The newest addition to my dress wardrobe

I bought this French terry dress from Avon.com on sale for $17.99. I can see myself wearing it with black tights and booties now, and bare-legged with a cute wedge mule or ballerina shoe in the Spring.

I love the zip pockets!

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...

Fashion Mantra #21

Anything that makes you feel frumpy, fat or look unkempt does nothing for your sense of self...

So think about what you wear outside the house. How you feel about yourself speaks loudly to those you encounter.

Fashion Mantra #20

EVERY DAY IS A NEW OPPORTUNITY TO BE FABULOUS.

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.

Fashion Mantra #19

Be Yourself,
not someone else's idea of who to be. It's obvious, but some women forget...

Oh What a Find!

Saturday was a beautiful sunny winter day and I felt the need to get out. So I went to The Foundry and Mission Possible.

I went into The Foundry and it felt like just seeing a long-lost friend. It was the first time there since I moved in September. The Foundry was around the corner from my former residence, so it was very convenient. Now it's an extra few minutes drive. But when I walked in, I noticed a lot of great furniture, but no clothing. I didn't even see anything to try on just for fun! So I left after walking around 30 minutes and proceeded to Mission Possible.

Then I arrived at Mission Possible. It took a few minutes of walking around, but I did find some greats items. For $39.11 (with my 20% off coupon from the Yellow Pages) I bought the following...

1 Jones New York Dress
1 Eileen Fisher Top
1 Scarf
2 Jackets (Danskin, Chicos)
3 Pairs of shoes (Enzo Angiolini, Grasshoppers, Street Feet)

Picture the blue tee, green jacket and green loafers with a pair of jeans or denim skirt.

That Jones New York dress is gorgeous! I had to buy it when it looked good on me in my "bad" non-dress underwear.

I own a scarf like this in a different color. Scarves are a fashion staple for me.

Fashion Mantra #18

THE SECOND RULE TO LOOKING WEALTHY
is wearing killer shoes and a fabulous purse.