#25 Florida here we come!

Florida here we come! My BF is taking me on vacation to sunny Florida. I'm thinking of taking this silk number with me. Honestly, I don't think I'll be hitting the town on this trip. All I want to do is lay on the beach and soak up the sun. Now I hear there's an oil spill headed for the coast! Let's face the facts, now that sunbathing is becoming taboo, I suppose I've not much to celebrate with regards to our upcoming excursion. Other than the fact that A) I'm alive and B) I'll be off work for a few days. That in itself is celebration enough for me. As you can see, I'm quite easy to please.


(Newport News silk wrap shirt and skirt; BCBG platform sandals, Gigi Vandal-Pop leather cuff, Vintage Jack McConnell hat)

#24 Houndstooth Topper

I made this bracelet to match my topper. I have hoards of black cuffs, but needed something that would pop right along with the pattern in this topper. I suppose it works well enough. I notice it! So I've turned my living room into my studio (for the moment) and behind me is my late friend's, mother's sewing machine (did I get all the commas right?). It is from the 1940's, I believe, probably older. It's a beast and I'm ashamed to say that I don't know how to use it. I fear that I do all my sewing by hand. Always have. I recently joined a Couture Sewing group and I'm hoping to go even further with my hand sewing. Oh the possibilities...

AND, who knows, perhaps one of my class mates will take pity on me and show me how to work this contraption as well. That is my wish...

(WilliWear houndstooth topper, Victoria's Secret silk tie neck blouse, Newport News knit pants, Stuart Weitzman suede knee boots, Gigi Vandal-Pop Italian lambskin & freshwater pearl leather cuff)

#23 Leather Mama

I know I've been out of the loop for a while, but I've been busy trying to be somebody. I tell you, the cares one loses when they decide to be someone instead of something! It's quite fun actually. So, on the express advice of a few great friends, I decided to take my love of crafting leather accessories to the streets. What I mean is, I started making handbags, jewelry, etc. to go with my various "get-ups!" The cool thing is, other women like them too. I sold my first bag in a restaurant right off my arm! How cool is that?


(Cashmere turtleneck, Bloomingdales leather dress, Nordstrom's hoisery, knee socks from a trip to Amsterdam, Stuart Weitzman suede knee boots, Gigi Vandal-Pop Italian lambskin & freshwater pearl bracelet, Lyric Culture leather bangles)

(Gigi Vandal-Pop "Rocking Clutch")

(GVP "Yin/Yang" Reversible handbag)

(GVP: Yin/Yang con't)

(GVP: "Her Bloody Bones" Reversible purse)

(close up of Bloody Bones)

#22 Light Reading

For my birthday, my lovely big Sis sent me a collection of Italian Vogue. One in particular, was their special edition, "The Barbie book." I didn't realize how popular Barbie really is. I've always been a tomboy, so needless to say, Barbie was not in my toy chest. But then again, I didn't have much in it at all. I was always fond of my chemistry set. That is, until my mom took it away from me after she caught me trying to get my little brother to drink one of my "special" brews! I got it back once my brother got a little older, so it wasn't a really big bust.

(BCBG jacket; Victoria's Secret tee; Lulu Guinness studded scarf; Young Fabulous & Broke cashmere leggings; Cole Haan g-series boots)

Though I'm totally out of the frame in this shot, I just LOVED my shadow in the mirror! So hauntingly cool!

#21 Mortimer! We're Back!

Hooray! It's officially Fall and in honor of this momentous occasion, Audio and I decided to pal around a little. He just loves blocking my "Kung Fu" moves. I'm really thinking this blog should be more about him, as I can't seem to shake him come picture time!!

(Victoria's Secret linen suit; Banana Republic tee; Ed Hardy sunglasses, Gigi Vandal-Pop leather accessories; Vintage metallic ballet slippers)

He's always underfoot.

Notice how he's looking at the camera and NOT me!

#20: My Shawl Outlasted Their Marriage...

I bought this shall in a boutique in Connecticut the day before a friend's wedding. That was 7 years ago. Today he called to tell me he was getting divorced, what a pity. I have such fond memories of that weekend with this shall and my friends. I remember it like it was yesterday, Prince was playing a show across the street from my hotel and you could hear the crowd just going crazy. A breeze was blowing and the night was just right for a wedding, a concert, or just a romantic stroll about town.

After I spoke to my friend, I pulled out my shawl and decided to wear it for nostalgia's sake. I wish them both well in their future endeavors and hope they both find their way.

(Handmade shawl; Venus cotton turtleneck dress; Michael Kors platform sandals)

#19: My Best and Greatest Accessory of All

This is my BF Michael. I speak of him often. Just thought I'd put a face with a name. He is just a darling guy. Okay, he can be difficult too, don't get me to lying over here. But he's more joy than pain on any given day. When I told him he would have his own post, he was very happy. When I asked him to smile for the camera, he told me he would give DeNiro impressions instead! Too funny.

#18: All About The Caftan

I read an interview where Iman was asked one of her guilty pleasures. She responded, "caftans, I have like over 400 of them." I got to thinking, I have this one pictured above and a vintage dashiki. Both of which I never wear. Just don't think it's me. The one pictured above was a gift from my BF, Michael. He was traveling around the Cape and saw this in a boutique's window. He said he instantly thought of me. That was 5 years ago and this is only the second time I've worn it. I could never part with it because it was a gift from him, so I just put it away and thought of it no more. But, when I read what Iman had to say about the caftan and how she thought it brought elegance to a woman, I thought to myself, "perhaps I was hasty. Perhaps I know nothing of this caftan fashion and should give it another try." So, I did. And I couldn't go anywhere without getting a compliment. That's is why she's Iman now isn't it? :-)

It also appears that my BF knows a thing or two about this style!

(Handmade - beaded velvet & silk caftan; French Connection pencil skirt; Stuart Weitzman jeweled sandals)

#17: A Tribute to Jackie

I really didn't know who I would be today. I pulled out this dress and said, "ooo, sexy secretary, that will work!" So, I got my game face on and invoked a sexy secretary. Here's the funny part, I am a secretary, though I would hardly call myself sexy on any given day. But today, sexy it is. Anyhow, I ran into a friend on my lunch hour who swore up and down I was doing the Jackie O. thing. So, I decided to lie on this post and call it just that. A tribute to Jackie O. It sounds and feels much better than the sexy secretary gig I was trying to uphold! LOL!

(Dress, Belt & Pumps all vintage; pooch all mine)

This dog is such a ham!

Then again, so am I!

#16: A Friend's Bridal Shower

Today was a fun day. I got to get dolled up for my friend's bridal shower. She decided to have a ladies tea and social hour. So I pulled out my Vogue Book of Etiquette to see what were the etiquette requirements for such an occasion. However, my Vogue book is from 1948 and did not have any information regarding such an occasion. Perhaps the bridal shower tradition came along much later. Who knows. Anyhow, I just had to wing it. And well, I'd say I did a fine job. My friend was happy. She thoroughly enjoyed the hat!

(Diane Von Furstenberg jacket and dress; Vintage Miss Dior by Christian Dior cloche; Michael Kors pumps)

#15: Paris on my mind

I woke up from a dream that I was in Paris, strolling along the Champs Elysées. There was a slight rain and I was eating a cream puff pastry. I awoke to a rain storm and was craving sweets. So, I donned my striped dress and boots and hit the streets (of Atlanta, that is)! I never did get that cream puff pastry!

(Vintage fedora & boots; Ella Moss dress; Thrifted hoodie; Ellen Tracy hosiery; my pooch Audio)

Now you can see the boots, my pooch went on to chew on Lord knows what! I'll catch up with him soon enough.

#14: John G.

Not sure that I look anything like John Galliano, but I was feeling his fire I'll tell you that. I love his air, his staunch look on the runway, but more than anything, his approach to women's clothing. Chanel once said that only a woman really knows how to dress a woman, and that may be so, but there are a few guys out there that have it right and Mr. G. is one of them.

(Zara wrap sweater; Victoria's Secret silk tie shirt; thrifted jeans; Cole Haan g-series boots)

Wide angle view

My "self" portrait!

Now that's a staunch look!

#13: Tribute to Public Enemies

I can't wait til Public Enemies debuts. I absolutely adore Johnny Depp. Today's look is inspired by gangstas everywhere. More particularly, Pretty Boy Floyd. He's my favorite gangster. I have held an affinity to his story for as long as I can remember. Though I know little of John Dillinger, I'm sure I'll enjoy his story just the same.

(Vintage fedora & tie; BCBG pant suit; Brooks Brothers button-down; Kashmere scarf; Stuart Weitzman platform oxfords)

Salon Ready, Set, Go!

I was in a total rush today and didn't take a pic at home. My sweet friend took this one as I was headed out the door for a salon appointment. I honestly would not have taken a pic today, but my mom and I had lunch and she insisted I take one like this. With this wild and crazy hair! Oh well, it's good to have range I suppose. I've looked worse and better! LOL!

Oh, so today's inspiration was Sophia Lauren & Lana Turner. I stumbled on some old photos of these gals in a get up close to this, though they were wearing pedal pushers and kitten heels. I felt like modernizing it a little, though I will admit, this same look did look fabulous with my kitten heels and pedal pushers! Oh well, there's always next time...

(Brooks Brothers button down; Wilsons leather belt; Victoria's Secret satin pants; Michael Kors platform sandals; GigiV. kidskin leather and freshwater pearl bracelet)

White Heat

Today was all about this vintage dress and shoes. To be honest, the dress is a nightgown from the 50's. The dance shoes are also circa 1950. All in all, I thought it a wonderfully light and comfy outfit for the day. My dear friend, Z, totally summed it up when she walked up to me and said, "ooo, you look like a doctor today." How fitting as I was so channeling Diahann Carroll's Julia! Ms. Carroll's portrayal of a nurse in the late 1960's was a refreshing change from the whores or domestic roles that were traditionally given to black women of the time. She gave lots of inspiration to many and still do as far as I'm concerned! What a grand lady, so very glamorous!

(Banana Republic trench coat; Vintage gown and shoes, Victoria's Secret hosiery)

#12: Mod Squad

So I'm currently in my Mary Quant phase. I come in and out of this phase every few years. I suppose I'm mod at heart. My dear friend, Diane, has called me "Miss Mod" for as long as I can remember. I always deny it and move on to something else, but something in me keeps me coming back for more. I'm currently reading Quant by Mary Quant perhaps that is why I wore this outfit. I will say that mod and 80's fashion walk a fine line. Though I can tell the difference, not to many can. Some chick today said, "I like your 80's getup." I about had a stroke. Ya'll know I despise 80's fashion. Love 80's music, hate the clothes. Plain and simple!

(BCBG pinstripe suit & pink silk tank; Victoria's Secret silk shirt; Hosiery from a trip to Amsterdam; Vintage leather boots)

#11: Linen Friday

I wanna go on vacation. I wanna go somewhere and wear linen everyday. I adore linen. I know a lady that is so fanatic about wrinkles that she can't bear to look at me when I wear it. I love to sashay past her with all my wrinkles. Life is short, who gives two shits about wrinkles. Especially in a fabric that thrives on it. Okay, I'm rambling about absolutely nothing!

(Zara turtleneck; Target necklace; Kashmere scarf; Vintage pony hair belt; Banana Republic linen pants; Stuart Weitzman platform sandals)

(I can't seem to part with my fedora this season!)

#10: Charlie Chan

Well, just felt like invoking Charlie Chan today. Not much else to say about that. I should purchase a monocle though. And, in all honesty, I should have worn my Trilby. Oh well, most of you bloggers are too young to even know who the hell Charlie Chan is anyway! HA!

(Vintage fedora; Tiffany's silk scarf; Diane Von Furstenberg dress - refashioned by me, GigiV.; Young Fabulous & Broke cashmere leggings; Harley Davidson boots)

(A close up of me (without the hat) standing next to one of my "futuristic" blazer designs that I need to finish. My bf and I have been working on that thing for years! Not that it takes that long, we just have fashion ADD!)

#9: Chocolate City

Okay, so anyone who knows me knows I don't like chocolate. Well, I like to eat chocolate, but I'm not a fan of the color chocolate on me. I think it washes me out. Sometimes I fear I will get lost in the color. Other folks love it on me and I must admit that when I see a garment that's cut to perfection I can't help but be drawn to it, no matter the color! I was drawn to this dress. And these boots. What can I say, Ralph Lauren knows his shit!

Odd thing is, I have a lot of chocolate in my wardrobe. I suppose when the purchase is right, I just jump on it. Besides, one can't have all black in their wardrobe, can they? I believe the fashion gods know best and thus seem to steer me in the right direction, regardless of color. Wouldn't it be great if every one in life could be like that? Just have an honest appreciation for anyone or anything, no matter the color. That would be something, wouldn't it?

(Ralph Lauren leather dress; Anne Taylor shift dress; Vintage pony hair belt; Ellen Tracy hosiery; Issac Mizrahi boots; Cynthia Rowley handbag)

(Just a better view of the C. Rowley handbag, why not?)

#8: Not So Casual Friday

I love these jeans so much. They are about the only pair that I own that I do like. They fit and feel amazing. I'll never forget the time I wore these in Brussels and these girls were staring at me and finally one comes over in the cutest Dutch accent and says to me, "we don't mean to stare, we are just wondering how those jeans can fit you like that. May I touch them? I let her touch them and she squeals something in Dutch to her friend who runs over to touch them. They wanted very much to know where I got them.

(Victoria's Secret silk shirt; Buffalo by David Bitton jeans; Wilson's Leather belt; Naturalizer ballet flats)