Top Chef fans, guess who I met tonight?

On the way to my high school reunion on Friday, I felt nervous and bored at the same time -  a very odd combination.  There were maybe 2 people that I really wanted to see, and I could probably arrange to see them at another time.  But I ended up having a really good time and talking to a lot of really interesting people.  Hopefully, by the next reunion I will have the perfect camera equipment that will enable me to take beautiful pictures at night.  (However, by then we may not want pictures of ourselves posted on the internet.)

My family felt that I should have a real birthday celebration, so my parents came into town and took us out to dinner tonight.  We went to Flip -

And guess who was there?



Richard Blais!  Recent winner of Top Chef All Stars and owner of Flip.  After cheering for him on so many episodes, it was surreal to meet him.  It made me feel like I was on a reality show for a minute. 

That's my dad.  (I bet he never thought he would make it onto my blog.)  In the reflection of the silver lamp shade you can see my husband, me, my daughter, my mom, and a blur of my other daughter.

And this is why we come to Flip -

Nutella and burnt marshmallow milkshake.  As you can see in the next picture, I finished my dessert before my meal -

It was an altogether satisfying experience.

Happy Birthday to Me!

I'm taking the day off.  See you later!

Thinking about yesterday and tomorrow

Yesterday when I went shopping, I wore this color-blocked outfit that reminded me of a couple of color blocked dresses I wore in high school -



No, I'm not going to show you pictures of my color blocked dresses, because they were way too big on me and looked like sacks.  But I did realize that I was wearing a similar silver necklace to one that I wore in high school. 



I think this was the best I could do at straightening my hair back then.



Tomorrow is not only my high school reunion, but also my birthday!  Guess how old I will be... On second thought, keep that guess to yourself.  Anyway, my birthday wish is to continue finding interesting people and outfits to photograph (and to be a sweeter mom).  So, here is what I saw yesterday -

These are such fun shoes. 



Then, I saw this girl in a cute polka dotted top from Forever 21 -



(Note to self - Buy white pants before all of the stores sell out again this year.)

Shopping trip

I am going to take a break from talking about high school to show you the results of my successful shopping trip.  I went back to Zara and hit the jackpot on print and color -

I'm trying not to buy any more striped items.  However, I do not own any multi-colored striped pieces... so I bought it.

I loved this blue top, but the arm holes were so big that you could see a lot of my bra.  So, I had to pass.

The butterflies are very cute and fun, but the back on this one was so thin that you could see my bra (once again).

I just wasn't into this one.

I loved the color on this one, but it was a little too big. 

I bought this one. 

I also bought this skirt - even though it is striped and the waist is a little big.  I just really liked the colors and the shape.  I'll have to try it on again at home to see if it's a keeper.

Lest you think this post is a Zara catalogue, I must include what I found at Urban Outfitters -

I know, I know - more stripes!  I just can't stop!

This sweater makes me happy.  And it was on the clearance rack.

Don't worry about my bank account.  I return most of the clothes I buy.  My husband knows to keep all receipts.

Everything circles back around

It is interesting how many fashion trends are circling back around - color blocking, capes, red jeans, brooches.  I wore all of those things in high school (along with whatever else I found in Harper's Bazaar). 

In the recent issue of InStyle magazine, I saw the following feature -

Here are my sculptural  earrings from high school -

...and my sculptural necklace -

Then I saw this feature -

Here is my favorite ring from high school -



I remember the day I had my photo taken wearing the "sculptural necklace".  I got a couple of comments like "that's an interesting necklace" - meaning "strange".  I don't think anything I wore in high school was "in style" among my peers.   I think I was trying to be different.  The other day, my oldest daughter said, "I want to be unique.  I don't want to be like everyone else."  So, is that something I've taught her or is it genetic?

A trip down memory lane

My high school reunion is on Friday, so I thought I would reminisce a little this week.  Let's start in my childhood.  I have always liked to pose for the camera -

 

And here is one of my greatest fashion moments -



Did anyone else have a pair of these glasses?  What about one of these shirts -

I'm a Pepper.  You're a Pepper.  Wouldn't you like to be a Pepper, too?

In case you can't tell, I'm the one in the green shorts.  The ironic thing about this photo is that all of us (except for the girl on the far right) ended up going to high school together after going to various schools in between.

Finally, here is a picture of me as a teenager.  Notice how my friend is dressed in a sweatshirt and jeans, and I am not -

I loved fashion even then, and I think I found my identity by dressing differently than everyone else.  This moment was the highlight of our day trip to NYC.  The white limo pulled up and male models stepped out to ask us, "Can I offer you some trouble?"  (They were passing out perfume samples.)

Check back tomorrow for some more reflections on my high school years...

Happy Easter!

Easter is all about new life.   A few of weeks ago, I wrote that my husband and daughter had planted a garden.  And now we have the beginning of our first tomato -

Every time I see a new life appear - a tomato, a flower, a baby - I am amazed.  How did "that" come out of "that"?  It convinces me more and more that there has to be a Creator behind all of this. 

What I love even more than physical new life is the new life that can appear deep in our souls.  I've seen people change (including myself).  Some times the results are s.l.o.w., but every time it makes me say, "Wow!"  So, Happy Easter and here's to new life!

Obsession continues

Even though I've made my print top, I'm still a little obsessed.  As kids, we were not afraid of color, print and pattern -

Can we not find a way to carry the fun into our adult wardrobe?  So, I searched some more.  I think I'm starting to run across some actual options for us -







The Limited



The Limited

 
The top part of this dress is adorable -



Asos


This one is a little more expensive but may be worth the splurge -

More Tiffany Saidnia...

For something more casual -

More Topshop...

For something a little more retro -



Top Shop

For something a little more pretty -



Top Shop


If you see any others that I might like, let me know!

Silk print top

As I said in an earlier post, I have been looking for a top with a print or pattern to add interest to my solid colored summer wardrobe.  I haven't found one that is both attractive and available, so I made one -

Eight at 8:00

Yesterday, I spent the morning with the beautiful ladies of Eight at Eight dinner club.  It's a dating service that sets up eight people for dinner at 8:00 with the hope that the participants will find their match.   I think it's a pretty cool concept and one that seems to work.  They take credit for over 200 marriages!   The business is owned and directed by Sarah Kathryn -

Sarah Kathryn is so warm and engaging.  She can put anyone at ease.  And I love her shoes -

The other ladies serve as coordinators and hostesses for the dates.  They are all so fun and friendly -



Yuki



Angie



Jennifer



If you are interested in signing up for one of their dinners, check out their website at http://www.8at8.com/.