Jet Set Love

Tonight I'm flying out to North Carolina to visit the Professor- I can hardly believe we've been dating for over a year now. Last year on a Friday in the beginning of November, I flew down there to meet him for the first time. It was a quick, but awesome trip.

A little back story: While shopping with my gals from work one summer day, I found an amazing dress on sale at Ann Taylor. I tried it on and it fit like a glove. They convinced me to buy it, of course, but I insisted that this was a "date dress" and that if I bought it, we all had to commit to making sure I wore it on a date before the end of the year.

Fast forward to Labor Day weekend and again, I'm hanging out with the gals from work. We're out to brunch the Sunday of Labor Day weekend at the Friendly Toast in Portsmouth. At this point, I still have not worn "the date dress." Sadie and Juhree were trying to convince me to join match.com, and was flatly refusing. I'd done it before and hated it, I argued. Finally, Sadie said, "Renee, I'm a BRIDAL consultant. Do you know that at least once a week I ask a bride how she met her fiance and she says it was online?" I finally agreed to sign up again and the conversation moved on to what type of guy I'd be interested in dating. After listing a few qualities like sense-of-humor, kind-hearted, etc. maybe a teacher or someone with a similar background and education to me. At that point, Sadie practically shouted, "The Professor! That's his nickname! He has to be able to wear a bow tie. He's probably an English teacher at UNH or something. And that is what we'll call him. The Professor."

Well, the rest is history. I went home after brunch and re-activated my match.com account. I updated my profile a bit and within an hour, I had a message from him. He's an elementary school music teacher- the Professor. We chatted over match.com and email for about a week and then he asked for my number. We had our first phone date less than a week after we'd "met."

We continued to date via phone and email for about another week until he convinced me to get a webcam for my laptop so we could Skype. After about three weeks, we both admitted to turning off our match.com accounts and about a week later, we we talking about one of us flying to visit the other. I was nervous to fly 1,000 miles to meet someone from the internet, and I can still remember the butterflies and goosebumps I had in the days leading up to that trip.

The night before I flew down, he and I were texting back and forth about where we would be going for dinner on our first date. He suggested we go out for hot wings, since I'd mentioned my love for them on my match.com profile. I was horrified. I tried to let him know that in a gentle way, by saying that I wanted to feel at least a little "starry-eyed" on our first official date. (Also, I had "the date dress" that I just HAD to wear!) He took the hint and booked a reservation at a really nice restaurant in downtown Charlotte. I wish I'd taken more pictures from that trip- it was a whirlwind and it still gives me butterflies and goosebumps when I think about it. The Professor took one photo on his phone that night, but it was a good one- the view from the restaurant at dinner:

And yes, I wore the "date dress" to dinner. I guess if it weren't for my love of fashion, the Professor and I might never have met.

A fabulous new bag....

I mentioned a few days ago that I haven't done much shopping lately, or rather much buying. I've been so content with the contents of my closet that I just haven't found much of anything that I just can't walk away from.

Until about a month ago....

I was down in Boston visiting Beth for the day- we went to a make-up workshop and then we hit the consignment shops on Newbury Street. When I got dressed that morning, I put my outfit together, looked in the mirror and said to myself, "If only I had a nice, brown handbag." I didn't mean just any old handbag, but a high-quality one. A nice leather that looks rich and luxurious. I have a classy black leather Coach bag, an awesome leopard print Betsey Johnson, a gorgeous green Michael Kors,  and this amazing Kate Spade bag that Juhree got me for my birthday last year:

I know it seems like I'm dropping a lot of names, but the truth is that these bags have (and will) last me a long time because they are well-made and classic pieces, not because of the name printed on them. Judge me all you like.

Anyway, back to my story. So, I'm looking in the mirror thinking about how much better my outfit would be if only I had a nice, brown handbag. But unfortunately, I did NOT have one, so I had to make do with a less awesome yellow one. After the make-up class, Beth and I were in Second Time Around on Newbury Street just doing a little browsing. From across the room, I saw it and I just had to get a closer look. It was an absolutely gorgeous brown leather bag- a little slouchy, but with enough structure that it wasn't completely boho-looking. It just stood out from all the other bags on the shelf. I knew this was going to be a great find. Turns out it was another Kate Spade. The condition was flawless and the price was perfect- $189. I debated for a while, then decided to go for it. When we left the store, Beth admitted to me, "If you didn't get it, I probably would have, just to keep it in the family." No joke. It's funny how things work out sometimes- I needed a gorgeous brown handbag and the perfect one just fell in my lap mere hours after I came to that conclusion. Amazing. So, do you want to see it? I thought so...

And here I am in Chicago posing like a lunatic in front of the "Bean" with my gorgeous Kate: 

She's really perfect. I hope to have her for many years to come. Have you found any amazing handbag deals lately? Or just amazing handbags? I love a good bag almost as much as I love a good shoe. Almost.

Comment below, kids. I need the affirmation.

Beauty Product Review: Sephora Waterproof Eye Make-Up Remover

I've been getting more and more into make-up and beauty products over the last year or so, particularly eye make-up. One of my favorite things to do as part of my morning routine is my eye make-up. I tend to stick with fairly neutral palettes, but sometimes I get a little crazy. I've tried about a million different mascaras and eye liners over the last year, not to mention all the different shadow and primer options. It's a fun way to start the day and since I've always thought my eyes were my best feature, it's fun to highlight them each day.

I've never been great about make-up removal and I'm notoriously bad when it comes to washing my face at night. I just don't do it. There, I said it. I just don't. I sleep in my make-up 90% of the time. It's shameful, I know, but it's the truth. Lately, I've been using more waterproof eye make-up products including Stila's Smudge Pot and Urban Decay's liquid liner. I've also tried a few waterproof mascaras. I used to depend on my morning shower to get my face nice and clean for the day, but with all those waterproof products, I was having trouble getting all that make-up completely off.

I was given a couple of sample bottles of eye make-up remover from a friend and decided to try them out. The first was by Clinique:

Sephora, $18

Let's just say I was NOT a fan. It claims to be a "sting-free" formula. Lies. It not only stung, it didn't really work all that well. I was left with clumps of mascara and eye liner all over my eye. Gross. I still have 90% of the bottle remaining. I'm glad it was a gift. 

Next, I tried the Lancome BI-FACIL remover. This was a much better experience. 

Sephora, $27

This product activates when you shake it up. The ingredients separate, much like oil and water would and in order to be effective, you need to shake them together. This product works like a dream and easily and effectively removes all traces of even the toughest water-proof eye make-up. I used the entire bottle up in about 2 weeks time- about 2 ounces of remover. I hopped online to replenish my supply and was horrified at the price. $27 for a mere 4.2 ounces! I guess you get what you pay for, but at that rate, I would be spending between $30 and $60 per month to take off my eye make-up! Arrgh!!!

I decided to shop around. That is when I discovered Sephora's own version of the Lancome remover. For the same amount of product, I only spent $9.50! 

Sephora, $9.50

Much like the Lancome, this product has to be shaken in order for it to be effective. A few drops on a cotton ball are all I need to completely remove my eye make-up. It's a much more affordable option, and it is also available in a smaller version which is great for travel. (I do NOT want the TSA confiscating my beauty products because they are 1.2 ounces over the legal limit.) It does the job, quickly and cleanly and I highly recommend it. It's also safe for contact-lens-wearers (like me). Bonus! 

What is your go-to make-up remover? What do you love about it? Leave a comment and tell me! 

Shoesday Tuesday: I Finally Found Them...

For as long as I've been employed at my current job, I've tried and tried and tried to find the perfect pair of black boots. I wanted something vaguely western, with just enough of a heel to give a little support and definitely enough comfort to wear on a 10-hour day. Last year I was SO close. The boots I found were the perfect look, but my size wasn't available. I tried to squeeze into an 8 when what I really needed was an 8.5 or 9. In the end, I gave up and turned the boots over to my mom. They don't hurt her feet like they did mine.

This year, I was surfing the interwebs, trying once again to find the perfect boot. I'd already been to Nordstrom, Lord & Taylor, Aldo, Nine West, etc. both in stores and online. I found either completely flat, or heels that were way too tall. If the heel was right, then the boot was ruined with all sorts of chains and studs making them way too edgy for me. Finally, of all places, I went to Charlotte Russe and it was there that I found my perfect boots. Check 'em out:

Distressed Mid-Calf Riding Boot, Charlotte Russe, $40

I actually bought them in BOTH the cognac pictured above AND the black. I've worn them nearly every day since I got them and they are quite possibly the best boots I've ever owned. LOVE. At $40, I don't expect them to last beyond this season, so I'll be on a similar quest in a year, I'm sure. I would be happy to spend $100-200 on a high quality pair of boots, but I have yet to find ones that meet all my requirements. These are the right look, the right heel height, the right everything. 

What's your latest shoe quest? Leave a comment- I need to know I'm not alone! 

Mysterious Color Predicitions- WHY?!?!?

Did you know that there are people whose job is to predict what colors are going to be popular in the coming seasons? Did you know they are essentially fashion scientists? It is this elusive group of people that decides whether we are going to be wearing bright primary colors next fall or washed-out beachy tones. It's up to them as to whether or not I will be able to find a pair of fuchsia or ballet pink heels, whether I'm getting a forest green cardigan or chartreuse, whether it's mustard or lemon or amber that will be my go-to accessory color.

I have NO idea how they go about predicting what colors we'll love so that all the designers are sure to make lots of clothes and shoes and home decor in those exact shades. I do know that we do NOT agree. In 2004, I decided I needed the perfect pair of green heels. Not just any green- a rich, mossy, almost kelly green. Do you know when I found them? Last month. That's right- EIGHT years later, I found the right shade of green. Maybe I'm too picky.

Manolo Blahnik, Neiman Marcus, $595

Or not. In 2007, I was obsessed with all shades of coral. I loved the brightness of it and I just wanted to fill my closet with dresses and shoes and scarves and bags with that fruity, citrus-y color. Not orange. Not red. Not pink. Coral. When do you think I hit my coral stride? Last summer. Yup. I found a fabulous dress, an unbelievable handbag, earrings, a necklace- all in different, but perfect shades of coral. What year was that? Oh, yes- 2012. I had to wait FIVE years for the color I loved to become readily available. That's just obnoxious.

Ah, coral at last. 

It's as if Pantone is the Disney Vault of color and they tease us by keeping all our favorites in the vault, releasing certain shades and colors at their discretion. Will Disney release "The Little Mermaid" on Blue-ray in time for your niece's 7th birthday? Will Pantone release the right shade of red for me to re-decorate my bedroom this spring? Who knows?

What do you think of these color-predictors? Do you think it's a little bit dictatorial? Leave a comment. I want to know what you think!

My Greatest Fall/Winter Weakness

If there is something I swoon for more than a killer pair of heels or a luscious handbag, it's outerwear. Coats, jackets, capes- I love them all. I adore the idea of creating a second outfit to cover up another outfit so as to have TWO amazing stylish looks at various points throughout the day. This is no small feat, of course. In order to be as stylish outside as inside, there need to be quite a few outerwear options hanging in your closet. If I run into an amazing jacket or coat while shopping, I will be hard pressed to walk away from it.

Give me drama in the form of a bold color or a bright print or a full, fur collar. Give me an hourglass silhouette with a nipped-in waist and a full bottom. Give me a sleek look with a slim trench or simple cape. Give me toggles, give me buttons, give me zippers! Give me wool, cashmere, and fur for the cold months. Give me denim, suede and silk for the warmer ones. Just give me coats!!!

Outweear 1 by rtboo featuring wool coats

Of course the red coat would be Alexander McQueen. I can't help my great taste, I suppose.

Outerwear 2 by rtboo featuring monki

Blue is a universally flattering color. Get yourself a coat in some fabulous shade of blue and do it now.

Trench Coats by rtboo featuring a trench coat

You don't think that you need multiple trench coats? Silly. You need at least three. The first is a casual, every day trench in a neutral color such as taupe or grey. The second is a dressier, black trench for those times when you need to look a little more polished. The third is whatever you want it to be- a bright color, a funky collar and/or belt, a crazy print- it's the trench you wear to stand out in the crowd. Everyone needs a coat that makes them stand out in the crowd.

Are you beginning to understand the depths of my obsession with outerwear? (And we didn't even discuss accessories...) Do you have a similar obsession yourself? Please share!

Hello, there...

Hey, friends. It's been a while. I have to admit that life has been pretty full, pretty busy for the past year or so. There have been lots of brides, lots of gowns, lots of flights and lots of fun. When I moved back to New Hampshire just over 2 years ago (can you believe it's been that long?!?!?!?!), I had no idea what direction my life would go, but I couldn't be happier with things as they are right now.

Here's a not-so-brief update:

Work: My job is still the most awesome job I've ever had. I still have the best co-workers and bosses on the planet. Brides are mostly pretty great to work with, although we will always have a few doozies each season. (Just remember, they'll eventually get married.) I even got to go on a buying trip to Chicago where I got to see all sorts of gorgeous (and some not-so-gorgeous) dresses and even help decide which ones we will be carrying in the store next season! As for the alterations department, we're still alive and kicking- we're a fierce bunch and it takes a lot to get us down!

This photo was taken directly below the center of the famous "Bean" in Chicago's Millenium Park. Can you find me? 

Relationship: Things are going really well with "The Professor." In fact, just last weekend, my amazing coworkers flew him up here as a surprise for me- JUST BECAUSE! There was no special occasion, they are simply amazing friends who wanted to do an amazing thing for me. I was truly humbled by the experience- it's one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me. It was amazing to see my adorable BF, who has officially been my BF for a year as of this Monday, November 5th. How crazy is that? I remember when we started dating, everyone was like, "Yes, he's perfect for you, but you need to find someone just like him who lives in NEW HAMPSHIRE!!!!" I admit, early in the dating process, before he and I had become exclusive, I went onto match.com in search of this elusive man- the one just like the Professor, but who lives up north. On match.com, when viewing a member's profile, there is an option to click a button and "view others like him." I clicked. Here's what I got:

Yup. Denied. And  I have to admit, match.com was right- the Professor is truly unique and truly perfect for me. We've had our ups and downs over the last few months and fighting via Skype is particularly difficult. Fortunately the ups far outweigh the downs and right now we're stronger and happier than ever. I'll be flying down to visit him a week from tonight, actually. Just for funsies, here's a photo of us and the Sailors from Labor Day weekend when he came up for a visit: 

Friends and Family: Since I last posted, McKenzie got married, so that's pretty exciting! She wore a stunning gown by Jenny Packham and I had the pleasure of making her veil (which blew right off her head the minute she stepped out to walk down the aisle. Oh, well. My good friend Jen was recently engaged and I plan to attend her wedding with the Professor. I had the pleasure of helping her find her wedding gown and I also made her veil for her. The wedding is in January and I haven't even begun to think about what I'll wear. My mom has been busy as ever with her adorable German Shepherd dogs and the shutzhund training she does with them. I've even grown to enjoy the pups and even miss them a little when they're gone.

Fashion: I admit that I haven't been blogging much partly because I've been in a strange and new place shopping-wise. I'm perfectly content with everything in my closet and I have no real need for anything. I have great clothes that fit well and are in good shape. I have far too many shoes, but I make a point of wearing them all whenever I can. I love all of my accessories and I really don't see a void anywhere. I'm sure at some point, this phase will end. For now, my bank account is enjoying the break. (It's not that much of a break when all my extra money goes toward airline tickets and rental cars, but whatevs.) I'm still surrounded by fashionable people, so there really is no excuse to blog a little more.

Sewing and knitting: I've been doing a little of both in the last few months. I made a fabulous dress that I wore to McKenzie's wedding in September and I've knit quite a few little projects over the last couple of months. Here are some photos:

This lovely set was intended for my BF's 7-year-old daughter Grace. I actually just put it in the mail with her Halloween goodie bag this past week.

I could hardly knit something for Grace and not make something equivalent for the Professor's 10-year-old son, Owen. These pieces were made using the Appalachian State University colors (the Professor's alma mater and the school Owen wants to attend someday.)

After knitting a cream-colored version of this scarf for Juhree last year, I thought about making one for myself in green. I finally got around to it about a year later. Better late than never, right?

Blogging: I actually HAVE been blogging, just not here. You all know how I've taken over the blog for Madeleine's Daughter and I've really enjoyed doing it. Here are some of my favorite posts:

November 26, 2011
December 29, 2011
February 14, 2012
April 28, 2012

Since the busy alterations season is coming to an end, I'll be getting back into my blogging groove at the store, so if wedding-related posts are your thing, you might want to follow that blog, too! The posts I enjoy writing the most are the "Meet Our Bride" ones. I love seeing the photos from our brides and hearing what they have to say about their experience at the store. It's a great feeling to be a part of such a special time in a person's life.

I'll leave you with a silly photo from "The Sailor's Garden Party" that happened this past spring. I wrote a little about my outfit, but never posted a picture. Here you go:

I hope this is the first of many blog posts to come. I recently became a MacBook Pro owner and I have a feeling that owning a laptop that's a pleasure and not a chore to use will inspire me to write more posts. Time will tell. In the meantime, let me know what you'd like me to write about! Leave a comment!