The Circus Is Back In Town!!!

Lately, I have been having trouble with my Birchbox. September never came, so I called and they sent another one. October was fine. November never came, and I had to call twice in order to get my box. In fairness, they gave me 100 points on my account to buy something from their store, and eventually refunded my payment because I finally received it on December 6th. Here is what it contained:

1) Eslor Firming Collagen Day Cream - dying to try it. It looks like the full sized item for this month.

2) Harvey Prince Hello Shampoo and Conditioner - citrus scent. I'll try it the next time I color my hair.

3) Klorane Floral Water Makeup Remover with Soothing Conflower - a staple, I can always use this.

4) The Balm Cindy Lou Manizer - I didn't know what this was, but it's a highlighting powder. I can't wait to try it, but at my age, I have to be careful with shimmer. We will see.

And they included a dark chocolate Blood Orange Caramel that I snarfed down so quickly. It was good.

So Sunday is the day I clean and scrub the backyard and the French doors that lead out to the pool. My back always hurts after this, because I am not used to bending over like that. Today was worse than usual, because I had the rain storm filth to clean up, and my fig tree drops its leaves this time of year. I did have all 3 of my puppers cheering me on. At first, it was just Kenni and Vinni, but Elli saw us and began scratching and lobbying to come outside.

They followed us around the entire time. Elli was wearing her Rock Star onesie, so I am sure the boys found her quite alluring. The three of them were quite a circus. They circle around me, all begging to be petted or kissed. I have to be especially careful to divide my attentions evenly, or else jealously erupts, in the form of a cute dog trying to climb up my legs. I love them.

Onto today's outfit. The star of the getup, and the item I built upon for this look, is this beautiful Urban Originals purse. I got it at Neiman Marcus. It is raspberry leather with gold trim.

It has both double handles to carry on your arm, as well as a shoulder strap. The sides are covered in studs. It has a hang tag with the brand on it, and gold feet.

The real kicker for me is that it has a detachable inner bag for your tablet or laptop. It snaps out and is such a nice, comtemporary touch.

So what did I choose to go with this gorgeous bag? Well, I started with this coat that I got at a pile sale. I can't remember, but pile sales are always $1 - $2 per item. So it was highway robbery. The brand is Transitions.

Then I wore my trusty White House Black Market ivory slacks - a perennial, classic favorite.

I also wore a button down fuchsia blouse. The tags are cut out, so I don't know if it is silk or polyester, but judging the fact that it requires ironing, I as going to guess that it is silk.

I accentuated the colors in the coat with a knit sash in olive, that came from a sweater that I have.

For jewelry, I started with a statement necklace in purple, yellow and green.

This adds a few more bright colors.My arm jewelry coordinates with green and purple as well. On the left, an amethyst and peridot ring and a Tiffany charm bracelet.

On my right arm, another amethyst ring and a tanzanite bracelet.

This colorful outfit was just screaming for neutral shoes, so I shut it up with my Mixit sandals from Nordstrom.

I am linking twice today, with two lovely ladies. First, we have Jen at www.fashionablyemployed.com. Today's theme is minimalist fashion, which I am not and will never be, but maybe this old lady can shake things up. Also, Carylee at www.morepiecesofme.com for Manic Monday. I fit that title VERY well. Have a great Monday!!

The End Of An Era

I was driving down Gothard street the other day on my way back from getting stuff at CostCo, and I saw that one of my good old standby consignment shops had a sign out front. I had gone by there on Small Business Saturday in order to support them, but they were closed. The sign said "Going Out Of Business Closeout - I am Retiring!!!". Good for her!! So, on Friday, I had an extra hour with no commitments, so of course I went in. As I was going in, another lady said to me "I saw the sign and I just can't resist!!". So I said, "Join the club, sister." And in we went, together.

So out front, there is a $2 rack. That's where you ALWAYS look first. Looky, looky, what I found on that rack !!!!

Awesome purple and black brocade pants by Carlisle. The propieter told me that this is a British brand that has limited exposure. We don't see much in the US. They were my size, 100% silk brocade, and fully lined. 2 freaking bucks!!! They close with a thick velvet ribbon.

Then the lovely shop owner suggested I first look in the Bargain Room, because everything there is 50% off the tag. I rushed in like I was being chased by rabid wolves. Look what I found there.

A BCBG Max Azria jacket made of rayon and spandex knit. It has a very fine hand, and is trimmed on the cuffs, pockets, and lapels in tiny silver studs. Here is a closeup of the lapel situation, and the nice buttons.

It was orignially $50, so I got it for $25. It's so nice and so finely made that I thought it was a St John at first. The nice lady who runs the shop is closing for good on December 23. I will go back on the 22nd to see if anything good made its way to the $2 rack. She told me that everything will be $2 on the final days.

So today is Shoe Shine Saturday at www.sheilaephemera.blogspot.com, and the theme is black shoes. Good lord. I have A TON of black shoes. Sheila featured some that were exquisite - I loves me a funky black shoe. So I figured that I would finally decide which pair of black shoes, sandals, shooties, and boots are my absolute favorites. Away we go!!

Shoes - the Calvin Klein pilgrim shoes are my favorites. I bought them twice - once when they were new, and once when they died and I saw them in a thrift shop. As for sandals, there is a tie.

I love my black and grey Old Navy $12.99 espie sandals just as much as my Enzo Angiolini gladiators. Just goes to show that price isn't everything. As for shooties, there is no question.

The Sam and Libby booties that I got at Target win the prize. They are so elegant, classy and HOT that I love them. As for full length boots,

My Forever 21 black suede boots with the bronze studs just get raves every time I wear them.

So that is my final decision. Go on over to Sheila's blog to see everybody else's shoes!!! Until later, my friends!!!

Let's Get This Party Started

December is upon us, and there are both personal and business functions to attend. This morning, we had our Epidemiology Team Xmas party at Mimi's cafe. I had the egg white, spinach, tomato, and goat cheese omelet. It came with fruit and a carrot/raisin muffin. It was tasty. This is what I wore:

The black leather jacket is by Clio, the dress is INC and the boots are JLo. Let's get a closer look at the knit kimono style dress.

It's very pretty, flattering, and comfy. Now, how about them boots?

They are black suede with a band of sequins down the side. They have a 5" heel, but also a 2" platform, so they're not as dangerous as they appear. And for a necklace, I wore my black plastic waterfall number that I think went perfectly.

On my left hand, my black leather/crystal cuff that was my Baltimore souvenir, and a wedding set featuring a pear solitaire. On my right, an onyx/silver ring and another studded leather bracelet, only this one has a rougher vibe to the design.

Last night, I went to Ulta, because they had a buy two, get two free offer on their house brands. I like to stock up when that happens. So I got two smoothies and two cosmetic items. Here are the smoothies.

They mostly had holiday fragrances, so I got Candied Caramel and Sprinkles. My favorite is Banana Dream, but that wasn't available. For the cosmetics, I got a dark brown automatic eyeliner pencil and eye makeup remover - two staples for me.

As far as today's linkups go, we have two ladies who are co-hosting Favorite Fashion Friday. There is Tara at www.pennilesssocialite.blogspot.com, and then Kym at www.bittyandbunny.blogspot.com. Have fun browsing!!!!

Greensleeves

Greensleeves was all my joy, my delight, my heart of gold......

So this is the outfit that inspired my recollection of the Tudors.

Crappy pic. The jacket is by Cache, and the forest green cords are by Miss Me. Here it is without the jacket.

The knit top is by Style and Co. It is tan, with a gold foil, grey, white and olive design. The turtleneck is of unknown provenance. Here's a better look at the jacket - it's a green tweed that is overlaid with black organza and lined in lime. I have had it forever, and it is still just soooo cool looking.

For a necklace, I chose my weird ethnic number from Nordstrom's, also very ancient.

And for a real throwback (Hi Alice at Happiness at midlife) check out these 90s Me Too ankle boots. They're iridescent green with blunt toes and a blocky heel.

On my left arm, I have the companion leather cuff to the one I wore yesterday, and my Montana green peridot ring.

On my right, my creepy green Nordstrom ring.

That's about it, excpet for the linkups. As always, www.happinessatmidlife.com and Alice for Throwback Thursday, and also www.shoppingmycloset.com with Liz for Style Me Wednesday - day late, dollar short as per usual. Have a great green day!!!!

Rain, Rain, Please Please Stay!!!

So the rain continues. It rained all day yesterday and all night last night. Our power went out at about 6:45. I panicked, because we just had the electrical system replaced, but then I went down the street and found out that some of the neighbors had no power, either. Then I got scared because Doc wasn't home yet, and I have seen a lot of movies where marauders break in and kill everyone in the dark house. So I lit the fireplace and brought all 3 dogs inside with me. Of course, they loved it. The power came back on at 12:45 am. Here is the view from the other corner of my office:

It is predicted to last through the end of the week. But, I love rain (even with muddy paws) and it gives me a chance to bust out some colder weather stuff that I don't get to wear very often. Here is my getup of the day.

I am wearing brown corduroy jeans from Old Navy, a poncho from JCP, and a rabbit scarf that I got as a gift.I apologize to all the non-fur wearers out there. Here's a closeup of the knit poncho.

Here's a closeup of the scarf. It's black and brown.

Underneath the poncho, I have a Peck and Peck sweater with bronze metal circles all over it. I also have a Cookie Lee necklace in case I take my poncho off.

I am wearing some Charlotte Russe ankle boots that I got in a Buffalo Exchange in Reno.

Since I was running late today, and really didn't want to be too fussy, I only wore bracelets today. On the left, my multi metal cuff, on the right, one of my leather cuffs.

So today, the office made Christmas wreaths. Here is mine:

Of course, I had to include the office crow, per my boss' request.

Today, since it's Wednesday, I am once agian linking up at www.thepleatedpoppy.com for What I Wore Wednesday. And then, another link for Outerwear at www.poshpair.com. Hope you all enjoy your Wednesday!!!

This Is How We Do It

At least, this is how I do it in Huntington Beach. This is what I saw out my office window today.

We have been endlessly warned that this huge storm was coming, so I prepared myself with my Newport News coat and my Target umbrella.

Underneath, I have on a very comfy outfit, made from items that I have had for a long time. It didn't photograph well. Doc said I looked like a "sexy ninja". Har.

We'll show some details. The pants are ponte knit from Express, the gold lurex tank is Banana Republic, and the sweater cardi is INC. Let's look at the sweater.

The body is smooth black knit, and it has satin panels along side the zipper. It has a mandarin collar that is embroidered in gold and red. Then, I wore a pair of Speigel boots that I have also had for a long time. I pretty much only wear them when it rains. They are black suede with silver and gold embroidery.

For my necklace, what could be better than my black coral ?

You can see the satin panels and the tank better in this shot. When I leave work, I will wear my hat, because it is supposed to POUR this afternoon, and I won't care if I get hat head.

The flower is red patent leather. For my arms, I played up the red and gold. On the left, my wedding rings and a stretchy crystal bracelet from Saks.

I don't have a horrible disease - that pattern you see on my wrist is from my coat squishing my wrist down. On my right, a ruby cocktail ring, a ruby bracelet, a diamond tennis bracelet, and a diamond dust/gold bracelet.

Onto the links!!! First, Lauren at www.stylelixir.com. It's her 30th birthday. I have shoes older than Lauren :(. Then, Amber at www.induffinitely.blogspot for Tremendous Tuesday. She is celebrating 300 followers!!! Lastly, the lovely Rachelle show how to do fall in Miami at www.pinksole.com. Last week, Miami won a poll for the sexiest residents. One look at Rachelle will explain why!!! Well, here's to me and Elli and Kenni and Vinni staying sorta dry !!!