, and reindeer sweater.

If you are headed to an event this holiday season, there are ways to look festive without wearing ornaments from your tree. Ladies, a pair of black velvet pants or a black velvet skirt, paired with either a metallic or deep burgundy or emerald blouse or sweater is always a classic. Not feeling quite festive enough? Well, you can always try a sparkling and dangling crystal earring. So much more classic. Use your imagination and be creative. There are more ways to spell festive than simply going with the cheesy aspect of it all.

Samsung Blackjack

2006-11-25T12:31:00.000-08:00

Coolest. Phone. Ever.

I actually blogged last night from a bar with this phone. I want one. Maybe. I'm torn between this, the LG Chocolate Bar phone, and the Krazr. This thing, though, isn't much bigger than Dr Pop's old Razr phone.

You know, I remember when my brother and I got our own phone line in our house and it was the biggest deal ever. My, how things have changed.

Posture, Posture, Posture!!!

2006-11-21T10:50:00.000-08:00

One of my biggest pet peeves dates back to my 7th grade year... My friend, A, wore a pair of "high" heeled pumps to school (I say "high" because I think the heel was only an inch and a half or so, but still...). She walked the same awkward walk all day: Shoulders hunched forward, the top half of her body leaning forward at a slight angle, knees perpetually bent. From that moment on, I cringe at the way certain women walk in heels...

Look, it is never necessary for a girl to wear high heels, no matter how tall or short one may be. There are benefits to wearing a nice, high-heeled shoe, however, and the main one is that it lenghthens the leg and causes the calves to contract in such a way that the shoes can make anyone's legs look stunning.

The caveat here is that you MUST stand up straight and walk normally. It is not NORMAL for a perfectly healthy human being to walk around like the Hunchback of Notre Dame! If you are unwilling to stand up tall and be proud and show off your legs (even when wearing pants), then retire your heels. You aren't showing yourself off to your best advantage.

And here are a few posture-improving tips:

Take a ballet class (there are tons of beginner adult classes available all over the place and many of them offer a "pay as you go" alternative so that you are not locked into a several-month commitment.
Take a modeling class (see above).
In lieu of either of the above two options, practice. Use the old book-balance routine. Shoulders back, head up, and center your core (you should imagine your back is up against a pole running straight up and down).

Thongs

2006-11-21T08:29:00.000-08:00

I recently went to Old Navy and purchased some new thongs. They were on sale for 5 for $15. I absolutely, positively HATE thongs, but hey, for $15, I thought I'd try these.

Now, these are actually MORE comfortable than any others I've tried (and believe me, I've tried many different varieties from department store brands, to Victoria's Secret, to Fredrick's of Hollywood), but they are NOT 100% comfortable.

It is my contention that any woman who says that she actually prefers thongs to regular underwear is lying. I've had women tell me the following about thongs:

I love thongs!
I wouldn't wear anything else.
I don't even feel uncomfortable.
You forget that it's there.

And the list goes on and on and on and I call them LIARS! It is not natural to have a slim piece of lace or fabric wedged up one's ass. It just isn't. And it ISN'T comfortable. So far, all morning long, I've wanted to reach in there and pull out the wedgie.

In my quest for a better way to not have panty lines, I've tried many things. I've tried boy shorts. I've tried lace boy shorts with no seams. I've tried seamless panties. I've even been lied to by Jockey's No Panty Line Promise. No panty line, my ass! (pun intended).

I will continue my endeavor to find the perfect underwear solution, because right now there is not a win out there to have comfort and no panty lines. Help!

Looking to get me a gift for Christmas?

2006-11-20T15:32:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I didn't think so...

But in case you were wondering, anything from here (or maybe a gift card) would do nicely.

Tights, pantyhose, leggings, and stockings, and seasonal dressing...

2006-11-20T15:19:00.000-08:00

Do me a favor, please...

Don't wear tights or pantyhose with open-toed shoes. It's ugly.
Don't wear leggings with a long top if you look in the mirror and see that you don't look good in it (since the only people who ACTUALLY look good in leggings are anorexic models, trust me, you DON'T look good).
If you wear stockings, please don't wear a skirt short enough to show off their tops. Unless you are a stripper... And at work.
Unless you live in Miami, LA, or south of the equator, it is NOT appropriate to wear your summer clothes in November. Seriously. It may be 75 degrees outside (like it has been here in Central Texas), but again, it is NOVEMBER. And tights don't make an outfit winter-ready.

Please use common sense when getting dressed. Don't use whatever fad of the second celebutantes are wearing as your guide. :)

Foundation update...

2006-11-13T11:58:00.000-08:00

I mentioned Here that I really loved Lancome's Teint Idole Ultra foundation. I still do. But being lazy, cheap, and not one to turn my nose up at free stuff, I rummaged through some of the samples my mother brought me at the same time and found this:

On my hairdresser's suggestion, I had purchased IsaDora bronzing powder ages ago and it is still a staple in my daily routine. The sample of the "Sheer to Cover" foundation that my mom brought over was the right shade as well, so I decided to give it a whirl.

It goes on as smoothly as the Lancome and stays all freaking day (just like the Lancome). I will be purchasing this for myself.

How to look better in clothes...

2006-11-07T10:46:00.000-08:00

Rule #1: Stand up straight with your head held high.
Rule #2: Wear clothes that fit. Seriously? Squeezing yourself into a size smaller just to say you're wearing that size doesn't do anyone ANY favors!

A slave to mass marketing...

2006-11-06T12:50:00.000-08:00

If a commercial tells me that I absolutely HAVE to have something to make my skin clearer, wrinkles less noticable, abs tighter, hair softer, cleaning simpler, well you get the picture, I really decide that I must buy it.

I typically don't buy it. But it's oh-so-hard to resist.

My parents own enough items of work out equipment to warrant their own home gym. Literally. My dad built a 16 x 20 standalone workout center out behind their house. With air-conditioning and cable. They can't resist a good infomercial!

Me? I am proud to say that I have only made one purchase from an infomercial and it's something that even if I don't ever use it again (don't worry Dr Pop! I'll use it again, I promise!) I'll have gotten my money's worth. But that's not to say that the lovely in-store displays don't draw me in like the Pied Piper.

New Makup Goodies...

2006-11-02T08:57:00.000-08:00

My mom brought me the Jane Iredale PurePressed Base yesterday. Love it! http://www.janeiredale.com/products/bases.html

I went to Sephora yesterday and purchased the following items:

Tarte Cheek Stain in "Blushing Bride"

Smashbox Eyeshadow Trio in "Shutterspeed"

Plus, the lovely people who work there gave me TONS of free samples when I asked. I got a Cosmedicine eye cream that I'm trying out, plus some Dr Brandt Vitamin C gel, and tons of Cosmedicine moisturizers. Hooray! I love samples!

Old Navy? Wow!

2006-10-30T08:45:00.000-08:00

I went to Old Navy yesterday to find a pair of corduroy pants. I did find them, and they are the most comfortable pants I've purchased in a long, long time. Here they are if you want to take a look. Of course, in my tunnel-vision shopping mode, I completely missed tons of other cute stuff that I think I want.

I knew that Old Navy had cute, inexpensive, trendy clothes. But I truly think they've outdone themselves with their Holiday Collection this season. So many things here that I want!

New Favorite Nail Polish

2006-10-30T08:31:00.000-08:00

Admittedly, I was initially drawn to the Sally Hansen Diamond Strength No Chip Nail Color because of the sparkly rhinestone on the bottle. What can I say? My eyes are drawn to things that sparkle. :) But then I saw the new fall/winter colors and got hooked. I puchased the color "chocolate kiss" (sorry, I don't have a picture of it), which is actually more red than chocolate, but a lovely, rich, deep brownish red that is way too flattering for words. I put it on my toenails almost two weeks ago and it is still perfect. Good stuff!

I love this stuff!!!

2006-10-29T12:21:00.000-08:00

From softening my lips, to smoothing my cuticles, this stuff is incredible. There are some who say that this product is a trifle overrated, but I'm definitely not one of them. I keep it by my desk at work, in my purse, and by my bed. And for around $6, really, can you ask for more? It keeps my hands smooth in a non-greasy way and is even working miracles on my husband's dry, cracked skin. It definitely works hard for a small pricetag.

Boots and Capri Pants

2006-10-26T10:19:00.000-07:00

shudder!

You know, I could almost get into the whole gaucho pants with tall boots movement. I mean there are certain types of women who can really carry that look well. Sadly, I am not one of those women. At least, I don't think I am one, therefore, I am not, because really, fashion and all that is about feeling good about what you are wearing and how you look in it. If I'm not happy about what I'm wearing (like today, for example), then I'm pretty much uncomfortable until I am able to change clothes.

So, like I said, SOME people can get away with gaucho pants and tall boots. The deal with making it work, in my not-at-all humble opinion, is that the pants MUST cover part of the boots. Knees should not be visible, people!

What I could not wrap my head around today was the sight of some girl wearing a short pair of capri pants that were, sadly, at least one size too small, and a pair of boots that hit below the knee. Knees and lower-knee area were clearly visible and not at all covered.

Do people like this really think they look good when they leave their houses in the morning?

Now, I have constantly bemoaned the fact that I often feel hopelessly out of date and that my clothes aren't "hip" enough. But does that mean that I should buy an outfit that doesn't fit my personality? Just because I see an outfit in a magazine does not mean that I should go all The Look For Less on the world and try to recreate it via my local discount store. Sometimes it DOES. NOT. WORK. This was one of those cases.

New Book

2006-10-25T13:16:00.000-07:00

So, okay. I know I said that my next book was the Anna Quindlen book, but I got sidetracked and busy, and ended up reading other things (comments and reviews later, I promise!). I've read one other book by Gregory McGuire:
Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. I absolutely loved that one. I will definitely read his other tales because I thoroughly enjoy his take on the classic fairy tales of my youth.

Today's little bit of fabulous...

2006-10-11T10:04:00.000-07:00

When I saw these hot pink and chocolate brown leather mules with a 4" heel last year at Nordstrom's, I knew that they would be mine. I ended up having to order them because they didn't have my size, so I did not get my instant gratification that day. {sigh!} I did receive these lovely Paolo shoes (size 9 1/2) in the mail that week, however. And the icing on the cake? They were ON. SALE.

Trying something new..

2006-10-11T09:57:00.000-07:00

My name is Ellen and I'm obsessed with shoes. There. I've said it. Nothing gives me the warm fuzzies quite as much as finding and purchasing that perfect pair of shoes. You know the ones I'm talking about. These are the shoes that you see someone else wearing and know you MUST own them. Or something with the same amount of fabulousness. The shoes that you see in the stall next to yours and you immediately as, "Where did you get your shoes?" much to the discomfort of the poor soul who just wanted to pee.

Every now and then, I have myself discovered the perfect accessory. And on a down day, nothing really makes me feel better than knowing that even at my worst, at least some part of my outfit is fabulous. So from time to time, I'm going to post what makes me feel fabulous.

And, uh, yeah, this is slightly narcissistic. But really, aren't most blogs?

Is it wrong to want...

2006-10-10T10:54:00.000-07:00

THESE FABULOUS SHOES?!?!

I didn't think so.

It's coming together

2006-10-06T08:02:00.000-07:00

I got my brown cowl-neck long sweater (sleeveless), long-sleeved white t-shirt, and grey flat-front pants the other day. I did pretty good on the spending, too, having a gift card to Ann Taylor and taking advantage of a sale at Express. :-)

The unfortunate thing, though, is that I've added lots more stuff to my list. Oh well. I'm a shopaholic, I guess. Or perhaps I'm just a "want"aholic. I want everything. I did find the leopard shoes that I plan to get. They're so cute! Peep-toe 4.5" platforms from bebe. I found them online, though, so I need to try them on this weekend.

I see a trip to Last Call and that mall down south with the Nordstrom's in my not so distant future...

I've decided that I need limitless funds and a personal shopper to keep me content with my wardrobe. That and a professional organizer and custom closet. Sadly, those things are slightly out of reach at the moment. Ah, well... A girl can dream.

And on a side note, our Sak's is finally stepping up to the plate in the shoe department. Manolo and Jimmy are in abundance!

Hair Color

2006-10-01T14:06:00.000-07:00

Y'all, I've been unnaturally blonde for the past, oh, 17 years or so. I know that there is a huge market out there for over-the-counter/do-it-yourself hair color and honestly, I just don't get it!

Maybe it's the blondes that I have trouble with, I don't know. I'm just going by experience and I don't really know about the darker hair colors. But what I do know is that having your hair professionally colored by someone isn't just about the color.

I see my colorist on average about once every five to six weeks. My hairstylist and I have been together for over 10 years now, and I can't imagine not going to him. For almost three hours, I get therapy, a healthy dose of "you're fabulous!" and my roots get touched up! It's a win-win!

It doesn't come cheap, but neither does therapy. ;-) And when you look at it that way, you are actually saving money!

But that's just me. I think my husband might disagree, BUT, he loves the color!

Update on the "List" and other randomness

2006-09-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

Actually, there is no update other than to say that I've purchased and returned a pair of Merrill sneakers that I LOVED, but realized didn't quite fit. : (

I'm still on the lookout for all of my fall items...

I'm also getting ready to read the new Anna Quindlen book: Rise and Shine: A Novel. As a side note, I don't quite get why books use the words "a novel" in the titles of their books. Is the publishing world really that worried that we'll think it's a calendar or something?

My New Favorite Foundation!

2006-09-26T13:53:00.000-07:00

From the Lancome.com site:

TEINT IDOLE ULTRA
Enduringly Divine & Comfortable Makeup 14-Hour Retouch-Free, Oil-Free
Discover a 14-hour ultra-resistant makeup with divine comfort. This retouch-free, oil-free foundation features innovative highly resistant pigments for 14-hour wear. SoftFeel™ technology glides on to comfort skin with flawless full coverage that lasts all day.

I have used so many different types of foundation (powder, liquid, cream, mousse, expensive, cheap, you name it!) and this is far and away the best feeling stuff I have ever tried. It goes on evenly with just my fingers, evens out my skin tone, and stays on all day! I've been using it for about a week now and I absolutely love it!

*Thanks, Mom, for giving it to me!*

Finished the Book

2006-09-22T07:15:00.000-07:00

Candace Bushnell's The Lipstick Jungle was much more than I expected.

If you are a fan of what I call "snapshot" stories, or stories that provide a current snapshot view into the main characters' lives, without delving too deeply into their backstories, then you'll enjoy this.

The novel revolves around three New York City power-women (Wendy -- President of a motion picture company, Nico -- Editor-in-chief of a magazine, and Victory -- Successful fashion designer) who are in their early forties. The novel goes back and forth between the three women's perspectives, but it is told in the third person.

The formula used in the writing is simple: Protagonist is successful and has it all, comes to a crossroads, faces challenges, has resolution. Most stories fall into this category, but not all of them work. It may be cliche to say so, but I like the formula and I like the content and the way it was put together. Another bonus is the fact that the author is writing from an insider's perspective, and her attention to detail is excellent.

If you are looking for a super-fast read, this is not your book. While it is a page-turner, it is 435 pages long, and does take some time. I can usually blast through your basic fluff novel in one to two evenings. This one took me a week.

2006-09-21T10:53:00.000-07:00

Here you will see the main ingredient of one of my favorite summer drinks... The Cherry Limeade. Think back to when you were a kid at Sonic. Now fast forward to now. This is so much better! Mainly because of, well, you know, the vodka!

Recipe for a killer Cherry Lime-ade:

Glass of Ice
Add a shot or two (okay, three) of cherry-flavored vodka
Fill to almost the top with 7-up or Sprite
Squeeze in the juice of half a lime
Add a splash of grenadine
Stir and enjoy

*recipe courtesy of my husband, Dr. Pop, and also Carlos and Charlie's on Lake Travis

What's your favorite mixed drink?

What I'm Reading

2006-09-21T06:51:00.000-07:00

Yes, I totally get the shoe thing...

I haven't been a huge fan of Candace Bushnell's writing (other than Sex and the City -- the show, not the book). I read Sex and the City and 4 Blondes and I just wasn't that into either one. I can usually tell by the first sentence whether or not I'm going to love the book or not. It took a page with this one, but I do love it. It's about three friends in their early forties, living in NYC, enjoying hugely successful careers, two have families, one is single. It is almost a "coming of age" story despite their ages, though, as each goes through their own set of challenges both with their careers and families. I cannot wait to finish it... And then I'll have to get Trading Up (the book she wrote just before this). It all goes to show you that you shouldn't give up completely on a writer, especially when she has proven she can be vastly entertaining (again with the SATC!).

Objects of Desire

2006-09-20T06:18:00.000-07:00

Oh Mr. Choo... Oh Mr. Blahnik...

I love shoes that have a touch of pink. These definitely fit the bill.

These could count for my "something animal print" that is on my list to buy. This shoe (I have it in acid green -- purchased at Last Call by Neiman Marcus in South Austin) is one of my all-time favorite shoes in terms of comfort and style. Plus, did I tell you it's ACID GREEN??? It looks great with jeans, black pants, khaki pants, skirts. Who knew green was so versatile?

Time for a shopping trip...

2006-09-19T12:20:00.000-07:00

It's time to update the old wardrobe for fall and winter. Here's what's on my list:

Grey flat-front boot cut pants
Black, high-heeled, pointy toe boots
Long sleeve white t-shirt
Violet pin-striped shirt
New pair of Merrill sneakers
Long denim skirt
New brown belt
Khaki boot cut cords
Chocolate brown cowl-neck fitted long sweater
Something animal print
Long black skirt in either a jersey or knit

That's all I can think of for now on the clothing front.

I also need to purchase some beading wire and pull out my beads. It's been a few years, but I need to start making necklaces again. I cannot for the life of me justify spending money on chunky beaded necklaces when I have the most gorgeous turquoise, garnet, and red coral beads around!

Because sometimes shoes deserve a home of their own...

2006-09-18T12:06:00.000-07:00

Just having a boredom attack and wanting to get in on all the fashion blogs out there. Actually, that's not really quite true. I just want a place to dish about clothes, shoes, hair, books, and stuff that takes up slightly too much room over at Mrs. Pop's place. :)