Style Reboot: Baubles I Need to Wear, Part II

I'm a lucky girl. I have stylish women all around me. My grandmothers, my mother, my mother-in-law... But even luckier? The fact that I inherit their baubles, sometimes without even knowing it.

I literally don't know where this piece came from. No idea at all. I assume my mother-in-law, who has stashes and stashes of fantastic costume jewelry and vintage clothing, just put it in my jewelry box one day. Who knows how long it's been in there. But methinks I need to find a simple dress of undetermined color (black is the obvious choice, but that just seems, well, boring) and plop these sweet bangles atop.


I've only met her once, but I hear stories about her all the time. H's godmother is quite the accomplished woman, running a legal practice specializing in helping immigrants. We visited her right after we got married, on a whirlwind tour of western PA and Ohio. She gave us red cut glass goblets, , and this fantastic, massive, almost collar necklace. I've been intending now for 5 years to wear it. And I really need to find the right occasion. I used to have a one-shouldered, simple black gown (enter goddess). It would have been perfect. But it went the way of all $19.99 sale dresses. Yup.

I miss my Mom-Mom. I miss my Grandmom. Grandmom had very little in the way of shiny things. She just wasn't that kind of girl. The few pieces she did have are in my mom's jewelry box. prettyinpink and I have already assigned dibs.


I don't remember Mom-Mom as particularly stylish, though she was always put together, as women in her generation are. That being said, she apparently had a taste for pretty little things that she collected along the way. When she passed, my cousins and I literally went through the last bits of her drawers after the services. We're a very efficient family that way. My take? Bow pins, stick pins, brooches, clip earrings, and the fanciest little purse I've ever seen. As much in love with it as I am, though, I need to be deliberate and carry it soon. To an event with H, where he can carry Everything Else I Need. Yes, it is as small as it looks in the picture. It'll hold, oh, cash and a credit card. No phone, and a lipstick would probably ruin its line.

This is my closet. So what's in your closet?

Style Reboot: Baubles I Need to Wear, Part I

Now that I have a clean accessories cabinet, it's a Whole New World [cue Disney music]. I've got all these baubles I want and need to wear. Granted, I've also got some that I probably could do away with, but there are memories around many, and most I want to incorporate into upcoming ensembles.

Some take me back - I'd even forgotten some of these favorites - to places, and to places in time.

For my 30th birthday, I celebrated in New Orleans. I organized a room block then, sent an email out to all my friends and family. Not everyone could come, of course, but we ended up with this delightful group of people that made the celebration truly special: my mom and stepmom, H and his mom, my brother and his girlfriend-now-wife, a friend from Vancouver, WA, and a friend from DC and his Brand. New. Boyfriend. Our parents are still madly in love with said boyfriend. Oh yeah, and the friend. And we shopped. In between Preservation Hall, dinner at the now defunct 201 Decatur, and beignets, we shopped from the artisan to the funky - and I came home with both in bracelets and rings.

Just after H and I tied the knot, we "celebrated" Labor Day in South Beach with BlueSuitGirl. We shared a room one block back from the beach in a classic Art Deco hotel, dined at Cafeteria, and did Nikki Beach and the Delano in one night. And we shopped. In addition to 2 pair of shoes, I fit in last minute purchase - then and now one of my favorite pieces - of a Alexis Bittar stone pendant. When I wear it, I think of those carefree times. A couple of months later, H had a business trip back in Miami, and went to a little boutique we'd visited, bringing me back a jeweled chain that I've worn both as a looped necklace, a lariat, and a belt.

Then there's Austria. As I've said before, it was a life-changing 9 months. I made friends, I perfected my Austrian - ahem - German, drank coffee and wine, and was lucky enough to have 3 host families I adore. In the first, I had 3 sisters and a mom and dad who were just, well, Austrian. She made me schnitzel and knoedl on my first day, and sat with me every day after school, listening to my developing German and teaching me how to cook her Tirolean fare. When I left the country at the end of the year, they gave me a traditional Austrian pewter, brass, and garnet necklace.

My second family was a husband and wife - and their dachshund. He's first-generation Austrian from Czech parents, raised in Salzburg. She's one of the most elegant women I've ever met. At the time, she worked part-time for a dermatologist as a medical esthetician. She was never without her lipstick or a scarf tied at her neck. Can we say "intimidating" to a just-graduated-from-high-school-and-not-sure-of-her-style-at-all 18 year old American? They, like my first family, truly took me in, taking me all over Europe (Christmas in Salzburg, New Year's in Maastricht), teaching me to ski (after laughing at what I called "skiing"), and treating me like the grown-up I wanted to be - when I behaved like one. They love the States, even considering it as a retirement location for a while. He's often here on business, and on one of his trips, he brought me the ultimate Austrian sparkles: Swarovski. Even though they're clips, I love wearing the brushed gold with crystal "polka dots."

I have a little habit. A few, really, but the one relevant here is picking up something sparkly and pretty where ever I travel. It's easy, it fits in the suitcase, and often won't break the bank (though somehow my eye keeps inching its way up the dollar scale recently. not good. not good at all). There are certainly more travel purchases in my closet, but these are the ones that somehow, in some way, just take me...

Style Reboot: Finally Bringing It All Out

Way back in March, I posted about rediscovering what's already in my closet.

It's August.

I finally got around to cleaning out my accessories cabinet. Two weeks ago.

The day H and I were planning a Sushi Ko date (and on which I debuted my new Oscars), the afternoon was stormy. We were also planning a Big Dinner at a Fancy Restaurant for The Bean as a belated birthday present, so we unabashedly deployed the DVD player and on-demand to show movies and keep her quiet and rested. We hoped it that would yield a not-over-tired-child for her Marcel's dinner.

But I digress.

I dashed out to Ace Hardware, then The Container Store while they were napping and resting, and brought back what was probably intended as a hobby or hardware case with drawers. I wanted clear drawers so I could see what baubles were in there, but needed it to fit inside of our IKEA cabinet where I store my accessories (and my baking supplies. Yes, we live in a condo with limited storage space.). Fingers crossed. Because why would I do something logical, like measure the cabinet and its shelves? Caution, meet wind.

Home again, and young active things scrambling at my feet, I tried to distract them from the Pretty Sparkly Things emerging bit-by-bit from the shelves. I de-jumbled my chains, matched up my earrings, and remembered long-lost favorites. To The Beans' delight, I ditched every single one of the boxes in which my jewels had lived. I emptied out purses of the last bits of change, mints, and lipsticks I thought I'd lost. I wiped down the shelves. (Yes, Mommy, I am your daughter.)

My hobby-bins-turned-jewelry-box works perfectly. I can see what I have, and am unexpectedly enjoying, oh, I don't know, putting on different pieces each morning. Because I can now see what's there, and don't have to dig, I can easily find something different than the same 3 cuffs and 2 necklaces I'd been sporting for the last 4 years.

My Newly Organized Accessories Cabinet. And The Bag's Place of Honor, moved happily from atop my shoes in my closet.

Then there's The Bag Shelf. I've already carried 3 more purses than I had in those same 4 years: Mom-Mom's vintage monogram clutch, an adorable wicker Fornash clutch, and my beloved Furla (as H brought it to me from Italy, after my inability to shop while In. Italy., he was thrilled to see it again) all made it back into the rotation.

Next up? The Baubles I Need to Wear (Discovered in The Big Cleanup)

A Life in the Nose: A Fragrance Timeline

My mom wasn't fancy when I was growing up. She was a stay-at-home-mom, then  a part-time aquatic director and swim instructor, then a high school English and ESL teacher. My dad still doesn't dress up unless we beg him. We lived in PA horse and mushroom country. There weren't a lot of parties that didn't involve tupperware or gardening. The only party I really remember my parents throwing is a Halloween party in our garage. The "fancy dress" was not of the sequin and stiletto variety. But there was a damn good grocery bag costume. The Chesire Cat and Caterpillar were there, too.

Nevertheless, on the rare occasion when they did gussy up and go out to what I suppose must have been the boss' Christmas party, she'd shower, put on her intimates, and dab on some lipstick.

And Shalimar.

I can smell it now, even surrounded as I type by croissants and coffee at Marvelous Market. I can see my parents' bathroom, my mom getting dressed in her Very Basic Nude Undergarments and getting ready. I can see the window facing our street, know it's dark outside, and picture the plain shade that shielded her from the neighbors (who wouldn't have pried anyway, but still we lower the shade). And the scent. The scent that means my mommy.

I don't think she wears it anymore, but it was a precious commodity for a long, long time. If she was running low, we'd save up our Christmas pennies for a new bottle. But even that took years, she so rarely wore it. For the longest time, even as I experimented with my own scent, Shalimar was my aspiration. Of course, I couldn't afford it, even at 1985 prices. I went through my drugstore phase, with Chantilly. I thought it smelled grown up. My brother, in his ascerbic wisdom, finally told me it smelled like "old lady powder."

I stopped wearing Chantilly.

Like a lot of us growing up in the 80s, I went through the Laura Ashley-praire-chic-long-skirt-with-eyelet-showing phase. Then I wore Crabtree & Evelyn. If I remember, I was enchanted as much with the floral boxes as with the scents. Summer Hill and Nantucket Briar were on my dresser. What I never wore, even then? Rose. Lily. The sweetness never worked for me. Ever. Still doesn't.

Somewhere along the way, I stopped my floral flounce obsession and fancied myself a sophisticate. Or perhaps I just stopped wearing scent. Probably had something to do with generally finding myself and my style. While I was always leaned a bit towards the classic, my late high-school years tended hippie. I graduated, went to Austria, and fell head over hills for coffee. On the right kind of day, when it's just a teensy bit cloudy and humid, those first misty raw days in the fall, I'll walk past a coffee shop and be in Vienna again. A whiff of a "kleiner Brauner," and be still my heart.

When I returned, I happened upon Acqua di Gio.* I probably found it via the Nice Perfume Ladies in the late Strawbridge & Clothier. It's freshness, it's summery lightness worked for me as I started college. I wore it faithfully for years. I'd found my first signature scent.

Then I left college, working full time while I finished up my degree. One day, I walked into the office kitchen and wham! I thought my beloved host-mother, Ceja, was in the room. Tears welled up, and I missed them terribly.

I recovered, and asked the few colleagues in the room what they were wearing. I think they thought I was bonkers, but I finally figured out one of them was wearing Paloma Picasso.

I'm fairly certain I would have walked 1000 miles through rain and snow at that point to track down the uncommon fragrance. While I could find it at Bloomingdale's at the time, it's not easy to find. I still buy up as many as I can when I do find it. (We won't discuss the fact that I could simply find it online these modern days. That would be too easy, thankyouverymuch.) It is, beyond a doubt, my favorite scent. It fits me, suits me, and is mine. Nevermind the memory link to my literally life-changing 9 months as a Rotary exchange student.

I didn't think I ever needed to find another scent. I like having a signature. I've toyed with others along the way, trying to find others for different seasons or occasions, but in the end, Paloma is The One.

It's an old-fashioned scent, I think. It harkens to Established Ladies, its deep and spicy scent one that most women my age would eschew for lighter notes that feel thin and sweet to my nostrils. It's no surprise that my Romanian-born, half-Greek mother-in-law likes it, too. It - and other "old fashioned" fragrances like Eau de Soir (which we buy for her much like we bought Shalimar for my mother) - bridges the generational gap for us. She's brought me beautiful vintage Parisian flea market finds and given me some of her nearly ancient but still lovely favorites, most still in their cases. Not boxes, but cases that I display proudly on my dresser. I toss the newer, trendier swag bag perfume samples aside in favor of these esteemed fragrances.

Then The Beans were born, and I stopped wearing perfume or even using anything other than Kiehl's Lavender shower gel for fear of disturbing or mis-directing their scent knowledge of me. Every once in a while, when H and I would sneak out, I'd dab a bit at the base of my neck, but never anywhere I'd expect them to hang out. Now that Bean No. 2 is 18 months old, I'd started to wear Paloma again, but only if I remembered. Which wasn't often.



Scent as Mood and Memory by dcceline on Polyvore.com

Then I went to Saks 2 weeks ago to pick up Chanel's fall metallic polishes. Unrelated, of course, to fragrance, except that the very nice Mila gave me a sample.

no. 19 arrived last week, on Coco's birthday. When I visited Mila, it was in pre-sale. It took about a week for me to remember it was there and try it out. I spritzed, and made H smell me. "Nice," he said. I wore it at work, trying all day to figure out where I stood. Was it too sweet? Too powdery (my brother's comment still echo's in my psyche)?

Turns out I'm in love. So much in love that I broke out the 2 Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir samples I'd picked up along the way. Same process: spritz, H, wear all day. I've found 2 more scents that I'm happy wearing. Which, of course, reminded me that I really, really love classic fragrances, and, well, isn't no. 5 the epitome?

I've been meaning for 2 weeks now to get my nicely scented rear end to Saks and see Mila again. I haven't managed it, yet, but it is at the top of my I'll-do-it-as-soon-as-I-find-5-minutes-to-myself.

And then I'll buy 2 bottles to add to my dresser. And one for H. Mila snuck in a Bleu sample for him. It's that wonderfully spicy maleness. Which might just find its way on to my dresser, as well.

*Scent historians, I just can't tell if Armani changed the name on the women's Gio, or if they discontinued my 20s signature scent. Anyone know? 

Shop in Style: Urban Chic DC & Bethesda Sample Sale

See? I'm actually paying attention to my inbox, and sharing with you the things I just won't be able to make. If you do go, and if you do snag anything good, You. Must. Share.

What: Urban Chic In-Store Sample Sale
Where: 1626 Wisconsin Ave & 7126 Bethesda Lane
When: Friday, 26 August - Sunday, 28 August
Why: Anywhere from 30-50% off sale merchandise. So yes, you'll have to deal with whatever sizes are left, but they do have lovely, lovely things. I promise.

Style on the Runway: Fashion Meets Art Runway Show

Yes, I'm unabashedly cribbing the "good stuff" from Daily Candy DC (and also a reminder to liloleme that i should probably be reading some of those press releases and such in my inbox), but oooh! if Isabel doesn't keep us inside, this should be fantastic!

(Hmmmm...it's probably not a good idea to take The Bean when she a) has a normal bedtime at 7/7:30, b) has been sick, and c) if she isn't home sick one more day, will have had her First Day of School. That's probably asking for The Massive Meltdown, right?)


Fashion Meets Art Runway Show
What: Models strut down an outdoor runway between Carbon and International Visions Art Gallery. 
Why: Check out pieces from emerging local and green designers.
When: Fri., 6-9 p.m.
Where: Carbon, 2643 Connecticut Ave. NW; International Visions Art Gallery, 2629 Connecticut Ave. NW, b/t Woodley Rd. & Calvert St. (202-232-6645). Admission is free. R.S.V.P. (required) to  katherine at carbon dc dot com

Style Dilemma Solved: Fall to Summer

[yes, yes, yes, this post has technical issues. But I really wanted to get it up today. I will gladly take any suggestions on how to fix. "learn HTML" is not in the cards, however, FWIW.]


No, I didn't type that wrong.

prettyinpink emailed me this morning. It was a welcome distraction from a crazy day.

prettyinpink: Navy tan and cream stripped tunic to short to wear to work with nothing under it. Will totally do colored tights in the fall but not ready for that yet. Could do jeans but want something less bulky feeling... Leggings? What color??

DC Celine: Pencil skirt. Coffee. Just not a legging gal. But could work I suppose. Same color. Could also do bright colored skinny jeans or trousers.

[prettyinpink sends link. DC Celine sees picture]

DC Celine: ah...more navy than anything else. coffee pencil skirt - or chocolate - suggestion still stands...or a khaki one (paler, rather than tanner)

but now really think the bright jeans/trousers - skinny - which you can wear - would be awesome. esp in yellow. red = little predictable, but also good. kelly green would work, too. same colors would work in a skirt, but would be 
better in trousers. will post, definitely.

prettyinpink: i think i need to invest in colored skinny jeans....i'm thinking dark teal.  

we're a jeans office, not that only wear jeans - i'm wearing a dress now (little 
black cotton tank dress belted with a teal skinny belt and wedges) but i'd 

DC Celine: yup, belt. but w/ the skinny pencil, don't think you'd need to belt. you'd have to try it, though.

definitely get more use out of jeans than other especially in the fall/winter.  

how would you pair with a skirt?  belted?  i feel like the proportions would be off...

i say yellow. am really into yellow. and you can wear it better than i ;-)

i'm even going to try a skinny. check out www.caphillstyle.com post today (and follow her on twitter)

prettyinpink: i'm a believer that skinny can be amazing on ALMOST anyone - if it's paired right.  skinny is all about proportion.  find the right pair and do it.

prettyinpink: 

i really want to wear this as a dress with thick colored tights and chunky heels (or cute flats).  it's long enough that i can pull it off at work with something under it - or nothing under it for non-work....i just don't want to wait until fall to wear it. 

So, my dear sister (yes, prettyinpink is my baby sis), I got right on it. As we exchanged emails, I dashed this together.

I still think you could go sans belt or replace the red/orange/pink or yellow with kelly green. And since you're a "jeans office," you could go buy some of those AG skinny jeans in ridiculously saturated colors I'm desperate to try.

So. Of course, once you figure it out, you must send a pic. Promise?

Summer to Fall Tunic by dcceline 

EVERLY Stripe Tunic Dress, $58
Café capri in wool, $118
J Crew knee length pencil skirt, $120
J Crew skinny leg pants, $118
J Crew knee length pencil skirt, $120
Coclico mod shoes, $179
Bettye muller shoes, $328
Vince Camuto Amaze, $149

Shop in Style: Artaya Trunk Show

What: DC designer Dana Ayanna Greaves' Artaya collection Trunk Show
Where: Bloomingdale's (Tyson's Corner)
When: Thursday, 25 August, 11-5 (hmmm...can I sneak out of the office at lunch?)
Why: Because every fearless DC (and beyond) diva needs a little Artaya brightening her closet. And because I might be able to snag this delightful take on a childhood game, the paper chain necklace.

Thanks, DC Scout, for the heads up! (btw, if you don't already get the local scoop on style #signupnow)

Shop in Style: Baltimore Fashionistas Unite

What: Revolution preview = Urban Chic Baltimore + Style magazine + mini makeovers...you get the picture!

Where: Urban Chic Baltimore, 811 Aliceanna Street

When: Thursday, August 25, 6-9pm (and beyond, at Talara)

Why: Because it's the place to be, be seen, and be styled

Style Dilemma: Decisions, Decisions

My internal fragrance pre-sale debate (Chanel no. 19, post on that later) reminded me of the pre-sale that escaped me - my designer Chucks - or so I thought. I'd debated about a pair, dilly-dallied too long, and missed the boat. I was sad.

So this morning, thinking I could get a jump on whatever the next sneaker design collaboration is, I went to the Saks site.

Lo and behold, all 3 of them were there - I suppose back in stock after the initial rush. As I don't particularly care whether I'm the first to have anything (if I like it, I like it), I'm back in debate: Missoni or Comme des Garcons.

I'm leaning towards the adorably cheeky Comme des Garcons version. As beautiful as the Missonis are, September 13th is coming soon, after all.

Also part of the debate? The fact that I just bought my Oscars. I just spent boucoup bucks on shoes. I might have the Best Husband Ever, but even the ever-stylishly-supportive H balked when I mentioned the beautiful $200 lace-up Cole Hahn boots I spotted Friday. "You're not buying any expensive shoes for a while," is an exact quote.

I might have to let these ride. Sort of a "if you love something, let it go. If it comes back to you, it's yours. If it doesn't, it never was."

Style Certitude: Cozy + Turtleneck + Easy (or, When a Marketing Email Works Perfectly)

I think I'm signed up for every brand email list in existence. They all seemed like a good idea at the time, but truth is, I rarely read them. That being said, this was the image in my inbox this morning.

It's everything I love about autumn. Cowl necks, tailored slouch, camel, and statement jewelry. When you're wearing a substantial sweater, you just can't make do with a teensy little charm bracelet.

So what did I do when I saw the email?

After I said "I want!" to myself? And "It's perfect! I want!"

Why, I clicked on the email, of course, and it took me to Michael's jewelry page (because, you know, he and I are on a first name basis. We should be, at any rate, given his designs, quite frankly, are the inspiration for this blog.)

Then I clicked on "Tops," hoping to track down the gorgeous camelness for my closet.

Instead, I found this. Also in camel (I might have to just fill up my closet with the luscious color. It's a staple, a neutral, right, so it warrants the dough spent on "forever pieces." Right?), I'm in love with this terribly impractical for a mama (the cream color, that is) supple, cozy, delicious poncho. While I haven't figured out what the poncho aspect is (looks like it has sleeves? Michael? Other views of items on your site, please?), I don't really care. This sweater/poncho is absolutely perfect for those crisp autumnal days - or the dreary ones - on which I'm strolling through the city with my Beans in tow, or taking in the sights at my hometown's community fair. It'll hold me over all the way through winter. It's layerable, pairs with just about anything (jeans, fall's colored jeans, cargos, skirts, sneakers, heels, boots, tights, you name it).

Not that I wouldn't have gone to your stuff for fall anyway, but nice marketing, Michael. It pulled me to a design aesthetic and silhouette that's part of the reason I fell for you in the first place.

This one (and perhaps the one in the email) will certainly be in my closet tout suite.

Reunion Advance Work, Take 1

Reunion Advance Work, Take 1 by dcceline

Mini party dress, $73
Layered dress, $73
Max and Cleo one shoulder sleeve dress, $128
Stiletto heel shoes, $220
Hidden platform pumps, $450
Hidden platform pumps, $450

Shopping Spree: Woulda Shoulda Coulda Bought the Skirts Back Then...

Remember the post in which I said I really really really needed denim skirts to get me through summer? Yeah. Well, I finally got around to it.

It's August.

The one I picked isn't polyvore-able (hel-LO sites, let me clip, please), and, if it were, it's not on the LOFT site any longer, but it's a cross between the first ladylike choice and the nautically inspired last choice on the set here. Wore it the first day I had it with a long, pleated-neck twist on the graphic T from DKNY Jeans (probably the most difficult thing to describe in the world) that's also not on the web any longer (bought in another shopping spree down tha shore). Loved.

In the meantime, I finally have two skirts in my wardrobe that I should've had back in June. They would've been perfect for the beach. And the rest of summer. Wearing them the last few days in this (slightly lower) heat reminds me that I should've searched harder before I left for Jersey. (Both are Ann Taylor LOFT.) And yes, they're both zippered, cargo-style. One's olive, one's a silky soft grey (not entirely sure that the one in the pic is mine - they say "twill" on the site, and if my skirt's twill, I'll be a monkey's uncle. but you get the picture.)

Oh yeah, and I found two tops, too. One LOFT, one Target. The raspberry LOFT T is my new favorite shape. "Draped," they call it. It's got an elastic waisted bottom that finishes the look ever-so-softly and elegantly - yes - in a t-shirt. It's slimming, and not nearly as sloppy as it looks in the pic.

The stripey one, well, that's not the right one, either (I hate it when the things I buy in the store aren't on line. Ugh.). But the general shape is right. It's still cream and black striped, but with a thinner stripe. No v-neck - it's a straight/boat neck. Cropped, I'd suppose they say, but the sleeves and the body are oh-so-80s. Amazingly flattering, especially from the back with anything slim-cut. Can't wait to pair it with my shorter cargo skirt and gladiator sandals. Anyone having a BBQ for me to attend looking fab?

Shopping Spree: Updated Wardrobe on a Relative Dime

We all know that "on a dime" doesn't really mean that. Even when you score the fab vintage find (or not so) at the not-so-glamorous-but-ever-so-fabulous Goodwill (you do know about DC Goodwill Fashionista, right?!), then another, then another...well, all those $10 dresses add up.

Same goes for some inspired and spur-of-the-moment wardrobe updates, even if they are at the didn't-know-I-could-find-that-here Target and Ann Taylor LOFT. A couple of days ago, I had an hour to kill (long story about the MIA phone, Verizon's network going down, and waiting around hip cool Fair Lakes for a work happy hour), so I popped into Target to see what I could find. I'd been meaning to do a few teensy updates to alleviate the "I have absolutely nothing to wear and I hate everything in my closet" syndrome. That being said, I didn't want to spend a fortune - I'm in the process of getting healthy, remember? (Never mind that I fit into nothing in boutiques at the moment, as drapey and loose as some things are right now.)

After I tore myself away from the evil dollar bins (I can always find something - like a plastic boat for the Beans' bathtub), I went rapid-fire through the women's clothing - juniors + misses + who knows what it's all called now. I threw all sorts of possibilities in my cart - why not? And while some that I adored the idea of on the hanger worked not at all on me, I did find a couple of sweet deals to update both the "going out" and the "work" areas of my closet.

First up, the dresses. This bright orange find would be that. much. better if I could figure out a way to unstitch and remove the v-neck insert. The pretty drapey V would work for night, of course, and clean up easily for day with a brooch. But given the thin jersey, I'm thinking I won't be able to remove it without serious damage. So it'll stay.

The next pic doesn't represent the actual dress - just the silhouette. It's a classic minidress shape, but I found it in a fun black & white stripe with a non-ruffle-ruffle texture stitched in that makes it that much more forgiving and interesting. So why did I buy a form-fitting mini when I'm trying to lose weight? 1) I look good in it. True to style advice, the more appropriately fitted (appropriately being key, of course), the slimmer you look. 2) I knew H would love it. He does. He's "ordered" it for our night on the town Saturday.

Lastly, I found a pretty deep blue sheath that I thought perfect for work. H thought I could wear it out. Mine was missing the belt, which suits me just fine. I can belt or no. Without, it's MaryTylerMoore-esque. With, I can add a splash of yellow or green or red or orange...you get the picture (note to self: buy fun big wide belts).

As I tweeted earlier, I'm wearing my all-LOFT outfit. Working from home today, so I can go see Bean #1 in her music camp show. I'll post the rest of my finds after I go see my diva-in-training rock the house.

Shop in Style: Proud Mama

After a much-needed cut by Jae for me (I feel human again), I took The Bean for a little mama-bean time on Bethesda Row. Before dinner at Lebanese Taverna (where we had a chicken wing/chicken finger drama of epic proportions), we browsed. My Bean loooooves to shop.

First stop? Urban Chic. In between warnings to keep her hands to herself (sticky fingers + boutique clothes = disaster), she pointed out a few of her favorites. In retrospect, I should have noted exactly which designers she liked, but the crux of it? If it sparkles, she likes it.

(And yes, she's wearing Laura Ashley. I must confess an absolute obsession when I was younger. Now? Wouldn't catch me anywhere near it, despite the current trend towards English roses. But she flaunts her roses and tulle perfectly.)

Stop #2? Sassanova. After I gushed at the Black Velvet Schiaparelli hatbox in the window display and stopped to explain to The Bean exactly who Elsa was, we shopped the prolific sale like veterans. The display of on-sale kids' shoes caught her attention, of course. Her favorite was a pair of silver maryjanes with red patent lips (the lipstick shoes, she dubbed them). Unfortunately, the pairs of the Moschino style left were too small for her even to try on. But she showed an affinity for them - pointing them out multiple times - that made me proud.

Before she gracefully transitioned to pointing out pairs for me (also with great taste - Butter, Badgley Mischka, and other sparkly designers), she also targeted a pair of Vivienne Westwood's Anglomania collaboration with Brazilian designer Melissa (racked.com posted on them, here). Perfectly flirty and fun, I was relieved (not that I can't say no) when the pair she could try on was really just. too. small. to warrant purchasing for a growing girl. Even on sale, 60% off a $100 pair of children's shoes is crazy. No matter how adorably fashionable she would've been wearing them.

In the end, we walked out with a quite reasonably priced pair of $31 white eyelet maryjanes (which, for the first time, I've banned from playground, school, or any event other than church and dinners at "Very Fancy Restaurants"). She noticed - and loved - that they matched the eyelet on her dress.

Style Dilemma: Reunion Advance Work, Part I

So. My 20th high school reunion is coming up (yes, yes, dating myself, blah blah blah). And yes, I'm going. In fact, can't wait. Not that facebook and such haven't changed the concept of a reunion, but I am still looking forward to seeing people. Rather than knowing what people are up to (which I know already), it's about seeing people in person that I've gotten oddly closer to since reconnecting online.

Yes, I realize that sounds a bit creepy.

Nevertheless, there is a major dilemma: what to wear. At the risk of my classmates seeing my machinations, I'm going to document my trials here...it seems only fair - and relevant - to a style blog, that is.

My first thoughts bounce between "is it silly to ask what the event dress will be on the reunion fb page?" Or do I just wear what I want to wear and everyone can get over it? I'd say "I didn't care then, and I don't care now," but the first part wouldn't be true. I did care then, perhaps too much, like a lot of us did in high school. That era is fraught with complexes, after all, isn't it? The second part is partially true. There is a bit of, well, look-at-me-now going on.

I used to wear-what-I-want-to. I'm not that girl who poured over fashion mags at age 5. Though I did scribble out a few designs in a short period where I thought I'd be a fashion designer, I didn't grow up wanting to meet Oscar or Karl. That didn't come until much, much later in life (that story will have to come another time). I wore ripped jeans, my dad's "vintage" high school football jersey, my grandfather's wool felt baseball shirt, and my dad's old plaid shirts. I did "thrift," but didn't have any kind of knack for picking out the good stuff - or put it together well when I did (at least not that I remember). I imagined myself hip and offbeat, and I'm sure I was - but just more in a geeky, unsureofmyself type way, rather than a "who's that girl" type way.

So I'll first get healthy (and lose, oh, about 20-30lbs I need to lose anyway, and the reunion is just a good push to get there), consider my style options carefully, and share my thoughts along the way. And in the end?

I'll have good shoes. No. Great shoes. Guaranteed.