A Wonderful Surprise

I went to visit my brother a couple weeks ago to drop off some paperwork. I hardly ever see my sister-in-law because she works long hours. Fortunately for me, she was there. She hugged me and said "I have something for you". She walked out with a brand new Michael Kors handbag and gave it to me. When I saw the price tag on it I was speechless. The MSRP was $398.00 and she was giving this to me??? She explained how she ended up buying a couple of purses, and decided to pass one on to me. Of course, I happily accepted!

This is a wonderful early birthday present!

I've always said that I rely on the kindness of others...

Although they live literally 12 minutes away from me, I don't visit them often...perhaps I need to change that :-)

I just wanted bananas!

Yesterday, after I spent the morning at Lovelady Thrift for their 50% off sale, I went to Walmart for some bananas and found this...

I forgot the bananas!

The Pajama Game

I always think that how a person present themselves visually can give insight into their lives. If you see someone who always dress in designer clothes and drive an expensive car - but you know they probably make a little over $30k per year, you sorta know that they are looking for attention and perhaps some awe from others. Meanwhile they are suffering from mounting debt - just to make a statement, or keep up with the Joneses.

Well, I don't drive an expensive car, but do have a passion for fashion - the thrift and clearance rack version. But I'm a single woman who do not have to look elegant for bedtime - or do I? I'm glad to say that I've evolved from wearing sweatpants, an oversized tee and thick socks to bed - but my nighttime fashion is still in need of an upgrade.

I own satin pajamas and one beautiful chemise gown - but it's not as breathable and comfortable as my over-washed, mildly shrunken "Hello Kitty" PJs, with my thick socks.  So am I properly representing myself at bedtime? I'm sure if I was married, I wouldn't wear what I do to bed. Perhaps I should dress confident and sexy at bedtime as I do during the daytime hours. Hmmm...

Ode to a pair of boots

Ode to a pair of boots

By AVM

The bottom of these boots, they tell you where I've been.
They long for places where I have no roots.
The inside is filled with things I'll never say again.

These boots can feel heavier with all the things I never do.
It's just easier to wear heavy boots when my sky isn't so clear blue.

Should they be thrown out?
No!

Is my closet ashamed of what it holds?
No, because survivors reside there.
Like I, they too have a past and are daring and bold.

So I rejoice in God's mercy and true self-acceptance.
It's that which allows me to enjoy the scenery when I'm on a detour.
And when the mood is right - dance.

So I keep walking in these boots...

Boots

After a very rainy and Spring-like December, the cold has crept in and finally I can wear my boots. I have several pair (the majority bought from Thrift stores) with various heel heights and toe shapes. Black and brown are the only colors I currently own and booties (ankle-length boots) are my staple style. Last year I owned more boots than I needed to have, so I got rid of three pair just to deliver myself from the guilt. But I must admit that I would love a pair that goes to or above my knee - but that’s not going to happen because I have large calves and knees.  So I’ll wear the boots I have!

So Why is NeNe on Fashion Police???

I must admit that since the great funny woman Joan Rivers passed I haven’t been interested in watching E!’s Fashion Police. The last time I actually watched a full episode was when Guiliana Rancic made the “patchouli” remark about actress/singer Zendaya. I wasn’t as outraged as others were, but I was underwhelmed by the commentators and Joan's replacement Kathy Griffin.

So last week as I was channel-surfing I noticed Fashion Police was on. At first I was startled by how much Melissa Rivers resemble her mother, and then I saw and heard NeNe Leakes giving her “haterade” comment and look as usual. I listened to the other commentators, and then proceeded to another channel.

I’ll be the first to say “Bravo” for NeNe's success. Her story is remarkable and so is her resilience in the entertainment industry where a woman of her age and statuesque would normally not get a call from a casting director. Her success with the hit TV series Glee, reality show RHOA, and Broadway deserves applause. I would never downplay those accomplishments – however I do feel the need to question whether she’s the right one to be a fashion commentator.

I 'm aware that NeNe has a fashion line on HSN, and she’s always impeccably dressed. But I’ve seen her on previous episodes of Fashion Police and she really has nothing to add to the conversation about how a celebrity dresses – only the “haterade” comment and look. Guiliana and the others typically get into specifics regarding fit, if it’s appropriate for the occasion, or if the photograph or video clip of the celebrity really shows the intricate details of the dress, etc…NeNe provides none of that.

While she can be entertaining (and sometimes stand-offish) on other television shows, but on Fashion Police - I feel nothing. I think she needs to work on being more detailed with her fashion assessments on the show, and give less attitude and "face". The 'tude and face are good for RHOA or an acting role, but not for a show where she has the opportunity to be seen as a fashion authority and designer.

Happy 2016!

I must say that 2015 was a bit bleak at the beginning, but became absolutely fabulous after the month of April with travel, new friends, new home, and a new laptop (which I had to buy Christmas Eve because my old one died).

There's one really bad thing that occurred the entire 2015 year - WEIGHT GAIN and I'm still battling it in 2016! Of course, I had fun eating the holiday cookies and cakes and eating out during my travels. The end result wrecked havoc on my figure and my wallet.

Today - which may change by the end of the week - I refuse to purchase bigger clothes (thrift store or retail) to accommodate the more-pronounced bulge (I have a severe case of Dunlap Syndrome - where my belly dun-lapped over my waistband). I've decided to dress where other areas of my body can be accentuated.

For instance, Fridays are jeans day at my job. I decided to wear jeans with a tee with my alma mater (FIT - Fashion Institute of Technology), a navy blazer and boots for a hip Friday look. When I put the ensemble on, I noticed that my chest and belly meshed into a series of lumps. With no time to find an alternate, I decided to make the difference by changing bras. I exchanged my "Genie Bra" for a push-up one which accentuated my bust and minimized my abdominal area. Of course, every time I left my desk, I made sure I stood straight and held in my stomach.

The FIT Tigers are the same colors as Auburn - had to correct a lot of people at work,

So always remember, Clothes may make the man - but the right undergarments make the woman look good.

Gotta Love Camo! (The other neutral)

Let's face it, I have a fascination with several fashion styles and accessories (although a friend or two may say obsession). But the one fascination that very few of my friends know about is my love of camouflage.

When I go thrift shopping I love to look for camo. Right now I'm looking to stumble upon a camo eternity scarf, trouser socks, and a blazer (or jacket that I can wear like a blazer) for the right price.

Why do I like camo you might ask? Because in my opinion camouflage is a neutral color. I can wear it with black, deep yellow, navy, red, brown, etc. Also if our military can wear it with pride - so can I (as a proud American)! I don't have a large selection of camo pieces, but I have a great start - so my hunt for more continues...

I wear the tops to work from time-to-time, but now that we can wear jeans to work on Friday - the pants with a denim jacket or cardigan with a cute 2 1/2 - 3 inch heel will be among my work wear staples.

I haven't worn this outfit yet, but waiting for the perfect opportunity. I bought this dress online for $2.99 clearance. Can't wear this dress without my black tights :-)

I think I started a(nother) trend???

I’m always trying to work some sort of physical activity into my work day such as taking the stairs in the parking deck and inside the building, taking a brisk walk at lunch – or just taking an (non-smoking) smoke break to get some fresh air. But now I see many ladies at my job doing the following – changing from their driving shoes to their work heels.

Now by no means did I discover this technique, but many have seen me outside my car, or at my desk changing to and from a heel to an old pair of black ballerina flats from Walmart. I call it my “Mr. Rogers” moment (“won’t you be my neighbor”).

When someone says that they notice me doing that – I always respond that I do this to save the heel of my right shoe from being scuffed when I drive (so the back of the right shoe looks like the left one).  If you look at the heels a pair of shoes that you normally wear while driving. You will notice that back the right shoe is scuffed and usually the heel is worn out from digging the heel into the floor while accelerating - while the left one looks fairly new (it’s as if someone had switched one shoe).

Now I spot women I work with leaning on their cars changing shoes in the parking deck before walking in the workplace. I just smile and assume that I was the change-agent for yet another workplace trend.

Oh yeah, the other work trend I think I started – I stand when I eat my lunch. Perhaps I’ll explain that one later.

AVON.com - Another Favorite Online Fashion Outlet

Clearance priced at $14.99. It's a real sweatshirt and a modified crop.

Clearance priced $14.99. This picture doesn't do this skirt justice, but I can see myself wearing this with the above sweatshirt and black tights. 

I've been waiting for this dress to become clearance priced - and it did for $16.99.

My Favorite Fall Accessory – Getting a leg up

Its late November and finally the fall chill has arrived. Coats, scarves, hats, gloves and boots are major clothing staples during the cold months. I’m a huge fan of all of those I’ve just mentioned (especially scarves), but my favorite fall accessory or all time are opaque tights. I buy a couple pairs every fall season.

The benefits of wearing tights – you ask??? 

• You can wear them with heels, flats and boots.
• They hide un-shaved and other leg imperfections (bruises, scars) that sheer hosiery do not.
• You don’t have to worry about having runs in tights like you do with sheer hosiery.
• They keep your legs warm. You can now buy fleece-lined tights!
• You can turn a dress or skirt that’s typically more “dressy” into a contemporary, work-appropriate outfit with the addition of tights and a nice bootie (I’m referring to the shoe boot).
• Finally, tights make your legs look long – especially if you have a matching or coordinating shoe.

I stick to the basic colors - black, navy, brown and gray, but black is my favorite.  I have a multitude of black tights with various intricate details and opacity, along with one or two pairs of the other colors. I would love to wear hot pink, red plaid, or lime green tights – but really - I’m over 45 years-old!!!

So get a fashion leg-up and wear some opaque tights.

Where have I been????

It's been a while since I made a post and it wasn't because of lack of trying. It actually was because I done the following since my last post...went to Las Vegas, Houston TX, Destin FL, and Gulf Shores - and in the middle of all that travelling I moved into a new residence. Now I'm through travelling for a moment and all settled into my new home.

My time away from blogging was good and bad. Good because it gave me a new perspective on how I want this site to evolve, and bad because I missed posting some great fashion opportunities.

Now I'm back!

So stay tuned for new fashion ideas, trend updates and of - course opinions.  

A back-to-school half-price sale at Lovelady!

Home Shopping does it to me again!

Watching QVC as a styling muse and Denim and Co. had a clearance price on pull-on jeans for $26.24 with $3.00 shipping and handling. Since it appears that my waist and abdominal area are not shaping up with the rest of my body - I have to make accommodations. So I thought - I'll try them.

These jeans are called "How Smooth" Straight Leg Jeans. Perfect to wear with a form fitting tunic.

And while I was on QVC.com I remembered that I need a dress for a conference banquet and found this Clinton Kelly dress on clearance for $34.92. The gathered waist and pockets actually hide my abdominal issues.

It has a gathered waist, side pockets and an exposed zipper in the back. I already know how to dress-it-up and dress-it-down.   

I think this completes my travel wardrobe for the season - hopefully (;-)

Don't we all have one???

Skulls! I love skulls! I own an eternity scarf with skulls, a skull clutch purse, and as of today two pairs of skull earrings...and finally - I was born with one.

Many have and would assume that a person wearing skull accessories or a tattoo is someone evil or who has satanic beliefs - but that's not always true. There may be those who possess such a belief and use the skull as a symbol of that type of worship. Then there's people who don't see that way at all - but as a symbol of life or like me - simply see it as a cool fashion accessory (fashion designers Alexander McQueen and Betsy Johnson have set a trend with skulls in their fashion and jewelry designs).

During Celtic times the skull represented time, power, divinity, gateway, initiation and creation and often represents the House of the Soul.

For many Christians (like me), it means life and to "seize the moment" and live life merry for tomorrow is not promised.

I'm considering a skull tattoo for my next birthday. Although it will be located that can only be seen if I'm in a swimsuit or my underwear - but it will stand as a symbol of mortality and treat the day as if it was my last (with love and mercy).

Bought this pair today.

Love this purse. Don't have to wear a ring on one hand!

Next purchase - a skull necklace!

HSN.com Fashion Therapy 6.27.15

I'm not sure if I was feeling something emotional or what - but I had the urge to look on HSN.com today. All day Thursday they had a Buy Bye Bye sale with lots of clothing, accessories and designer shoes at ridiculous prices and shipping and handling charges. I was tempted on a pair of Iman skinny jeans for $14.95 with $1.99 S/H - but didn't do it. Unfortunately, I fell into temptation today, but I didn't do too bad. I hope everything fits when they arrive next week.


 
DG2 by Diane Gilman Twill Stretch Skinny Jean
(Coral) $9.95 + $1.99 S/H


This Lyric Culture "Jumpin' Jack Flash" bootie was something I've been coveting for the last few months. They actually were priced $10.00 higher the last time I was on HSN.com, so I acted fast to buy them when I noticed the reduced price.

This bootie was originally priced $149.90, but I got it for $34.95 + $6.21 S/H

Lyrics from the Rolling Stones song "Jumpin' Jack Flash" are printed on the heel plate.

This is such a cool boot...Can't wait to wear them in the fall!

Payless Shoes BOGO - I have no control

Earlier this week, I received some unexpected money (a whole $86.00) and decided to give a small portion to charity, and look for the strappy black sandal that I've been looking for since May.

Since my favorite shoe store Payless was wrapping up it's Buy One Get One 50% off this weekend, I decided to look at their website first to see if there were anything that I liked - and I did. I found the black version of a sandal I bought a couple months ago and it was on clearance for $15. Also, I saw this retro Chuck Taylor looking sneaker that were had a hot pink lace overlay for $10.00 (I really didn't need the sneakers - but they were so cute!). With the BOGO, the sneaker would be $5.00. Once I located both shoes in my size at the same location I jumped in the car and to Payless I went!

I walked in the store and noticed alot of clearance and sale-priced shoes from $10.00 up. And out of pure curiosity I tried on this black wedge sandal that reminded me of my tan wedge that I had to throw away recently. Hoping that it would look bad on me...it didn't and it was sale...and BOGO...what was I to do but say to myself that it was better to have two pairs of black sandals. So what would be my BOGO with this pair? I searched for something priced $10.00 so I could pay $5.00 and feel good - but I didn't. Instead I saw this cute pair of stretch ballerinas that had a navy blue toe and trim and I was instantly sold. I don't own any shoes with blue in them and I already pictured me wearing them with my denim-colored slim skirt and my kelly green skirt. As much as I needed to return them back on the shelf - I didn't.

But I now have no regrets since I've created a couple outfits to go with each pair of shoes. And with my 10% AAA discount I only paid $49.48 for four pair of shoes (and saved $50.00).

BOGO $9.99 (Clearance priced $20.00, Original Price $39.99)

Sale Price $19.99 (Original Price $29.99)

Clearance Price $15.00. I bought the nude version of this shoe a couple months ago.

BOGO $5.00 (Original Price $10.00)

Channeling Diana Ross: Feeling Very 1970s

Okay, I know this is just a fad and usually I don't buy into them, however, I've always loved the 1970s look - especially Diana Ross (my style goddess) in the movie Mahogany and my mom (she was very stylish back in the day with her large, curly afro wigs). Actually, I have and consistently wear my mom's jewelry from my childhood.

Since last year three particular styles have made a return in a big way - the maxi dress, the print palazzo pant, and jumpsuits.  I do not own a maxi dress as of yet - but I did jump into the jumpsuit and palazzo pant trend. Hopefully this trend don't end before I can get my money's worth.

(L-R) The jumpsuit was a Groupon purchase and the pants were mail order from Ashro.com.

Oh yeah, I also went to my favorite shoe store - Payless and found these sandals on sale for $17.

These sandals are so comfortable (memory foot bed). Wanted the black pair too, but couldn't find my size.

The Greatest T-Shirt Ever!

Recently, I went to a natural hair show and found this t-shirt. It represents my inner Donna Summer (I Feel Love).

I never thought I would pay $25 for a t-shirt...never say never!

My Awesome Texas Find

I took a trip to Houston a couple weeks ago to celebrate my birthday and the day of my departure, I stumbled upon this conversation piece in the hotel gift shop.

It's mock magazine covers of Beyonce', Rita Ora, Rihanna, Alicia Keys and Michelle Obama

You can only wear one solid color with this purse. It's a statement of it's own - no need for embellishment.

Also, while I was there, I managed to have a Texas style moment when I attended a western-themed booze cruise.

Ready to ride 'em!

Lots of line dancing

And then there was the next night...

The picture didn't do justice for the outfit...I was on Fleek!