NCL Closing

Hello everyone and Happy Saturday! Today is the closing day of Nashville City Limits, the show at AMT that has been running since early May. I'm sad to see this show close because it was not only a lot of fun to work on, but it's also a blast to watch. And I'm not a country music fan! The costumes were fun to work on- there was a lot of plaid and denim, even a "denim tuxedo" if you know what that means.

Anyway, since it's the last day, I don't suppose there will be any harm done in posting a few videos from YouTube of the show. Some are official- posted by AMT and others are videos taken by fans, etc. Enjoy!







It's always bittersweet when a show ends (unless you've hated it the whole time- haha), but there's something really special about live theatre and knowing that the same show will never be performed again the way it has been these last six weeks. I am very proud of the work that not only was done in the wardrobe department on this show, but I'm also proud of the work everyone on the production staff did on it. From the scenic design, to the complex lighting and video combinations (there are over 15 video screens and TV's on the set, not to mention dozens and dozens of lights), to the cast and band with their incredible musicianship and performance quality- this was a great show and I'm proud to have been a part of it.

400th Post!

I love posting about my blogging milestones for some reason. It feels like I've accomplished something somehow. This is my 400th post- not the most amazing milestone, but I am more proud that I've published 400 posts in less than a year- I like the idea of being prolific, but don't worry, I'm more concerned with quality. I really enjoying writing this blog- from the Rate My Look posts to the inspiring fashions I see around the world, and also the other types of blogs I've discovered along the way. And reading all of those blogs somehow makes any of my milestones feel somehow small and unimportant- not in a bad way, just in terms of the vast number of people blogging out there. When I see all of the creativity out there and how much people are doing- creating, sewing, cooking, designing, painting, filming, decorating, or just doing good for other people, it puts it all in perspective.

Of course I read other fashion blogs like Glamour and Lucky but I also enjoy seeing what other women like myself post on their fashion and style blogs. I've discovered a handful of unique women- all different backgrounds, ages, body types, professions and style points of view. A few of my daily every-woman fashion reads include:

Refashion, Recycle, Reuse
Kendi Everyday
Natalya's Closet
Mrs. Hall in Training
Lux vita et iocus
Daddy Likey

Some of these women are humorous in their writing. Others are simply heartfelt and open about their lives and how fashion fits in, but all are unique and I suppose that's why I'm drawn to this particular mix. In addition to fashion blogs, I love all sorts of other types of blogs, too. if it's interesting, I'll read it! Some are very well known like Go Fug Yourself, Jennsylvania and Sleep Talkin' Man (R-rated!). Others are just friends of mine who over the years have gotten into blogging for one reason or another. My friend Tim has a great blog called Three-Second Goldfish and he writes about whatever strikes his fancy on that particular day. Another friend- Kate- is a professional photographer and I love looking at her work on her studio's blog, Studio Nouveau. Other's I've started reading because they were named "Blog of Note." (Fingers crossed that someday my name is pulled out of THAT hat!) F8hasit is particularly eloquent and touching. Her tone is that of a talented writer and I love reading her posts. (Although, for the record, I stumbed upon her blog before it was named Blog of Note, and I feel especially cool about that.) Life on the Green Line is a Boston-based Blog of Note, so reading it makes me feel closer to home.

And then there are the food blogs. I could read food blogs until the end of time, taking breaks only to eat. Mrs. Humble is a personaly fave because she focuses mostly on sweets. She did an entire series on a particular cookie. What's not to love about that? And then there's One Hungry Chef whose culinary pursuits leave me open-mouthed and drooling and also baffled at how accomplished and knowledgeable he is.

Lots of the bloggers whose blogs I read are also Etsy shop artisans. The Cat and the Cow, Ruth Parker Jewelry, B.B. Bellezza and Tina Tarnoff all have unique Etsy shops and I've purchased from most of them at some point in the last year. I love when an Etsy artisan also has a blog because they often post about what inspires them, how they work, what mediums they prefer and what influenced them in the journey to become an artist. I find all of this very fascinating.

I guess my point, ultimately, is that there is a lot out there to read- a lot of people doing a lot of interesting and amazing things and writing about it for the world to see. I love the idea of being a part of that kind of community. I've met so many great people as a result of starting to blog, some of whom are my faithful readers. And it's to the readers that I am most grateful. I know first hand exactly how much is out there for you to read, so I genuinely appreciate when you choose to come here as often as you do. I love hearing from you, whether it is through comments or emails, so please don't hesitate to say what's on your mind. I love criticism and feedback, but I don't allow every bit of it to influence what I'm doing here. I know I can't make everyone happy all of the time. I can only hope that what I post here will keep my readers coming back for as long as I stay at it.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Rate My Look: Please Be Kind...

For the first time since I was a toddler, I am donning a romper for the day. Much like a bandaid that must be pulled off swiftly, I am diving into my recent romper purchase ASAP- I figure the sooner I do it, the sooner the (potential) pain will be over. Although, I must admit, I am seriously diggin' my romper outfit:

If you disagree that this is a cute outfit, that's fine, but limit your comment critiques to issues with that as opposed to saying something like, "Your legs just aren't svelte enough to pull off a romper." In other words, please be kind in your comments today. I'm taking what amounts to a serious fashion risk for me, so let's live today by the old adage, "If you don't have something nice to say..." My fragile ego may not be able to handle too much. Now, if I start posting myself in rompers more frequently, I'll be happy to take all sorts of constructive criticism, but not today. Thank you for your cooperation. (P.S. Yes, I KNOW I need a tan on those gams. I'm working on it.)

Actually, the funny thing is that I feel great in this outfit and for me, in my head, feeling great equals looking great. So I'm sort of back and forth between feeling incredibly confident and fabulous to feeling insecure and uncertain. I even sent a text to Andrea prepping her for my romper outfit today, so I know I'll have at least one person supporting my style choice of the day.

Now, deluded or not, here are the reasons I think this romper and this outfit work on me.

First, the length of the shorts are perfect for my legs. My legs are at once my favorite and most hated part of my body. From about mid-thigh down to my toes, I'm happy. I like the shape of my legs and when I'm in heels, they look rather toned. From mid-thigh upward, it's a different story. That's why you very rarely see me in a mini-skirt and also why I'll never post a bathing suit edition of RML. So not only is the length of this romper just right for my legs, so is the shape of the shorts. They sort of "bubble" loosely around my thighs, but then the band of fabric at the hem, tapers them in at just the right place. The smocking at the top allows for a snug, fitted look while still remaining incredibly comfortable. And did I mention there are pockets? I love anything with pockets.

The back isn't as flattering- I'm thinking of maybe taking it in in the back so that my butt looks a little better. (Sorry, there are no pictures from behind. Actually, I shouldn't be apologizing for that.)

Anyway, due to the fact that I'm feeling a tad insecure about wearing a romper out of the house today, I layered on what feels like a million accessories: belt, shrug, bracelet, earrings, high heels, even a flower in my hair. My logic: Maybe if it's not everyone's favorite look on me, they'll be distracted by all the other elements in the outfit. (Honestly, I'm laughing out loud at myself as I type this post.) I didn't want to wear the sequin shrug, but it was the only one in my closet that worked in terms of shape. Like I mentioned yesterday, I think a crochet shrug would be a better choice. Maybe I'll shop around for one. But you should also know that this shrug is much more shiny in pictures than it is in real life. It's not nearly as glittery as it looks in these pictures.

Ok, let the comments commence. I've braced myself. (Amy N., I expect FULL romper support from you!)

I did it

Y'all, I bought a romper!!! For. Myself. Check it out:

Smocked Floral Romper, Target, $19.99

Ok, I have personally been of the opinion that rompers are ONLY for skinny women with long, beautiful, svelte legs. Until now. I tried this romper on at Target tonight and Ihad to buy it. Something about the way the shape of the shorts tapers in is actually flattering even on MY thighs. I'm looking forward to making an outfit with this romper because I am not nearly brave enough to wear one by itself. I'm thinking some fabulous heels (to help lengthen my oh-so-short legs), a wide belt to make sure my waist is cinched in and maybe a bolero crochet shrug for a little more coverage up top. Long, drapey necklaces and maybe some fun bangle bracelets will complete the look. In my head, this outfit will be fierce. You'll know when I post a picture, I suppose.

Breaking News: Shoe Dazzle has HANDBAGS!!!

I wish I could have that fast beeping sound that heralds the arrival of some type of incredible breaking news. You know what I'm talking about, right?

Well, my breaking news is that Shoe Dazzle has added handbags and jewelry to their product lines. No joke. In my showroom this month:

I'm not sure I think any of the jewelry options are worth the $39.95, but the bags- I could get into some of those bags.

Shoesday Tuesday- Fancy Flip-Flops

I have a ratty, gross pair of purple flip flops. They are hideous and old and I should probably throw them in the trash. I can't bring myself to do it, though. They are SO comfortable. I just love them because they are probably the only pair of shoes in my closet that have never done a single thing to hurt my feet. And I love that they are flip-flops becaue they are open and my feet can actually breathe in them. I have other flip flops that are in better shape and a lot prettier, but I rarely wear them because they just aren't as comfortable. My advice with flip flops is that once you find the perfect, comfortable pair, stick with them. Take care of them and they will take care of you. Until then, wear pretty ones like these:

Molano, Aldo Shoes, $19.98-$30

Vacchiano, Aldo Shoes, $60

Gemma, Target, $12.99

Rhosolyn, Nine West, $49

Because if you can't be comfortable, at least be pretty.

Crochet Chic

Do you ever find yourself in summer, putting on a cute strapless or spaghetti strap sundress and for whatever reason, you wish there was just a little more coverage? It may be a modesty thing, or maybe you just prefer a layered look, even in summer. Unfortunately, in 80 degree, humid weather, a cardigan- even the lightest cotton or jersey type- is too much.

Whatever the situation or reason for needing another light-weight layer, I have the solution for you. And it's actually quite a popular trend right now: crochet. Yup. Bet you never thought you'd hear that word in a sentence without"grandma" right nearby. Well, the thing about crochet, is that when it's done with a delicate pattern and light-weight yarn, it's actually almost like lace. Very cool, chic lace. Next time you're shopping, grab a cardi, shrug or vest in a cool, open crochet pattern and you'll find you've made a great investment. Because although you may be purchasing it for summer, you'll find that it will be a great layering piece for all four seasons. Stick with a neutral color and you can't go wrong.

A few options:

Crochet Vest, Victoria's Secret, $29.99 (Sale price)

Oversize Crochet Vest, Free People, $81 (Sale price)

Crochet Shrug Cardigan, JC Penney, $24.99 (Sale price)

Lacey Crochet Cardigan, Spiegel, $20 (Sale price)

I actually think the final option from Spiegel would be a great top layer if you had a more formal event to go to. I hate trying to find a top layer that is dressy. I've never been a fan of wraps and pashminas- I think they tend to look matronly and awkward most of the time. This long, lacey crochet cardigan is a great alternative.

So what do you think? Would you wear a crochet piece? What about learning to crochet and making one yourself? I've been a pretty decent knitter for a few years now, but crochet has always baffled me. Maybe I'll give it another shot one of these days.