Survey says... clear skies

Just got back from vacationing in Miami, Florida. South Beach to be exact, and it was everything I thought it would be! My sisters and I try to make this trip annually, and although it's only April, it was a very welcomed vacation. I have been longing to leave the roller coaster weather of the Midwest for a stable hot and sunny destination. The city that never sleeps was just that - there was so much going on I was somewhat disappointed with all the distraction. Nevertheless, we made it a relaxing and serene trip. Once we got over all the bumming around on the beach, we managed to take advantage of the fabulous shopping. Of course had to stop by Intermix and I have to mention the hottest bag ever! Okay I'm a little gitty right now, but the boutique carried a Versace bag that was unbelievable! I could not take my eyes off it. My sister who is not a shopper at all had to agree, and that's saying something. Anyhow, I was relatively good, only came home with a few extra things (Versace bag not included). Had to save some of my funds for the nightlife, which can be unbelievably expensive if you don't have a connection. I'm feeling well rested and looking very dark as I return back to reality and count down to my next vacation!

Love a good sale

Went on a bit of a shopping spree last weekend at Mexx. They are having the best sale to rid their winter items. With April feeling like February I had no problem picking up and purchasing sweaters, scarves, and wool. I like Mexx because their style is great for day and night. Very conservative clothing (which is ideal for my job), but at the same time very fashionable (which is ideal for my psyche)! I walked out of there paying probably half of what I should have paid, and for such cute stuff. Like any shopaholic I wanted to walk out of there with much more, but not surprisingly a lot of the items in the more popular sizes were gone. Below are a few of the items I purchased. The scarf below was only $5, so I had to pick up more than one!

Can you hair me now

I will miss Sanjaya's many looks!

(Images from Google)

Sorry kid

Ding Dong the bad singing kid is gone! Okay I'm taking a little too much joy in someone else's misery, but let's face it, this was a long time coming. Wednesday the infamous American Idol contestant Sanjaya was FINALLY voted off after signing "Something To Talk About". The week before during Latin night Sanjaya was given the best judgment of his duration since the large stage started, but this week his rendition during country night was horrendous. His voice was flat and out of tune, and his performance had no feeling. Not a surprise I mean HELLO, he's been performing like this all season long! So why did it take so long for him to be kicked off the show? I'm not sure, but boy was he surprised. To quote my sister, Sanjaya was crying like he didn't realize he was bad! Some people can live in denial regarding their lack of musical talent, but most people don't get to actually hear and see themselves, and on television!... So what's Sanjaya's excuse? Anyway I'll quit bashing the poor kid, but can we get on with the real talent now! I must say though that I'll miss seeing what hairstyle Sanjaya will don upon us for the evening.

JLo on American Idol (video)

I don't know why youtube did not post this video below (technical difficulties) but here it is. Check JLo out on American Idol if you have 5 minutes.

JLo on American Idol

Since Jennifer Lopez is my #1 style icon, I have to post about her being on American Idol last week. First regarding the advice given to the contestants throughout - it was very good. Not that I'm surprised but her advice was clear, concise, sincere, and evoked the passion she has for the industry. I will not dilute this by commenting on Sanjaya's delusional attempt at a joke.

Second and most important (wink) she looked great! During rehearsal she wore a cute form-fitting silver turtleneck top with 1/2 balloon sleeves and about a million silver bangles, with black skinny jeans and platform sandals. During her performance of "Que Hiciste" day 2 she wore a long chiffon dress over black skinny jeans tucked into black knee-length boots. As expected her make-up was flawless - shimmery pink cheeks, dark eyes, pale glossy lip. She's the bomb! If you have 5 minutes, check her out for yourself.

Insight(less)

Do you have an unreliable digital cable service? If you're me your answer is YES! I've been a subscriber to Insight Communications for almost four years now due to the fact that the company has a monopoly on my area. So unless I go with satellite, I am stuck with Insight cable services or nothing at all!! Included in my cable package is their DVR service and, as any customer would, I expect it to work properly. Since I'm telling you about this I have to admit that I am addicted to soap operas. Wouldn't you know my DVR listing does not include a full day of my soap operas! I know what the non-soap opera fans are thinking, "missing a month is nothing let alone a day!" Only my true fellow fans understand that to miss a day can be devastating. To top it off, my sister informed me that it was this day the show was not to be missed; an excellent episode. Great.... Thanks for that, thanks for the information! Now I'm even more upset! The fact that my soap operas did not record is not the point here, the fact that Insight's DVR service failed to fulfill its duty is the point. I don't like using this word, but I can honestly say that I HATE Insight cable!

...and I reiterate

Lately in the Midwest temperatures have been so blissful I was seriously depressed staring outside from the inside of my office everyday. Today however, and going forward for a while according to our trusty weatherman, temperatures took a drastic dive south. Since this is the case I have to reiterate my advice from my previous post about wearing boots now despite the calendar reading as spring time. Tonight I'm going out with some girlfriends to celebrate a birthday (Happy Birthday Carmen!) and I am busting out my knee-length wedged-heel boots. Better believe I will be standing proud and walking tall in my Charles Davids as I bundle up in April.

These boots are made for walkin'

Yesterday I received the exact same question from two completely different people at completely different times. "It's spring, but can I still wear boots?" My first question back was, "what are you planning on wearing them with?" Followed with, "during what occasion?" The weather has been awfully nice and makes me want to pull out my opened toe sandals, one problem however, my toes aren't quite ready for spring. I still have boot-wearin' feet! I told both women that I feel it is currently okay to continue wearing your boots with pants so that only the foot and heel of the boot is shown. No wearing them with tights/leggings or skirts or dresses! April is upon us and we'll start getting into the heart of spring very soon. Having said that, you don't have much longer to wear your boots.... Get to walkin'!

These will do

A couple of months ago I posted about a pair of pumps I saw on a soap opera I view from time-to-time that I had to have. They were absolutely fabulous and unlike any shoe I've seen - gold squared toe, bedazzled buckle, very tall block heel. I went on a considerable searching mission - the soap opera's website, major shoe websites, shoe and department stores, etc. and no luck. I found pairs that looked very similar, but not quite what I was looking for. There is this pair shown below I found at Zappos. They are awfully cute and come close - squared toe, light in color although not quite gold, but they do bestow a gold buckle. The title leads one to believe I have settled, but I do love these shoes and they come closest to what I'm actually searching for. And on a positive note the difference with these and the bedazzled pair is that I can even wear these to the office.... A very significant plus.

Flossy Flossy!

Fergie is Glamorous!

In dedication to all my glamorous girls, here is Fergie's latest music video; And of course the song is my new ring-tone. You go girl!

And then there were 12

American Idol reveled the final twelve singers this week. This is a huge deal because this is the group that will go on the American Idol tour once this season's show is over. Everyone is talking about the shockers - Sabrina Sloan leaving and Sanjaya Malakar staying. I was not surprised that Sanjaya made the top 12 because if you can remember after the performances for week 1 Ryan Seacrest alerted the audience that Sanjaya was the top 4th vote-getter. Past performance does not guarantee future results, but it is a huge indicator of what's to come. I personally feel sorry for the kid, but there is always one contestant labeled as the "outcast" every year - guess it has to be him. Sabrina's departure on the other hand I was very surprised with. She is gorgeous, has personality and not to mention a great voice, and last time I checked this is a singing competition. Well I'm not sure it matters anyhow because 11 contestants are singing for the right to second place after the likes of Melinda Doolittle.

JT - that boy can dance!

As I posted last week I went to the Justin Timberlake show, and it was the bomb (for lack of a better word)! The venue was a basketball arena, and his set is a huge circle where he can perform to all members of the audience; He calls it an intimate setting. In front of his stage are bar stools available for purchase. With this seat you can put your drink down on his stage while grabbing onto his leg, his hand or where ever. Behind those fans are the standing audience - they too can attempt to run-up and grab onto some part of him. I was behind those people in the stands in my cozy seat.

Throughout the show Justin put up removable large screens that looked like sheer drapes where his performance was being shown for those who had a poor view. That actually came in handy for me due to the fact that Justin was on one side of the stage most of the night. In my opinion he did not distribute his time to all four parts of the venue evenly, so I found myself looking at the large screens quite often. It did not stop me and my friends from having an awesome time though.

Oh my goodness, that boy sure can dance! He came out to one of my favorite songs on the new CD - FutureSex/LoveSounds where of course he "tore up" the stage with his sexy and hip moves. My favorite performance from him that night was to My Love. He was at the piano and played some guitar throughout the night as well. I didn't realize he was so talented. He also did a few songs from his first solo CD and one song from his time with NSync. The place went into a frenzy when Timberland came out onto the stage. It was an awesome surprise. All-in-all a remarkable show from Mr. Justin!

(Pics from Jennie; click to enlarge)

"Go ahead be gone with it"

I must admit, I'm like a teenage girl right now - I'm headed to the Justin Timberlake show tonight! Jack Bauer's going to have to be put on hold for the likes of flashy dancin', WilliamRast jeans, and unfortunately screaming girls. Should be an entertaining show; I was pumped after his performance at the Grammy's last weekend. I'm so excited his tour is stopping here.

G.I. Jane II

Okay I know Britney Spears loves being in the lime-light and craves attention but come on!! Have you heard that she has shaven her head, and in front of cameras (duh!). Dlisted.com writes a little blurb on it. This has to look good in front of the judge... right??