"I always say shopping is cheaper than a psychiatrist" Tammy Faye Bakker

Hmm. I guess it depends on where you go shopping, and how many cocktails you had before you started. But there is one thing I have discovered to be true, at least for myself. Whenever I go to a new city, I try to save one afternoon to go to the local mall. Even if the department stores are the same (like Macy's), the selection varies according to local tastes. And I have gotten some of my greatest deals and favorite items this way. Today's dress is a prime example. Last year, I went to Fort Lauderdale for a conference for my professional organization. I love Florida. I love tropical places, and humidity and sweating have never bothered me. Usually, attendees are given at least one afternoon off, and I had to stay an extra day for airline reasons. So on my last day there, I bought an all day pass on the water taxi. I started out by taking it all the way down the Intercoastal Waterway to the end of the line, which was Hollywood, Florida. After stopping there for a bit, I got back on and went all the way to the other end. Just by chance, 4 crazy Israeli ladies got on with me, and we made friends during the ride. We got off at the end, went into a restaurant for a drink, and then over to the mall. Once there, we went our separate ways, because they had dinner reservations. So I had about an hour and a half to kill until the boat came back again, and the mall was deliciously air conditioned. I saw a colleague form the conference, and she told me that Macy's had a great sale, so in I went. Here is the result.

This dress is made by Bar III. They carry this brand in Macy's in California, and the price on this dress was originally $138. It got it for less than $30, because I used my credit card, and they take 30%, then 20% more, and so on. It's chiffon with a knit slipdress attached. It is perfect for hot clammy weather, and as you can see from the shape, is also totally comfy. I got home, and noticed that I had a tank with lace trim that exactly matched the blue of the dress. Here is a closeup of the tank under the dress, along with my home made lapis bead necklace.

I liked how it looked so much that I always wear the tank. Along with it, I sported my Vince Camuto shoes again.

The black and gold in the shoes is a perfect complement to the colors of the dress, and I love these shoes. They are as comfy as the dress is. Now you guys have seen a lot of my blue jewels already, but here is a recap, and a few things that you haven't yet seen. On my left arm, I have my London blue topaz ring, and three bracelets - sapphire, garnet, and ruby, all in gold.

On my right hand, I have a tiny diamond and ruby ring that Doc gave me for Christmas one year. Now that we have grandkids, the adults in the family don't exchange gifts anymore. After all, Christmas is all about the kids, and I have been plenty spoiled over the many years I have celebrated the holiday with Doc. The bracelets were made by an old coworker of mine. I have six of them, and I mix and match them according to my look of the day. I have 3 on today. They are Austrian crystals, and are strung on elastic.

So that's my Florida score (for that trip, anyhow). Tomorrow is Friday, and I have a cocktail event to attend in the evening, also for a professional organization. So I will need to assemble two costumes for tomorrow. I already have some ideas. So stay tuned for the big reveal, and thanks for dropping in !!!!