La Belle Dame Sans Dice

Slowly emerging from the Chrysalis

2010-07-19T15:56:00.001-04:00

It's been a long time since I last posted anything and I wanted to thank all those who wondered where I was and sent little messages of well wishes along the way.

You see, since my last posting - oh, so many moons ago - I've been kind of busy allowing my body to do just what it needs to do. As a result, this kind of prevented me from having any real interest in style - let alone post anything regarding it.

My hibernation as it turned out, was a necessary break from a world that was quickly evolving into something much more for me.

(I'm still trying to be somewhat stylish)

Along the way, it's been very rough due to my ongoing condition; but the experience has been nothing short of miraculous. As many of you already know, there's nothing in the world like feeling the hiccups, bumps, and twitches of a beautiful child growing within oneself.

So where this blog goes moving forward, no one knows. All I know is that I'm just going with the flow and trying to suck up every second of every day. It appears that for once I feel like I am truly alive and that the things that somehow ranked high on my list; just don't anymore. Knowing who I am, I know that style and what not will always be important - it's just that moving forward, it just won't rank as high as it used to.

Don't worry, you'll never see me in those dreaded 'Mommy jeans' or sweats (at least not in public) but just to be sure; I've already authorized my family and friends to slap me hard should I even begin to look disheveled;)

Till next time ~ hope all is well with all of you!

May goodness and sunshine follow you always.

Using them before alterations

2010-01-20T10:05:00.001-05:00

Have you ever had a piece of clothing that you used knowing that the article itself needed to be hemmed? I do. I constantly wear things I know will look a million times better if I just took the darn thing to the tailor. Call me lazy.

Truly, this is such a bad habit but the reason I wore these without hemming them first was because it was raining and the desired length would have looked really weird at the time. Now, I could have very well just opted to wear something more appropriate but I didn't feel like creating a whole new outfit at the last minute. Again, lazy. To illustrate the ideal length and look I was originally aiming for please see below::

The reality::

Remember, I'm 5'2" and these pants are supposed to hit right above the ankle. Currently though, these pants sit right at the bottom of my ankle. When I paired the pants up with regular pumps - it just looked odd. So, I decided to wear them long and with booties. The end result wasn't anything awful but they definitely need to be trimmed back; more so if I want to really use these pants in the manner in which they should be used - which is somewhere between capri and/or cigarette pant style.

Even though my eyes are indeed closed in the last pic, I wanted to show a closer shot of the little coat I was wearing. I purchased this piece at a local Salvation Army back in the 90's for $10. I remember practically skipping home that day from the pure joy of scoring this little number at such a fabulous price. Even though it's currently big on me, I still can't even bear the thought of parting with it. The 60's style of this little coat is so endless endearing, the quality of this jacket is still top notch, and it still so reminds me of the days in which I could really make my dollar stretch....ah, the days of being a clever starving student.

Thrifted Coat::Salvation Army

Salmon Sparkle Pants::JCrew

Wool Purple Sweater::Charter Club

Grey Sweater::Zara

Booties::Kmart

Bedazzled necklace::Urban Outfitters

Long Chain::JCrew

The Blessed Mother Pendant::Gifted

Just to mention for the sake of confirmation -- I'm still keeping it strong with the shopping ban...so nothing really new here. Though I must be completely honest about something. You see, I'm still in the process of receiving some magical packages in the mail which will contain recently obtained goodies. Now I know how this makes me look but I swear, I purchased these things before officiating my ban. I just figured I'd be clear on the matter is all. I'd hate to write 'not necessarily new' and have you spot my freakin' frock in a recent catalog of someplace or another:)

Continuation of Pattern Experimentation and Setting Boundaries Darn it!

2010-01-19T10:30:00.005-05:00

That's it! I've decided to not buy any more clothes, accessories, shoes...and especially NO ETSY items until June (well heck, I can't ban myself forever and we all need a fresh pair of sandals and what not come the warmer weather;))

What's spurred this sudden decision you may or may not wonder? Well, I'm not going to lie and it was really three factors: 1) There are boxes full of clothes that I still have to ship over to Cuba. Shipping stuff over there is never cheap and I can't buy and ship at the same time. 2) The whole Haiti thing. The other night I was watching El Primer Impacto (spanish TV) and they had filmed a story about an 11 yr old girl who was trapped underneath some building. Until someone had discovered her, she had been stuck in the debris for 4 days...alone. When the workers tried to pull her out, they realized that their useless tools were no match for the task at hand. As a result, the little girl told the workers in a very calm state "It's okay. If you need to cut off my legs to set me free; please do it" Well, I balled. I mean, what kind of 11 yr old girl says those type of things? Here I am, as OLD as I am, and I don't know if I would have the courage to face such obstacles in the manner in which that little girl did at that moment. I guess sometimes, it's not a lifetime of decisions that make who you are but one decisive moment. Well, as it turns out, the workers were able to set her free and in tact. However, due to 4 days of exposure; the little girl subsequently died. Just typing that hurt.

Listen, the bottom line is that I have so much already and I haven't nearly touched many of the things I currently own and that's a sin in my book. Somehow, it just doesn't seem right to buy more and not fully use what you got. This no where type of activity gets me.....no where. So in order for me to walk the walk and talk the talk; I'm self imposing a shopping ban on myself. Hopefully, you won't see me unnecessarily fall apart in the process...I mean after all, many of you have already done this AND for a longer period of time than what I'm aiming for.

Who knows, perhaps if all goes well; I'll extend the ban for a year - like the following fabulous ladies who have already done or are in the process of doing:

My Everyday Wear

The Small Fabric of My Life / Work that Wardrobe

Circle of Clothes

So anyhoosal, here's the first installment of wearing something that does not 'necessarily' incorporate recent purchases (I say necessarily because some of these items were purchased either right before Christmas/immediately right after Christmas):

Shoes::Aldo

Leggings::Zara

Coat::Milly

Sweater::Forever21

Paisley tunic::JCrew

Belt::H&M

Heart Necklace::The Glamourai

Long Necklace::Vintage - Rags to Riches

Ring::The Glamourai

Polka dot cuff::Banana Republic

The Queen is Back

2010-01-18T13:41:00.002-05:00

Sade that is....

Besides posting such a beautiful video today, I also thought the message of this song lended to the memory of a man who believed in the supreme love that can exist between all men and women...So Keep Love Alive and remember to always choose to be a Soldier of Love!

(To listen to Soldier of Love, please pause my player featured on the left...thanks)

Soldier of Love lyrics:

I've lost the use of my heart

But I'm still alive

Still looking for the life

The endless pool on the other side

It's a wild wild west

I'm doing my best

I'm at the borderline of my faith,

I'm at the hinterland of my devotion

In the frontline of this battle of mine

But I'm still alive

I'm a soldier of love.

Every day and night

I'm soldier of love

All the days of my life

I've been torn up inside (oh!)

I've been left behind (oh!)

So I ride

I have the will to survive

In the wild wild west,

Trying my hardest

Doing my best

To stay alive

I am love's soldier!

I wait for the sound

(oooh oohhh)

I know that love will come (that love will come)

Turn it all around

I'm a soldier of love (soldier of love)

Every day and night

I'm a soldier of love

All the days of my life

I am lost

but I don't doubt (oh!)

So I ride

I have the will to survive

In the wild wild west,

Trying my hardest

Doing my best

To stay alive

I am love's soldier!

I wait for the sound

I know that love will come

Turn it all around

I'm a soldier of love

I'm a soldier

Still waiting for love to come

Turn it all around

(4x)

I'm a soldier of love

I'm a soldier

Still waiting for love to come

Turn it all around

(3x)

Still waiting for love to come

::Haiti::

2010-01-14T16:22:00.003-05:00

What is there left to say?

If you haven't already made a donation, please click on the pics to be forwarded to the following charitable organizations: American Red Cross, Feed the Children, and World Vision.

Peace
all pics courtesy of Google

Homemade Butterflies on a Cold day

2010-01-12T09:35:00.003-05:00

I purchased this home made butterfly jacket right before the start of the holidays.

It's funny - I vaguely remember women - specifically my grade school art teacher - wearing these type jackets when I was very little. At first I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to pull it off but after putting this outfit all together; I quickly realized that this was a piece I possibly could not live without. Let's see....the jacket is girly, whimsical, a nice shade of vanilla, and has stitched on butterflies on it...what more could I ask for right?

The only down side to this jacket? It fits spot on. I can't afford to gain any weight or the magic between me and the jacket ends.

Oh, and another thing....Can I just say that I just about froze while taking these pictures outside? Oh my goooooooddddnnnnneeeesssss.

Homemade Butterfly Jacket::Etsy

Silk tunic::?

Ruffled sleveless silk blouse::JCrew

Glitterati belt::JCrew

Tights::Zara

Booties::BCBG

Cuff::Christmas Gift from the BaaBaa/last year

What is Woman?

2010-01-08T12:43:00.007-05:00

What is a Woman?

Is it the skirts we wear?

Is it the fact that we clean, do the dishes, and tend to the children?

Is a woman merely a person who pro creates or is she more?

If a woman is powerful; is she somehow less womanly?

If a woman is intelligent; is she really a threat?

I wonder.

I wonder why, after all this time; the thought of what being a woman is still controversial.

When will women get a break?

When will women give other women a break?

When will our roles become simplified?

When will women be allowed to be unapologetically strong and not be challenged by our peers and worse; by our very selves?

When will we and others allow our femininity to coexist peacefully with our strength, without bogus restrictions?
Pictures courtesy of Google

Don't look at my Vagina! A full on rant

2010-01-07T11:52:00.001-05:00

The title of this post was inspired by the thought that a woman could be considered immodest by choosing to wear pants - The thought being that since pants create/enhance the 'v' like shape of a woman's anatomy; the woman in question is somehow drawing attention that is vulgar or sinful.

I'm just going to put it all on the table...the thought above not only strikes me as antiquated but extremely insulting. I being a Survivor of Abuse can attest to you that the only type men who would garnish full on excitement at looking at my covered up crotch area are either mentally disturbed, perverts, sadists, and/or possibly worse. If a man were to somehow become so distracted to my wearing pants - to the point in which he feels he has authority over me, authority to somehow demean me, think less of me and therefore treat me as I am less than; than that is because he lacks character and is suspect to having a conscious and balanced view of the world at large. The notion that a woman can provoke someone else to become aggressive or contribute them to be less than polite because of how she is dressed - particularly based on the fact that one is wearing pants blatantly points the finger at the woman and pushes blame onto her; should anything disagreeable happen to her.

I say that in a day in age in which people of all ages are being sold as commodities, where children are being exploited, where both men and women are being assaulted sexually...There is no room for this type of thinking.

Let's be real. It is this type of thinking that causes many, many people to justify ill behaviors onto others and let's not even try to bring God into this either.

It's one thing to make a conscious decision to cover your hair or to even wear skirts -- heck, I've done both as sacrifices, but to then draw a line in which it is eluded that if a woman wears pants she is somehow immodest...well, that to me are fighting words, is highly insulting, and simultaneously challenges my morals and convictions....all of which does not bode well with me.

On the cutting room floor::

2010-01-05T17:01:00.000-05:00

With all these outfits, something went incredibly wrong. The first outfit made me look like a mac truck, the second made me look crazy (I was experimenting with colors/fabrics/and textures), the third one--I just couldn't pose right, the fourth made me look like an ice cream cone and the last...well, in the last I was just goofing off:)

Back to the grind

2010-01-04T10:56:00.004-05:00

It has been so friggidy frigid out that my feet perpetually feel like ice cubes no matter how many socks I put on....brrrr...just got a chill up me spine.

At the moment, it's about 30 degrees out which is a slight improvement from yesterday's 21 degrees. All this cold weather makes me want to hibernate for the next several months. I honestly feel like bypassing any style ambitions and wearing this all winter long:

<-I just think this is way more practical given the situation.

Anyhoo, hope you're all well, keeping warm, and getting back to the swing of things:)

Leopard hat::Vintage/Etsy, Red Sweater::Christmas gift from the BaaBaa, Blouse::TJMaxx, Boyfriend Jeans::Christmas Gift from my Mami, Booties::BCBG, Necklaces (darker one) Vintage/Rags to Riches - (Lighter one) TJMaxx - Better off Dead production still courtesy of Google.

It's the new age of love and gold::

2010-01-02T13:44:00.011-05:00

I'm calling this new year, "The New Age of Love and Gold." This is the real reason why I chose to wear lots of 'gold' on New Years Day. Gold not for a desire of riches, but more so to emphasize that real wealth is always found in the love that we share. I mean, we all know that money is a necessity but what good is monetary wealth if we are only to be bankrupt in our hearts and motives?

Foil dress, DKNY; Chandelier earrings, Vintage (old); Bracelet, Banana Republic; Ring, HSN - Susan Sommers (old); Heels, Aldo; Chain, JCrew

No pictures, just good wishes

2009-12-31T10:42:00.003-05:00

So some of us will be ringing in the New Year in a couple of hours and others within several. Where ever you find yourself at this moment - whether it's preparing for tonight's events or if you find yourself counting down the seconds towards a New Year; I want you focus on one thing and one thing only....Focus on optimism. For many, 2009 was tough. For me, 2009 was one of the toughest years I've lived through yet. With that said though, I'm prepared to kick 2009 on it's behind and welcome 2010 with open arms. We may not know what this year will bring either but I gather that if we start off on the right foot by A)Being optimistic B)Being grateful for life's ups and downs C)Choosing love over anger, hate, vengeance, and so many other ugly qualities; then 2010 has to be the year in which many of us will conquer and win over whatever it is that plagues us in general.

'Everyday, think as you wake up: Today I am fortunate to have woken up. I am alive. I have a precious human life. I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself to expand my heart out to others for the benefit of all beings.' The 14th Dalai Lama

Happy New Years All! Much Love and Blessings Always.

::Life imitates Art::

2009-12-29T21:56:00.000-05:00

Dexy's Midnight Runner's

You know what the deal is when you spot me wearing my hat's...I didn't have time to straighten or do much with my hair...so in and ON it goes!

Stats::

Jeans::Ann Taylor The Loft/Christmas Gift - my Mami

Booties::Christmas Gift from the BaaBaa/Dolce Vita

Taupe silk blouse::Zara (old)

Dark Grey Cardi::Christmas Gift from the BaaBaa/JCrew

Lilac long sleeve shirt::Christmas Gift from the BaaBaa/JCrew

Heart Brass like necklace::Christmas Gift from the BaaBaa/The Glamourai

Silver/Blue rope chain::Christms gift to myself/Ann Taylor The Loft

Dexi's Midnight Runners pic from The New Romantics/The Look book by Dave Rimmer

Imitation of a Warrior Princess

2009-12-29T10:37:00.003-05:00

I myself would have loved to have been a Zena like Warrior Princess back in the day. You figure A)I would have been free B)I would've been able to kick anyone's a$$ if they attempted to mess with me C)Would've adorned myself not only with knives, bows, and other death like devices but I also would have worn the most beautiful of head crowns and what not....I'm rambling...I know...but the following outfit made me feel like a faux warrior princess who was cable of whisking my husband away while riding a wild horse or something:

I think it was the Gorilla vest that induced such thoughts in my head.

I actually did not think much of that hairy gorilla around my body but when I put it on, I actually liked it! You know, just when you think you're not going to buy into a stupid trend; ya' do.

Gorilla faux fur vest (as my husband calls it)::Christmas gift from hubby/Zara

Skirt::Christmas gift from hubby/Zara

Dark grey sweater::Christmas gift from hubby/Jcrew

Off white Victorian like blouse:: old/Zara

Shoes::Christmas gift from hubby::Two Lips

Lariat::Etsy

Whale necklace::Anthropologie

Lime green gloves::TjMaxx

Beret::The Gap/old

Just woke up and Christmas is over? sigh

2009-12-28T14:06:00.001-05:00

Christmas for me is always highly anticipated so it's no surprise that I get kind of glum when it's all over. Perhaps that's because for 20 some odd days before the big day, I'm running around like a chicken without a head - only to realize that I haven't gone to visit the Christmasy places I love so much. Oh well:)

Here's what I donned for Christmas:

As you can see, I went red. It's not the first time I've been a redhead. Actually, I was a red head for number of many years back in the 90's. I honestly never thought I'd go back, but something overcame me when I was at the salon recently -- I wanted to do something a bit different; so here it is:)

Stats::

Dress::Target

Lace poofy shirt::Victoria Secret

Bow on head::Club Monaco

Belt::Gifted

Crackled Gold Pumps::Jessica Simpson

If I don't post again before the New Year's end; hope you all have a fantastic time!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2009-12-23T09:25:00.003-05:00

Regrettably, I haven't had the opportunity to follow up on so many of my favorite blogs and hopefully; after next week or so - I'll be able to catch up:)

Till then, I just wanted to wish everyone a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year. May love, peace, and joy find all of you always.

Jennifer Jones

2009-12-17T16:28:00.008-05:00

I'm a big ole' classic movies fan -- have been since I was wee little. Sad but true that another great film legend has died; Jennifer Jones.

There are plenty of movies that I loved in which Jennifer Jones starred in but two of which always makes me stop, sit down, and subsequently ball are ' Love is Many Splendored Thing ' and ' The Song of Bernadette '. If you've never seen a pic with her in it; I truly recommend you checking her out.

What a talent...

Top and Bottom pic: With William Holden in 'Love is a many spelendored thing.'

{Below as Bernadette Soubirous. The story of a young child who has encounters with The Blessed Mother through out her lifetime in Lourdes, France}

Jennifer Jones

Bernadette Soubirous

{All pictures courtesy of Google}

Rodarte for Target? No thank you.

2009-12-16T18:35:00.005-05:00

So last night I hit Target (pronounced by some as Tarjeaay(silent t)) and while my husband and I were rounding up to check out; I came across a few dresses, a fur bolero thingy, and a some other item (I can't remember what it was) from Rodarte. This had kind of startled me because from what I read, this line was not supposed to hit stores till after the new year. Perhaps, I remembered this wrong but in any event; there I was in front of a much anticipated line and I hawked over the few straggles of clothes very closely.

Regrettably, I didn't have a camera to take photos of what I saw but here are a few examples that I scrounged up on Google that were available at the Tarjeaay (silent t please) I went to last night:

Here go my thoughts::

I was particularly giddy with excitement about seeing the chest plate dress above last night. From the picture above, the dress reminded me of works of art by Ana Mendieta .

Oh, don't get scared. Her art is actually very fascinating and I thought the Rodarte bone dress recalled some of Mendieta's works....remember, I was goth at one time so I can be a little dark:)

Regrettably, the one dress I was really interested in disappointed me big time. The back of it is sheer and very poly looking....not that poly is necessarily bad but when poly is done right...you know it and this was not the case here. I also have to mention that the cut was less than to be desired -- at least for my own body type. It's literally cut like a rectangle. I think with my body type; even if I were to sport a belt -- it would just look awful. Outside of the embellished front and my desire to look like a weird corpse; I really felt no impulse to purchase this dress and as I sifted through the rest of the stuff that hung next to the bone dress...I just wasn't impressed...heck, I think I actually got sad.

Thoughts on to the other pieces:

There was this off white furry like bolero there that really look bad. Again, this is just my opinion. I'm sure some fabulous 20 something will make it work and make me look like a fool but as for me....not happening. There is just no conceivable way in which I would be able to make Rodarte for Target clothes work on me.

Let me put an image in your mind of what this bolero reminded me of....Do you remember what Oscar the Grouch looks like?

Well, say hello to the Rodarte/Target bolero!

Darn it! I wish I could find a picture of that furry bolero on the internet so you can kind of see what I'm talking about. I'm telling you...OSCAR THE GROUCH. It was just terrible and honestly, the texture truly reminded me of a reject plush doll that a production plant donates because no consumer would ever want to buy it - unless it's being sold at a $.99 store.

I don't know, I just got this picture in my head of my husbands razor stubbles getting caught on that type material and the bolero then attaching itself to his chin like Velcro....not pretty. Case and point, there was just nothing soft or plush about this bolero and frankly with a name like Rodarte; I truly expected more. Darn it, I expected softness mixed with edginess!

So as for this lady guys, I say no thank you Rodarte/Tarjeaay ( remember that t is silent please). I do say though, I am really interested to see how other ladies will find ways to make this work. Again, there were only a few items left on the racks last night so perhaps the other stuff Rodarte made is better....maybe....but I'm not holding my breath.

Oh, and that leopard dress above was pretty bad too. Did they/Rodarte think they can chump the average Jo/Joanne? I think not.

{Rodarte for Target, Ana Medieta, and Oscar the Grouch pics courtesy of Google}

Comfy, Casual, and the return of leggings to my wardrobe?

2009-12-15T23:26:00.003-05:00

Yikes!! I have not worn leggings since my senior year in high school and just in case you're curious; that was a very long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away....some time between Bon Jovi, Tone Loc, and Nirvana.

Due to the sheerness of the shirt; I think the lace cami underneath doesn't translate well but heck, I'll live:)

Details::

Boots::JCrew (old)

Leggings::Zara

Grey Sweater::Zara

Sheer blouse::Zara

Lace cami::Forever21

Scarf on head::Banana Republic (old)

Rhinestone necklace::Etsy

Gold necklace::American Apparel

Gold/Black necklace::JCrew

I've been on this Fire and Ice/Revlon lipstick kick and I can't seem to stop wearing this shade. It reminds me of another high school trend that seems to be making a come back with me - red lipstick. There was this specific red from Loreal I used to sport night and day back in high school. I wasn't allowed to really wear make-up back in the day; so all I would sport was some mascara and my favorite shade of red lipstick. Oh good Lord, could I be experiencing nostalgia for my high school years? Oh God, heavens no! Santa Maria, Madre de Dios! Or as Anita in West Side Story would have said; 'Make it no be true!'

Life has many layers....

2009-12-14T17:31:00.007-05:00

and lately I'm finding out that those layers are indeed resembling the layers akin to a stinky onion....if I may be so bold to paraphrase a quote right out of Shrek.

There have been a lot of strange things on my mind lately and I'm beginning to think that I'm prematurely going through -- stress prematurely -- a mid-life crisis. Lately, what I thought was up is really down and what I thought was out is really in.

{How I'm seeing life at the moment.}

Has that ever happened to you? Have you ever realized that what you thought (a concept perhaps) was so sure in your life - like a moral conviction; really wasn't at all a sure thing? I'm not necessarily referring to relationships with one's significant other, but rather other life molding stuff which is equally as important. Am I confusing you? Good, cause I'm confused as heck right now myself. I'm trying to tell you where I'm at right now without actually writing some real personal stuff out of respect for the 'other' people which form part of what I'm writing about....make sense?

You see, all this happens upon waking up one morning and realizing that life isn't exactly what you thought it was (and I don't say that lightly and I do take into consideration that there are a lot of people who completely understand that nothing in life is a sure thing...trust me, I counted myself among those people...this is why this little thing I'm going through is so tough)....As it turns out, life is actually much more profound and earth shattering than I ever thought possible, is continually layered and mingled in with so many truths and falsities; which require us all to speak up AND shut up ... even when one does not want to....even when you feel a gigantic impulse within your soul to take a prominent stance.

***super sigh***

Oh well, here's an outfit post for your consideration:)

This was worn for a specific occasion - which was very important/which I'm kind of detailing above - and required me to be a lot like Atticus Finch below. Looking at it now, I don't think it was a coincidence that I decided to wear white and black.

I'll say this much, doing the 'right and compassionate' thing - stress compassionate thing -- is hardly ever easy to do at all - let alone in one sitting. (Especially for me, I'm more grrr than I am ohm.) Sometimes, when doing the right thing; compassion flies out the door because judgment takes precedent....but what happens when the situation requires you to also be diplomatic for the sake and well being of others? What if the situation requires you to speak the truth but to do so without judgment....no matter how personal the situation may be to you?

"Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement." — J.R.R. Tolkien

All I can say is that what got me through my moment (the one I'm kind of and admittingly quite possibly confusing you about) was this well known chap below:

And I ain't kidding either.

So today, I thank Him for getting me through the rough patches in my life. I may not understand much of things I feel and experience in this long winding road; but I have faith in you and I believe that you will see me through it all....good and bad. I openly admit that my faith is not as strong as I once thought it was but I gather; that was because many of life's truths had not yet been revealed to me. I guess having faith in so many ways, is a rite of passage. Let's just say that I hope I always do the right and compassionate thing...for myself and for others as well...even when I really don't want to.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Details-Blazer::Moschino Cheap and Chic via Etsy, Ruffled blouse::TJMaxx, skirt::BCBGMAXAZRIA, pumps::Aldo, Belt::Banana Republic, Black/Gold chain::JCrew, Goddess necklace, Vintage/PA, flower thing on my hair::from old vintage hat.....Pictures of optical illusion, Atticus Finch and Jesus via Google}

Can I kick myself in the A$$...

2009-12-14T00:28:00.005-05:00

for wondering where winter was?
The following is a b^%%H fest so buyer beware....

Let me tell you, this has been the suckiest past week EVA! First my hubby and I got sick, then my pains got so bad I wanted to sucker punch myself in the face hoping I would finally pass out, then I got the case of the 'depressed' (which if I'm brave, I'll write more about it soon), and if all that weren't enough....it rained and poured...which made Sunday the epitome of MISERABLE!

Can I say...ARGH!!!!?!!!?

This pic was taken sometime the week before last...before we all decided to fall apart in my house.

{Oh, those aren't real holes in my gloves....they're meant to be there. You see, you can fold the cuff down and loop your thumb into the hole.}

My first fatal mistake was to wear this old blazer as a coat. The frigid, bone chillin' winds cut right through me in this little ensemble...that's what I get for trying to be cute.

Here's my logic: We were supposed to go Christmas shopping and you know how it is....you bundle up because it's cold out but then you sweat like a pig when you're inside the mall. I thought that if I dress up warmly but not too warmly; I wouldn't feel like an overheated roasted duck. Well, that plan failed completely as it all back fired on me:(

Anyhoo....this outfit was remixed. To see how I used the blazer before hand, please click here and to see how I used this dress recently, please click here .

Blazer::Lerner's (Now known as NY&Co - OLD)

Boots::JCrew(old)

Dress::H&M

Scarf::Zara

Belt::BD gift from Val (Badgley Mischka)

Colorful necklace::Ann Taylor the Loft

Locket necklace::Banana Republic

Hat::Gap (old)

Gloves::?

Hopefully, this past week and weekend were better for you all:)

Stay Blessed!

I've been gifted a Princess Award:)

2009-12-10T10:18:00.003-05:00

Hip Hip Hooray!!! I was gifted this Princess award from Lorena at My Every Day Wear and along with this gift - comes questions for moi. However, before I begin - a Super Thanks to Lorena cause she Rocks!!!

Facts::

1. Favorite Author: Isabelle Allende

2. Author I don´t like: Can I say Nietzsche? I know, I know...oooh introspective...doesn't believe in God - what a rebel....frankly, what a bore. He's so over quoted it makes me want to barf.

3. Favorite Book(s): The House of the Spirits, Ines of My Soul, Push, In the Shadow of the Ark, Anna Karenina, The Great Shark Hunt

4. What is an exciting thing for you: Museums, Nature, Haircuts, Going a day without feeling sick, and of course the big one -- spending time with my BaaBaa.

5. Something I hate: Hate is a strong word but something I highly distaste is racists and bone headed ignorance.

6. Passing it on: I'd like to really pass this on to everyone! But alas, I think I can only choose one...I think that's how this goes:) Anyhoo...I choose The Bargain Hunter Extraordinaire !

Inspiration Wed. - The ART and THE ARTISTS

2009-12-09T16:53:00.010-05:00

Ingrid Bergman by Yul Brynner

The Bringer of Confusion - Koskimo 1914

The State Hospital By Edward Kienholz

The Cinema by George Segal

The Garden of Earthly Delights by Bosch

In Utero

Dita Von Teese

{all images taken from my books}

Going from light to dark

2009-12-08T08:42:00.001-05:00

The last post was all about vanilla lace and this post is all about dark layering's.

The top pic looked slightly strange without my arms showing so I decided to add in another one:)

Outfit was worn for an early supper with friends.

Details::

Kimono blouse::The Limited...not sure if it was Express though (very old)

Purple slip::From Banana Republic dress

Leggings::H&M (old)

Booties::Lela Rose for Payless

Goddess Necklace::Vintage, PA

Flower Necklace::Boutique in New Hope, PA

Bracelets/Tried and True::Snake bracelet, The MET NYC, Ribbon necklace, Forever21, Black/Gold, Banana Republic

Hair clip::? (very, very old)

Some sort of love affair with vanilla lace

2009-12-07T11:18:00.000-05:00

It seems that as of late; I'm really attracted to all things vanilla lace. So don't be surprised if you start noticing a theme here;)

Like the major Dodo that I am, I failed to turn on enough lights while taking pics for this outfit and as a result; they all came out really dark. This was the best one I could kind of salvage.

Honestly, the best pic we took during this mini session was this one:

It's Da Family!

Details::

Sweater::Sassafras-TJMaxx (fall)

Lace Dress::Newport News (summer)

Over the knee boots::NYLA

Belt::Badgley Mischka, BD Gift from Val

Goddess Necklace::Vintage, PA

Feather Necklace::Urban Outfitters (last spring)

Bracelets::Snake Necklace/The MET NYC (old)

Ribbon Necklace::Forever21 (old)

Black/Gold::Banana Republic (old)

Butterfly Faux Diamond ring::Susan Sommers (old)

Hope you're all having a great day so far!

Inspiration Friday::It’s you, Lili Marlene

2009-12-04T13:39:00.004-05:00

Marlene Dietrich poses thoughts::

Darling, the legs aren't so beautiful, I just know what to do with them.

Glamour is what I sell, it's my stock in trade.

In America, sex is an obsession, in other parts of the world it's a fact.

The average man is more interested in a woman who is interested in him than he is in a woman with beautiful legs.

The Germans and I no longer speak the same language.

Without tenderness, a man is uninteresting.

God I'd love to have a big afro!

To achieve that Deitrich glamour::

Have a great weekend all! Also, thanks to Hannah for subbing and all who stop by:)

{pictures courtesy of Google. Video courtesy of Pixiwoo/Youtube, quotes from brainy quote}

::Inspiration Thursday::

2009-12-03T11:11:00.007-05:00

The Rebel

The mother and child

Anything by Alan Lee

Castrated memories

The Icon of all Icons

An incredible moment on film

Life lessons learned

Love resting on top of the world

{pictures from my books - courtesy from top to bottom::New Romantics The Look by Dave Rimmer, Audrey Hepburn An Elegant Spirit, Sean Hepburn Ferrer, Galadriel, The Lord of The Rings Sketchbook by Alan Lee, What I saw in the Water/What the Water Gave Me 1938, Frida Kahlo, Marilyn Monroe, Images of Marilyn, publisher Parragon, Jimmy Stewart and Grace Kelly in Rear Window, Madeline Says Merci, Sphinx Notecard by Laughing Elephant}

World Aids Day and an outfit of course!

2009-12-01T10:52:00.001-05:00

I was only a child when the subject of AIDS grappled our country. I remember all the fear, all the ignorance, and the countless stories of people dying. I specifically remember the Tele Evangelists proclaiming that AIDS was God's punishment on those who were so called sinners.

I'm glad that times have some what changed.

It was unfortunate that so much misinformation circled around this sickness. It is even more so unfortunate that many who had AIDS/HIV had to not only endure the sickness that had taken hold of them; but the ridicule and the loneliness that went hand in hand with it all.

Yes, I'm glad that times have some what changed.

As a child and with little power to change things myself, all I could do was feel sorry and be heart broken for those who fell prey to AIDS/HIV. I vividly recall how so many people referred to victims of AIDS/HIV as animals, as heathens, as the wretched who deserved neither our sympathy or our care. Heck, just thinking about all the negativity that spun around in those days regarding this subject brings me down.

Not sure how others feel about it but all I know is that it was not one of history's shining moments.

You see, fear is an ugly thing and while I understand that people just didn't understand and were plainly afraid of the unknowns; I pray to God that I never find myself in a position [like so many folks found themselves in back then] in which all my compassion and humanity is checked at the door because I am afraid.

Being afraid shouldn't stop us from extending our hands to our fellow man. Having integrity to do what's right should always super cede any fear we may feel. Integrity, good will, and compassion should always be our armor of choice whenever we find ourselves in the darkness and through the caves of the unknowns.

To read more about World Aids Day 2009, please click on the image above.

Whew! That was tough writing.....sorry I went on about it but I wanted to post something about it since so many either don't remember or where too young to understand just how bad the AIDS epidemic was - how it effected those who were sick and communities at large.

Well now, enough about that....and now on to our regularly scheduled broadcast....'The Outfits'::

This was worn for dinner over the mom/pop laws:)

Blouse::Neiman Marcus - Vintage via The Witching Hour/ETSY

Smoldering should pad jacket::Also seen here - From Clothes Minded Vintage/ETSY

Wearing those jeans again::Banana Republic - seen here and here

BCBG booties:: seen here

Scarf around blouse::The Limited (old)

Lace cami to hide the tatas::Forever21

Earrings::The Glamourai - seen here and here

A special thanks to all who have subbed and/or emailed:) Stay Blessed all!

So is winter ever hitting the NYC area?

2009-11-30T14:19:00.004-05:00

Don't get me wrong, I don't want us to get hit with a blizzard or anything; but I can't seem to stop wondering....whatever happened to winter?

Yesterday my husband and I trekked out to buy a tree. Due to the new feline addition to our home; we had to seriously contemplate on whether or not we should purchase a fresh tree (as we've always done) or buy a plastic one.

Our Babie Cookies is quite the rambunctious meowcenary that cannot be trusted. Therefore, we opted to go plastic.

Exhibit A::See how he aka Babie Cookies crosses boundaries and gets into the laundry basket::

After having awful visions of the Babie Cookers being electrically fried from dipping his pidders into the tree well; I strongly urged my husband to consider buying a fake tree this year. Now, I love real trees...I prefer real trees...but I don't know....something about cats and live trees didn't quite gel with me....so we bit the bullet and purchased our first fake tree.

Is it me or has anyone noticed that fake trees are ridiculously priced???? Oofaa, whatever happened to the concept of affordability?

Okay, outfit time....This is what I wore for our tree trek::

Jeans::Banana Republic

Off white short sleeved sweater::BCBGMax Azaria (old)

Orange sweater::JCrew

Booties::BCBG

Reversible Grrr cape::Vintage (old)

Lace Scarf::Vintage (purchased in Philly this past summer)

Chain necklace::home made

Pearl necklace::Vintage/Thrifted (Somewhere in Time)

Of course, I ripped all this off and got comfy to begin our Christmas decorations and let me just say that by the end of the night; I was POOPED and we're still not done!

Review the madness, Exhibit B::

Somewhat completed decorating work::

So far, the Babie Cookies has not toppled down our tree but he did try to bring down our Nativity Scene and last night, while I was hanging stuff outside our porch; the Babie Cookies ran out the door and tried to explore the world 'unattended'. This completely freaked me out. My husband and I became paralyzed and even one of our neighbors stood very still as none of us wanted to scare him away. You know cats, you try to catch them and they zoom away. Luckily for me; Babie Cookies seemed completely overwhelmed at being out in nature and was completely unaware that I was sneaking up behind him. Thank God I caught him and rushed him indoors....whew!

Anyhoo....hope you all had a great weekend!

A Super Thanksgiving To All::

2009-11-27T12:43:00.006-05:00

First, the message::

I hope that no matter where you found yourself yesterday; you were in great company, eating till your hearts content, and felt utter joyousness at realizing how blessed we all are.

Now, the outfits:)

This year I actually dressed some what down for Thanksgiving. We had intended to go to the parade, but could not get up at 5 am. Therefore, my husband and I schleped a little longer, took our time getting ready, worked up a giant appetite and then headed off to my mom's for dinner.

I have to say, I thought my husband looked rather snazzy...snazzier than moi:)

I nub him:)

Dress::H&M

Scarf::Zara

Shoes::No. 9/DSW (spring time purchase)

Tights::TJMaxx (After finding some fabulous tights there for a fraction of the cost, I have to ask...why would anyone want to pay $22 for a pair of tights at Macy's? I don't know...just sayn':)

Sweater vest::The Limited (last year)

Gloves::? (last year)

Belt::Zara

Tutti Frutti Necklace::Ann Taylor The Loft

String/Gold necklace::Anthropologie (old)

And now back to the first message::

I noticed quickly all the beautiful posts some bloggers put out there and it truly further enhanced how lucky I was feeling to be alive, to have a roof over my head, to have people that I love and care for, to have people that I love - love and care for me right back.

I always mention in some way or another that life - however imperfect is a joyous gift. I know personally for me and because of my unfortunate experiences during my formative years; life seemed anything but joyous but even through that dark episode of my life - I always understood that life was a gift worth cherishing and worth fighting for. I can't say exactly that I truly understood at that time why I felt that way but the fact is - is that I did and I guess, that that in itself was a heavenly gift that arose in me through no real emphasis on my behalf - because through it all - even though I could have very well succumbed to the dark forces of this world - I somehow humbly chose then as I do now, to view life as this great miraculous journey we all have a chance to embark on.

Sure, life will always have it's ups and downs. People will pass, catastrophes will happen, we will get sick, we will see those we love get sick, our children will grow, our debts will mount, our cars will break down, and anything bad that can happen will....(stay with me, I'm getting positive now) but just remember this - if it's true...if it's Murphy's Law that anything bad that can happen will, then it is just as valid to accept that goodness in the same way can happen and can multiply within every aspect of our lives....one million times fold.

During this holiday season, remember to keep in mind that goodness is infectious just as negativity is. If we choose to turn our backs on negativity, if we choose to stay positive and to love through all our experiences (good and bad) then love will always find it's way back to us. For the love that we sew and weave into each others lives is what makes life joyous...it's what really makes the world go round, it's the stuff that perpetuates miracles, laughter, friendship, loyalty, music, and love.

Love my friends, is the stuff that makes things happen. Love is the stuff that dreams are made of.

So this thanksgiving, I'm thankful for many things but I'm ever more thankful that I never gave up on Love, Miracles, Laughter, Friendship, Music, and the bond we all share as human beings - as brothers and sisters (oh yeah, throwing my hands up in the air and I say can I get an AMEN?)

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays to us all!

PS....thanks to those who recently subscribed...put a smile on my face! Of course and as always, thanks to all who take the time to stop by:)

::Peace be with you all::

This was worn the day before 'The Attack of the Killer Shoes!'

2009-11-23T15:21:00.004-05:00

We were in the countryside again looking at old things and foliage....well, only to find out that there were hardly any leaves left on the trees. Is it me or did fall last a whole of 2 days?

We messed around in this old basement and decided to mimic some of the opening sequence shots from 'The Ghost Adventurer's' show on the Travel channel.

Wooh, I look ghostly!

This lighting is better::

Sweater::The Limited (last spring)

Off white shirt::No tag but I remember getting it at Annie Sez (very old)

Lace tank::Forever21

Skirt::Theory, TJMaxx

Boots::JCrew (old)

Belt::from a dress (old)

Beret::The Gap (old)

Scarfrug::Gifted from my Mami

Pearls::Thrifted from Somewhere in Time

Locket chain::Banana Republic

Thanks all for the well wishes and you're all right about the heel thing. The truth is that I just hate to feel restricted in anyway. I try to live my life as normal as possible and whenever I hit a roadblock, I get a little blue about it. I know that I should just look at things practically and for the most part I do...I accept my limitations...but you know...somedays...I just struggle...like everyone else:)

Anyhoo, while on this subject I wanted to deviate slightly and mention that I have always had this great respect for Albert Einstein but more importantly - more so - about the way he had a way with words rather than his obvious mathematical genius.

Albert Einstein almost always expressed himself and humans in the most basic of levels. His quotes almost always simplistically point out to the fact that without love, there is nothing. Without compassion there is nothing and without hope, there is nothing.

What does this have to do with this post?

Well, I read this quote earlier today and it inspired me to tackle my own existing health problems in a very different way. While I haven't completely figured out how I'm going to go about this; I think Albert Einstein's words tremendously helped in bringing a fresh perspective...one that - however obvious - never dawned on me.

So here's that quote:

"We cannot solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."

How I interpret this::

While I didn't create my condition, I do have a hand in creating how my heart and soul looks at my condition. If I am able to somehow change my perspective, my problem - being my health; my problem itself becomes a different sort of contender or a foe who is not anymore powerful than my hope and will to get better. What I gather I have to do moving forward is to place more emphasis on how change - however difficult, is not always a bad thing and that in the end; could lead to the inner greatness and tranquility we all hope to achieve.

Well, Happy Tuesday Everybody!

PS, here's a site that I found interesting. It's titled Einstein's secret to amazing problem solving (and 10 specific ways you can use it)

I was just in the mood...

2009-11-23T01:00:00.005-05:00

.....to simply dress up.

I was actually just going to run to the bank with my mom but I didn't really feel like throwing just any old thing on. Do you ever feel like getting dressed up for no reason at all?

Okay, so you see those shoes above? This is my real first stab at wearing these guys for more than 1 hr. The result has not been pretty. My poor uterus has suffered greatly and as a result, I think I'm going to be bed ridden for a few days....so definitely, not cool...even though I truly did feel more like my old self in this outfit and I gotta say, that certainly did a ton in helping me feel more chipper:) You see, the sucky part about being in a lot of pain - most of the time is that a part of the 'frivolous self' which makes one feel girly and what not tends to just kind of fade away and that can kind of sometimes make a woman...like myself...feel like something is missing.....do you get my drift?

Off white coat::Forever21

Grey pants::Zara (old)

Grey ruffled blouse::NY&Co (last winter)

Shoes::Steve Madden (this past spring)

Herringbone jacket::Apt. 9/Kohls

Straw fedora::My husbands

Earrings::The Glamourai

Rectangle ring::The Glamourai

Multi colored bracelet::Gifted from India

Black/Gold bracelet::Banana Republic

Watch::My husbands

Anyhoo....I started to watch some make-up tutorials by a guru named MakeupAdikt and I have completely fallen in love with her techniques. She does a lot of Bollywood/Arabesque inspired looks...which I've always adored - so I decided to interpret that look as well with this particular outfit. I realize it may be a bit over the top for some; but for someone like me who does not get 'glamourized' on a daily basis...this really did the trick in making me feel very womanly.

Well, enough about me! Hope you all had a super duper fantabulous weekend!

So today I didn't even have to use my AK....I gotta say it was a good day;)

2009-11-20T16:56:00.002-05:00

[of course I don't go around using an AK or any gun for that matter!! I just couldn't help but think of Ice Cube rapping to the lyrics featured in my header when I found out the following news....oh yeah, throwing my hands up in the air...lol]

Thanks to Danielle of Fell for Fashion for giving me the heads up on Flickr that I was selected [along side some seriously stylish people] for wardrobe_remix(ers) o’ the week

The outfit that got me selected was....

All I can say is that...that's pretty cool...especially since there are so many stylish girls/guys that contribute to Wardrobe Remix daily.....[insert my face with a big ole' smile on it:)]

[humbly I say] Super cool...thanks Bits+Bobbins :) and thanks Danielle!!!!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

The boots were a necessity

2009-11-18T23:32:00.000-05:00

I had planned on wearing some heels with this get up, but the weather dictated otherwise. I also knew I was going to be out in the country. Therefore, heels and slushy grass don't mix....Boots on the other hand do:)

Leopard blouse::Chaus

Lilac turtleneck::JCrew (old)

Navy blue pleated chiffon like skirt::H&M

Belt::It came with a dress...unknown (old)

Saffron coat::Banana Republic (old)

Boots::JCrew (old)

Chunk necklace::H&M

Chain necklace::Club Monaco (old)

Earrings::Thrifted locally

Inspiration Wed. - Emotions that 'Linger' in film noir montage

2009-11-18T15:19:00.000-05:00

{picture show montage of the video Linger by The Cranberries}

Shades of pink and hues of marble::

2009-11-18T09:47:00.000-05:00

My attempt at wearing a skirt with the slip showing on the bottom. The proportions are kind of off and that's because the skirt sits on top of my hip bone. Nevertheless, I enjoyed an excuse to show my slip and wear vintage gloves.

Please excuse the wrinkles on my skirt. The skirt doesn't take well to one sitting.

Herringbone short sleeve jacket::Ann Taylor Loft (old)

Black blouse with detailing::Forever21 (old)

Scarf rug::Gifted (old)

Pink skirt with lace details::Zara (OLD)

Black pleated slip::Vintage (purchased ions ago)

Gloves::Vintage (purchased ions ago in PA)

Butterfly broach::purchased at NY Gift Show years ago

Moc Croc shoes::Zara (old)

Views of the belt::

Area of extreme conflict::

So every time I wear something furry; I honestly feel conflicted. I only own a few pieces and they're mostly from the 1920's, a small shrug from the 50's, this thing which is rabbit, and another shrug which is also rabbit.

Fur is not something I naturally gravitate towards, something I myself would not buy new, and yet, here I am admitting that it's in my closet. It honestly makes me feel bad but at the same time, I honestly don't want to get rid of the antique 1920's pieces I have...nor do I never want to 'not' sport them when the time is right....those specific pieces are very special....sigh, see, extreme conflict and I realize some may call it extreme hypocrisy....I realize this and the fact that this is not one of my shining moments:(

Quickest post in La Belle's history!

2009-11-17T09:30:00.001-05:00

A great friend came over this past weekend. The outfit was meant to be comfortable but dressy in a small way.

Shirt can last be seen here
White V-neck::Hanes

Jeans::Banana Republic (old)

Mock Croc heels::Zara (old)

Thrifted scarf

Wore the Baabaa's watch and some gold bracelets (not pictured)

...told you it was going to be quick;) Thanks to Low cost High style for subbing and may all of you have a wonderful day!!! Remember to keep thinking of happy thoughts and dreaming of hope.

It's still all good with the hood

2009-11-16T16:26:00.000-05:00

I believe this may be the last batch of pics of me sporting a hat...'think' being the operative word;)

Polka dot shirt::NY&Co - Last seen here

Green long sleeve tee::JCrew (last winter)

Grey sweater::Sassafras - Last seen here

Jean pencil skirt::Old Navy

Booties::Payless - Last seen here

Ribbon Necklace::Macy's

Whale Necklace::Haute Hardware, Etsy

Rabbit Ring::Labyrinthvintage, Etsy
Hat::Forever21

Hope you all had a great weekend!

Soñare de esperanza

2009-11-15T19:36:00.000-05:00

Translation::I will dream of hope.

As with any one else, life has been full of high and lows and the other day; that particular phrase popped in my mind....soñare de esperanza/I will dream of hope.

Perhaps it was my inner self motivating me to stay focused...to stay positive.

So, if you've been kind of in the dumps and have been lacking inspiration; keep telling yourself to dream of hope. Perhaps the emotions we conjure up in our dreams; will help us in creating a deep form of enlightenment that will be infectious and miraculous.

Love, Peace, and Lots of good Dreams ~ Penny

Inspiration Friday - Pray I'll be Wellington, not Bonaparte

2009-11-15T18:35:00.000-05:00

There are a few movies that completely and forever captivated my heart and soul when I was a child. One such unforgettable movie that always seems to inspire me almost everyday is Gigi. My father was the first to introduce me to musicals; one of the first being The Sound of Music and followed by Gigi. Oh how excited I would get when channel 5-NYC used to play old musical/movies on Sunday. It was one of the few moments in my home when all was quiet and the beautiful music of Lerner & Loewe or Rogers & Hammerstein penetrated every inch of darkness that unfortunately resided there. Their incredible magic of music coupled with Minnelli's vision in Gigi headed straight to my heart and provided such gaiety that till this day; it sincerely causes me to almost tear with joy.

The ultimate Pièce de résistance...

Gigi was written by Colette and is one of those short stories that makes you really think about a woman's limited role in society; especially back then. I completely and whole heartily recommend you reading the book if you never have...and well, if you've never seen Gigi the musical...what are you waiting for?

{all images courtesy of Google}

Feeling quite hip in this...

2009-11-13T09:25:00.000-05:00

Blazer::Zara (old)

Khakis::The Gap

Bow Heels::Franco Sarto (old)

Victorian like blouse::Zara (old)

Obi::Tascha

Necklace::Vintage from Linda Wink's Shop in Willow Grove, PA. She also has an Etsy shop by the name of Bad Girl Vintage....real nice lady and her shop is a vintage lovers dream!

Pashmina::Gift from my Mami

Bag::Gift from Mom/Pop in law - Badgley Mischka

Earrings::Native American - Natural Museum of History, NYC (old)

There goes that hat again::The Gap (old)

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend full of cheers and no jeers:)

Bringing back the shoulder pads...oh yeah....

2009-11-12T11:31:00.000-05:00

My sort of Inspiration::

And my take on it...
but before that remember, I always get a big oogie feeling about 80's references...mostly because the whole decade was a debacle for me and even though I would never want to see shoulder pads come back to the extent they did back then; I think a little pad every now and then never hurt anyone...besides, having that extra 'oomph' in the shoulders made me feel very sultry...very Alexis Carrington...well, in a poor man's sort of way. To be honest, I just wanted to wear them so that I could purposely and randomly fling my shoulders at my husband's direction whenever I felt like it::

The shoulder pads on this are more on the dramatic side but I really love the tapestry like pattern on the jacket and thought that by making the look more relaxed with eclectic pieces; the end result would be less Dynasty and more my own vision.

Here's a better view of how the shoulder pads extend outward::

You see? Pretty big, I admit it.

Details::

You will be noticing a trend in with the next few posts...the fact that I'm wearing a hat with my outfits. This was done simply because I've been too tired to straighten my hair. Hopefully, I'll work up enough energy to do something with my old mop top soon:)

Blazer::Clothesmindedvintage - Etsy - Great buyer, I surely recommend her and would buy again:)

Skirt::DKNY (old)

Ruffled blouse::Jcrew

Hat::The Gap (old)

Shoes::No 9, DSW (I love these darn shoes and they are so comfortable!)

Earrings::Museum of Natural History, NYC (old, old)

Belt::H&M

Thanks to el ponk & Amy for subbing:)))))))

See, fashion mishaps happen and that's okay!

2009-11-11T15:24:00.001-05:00

So I decided to try that 'boyfriend jean' look I see every where. Now mind you, I was around for the 80's boyfriend look and it gave me a little shrill to think that I may go back there but I sucked it up and gave it a go again. Warning .... you may feel conflicted with the outcome...well, at least I was in a way....

This is what my husband thought of the outfit::

Now, don't get me wrong - I actually had a bit of fun sporting this look (the kid gloves made me feel more like Pat Benatar than Rhianna), I'm just not sure if the whole roll up the jean look is really for me. I think it's because I'm short and you know what they say about cuffs and short people....it makes you look stout and I don't want to look stout...no way, no how...but in the end, I'm a rebel at heart so I may just sport this one more - if not only to see my husband give me that half moon eyed look.

Necklace details::

Outfit highlights::

Flower necklace::purchased in PA

Chain necklace::homemade, diy

Gold link necklace::American Apparel

Jeans::Levis

Blouse::TJMaxx

Jacket::TJMaxx

Belt::H&M

Shoes::Aldo

Kid gloves::Vintage/Rags to Riches - Gloves are from the now super defunct Alexander's Department Store (super OLD) I actually remember going into an Alexander's when I was itty bitty....scary that I should remember going into a department store so early on in life.

Thanks to Marika for following and of course all who stop by:)

Veterans Day

2009-11-11T11:00:00.004-05:00

Dedicated to all those who have paid a price and have given their lives.

Defining my style - 5 of 5 - Posh Eclectic

2009-11-10T14:22:00.000-05:00

Now here was a style I could sink my teeth into! For me, this style category combines all the aspects of personal style that I love: Vintage, Bombshell, a little Boho, and Arty but with a more romantic spin to it.

How Lucky defines Posh Eclectic::

I scanned a lot of snippets from this section of the book so that you may get a better idea (if you don't have the book or are unfamiliar) with what Posh Eclectic entails....

Posh outfit examples::

Posh Muses::

My personal favorite::

Posh shoes and Jewels::

And now, my interpretation::

Now, my look is a little on the Bohemian end of the Posh spectrum. With that said though, to me; it feels like there's a definite vintagy eclecticism thing going on up in here;) Thoughts?

Side boot pic for Julia who requested for me to show a side view of these boots:)

The Jewels, the Jewels!

Dress::Etsy, MillieB Vintage -- great buyer guys, totally recommend her!

Velvet Blazer::Ann Taylor Loft (last winter season)

Boots::NYLA via Zappos (yeah! I'm walking better in them lately)

Beret::The Gap (old)

Necklaces::Goddess Necklace (Bucks Co. PA), Pearl, thrifted at Somewhere in Time, New Brunswick, NJ., Gold meshy like necklace - gifted from now defunct Rags to Riches Vintage Shop in Edgewater, NJ.

Belt::Chinese Laundry (old), Syms

Butterfly bracelet::homemade diy

Gold bracelet::gifted from India

Tortoise like bracelets::The Limited (old)

Not really shown::Rabbit Ring, Etsy-Labyrinthvintage, Black stone ring, gifted from now defunct Rags to Riches Vintage

Tortoise like earrings::The Limited (old)

So was my mission accomplished? Have I gotten any closer to understanding which style I identify myself more with?

The answer is really no:(

However! What I have noticed is that I love print.

I love clothes that hint to a bygone era.
I love looks that scream romance with an arty edge.
I love color and am surprised that I actually don't wear the color black a lot.
I'm not afraid of towering shoes even though I'm very limited in how much time I can spend in them....(thanks a lot crappy uterus;P).

I also noticed that I feel more comfortable in clothes that express something about the better aspects of my personality that I want to convey via clothes - like that I'm happy or grateful for example.
I've also noticed with this minor project that as I get older, I understand why so many women find it difficult to remain feeling youthful in clothes and wind up hitting up the junior section. While I've long since abandoned the junior isle and have no intentions of going that route; I completely see how grown up clothing can be perceived by some ladies as being a bit blah when one is not yet truly familiar with their own true style.

I can guarantee that moving forward, I will continue to make style mishaps but that doesn't scare me as much as it used to. Whether I feel boho one day, arty another, bombshell on Tuesday, and Posh Eclectic on Friday; I want my style to be at the very least consistent...like it all belongs to the same person and personality.

In short, the ideal way I would like my style to perceived by others is wrapped up in the following statement: 'She has a certain je ne sais quoi about her.' A style that is all my own and obviously inspired by others from the past, from my personal experiences, and from places, people, and things from around the world.

Thanks to all who remained interested in this little project of mine:)

Love and Peace in the Middle East!

Defining my style - 4 of 5 - Euro Chic

2009-11-09T14:43:00.000-05:00

I'm not going to lie, this look had me stumped for various reasons. First, the look kind of requires you to look chic; which doesn't come easy for me 2) cut is everything and I'm still learning about that 3) the fabrics and textures associated with this look are/can be pricey and like everyone else; I'm on a limited budget.

Here's how Lucky described the Euro Chic look (please click on the pic to enlarge:)::

I was less than pleased with my first stab at this::

And here's why: While I liked the idea of this outfit; I thought it was a little too serious for me. I've had this issue before and I've had people tell me that I'm crazy but each of us knows how we would prefer to let our inner selves be portrayed via clothes. (not pictured, I wore this with nude leather pumps and a velvet blazer)

....notice the bag of clothes in the back? That's a pile of clothes that need to be altered and it's driving me CWAZY! This dumb bag has been laying around in our spare bedroom now for weeks!

Euro Chic must haves, key items, and outfits::

My interpretation -- please note that the quality of these pics suck...sorry about that. Took these pics after a long day at the doctor's and by that time; there was no natural light filtering into the house...hence, the darkness:(::

So I don't have Chanel, but the look was definitely inspired by her! I figured what says Euro Chic more than Chanelesque attire?

The small stuff::

Off white light weight coat::Forever21

Lime green/yellow cashmere sweater::JCrew

skirt::Club Monaco (old)

White mens tee::Hanes

Belt::Badgley Mischka gifted by Val for BD

Shoes::Dyeables! These were purchased for my wedding. I never used them since I decided on another shoe. I really loved the retro feel to the shoe so I decided to have them dyed a jewel tone.

Necklaces::Both gold/black toned ones are belts, thrifted. Long pearl necklace, thrifted at Somewhere in Time, New Brunswick NJ.

Rabbit Ring::Etsy, Labyrinthvintage -- quality is really great and the little guy was under $20.

Snake bangle::Byzantium replica, MET NYC (old), Goldtone bangles, Stein Mart, Watch, husbands (old).

How did I feel?

I honestly felt really good in this outfit. It was dressy but definitely not too serious. I felt age appropriate but yet youthful. The first outfit I posted at the top of this post didn't make me feel that way. Perhaps next time to spruce things up for the initial 'try' outfit, I can wear a pencil skirt with platform heels or ditch the vest altogether and opt for a leather moto jacket and match that up with wide leg trousers? Something to think about...

Inspiration Wed.

2009-11-05T15:06:00.000-05:00

The first time I saw Jane Fonda as Barbarella, I was completely blown away. I mean, I'm a heterosexual woman but the beauty of other women does not escape me and the outfits Jane Fonda wore in Barbarella were just O!mazing!

I was about 6/7 when I first saw Barbarella and man I couldn't wait to grow up to wear plexi all over and sport a space age gun to disintegrate my foes away...lol

(Ken Dodge Wallpaper)

...and I just love how Shakira dons a Barbarella look in Loba/She Wolf video.

Darn it! I want an excuse to be a She wolf modern age Barbarella in my closet!

She Wolf

Shakira | MySpace Music Videos

Shoppers, we have madness on isle 1 of the supermarket::

2009-11-05T12:07:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I'm finally feeling a wince better. All the contagious micro germs have run away - as they should have! Thank you all for your well wishes too...definitely cheered me up a bit:)

So yesterday, we headed off to our local supermarket to do our thing without spending money like the Vanderbilt's and I decided to A)sport my new over the knee boots and B)take pics at the supermarket to change up the scenery.

Well, all I have to say is that my BaaBaa found no redeeming quality in taking pictures at the supermarket. We kept going back and forth and I kept telling him 'who cares' when in fact, I do care about people looking at me like I'm crazy...lol...but hey, it was all in good fun!

Now I was itching to purchase a white lace dress to wear with these boots; but alas, the economics determined that my wishes could not be fulfilled. So, I decided to wear my white eyelet summer dress - also seen here . It was my first time actually using a white summer dress in a fall/wintry way and I think I rather liked it. Let me know your thoughts.

Scoop on the boots:: I'm used to walking on stilts but these babies... well, let me boldly say that I need to practice, practice, practice!! The BaaBaa said he couldn't tell that I was struggling, but you know when you feel like you are. I think it's because the inside of the boot is a little slippery - like I may need to add in a pad or something. Oh well, let's just hope I don't kill myself over fashion!

Close Up::

Dress::Calvin Klein

Blue Blazer::NY&Co

Boots::NYLA from Zappos

Tutleneck::Jcrew

Vest::Gifted from my Mami, Ann Taylor Loft

Hat::Gifted from my Mami, Ann Taylor Loft

Necklace::Banana Republic

I just love transitional pieces

2009-11-03T14:02:00.001-05:00

I knew from the moment I saw this dress, that I would wear it in the fall/winter.

Spring/Summer look::

Fall/Winter Look::

What it looked like w/o the jacket::

The little details::Dress-Newport News, Thrifted handbag purchased in Philly, Nine West Pumps, Blazer from TJMaxx, Glittery Turtleneck - Christmas gift from my Mom in Law, Beret - purchased in the hood, scarf-Betsey Johnson, Belt-Badgley Mischka, Gato broach gifted from my mom.

As mentioned before, we've been fighting the flu so I really haven't had the opporutnity to continue on with my Defining my Style series . I'm actually quite frustrated about that because it just also coincides that I'm completely stumped on how to interpret Euro Chic . Something about that look intimidates me and I must conquer that fear!

So please stay tuned and much blessings to you all:)

Actual Halloween Round Up

2009-11-02T22:02:00.001-05:00

I have to say, it felt so great to be with my friends. I hadn't seen many of these guys in such a long time and I really haven't gone into the City for what seems an eternity...so it felt real good to be on ship traveling up and down the Hudson with a great bunch of people:)

Here's some of the moments from that night::

We started off dead of course...

Then we came alive and had fun...

Wait! Notice what's on the tube? It's Night of the Living Dead playing....how freakin' appropriate!

I thought this picture was funny....too bad it came out fuzzy:(

He had enough of being dead and this is where the hair ended up::

All thanks to the Man of the hour, Paul...

Note to all...my husband accused me of making the following a solicitation....it is not...it's just a suggestion since I know that when I travel to places I want to know what the locals do... so, I'm just telling you what I did and what I think would be cool for a whole variety of people....gee whiz....my husband is a critic! lol

If you're ever interested in taking a tour of the Hudson and want to also party like a rock star...seriously check out Statue Cruises. Hate to throw in a pitch, but I know a lot of people don't know what they want to do or see when they go visit NYC. This cruise will show you some amazing sites...all the bridges, all the sky rises, etc. The cruise starts off in lower NYC/Battery Park - also picks up on the Jersey side and travels all sides of the water....truly spectacular. I heard there's another big shin dig planned for Valentine's Day. So, if you plan on traveling to the NYC region and have limited time to see it all; invest in one of these cruises. I've guess I've been lucky enough to have always been in the shadow of the NYC skyline most of my life and yet, there is something about seeing it on the water that always takes my breath away....more so than actually walking on the streets of NYC. Seeing the city on the streets is one thing, but from the river; it's a whole other incredible experience....it never ceases to amaze me.

I took pics of the skyline but on my phone and they completely stink butt! Here's one that's kind of okay....

Anyhoo, hopefully you guys had a devilishly great time on Halloween...Hope it was all treats and no tricks:)

Btw, people kept asking me what I was....So, if you haven't figured it out...I'm supposed to be La Catrina of Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead -- which I may add is being celebrated today AND as good Catholics, Day of the Saints will be celebrated tomorrow:)

Have a great week everybody and remember to honor your ancestors by remembering them!!!

Halloween Eve Round Up

2009-11-02T11:45:00.000-05:00

Despite the fact that we were battling the flu bug in our home; we got well enough to proceed with our Halloween plans.

Halloween Eve/Mischief Night was spent watching The Ghost Adventurers attack the Allegheny Sanatorium. During commercials, we'd bounce back and forth between them and The Amitiville Horror and tried to prepare for the evening ahead....

I also got around to prepping my wig and played around with some ghoulish make-up...

All this excitement even got the Baby Cookies excited...he didn't seem to want to go to bed....

End Product of Mischief Night::

in the interim....

2009-10-27T14:11:00.001-04:00

I'll just say hello!

I'll be back soon continuing on with my 'defining my style' series. Oh, that makes it sound so official doesn't it? Stay Blessed, Stay Strong!

Gearing up for Halloween!

2009-10-22T11:58:00.002-04:00

Okay, so this is my first stab at ghoul making and my husband was the unwilling participant. I'm really excited about this year because this will be the first time in a very long time that I will be dressing up and actually going out! Remember girls, my uterus prevents me from being out for long periods of time; mostly due to medications/pains but this year [with the good grace of God] I am venturing out...let's hope I make it through the night:)

Halloween - Unwilling BaaBaa participates - Take 1

Halloween - Unwilling BaaBaa participates - Take 2

Now this was just my first try. I plan on covering his ears, neck, and hands with white paint or bruising. The hair is going to be covered in talcum powder, and I hope to blend in the make - up a lot better.

My Baabaa pointed out that once you're dead, you don't bleed - smarty pants - so I will need to rethink the whole blood thing of course.

So do you guys have any plans for Halloween?

A call to arms!

2009-10-22T10:57:00.000-04:00

As this month draws to an end, I just wanted to remind everyone that this month is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It would be great if all of us could post something small on our respective blogs in honor of all those who find themselves in violent situations. There is still such a stigma around this subject and the more we embrace those who need help; the better capable we will be of ridding ourselves of the plague that is violence.

To those women, men, and children who may stumble onto this page and are in need of help; I say, don't give up. You deserve love and safety. Keep in mind always that love never equates violence...no matter how much one tries to tell you otherwise.

For more information, please visit the following sites::

RAINN

 National Domestic Violence Hotline 

 Domestic Violence and Partner Abuse - provides FAQs on the subject and some legal advice 

 American Psychiatry Association 

 familydoctor.org provides advice on how to protect yourself and your children 

 The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 

They offer help for those who only speak Spanish as well.  This site like most listed, provides a help hotline for victims of abuse::  

National 24-hour Toll-Free Hotline Numbers:

1-800-799-SAFE (7233)and 1-800-787-3224 (TDD)

Don't forget, if Your Are threatened or assaulted and need Emergency Help, Call 911.  Please do not hesitate.

Defining my style 3 of 5 - The Bombshell Look

2009-10-22T09:43:00.005-04:00

As defined by Lucky::

Please click on the pics to enlarge

I personally have always been a great fan of this look. It combines all the things that I really like about fashion: Baubles, nice threads, it's very flattering on just about all body types, it instantly helps a woman feel well, more womanly, and it just really makes me feel quite giddy.

Here are the Bombshell items that help one feel vavavavoom!

My translation::

I think while it incorporates the bomshell look, it also hints at the retro thing as well....and let me just say; this flannel shirt was uber soft. I hadn't exactly worn one since the 90's so I had completely forgotten why they were such a fav of mine back then.

Men's Flannel Shirt::Purchased in the hood by a local merchant.

Wool pencil skirt::The Limited

Shoes::Aldo - I can actually only sport heels for an hour or so before it starts hurting my insides and these are fabulous but they take a toll on your feet - broken uterus or not...so buyer beware!

Tights::Hue

Belt::H&M

Necklaces worn together and tied with a ribbon::Gold one is from American Apparel, Black one - very old - possibly purchased in the hood back in the early 90's.

Earrings - I did wear them but I didn't add them for the pics:(

Close ups::

So far, out of all three looks; this one probably makes me feel the best. It's classic enough and build-able; meaning, you can add bombshell elements to any outfit and still feel very appropriate no matter the situation. It's also hip enough in that you instantly look cool....and by this I mean all women. Every time I see a woman doing the bombshell look, I always think to myself...'Wow, she looks awesome!'

Now, the big question here is how can I incorporate bomshell items to Arty Slick and Boho?

Well, I'm thinking that accessories will once again play a big part. I gather, if you're going for less of a Marilyn look let's say; one just has to switch things up slightly by mixing up the clothing elements one selects....meaning, if you're going to wear a pencil skirt - perhaps adding a deconstructed blouse with huge baubles - will make the outfit look more Arty Slick. If you're more of the boho inclination but want to add in elements of Bombshell - perhaps recalling images of a young Elizabeth Taylor during the Burton years will help ~ well, when it wasn't apparent that they were alcoholics that is....here are visuals of what I'm thinking...

Now stay with me....see the billowy dresses she's wearing and the hippie like jewels...yet, with all that; there's a definite bombshell thing going on. Now granted, she is amazingly beautiful and by very nature had that bomshell thing going on - but I believe that that the smaller elements you see here in these pics are qualities that all women have or can mimic...i.e. styling of the hair, using eyeliner, smoking out the eye, adding a faux fur stole, showing some cleavage, [understood that the latter would not be appropriate for the PTA, but would be very appropriate for a night out with your significant other] etc.

Bombshell suggestions from Lucky::

Lastly, let me just address the whole body conscious thing that is mentioned in the Lucky page above. While it's true that this look IS body conscious; one should not walk away from this thinking that they can't pull this look off. On the contrary, I think when done right; this look can help exponentially in making one feel very comfortable in one's own skin. This look is all about embracing your womanly curves...so love the skin your in and wear a pencil skirt every once in a while! You'll be amazed at how good it makes you feel:)

{Pics of Elizabeth Taylor, courtesy of Google. Pics of Bombshell advice, definition, and clothing options were scanned from The Lucky book on Mastering Style}

La Belle Dame Sans Dice

Slowly emerging from the Chrysalis

Using them before alterations

Continuation of Pattern Experimentation and Setting Boundaries Darn it!

The Queen is Back

::Haiti::

Homemade Butterflies on a Cold day

What is Woman?

Don't look at my Vagina! A full on rant

On the cutting room floor::

Back to the grind

It's the new age of love and gold::

No pictures, just good wishes

::Life imitates Art::

Imitation of a Warrior Princess

Just woke up and Christmas is over? **sigh**

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Jennifer Jones

Rodarte for Target? No thank you.

Comfy, Casual, and the return of leggings to my wardrobe?

Life has many layers....

Can I kick myself in the A$$...

I've been gifted a Princess Award:)

Inspiration Wed. - The ART and THE ARTISTS

Going from light to dark

Some sort of love affair with vanilla lace

Inspiration Friday::It’s you, Lili Marlene

::Inspiration Thursday::

World Aids Day and an outfit of course!

So is winter ever hitting the NYC area?

A Super Thanksgiving To All::

This was worn the day before 'The Attack of the Killer Shoes!'

I was just in the mood...

So today I didn't even have to use my AK....I gotta say it was a good day;)

The boots were a necessity

Inspiration Wed. - Emotions that 'Linger' in film noir montage

Shades of pink and hues of marble::

Quickest post in La Belle's history!

It's still all good with the hood

Soñare de esperanza

Inspiration Friday - Pray I'll be Wellington, not Bonaparte

Feeling quite hip in this...

Bringing back the shoulder pads...oh yeah....

See, fashion mishaps happen and that's okay!

Veterans Day

Defining my style - 5 of 5 - Posh Eclectic

Defining my style - 4 of 5 - Euro Chic

Inspiration Wed.

Shoppers, we have madness on isle 1 of the supermarket::

I just love transitional pieces

Actual Halloween Round Up

Halloween Eve Round Up

in the interim....

Gearing up for Halloween!

A call to arms!

Defining my style 3 of 5 - The Bombshell Look

Just woke up and Christmas is over? sigh