Monday, August 31, 2009

You're So Vain (more tales of singledom)

So week or so ago, I told a tale of how, while out one night, I was prevented from quenching my thirst and cornered into polite conversation for an extended period of time (S-s-single in the City). And I touched on how so often, being hit on - especially if done improperly - is more annoyance than flattery or interest.

Well this weekend, some guy did right by me. And he may not have even really been hitting on me, who knows, but I thought what he did was perfect.

I was out and about with a large group of friends and midway through the night, a young man came up to me to say one thing: "I just wanted to tell you that you are very beautiful." I smiled and thanked him and, there are few girls out there who don't like to hear that, especially when done well. Then he introduced himself, said it was a pleasure to meet me, repeated his compliment, and went back to sit down with his friends.

Perfect.

He's done the legwork and left it up to me, all without seeming like a jerk or a cad. And besides that, it could also be taken as simply an innocent compliment and left at that. Absolutely ideal.

On a side note, I thought I'd mention that I was wearing a fresh flower in my hair, as I've been doing a lot recently - my florist does happy hour flowers! - and my florist was just telling me recently how clever she thinks it is, how women don't wear fresh flowers enough, and how simple, sexy, and romantic she thinks it is. She said this too: no matter what you look like, adorn yourself with a flower, and all eyes will be on you. I gotta think now, well, she just may be right.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Makes Perfect Scents

Remember that scene in Legally Blonde, when Elle hands her resumé to her professor? And it's pink.  And scented. "Smells nice," Luke Wilson's character said.  And it certainly made a lasting impression.

So ever since then, from time to time, I've tried spraying perfume on my stationary, but it always seems to leave an unavoidable mark which really takes away from the whole impression.

Michael Kors to the rescue! His new perfume line, Very Hollywood - "Scene-stealing gardenia follows suit with a decadent performance of award-worthy glamour." - features a Limited-Edition Hollywood Signature Pen, with ink scented with Very Hollywood perfume.  Now this, I gotta try.  Pink and gold and pretty too (even kind of reminds you of Miss Woods too!), it'll fill the empty spot in my antique stationary box perfectly.  So gift me something soon, and you'll in turn received a lovely smelling thank-you from me.

I'm also yearning for the Very Hollywood Eau de Parfum Cocktail Ring - ideal since my signature scent always seem to go missing mid-evening.  Oh, clever designers - what won't they think of next?

www.michaelkors.com

Pen is $25, Ring, $40.

 

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Fall's creeping nearer and nearer (low's gonna be 49 degrees this
weekend!) and while for me that means several wonderful things -
boots, fall jackets, and sweaters, football weather, pretty leaves,
scarves - it also means the approach of one big thing: Halloween.

Ever the fashionista, my costume's got to be stylish, one of a kind,
and requires months of excitement, buildup, and thought. So
naturally, this past weekend, my girls and I put our heads together
and thought up some doozies. My main event: a My Little Pony. An ode
to my childhood spent in the late 80's and early 90's, it's gonna be
totally rad (and glittery, I might add).

And totally fashionable, because, and this is probably not news for
anyone, 80's trends are still, yet again, all over for Fall 2009. In
honor of this often questionable decade in fashion, I've made up a
list of some trends I'm quite happy to see come back around now that
I'm old enough to wear them, and then the ones that just need to stay
dead.

Four 80's Trends for Updating

*Big Shoulders and Boyfriend Blazers
as couture as they may be, I'm not a fan of the high, flat, Designing
Women broad shoulder, but I love a slouchy boyfriend blazer with
larger than dainty-size shoulders. Pair with jeans, use to transition
a summer dress, or, for extra credit, pair with a long floaty ball
skirt or dress.

*Big Hair
As someone with thick, wavy hair, humidity makes it often impossible
for me to achieve stick straight styling, so I've never been a huge
fan. For a fun take on all that 80's hair this season, hair shouldn't
be teased or sprayed to oblivion, but well-conditioned and even
hot-rollered will do the trick, for truly tossable, Heather-worthy
hair. I even like the deep side part.

*Pretty Woman Over the Knee Boots
I've already devoted one post to my love for these, and I'll probably
do another, since my search for the perfect pair is on as we speak.
I'm choosing to update these by softening the look with a fresh color
- like those grey Rodarte ones - and wearing them with some floaty
feminine clothes; I'm not a girl to choose a head-to-toe rocker look.
And contrary to the flamboyant opinion of Coco Perez / Perez Hilton, I
think these can be carried off with class. They're not, however, for
the fashion faint of heart.

*Sequins
So, my Halloween costume will be well sequined and BeDazzled, but it
won't be the only thing. Sequined mini's, dresses, even shorts are
items I'd like to see, even in the daytime. And they can be an easy
modify, provided you can pull a needle and thread. I've partially
sequined a simply white t-shirt and I'm thinking of doing some basic
black shorts next. Another way to take shorts into evening, and also,
what former ballerina doesn't love her some sequins?

And some I don't want to see any kind of Thriller-type ressurection from

*Fanny packs
Do you really want to look like your mom did that one summer at Disney
World? And aren't stomach pooches unattractive? Why give yourself one,
without the benefit of indulging in high fat ice cream, or cheese?
This is largely where my beef with American Apparel lies, for trying
to bring these back.

*Scrunchies
Remember the Sex and the City episode when Carrie gets up on "her
sassy high horse" about scrunchies with Burger? She claims a New York
woman would never wear a scrunchie, he claims, one would. Guess who
was right.

Hair elastics are simpler, barrettes even prettier. No need to match
your scrunchie to your outfit, and no need for them to exist at all.
If you must decorate your hair, like me, from time to time, turn to
this season's beautiful barrettes and headbands, from pretty bows, to
bling, to studs, there's some awesome one's out there. And check out
InStyle's September Issue for some DIY tips.

*Acid Wash
Just say no. Pretty please.

*Leggings and tights as pants
See www.leggingsarenotpants.com and www.tightsarenotpants.com for more
details. Save 'em for cleaning house, lounging, and working out. It's
too cold in KC for leggings as pants in the fall and winter anyhow.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

To Tattoo a Lady?

It's a phrase I heard throughout childhood, and even now, and one that also seems to be a constant theme of many an internal struggle.  "A lady never. . ."

A lady never raises her voice.  A lady never sits with her legs astray.  A lady never over-indulges.  A lady never applies her makeup in public (and especially not at the table, or while in mixed company).  A lady never, ever even considers a tattoo.

Lord, I must have really failed my mother because I've done all of these things (though with the exception of lip balm, I leave makeup application for the powder room).  Now, I do try not to do these things, but at times - especially among close friends - I think there's a limit to propriety.  But still, that inner voice, engraved on my mind, is really on me now because, believe it or not, I'm considering a tattoo.

Two, in fact.  The first I actually dreamt of; in memory of my nana, Lora Lee Eberhart, I would get a tiny script "L" on my left wrist, for the name we both share.  And in the dream, too, the "L" was accompanied by a tiny ribbon bow (so, super hard-core).

The second is an idea I've had recently to have "j'adore," simply, "I love," placed on the back of my neck.  But then, I've also considered changing that to "adorer," to love, but also, "j'écrit," "I write," or "écrire," "to write."  

Clearly, I shouldn't get a tattoo I haven't set my mind on, and I struggle with the necessity of something like it, too (though I'm sure that by being on the back of my neck, not only would I forget about it from time to time, but it would also rarely be seen).

But that little "L" for my grandmother? I can't think that I'd regret a small memory like that.  And truly, being a lady is all about carriage, confidence, and grace.  If society grande dames can tattoo eyeliner on their lids, why can't I have a ribbon on my wrist?

Monday, August 24, 2009

My grandmother's hands were soft and unwrinkled, perfectly manicured.
I used to run my curious fingers over her ornate ones, feeling the
jewels that decorated each, the smooth, glossy polish. My own small,
ragged hands had nails clipped short to serve the violin and piano, my
nail polish always chipped and uneven.

But my nana's manicure was always immaculate; when she came to visit,
I would sit with her and she would close her soft hands over mine.
She had always been a small, birdlike woman - birdlike in that her
eyes, arched by drawn-in brows, had a sharp awareness and, when we
were both younger, her body was so light and dainty she looked as
though she might just up and fly away at any given moment. A bird
without wings.

It was always her manicure that somehow stuck in my mind though; at some point, every
trip to my grandparents' house meant I'd patiently sit still for an
hour while my grandmother buffed her magic onto my hands.

But my patience never lasted and not half an hour later, would I have
smudged or chipped at least one of those dainty creations. Age hasn't
helped me either; I still can't wait for my polish to dry and I still
always have chipped and faded polish on my nails. And, yes, they're
still short - they just seem to have decided to stay that way. What
you know, I suppose . . .

So when pouring through the precious issue de septembre de Vogue the
other day, and I saw the new, trendy polishes for fall, I kind of
sighed a sad sigh in recognition of my manicure impediment.

Matte finishes, gunmetals, more dark colors? So pretty, so chic - but
alas, I will never be a lady with a perfect polish. I can keep white
pants stain-free (most of the time), I can wear silk around kids and
never get mussed, but I cannot keep my nails unfussed. This has
always seemed to me a failure as a lady (my nana had immaculate mani /
pedis, and surely Grace Kelly did), yet it is stubbornly just my
nature.

So I've become a fast fan of Sally Hansen Insta-Dry polish and Click,
Color & Go! nail pens, mostly because even professionally applied mani
/ pedi's don't last with me (and they tsk tsk my short nails), but
also because $20 for a Chanel polish is a waste with me, and I need
the insta-dry, insta-touch-up feature in a nail polish. The pen is
awesome, and especially for touch-ups (even the 10-Day no chip
polishes don't work on me!)

The foils, now, are something I've been wanting to give a try - I hear
they don't chip! Check them out at Minx (www.minxnails.com) for salons
that use these nifty things. And I love the metallic look.

For now though, get your use out of neons before August ends - falls
about the dark, dark, dark and the matte, matte, matte light - nudes
are in too, and even unpolished, yet well behaved, nails. Which is
good news for me.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

S-s-single in the City

There's an old manual about how to approach and treat a lady in a
public watering hole. For example, you may have the bartender ask her
if she'd like to let you buy her a drink, and then, after she accepts,
you may approach her. But by all means, should you never make a lady
feel uncomfortable, which includes making her feel obligated to
converse with you.

A few weekends ago, I was out in downtown KC with some girlfriends and
finding myself parched, I sauntered up to the bar to order up another
lavender martini to quench that thirst.

A dry thirty minutes later, I was able to place my order. Here's why:

Upon finding an open space at the bar, I stood there, hand up and out,
waiting for the barmaid's attention. And the young man seated to my
right starts talking to me.

Now I'm not one of those rude girls who will refuse conversation. And
I sincerely enjoy meeting new and interesting people. But sometimes,
as this time, that gets me in trouble.

This guy was interesting, don't get me wrong. He was getting his PhD
in economics, was a teacher (wanted to be a professor) and apparently
loves the ballet - all attractive stuff to me.

But when finally during a lull, I leaned over the bar and waved
frantically, it only then occurred to him that despite the credit card
clue decorating my manicure, I had wandered up there, to the bar, for
a drink (he actually said, "oh, you came up here for a drink).

Pay attention, menfolkds: Yes, I was talking to you, yes I was
intrigued, but, my end goal at the bar almost always happens to be to
buy myself a drink. We don't always want to be talking to you, or if
we do, we don't always want to date you. It's like how when you're
talking to us, you don't always want to to take us out, sometimes, you
just want to get in our pants.

In case you're wondering, while all this was slightly irritating, this
guy's real turnoffs for me were his hipster handlebar moustache and
the tight ladies jeans he was sporting.

Alright, after that last post dogging American Apparel, it may seem
like I'm hating on the hipsters a lot, but, well I mean . . .

I blogged this winter about a guy I went out with once (once was
enough). He seemed kind, and normal enough. He was a musician, which
I have a thing for, and asked me out after hearing my karaoke
rendition of Ike and Tina's "Proud Mary" (now that's pretty
flattering!).

But then he reveals that he curls his eyelashes AND uses a fancier
hair straightener than I do? Now I'm sorry, I know some men these days
like to take care of themselves more than they used to, but I had an
instant flash of us standing at the bathroom mirror, doing our hair
and make-up together, and ladies and gents, that was that.

It may seem superficial, but these are not qualities I find attractive
in a man and chemistry's important! I don't want some unwashed bear,
either, but come on now, there's some middle ground to be found
somewhere.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Hipster Hounding - Seersucker at American Apparel?

Ah American Apparel. Useful, especially for basics, surprising, in
that despite my more classic taste I can usually find something not
too hipster for me, appalling, in that they're trying to bring back
the fanny pack and the scrunchie (please no, please no, please no).

But seersucker? This preppy southern staple used to be something I
could only find at Brooks Brothers or J.Crew here, or the Gap on
occasion. For the most part, it's a fabric that when mentioned to
friends who remain unexposed to Southern culture, is met with confused
stares and turned up noses.

I happen to love it, like I love Swiss dot, but I never thought I'd
see the day that seersucker shorts would be sold alongside gold lamé
suspender one-piece hot pants.

Of course, they had to put their hipster edge on it and the shorts are
unisex, like many other items in the store, but I don't know, I kinda
dig 'em. And AA is advertising them as inspired by Robert Kennedy, a classics icon, so I'm surprised they're so simplisticly chic. American Apparel does do basics chic time and time again. Yet then, AA somehow's found a way to add the Brooklyn
touch to seersucker bloomers too (I'm still not sure how, but by golly
it, they've done it:
http://store.americanapparel.net/rsase301.html?cid=178).

Does this mean the prepster and the hipster can now be friends?
There's so many color choices, how can you go wrong?
http://store.americanapparel.net/rsase301.html?cid=178

NYTimes Critical Shopper Cintra Wilson offends nation

A JcPenney shopper I am not. It certainly wouldn't be the first place I'd think of for fashion, but one Critical Shopper has me of the mind to go see what I can find. They certainly have a market, after all, enough to warrant a new flagship in midtown Manhattan.

This would be the market Critical Shopper columnist for the New York Times, Cintra Wilson, has outraged, by snidely reporting that the discount department store has catered to "people of all sizes" through the ends of installing, "the most obese mannequins I have ever seen. They probably need special insulin-based epoxy injections just to make their limbs stay on. It's like a headless wax museum devoted entirely to the cast of 'Roseanne.' "

Wilson also complains of being unable to find a size 2, but finding 10's, 16's, etc. in abundance. These few size 2's also being of the "fairly cute" variety too, which she said "each fit nicely and looked good. I didn't buy either because I can do better for $80, but if I were a size 18, I'd have rejoiced." She can do better. Middle America, not so much. See, we don't know fashion here in the Heartland, being so far removed from the edge of the coasts.

Strong words coming from a woman who readily admits that, "New York boutiques tend to cater to the stress-thin, morbidly workaholic, Pilates-tortured Manhattan ectomorph." Which makes me wonder, is Wilson claiming to be a natural size 2, lumping herself in with the "stress-thin" New York populous, or something else entirely? Completely above us all?

Being from Kansas, I know a little bit about what it's like to defend your state, your pride, yes, your fashion sense, and, well, civility. Even in the farmlands of Ireland, even in Mississippi, poor Kansas can't seem to shake its Dorothy and tornadoes, prairie and Indians reputation (making me grateful growing up, that my parents moved out of Prairie Village to a neighboring suburb when I was still just out of diapers).

I also know a little bit, admittedly, about being a fashion snob - though I'm no label fanatic, not by a long shot. I just appreciate good design and quality fabric and craftmanship. That's not to say I don't often find myself at knockoff giant Forever 21, either though. In fact, I love and appreciate the place. I can understand Miss Wilson's frustration with shotty design, but I think it's the attitude that did her in.

And, well, as New York Mag's blog the Cut noticed, we here in Middle America also read the New York Times. Yes, even the fashion section. Wilson's now on her third attempt at a apologyn this time emphasizing her faith as a Buddhist and her deep regret for any abuse. Hmmmm. Better, I suppose, then "now go spread your virulent misery elsewhere, darlings," or, proclaiming her love for the generously sized: "I'm an unregenerate chubby chaser." But since apologies don't seem to be neither her strength nor sincere, as one commenter on her blog said, "why apologize for being a bitch?" We all know who put her up to the apology attempts. And also, that ignorance is still ignorance when one pretends to be more informed, and simply isn't.

Find the original article at http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/13/fashion/13CRITIC.html And her apologies on her blog, http://www.cintrawilson.com.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Penny pinchers, meet Louboutin

A week or so ago, my lovely friend Andrea said to me, "Don't go into Banana Republic right now. Everything's super-cute and super on-sale, plus they have some buy one, get one free promotion."

I told her she should have just stopped at, "Don't go in." The other details only served to sell me on the opposite idea.

Well, now I've really met my match. TOMORROW, Tuesday, August 18th, The Outnet (www.theoutnet.com), Net-a-porter's outlet site, is having a one-day sale with 50% off more than 50 styles of Christian Louboutin shoes.

Let me repeat that. FIFTY PERCENT OFF Christian Louboutin shoes. More than fifty kinds of those delicious red-soled delicacies, selling for half off. For one day though, and one day only (sale goes through the 18th).

This is the time to make a shoe investment, ladies. It'll be well worth your money, especially if you've been saving and pining for a quality pair, and I do mean quality. These are shoes to own for life.

Make those credit cards really swish though, I have a feeling these hushpuppies won't last.

Oh, and should shoes not be your thing, or even if, don't miss the next Outnet 72-hour flash sale, starting on the 19th. This one's dedicated to the dress, my super fashion weakness, and features discounts of 75% to 85%. Budget smudget.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Well, I'm a little late on the trend alert, as far as reporting goes, but let's not call this reporting. We all know thigh-high boots were all over the runways this spring, but now that fall's around the corner, I'm remembering in heated anticipation.

See, me being on a budget and all, I've decided I'm only allowed to purchase one completely unneccessary clothing item a month. And the catch(a catch-22 of sorts)? It must be necessary and multi-functional.

Now my definiton of necessary, especially when it comes to fashion, I'm sure differs from that of a lot of people, but for September I've deemed a new pair of boots to be necessary, while I will also be getting my other pairs re-soled and re-heeled (I do a lot of boot tromping in chilly weather). And - to bring this full-circle - I'm contemplating some thigh-high Pretty Woman boots. Except a lot less on the Eighties and patent Pleather.

There's just one problem. I live in Kansas City, the Midwest, you know, where to dress like a hooker, well, a hooker that doth make.

Of course Rhianna's all over this trend and those New York girls I'm sure, which is all fine and good, but doesn't solve my dilemna of how to wear such a staggering pair and then of course, where. Certainly not to brunch at Classic Cup (I wonder, though, if this is what they'll wear at the Jones once the air is crisp?).

I think Rodarte's got it right when it comes to this trend. Neutral, soft colors, buttery soft leather, monochromatic pallete; I think the key to taking this look to the streets - without looking like you're walking them - is staying soft, and treating these power heels like you would statement jewelry. Everything else simple - you don't need a whole lot going on, these shoes have got some big mouths, a la their Pretty Woman spokeslady, and a lot to say.

And I'd love to wear a pair like I do my riding boots, with dark jeans tucked in (or maybe grey or white) and a loose menswear-inspired blouse. In fact, I'm inventing a look in my head right now and I must have this patent leader grey pair (www.style.com/fashionshows/review/F2009RTW-RODARTE/) or I won't be able to live in autumn in peace. . .

Of course, I'm also leaning towards ankle boots for September, which could leave the thigh boots for some post-Christmas shopping, say, when Rodarte's line for Target hits stores. No word yet as to if they're including some powerhouse shoes, but I'll keep an ear open and fingers crossed. Because wouldn't that be fabulous.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Potty Party, or, how to make some cash while in your party pants

Happy Weekend!I hope everyone's had a good week; myself, I've been in the never-ending process of moving and trying not to hate all my clothes right now.  Yes, those are related.  All because of a little thing I'm calling a budget.

See, what with all the household expenses and all, my shopping habits are going to have to be pushed into early retirement (but don't worry, it'll be like when teachers retire.  A few months later, they're working for another district).  And when I don't shop for awhile, I get anxious and completely forget about any garment I ever loved.

It doesn't help that I'm practically aching to move into fall clothes and football weather right now.  But anyhow, I'll survive, and I'm sure I'll come up with something I like to wear out tonight (or borrow something!).

Which brings me to a new way I've discovered to save money - or even make a little - while out and about.  Y'all ready for this? Here it is: stand in line for the ladies' room.

Yeah, you heard me right.  Let me explain.  Twice now, I've been patiently doing my time in line, when a Desperate Drunk Girl (hereafter known as a DDG) has approached me and the other line leader and thrown $20 at us - each - in order to cut us.

Now, I've found these DDG's to be very willing to negotiate and throw money down for anything in order to relieve their little beer-soaked bladders. The first time, I was second in line and the DDG in question offered the Line Leader $20, but nothing to me.  Well, LL and I had been chatting and making nice, so she turned to me and said to DDG, "what about her?" Good question.  And DDG paid the both of us and we kindly obliged to let her take her turn first.

And then there was that time on Cinco de Mayo, when, I wasn't paid per say, but, standing in line and the girl in front of me turned and said, "I need a beer, do you need one? I'll buy if you hold my spot in line." A beer for standing in line, doing what I was already doing? Sign me up!

So what do y'all think? Should I not be taking these girls' money? The thing is, if they weren't offering, I'd probably let a DDG cut if she looked like she was going to lose it right then and there. But. . . if they're offering . . . well, I guess that's where my morals are a little slippery.

What say all y'all? And has anyone ever been in this situation? Or on the other side? Do tell! And in any case, there you have it.  Need some cash or a drink tonight? Head to the bathroom. And don't forget to carry change (or maybe do . . .).

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Would you Pay to intern at Vogue? Or W?

 

So, I was trolling Style.com (Vogue and W's web affiliate), like I do, in search of inspiration, drinking in all the delicious fashion, when I spotted a new blog post: win an internship at Vogue.  Now, I may be gainfully employed and love my job and all, but, win an internship at Style.com? I'd live in my Chanel shoebox, with my Marchesa garment bag for a tent, if I had to, to live in NYC - the backstage access, designer meet-and-greets, and sheer closeness to all that hand-stitched beauty would be enough to sustain me.  They could pay me in glances into their accessories closet, probably. I'd be one happy lady.

So I click on the link thinking it's going to be some kind of contest, you know, essay contest, photo / video essay contest, create a look-book, that sort of thing.  

 

Uh, no. Only at Vogue and W are they having people bid to work for free.  

Well, the auction is run through www.charitybuzz.com, which boasts auctions like, appear on screen with Johnny Depp (final bid $91,000 and totally worth it, i'm sure), or play tennis with Andre Agassi ($100,000).  I'm not entirely sure what non-profit this particular auction benefits, however - I'll post it once I find out.

But, anyways, this begs the question: how many of us out there would be so willing to work for a top fashion site that we'd be willing to pay, in order to be a lowly intern? 

Right now, there have been two bids since the auction opened August 6, with the bidding up to $600.  Bidding goes in $100 increments with an estimated value of $2,500 and the auction officially closes August 25.  So, apparently, so far, not too many. 

The number of contacts and experiences one could obtain with an internship of this kind would be priceless. Especially for students, who are the only people this auction is open to, undergrad or grad.  But, I have to ask - what's the value in the eyes of future contacts and employers of an internship you paid to get, rather than earned?

Now, I say this, and feel I have to come clean about my internship at an arts magazine in Dublin i had a few summers back.  I paid to be part of a program which helped set me up with my internship over there.  But (as I try to make myself feel better) I had to apply and interview for the program and even then, I wasn't guaranteed my internship - it was up to my employer, not the program.  

So, I want to hear the verdict.  Is this just a ridiculous ploy by Wintour and company to maintain the elitism of Vogue? Is it a worthless job, seeing how it's bought and paid for? Or is the chance to participate in Fashion Week, meet designers, assist photoshoots, and possibly contribute to web stories totally worth it?

I'm on the fence, personally.  It's worth it to get a chance to see and do all these amazing things and such an elite level, but, I'm not sure the worth would translate to my resume, or to others, and definitely, to myself.  

Check out the option for yourself, at https://auction01.charitybuzz.com/secure/viewItemDetail.do?auction_item_id=99154&lotsindex=0&show=10&order=default

  • Wintour can take her stiletto and shove it, 'cause I won't pay to work for free. (3 votes)
  • It'd be worth it to breathe the air of the fashion closet. (1 vote)
  • It'd be worth it, but I'd lose all pride and self-worth the same way I would if I wore Uggs to the Met. (5 votes)

Where have all the gentleman gone?

Ahhh manners. I'm afraid I have many occasion to wonder where they've run off too (and can be guilty of social faux-pas myself), but one that really irks me is a small problem, with tall annoyances.

I went downtown to the Power and Light District last night for the FREE Blues Traveler concert, which was incredible, thank you for asking. Now, my friend and I probably, definitely underestimated the number of people who were going to show up, but we were still an hour early and finding it difficult to a spot to stand and see.

Or, well, I was, being tiny-sized and all. We finally found a great spot and lived happily ever after, but I noticed an appalling number of men standing tall in prime spots, leaning over the railing (we ventured up above, as the pit in front of the stage was too packed), and completely igoring my 5' 2" self straining to see through holes.

Now is it too much to ask for the tall people to let the shorties stand in front? Obviously, you're going to be able to see over them. I realize they shouldn't have to let everyone who's shorter than them stand in front, but come on. One person or two and you're what, a foot further away? I think that's do-able.

Tell me, am I wrong? Demanding? Spoiled, even, by the good men of the South who open doors and make a girl feel welcome?

Also, I think this could even apply for taller women, and also, shorter men. Everyone's just there to have fun, and if everyone can see, well, doesn't that sound like fun?

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Out with the old, in with the new (and something borrowed, and something blue)

Whew! It's been more than awhile, and if there's anybody out there who remembers and missed me - especially with the venue change - my most sincere apoligies and regrets.  I would beg out with the excuse of a summer hiatus, but, well, that would connote purpose and intention.

No, the sad truth is (or perhaps not so sad - I've certainly been having fun!) is that I've been busy.  Always a good thing, in my opinion, except when you're not as productive (or fiscally responsible) as you might have been without the busy bustle of the summer social season.  Not that I've been all play, and no work, mind you.

Anyhow, it's Back to School Season, leaving me lusting for school supply shopping and the forthcoming crisp fall weather that seems to pair so nicely with new pencils and clean notebooks.  And boots and jeans and scarves (oh my!) - but I musn't leap into fall just quite yet.

I thought I'd re-open this blog with a subject that comes at the tail end of the season, so, a bit of dovetailing, if you will.  That's right, with the close of summer also comes the end of wedding season.  There will always be the autumn and winter brides (and, yes, I've thought this through, and yes, I include myself in this bunch. Waaaaaay into the future), but summer is the offical season, after all.

And last weekend, in the presence of my best friend and her boyfriend, I found myself in the middle of an estrogen-heavy dialogue about my fascination with J.Crew's Wedding Shop.

Now let me make this very clear.  I'm not getting married, not dating anyone (yep, that's right, men - though no boys need apply - this girl's single), and not crazy (I swear!).  I'm just a girl.  A very girly girl, at times.  And I mean, don't try to tell me there aren't a lot of you out there who haven't thought these things through a few times.  Maybe enacted the scene with your Barbie and American Girl dolls once upon a time.

So, I've made the decision that J.Crew (should they continue to produce quality garments as they do now and always have) will be my one-stop wedding shop.  Their dresses are simple and elegant, well-made and designed in what I trust to be quality fabrics, and reasonably priced.  And then, I plan on choosing a color or two for bridesmaids gowns and allowing my maids to pick the dress most well-suited for them.  Everyone looks good and nobody hates me for having to buy some hideous dress they'll never have to wear again, and there's that who reasonably priced thinga again.

This is when my friend's boyfriend started rolling his eyes and asking me, so, when is this imaginary wedding again? by the way.  Which, well, I get. . .

But here's my query: J.Crew stores don't carry wedding dresses.  And what's the point in wedding dress shopping -even if you know exactly what you want - if you can't have the fun of trying them on?  I know dresses are almost always altered, but still . . . where's the fun in that?

Now I do live in Kansas City and our J.Crew stores are probably smaller than, say, the New York or Chicago stores.  So, possibly, there are wedding shops in other cities and I  haven't properly researched this entry.  But, while I take my time in finding out, feel free to share your thoughts and opinions on online wedding dress shopping (anyone ever tried eBay, or vintage dress sites?) and on J.Crew's wedding selection.

My dear friend offered to fly up with me for a weekend in New York to try on dresses in this now-assumed existing wedding shop.  Her boyfriend raised his eyes to the heavens and requested a save-the-date.  Girls . . . ya gotta love us!

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