Monday, January 31, 2011

Status Update

1. Haircut - check
2. Babysitter - check
3. Back up dress ordered - check
4. Fabric...

So, the only white silk jersey I could locate in order to make my dream Calvin Klein dress was in NYC.  I decided not to order $40/yard fabric sight unseen.  I was giving up on making the dress and was actually heading to the Mall when something made me stop at Hancock Fabrics.  I walked in saw this beautiful blue silk on sale for $11/yard.

Now, I have a new vision.  We'll see if I can pull it off.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Fashion Emergency!

My husband told me last night that we are going to a black tie event next Saturday!  Fun - right?  But it's in one week!  I have to get my hair cut and highlighted at two different places (strange, I know), find a babysitter, and most importantly FIND SOMETHING TO WEAR! 

This is what I wore to the last black tie event I attended (with all of the same people who will be at this event):


I would gladly suck up my pride and wear this again except for the fact that I feel like it is just a tad too short.  (I know you can't tell, because my photographer cut off my feet.)  Also, I think I will be cold.  Although, this dress kind of goes with the one shoulder theme going on right now, and I bought this dress in 1996!

I am really dreaming of a white long-sleeved Calvin Klein type dress, so I can be warm and glamorous.  I may try to make one, because how hard can that be?  

I'll keep you posted... 

Friday, January 28, 2011

Cute outerwear

On my most recent shopping outing, I found these two ladies...


I thought she looked very put together with the suede boots, Kate Spade purse, and cute jacket that she bought at Macy's. 


 The red hair is beautiful, too.



Her red coat, which she purchased at T.J. Maxx years ago, makes a statement and has great seam detailing in the front and back. 



So the moral of this shopping excursion is that in the winter most people only notice your coat and your shoes.  So, buy a great coat and great shoes and wear them every day. 

And the winner is...




Congratulations, Lisa!  (Outfit "A" was from Target.)

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Signature piece

My friend Tammy has a style that I describe as "classic with an edge".  The "edge" often comes from her Liquid Metal bracelet, and I love it every time I see it.  This bracelet is a great example of having a signature piece that makes an outfit.  She let me try it on, and it feels great, too.


Liquid Metal by Sergio Gutierrez

Dora Rae Boutique in Sandy Springs (http://www.dorarae.com/) has bracelets from this line in stock.  You can also buy them on http://www.amazon.com/

Find your signature piece and wear it all the time.  It will not look the same as Tammy's signature piece, because as Coco Chanel said, "The best color in the whole world, is the one that looks good on you!" (That goes for accessories, too.)

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Growing into our dreams



As I grow older, I am inspired by people who create something significant later in life.  I had no idea until recently that Laura Ingalls Wilder (author of the "Little House" book series) falls into that category.  Hours and hours of my childhood were spent pretending to be Laura from the "Little House on the Prairie" television show.

Laura Ingalls Wilder was born in 1867 and spent her early adulthood raising her daughter and helping her husband on their farm.  She published her first magazine article in the Missouri Ruralist at the age of 44.  Almost 20 years later, she submitted her first book to publishers.  It was rejected.  After making significant adjustments to the book, Little House in the Big Woods was published in 1932.  Mrs. Wilder was 65!

"Laura felt a warmth inside her.  It was very small, but it was strong.  It was steady, like a tiny light in the dark, and it burned very low but no winds would make it flicker because it would not give up."
         - Excerpt from The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Monday, January 24, 2011

Contest!

I purchased one of the outfits below from Target and one from Neiman Marcus Last Call.  Guess which one is from Target and you could win a $25 gift card to either Target or NM Last Call (your choice).  Write your guess in the comment section below (A or B) and you will be entered into the pool to win.  (The winner will be randomly drawn out of hat by my daughter on Friday 1/28.)



A

B




Saturday, January 22, 2011

Food Court Style



I appreciate her unique style.  She definitely stood out to me with her skinny jean overalls, wedge booties, fluffy jacket, and black rimmed glasses.

The Selby

Last night, I went with my family and some friends to the opening night of Todd Selby's exhibit at Jackson Fine Art.





Toddy Selby

Mr. Selby's photo of a "friend of a friend" in her space.

Mr. Selby's photo of Karl Lagerfeld's space.


 Todd Selby photographs interesting people in their interesting places resulting in his project called "The Selby is in Your Place".


The Selby's new book
  My daughter was so upset that she didn't get to actually see the photographer last night (due to the crowds).  So, we went back this morning to listen to Mr. Selby speak about his work.




Mr. Selby speaking to the crowd
 He got started in 2000 by shooting pictures of his friends in their places.  Then he started taking pictures of friends of friends.  He did some work for various magazines.  Word got around.  Now he gets requests from all over and is invited into the homes of famous designers, models and artists.



Mr. Selby's photo of Simon Doonan and Jonathan Adler playing ping pong.
 He adds extra depth to his work by conducting a very entertaining hand written interview with each of his subjects.

Christian Louboutin
 Check out his book and his blog at www.theselby.com.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Simplicity


Nobody can balance too many things.  In our modern time, we have so many options that we can be easily overwhelmed.  We can only do what we are called to do.  The most successful people focus on one thing and do it well.

Einstein said, "It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer."*


*Quote obtained from In Search of Balance by Richard Swenson.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

International Tapestries

Today, I met my friend Karen for lunch.



Her accessories carried an international flavor - especially the shoes.  They remind me of a tapestry.


 Our conversation turned to international matters as Karen told me about her family's involvement with the refugees in Clarkston (just outside of Atlanta).  They recently adopted a refugee family from Africa through World Relief.  Karen's family met their adopted family at the airport as they arrived for the first time in the U.S. after years of struggling to get to freedom.  Karen's family continues to meet with the refugee family to help them with many practical needs like finding a job, learning English, obtaining household appliances and just being their first friends in America. 

I was inspired by her story and hope that my family can get involved in something like this.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

A shopping success

I was inspired by a girl in my last "Street Style" post to look for a hat.  Today, I found it!




Can you tell where I bought it?

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Balanced Imbalance


Nothing can throw you off your game like a child.  My children are a constant source of imbalance in my life.  They are predictably unpredictable.  And they are loud.  You can try to train them, but ultimately you can't control them.

Richard Swenson says in his book In Search of Balance, "Even if perfect balance were attainable, it would be unwise to remain in that state continuously...A life that never experiences imbalance is one without growth and challenge."

So, a little imbalance can be good.  Out of sheer necessity, my children push me to become a better person.  Before having children I had many "profound" thoughts, but it is the reality of daily life in a family that helps deepen my soul. 

What deepens your soul?

Monday, January 17, 2011

More Street Style

I should probably call it "Mall Style", but that doesn't sound as hip.  Anyway, the malls are the streets of Atlanta - aren't they?


Tiffany's hat adds an extra touch of style to her already cute and comfortable outfit.  I think I need a hat.





 I noticed this girl because of her boots, which she purchased at fab'rik.  I liked them so much that I went to fab'rik to try them on.

They are only $46!  Unfortunately, each pair had some sort of quirk in the foot bed.  I don't know if the quirks will end up being painful over the long term.  What do you think?  Should I get them or not?

Emily works at Ann Taylor Loft, which is where she bought this cool necklace.  Her casual outfit is elevated by the necklace and heels.




Then, I found one stylish person walking outside!

I love the red boots.  Eye-catching and practical for walking.

So, I think the theme for today is to wear at least one statement piece.  It doesn't have to be a loud statement - just interesting.  And cute shoes seem to instantly make an outfit.