I Knew I Had Good Taste

Do you guys read this website? I love it. Imagine my surprise when I found a link illustrating six different ways to wear this dress -that I'd worn just this week!

I wore this dress to a fashion show at the Liv nightclub in the Fountainbleau hotel. This is the hotel that hosted the Victoria's Secret fashion show last year. And it is way too posh for me. I had no idea that it was so fancy. I felt like a square peg. Like I could start singing that Sesame Street song, "One of these thing just doesn't belong here. One of these things just isn't the same."

My sister's boyfriend's sister is working as an intern for Miami magazine, and she got us on the guest list. Anyhoodle, I was excited about going. Because trust me, it's one of those clubs that I would have never been able to get into on my own. My cousin K said she and a couple of girlfriends came to club one night, "dressed to the t" and that they wouldn't let them in unless they each paid $100 cover charge.

I had no idea it was going to be held in a club. I thought the fashion show was going to be outside by the pool, so I did wish I'd just worn black and dressed a little fancier. Like pretty much everyone else. This dress is a little casual, and I hate being under dressed.

But, even though I got a lot of compliments on my dress (from my cousins), I felt that it made me look VERY THICK in the thigh and butt area. I'm thinking before I wear it again, I should take in the seams on the sides so that it's not so flowy and more straight line-y.

What do you think?

P.S. I finally got a chance to wear my new shoes.

Shoes? Yes, Please!

Last week, I mentioned that I was going to reinstate the shopping ban*, with the one exception of these shoes:

But these shoes were $99.95. So, um -no. Because although I'm not averse to spending $100 on a pair of shoes (not that I have a closet full of $100 shoes or anything) I am not going to throw away $100 on a pair of shoes that although I seriously love, I have no idea how to incorporate into my daily wardrobe.

Plus, although I loved them in gold, they were a little, how do I say? Cha Cha Digregorio-ish.

So even though I went to the mall on Tuesday in order to purchase them with my 20% Macys discount card, I just couldn't.

But today? Oh. Happy. Day. I went to Macy's to return a top I had bought while delusional (I must've been in a frenzy when I bought it because it was. So. Not. Me.), I sauntered by the shoes and these babies were $69.95!

Shut your mouth and say it isn't so!

So I tried them on in gold (I know, right? I'm so frickin' persistent. Like a dog with a bone.) and in black**. And surprisingly enough, I fell in love with the black ones. Ooooooh. They is so pretty!

And I was able to use my discount card so I actually saved $43.

*I would've broken the shopping ban on Tuesday because I found a super cute bikini (I know, I know -like a hole in the head) for $16.99 but it didn't fit me. And some super cute Michael Kors wedges, but since I had planned on buying the aforementioned shoes, ixnay.

And today, I would've bought a buttload of crap but nothing fit and Jesus said, "No, you don't need it." And I listened.

**I don't have many pairs of black shoes. I have two pairs of black pumps, one pair of black flats (of which I can only find one, the other must be under the bed), and one pair of black sandals. So I was super surprised at how much I loved the black shoes. But they made my calves look FIERCE, cookies. FIERCE.

In My Shoes

Something else I've noticed. When the numbers on the scale creep up, the amount of shoes in the closet goes up as well.

I first saw these lovelies during Lent. Because I couldn't buy them, and I refuse to waste sales staff's time unless I'm serious, I didn't even bother trying them on. When Lent ended, the $89 price tag was a deterrent. Not because they were too expensive, but rather because with my new frugal-icious state of mind, spending so many smackaroonies for one pair of shoes was unthinkable.

But today, I really, really, really wanted them. Oh! How I seriously considered buying them even with the thought of kissing $89 good-bye. But Jesus loves me. Yes, he does. Because before I left for the mall to circle them endlessly while drooling, I decided to check the website. Surely Dillards would be having some sort of Mother's Day sale, right?

And they were! The shoes were reduced 40%!

Oh, happy day!

And unlike these Gap shoes, which were not very flattering (but might have been if they would've come in half sizes -the size 8 just made my feet look like canoes), these shoes were perfect! Super comfortable, perfect 70's vibe, and a wedge that's not too high, not too low, but just right. The perfect compliment to all my summer dresses. I'd been feeling a little hobbit-ish in my flats.

But no more, my cookies. No more.

I'm in LOVE...

How cute are these shoes? Too cute, right? They're from the Gap and they're only $39.50.

Oh, yes. One of these lovelies will be mine.

I Broke My Nail....

trying these bad boys on for size.

FEROSH!

*Don't worry, it's not going to happen -I'm not going to buy them. :)

Like a Crack Whore...

in a crack den. That's what I'm worried it's going to be like when Lent is over (which by the way is in two weeks -yay!).

So today I went to the mall under the pretense of shopping for my soon to be sister-in-law. Her bridal shower is this Saturday, and I was hoping to find a sweet little lingerie honeymoon-ish set (a little gross when I think of her wearing it for my brother, but whatever). But of course, I also walked around and tried on a bunch of stuff. J is walking a wedding in two weeks, and I'm worried about what to wear to the rehearsal dinner and wedding.

Last weekend when I went to the mall with my cousin C, I'd seen this really pretty, sweet-heart neckline black lace short dress with a hot pink ribbon under the bust. I remember telling her that if it wasn't Lent and against the law, I would totally buy that dress. She just looked at me and matter-of-factly asked where would I wear that dress. And I didn't have an answer then, BUT I DO NOW! I would wear it to the wedding in two weeks! And because I didn't buy it THEN, they didn't have it in my size NOW! Can you believe the dress fit over my hips but would not close because of my back/bust? Yowza!

Now I know you're what you're thinking. It doesn't matter if they would've had it in my size because I couldn't have bought it anyway. Au contraire. J could've bought it for me. Maybe. He's kinda been a stickler for this Lent business. But its a moot point, no?

Anyhoodle, back to the crack den. I couldn't buy anything which almost gave me a panic attack. The whole drive home I kept thinking,

What the hell am I going to wear?

Luckily, when I got home, I pulled myself together and found outfits for both the rehearsal dinner and the wedding (um the dress is pretty close to zipping up, it's just that last 1/2 inch -but it's a size 0, go ahead, feel free to hate me a little, even though it obviously runs big).

And I am planning to make one concession. I need two necklaces and a pair of earrings to wear with my dresses. If I don't find anything I can use in my mom or sister's jewelry box, I'm giving myself permission to buy myself some accessories.


I am so going to buy myself some shoes when this is over.

These are from Dillards, and I'm totally feeling their retro vibe. Perfect for summer frocks.

I'm also feeling these wedges from Payless. They look much cuter on, and they'd add some spank to any outfit. Love 'em.



And the Gap? Will not stand a chance.


Pray for me, cookies.

I Can't WAIT For It to Be....

OVER!

Hot damn, Lent is long. I'm worried that when it ends (which by the way, is longer than 40 days!), I'm totally going to binge. Here are some of the things I'm seriously loving.

I love this Gap outfit. I especially love the white jeans. Personally, white jeans pose a little bit of a problem. The biggest issue I have is that they can make the slimmest people look chunky. And since I have been on an eating binge for the last two weeks, I'm not sure they would be flattering on my new, semi-fuller frame (I keep telling myself I weigh more because of my muscles, but no).

I also love the fitted, short-sleeve khaki jacket. It's light enough for summer, and it would give any outfit a little structure and a whole lotta spank. It's just a totally fresh, summer look, and I'm digging it.

This dress is pretty much the blueprint for my summer wardrobe. Having tiny boobies, I'm not a huge fan of strapless dresses, but I've realized that strapless dresses that are smocked at the top (this one isn't, but oh well) are pretty flattering. I love the detailing at the bust. I wish Lent ended before April 4th, because it if did, I'd totally buy it and wear it to my future sister-in-law's bridal shower. Bummer.

The only good thing about Lent (okay, there are lots of good things about Lent) is that by the time I can shop again, these outfits might be on sale. *Fingers crossed.

These Steve Madden shoes will be a DEFINITE, DEFINITE addition to my wardrobe. For shizzle. I saw them on Friday when I went to the mall with my Cousin C. Love them!

*Deep sigh. Only three more weeks. Only three more weeks. Only three more weeks.

Well, duh! I obviously have a problem!

After watching Confessions of a Shopaholic with J (a sweet Valentine's day gift from my beloved, especially considering his aversion to movie theaters, and specifically chick flicks), I've realized that I have a major problem and should perhaps be attending some sort of 12 Step Program. "Hi, my name is Smart Cookie, and I'm a shopaholic. Please help me refrain from purchasing the following:

This Juicy Couture bracelet is so many delicious adjectives, I'm having a hard time limiting my choices. Fresh, vibrant, charming. *Deep sigh. How lovely this would look wrapped around my delicate wrist! But it's -are you ready for it? $98. That might not be so many smackaroonies, but for a piece of costume jewelry? Hmmmm. Not so sure. Maybe if I love my J.Crew dress. This ring is also from the Juicy Couture jewelry line. Goodness, their designers should get a huge raise for designing all these beautiful pieces. Oops. On second thought, in this economy, maybe just getting to keep their jobs would be the bonus. I don't usually wear any rings besides my engagement ring, wedding band, and anniversay ring. So at $98, the cost/wear would not justify the purchase of this ring. But I lurve the coral and the little butterfly! So precious!

I would never buy these Steve Madden shoes. At least not for the retail price of $109.95. Yowza! And, since they're ridiculously impractical for the life I live, I will have to hope that they go onsale or that they will be overstocked and then purchased by my most favorite-est discount retailer, Marshall's. That's happened at least twice with former Steve Madden shoe purchases. And I always want to kill myself. Figuratively.

Help! Save me from myself!

This Is Why...

the internet is dangerous. Because I don't even have to step out of my house to start lusting for things. I can window shop in the comfort of my own home.

This little dress is from Old Navy, and although Old Navy dressess are cut somewhat oddly (I am incredibly pear shaped) and don't usually look flattering on me, I am seriously loving the fresh print of this dress. And at $29.50, the price is definitely do-able.

This Gap cardigan is ridiculously priced at $49.50 (for me! If you can afford it yay for you!), but the nautical stripes and the ruffle down the front are deliciously charming.
And the cardigan would look great with these shorts from Old Navy.I already have a pair of these shorts in gray, and what can I say? For $19.50, they're just the right short short AND they're flattering, which is almost an oxymoron.

I stumbled onto this sweet treat when I was looking for a picture of the Marc Jacobs aviators I bought during a moment of seriously trendy fashion-itis. It is the PERFECT shade of purple. Sadly, at $168, it is nowhere near the budget. I have spent three days trying to figure out how I can pay my bills and get this bag, but to no avail. And, since my birthday is long past, I can't even claim that as an excuse. Oh, but I love it.Finally, I think these ballet flats from Old Navy are adorable. I have tons of flats, a rainbow of flats if you will, but these have a really spring-y vibe that I'm totally digging. Of course, you have to be careful with flats from Old Navy. Usually the toe is super rounded, which can make your feet look like those of a platypus, and sometimes, the low cost is far out weighed by the huge discomfort in wearing said shoes.

Wishful Thinking

I'm stuck filling in for my mom at the office, and since it's SO SLOW, I'm doing beaucoup online window shopping. I'd love to have the discipline and the willpower to save for these:

Deliciously impractical. A pop of color that will set you back $685. Oh, but they are precious.

Like a magpie, I'm attracted to all things shiny, $695

I heart this happy color. For $735 it would definitely add sass to any outfit. Hell, for that much money it BETTER add sass. The most practical and "budget" friendly, $595. These are the shoes I imagine myself wearing in my new, non-existent job.
But since I would rather satisfy shopping urges immediately, rather than wait (Hello, Macy's shoe department and Forever 21), and since we are so po' we can't even afford the or in poor, I'm thinking it may be a while (as in years) before any of these lovelies find their way into my closet. BUT, January is the time for resolutions, so I just may be adding a new resolution. I mean if I save $11- $15/week I could have a delicious new present under my 2009 Christmas tree. It'll definitely be an exercise in self-control, and that's a good thing, right? Right?