I'm Not A Copycat, But I Could be a CopyZebra???

Oh, this blog post title was a stretch!! Let me explain. When I was in Philadelphia, walking around sightseeing, I saw several ladies wearing very cute and classy outfits. So as soon as I had a chance, I jotted down the particulars in my notebook, so I could copy the outfits when I got home. But since this outfit is black and white, today I am a CopyZebra. Get it? Anyway, here is my rendition of an elegant outfit that I saw on a beautiful lady there.

The blazer is by Escada, and it has a wool shell with ribbed knit sleeves. The pants are by White House Black Market (isn't that perfect for this post) and the sequined tank is by The Limited. Here's a closeup of the ribbed sleeve.

I originally put out two belts for this outfit, but I liked the first one I tried, so it stayed. It actually came from another pair of black slacks. It's half gold chain link, and half status scarf print. Here is a front and a side view of this sash.

I also had the perfect pair of shoes. I saw these last year and sorta stalked them, finally buying when the after Christmas sales hit. When I brought them home, my husband asked me why I would buy such a foolish pair of shoes. Why? Because they are AWESOME. They are black suede with tiny gold studs and are made by INC. I believe that I paid less than $30 for them.

For my necklace, I wanted a little bit of color other than black, white, and gold, so I wore my matte necklace that I got at the new consignment shop.

The cabochons added just enough color. For my arms, I wore the two pieces I got at the new Saks, plus my wedding set. I have been trying to get a good closeup of the enamel ring, but this shot is still a bit blurry. Try, try again.

And finally, I must show you my purse. I got it at The Classic Closet. That is a division of Goodwill that we have here in Huntington Beach, where they carry more upscale pieces. I have found quite a few gems in there. This is a vintage Cartier La Panthere purse. I paid $12 for it. My Escada blazer came form the same shop, and I paid $10 for it. If you have one where you live, by all means, check it out!!! I got both items on half price day.

So I am linking up with 3 more lovely ladies today. First, we have Amber at www.induffinately.blogspot.com, who I have linked with before. She hosts Tremendous Tuesday, and that is a good title!!. Then, I linked with Laura at www.walkinginmemphisinhighheels.com for Trend Spin Tuesday. Today's trend is Fall Tones. I suppose black and white is seasonless, so I just may qualify. Lastly, a new to me blog that looks interesting!!! I can't wait to check it out. It's at www.myriadmusings.net, and is hosted by Saumya, and it's called Styel Swap. Go check them all out!!!

California Dreaming!!!

So this weekend, we went for a special celebration of Doc's birthday. We went to stay at a resort that he has always wanted to go to.

This is the Hotel Del Coronado, located on Coronado Island, which is just a ride across a beautiful bridge from downtown San Diego. It is said to be haunted by the ghost of a lady who killed herself there, but the story about why remains with several versions. When I was growing up in SD, we had our high school proms there. Here I am, in front of the sign when we first got there.

The Victorian part of the hotel, which is the red roof part, was opened for business in 1888. Although the Victorian rooms are small, we HAD to stay in one. It had a little patio covered in whitewashed gingerbread, which opened onto the garden.

Across the street is Glorietta Bay, where boat owners can moor their vessels.

While Doc relaxed, I went for a stroll through the village of Coronado. You can cover the entire main shopping district in an hour. So I walked around and then on the way back, went into a few shops. I saw this beautiful old stone church, which was built in 1984.

I would have loved to see the interior, but it was locked up tight. The only things I bought were some dog treats for Kenni and Elli, and two necklaces for myself, since the cute little Victorian shop was having a 50% off sale. One is lapis, and one is larimar.

After that, Doc and I went to an Irish pub, and had cider and potato skins. Here I am, in front of the other sign.

The toiletries provided by the Hotel were large and luxurious. Actually, the entire resort is large and luxurious. You can pay a fee for day use. It opens onto a beach with views of Point Loma to the north, and Playas de Tijuana, Mexico, to the south.

They have a main pool, an adults only pool, a beach bar, a regular bar, a high end restaurant, a coffee shop, and many gift shops. I also swiped the Do Not Disturb sign, since it was so cute.

Hence the name of this post. We checked out on Sunday at noon, and went to brunch at the Westgate Hotel in downtown San Diego. We started with Bloody Marys - those, mimosas, champagne and any other mixed drinks were included in the price.

Here is plate number 1 of my food.

This is a fried shrimp, a crab cake, a gyoza, some crab claws, some red and green mussels, oysters on the half shell, and a lemon to squeeze. Then I moved onto plate number 2.

I liked that everything was in little dishes or ramekins. That way, you get a taste of everything, and if you want more, help yourself!! This plate has Indian curry, seafood parmegiana regianno, salami, buffalo mazzarella, more crab claws, a piece of roast lamb, and oysters Rockefeller. Then, onto the last plate. I stopped before I was bursting open.

This had a Korean rib, more oysters Rockefeller, a pupusa, black forest cake, and a biscotti that I dipped in the chocolate tower. Doc had a bunch of food as well, and said that it was the best birthday he ever had. Mission accomplished.

So onto today's outfit. We had a cold snap with some rain (YAY) over the weekend, so I busted out some fall goodies. We were lucky in that is was chilly, but sunny in Coronado.

My skirt is faux leather and made by INC. I got it over the summer, in Las Vegas, on deep discount. The tweed top came from Kohl's and it is trimmed in faux leather. Here is a closeup of the perforated material of the skirt.

The skirt is a bit large in the waistband, which isn't unusual, so I wore a wide belt over it to cinch it in.

To cut down on the monotony of the black and white, I wore my Sesto Meucci pumps with the red organza rose, and a red faux crocodile jacket.

Quickly, the jewelry recap. My Joan Rivers pearl necklace, worn long style. On my right arm, my white enamel/crystal ring and a gold bracelet. On the left arm, a garnet/diamond ring, a ruby bracelet, and a gold bracelet.

I am still on the super link up kick. Three more lovely sites today. First, I am joining www.fashionablyemployed.com for Sophisticated Style, then www.pinksole.com for How I Fall, and lastly www.clariejustineoxox.com for Creative Mondays. These are all new blogs to me, so let's all enojy ourselves visiting them.

Here Kitty Kitty !!!

So in honor of Halloween, I am once again sporting an outfit that is not a costume, but which I am sure will be mistaken for one at some point today. Here we go!!

Meeeooowww!! The animal print blouse came from New York and Company, a mall store. The leggings are from Kohl's. I am wearing black tights underneath to ensure that I am nice and opaque, and not flashing anyone. I decided to wear a belt that I have had since the 80s, and is my favorite belt ever. I have already had to McGyver it together a couple of times when one of the chains ruptured.

My necklace is matte gold tone. I got it, along with a longer version, at Stein Mart. It has black cabochons on the stations.

On my left arm, a black leather/crystal bracelet, and a ring that was a souvenir from Baltimore. On my right arm, the crystal/enamel ring I got at Saks a couple of weeks ago, and some gold/white bangles that I don't know where they were purchased.

Now for the real excitement!!! Because of Ebola preparation, I worked a lot of overtime, so I got a lot of extra dough. So I decided to get myself a present, since that much overtime is very hard to do. I had heard that Target did a collaboration with Altazurra, which is a designer that I like, but can rarely afford. So after work yesterday, off to Target I went. I also needed to get candy for the Trick or Treaters. Well, I didn't like the Altazurra stuff, but I did get these babies:

They are made by Sam and Libby, and they cost a total of ........ $22.48!!! They are gorgeous. They are black suede on the toe,black leather on the heel, ankle high, and have 3 gold buckles on the side. And on the other side

There is a sturdy zipper with a gold tone fob. And that light part on the sole is also goldtone. They're so beautiful. There were only a few pairs left.

As I mentioned, in an effort to reconnect after my absence, I am linking like crazy. Today, there are three lovely blogs that I am joining. First is Renae from www.simplesequins.com, then Sara at www.sabbystyle.com, and last but not least, Whitney at www.whitneyalamode.blogspot.com. Enjoy!!!

But It's Not A Costume!!!

I knew it would happen. I was certain that someone yesterday would think I was wearing a costume. All day long, my friends at work commented on my dress. But no one uttered the dreaded "c" word. Then, as I was walking across campus to my car, I ran into a lady and her husband hobbling toward the ER. She looked at me and said "What a cute costume!!!" I told her it wasn't a costume, but I was laughing about it. She said that she thought I was a sexy witch or something. HAHHHHAAA.

Anyway, onto today. I haven't worn this dress in quite a while. It's made by Kenzie. The metallic jacket is by American Rag.

The jacket has a drawstring waist and a hood. The dress is thick ponte type knit, and has a big bow detail at the waist.

As you can see, I chose dark grey tights to go along with the dress. I read yesterday that grey is considered a conservative, boring color. So I livened it up by adding purple accents. On my left arm, I have a silver bracelet, an amethyst bracelet, and a darker amethyst ring. On my right arm, I have a tanzanite ring and a bracelet of amethyst, sugilite and agate.

However, I went back to grey for my necklace. It's a hematite piece that I have had for some time.

But the real kicker is the shoes I am wearing. I have had them for a long time, but I don't wear them too often. The reason is because they are sling backs, and I have a hard time with slingbacks staying on my feet. They are by Paloma, an Italian brand. They are lavender suede, with a darker purple patent heel, and detail of little circles in red and metallic khaki on the top. The slingback strap is metallic khaki, and the buckle is purple. They look awesome - let's hope they stay on for most of the day.

Since I went on vacation, the number of visits per day to my blog has been very erratic. I have also been posting in a hurry, because I am the site coordinator for our Ebola preparedness. Anyway, since that has died down a little, today I am linking with 3 different blogs to get some exposure. They are www.treasuretromp.com, www.happinessatmidlife.com, and www.lovelyladyjb.blogspot.com. All of these blogs are new to me, so you can bet that I will be having some fun looking at them!!! And as a final parting picture, here's my lunch from yesterday. I know it's not fascinating, but it sure is pretty!!!

Groovin' On a Wednesday Afternoon

When we last met, I promised to do the reveal on my latest trinket.

Wait no more, my friends. It's the Platinum Cuff, by Swarovski.

 

It is so much more beautiful in person. The metal is gunmetal toned, and the crystals range from clear all the way to Black Diamond, which is the ring I have. I wore them together today.

It's a breathtaking combo. So, what outfit did I choose to wear along with my new bauble? Well, the title of this post gives you a clue.

Although I do have a couple of vintage Gunne Sax dresses, this isn't one of them. This 70s style knit dress is actually made by Moda International, a brand put out by Victoria's Secret. It's black with tan Venice lace trim. Here's a closer shot of the trim.

If I really wanted to go all groovy on everyone, I would have worn a choker with this. I have done that before, but it's a little close to Halloween to wear such a costumy outfit. I went with my buffalo turquoise and smoky topaz statement necklace.

On my other arm, I only wore one ring - my veiny boulder that I got at Nordstorm.

I did go costumy enough, however. I wore my black suede and bronze nailhead boots from Forever 21.

And since it's Wednesday, I am linking at www.thepleatedpoppy.com. Go over and have some fun!!!