Say Yes to the Dress, Y'all

Okay, guilty pleasure time.

Sometimes, on Friday nights, the kids snuggle with me and we watch “Say Yes to the Dress – Atlanta" on TLC. We get such a kick out of this show, namely stylist Monte. He’s a hoot, especially when he and Lori get going.

You never know how much is staged and how much is a genuine reaction from the bride and her family and attendants. Sometimes it’s just fun to watch the back and forth – at least most of the time. There are moments when the comments are a bit too harsh and hurt the bride-to-be’s feelings. Why bring that many people when you are shopping for wedding dresses? Do you really want that many cooks in the kitchen, that many opinions on what you should or shouldn't wear? Not a good idea.

Although, there are times the bride just needs to hear it. For instance, ladies, please don’t wear a strapless gown with your Double-Ds hanging out. Is that really what you want to wear in a church? A little modesty wouldn’t kill ya.

This young woman was on last week's episode. She tried on this lovely gown - what she deemed her dream dress - knowing it was out of her price range. A no-no according to store owner Lori. Lori then dropped the price for her to fit within her budget. Suddently, the young lady had meltdown in the store, now unsure that the dress was "the one." That's why I could never work in the bridal industry.

Some of the dresses are divine and it’s nice to see how they put the final touches together. The bride is shedding tears of joy, the mother-of-the-bride and bridesmaids are fanning the tears from their faces. Okay, gals, get a hold of yourselves.

The original “Say Yes to the Dress” is set at Kleinfeld’s in New York. There’s a Monte version at that location as well, but I much prefer the Atlanta show, set at Bridals by Lori. The southern accents and twangs make it more fun and when you mix such characters as a pageant mama or a young woman shopping for “Southern Chic,” (to which Monte asked “What the hell is that??), it adds to the silly drama. Plus, it’s hilarious to hear my kids mimic them.

So, if you get a chance to catch part of an episode for a good chuckle or to catch a glimpse of some lovely bridal attire, do so. And for you future brides out there, it may make you think twice before bringing your mama, grandmama and 10 girlfriends to shop for your wedding dress.
Images from TLC's "Say Yes to the Dress - Atlanta"

Happy Colors

I pinned this photo of socialite Olivia Palermo on my Pinterest page last night, because I love, LOVE these red shoes. How fabulous are these?? Yeah, her boyfriend is pretty cute, too. But, I would totally take the shoes over him.

And these pumps as well...

From red shoes, to red and pink. Some say this is not a good pairing, but I love it. Happy colors! And, on redhead Emma Stone, it's a stunning combo.

What do you think? Red and pink?
Images from citified.blogspot, sequinedandstripes.com and prettystuff.tumblr.com

Mama Has Another New Bag

Just had to share one of my Christmas presents: a new Henry Brown bag. I've posted about Henry Brown in the past and how much I like this brand. First of all, it's the creation of a Kentucky gal and made locally. And, they are so darn cute! I have two of the totes, but this time I wanted a smaller option, the Charlie Bucket. I loved the red with brown trim, but couldn't decide on the monogram color. HB recommended a couple of colors, but said that turquoise adds an unexpected punch. So, I presented these details to Hubby and low-and-behold, it was under the tree on Christmas day. ;) Drop by and see what they have to offer.

So, is everyone ready to return to school and work tomorrow? Yeah, me neither.
I've put it off long enough, so today the Christmas decorations will come down. It's very cold and there is a chance of snow showers, which makes it a good day to stay indoors and work on bringing the house back to normal. It's a little sad. I hate to see the lights go away, especially as we head into the cold, gray season.

The new year is off and running as I've already committed to join a book club and assist with my daughter's school's gala fundraiser. I must have been high off the University of Kentucky's win on Saturday to agree to not only serve on the auction committee, but also host a stop on a progressive dinner that will be up for auction. Oy, vey.

So, friends, is 2012 off to a good start for you? Any New Year's resolutions you'd like to share?

Happy 2012!

Image property of JMW A Place to Dwell blog

C Wonder

So, Bloggerville is all a'twitter over the opening of C Wonder, the boutique and online retailer owned by Chris Burch, Tory's ex-hubby. So, what's the 411 on his store? Fun, colorful and affordable. There are some similarities to items that Tory offers, but again, for MUCH less.

For instance, how about an $8 mug?

Great gift for a teacher or colleague that certainly won't break the bank.

Check out this jeweled-button cardigan (comes in a variety of colors) for $78...

And this horn cuff for $48...

Bring out the inner-princess with these ballet flats, perfect for the holiday season and beyond. ($78)

How sweet is this birdcage charm for only $15?



Love the whimsy of this elephant plate ($38).

I guess my only question is: How well-made are these items considering the price point? I've seen online images of the store and it looks like a place I would be drawn to like a moth to a flame:

Have you been to or odered anything from C Wonder or been to the actual store in SoHo? If so, what do you think?

Wish I could have blogged more this week, my friends, but it was a blur of activity. Enjoy your weekend and soak in the holiday season. We have another Christmas party to attend tomorrow and a breakfast AND dinner with Santa on Sunday. "Mommy, why do they look different?" Gotta work on my answer to that one.

Happy Friday!
Images from C Wonder and Racked.com

I Won!!

This morning, I received word that I won two tickets to see Tim Gunn at a lecture series in Cincinnati in January. Woo hoo!

I've said many times how much I love fashion/lifestyle guru Tim Gunn. I can't wait to attend, see him in person and hopefully get a photo taken with him (which will immediatly be downloaded to my Facebook profile).

Seriously, when I heard that I won, I did a little dance. Happy, happy! Joy, joy!

See you in January, Mr. Gunn - make it work!
Image from Project Runway

I'll Take These Heels, Thank You

You're so pretty. Want to come live in my closet?

Did everyone have a good weekend? I can't believe how many activities we packed into a 48-hour period, but we managed to do it somehow.

I've kept up the running routine, but I'm paying for my Sunday run. I took some hills pretty hard and didn't stretch enough pre and post-run. Dumb me. So, I'm paying for it today. With the way my legs and feet are aching, I certainly wouldn't be able to rock a fab pair of heels, like the Kate Spades above. I looked in my closet this morning and decided, "Loafers it is!" But, given enough rest, I could easily slip those babies on (size 7, ahem).

Did everyone have a good weekend? And, as the holidays approach, do you have something like these pretty lil' shoes on your wish list? If so, what is it?
Image from Kate Spade

Timeless

 

When you think of classic beauties and trendsetters, certain names come to mind: Jackie, Audrey, Babe, Grace. In the later part of the 20th century, another name was added to the list: Carolyn Bessette Kennedy.

I look at photos of her taken 14 years ago and I'm amazed to see how her style has stood the test of time. It's so sad to think that she and John are no longer here. Oh, what could have been.

Grace Kelly's eldest daughter, Princess Caroline of Monaco, also has a timeless elegance. Here she is in 1982 and this look is still in fashion with the sporty set almost 30 years later.

 

Caroline in recent years, still very regal and chic.

Then there’s Caroline's 25-year old stunning daughter, Charlotte Casiraghi, a dead-ringer for a younger Caroline. Her fashion sense is proving to be just as timeless.

And, of course, there’s the Duchess of Cambridge.

 

So stylish and chic. From the sapphire blue dress she wore during her engagement announcement to the famous wedding gown, we seem to gasp with delight each time we see her.

 

 

She’s become an instant style icon and joins the likes of Jackie, Audrey, Babe and others who inspired legions of fashion followers.

What modern-day women do you consider fashion icons? Who has joined the ranks of the ladies who have set style standards for all of us to follow?
Images from Life Magazine, The Daily Mail, Pascal Le Segretain, Vanity Fair and the San Francisco Sentinal

Channeling Margot

For some reason, this faux fur from kate spade reminds me of something Margot would have worn in "The Royal Tenenbaums." I love this look, as well as this one:

I really need to watch that film again. Hubby gave me the DVD for Christmas one year. So wonderfully quirky. Wes Anderson is a favorite of mine. He always casts Bill Murray so perfectly in his films.  

Hmmm, now that I look at a still shot from the film, how fun would this be for a Halloween costume?? We're going to a costume party at our neighbors' house on Halloween weekend and as of right now, Hubby and I are planning to be Mia Wallace and Vincent Vega from "Pulp Fiction." All I need is a wig at this point. If we went as members of the Tenenbaum family, though, not sure everyone would get it. Still, the outfits would be fun.

Any costume parties for you this year? If so, what creative ideas do you have in store?
Images from kate spade and lavieboston

Handbags and an Anniversary Weekend

Saw the latest from Tory Burch's handbag line on Facebook yesterday (because, you know, Tory and I are FB friends) and I'm drooling over the blue bag. Actually, the marketers are calling it "Cobalt," while the orange version has been tagged as Habanero Pepper. Hmmm, looks like a combo for a certain school in the SEC. Well, rather than in Gainseville, the Cobalt version would look fabulous in Rupp Arena this basketball season. On my arm. With new wedge boots on my feet. But, I digress.

And, speaking of Gators, how jazzed am I that Tim Tebow will be the starting QB for the Broncos in their next game? Maybe just me, the city of Denver and the state of Florida? Not sure why I've become such a big Tebow fan, since his golden arm always meant doom for my Kentucky Wildcats. But, as I mentioned in a previous post, anytime an SEC player can do well in the NFL, I'm there.

It's Friday, dear friends, and I'm sure you're just as thankful as I. The weekend will be full of typical busy activity. Our daughter has a birthday party, the kids have haircuts, leaves need to be raked and, oh yeah, Hubby and I will celebrate our 12th anniversary on Sunday.

October 16, 1999

I love you, Hon. Looking forward to dinner on Saturday night!

(And, no, the Tory Burch Cobalt Blue purse will not be an anniversary gift; it's only eye candy, as is Mr. Tebow. Although, he doesn't hold a candle to my Hubby!)
Images from Tory Burch via Facebook and property of A Place to Dwell Blog

Happy 50th, Breakfast at Tiffany's



Holly Golightly never needed a reason to throw a party, but there wouldn't be a better reason than the 50th anniversary of the release of the film, "Breakfast at Tiffany's."

A new companion guide to the film has been released and features insider tid bits about the making of the film. For instance, did you know that Truman Capote wanted to cast Marilyn Monroe as Holly? Can you imagine??

Audrey Hepburn will always be associated with the iconic image of the woman standing in front of Tiffany's windows, dressed head-to-toe in Givenchy and enjoying a pastry. The stuff of legends.

TGIF, friends. We made it through another week! Hope you have a wonderful weekend. Will talk to you on Monday!
Images from fanpop and Hollywood Reporter

Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize

Now that fall is here, so are the many wonderful fall accessories. What jewelry, scarves and shoes are you sporting this season?

Here are some items recently featured in the New York Times and Vogue, considered the “things to have” this season.

 

Ralph Lauren sunglasses. I sooo want a pair of these bad boys.

 

 This choker from Yves Saint Laurent is a great item for fall. Although, I think this would look better as a bracelet, but who am I to argue with the house of YSL?

 

Clutch from Dries van Noten (and I’ll take the gold ring as well).

  

How about this clutch from Burberry? As Jack from “Will and Grace” would have said in a sing-song voice, “FABULOUS!!!”

And this beauty from Louis Vuitton.

Which brings me to my Louis Vuitton story. Many years ago, my college boyfriend brought me back an LV bag from Italy, where he studied for a semester (I’m sure his parents helped with the purchase). It was a gorgeous bucket bag – huge and wonderful. So, because he became an ex-boyfriend after college, I never used it and it’s been sitting in my closet for about 17 or 18 years. I just felt weird about carrying it around because of who gave it to me, as if it was an affront to my husband (hardly). When I shared this concern with some girlfriends recently, one of them said,“Oh, you just need to get over that.” The other said, “You have a vintage Louis Vuitton sitting in your closet? Use it!”

So, I got over it, broke out the LV at the start of fall and have been sporting it around ever since. What do you think?

Then I remembered one of the reasons I stopped carrying it, because it's so darn heavy. My shoulder aches after lugging it around all day. Oh, well. The price we pay for vanity.

So, do you have a favorite piece of clothing or an accessory that is your go-to piece every year?

Images from the New York Times, Vogue and property of JMW - A Place to Dwell.blogspot

Fall Wardrobe and Racing Season

I am loving this cooler weather! It was about 52 degrees when we left the house this morning, so I was sure to break out the tweed and suede. And, I was happy to see that I can still fit into my 4 petite skirt, even though I bought it before having kids. Of course, as Tim Gunn would be quick to point out, it could be “vanity sizing.” As my mom always says, if you pay enough, anyone can be a size 2 or 4.

Anyhoo, back to the discussion about the fall wardrobe. What are some of your must-haves for the fall season? I, for one, would love a fabulous pair of brown crocodile boots. If only I could afford them. (Yeah, PETA, I said it.)

Although, I would settle for faux.

And, while I’m very traditional when it comes to barn jackets -- because, you know, we all want to look like we’ve been striding across the horse farm, checking out the colts – I do like some of Barbour's new models, a variation on the barn jacket.

Like the Dorset jacket:

Or the Devon jacket (below), although this looks like you should be riding a motorbike, rather than a thoroughbred.

So, all this talk about wardrobe and horses, can you guess what I’m gearing up for here in the Bluegrass? Yep, the fall meet at Keeneland Racecourse, which runs Oct. 7 - 29. If you can make it to Lexington for the fall racing season, do so. Keeneland is celebrating its 75 anniversary, so there will be plenty to see and do over the next few weeks.

So, kids, what are your must-haves for the fall season? Do tell!
Images from Keeneland.com, Barbour of England, Tory Burch