Paper Dresses

I've been a bit under the weather this week, so plan on doing nothing this weekend but resting and getting ready for the Oscar Red Carpet on Sunday night!  For a bit of inspiration, check out this stylish 4-year-old and her amazing momma that has made her Oscar dress recreations...out of paper!  Stay tuned for my favorites next week...and have stay warm this weekend my friends!

Shoes Blues

So long, old friend. You will be missed.

Well, it seems that my favorite shoes of all time must finally be retired.  Think I've worn them down to the bone?  Ha!  I'm embarrassed to say that I didn't notice how bad they had gotten and I've been walking around like this for a few weeks now.  The sad part of this story is that Cole Haan no longer makes these Nike Air leopard pumps, so I'm on the hunt for a new pair. 

Trouble is, all the replacements I have found are so damn expensive!  I thought I might find some on sale considering that Spring should be around the corner, but no such luck.  So far, these are my favorites below.  If you have any recommendations, please let me know! 

J.Crew Collection Valentina Calf Hair d'Orsay pumps--These are pretty, but not sure if I want a d'Orsay pump.  I haven't bought a pair of J.Crew shoes in a few years, but the price seems a bit ridiculous for the quality of J.Crew lately.  Next.

Kate Spade Karolina Pump--Of all the shoes I found, these Kate Spade pumps look the most like my Cole Haan pair.  Again, haven't bought Kate Spade shoes in years, but the last pair I had were excrutiating to wear for more than five minutes.  Hmm, maybe not.

Donald J Pliner Pointed Toe Pumps - Brave Leopard High Heel--These are reasonably priced, and a good height, but not sure about the metallic heel.  They might warrant a closer look though.  Definitely a good option to try on.

L.K. Bennett Pointed Toe Pumps - Florete High Heel--I've never worn L.K. Bennett, but hey, if the Duchess of Cambridge can prance around in these for hours, then I'm sure they will hold up well on the marble floors of the U.S. Capitol.  Not holding my breathe, but these just might be the winners.

Manolo Blahnik BB Suede 90mm Pump--Unless of course, I win the lottery, in which I will be ordering these babies.  Made to Order, straight from Paris.  Then again, for that kind of craftmanship, I have to wait 8-10 weeks for delivery.  Not sure I am that patient.  Even for these beauties.

Mountain Home

I'm off to West Virginia and my grandparents' house in about five minutes for a nice, long, relaxing extended weekend.  Going to work on a few projects, catch up on my reading, watch some sports with my Pap, take my Mema out shopping, and hopefully sleep in the next three days!  Hope everyone has a great rest of the week and a wonderful weekend!

The Book Thief

Yesterday I finished my book club choice for this month--"The Book Thief", by Markus Zusak.  It is definitely one of the best books I have read in a while.  Even though it was, at times, incredibly heartbreaking, I couldn't put it down.  It tells the story of a spirited young girl living in Nazi Germany during World War II.  So, not exactly a lighthearted story to begin with, but it was remarkably well written to show the innocence of childhood and struggle of adults to do what is good and what is right for their fellow humans.  I highly recommend this book...even though it left me with a heavy heart, it also reminded me of the power of words, and that there is good in every corner of the world. 

Happy!

It seems the only thing harder than getting going on a Monday morning, is getting going on a Tuesday morning after a long weekend.  Waking up was a bit rough this morning.  Luckily, I have a new fix for the scaries, and it comes from the one and only Pharrell Williams.

I have been a fan of Mr. Williams since his N.E.R.D. days--probably even before that, and didn't even know the music I loved was created by him.  He is incredibly talented, and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE his new song "Happy".  First of all, it was created for the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack--how adorable is that?  Also, the song (and the man with it) has been nominated for an Academy Award.  I hope he wins. 

Anyway, just thought I'd share my new favorite song with you on this tougher-than-usual start to the work week.  I hope it makes you "Happy".  Doesn't it just make you want to get up and start dancing?  If nothing else, it definitely puts a smile on your face.

Obsessed, Part II

Once again, Lupita Nyong'o knocked it out of the park, this time at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts awards (BAFTAs).  From the red carpet photos I saw, she was once again my favorite of the night.  The color is stunning on her, and what I love about her style is that she wears such simple and classic lines, but somehow manages to make them look fresh and modern.  This dress is stunning, and I would absolutely wear it if I had the chance--probably another reason why I am obsessed with her style--I would happily wear everything she fashions.

To see more of her amazing style, see my previous "Obsessed" post on her.  And look forward to one more incredible look in just two weeks--she is nominated for an Academy Award for her amazing work in "12 Years a Slave".  I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us that night!

Snow Day!

A major snowstorm on the East Coast shut down DC yesterday, and with over a foot of snow, even I got to stay home from work on Thursday!  I'm back to work today, but it was really nice to have the yesterday off.  I did some chores around the house, dug out my car, and watched a lot of Olympics coverage.  Nice and slow...just what I needed after a busy work week!  Happy long weekend everyone!

The "Wet" Brush

The "Wet" Brush

I had heard rumors about this wonder product for months now from many of my mom friends.  "This brush works wonders," they said.  "It combs out the rats' nest in minutes, and without tears," they said.  "Hands down, the best brush ever," they said.  Still, I had my doubts.

So when looking in my stocking this Christmas and found a purse-sized The "Wet" Brush from my sister, I was excited to give it a try.  Two months later, I am sold.  Best. Brush. Ever.  Thanks Lindann!

My hair is naturally curly, and I have a ton of it.  Factor in my tendency to go a few days between washes to keep it healthy, and well--it takes a long time to get these tangles out after showering.  I have no idea what makes this brush so special, but it definitely does the trick.  What was once a painstaking process to comb through my hair now only takes a minute or two, and I have less breakage too!  Highly recommend you giving this product a try...for the price, why not?

Mid Week Wrap-up

I missed my weekend wrap-up on Monday--oops!  As I mentioned last week, on Saturday I went to a benefit for Luke's Wings, sponsored by the Daughters and Sons of the American Revolution.  I found out a few years ago that I am a DAR, and am thinking about joining this year (if I can ever find the time to chart my genealogy).  One project at a time.

After fear that a migraine was going to sideline me that night, I quickly recovered and ended up having a ball!  We started the night at the Four Seasons Georgetown bar, and the headed to the City Tavern Club for a night of dancing!  We shook our booties all night long, and needless to say, my physical therapist was not too happy with me and my sore legs on Monday.  It was worth it though to have a fun night out with my girls!

Happy Birthday Mema!

Sally Ann Edwards Peluchette

Today is my Mema's 84th birthday.  Happy Birthday Mema!  Wasn't she a beauty?  Still is today! 

My Mema and I have a very special relationship, and I am blessed to call her one of my best friends.  After 10 children and 23 grandchildren, what she wants most in the world is a great grandchild.  And as her eldest granddaughter, I get my fair share of grief about it.  Ha, I'm such a disappointment, but she still loves me!  Sorry Mema, looks like you're going to have to wait at least another birthday for that special wish!  Wish I could be there with you today to celebrate!

Olympic Junkie

I don't know about y'all, but when it comes to the Olympics, I am completely addicted.  Doesn't matter if it's the Summer or Winter games, once the torch is lit I am glued to the TV until the closing ceremony.  Oh yeah, and I end up crying at least once a night.  What can I say--the pursuit of victory just gets to me.

So of course, I've been watching all of the NBC promo shows this week leading up to today's first events.  Last night, the show was "How to Raise an Olympian," and there was one story in particular had me tearing up before the games even started.  It was on Amy Purdy, a Paralympian snowboarder, and how she came back from an illness with an almost 2% survival rate, lost both her legs, and is now an Olympian.  Truly inspiring, and I hope they air her competition for the world to see. 

For those of you that missed it, here is a link to an interview with her. And below is a Poptech talk she gave--such an inspiration!

Dream Gowns

Donna Karan Resort Collection

Hello my pretties, did you miss me?  I have been working on an important project the past few weeks that have taken up all of my extra time and attention, but finally finished today.  Hooray! 

Now on to the important topic--gala season.  It is officially upon us in our nation's capital!  With DC's dreary winter lingering, it seems a daunting task to get all dolled and head out for a night on the town.  Thanks to my ever shrinking size (praise the Lord), I am running out of clothing options in my closet.  To tailor or just rebuy everything is a topic for another day, but for now I must find a gown that fits me, and in a hurry!  This Saturday I am attending DAR's Sweethearts and Patriots Gala, to benefit Luke's Wings, which supports service members who have been wounded in battle.  Such a wonderful cause, and who knows, maybe if I find the perfect gown, I might just have a hero of my own by the end of the night.

Budget is my problem, so if anyone knows of any great sales out there, please fill me in!  But since it's a dreary, rainy day, I think today I'll daydream of walking in wearing one of these beautiful creations, starting with the incredible Donna Karan above.  How perfect is this dress for a sweetheart theme gala?  I would be in heaven wearing that amazing gown.  Heaven!  This one below is also stunning.

Also loving this Halston Heritage gown, which although on sale and somewhat in my price range, is only available in a size 2.  Le sigh.  Maybe next year.  The silhouette is perfect for an hourglass figure. 

Halston Heritage Velvet Striped Gown

The ultimate splurge?  I could always pre-order this gorgeous Alexander McQueen for a mere $6,200. 

Alexander McQueen Feather-Print Strapless Chiffon Gown

Then again, maybe I should shop my closet just one more time.  Seems just a tad more economical, don't you think?