I Buy Expensive Suits - They Just Look Cheap on Me.

I love suits, I really do. But on me, they just tend to skew a little matronly,and thereby, boring. And since my fashion choices are one of the few areas where I can still have fun at my advanced state of decay, I don't want to be bored. Case in Point:

This is a perfectly lovely Kasper suit. It wasn't cheap, it fits beautifully, it's well tailored and made of nice fabric, it's just...................oh excuse me, I fell asleep looking at that boring suit. As you can tell by the dangling badge, it's perfectly appropriate for any business occasion. I just need to JAZZ IT UP.

So where do I begin? Well, let's start with the top. You will never see me in a business suit with a button down underneath it. Unless I am going to a job interview ( but I like my job, so stop hoping). For this khaki color suit, I wanted bright color, so I chose this Uniform by John Paul Richard (Macy's) silk embroidered shell. It has a lot of beading and applique work.

I continued the theme with two layered necklaces. The shorter one is another Swarovski piece and the longer one is Botswana Agate that I got on Ebay. Then, we start with even more bling than I usually wear ( and I usually look like a Gypsy Sister).

On my right arm, we have a silver ring with a large citrine. This is why I like semiprecious stones - you can get BIG ones for less money. I also have a leather bracelet with pewter crystals for a little rock n' roll vibe.

Let's move to my left hand.

On this claw, we have layered silver bracelets. The one with stones is smoky topaz. The ring is sterling with white shell (Macy's). I liked it so much that I bought the same one in black onyx, and I wear them all the time.

The last way to give myself some panache is through my choice of shoe. For this outfit, I wore Tahari maryjanes in taupe suede with copper patent trim (Neiman Marcus). They have a chunky heel and a platform, so they are easy to walk in.

That just about does it. I look like I'm going to work (I sometimes struggle with professionalism in dress), but I am not a total snooze fest. Someone may actually look at me - happens less and less.

Well ,have a good day, and kiss your favorite minpin!!!

Chic and Cheap !!!!

A while ago, I got sick of my dull, worn, dreary, nasty, icky extra room. This room needed a Life Style Lift. I didn't need to pull anything down or do any construction. But I did need to spruce up the surface.

First, we decided what the room would be used for. It ended up to be a combo library (for Doc) and a dressing room (for me).

Age before beauty, so Doc's part was the first thing I did. I purchased two black laquer bookcases, after measuring to find the ideal size. On these, I put some of Doc's collection of antique medical books. On each shelf, I put one treasure - like a framed photo, or a candle, or a professional award. Then I saved one corner for myself, and got a pink wicker basket to hold the clothing I am refashioning, upcycling, or sewing from scratch. I got the bookcases from Ebay and the basket from Home Goods.

Then I tackled my closet, a very important space for me, because I love and have a LOT of stuff. I keep things forever, until they disintegrate, and really only my workout clothes rot. And they DO rot. So I got a set of curtains and a cool rod to replace the scratched and ugly wood closet doors. I chose a geometric pattern in black, grey and white. The curtain rod is black and has big curlicues on the ends. I got the curtains at Ikea and the rod at Target. In the corner, you can see that I have a white glass front bookcase and some artwork which was done by a friend. Some of Doc's more valuable books are in the case.

On the opposite wall, we have a mishmash, like you usually do when you are married with husband. We have yet another bookcase, this one with books that are more contemporary for medical practice. Snore. Now me. As you can see, I have hung over-door hooks for my most used purses. Above the bookcase, more original artwork and a bulletin board. I got the hooks at Home Goods and the bookcase is vintage(which means someone gave it to us, but I don't remember who,but hey thanks).

In the next corner, we have a tall bookcase (yep, even more medical books, but it still pales in comparison to how much crap I have), and a cheval mirror. The mirror is not entirely narcissistic - on top, I have hung all the collars of all my beloved dogs that I have had through the years. Sniff, wipe. The bookcase is from Ikea and the cheval mirror is another hand me down.

The remaining wall has a large window, which is curtainless. I have a lot of mature trees in the back, so privacy is not an issue. Air and sunlight are issues. So, underneath the window is our desk. This is the business center of the Holtzman empire - here is where our hugely significant financial matters are conducted. And my workout shoes of various form are stashed beneath. The running joke - you can smell Fritos while you pay bills. Nice. Sick but true. On top, I have cute desk accessories - canning jars for clips and staples, a "Housekeeping" metal basket to hold pens and stuff, and a box in black, white and pink Greek Key pattern. Into this box, you hide everything that you want to hoard, but should be thrown away. It is crammed with Macy's and Nordstrom catalogs, with pages folded to mark all of the crap that I wish to buy in the future.

The last corner has all of the forgotten, homeless stuff. The cool cylindrical stainless trashcan is a remnant from Doc's office, and I use it to stuff important documents inside. Hey, it works, and it was free.On top is a tiedye Led Zeppelin pillow (the matching tapestry is in the laundry room). Stairway to Paperwork. Below that, although you can't see it, is a red wicker basket that holds all of the electronic gizmos that can easily be lost,such as computer cords and phone chargers. But they aren't,so Rosie 1, World 0.
So I hope you have enjoyed the tour. Now, the costs of all this crap:

Bookcases = $375 from Ebay (Ikea brand)

Basket = $14.99 from Home goods

Curtains = $50 from Target

Curtain Rod = $19.99 from Target

Over door hooks = $4.99 each from Home Goods

Greek Key box = $14.99 from Home Goods

Total = $484.95. sounds like a lot, but this will hold us for a few years, or until I buy so much more crap that I need to refigure my layout again.

Have a Great Day, and kiss your chihuahua!!!!