Tuesday, November 30, 2010

All You Need is Love

Today's weather can only be described as "yucky": humid, rainy, foggy and just very, very gray. Although it's not as cold as it was yesterday, a cold front is on its way. I guess that's to be expected, since today is the last day of November!

I am in Betsey Johnson today. She was probably the first real designer I took a shine to, after getting one of her dresses on sale at Neiman Marcus to wear for our engagement pictures back in 2003.

I consider this dress a throwback to the 1950s, something they might wear on Mad Men. The cap sleeves and belt all do their best to accentuate a tiny waist and slim the arms, while the full skirts hides bigger hips and thighs. This is probably one of my favorite styles... in fact, I love the fashion from the 1950s and early 1960s. I especially love the dresses Grace Kelly wore in Rear Window.

The shoes today are from Nine West -- the Nine West Women's Cawley Platform Pumps -- and I have my Michele bag with me, of course! I'm usually not without it these days. I am hoping to convince Chapin to buy me a Michele watch for Christmas! :)

Since I am wearing Betsey Johnson today, I also want to give a shout out to one of my loyal readers who is not related to me: Laviolet! She is a fan of Betsey Johnson as well. Thanks for reading!

Candle in the Wind

I am sad today thinking about someone I knew who passed away last week: Angie Whitmore. Angie was a security guard in our building for several years, and she was sweet and kind to everyone. I would greet her every morning when I walked George, and she would say, "Hey Michele!" right back. She had a great voice.

She was very young, but ovarian cancer took her life last Tuesday. Her funeral is this afternoon, which I guess is why she is on my mind. I guess it takes a tragedy like this one-- someone leaving your life so abruptly, never to return -- that makes you thankful for every day you have on this earth. Angie's little girl is not even three years old yet.

As we go into the holiday season, I am glad to have family and friends in my own life, people who know me so well and are always there for me if I need them. January of 2010 was one of the hardest months of my life, losing Izzie and then my Grandma just a few days later, and I know I could not have gotten through it without my husband, parents, sisters, friends and in-laws... and George, of course. I guess if you can learn anything from such sadness, it's that life is short, so live each day to the fullest.

Izzie, me and Grandma in 2008

Monday, November 29, 2010

Beat It

It's back to the grind today, and Atlanta decided to welcome everyone back from vacation with cold temperatures and a rainy ride home. I had so much going on in the office today I didn't even leave for lunch until 1:45, and then I rushed home to quickly walk George before the rain hit and scarf down some sweet potatoes and stuffing for lunch. Gotta love those Thanksgiving leftovers!

Here I am in today's outfit, and as you can see, I am in desperate need of a hair cut. I am wearing a simple BCBGMaxAzria blue/black/gray colorblock dress, black tights and Charles by Charles David Curtsy pumps in black tweed. This dress is comfortable and I love the colors. I matched my eye shadow today to the blue in the dress using my NARS trio eyeshadow color palette. I'm sure it's too matchy-matchy, but I love experimenting with eye shadow.

It's also Cyber Monday today, the biggest online shopping day of the year. Hopefully you are filling your virtual shopping carts with gifts for friends and loved ones. It's hard to believe Christmas is less than a month away.

Thank You

It's always hard to come back to work after a long weekend, and today was no exception. Thanksgiving 2010 turned out to be very relaxing and fun, full of good food and wonderful company.

Chapin, George and I left Wednesday for Daphne, Alabama, to spend the holiday with his family. It is a long drive - about five and a half hours - and Chapin and I fill the time reading (well, I read out loud to Chapin) and listening to music. We always stop for snacks at the same place in Montgomery, which is about halfway between Atlanta and Daphne. I gobbled up some Guthrie's as soon as we arrived. I love Guthrie's and its sister chain, Zaxby's, for the chicken fingers, sauce and fries, even though I am pretty sure that sauce has mayo!
Our attempt at a family pic: Chapin cut off his face, Gray is hidden, and Nix blends in with the wall!

Anway, we finally arrived in Daphne on Wednesday night, and were so excited to see everyone: Sheila, Nix, Stacey, Daniel, Grayson, Finn, Xin and Ella. Although I was really missing Izzie, it was nice to see this side of the family. Due to the distance, we really only see them a few times a year, and the kids are growing up fast.

Finn is a sweetheart, and always has a smile ready for you... when's he's not eating. :) He discovered how much he loves turkey and sweet potatoes this weekend. I love this pic of him in his Uncle Chapin's arms. I believe this was just after Auburn's Iron Bowl win.


Grayson is curious, smart and gentle-hearted. He loves animals and took an immediate shine to George. Gray would chase him around asking, "Will you play with me, George?" or just pronouncing, "I love you, George." I enjoyed reading to Gray in the big comfy chair, and Chapin bonded with him as well as they read an alphabet book together.


Of course, the weekend was not complete until the Iron Bowl! It's Alabama versus Auburn, and in this house, if you're not rooting for Auburn, you best be on your way.

Although the game started out badly for Auburn, they were triumphant in the end... thank goodness! Chapin comes from a unique family: his dad's side of the family, still in Birmingham, are all Alabama fans, and his mom's side of the family roots for Auburn. When Louie called Chapin after the score hit 21-0, in favor of Alabama, he refused to answer the phone!


Other highlights from this weekend included:
  • Seeing Tangled with Grayson, Stacey and Sheila
  • Celebrating Chapin's birthday a little early with my parents in Alpharetta
  • Catching up with friends on Sunday to celebrate John's birthday at Twain's
  • Putting up our Christmas tree and realizing that, since we rearranged our living room earlier this year, we have no good place to put it!
  • Realizing I might want to have a baby after all????

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Tik Tok

The clock is ticking... and Chapin and I are both very excited to hit the road to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with the Nix and Gibbons families in Daphne, AL. Although it's a long drive, we will be re-reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, so hopefully that will make the time go fast. After seeing the movie this past weekend, I realized a re-read was in order. My memory is just not what it used to be! And for those wondering, yes, I read aloud to Chapin in the car.

Today's outfit is both comfortable and chic, since I still had to come into the office for conference calls and to even hold one interview. I am wearing a Max and Cleo Twofer dress - it looks like two pieces, but it's really just one - that my sister, Gail, gave me for Christmas last year. I paired the dress with my L.A.M.B. Quincy d'Orsay Pumps.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Raise Your Glass

Tuesday was a day of meetings - but successful meetings! I wanted something that would look very professional for my long day, so I chose this Alice + Olivia belted dress. I'm not normally one for animal prints, but since the dress just uses the leopard print in the belt, I thought it was subtle enough to work. Hopefully you agree.

I paired the dress with my Betsey Johnson Lakin pumps, also in a leopard print, that you can still buy online at 6pm.com.

This Woman's Work

Monday was a busy day for me, but I did manage to meet my mom for a wonderful dinner at Seasons 52. Sometimes it is just nice to share a meal with someone who has known you your entire life! George also made an appearance in my office that afternoon. He always enjoys coming in and getting so many pets and treats from new people. Although if you try to leave to go to the bathroom, and you don't have his permission...  watch out!

Monday's outfit included:

-Max and Cleo purple and dark gray houndstooth dress
-Gray leather L.A.M.B. Women's Quiana T-Strap Platform Sandals

My Favorite Things

NARS Orgasm Blush
In honor of Oprah's annual 'Favorite Things' episode, I thought I would share some of my own favorite things from this year. Here they are, in no particular order:

#1: NARS Orgasm Blush
This blush works great on just about any skin tone, and is the perfect shade of pink, accurately capturing that "rosy glow" from just after... well, you know.

#2: Alterna Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner
This shampoo and conditioner is expensive, but worth every penny. The conditioner especially helps keep my hair lush and strong, and helps protect it from my damaging hair dryer and straightener.

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage
#3: Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
I love this gentle face cleanser for its wonderful scent (cucumbers!) and deep clean feeling. I don't use it to remove makeup, but it's my first and last cleanser of the day.

#4: Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer
Due to my allergies, I have suffered from dark circles all my life, so I'm forever searching for that perfect concealer that will cover them without giving me that raccoon look. I finally found perfection when I stumbled upon Laura Mercier's Secret Camouflage. The shades work great with my skin tone to help hide blemishes and dark circles.

#5: Korres Guava Body Butter
I love the lush scent of this body butter, and it's very moisturizing!

#6: Kaleidoscope Heart from Sara Bareilles
I love every song on the sophomore album from Bareilles, who first hit it big with her 2007 single "Love Song." ("Love Song" was featured in the movie Made of Honor, with Patrick Dempsey, among others.) My favorite from her new album has to be "King of Anything". Here's the video:


#7: Cynthia Steffe dresses
I have really fallen in love with Cynthia Steffe's professional and chic dresses this year. I have several in my closet, and my favorite is probably the Cynthia Steffe Shannon Sheath in an aquamarine blue.

#8: Back to the Future 25th Anniversary Trilogy on Blu-Ray
If you're a fan of the Back to the Future trilogy, as you know I am, then this Blu-Ray collection is worth the investment. I love the deleted scenes, especially the extended version of the Darth Vadar sequence from the first movie. It made me laugh so hard! Each film's quality is also phenomenal! How did I previously live without high-def?

#9: Moroccanoil Oil Treatment
With long hair, you're forever doing anything you can to keep it looking healthy. Morroccanoil Oil Treatment should be your savior if you're in need of moisture or hair repair. I apply it to my hair every morning before blow drying, and sometimes to my dry ends to moisture them overnight. It's a miracle worker!

#10: Black Halo dresses
I was previously aware of Black Halo, but have become a true fan of the brand this year. I now have several dresses with the Black Halo label, and Chapin has labeled my Black Halo Eva Mini Dress his favorite out of all my dresses. (I have the dress in black.)

#11: Commando Low-Rise Girl Short Panty
I have been forever searching for panties that could go undetected under certain garments, most of them being clingy/ tight-fitting items. I tried out these girl short panties from the Commando brand, and they are not only extremely comfortable, but really do make it look like you're "going commando." 

#12: Words with Friends
I started playing this game in April of this year, and haven't stopped yet. I think it's so much fun, and (hopefully) good for the brain, too. Thanks to Sheila for introducing me!

#13: Cami Cakes
My friend Tiffany introduced me to these fantastic cupcakes this summer, and they are my number one guilty pleasure. I can't decide on my favorite flavor, though Mint Chocolate, Carrot Cake and the classic Black and White definitely top the list.

#14: Middle Sister wine
I randomly picked up a bottle of Middle Sister Rebel Red at Publix earlier this year, and Chapin and I have both been hooked on the wine ever since. It's great... and inexpensive! The label is adorable, too, and of course makes me think of my sister, Gail.

#15: Charlaine Harris
If you're a fan of True Blood, then you've heard of Charlaine Harris, the author behind the books that inspired the HBO series. Well written and inventive, the books have kept our interest on many long car trips. Chapin and I have now read all the books in the Sookie Stackhouse series, and are eager for more. Are you Team Bill or Team Eric?

#16: The Help
Although The Help came out in 2009, I just picked it up this summer -- and did not want to put it down once I started reading. Books these days very rarely keep my interest like this... but I was so enveloped in the stories of Skeeter, Aibileen and Minny that I was so disappointed when it came to an end. Now I can at least look forward to the movie!

#17: Songs to Move to...
I love music, but I have to call out "Tik Tok," "Hey Soul Sister," "Raise Your Glass" and "Dynamite" for really making me want to get up and just dance this year.

P!nk - Raise Your Glass (Official Music Video)
Uploaded by ChaOko_01. - Explore more music videos.

#18: Bliss Blood Orange + White Pepper Body Wash
I love using this body wash for its delicious scent. It really does smell like you are peeling an orange, and it's a great way to get your day going.

#19: Personal necklaces
I love my Izzie necklace that is in the shape of a pug silhouette with Izzie's name inscribed. (Thanks, Laurin!) It makes me feel like I have her close to my heart.

#20: Michele, the Brand
As you know from reading this blog, I was so excited to get my first Michele branded item this year: my purse! Hopefully one day I can add a Michele watch.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Groovy Kind of Love

Today I look extremely exhausted, which is a combination of staying up too late, drinking Merlot and not enough water, and skipping my morning workout. Oh well! I am so glad it's Friday and that I can sleep in tomorrow.

I am wearing blue today, since I absolutely love this color, and this Chequer dress is extremely comfortable. I remember buying this dress in the store, and since Chequer is an internal brand at Bloomingdale's, not all of their designs end up showing up on the website. The point is: sometimes you just need to go shopping at an actual retail store! Although I do about 85% of my shopping online, occasionally I will go to a mall or outlet.

I am also wearing my L.A.M.B. Women's Darek Cross Stitch Sandals. These shoes are fabulous, but have four-inch heels, and so they are not that comfortable. At least they look great, right?

You've Got a Friend

Chapin and I had a wonderful evening last night visiting with our friend, Rahul, and his girlfriend, Vinnie. Rahul and Chapin have been friends for almost 15 years now, and he was one of Chapin's groomsmen when we got married.
I also consider Rahul a good friend. He is such a kind, caring, intelligent, generous individual, and you can always depend on him. He even watched Izzie for us when we needed someone to help out. Rahul is always a person you want on your side, and I am honored to call him my friend after all these years.

Our dinner reservations were at a restaurant called Craft in Buckhead. Rahul was the only person at our table who had eaten there before, and he swears by their steaks. As many people know, I no longer eat cow, pig or lamp, so I opted for the Red Snapper, while Chapin had the duck. I honestly wish I had ordered the duck, because it was so delicious!

The dinner conversation was fun and friendly, and we enjoyed getting to know Vinnie, who is awesome! Dessert was pretty good, too. I enjoyed the Toasted Pecan ice cream, while Chapin had the Dark Chocolate Ice Cream Roulade.

As we were leaving, we had a funny encounter with one of the valets. We stood outside for maybe five minutes before a valet even showed up, and when he did, he swore up and down that Chapin had been there "waaaaaay" before Rahul, even though Rahul actually walked outside first. It was so random it made us laugh. Maybe you had to be there.

Here is one of my favorite pictures of Rahul and Chapin, from our wedding in 2003. They always laugh when they're together.

I also can't forget to mention my outfit: I am wearing the Black Halo Kimberly Satin dress, which has been seen on celebrities like Olivia Munn. I am also wearing my BCBGMaxAzria Two-Toned Sequin Pumps that Chapin bought me in San Francisco.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me

I have a very busy day ahead of me, so unfortunately I won't have too much time to blog today. I am very excited that Thanksgiving is exactly one week from today. Work has been so crazy for both me and Chapin that we could use a nice break, not to mention all the good eats that await. Turkey and stuffing is one of my very favorite meals.

Anway, I am wearing the Trina Turk Belted Kiss 2 Dress with black tights and black patent leather shoes from BCBGMaxAzria. This dress is comfortable and definitely emphasizes a small waist. Although the back is a bit open, it is still very professional looking. As I have meetings and interviews today - we are hiring! - I needed something that I'd feel good in all day long. I can't wait for Friday!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Dynamite

I'm in a great mood today, perhaps because I got a good night sleep. I wasn't feeling too great last night - I was having a bad time with my allergies, complete with sneezing, itchy/ watery eyes and a constant runny nose - so I think it was around 10 p.m. exactly when I fell asleep.

Anyway, I am feeling good today and ready to start the day. I am also wearing one of my favorite dresses: the "Sarah" dress from French Connection. This dress was a great deal and has also been seen on a few celebrities like Shawn Johnson and in TV shows like Cougar Town and Entourage. I love the vivid blue color and the cut is great for emphasizing those womanly curves.


I paired the dress today with my black L.A.M.B. Quincy d'Orsay Pumps and, of course, my Michele bag! I think these shoes are fabulous, though they are a bit high. I wouldn't recommend too much walking around in them.

As for my makeup, I really did my eyes up dramatically, and went light on the lipstick. I love NARS eyeshadows, and today I used the graphite shade from my NARS Eurydice Eyeshadow Duo.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Black Magic Woman

I'm not sure why I decided to go all black today, but here I am in a black dress, black tights and black shoes. It's probably a little too much black with no color to break it up, but since I've already started my day, I guess it's too late to go back now...

The dress today is one that I'm not completely in love with, although it is by one of my favorite designers: Cynthia Steffe. I think this dress was meant to be worn by someone with a larger upper body, as the ruffles overwhelm me a bit.

You also can't see it in the picture, but the left side of the dress has a gold zipper running up its length. This makes it difficult for the dress to lay correctly at any time, so that's another frustrating detail... which may be why I don't wear this dress too often. However, I am pulling out everything for the Fashion Challenge. Today is Day #61! So far I have worn 60 dresses and one suit. 

The official name of this dress is the Cynthia Steffe Sleeveless Ruffled Cotton Eyelet Dress. I could only find it online in a size zero at Lord and Taylor, but who knows - you could see it on Smart Bargains or Bluefly in a few months.

The shoes today are just my Charles by Charles David peep toe pumps that I've had for years. I'm exhausted today and it's only Tuesday! I can't wait for Thanksgiving!

Monday, November 15, 2010

And Then You

The week is off to a rainy start, and Chapin and George got soaked at the end of their walk this morning. Today will probably also be the last day this week where a coat will be optional. I will miss the gorgeous, sunny, 70-degree weather we've been experiencing lately.


My outfit today is one I call my "black and blue dress": BCBGMaxAzria's Color-Blocked Ponte Dress that you can purchase now on the BCBG.com website. This style is probably my favorite, as I find it to be very flattering on all types of figures.

You may have noticed that I have several ponte dresses from designers like BCBG, Cynthia Steffe and Shoshanna. They are also great to wear to work because they are both chic, professional and comfortable.

I don't own any booties, so I opted for my Betsey Johnson mesh pumps with rose detailing. They are high - about five inches, I think - but I love them. I think Carrie Bradshaw would understand...

Shout

As planned, Chapin and I had a low-key weekend. Although I had been debating making the four-hour drive to see my sister in Nashville, my parents decided to go instead, and asked us to stay at the house in Alpharetta to take care of my grandfather for the weekend. As city folks, there are two main things that affect us when we're out in the suburbs:

First, George isn't used to all the suburb sounds. Every time a bird chirps, or he sees a jogger or other dog passing outside, he starts barking away. He is more used to zooming cars and police sirens! You have to remember that he has lived in our city loft since he was a just wee pup. It's hard to believe he turns six years old this December.
Second, my ears ring! I am just not used to all that silence.

Anyway, we ended up having a very nice weekend. Auburn beat UGA in a very stressful game, we enjoyed Thai/Chinese food from Lon U with my Grandpa, and we came home early enough on Sunday that we still caught a movie - albeit a bad one (Due Date). Here's to relaxing weekends...

Friday, November 12, 2010

Let's Hear it for the Boy

It's been a busy week, and I am so glad it's finally Friday. Chapin and I have plans for a low-key weekend, and we have decided to make a pact to try to eat more healthy foods and limit the amount of junk we put in our system. With Halloween candy, cupcakes and other sweets in the house, it's just not easy to watch our calorie count.

I definitely stayed up too late last night, which is why I think I look so tired today. Chapin and I watched a scary movie -- Daybreakers, with Ethan Hawke -- that had some disturbing images. So, rather than go to bed and risk nightmares, I ended up watching reruns of The Golden Girls until midnight. Sophia always makes me laugh!

Anyway...Today's dress is from BCBCMaxAzria, a "combo" dress that looks like a top and skirt - but it's not! I am also wearing my Modern Vintage Eligia T-Strap Suede Pumps.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Just Can't Get Enough

As a marketer, I love testing out different things to see what works and what doesn't. In the business world, it's all about ROI. In my personal life, a lot of times it's about what looks good and produces the most enjoyment. So, I tried something different with my makeup today, and I'm not sure it garnered good results.

Bare Minerals from Bare Escentuals has a new type of eye shadow out: High Shine. Although I originally though it would be liquid, it's not - it's dry and flaky, with a heavier consistency that normal eyeshadow. I purchased the gold color, Bronzed, thinking I'd like to try a lighter, glittery eye shadow on my lids to see how it would work. Well, as you can see in the picture, the gold is just too light, and I really need a darker color to make my eyes pop. Oh well. You live and learn, right?

As for my outfit, I am wearing a green BCBGMaxAzria dress that my in-laws gave me for Christmas last year. It's hard to believe the holidays are almost here! Although I know I will have difficult days ahead - Izzie seems to be on my mind more and more lately - I am excited to spend time with my family. I can't wait to see my nephews in just a few short weeks! I'm sure they have grown so much since I saw them last.

The shoes today are the Charles David Soulful pumps in Camel, and the necklace is from Betsey Johnson. I'm not sure you can see it clearly in the picture, but it's a red apple. I just think it's the cutest thing.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Beautiful Day

Today's dress, from BCBGMaxAzria, was featured on a recent episode of ABC's Modern Family. Chapin and I love this show, and if you're not watching it, you are missing out on one of television's funniest half hour comedies. My favorite character is probably Manny (Rico Rodriguez), though the goofy Phil (Ty Burrell) runs a close second.

The BCBGMaxAzria Black & Jade Dress in question was worn by Chapin's favorite character, the beautiful and voluptuous Gloria (Sofia Vergara). Although the day we watched the episode I pointed out that I had this dress and that this t-shirt look was a recent trend in fashion, I'm sure all he heard was "wa-wa-wa" like in Charlie Brown movies. When she's on the screen, little else matters!

I paired the dress with some fancy pumps: Betsey Johnson "Neville" Mesh Peep-Toe Pumps. I could not find the exact shoes online, but here is a similar pair. You can't tell from the picture, but the pumps are covered in subtle roses. They are so pretty!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Sky Blue Sky

It's a beautiful day here in Atlanta, Georgia, and for the second day in a row, the sky is clear, blue and gorgeous. There's not a cloud in sight!

I am also happy that the weather seems to be warming up a bit, since most of the clothes left for the Fashion Challenge are still more appropriate in warmer weather. There are definitely a few dresses I will have to abandon, since they are just not appropriate to wear right now.

The dress today is from Cynthia Steffe: the Bella Pleated Silk Chiffon Dress that you can buy now at MyShape.com. I am also in my new favorite heels: the L.A.M.B. Gorgeous pumps.

If you look closely, you can also see George making an appearance in the photo. He wanted to watch me take my picture this morning! Actually, I think he was just waiting for me to leave for work so he could get his morning treats. Although he's been having some allergy issues lately, George's strong appetite has remained intact!

Monday, November 8, 2010

Time After Time

I am not a big fan of giving up daylight savings time. I enjoy driving home from work when it's still light out - rather than pitch freaking dark. It makes me feel like I have less time to enjoy my husband and son. Today, though, I ended up leaving a bit early to take George to the vet. He has been having an allergy flare-up in one of his paws, and it is all irritated and red. Fortunately, the shot they gave him is working, and he is sleeping next to me as I write these words.

Here is my outfit, which happens to be #55 in the Fashion Challenge:

- BCBGMaxAzria black and cream knit colorblock pleated sheath dress
- Nanette Lepore Dotty Dame pumps


I love these shoes, and if you are fan of Project Runway, you may have spotted them on the Bluefly accessories wall a few seasons back.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Clouds in my Coffee

OK, so the title of today's post isn't exactly the name of a song, but it is one of my favorite lines from a song (Carly Simon's "You're So Vain"). I guess I'm just feeling disappointed that the cold weather seems to be here to stay... I even broke out my tights for today's outfit, since it was about 40 degrees this morning. I even wore my hat to walk George!

Today's outfit includes:
- Leifsdottir Abbey Rose Silk Dress
- Black patent BCBGMAXAZRIA Women's Dida Square Toe Pumps
- Black tights
- Ruby and diamond earrings

I consider this dress to be famous because Alyson Hannigan (Lily) wore it on a 2009 episode of How I Met Your Mother, one of our favorite shows. The Season 5 episode, called Double Date, centered around the gang discovering Lily's doppelganger: a stripper!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Life is a Highway

It's another cold, rainy morning here in Atlanta. I'm really missing the sun! Hopefully this dreary weather will end soon.

Today I'm wearing a dress from Lauren Moffatt. The purple version of this dress has been featured on Gossip Girl, and Venus Williams was also spotted in the exact dress back in 2009.

This dress is very comfortable, and has some great detailing. I like the neckline as well! I paired the dress with some anthracite peep toes from BCBGMaxAzria. I don't wear these shoes too often, because they are squeaky, but they go perfectly with this dress.

You will also see in the picture that Zooey spent another night at our house. Unfortunately for Zooey - and me - she's in heat, so she has to wear a diaper. She is very sweet, though, and follows me wherever I go. I could never get George to sit for a picture like this!

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Rain, Rain Go Away

Today is a miserable day here in Atlanta: cold, rainy and very, very gray. Since I needed something warm, I grabbed this wool Houndstooth Belted Sheath Dress from Frock by Tracy Reese. I would normally wear this dress with black tights, but I don't think I'm quite ready to admit that this cold weather is here to stay!

Although it probably wasn't a good idea to wear sandals today, I just love pairing these Betsey Johnson Lavant black sandals with their pop of red with this black and white dress. I originally had on my red flats, but I quickly discarded those... flats just don't go with this type of dress when it hits the leg at this length.

I am also wearing my ruby and diamond earrings and necklace. I love pairing red with black and white... as well as gray! And when I venture outside, which won't be often in this weather, I'm wearing my red Old Navy ruffle coat. It's a great compliment to my black and white outfit today.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Stop for a Minute

I wanted to start this post today by thanking my husband for cooking us a wonderful anniversary meal last night. He made chicken breasts stuffed with spinach and mushrooms, garlic bread, and pasta in a butter sauce. Lately I've been craving garlic bread, and last night I had two pieces!

We also tried Cakebread wine for the first time. Chapin says he remembers when I wanted to try it back before we were even married, but we couldn't afford it!

Everything he made was so delicious, and even though it took me about an hour to clean up the mess he made, it was all worth it. Here's a picture of our table.We decided to put George in the pic to make it a little funny.

Of course, George agreed that the smells emanating for our table were pretty delectable. Here's a picture of him begging. He is so terrible!
As for my outfit today, I'm wearing something fairly comfortable, since it's so miserable and gloomy looking outside. I have on a Matty M dress that I paid almost nothing for, and my BCBGMAXAZRIA Women's Harper Peep Toe Wedges in Dark Taupe.

You can't really see it in the picture, but I am also wearing my Izzie necklace. I have been thinking about her a lot over these past few days, since I always loved dressing her up in costumes. Last year she was the cutest little hippo you ever did see.

Click Flash

I was excited to learn late last night, after watching Back to the Future on Blu-Ray whilst working, that the photos I sent in to a blog I have read on and off for over seven years had chosen to feature our Halloween photos.

The blog is called Pop Candy, and you can see our posting here. I was more addicted to this blog a few years ago, when I had more time on my hands, but I definitely check it out at least once a week. I used to love reading the comments on the TV show, Lost, which ended its run last May. Oh, how I miss the fun conspiracy theory stories.

The writer of the blog, Whitney Matheson, is around my age, and enjoys many of the same TV and movies that I do. For example, she posted this link to a story on The Goonies today. I still can't believe Chunk is a lawyer...

Monday, November 1, 2010

Be Mine

Today is a very special day in our household: our anniversary. Seven years ago today, I married Chapin. We had our first date exactly 11 years ago today as well. Oh, how time flies! Since we just had our trip to San Francisco, we are having a low key celebration today: Chapin is cooking a special meal for me. I always knew I would find a man who could cook!

As for my outfit, I am wearing a Juicy Couture purple dress with puff sleeves and a tie in back with my Charles by Charles David black peep toe pumps. I believe Emma Caulfield wears the gray version of this dress in the movie TiMER, which I highly recommend if you have not seen it. I started it on the plane ride to San Francisco and just finished it over the weekend. It's very cute! You can see the trailer here.