An Unstylish Moment - New Years Eve 2013

We ponder extravagant party dresses during the winter holidays. So much excess, so much Cinderella. We drag out beaded ball gowns, cocktail frocks dripping with spangles and bangles, or pour ourselves into stretch lace minis. We get decked out like the halls--beribboned, sparkly, and blingy. The goal is absolute gorgeousness, the unforgettable kind that guarantees a steady stream of suitors in the New Year.

Well, I found the perfect outfit to ring in 2014--it doesn’t bling or zing, and it cost nothing. I shopped in my closet, and had my choice of animal prints, shimmering jewel colors, or vintage favorites. I finally settled on cozy and comfortable sweatpants and a fleece-lined hoodie. It’s perfect for this year’s NYE activity--staying in with my hubby, watching Monty Python, eating Indian take-out, and drinking Prosecco.

No inner debates over strapless vs sleeveless vs backless. Proper undergarments won’t matter. No shawl needed to warm bare shoulders. And if I fall asleep in my sweats, nothing gets crushed, torn, or rumpled. If I need opulence, I’ll slip on a cocktail ring.

Happy 2014 to my readers and supporters!  Each one of you is a source of inspiration.  Make this your most stylish year ever!

There Are Places I Remember...

Here's my mom and me when I was thirteen. I don’t remember the occasion, but we were visiting my great aunt Cille and I’m sure that there was a scrumptuous homemade meal involved--perhaps even a coconut custard pie, my mom’s favorite.

Mom is wearing an emerald and sapphire blue suit that she made, and I’m decked out in a cute navy blue double-knit shift with a low-slung belt designed to accent the hips. I had no hips or waist at the time, but the fabric was kind to the under-developed teen figure. There was no drape or cling to call attention to my lack of curves. It was one of my favorite dresses!

Mommy’s Little Fashionista

Me at Three

It's never too early to steer the young towards a fierce and fashionable path. This darling little fashionista is yours truly at the tender age of three. The adorable jodphur and cardigan outfit is courtesy of either my mom, my grandmother, or my great aunt. There was a heated competition among them to keep me on the best-dressed toddler list.

Here I am, sassy and stylish, ready for my closeup. Maybe I’m ready for a shopping trip. “The sale is where?? Hand me the car keys!”

The Ruby Slippers

ShoeEmbassy.com pulled me back to their website. This is not a quiet website--especially if you swoon over menswear-inspired styles. Their shoes are so super cool, so bad, that I bought another pair. And, no I didn’t need them, but what’s need got to do with a girl’s shoe collection?

Shoe Embassy sucked the credit card right out of my wallet and had its hot and sweaty way with it. Here’s the result--a pair of oxfords that have been dubbed my “Rock Lobster” shoes. Part rockabilly, part dandy, totally bold! They’re perfect for a relaxed workplace or paired with Saturday jeans. I’ll rock them this week with pearl gray cuffed trousers, a slate gray beaded sweater and black metallic socks. The shoe color will crank the volume up to 11.

No doubt people will stare and point at my feet. It’s okay--they’ve been staring at my hair for years now so I’m glad that they can shift their focus!

Sugar Coated

This coat is a cinch for Cutest Coat in the Closet.  This olive green corduroy trench was scored last year at the Philadelphia Flea Market.  Whenever I wear it I feel as if I should be in London strolling through the evening fog while Big Ben tolls the hour.