Mona Lisa, Mona Lisa, Men Have Named You

I would venture to guess that the Mona Lisa is perhaps the most famous picture ever painted. So I decided to make my own version of that famous painting. And I guess that you can figure out who the subject matter will be. But first, we must take a look at the score of the weekend.

I went to visit my mom at Villa Valencia this weekend. We went to Wal Mart. They had quite a selection of doggy costumes, but most of the tiny sizes were picked through. But we did manage to get this:

They had a lot of hats, but dogs hate hats. I might get one anyway - the best one was a red crown with ermine trim. But Doc suggested the jester cap, and I agree, that would go better with the ruffle we got her.

At any rate, when I was trying to get on the freeway to get home (I hate the freeway and avoid it 95% of the time), it was jammed up. So I looked around for somewhere interesting to spend some time. Well, there was a Salvation Armani with a 50% sale. So in I went, clutching the $20 bill I was allowing myself. I looked around, and was seeing nothing worthwhile. Finally, I wandered over to the dress section. That is where I found this:

Let us illuminate the features of this gem:

1) Adrienne Vittadini

2) New with tags

3) $118.00 retail, $59.99 at Loehmann's

4) $7.19 with 30% off = $5.03 !!!!!!!!!!!! 5.03!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5) Polyester/rayon/spandex = Washing machine.

So I brought this treasure home with me. I will be bringing this with me to my conference in Philadelphia in 2 weeks. I will be needing to bring professional outfits, so one black suit, and then this dress for dinner programs, and I am good. The closeup shows the best part - there are bands of plain ponte, and then they are separated by thin bands of tonal sequins. The band is actually only one sequin wide. A very elegant and sophisticated detail that elevates this ponte sheath way above the everyday.

It took me pretty much the entire weekend to complete my masterpiece. Here is how it started, on Friday. I did the background first, then did the black parts.

I finshed it on Saturday afternoon/evening after returning from VV. I did my front yard yardwork, then spent the evening painting. On Sunday morning, I played tennis, then took it to be framed. My first choice is always Hobby Lobby, but they were closed. So we went to Michael's, and this is the result.

I absolutely love it. It captures Elli's unique beauty and personality. I cannot wait to hang it. It will most likely be in my office for a while, but I would like it in our home eventually.

So yesterday was the Autumnal Equinox. That is the day when daylight and nightime are approximately the same amount of time in one day. It also happens in spring, and is called the Vernal Equinox. In honor of this auspicious occasion, I am wearing a fall-themed dress that I made back in 2010.

This dress was very simple to sew. The focal point was the beautiful print. I also made the belt of two colors of ribbon.

I can wear either green or red jewelry with this, so I mixed the two colors. For my necklace, I am wearing a costume piece that is a large faux stone. I have had it for a long time.

On my arms, I have mixed the two colors. On the left, a costume ring from Nordstrom with a large green stone, and two gold bracelets - one ruby and one peridot.

On my right arm, a semi-precious malachite ring, an emerald Claddagh bracelet, and a diamond/garnet bracelet.

To really make this a fun outfit to wear, I chose my Guess tricolor T strap shoes. Then I upped the ante with tan fishnet hose.

I am very happy with how this getup turned out. Since I missed yesterday, today I am linking with Patti for visible Monday at www.notdeadyetstyle.com. I know Patti is an animal lover, so I hope she (and all of you) enjoy Elli's portrait. See you soon!!!