Downgrade?

I went home for the holidays. It was good to see family and friends, and to have a home cooked meal. It was also good to go shopping with my sister like old times. While shopping in my old stomping grounds I discovered that my old city has added a Tiffany & Co. and a West Elm to the mall! OMG are you kidding me?!!! We don't have those stores in my new city, did I totally just downgrade when I left home?! Obvioulsy we went in both showrooms and gushed over the layout, selection, and history of the stores. I had to buy something from West Elm just to say I did. The blue box will come to me via gift someday (hopefully).

New sale price

My (hopefully soon to be) Banana Republic coat is now marked down to $94.99 from $119.99 from $225.00. I know I said I'd buy it at under $100 but, I think it will get marked down even lower so I'm gonna jepordize losing it and continue to hold out. There's only one XS size left in the store so I'm being awfully risky with this item. I'll keep you posted!

Commission anyone?

You would think in this economy that if a customer is wanting to purchase something from your store you as the sales associate would jump all over it. Not the case at Macy's. My sister gave me a gift card for my birthday to Macy's and I have been waiting for just the right pair of shoes to catch my eye to use the gift card on. I found them!... The Jessica Simpson Cornelia ankle boot in brown. This is just the style I've been searching all over for. They are ruched around the ankle in the perfect location for skinny pants and tights. They are the perfect round toe and short heel for someone on their feet for eight straight hours. So of course I enthusiastically take them off the table to the sales person to inquiry about the shoe and ask to try on my size. The shoe had absolutely no information on it. Tag missing, completely identity-less. I asked the sales person, "how much are these boots and can I try a size nine?" She goes on to notice that there is no tag identifying the shoe and says there was nothing she could do. According to her it would be like looking for a needle in a haystack. I couldn't believe my ears so I literally just stared at her, waiting for her to say, "but I'll see what I can do". Nope nothing like that, she pretty much gave them back to me to put them where I found them! So empty handed I leave Macy's in disgust with the customer service. Looks like these people aren't on commission. I found the boots on piperlime.com for $109.99 but I really want to use my gift card; what's a girl to do?

Sales still not helping

Are the holiday retail sales getting you out of the house to go buy buy buy? According to this year's numbers consumers continue not to spend money on items they deem as unnecessary saving for articles such as food, gas, etc. We rarely ever have sales in my store to avoid being classified as discount, but this season alone we've had two in an effort to get people in the door to spend. This week in my city Banana Republic had a 40% off of everything in the store for one day only sale. I've lumped myself in the group of folks who are hanging on to their every dime, but 40% off of everything I had to check it out! A lot of their items were already marked down and the catch to this new sale was that the 40% would only apply to regular priced items. I only found one thing that I felt I couldn't live without and it was a coat already marked down from $225 to $119.99 My friend accompanying me talked me out of the purchase but as soon as it's marked under $100 it's mine. Aldo shoes announced a one-day sale for this weekend only in my city that includes additional markdowns. The desperation on retail's face is depressing, and my store's numbers are even more depressing.

Smart AND gorgeous

Surprisingly my new obsession has nothing to do with clothes... In fact it's the exact opposite. Twenty-five year old millionaire Gurbaksh Chahal first caught my attention on Oprah. He launched a technology business at the age of 16 when he couldn't get a job in the not-so-blind United States. His business is thriving and now the technology entrepreneur has written a book and is creating a reality TV show about humanity. Not even 26 years old yet he's now worth over $100 million, but it was his supple skin and gorgeous face that initially caught my eye. I mean this man is gorgeous! When I googled him to see what else I could find out about him, this picture came up... ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!! I didn't expect to find this under the Armani suit. Chahal is brilliant, charming, and looks like a dream. He says he's single and having fun. Yeah I'll bet you are, wow!

Complimentary evening

I woke up this morning still thinking about my outfit! What I mean is, I finally wore my little black wool BCBG skirt. My friend JH and I went to the symphony last night and I thought, what a perfect place to go and put on ready-to-wear BCBG. I have to declare that we looked great! I wore the skirt with a very light-blue (nearly white) sleeveless cotton ruffle shirt and I put a fitted steal gray merino wool cardigan over it - both from Banana Republic; Black opaque tights and black patent booties that are only two inches in height. My date wore a pale pink button-down with a dark pink (striped with white) tie; Heather gray Yves Saint Laurent trousers and a navy corduroy two-button blazer accessorized with a brown belt and brown round-toe shoes. I mean does that not sound like the perfect pair or what?! We had an excellent time drinking, people-watching, and of course listening to the music. JH even got to shake the lead cellist's hand. The night was so much fun. And I have to mention that I've never seen so much fur (well except in Chicago) in my life! Now where else can we go to don our ready-to-wear pieces?...

Doing my part

What have I done?! I won't be eating for a month after this. I just spent like crazy at BCBG's fall 2008 ready-to-wear collection. I posted before about how much I love the line this season and I finally broke down and bought some pieces. Even though my bank account and my empty stomach will hate me after this, I'm so in love with my choices and isn't that what matters! Now I have to find somewhere to go to wear them, but thus far I pretty much love sitting here staring at them on its hanger. From Style.com I was able to find the black skirt I purchased and the slate gray dress too... The smile on my face = ear-to-ear! Plus I'm helping the economy. I plan to wear the skirt with black opaque tights and a patent bootie, still giving the top some thought. The dress with a shiny lame' legging in black and a chunky closed-toe heel most likely in black but you never know. Oh and the dress has a slit from the nape down to the lower back so when I turn around, surprise!!

Still the bachelorette

I am sooooo sad today. This is a little late because I've been a tad busy but I've just learned that DeAnna Pappas and Jesse Csincsak have called off their May 2009 wedding and have officially broken up. This is the bachelorette program that aired just this past summer where I was more than a little obsessed over. I just loved DeAnna, and her selection of male suitors were impeccable. So much so that I found myself rooting for a different front runner on more than one occasion, but ended up falling for runner-up Jason Mesnick (who's scheduled to be the next bachelor by the way). However when she chose Jesse I was very happy for them. I don't know why I'm so sad or surprised for that matter, I mean out of what 10 seasons only ONE couple has managed to make it?! But there was something special about this couple to me; they were so cute together. In the video clip Jesse posted he says that DeAnna told him that she is not in love with him. Something tells me she gonna find her way to NYC on a Graham Bunn search.

Attention shoppers

I was at work in the store today trying to get shoppers to come in and look at our beautiful collection and buy it up when one customer strolls in and asked, "how's business?" "How's business in this economy", I clarified? It was a fair question. Actually we haven't really felt the pinch during this drying economy. People come in all the time and spend mad money with us. There are times when I'm baffled that people drop that kind of cash on clothes especially now, but then I remember when I was making more money how I would just walk into a store and drop nearly four figures at once! I'm actually someone who considers future repercussions before acting in the present, but my shopping addiction gets the better of me at times. So food and gas prices are up, so folks are losing their jobs, so my investment portfolio is evaporating into thin air, but you still need to look fabulous right?! Researchers say that this is going to be one of the worst and slowest holiday sessions for the retail industry. I guess that means people would rather shop for themselves now than save for gift giving, or save for a potential rainy day for that matter. Whatever, just spend it here!

You're fired!

This has been such a busy and crazy week for me but I've finally made time to watch The Hills. I know it is absolutely pathetic to watch these kids' "reality" and have such strong opinions about it but I have to say FINALLY to the firing of Heidi from Bolthouse. I just never understood why her boss Brent would continually fight for her and defend her incompetence and insubordination. Well actually I do understand; I mean who doesn't want the exposure for their business from MTV's cameras all over the office. Heidi, as long as those cameras are following you around, you are welcome to act like a fool and still keep your job. That is until now. Heidi's boss was finally fed up by her unprofessional actions - drinking on the job, inviting friends to a private event, and just down right not working. How do you defend that? Pack your @#%* and get out... Sorry but I love it!

Destiny's Child part deux

First Matthew Knowles I mean P.Diddy kicks Aubrey out of pop group Danity Kane - Aubrey was the most popular and feisty member of the group. Diddy followed that up immediately by ousting Aubrey's sidekick Danity Kane member D.Woods (for no good reason I must add). Now my boy Andy just informed me that a third member Shannon has quit the group - who in my opinion had little purpose in the first... I'll never understand Diddy's reason(s) for choosing her. Anyway, what the heck is going to happen with the group now? Diddy swears that there will be a Danity Kane, but should he just let this one go? I suppose time will tell.

Shooties

I've put myself on a major shopping halt due to my dwindling deep pockets, however I was stopped in my tracks immediately as I was window shopping (literally) at the mall a few days ago. In the window of BeBe were these tall, black dominatrix platform pumps that literally had me hyperventilating. The shoe had a bootie look to them but with open toes and cut-outs on the side, clasped with three small silver buckles all the way up to the ankle. OMG these are amazing; if they weren't five inches tall (since I'm already 5'8") they'd be mine... Budget, what budget.

Winter White Boot

My girlfriend is in the process of purchasing a hot knee-high boot in white. Before pulling the trigger on the purchase she is wondering what outfits she can wear with them. Therefore I will take it upon myself to come up with some suggestions on how to wear them without looking like Halloween. FYI, I cannot wait for Halloween this year! The white long boot can be worn with dresses, skirts, short pants, and jeans.

Dresses: Can be worn mini, at the knee, or below the knee. At the risk of looking like a street walker the mini dress should not be form-fitting. The mini dress you choose should be loose and flowy. The empire waist cut in a mini is a good way to accomplish the loose and flowy look. Another option with the mini dress should be one with a lot of volume. For example ruffles, pleats, and chunky oversize knits are good here. A superb dress option cut at the knee is a belted shirt-dress. In the right fabric this look paired with a knee-high boot is perfection. Below the knee I'm giving the approval for a form-fitting dress. In the right cut a form-fitting dress not hitting past the end of your calve is a sexy silhouette. I also adore dresses hitting below the knee in a ball gown silhouette with a knee-high boot. Before you gasp let me explain! It has to be the right fabric like cotton or raw silk so that the look is a little less formal than an actual ball gown. Donna Karen and Bottega Veneta do this look fabulously.

Skirts: We can apply pretty much the same rules as with dresses. Minis should be worn voluminously like the bubble skirt or pleated skirt. At the knee a skinny or pencil skirt works well with a knee-high boot. Dolce & Gabbana is showing long skirts below the knee this season that have shape and volume to them, and it looks great.

Short pants: Pants above the ankle and below the knee can be worn with this boot. I'm a fan of the pant being tight or loose. Both looks work well here.

Jeans: This neutral cotton pant are a no brainer. Jeans can be worn with nearly anything. Tuck a skinny jean into the boot, or a short-pant jean left over the boot. You could do a jean or corduroy skirt too as long as the skirt hits to the knee or right above (no minis here). That paired with tights is a hot look.

I want to talk about color now. First of all, know that you can wear white shoes and boots anytime even after Labor Day. Vibrant colors like purple, raspberry, green, and orange are everywhere for fall. With dresses I prefer colorful prints to solid colors, however solid colors work with a white boot too. With the skirt option I like more of a solid or neutral color here and jazz up the look in a top with a vibrant solid color or colorful print. This holds true with short pants and jeans as well. I prefer a lighter denim wash with a white boot, but dark denim works as well most likely paired with a colorful print top with white included in the pattern. Another example is to do a pencil skirt in tan with a green, brown, and white top and brown tights. So there are lots of options and looks that go very nicely with a knee-high winter white boot.

Oh Alec

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm obsessed with handbags, shoes, and television. Mondays and Tuesdays are dedicated to Dancing With the Stars (well LC too but this isn't about her!). From the very beginning I assumed Toni Braxton would be the dancing celebrity to beat because of her performing background. I just learned from watching this show that she suffers from a heart condition where doctors do not encourage excruciating physical activity such as competitive dancing. However after more than two weeks of energetic dancing her heart is showing vast strength and improvement so doctor approval is now granted. I also mention Toni because I have to say that I am madly I mean madly in love with her professional dance partner Alec Mazo. His body and his dance moves are to die for, but I just can't get past that flawless face. His eye-to-nose-to-mouth ratio are distributed perfectly. Not to mention all that beautiful brown thick hair; he should be doing pert-plus commercials. Okay, I just completely dated myself, but you get my point! The man is paradisaical and I can't stop rewinding their clip to watch Alec and drool... And when he smiles, forget about it - breath in my body equals gone! By the way, their swing dance routine last night was killer despite the judges comments. And I just adored Toni's sparkly legwarmers.

Behind the backup

We're almost into November and I'm still reading my fashion magazines from June! I've been a little busy which has significantly backed me up, but there is an upside. In reading June magazine issues in October you actually get to read and view the fall fashion trends and what you should be wearing right now. I mean how annoying is it to be in sunny steaming hot June reading about the fall collections? Maybe it's just me but I want to think about fall in the fall! Not only am I very behind in my magazine issues, but I've found a designer who is proliferating my problem - Catherine Holstein. Holstein, who is only 24, is mentioned in Elle's June issue as showing her first full collection at NY fashion week. One particular look has managed to have the pages of my Elle issue come to a complete halt! I cannot turn the page because I can't stop staring at what she's calling the bubble coat. I love love love it, don't you? I have to have it!



See her entire fall collection at Elle.com

The Beautiful People

Don't you just love beautiful people? I had the most strikingly gorgeous family come into my store today. First I noticed the woman, well primarily because I was assisting her. She had to be in her late 30s, but had a figure like a 20 year old. She put her dark long hair loosely into a ponytail, while wearing pink blush and sporting a pale pink glossy lip with mascara on her lashes to polish off the whole natural look. I was so smitten by her beauty that I didn't even notice her little girl until she dropped the handbag my mannequin was holding. Whoa, this little girl had to be 6 years old and the cutest darn little thing I've ever seen. Her face is destined to be the muse of a major fashion designer one day I just know it. Just when I was going to mention that I know where this adorable little girl gets her looks, her smoking hot daddy walks in! DANG! Tall, tan, lean, and damn fine!!! He had a head full of salt-n-pepper wavy hair that I couldn't help but to imagine running my fingers through. He was accompanied by two more older but cute kids. What a match made in heave to procreate.

Hate change

I have been shopping with Origins for my skincare needs for years. I'm mostly a fan of their moisturizer for oily skin named Matte Scientist, but I feel that my adulation toward them is about to change. I went to the store and picked up a new bottle in my favorite moisturizer only I was unable to find the bottle in its usual location. The sales woman told me the bottle is in the same spot it just has a new look. The box and bottle were short and stumpy. I immediately assumed the company cut out on the 1.7 fluid ounces the old bottle provided. She assured me that everything is the same (the ingredients, the size) only the packaging has changed. I say okay and go ahead and purchase it. I HATE IT! The new bottle has a much smaller opening for distribution so when trying to pour the moisturizer either nothing comes out or way too much comes out. There is absolutely no portion control with this new bottle. To make it worse when too much manages to come out (which is ALL the time) the opening is so small that I cannot add the un-needed portion back into the bottle, which leads to waste, which leads to needing a refill sooner than later. I love the formula so much, but this new bottle is making me want to switch moisturizers in a hurry. I think I'm going to send them my comments on the new packaging so they are aware that they are losing a customer due to this undue change. Don't you just hate consumers like me, but they need to know why my allegiance has come to an end!

Stand tall

I am so in love with BCBGirls fall 2008 shoe collection I just don't know what to do with myself! Luckily I'm in a job where I'm on my feet most of the time so I can justify why I should not have any of these shoes since none of them seem to come in a heel shorter than 4 inches tall. Okay so maybe I should just find somewhere outside of work to wear them right? Don't be a bad influence, I need to find comfortable shoes now, and with my paycut I cannot deviate from the plan. But I had to post these two pair on here; these are to die for!

Friday night lights

Tonight my girlfriends and I are going to a "little black dress party"; how fun does that sound?! People who arrive there early enough can register for a chance to win 1 of 5 designer purses - Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, Coach, Dooney & Bourke, and Juicy Couture, I'm mean how sweet is that?!! And they aren't little out-of-season wallets (although I wouldn't care!), they are full fledged handbags! I'm dying to win the Michael Kors bag, which is a leather zebra print mid-size cluth. Of course I'd be ecstatic just to win anything nevermind the bag I would end up winning, although the Louis is definitely worth the most. Besides the stress I'm feeling from having get there in time, I'm trying to decide what to wear. I've narrowed it down to 3 little black dresses. Everyone is wearing a black dress obviously so I need my dress to stand out. Shoes and accesories will contribute to that, but I need the perfect dress (that's already in my closet). I have no idea what my friends are wearing but they always come correct so I'm not worried about them. Okay off to decide.

Frozen fingers

Do you like this trend? I love it! The fingerless glove is definitely a fashion statement and not meant to keep your little fingers from falling off in frigid temperatures. The look is everywhere and I couldn't resist participating in the phenomenon. Alright phenomenon is a little strong, but this look is worldwide. We have them in the store I work at as a fingerless mitten. This pair I'm wearing are from France and I just heart them! Wait, je les adore!

The Euro Move

I've just returned from western Europe and I have to say it was one of the best times I've experienced. The feeling of being there is delightfully unexplainable. Aside from the chilly temperatures, the towns and atmosphere were exquisite. The streets paved in beautiful cobblestone, and buildings and churches built in the 1800s were amazing. We hung out in the square mostly, an area fill with lots of people shopping, eating, working et cetera. While shopping in the square we realized that the major shops are open and closed during the same hours when most people work, i.e. 8am - 7pm (somewhere around that). In other words you had better get your shopping in before work or during your lunch break because we're getting off when you get off! This philosophy has immediately lead me to set my sights on relocating to Europe. Oh, I've recently left the unstable world of finance for the unpredictable world of retail. It's been a long time coming since fashion is my passion. I'm really impressed on how the Europeans realize there is more to life than working. I could close my store and meet my accounting and lawyer friends for dinner and drinks by 8pm! Unlike in the states where I'm forced to decline invitations due to late night closing hours. I'd better brush up on my French speaking!

Tied at the waist

I am so in love with this look. BCBG Max Azria for fall 2008 ready-to-wear collection featured these belts that were worn unconventionally; they were tied and knotted at the waist with the buckle left to fall and flap from movement. I find the look to be fun, different, and fresh. So much so that I went out and purchased one of my own in stone. The sales associate informed me that the belt comes in beige, cognac, stone, and gray, which all looked great. I imagine that I can pair more things together with the belt in stone. I cannot wait to wear it!




photos from style.com

Bravo has done it again

Oh my God Oh my God I found a new television show to obsess over. I think this is probably going to be my all time favorite. I'm talking about the The Rachel Zoe Project, which airs Tuesdays on Bravo. Rachel Zoe is a stylist to the stars, which means she has astronomical access to designer clothes and gowns, jewelry, shoes, bags, you name it. Oh and the designers lend them all to her for FREE! That's right, zero funds needed! Respect. She works out of her gorgeous house where she has designated a room for all of the wonderful free pieces called the studio. Her assistants consist of a cute bitchy blond named Taylor and a green endearing guy named Brad. Rachel admits that Taylor is her everything and relies on her an awful lot. Brad is the newbie who is abundantly excited to be in this world of Rachel Zoe styling. I love how much into fashion on an extreme level Rachel seems to be. She comes across on the show as very passionate and is a self proclaimed perfectionist. Her studio is filled with one of a kind haute couture pieces that one could only dream to be in the presence of. They show her and her team walking into boutiques where the designers and store managers are tripping over themselves to cater to them throwing hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of items their way. Let's just say that I cannot imagine. Future shows will tape her at fashion week, designers' studios, photo shoots, etc. So because I'm obsessed with fashion I pretty much found the TV show I'm newly addicted to.

Peas in a pod

Well today is the last day of New York fashion week, and once again I go another season absent from attendance. I'll make it there some day I promise. The people who were lucky enough to attend however, secured a spot in witnessing some marvelous trends taking over next spring. We'll see all of the coverage soon enough, but photographers managed to capture my favorite two style icons, and together: JLo and Posh! What a combo right?! The pair were seen together at the Marc Jacobs show looking as lovely as ever. Jennifer's white dress is a vision, and all the baby weight is completely gone and then some. And how about Victoria's gorgeous new pixie cut. She has the face and her head has the shape to pull off nearly any hair cut. I didn't realize the two fashionistas were friends, but I suppose all mega-celebrities are friends.

Photo from People.com

Just Stand Up

Pic from stereohyped.com

HOW in those stripper pumps?! These are some of the ladies who graced the Fashion Rocks stage last night singing their dedication in support of cancer research titled, Just Stand Up. Being the shoe fanatic that I am the first thing that I noticed (aside from Beyonce's hair) was the ladies' shoes. Clearly the wardrobe for this number called for a black Stand Up To Cancer tee and dark bottoms. Although it looks like Natasha Bedingfield either didn't get the memo or wanted to display her rebellious ways dressed in bright white skinny jeans. All of the ladies work black stripper-like pumps. Platform heels 4+ inches tall in open-toe, closed-toe, knee-boots, and calve-boots, etc. The shoes were all definitely and undeniably sexy. If I had the opportunity to have one of the outfits for myself, I would choose Ciara's look. I just love the lame' legging, but the woman best dressed goes to Carrie Underwood. She looks comfortably sexy in her bermuda length jeans, and those fabulous pumps she wore are to die for! Leona Lewis is a close second for me in her chic pencil skirt and the strappy bootie. Oh the other thing I noticed: did Mariah really need to bring her bling bling microphone to sing a charitable song?

Dance Darling Dance

I have been so obsessed with all of the dance TV shows airing lately that it has inspired me to sign up for dance classes. Okay duh I already know how to dance, but I have never partaken in choreographed dancing. I began taking a dance style known as Afro Fusion, where Hip-Hop dancing meets African dance for a 10-week course. The class was dynamic and high energy to African drums & rhythms and hip-hop music. There were times when I thought I was going to pass out, but I somehow lasted the entire hour every week. Our choreographer taught us three different Afro Fusion pieces to three hip-hop songs, along with different individual moves to African beats. Each piece was creative, kinetic, and sexy, but I always felt I was slow to perfect the pieces in its entirety during class, especially the individual moves separate from the three pieces. By the tenth week however I felt like I nailed all three routines and was proud of myself. We ended the session on a high with new friendships and self-confidence, and I was happy. Before we left she told us that all of the instructors of the dance studio will be performing at a local theatre in celebration of the studio's 15 year anniversary. Knowing how well my teacher dances I was more than happy to support the celebration showcasing the choreographers. The week of the show, my teacher emailed me and all of the ladies in my class asking us if we would like to participate in the celebration by flaunting one or more of the routines we learned. I reluctantly replied that I would be happy to contribute to the exhibition. After a couple of practices, we were on stage facing 100 people! I could not believe what I got myself into. I haven't performed in front of people since my fifth grade play! I was extremely nervous just hoping and praying that I would not mess up any of the steps. To top things off she incorporated a solo section; so not only did we have to perform the pieces she choreographed for us in class, but we had to come up with a solo to do immediately after. Well I got through it and it was exhilarating! I would definitely do it again. By the way, we wore solid color tees (pink for me) and kente cloth to wrap as a skirt (purple with white trimming for me). The theme was to be colorful and joyous.

John Casa-got-ya

I just got back from the worst model casting of my life. I received a phone call from the local offices of John Casablancas modeling agency telling me that I was highly referred and to come and audition with them at their local office. She said the audition would consist of getting some photographs taken and walking the runway, all in hopes to see how my look and personality come across on camera and the stage. It goes without saying that I was mildly excited. Okay uber excited, but it did not come without hesitation. You see, my sister was signed with them a while ago and her experience with them was less than pleasant. However, the modeling bug has bitten her again and she has decided to try and work with them again. My thinking after hearing that, how bad could JC have been?

I walked into the JC doors to see other potential talent occupying the lobby filling out paperwork. After my paperwork was completed the receptionist told me to go into a room to have my photograph taken. The photographer took 3 snapshots of me, all head shots then sent me on my way. I was then sent into a room with all of the other auditioners to await the next step. The room was set up like a runway fashion show with chairs lined up all around the room except one back wall. A woman then comes in and tells all of the hopefuls to line up against the back wall. My mind quickly took me to the Janice Dickenson show where Janice lines up hopeful models and picks and chooses who she wants. Well I could only dream it would work that way here, because this woman came in and took a seat on the runway and her sales pitch began. She went on and on about the tough industry, the great company JC, your realistic talents blah blah blah. She literally had us STANDING for over an hour selling us the JC spiel. At that point I was done and was ready to walk out. It didn't help to find out that I was there to audition to be an actress as well as a model... What?

She finally sends us one by one down the runway (the modeling audition), and when we returned from the runway we had to read a line from a small script (the acting audition). There were approximately 25 people there (men and women) so you can imagine how long the process took after each person auditioned. When it got to me I of course killed the runway audition, but my reading of the lines admittedly could have gone a little better, but oh well I was there to model anyway so I thought.

When the audition session was over she then asked every single hopeful how badly we want it and if we have any prior experience. She booked an appointment with us individually and sent us on our way(finally), but wait she confesses that not every appointment booked tonight will be kept. She was falsely booking appointments with some people, who were going to receive a cancellation phone call the next day, and booking actual appointments with others. Huh? What kind of technique is this? She kept calling out names and "booking" appointments sending people off only I waited and waited for my name to be called. Geesh get to me already lady! When she finally called me she asked me how badly I want to model then she said, "you know, I want to talk to you some more, could you have a seat?" NOOOO! I want to go home! I'm starving and I've been standing up for 2.5 hours straight now. Unless you're ready to sign me right now we have nothing to talk about. I didn't say any of that, I just said, "OK" and took a seat.

She went through the rest of the names, sent them home then finally asked me to come back up. She told me she sees a lot of potential in me and told me with this profession I need to invest in myself since I'm starting from scratch. She asked if I was ready to do that. In other words, does your bank account have room for us? I told her no I'm not ready to take on such an investment. She asked that I call her when I am ready and gave me her card. I ran out of there and threw all the information I gathered from them in my trash. What a complete waste of time!

Dream Girl

Dang Jennifer Hudson looks good. She's been dropping the pounds, has a funky fresh new hair cut, and a great new single. Now I'm starting to see what my sister saw in her ages ago... Wow!

My name is D-Nice

My man and old school rapper D-Nice got married last Saturday in Newark, New Jersey to actress Malinda Williams. Derrick Jones, his born given name, is now a DJ. I used to be in LOVE with D-Nice. Not only because of his obvious boyish good looks, but his skill on the microphone was to die for. Man he had some hits. When I think of today's music the nostalgia I'm feeling is just too strong to shoo away. Here are some photos from the nuptials of the beautiful couple originally covered by Essence magazine.

Thanks sis for the pictures... sniff sniff

ABDC

MTV aired the winner for season two's America's Best Dance Crew - Super Crew. This show is probably my favorite reality dance competition because it focuses on a group of dancers (4-7 members) who have formed a crew and are given challenges where they create their own choreography for the weekly task at hand. Also, the show focuses on Hip-Hop, my favorite dance style. Okay I have to admit that whatever dance show is in season is usually deemed my favorite dance competition, i.e. I'm just bananas over So You Think You Can Dance during their season. However, I'm not going to see the SYTYCD tour. I'm more interested in seeing the ABDC tour. This will be the program's first feature large city tour, and will consists of dance crews from both seasons one and two. The Jabbawockeez were the winner of season one and have gone on to do some interesting things, such as a dedicated scene in the movie Step Up 2, an on-stage performance with Ne-Yo at the BET awards, just to name a couple. MTV has only announced a few dance crews who will be gracing the stage for this tour: seasons one and two winners Jabbawockeez and Super Crew respectively. Also joining the major tour is BreakSk8 from season one, the sexy hip-hop dancers who dance at all times with skates on their feet. During the post-show for season two's finale we learned, along with them, that ASIID will also be included on the tour. Hostess Julissa inadvertently asked ASIID how it feels to be joining the tour. The dance crew looked at her silently in confusion, shock, and amazement; then one dance member asked, "we are?" Julissa responded, "oh yes, you are!" The tour starts September 18th, with tickets currently on sale. I presume they will release the remaining participating dance crews soon, especially if they want to sell more tickets.

Love to hate LC

OhmiGod OhmiGod The Hills are back tonight! Perez Hilton said it best: The Hills is the only show where you'll find anywhere from a ten year old and a fourty year old gossiping about the same thing! Can't wait to watch...

We're talkin' about Practice!

This is a classic press interview with Allen Iverson that my friend e-mailed me. Iverson was going on and on about being criticized when he was missing team practices while on the Philadelphia 76ers squad. Give it a listen for a good chuckle!

Never too soon

I was in H&M (out of state) with my girlfriend hoping to find some inexpensive summer outfits. I managed to pull out of there some dressy tees, cute short-sleeved button-ups for work and seductive clubbing tops. My girlfriend and I were trying on the clothes in the middle of the store because you know the dressing rooms are always ridiculously crowded. Just as we continued walking around the store loading up on magnetic clothes dripping over our arms, I spotted it: a black satin full bell finely pleated skirt! I immediately thought New Year's Eve party or company holiday party. What is this doing out on display in the store and available for purchase in July! Then I remembered the fashion world is always a step ahead, maybe 5 steps ahead. Anyway, I had to have it and at $50 it was a no-brainer. I have no top in mind for it at the moment, but I was blown away that H&M could have such a classy photogenic piece. The skirt hits at my calves so I'm thinking a tall heel, a subtle solid-color top and accessories will pull the look together. I'll be the bell of the ball!

Off to Origins

I'm off to Origins to spend money that I would not otherwise spend without this coupon. I purchase most of my skincare products from Origins, therefore every year the store sends me a $10-off coupon in honor of my birthday. The receipt of this coupon was timed perfectly since I'm out of moisturizer right now. I'm quite certain I'll find other things to add to my shopping cart because I just heart their products. I've actually been meaning to pick up a body scrub so now is the right time to shop away with them!

OMG Shuz

Oh my Goodness I found the most hot, the most sexy, the most do a double-take shoes of my life! I stopped by Dillard's today with my girlfriends before an after-work function just to browse, and this stunning hot pink BCBGirls peep-toe pump just screamed out at me; "try me on, you know you wanna". After drooling and caressing them, I more than wanted to try them on and I did. My friends busted out laughing at my reaction when I scoped them on my feet. Hello Lovah! The way the heel curved from the bottom of my foot to the ground literally took my breath away! After prancing around in them I desperately knew this fuchsia patent shoe, despite its full price, had to find a place in my closet. See the picture, aren't they amazing! Now my next task is to pair these vibrant obsessions with the right outfit.

Dial no more!

I'm a big fat JINX! As you most likely know by now I am a huge fan of the show So You Think You Can Dance, and I am obviously a huge fan of dancer Will on the show. We are now down to the top 8 dancers, where we are no doubt getting down to crunch time. The talent at this point is so superb that the elimination round is nerve wrecking to everyone including the viewers. With this in mind I take it upon myself to pick up the phone and dial the assigned "888" number for the first time to in observing the show. Who do I vote for you ask? Of course Will and Twitch! I'm partial to men and these are arguably two of the best male dancers this show has ever seen! I'm sure most of America feels the same way; there is no way voters were not inspired to pick up the phone for these two! Only yes there is a way. Will and Twitch are the bottom two men this week! I, and it would seem the judges (who have no power at this point in the season), are baffled, stunned, shocked!!! This has to be some sort of prank; I demand a recount! Will was ultimately sent home packing in astonishment, and not the good kind. We'll see him again though... Well, I will as my friends are I are seriously contemplating going to the SYTYCD tour! Will is only 21-years-old, so he has years and years of brilliance to display to the world. In the meantime, I'll miss your smile on the show Will (and those abdominals)!

Get off the Banana Boat

I heard an interesting fact on the radio during my morning drive today. The DJ listed sun protection products that don't do much protecting, one namely Banana Boat. Yes one of the biggest, successful, popular skin care products is on the list of suspicious components when it comes to sun damage protection. I was most interested because I was at the beach a few weeks ago and used Banana Boat's Ultra Defense spray product in SPF 30. I naturally have a lot of melanin in my skin, which means it takes a lot for the sun to burn me. I applied with this Banana Boat product quite liberally, but for some reason throughout the weekend it felt as if I hadn't applied anything at all. The sun is extremely strong in the south hence why I oppted for the Ultra Defense sunblock line. Well just like the DJ reported this morning, the product did not work! Despite constant application, I was burned just as I suspected was happening! I knew I heard my back sizzling. Hawaiian Tropic was another product on the list where its ingredients are not up-to-par according to this report. I cannot recall what specifically is in (or not in) these products that deem them unfit sun protectants, but after experiencing first hand the lack of effectiveness, I'll add Banana Boat to the do not use list.

Heavenly Will

I have a new love of my life: William Wingfield. Will dances on season four's TV show So You Think You Can Dance and is arguably the most talented of the ten remaining dancers; I mean his technique is ridiculous. He trained with dance choreographer legend Debbie Allen, who shows up regularly in the crowd to cheer him on. Aside from Will's incredible skill, his body is off the charts!! Now everyone knows that dancers have some of the best bodies on the planet, but Will's body is unbelievable! I only noticed this quality of Will's during week five where he performed a Mandy Moore's lyrical jazz routine shirtless! In the piece his shirt ended up being the prop that helped tell the story and boy was I thankful! The number was absolutely incredible, and the best his partner Jessica King has ever danced on this show. The following week Will danced practically naked to a Tyce Diorio contemporary routine where my jaw was to the floor. This man has to be about 3 percent body fat, I mean amazing; And the moves these choreographers request of him, the astonishing strength and power that are needed to achieve the beauty behind the numbers are extraordinary. Any style that Will performs he does so with grace and makes his moves look effortless. At a recent judgement Mia Michaels told Will that she thinks he is tired of carrying his current dance partner Jessica; Well I wish he would carry me. He could carry me anytime!

Photo from YahooTV

The Bachelorette final rose week

I was at work the whole day dying with anticipation of the final episode. Who will she choose: Jason or Jesse? After last week I truly feel like it's going to be Jesse, but lets find out shall we! First they summarize the relationship she has with the two men, and it's so clear how different the relationships are with both of them. During this episode she takes them to meet her family in Georgia who she confesses she is extremely close to. Jason is up first and he seems to be very comfortable right from the start. He's being himself smiling, being articulate, sharing his feelings for his son and for DeAnna. He handled the interrogation from her sister and her father with grace. Jason even asked her father for his permission to propose to DeAnna, which her dad was especially impressed by. After his departure DeAnna's family enthusiastically gave Jason the two thumbs up.

Next Jesse comes to DeAnna's family's house where her father warns her just before Jesse's arrival that he plans on grilling him. They could tell immediately that Jesse was nervous. He came across less than talkative, shy with not much depth to him. Her dad took Jesse for a one-on-one conversation where he basically threatened him if he doesn't let his daughter visit home frequently. Jesse admits to DeAnna that he "blew it" during the visit. He was not incorrect in his assessment of how the day went. In the family summary of the two men they raved about Jason and definitely encouraged that relationship. Her father also shared his disappointment that Jesse did not ask his permission to marry DeAnna if it came down to it. I LOVE Jason, but I thought the family was very judgemental when it came to Jesse and did not give him a chance from the beginning. Also, they kept focusing on how long his hair is - um WHO CARES! Does he love and treat your daughter with respect?

Later that day the men get the chance to met her entire family, and Jesse is first. He seems a little more relaxed and less nervous this time around, but five minutes later the doorbell rings and Jason is standing there. The entire family meeting is a big party (slash competition) for the two men to simultaneously vie for the family's affection. They did a great job and I could see both men fitting into the family nicely. Jesse takes this opportunity to ask DeAnna's dad for his permission to propose to her, and he grants it after a few questions. The family now seems torn about who DeAnna should choose, so I suppose that puts her back to square one. Man after this day Jesse has moved up tremendously in my book.

The scene returns back to the Bahamas where they show Jeremy needing to talk with DeAnna - WHAT THE?! This is like real life, wow! He shows up at her place and tells her that she's made a huge mistake by letting him go. He tells her how much he loves and needs her, and practically begs her to give them a chance and I just lost it. He says he didn't open up during the process and he was afraid and guarded. Huh? He was the one man who opened up the most and let her know just how he felt from the beginning. She tells him that she doesn't love him and that they're not meant to be. You heart breaker you. They hug goodbye and that's the end of Jeremy. God where are my kleenex.

DeAnna goes on one more date with Jesse. Jesse's calves look amazing in his shorts, but more so than that, Jesse's hands are so sexy! After the beach he gives her a photo album and tells her she is his soul mate and that he loves her; so cute! Next up is Jason and he is running into her arms. They swim with sharks then back in his room he gives her a board game that he made that described their time together... Have I mentioned that I LOVE Jason! He tells her he loves her and they say goodnight.

Now for the moment we've been waiting for. The men go engagement ring shopping by Tacori and Jason chooses a cirque setting (center stone encircled) with a cushion cut center stone and one smaller round stone on each side. Jesse chooses a pave' setting (diamonds down 3 sides!) with a princess cut center stone. Both men look so incredibly handsome; Jason with a navy suit, royal blue shirt and orange tie (which he noted his son chose). Jesse with a charcoal suit, pink shirt and multicolored tie. DeAnna looks beautiful wearing a strapless chiffon blue/green gown and subtle strappy silver heels. First to pull up in the limo is Jason... OH NO!!! Not really a surprise, but it's reality now that he's getting dumped. He walks towards her with a huge smile plastered on his face. He reaches her and hugs her tight. They gaze into each others eyes, then he immediately gets down on one knee. He looks up at her only to hear "no, I can't". The look on his face after hearing that, I instantly started balling! He sat on one knee for what felt like an eternity staring at her in disbelief. I kept torturing myself by rewinding that clip, I just couldn't get over the look of distress on his face. She finally pulls him up and tells him that he's amazing and that she cares for him, but that she's in love with someone else. He gives her a long hug goodbye and she walks him out to the limo. While in the limo he legitimately looks confused and distraught and it's so sad to watch. Jesse pulls up in the limo next and he looks very nervous. The host leads him to DeAnna and they embrace and kiss. She stands there in silence and Jesse begins speaking to her about his feelings for her. Another moment of silence then he gets down on one knee while showing her the ring in the box. He asks, "will you spend forever with me"? She stares down at him then answers, "yes"! He stands up briskly and kisses her then places the ring on her finger. She finally tells him she loves him in return and places the final rose on his lapel. That's the finale. I don't want to nip pick, but I hope my guy actually uses the word "marry" in his proposal. Anyway, a very cute ending and a very good choice for her. They revealed later the wedding date is in May 2009. Hopefully this couple works out.

Friday uniform

Today is Hawaiian shirt day at work! Okay, this is not as corny as it sounds. Some of the folks at my company decided to pay homage to the classic movie Office Space, which has a scene where the boss (Lumbergh) tells his employees that this Friday they can where a Hawaiian shirt and jeans. In the movie, the revelation was received with less than enthusiasm i.e. no reaction at all after the announcement, which made the scene even funnier. Some of my coworkers and I actually went shopping for the distinctive shirt but all we could find were big manly sizes. So the mission turned into which one of us women can take this big ugly Hawaiian shirt and make it fashionable. I have to say that I was pretty impressed with today's outcome: One woman put a trendy thick white belt over her big Hawaiian shirt - Very chic! Another woman wore the big shirt unbuttoned over top a long tank and tied the big shirt into a knot at her ribcage with the two ends - Very sexy. I tucked the big shirt into my jeans after cinching it at the waist in the back, which left the front clean and sleek, and the back a slight droop. I topped off the look with a skinny yellow belt through the belt loops of my jeans. Don't worry, it was very cute considering!

The Bachelorette week 7

Wow, what a tear jerker! I could also say, wow what a shocker! This week, after she finally got rid of Graham who was showing her zero love, DeAnna takes the guys individually on a romantic getaway excursion to Grand Bahama Island. Jeremy was first up for his last opportunity to prove his love for her. On this date they hung out on the beach, talking, goofing around, well Jeremy's boring version of goofing around but who cares did you see his body?!! Okay focus. They had dinner and Jeremy was acting nervous and fidgety, then he finally got it out that he really cares for her and cannot see his life without her in it. Throughout the day she seemed very into him and labeled him "perfect" countless times. She thanked him for expressing his feelings and lead him to the fantasy suite where they made out and God knows what else.

Next up was Jason on the same island. Is it only me who finds it weird that she's romancing these guys intimately at the same location? As soon as Jason sees her he runs into her arms. I'm sorry but I just find Jason so amazingly adorable. His smile is a winner and the way he looks at her and kisses her; envy! He has so much more life in him than Jeremy. Jason is constantly talking (in a good way) or laughing or showing her affection. They went on a picnic and kayaked, then to a late night dinner. I was a bit nervous for him however because I got the feeling during dinner that she wasn't as much into Jason as he is her. Every time he kissed her, which was a lot, she seemed to be caught off guard or would pull away I thought. I sat there baffled. What woman in her right mind wouldn't kill for that kind of attention from Jason?! Anyway, Jason went as far as to tell her he is falling in love with DeAnna, then off to the fantasy suite they go!

Last was Jesse to join her at the exotic location. Her face lights up enormously as she sees him running towards her. I'm wondering where did all of this come from? She's into Jesse? Jesse seems like a great guy, but she admits that these fond feelings for him are unexpected. During their day-date they went horseback riding (how romantic) and had a picnic where they seemed to just fit together in every aspect. He even calls her "Dee"! She initiates plenty of kisses with Jesse, which I did not notice her do with either of the other two men. Then was dinner where he pretended to not want to go to the shared suite until after he meets her parents. DeAnna was stunned, but he didn't let the feeling of rejection last too long and they took off to the fantasy suite.

After those three very different very intense dates I pretty much know who she is letting go: Jason, sniff sniff. Maybe I can find him for myself! First she calls out Jesse's name to receive the rose. My prediction is coming true. There's no way she's getting rid of Jeremy... right? "Jason, Jason will you accept this rose?" WHAT! OH MY GOD! From day one she's been all about Graham and Jeremy and you mean to tell me that neither one will be meeting her family or be putting a rock on her finger?! Wow I am shocked, and so was Jeremy. The perplexed look on his beautiful face lead me to tears. He admits that he is in love with her and that he is hurt. After a few miles in the limo, he tells the driver to stop and he gets out of the car to pace the grounds. This episode really touched me.

The Bachelorette week 6

All I need to say is FINALLY! Finally DeAnna sent Graham on his merry cocky way. This week DeAnna visited the home towns of the final four men. Colorado, Texas, Washington, and North Carolina. The first three town visits and dates went very well and I could see that the men were really into her. Jesse finally kissed her, Jeremy and Jason were their usual loving affectionate selves. Graham started out as loving with DeAnna, but for some reason after dinner with the parents he completely turned cold. I think he is bipolar with a really really hot body. At the end of all of the home visits as DeAnna goes to leave them, the men hold her in his arms as if he can't live without her and we viewers can feel the passion. Graham barely looked at her, barely touched her, not even a peck and put her in the truck with hardly a goodbye. How could he behave that way knowing the next time he sees her will be at the rose ceremony? He either 1) overestimated his hold on her or 2) is just not that into her! The answer is 3) all of the above. Finally at the rose ceremony DeAnna comes down the stairs looking the best she's ever looked in my opinion with some crazy hot shoes on and doesn't wastes anytime but delves right into the rose distributions. She calls Jesse, Jeremy, then shocker she calls Jason and not Graham! Wow she finally took the blinders off and realized that this guy who she has a strong attraction to is not treating her the way she deserves. She offers to walk Graham out to say goodbye forever this time. They go to sit on the bench outside and she lets him have it. She tells him that she gave him numerous chances for him to express his feelings for her and he refused. She told him that he was the only one she was in love with. She accused him of swaying back and forth while smiling during the rose ceremony, which she was not happy with. I'm beginning to think she had every intention on calling Graham's name until that very moment. He turns his head away from the cameras as if to hide his too little too late emotions. He stands up and hands her a letter and asks her to read it. It's not clear if it was a goodbye letter and he expected not to be called, or just an old fashion love letter. I guess we'll find out next week. For now, peace-out Graham.

Shopping spree

I was walking around downtown with my girlfriend who was in town on business when we discovered the cutest little boutique. "Let's go in" she said... OK! CATCH22 is such a cute little shop with a young female owner. It has a men's side and a women's side, with of course most of the inventory dedicated to women. Man there were some cute stuff in there, and stuff I'd never seen before; very innovative and creative clothes. I wanted everything in there. Dresses, trousers, jeans, tees, et cetera, but not your typical style. I loved how they placed throughout the store framed pictures of celebrities who don some of the purchasable items. I also loved that the price points were from the low end to kind of pricey. A little something for everyone. My girlfriend purchased a really cute bag. She was hesitant to pull the trigger initially because it was a big bag (I love big bags) and it was silver. I convinced her to buy it and she did. Did I mention that I wanted everything in there? Reality set in and I only purchased a few tops that are so cute that I'm already planning their reveal. I also picked up a pair of Kasil jeans designed by David Lim. The tops were reasonably priced, but the jeans were a bit up there. There were many other items in the boutique that I wanted to acquire but I decided to be relatively good. There was a bright red dress and I keep thinking about it. It did not come in small and I could have tried on a medium, but was advised against it. It would have been a great addition to the wedding invitation wardrobe, but oh well. I'm quite happy with what I did decide on.

The Bachelorette week 5

I know why I am obsessed with this show - the guys are unbelievably hot! Kudos to ABC for selecting this crop of smiling, olive skin, 12-pack having male suitors. I don't know where these guys are from and what's in the water there, but I've never met 30-year men with normal jobs that have bodies like this. Jeremy is a Real Estate Attorney. I know for a fact that this profession puts in numerous hours at the office, so where in the world does he find time to look like that?! ABC lists Graham as a professional basketball player, which would explain the body, but he clearly states that he is a business professional living in New York City. I guess the basketball thing didn't work out. Jason is an Account Executive, and the guy I find most attractive. Like I said, normal jobs right. Jesse is a Snowboarder and is probably the least physically fit (but still not bad), which is ironic considering his profession. In last night's episode DeAnna mentioned how she found herself suddenly attracted to Jesse for the first time during their group date where they each rode an all-terrain bike. I have to say that I concur. The way Jesse handled the bike was pretty sexy, but then he takes off his helmet and displays his timidness in front of her - not sexy. Sean gets a one-on-one date with her where they enjoy dinner from atop a mountain. Sean is my kind of guy in that he really cares about his appearance and also cares about having the finer things in life. While they were hanging out and conversing, I could tell that it was not there for DeAnna. The only other one-on-one date this week rests with Jeremy. In my opinion his personality seems a little stiff and lacks a sense of humor, but then he disrobes to get into the pool... Whoa, incredible! Pick him, pick him! Graham is still displaying arrogance with his feelings presuming he is the front runner. He actually mentions this in so many words when DeAnna and Jeremy leave for their date. Graham and DeAnna grab a little time together during the group date where it was obvious to all watching how into Graham she is. He, on the other hand, barely touched her, and I don't think I saw him look into her eyes even once while they were talking. But as usual he got a rose at the rose ceremony and she offered it to him with an astronomical smile on her face. Can you say shoo-in. This week was important because the four she chooses get to take her home to meet their family and friends, which tell a lot about a person. I'm glad she chose the four she chose: Jason, Jeremy, Jesse, and Graham. The saga continues.

The Bachelorette week 4

At the risk of sounding psycho, I have to say that I just love this season's Bachelorette! I'm actually pretty darn obsessed with the show. DeAnna Pappas, who was one of the rejected girls from last season's bachelor, gets to choose a man out of 25 who she hopes will propose to her at the season finale. I just love the way she handles herself on this show. Typically with the bachelor, the men go around getting to know his female contestants by seeing how many faces he can suck on. Out of 25 men, DeAnna has "made-out" with only 3 of them: Graham, Jeremy, and Jason. I have to commend her for being such a lady on the program. She speaks her mind, pours her heart out and looks graceful while doing it. If she were to behave any other way, the criticism would be overwhelming I'm sure. Can you say double standard? Honestly, if you've seen most of these guys you'd have to ask yourself, how the heck does she control herself?! There are quite a few guys on the show who are so amazingly aesthetic that no one would blame her if she were to disregard the cameras and put on her mischievous cap. I mean some of these guys are smokin' hot, and you know how some of us woman can be around a hot guy! DeAnna is no exception; she is so so so into Graham and not holding those feeling back in any way shape or form. On this past Monday's episode she clearly expressed her interest in Graham. On their one-on-one meeting she came right out and asked him for a kiss. His response: "I don't want to be one of a bunch". What? Yeah that was her response too. Dude, are you nuts? The rest of the episode was filled with drama mostly due to her feelings of rejection induced by Graham. The tension throughout the episode was so abundant and emotions just as potent that I was trying to Will her to dismiss Graham this week. Who goes on a dating show, meets a hot girl, and refuses to kiss her but expects to stick around? An arrogant jerk that's who. DeAnna and Graham did not even speak the remainder of the show until Graham finally decides to pull her aside just before the rose ceremony. Again tension existed, but somehow the conversation ended with a kiss...NOOOOO! Girl, he is not that into you can't you see! At the rose ceremony it came down to Graham and Brian and there was one last moment to hope that she'd do the right thing now and save herself the heartache later. Not so much: "Graham will you accept this rose?" Boooo! Anyway, this is still one of my favorite shows this summer so I'll keep watching despite disagreeing with the bachelorette's decisions sometimes.

Where am I?

I took a plane last weekend to Columbus to see and hang out with some old friends just because. My girlfriend and I went to the spa for deep treatment facials, which I was really looking forward to and boy did my skin need it. I did some shopping (of course) at some local boutiques. I also went out both nights last weekend and I have to say that I was sort of confused. What were these girls wearing? I felt like I was in Miami or Las Vegas somewhere. I mean these girls wore zero clothing! Granted it was probably the hottest night of the year; the humidity was excruciating. I wore a spaghetti strap v-neck below-the-knee jersey dress with silver 4-inch strappy sandals. My crew and I were simply cute, but the Columbus girls last weekend looked like they just stepped out of a music video or a XXX club. Heck had I known Columbus was getting down like this these days I would have been happy to oblige. Out were short-shorts, midriffs, cleavage, heels high as mountains that made my platforms look like those stupid crocs. I own such attire but they are usually reserved for places where nobody knows my name!

Missed it

Did anyone check out the MTV Movie Awards last night? Yeah neither did I. I was unaware that they were even in the vicinity of airing; I suppose part of that is due to my lack of interest in the channel these days. Since The Hills season finale a few weeks ago, I haven't tuned in to MTV at all. There's absolutely no show of interest on that network these days, and God knows they play no music videos, at least not at a reasonable time. Anyway, lucky for me if I do decide that I'm interested in viewing the movie awards, MTV will air them again about 10 thousand more times.

RiRi is lookin' good

I am obsessed with Rihanna's haircut. Not too many domes can rock this short look and she is wearing it very well. You definitely need a cute small head and face to pull it off. I think I qualify so I'm breaking out the scissors! Well not quite, my bangs have a little more growing out to do.

Are you not entertained!?

Over Memorial Day weekend there were plenty of places having major sales, so I made it my mission to make that Monday economic stimulus injection day. My girlfriends and I got in the car and headed to the mall with a note pad listing our must-have finds. On my list was a yellow skinny belt (I'll post about that later) and red peep toe pumps. Not much on the list, but there was plenty of room for growth. I must say the three of us would have done Ben Bernanke proud, we cleaned up! I found my yellow skinny belt and also that trench I've been going on and on about. I never found the perfect red peep toe pump, but I found the best Gladiator (hence the title) heel. Oh my God these are so beyond hot I can't even speak, I'll just show them to you. They are the Heech by Nine West and come in black and camel; you can't go wrong with either, but I acquired the black pair. These are so sexy, I cannot take my eyes off them; hey that's how I felt about the bartender last weekend. Anyway see for yourself; How smokin' are these wedges!

The perfect red lip

My latest task, i.e. obsession is to find the perfect red lipstick. It's a trend this season that keeps coming back and it can be such a classic look. I loved it at the Spring shows like at Louis Vuitton and Lanvin where the eye is done very minimally and the lip just pops in bold red. There are a ridiculous number of shades of red and it's been difficult to find the right one against my skin tone. I've been finding them to have too much pink base or too orange base or just too dark. Where is the basic blood red lipstick? I went to Nordstroms' Mac counter and purchased a color called Diva. But now that I look at it on me, it looks too orangy and not deep red enough; back to the drawing board. Weeks later after my lack of complete satisfaction for the Diva color, I took a trip to Sephora who has tons and tons of different brands to choose from and test out. This trip turned into a vacation after the amount of time I spent in there. I ended up buying a color named Dakota Red by Vincent Longo, which wasn't cheap by the way. I wore it, but when I looked at myself in normal lighting (because lets face it the lighting at the make-up department is skewed) I was not impressed. So back to the search. Now I'm thinking something a little less extravagant. Maybe I'm giving all of the high priced designer choices too much credit. I'm now making a trip to WalGreen's drugstore to check out the selection by the commercial masses. Wish me luck.

How do you do it?

Often Harper's Bazaar covers a story called Eating Diaries on semi-celebrity women who live relatively healthy lifestyles. They look to be in great and healthy shape, which makes many other women curious to know how they do it. I often receive compliments on my health conscious lifestyle, which inspires me to reveal my daily routine here in the format Bazaar does it in.

I'm genetically thin, however thin does not always equal healthy. You hear about thin, healthy-looking people having heart attacks and strokes, and people respond in a surprising manner. But how were they eating? How were they really living? I try to eat right. I don't count calories at all, but I do look at the label for nutritional content. I eat a lot of fish and chicken, but shamefully I do not eat enough vegetables. I also tend to eat a lot of pasta just because it's so easy to make and so so yummy. Nowadays you can buy whole-grain pastas, a significant difference in calories and carbohydrates. I also work out three days a week.

9:30A.M. I have a bowl of instant oatmeal made with whole grain oats with raisins, dates, and walnuts in my office. Instead of mixing with water, I mix with 2% milk. I drink distilled water throughout the day.

11:00A.M. I have a cup of Hazelnut coffee with sugar and cream, mainly for the taste over the caffeine.

1:00P.M. I'm usually starving by now, and admittedly I eat out every single day. I'll have a grilled chicken sandwich on whole grain bread, honey mustard, lettuce, tomato, and red onions. If I do a whole sandwich I won't do a side, but if I do a 1/2 sandwich I'll have a cup of chicken noodle soup or lobster bisque or a small bag of kettle potato chips. Then top it with a daily multi-vitamin.

4:00P.M. I have a banana and a cup of caffeinated tea with sugar and cream.

6:00P.M. I work out on upper and lower body with weights for an hour.

9:00P.M. I love salmon and think I could eat it everyday. Plus it's so easy to prepare. I'll have that with a side of seasoned pasta or wild rice. Lately I've been getting my vegetables by eating raw baby carrots. I found that it's the easiest way for me to work it into my daily routine.

12:30A.M. I finally get to bed, maybe even a little later.

Off 5th

I'm sitting in my office at work and I can hardly contain myself. I just discovered that in my town resides a Saks Off 5th! For those who think I'm speaking French right now, Saks Off 5th is a discounted Saks Fifth Avenue store! You get the designer label at less than designer prices. It's where Saks Fifth Avenue drops off its out-of-season products to make room for the new (expensive) stuff. It makes no nevermind to me if it's in season or out; I'm there... Designer clothes, bags, shoes oh my! They also have designer items for your man and kids; even your home according to the website. All I know is that over the winter I was eyeing a $250 pair of Anne Klein brown booties that I never pulled the trigger on, and now they are discounted at Off 5th! I'm also excited about the rows and rows and rows of sunglasses that are there. I am never one to pay top dollar for shades especially when the "cheap" ones have UV eye protection just the same, but at these prices I must repeat myself - I'm there! If you're a sucker for designer jeans like Rock and Republic or True Religion but don't want to pay marked-up prices, this place is for you. I hear they have mad shelves of them. Me? I'm a sucka for handbags, so I am interested to see which designers they carry and how reduced they'll be. God, hopefully I exercise some self control.

April showers bring more shopping

In an earlier post I mentioned spotting a cute little trench at H&M but letting it pass me by. I have no regrets about that, however I just opened my April issue of Lucky magazine and the trench on display kicked me in the face. Partly because I'm a label whore, the other part is that this Kenneth Cole Reaction trench is listed at only $128. Sounds like a steal to me. It lead me to go on a little trench online search. There are so many to choose from and at many price points. This Kenneth Cole one really caught my eye so I'm off to Nordstorms to check it out.

The young and the (please) suckless

God could these soap operas be any more terrible? I'm sitting here catching up on a week's worth of the daytime drama, only to continue to be disappointed from the lack of. I thought the writers' strike was over. If they think this is titillating drama they are sadly mistaken. The loyal trait in me forces me to continue to watch these dreadful soaps, but there comes a time when frustration kicks in right? But I just sit here wasting 5 hours of time all while rolling my eyes and hitting the timer to see how much is left of this vile episode.

I like boys who wear Abercrombie and Fitch

Dang it why does Abercrombie have no inventory down here. I went to the mall all ready to spend a week's pay at Abercrombie only to be madly disappointed. As I walked around and around desperate to find something in there to purchased, I asked myself how long before I give up? I mean the only things in there are rows and rows of jeans, like I need anymore jeans, and racks and racks of zip-up fleece. I just wanted to purchase come cute tops, casual pants, tees, anything?! Well I settled for a couple of long sleeve tees, that if I'm being honest look like I'm headed for bed, but cute enough for my dollars nonetheless. Anyway I had to get outta there, my ears were starting to bleed from the insanely loud music. Don't get me wrong, I still love Abercrombie. I'll head back from time-to-time hoping the inventory in this location improves. I know what you're thinking, and so what if their target clientele is in preschool, a girl can pretend.

Victoria's what?

Someone please buy me this dress from Victoria's Secret. It's strapless and only comes in navy, which is the perfect color for this knee length striped cotton blend. Pleated at the waist and hip with trendy front pockets. I must have it.

Day 26

Crappy name, but whatever. Diddy's boy band released their highly anticipated debut CD last week. I've been a crazy fan of the reality show Making the Band, but was not too impressed with the product. My sisters picked up the CD and they both say they like it. I've listened to a few songs from their myspace page, but hardly enough data to make a decision. Who has heard any of the songs or has purchased the CD? Worth it?

Weekend shopping

I've been missing the cute, young, budget-minded fashions of H&M. There's no H&M here in my area so when I took a trip back home for the holiday weekend I made a point to visit H&M there. I saw the cutest trench coat there that comes in black and standard khaki. The quality was excellent and the price tag $60; that's a good price right? I wasn't sure, so I did not pick it up but I'm beginning to regret it. Also in the store was a black suit that resembled almost to the T a BCBG suit I own. I'm like for a fraction of the price I could have picked this one up?! It was gorgeous. I wish the store had more dresses however, especially since Spring is here. I got my fix though by purchasing only a couple of things.

Booooooooo

I knew there was a reason I didn't like this chick. Here is American Idol contestant Kristy Lee Blah at home (I guess) with her confederate flag hanging in the background. This picture is from votefortheworst.com so I'm not sure if that's how she made it through last night, but someone please get this beeotch off the show! If I have to watch her non-rhythmic body go through one more performance I will "die of barfness" (-Christian Siriano).

Brand New Nine West Shoe for Sale

Well I gave eBay a try and was unsuccessful, so my blog is my plan B. Feast your eyes (and hopefully your feet) on these: These BRAND NEW NEVER WORN Nine West dark gray suede Larnyr wedges are so adorable! The shoe is suede with a patent gray 4 inch wedge heel that add to the shoe's sexiness. They were purchased at Nine West boutique and includes the Nine West shoe box. The toe is a rounded/pointed toe on a sturdy platform front and rubber sole. Size 8.5, medium width, true to size. Retails for $79.00, I'm selling them to you for only $40.00 and FREE shipping. If you have questions or inquiries, feel free to leave me a comment or send me an e-mail at

suduke@gmail.com

Buy of the week

I was walking through a department store headed straight to bath department when an indescribably gorgeous hot pink shoe caught my eye. Do I 1) ignore them and get to my original destination, 2) touch them, hold them, check out the price, or 3) ask the attendant for my size and give them a try? I chose three, they were just too cute to pass by. These BCBGirls wedges come in Black, Oil Blue, and Bright Pink. The department store did not have my size nor did they carry them in blue, but I'm sure Zappos would be able to assist me. I don't think I can live without them! Oh what color to choose...