Thursday, December 15, 2011

Target? Bulls-Eye.


Fashion and trends are a strange phenomenon.  Dating back almost as long as the birth of the nation, every twenty years or so brings about a drastic change in clothing styles.  However, 1992 up to the present has ushered in few profound differences aside from technologically.  How can a period that has given life to personal computers, cell phones, mp3 players, email, social media and ‘i’ everything also be such a stagnant time for something as rudimentary as textiles and buttons?  Not even mass globalization has managed to have much of an effect on burgeoning cuts and colors.

Many use the obvious Madonna/ Lady Gaga comparison as a way to showcase just how little has changed pre-Clinton administration.  The fact is, such examples are everywhere.  As entertainment magazines push their Nirvana 20th Anniversary issues off the shelves, one pauses briefly to realize not much has shifted post Cobain’s tragic death.  Pretty Woman and Jurassic Park could, and have been re-released with different characters and a glossier sheen today without any distinct complexities or decade-revealing clues.  Julia Roberts is no different than Reese Witherspoon in Legally Blonde: a classic underdog who achieves unlikely dreams with the help of one of two people (usually the leading men) who believe in them.  Jurassic Park is Avatar without the recent tech-savvy.  One might argue that My Fair Lady and King Kong were part of the same vein as the former.  Concerning basic plot line, this is a fairly accurate statement; however, it is inconceivable that anyone would mistake either of the oldest films as occurring in any other time period than they did.  Such is not the case regarding the previous examples—it is as if no time passed between them.

There has been speculation that the lack of distinctive change in pop culture, namely music and films, can be attributed to the lengthy careers that stars have attained through studio deals and iron-clad contracts.  Yet, has this not always been the case to a certain extent?  If someone was an icon fifty years ago, they were in the spotlight for longer than their 15 minutes.  Popularity sells and thus will be in demand for as long as it is what the public wants.  Before Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt, there was Robert De Niro and Jack Nicholson, and earlier Frank Sinatra and John Wayne—not to mention the female leads!  What’s different is the length of time the same exact acting style and appearance are remaining desirable on a mass level.  Earlier actors and performers had to mold to what the trends insisted.  The best example of the new age, Groundhog Day style mentality is Jennifer Aniston.  Nothing about Aniston, from her silky straight dirty blonde coif to her self-deprecating, if not downright awkward ‘pretty’ girl humor, has been tampered with since her days as Rachel Greene on Friends.  Clearly Jen has benefited from following the age-old ‘if it ain’t broke’ mentality shared by many of her counterparts.

The newest form of innovation involves nothing completely original, but instead borrows from a myriad of old styles, themes, concept and successes.  Hip-hop, even from its earliest days has been an art of collaboration and heavy sampling.  The heightened popularity of house music, remixes, djs and performers like Girl Talk—who have built their fame entirely on piecing together samples of other artists’ work—speaks for itself.  Maybe there really is not anything new under the sun, but does that mean everyone in the fashion, design and entertainment industry should completely throw in the towel?  Perhaps the jeans and t-shirts sensibility is the only place left to turn to for comfort and predictability amid the rest of the tumultuous political and economic landscape.  Designers working throughout the 1980s and prior to that time were creating in a vacuum; the nation’s socioeconomic landscape was much simpler.  Along with the internet and ipads came a constant connect and awareness which holds power but also instills a weariness and at times, a fear.  Pair such a widespread knowledge with a world that moves equally fast, and people on the whole no longer yearn for progression in every facet of life. 

Some arenas have been best determined more stagnant, and it naturally follows that clothing—something which tyrannical leaders or the DOW cannot force us to change—would stay much as it had been before: before technology started to outrun the human intellect.  Even the way in which Americans protest the negative changes occurring around them is on replay, as the Occupy movement bears a striking resemblance to the late 1960s and 70s counterculture era.  And the ultimate irony?  As fashion and culture lay scarcely touched, style enthusiasts seem more involved and enthused than ever before in the publicity and hype of that which is ‘nouveau’.  Perhaps blogging and twitter accounts have made it all too easy to share our opinions; and yet, who are these authors but messengers of what has been labeled cool and desirable by corporations. 

The Targets, Victoria Secrets, Starbucks, IO Metros and Banana Republics: these are the brands by whom trends are ignited and just as easily, stifled.  When such a small pool of stores holds as much influence as these and other mall/ strip mall giants, it only makes sense that corporate heads would push to maintain that monopoly by constantly reassuring the public that their way is the best way and needs no renovation.  Are comfort and economics edging out the genuine newness that Americans have always been known for; or, is it maybe just the fact that the status quo pleases the masses for the time being and no one is suffering for it?  Cliches aside, time will truly tell where fashion ventures or does not venture.

Here's to you J-Aniston...don't think that just b/c you're boring I haven't seen every episode of Friends 20 times.  I watch for Phoebe and Joey, but still...

Thanks to Miss Brittany Koole and Vanity Fair magazine for her/ their suggestion to write on such an engrossing topic; for some of her very own wisdom and wit, do see: 'To be titled at some point when I'm feeling creative...'.  As always I greatly encourage any and all comments and feedback.  Y-O-U are my W-H-Y!  Here's to a wonderful weekend--it's almost here so power on :)  Merry almost Merry and I'll see some of you cuties soon!

XO XHOE,
Carls-in-Charge


Monday, December 5, 2011

Surviving Judgement


Hi blog family!  Today’s story is inspired by a tip from one of my favorite readers and best friends, Miss Devin Payne J  Hope you all had a short and painless Monday.  I went shopping with the fabulous Adrianne Iberg and played with my dog…what can I say, life it hard. ;)  Tomorrow it’s back to work with a yearly contract-renewal meeting for the Levitt Shell, an awesome local music venue which was completely renovated in 2008—about 50 years after Elvis gave one of his first concerts there.  Memphis ride or die, y’all.  And now for our feature presentation:
As most of the world honors a day in which to commemorate HIV and AIDS education, November 23rd, it is apparent that ignorance still exists and in circles that have access to all the knowledge available.  The recent denied admittance of a middle school child is a very poignant example of the mental block millions of people still experience regarding HIV.  Born with the virus, the young man is able to stay healthy by taking vitamins and five daily pills.  Even though the 13-year-old boy is an accomplished student athlete and on the honor roll—he already speaks two foreign languages, the private Philadelphia boarding school refuses to allow him to attend due to his HIV-positive status. 
         The boy and his family filed a lawsuit against the school which in turn filed a federal a federal court request to approve their decision.  Administrators argue that the health and safety of the over 1800 current students is the main issue behind their decision.  The Milton-Hershey School is unlike most other boarding schools, as it is completely tuition-free and intended for low-income households.  Because students live together in dorms with 10 to 12 other peers, the school argues "no child can be assumed to always make responsible decisions which protect the well being of others," according to Yahoo! Shine.
         The flaw in the school’s argument involves the transmission of the disease, as only direct contact with certain bodily fluids—those not exposed in daily circumstances—can cause another party to become infected.  Further, the National Association of State Boards of Education has voiced its expert opinion that no risks exist for those in day care, school or sports with an HIV positive or AIDS afflicted person.  Milton-Hersh cannot point to any contractual documentation asserting health safety issues either; its statement only addresses “need, motivation, and personal character.”
         Despite the school appearing private, students are accepted based on merit and anyone who meets the outlined standards is supposed to be deemed eligible.  It does not seem fair that someone who already has to face a debilitating disease—one which they themselves had no part in contracting—also has to be faced with the disappointment of being denied an education they have worked hard to receive.  This young man never got to choose a life with HIV; shouldn’t he be allowed to at least choose where to go to school, in order to have the brightest future?  Adolescents such as himself are an inspiration, not a burden to society.
         For more on this story visit Philadelphia NBC news affiliate’s page at: http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/health/Hershey-School-HIV-Lawsuit-Boy-134802368.html.
         Thanks for reading!  As a newly-initiated member of the Pinterest phenomenon, I give you one of my top ‘pin picks’:
Love you all, CAR-CAR <3

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Change you can believe in


As I search for interesting, as well as important and meaningful topics to pursue both myself and for the benefit of my audience, I come across lawsuits, efforts for cheaper public education and health topics including birth control.  Women worldwide have freedoms and options that even their greatest enemies cannot take away.  And then there’s Afghanistan, the middle-eastern prison home to millions of bright and capable women who will never have the chance to live up to their potential.  No law can protect these individuals, because the government is instead in place to stifle any type of independence and personal growth.  What is even more difficult to fathom is the fact that these countries have so much wealth and first world resources yet continue to regard and treat women in the region as sub-human entities. 
            While many of these countries are attempting to form some semblance of a democracy, these discrepancies in gender equality become all the more blatant and out-of-place.  This July there was a march in Kabul to speak out against the sexual harassment and gender inequality rampant in the nation, organized by a young woman currently studying in Pennsylvania, and the co-founder of Young Women for Change.  Protests such as this are extremely rare, as women are not a priority in the culture and even made out to be the villains themselves and to blame for harassment instances.  Women of all ages, including the most conservative and old-fashioned, are frequently the target of men young and old when walking to work or to worship.  Even my mother, who is a 40-plus teacher always dressed in her school uniform, arrives home upset almost every day because of the disgusting comments she receives”.
            The group that led the march, Young Women for Change, had only held its first meeting two months prior to the march, and already had arranged a crowd of fifty supporters to march alongside.  With the aid of police, it seems that these marches will only grow in strength and influence, giving women the first palpable effort to believe in.  YWFC has been welcomed by many unexpected followers; from the first meeting, triple the expected number of people were in attendance—women of all ages, ethnicities, and even a group of Afghan-Americans via Skype. 
            Despite a surprisingly positive turnout, the founding members had to face such blatant discrimination as being turned away from meetings at Kabul-a public-University for no reason other than that they were all women.  The founders persevered however, and formed a campaign of sorts which incorporated posters, flyers, radio ads, various social media outlets, and TV interviews and debates—all culminating with the first-ever walk promoting street harassment awareness.  Founder Noorjahan Akbar, only 20 years old, was quoted in the New York Times discussing her newfound love of the country she has always called home.
“Thursday, July 14, 2011 was the first day I felt like I belonged to the city I have lived in for most of my life.  Despite Afghanistan’s history of war, and its news filled with suicide attacks, violence, Talibanism and corruption, I had found something to be proud of in my country.”
The organization now boasts a monthly lecture series, Afghan library building efforts, research grants and a male advocacy branch.  To say that this non-profit and young woman are inspirational is a understatement.  For the first time in history, the nations with the worst history of degrading and undermining half of their population may just have the chance to come to a democratic and peaceful state.  If it takes comities and police aid to allow women to safely walk the streets, then these small steps are much more than that.
           If you’d like to help in the effort, you can join the facebook page at: www.facebook.com/ywc.af.
Thanks as always for reading! 
 

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Winter Fashion!

Hi bloggie babies!  So I'm sure by now you're ready for me to do something a little 'lighter', yes?  I am too, you know I have a 3 to 1 fun vs. serious ratio (on a good day) ;)

As winter is starting to relentlessly bear down on us all, I thought it would be helpful to y'all (and myself!) to explore some more stylish day-to-day fashion options.  As tempting as it is to throw on a tee, oversized long-sleeve, sweatshirt and those old Fugs...none of which match worth a darn...let's not let the fridgid temps ruin our sterling image my little style icons!

Vogue magazine does a Top Ten (best dressed) of the week, which inspired me to do the same.  I am, however, pooling from ALL those who inspire me stylistically :)  First, I will borrow from V and Marie-Claire's featurette on the youngest Olsen sister, because I am a sucker for everything linked to MK 'n A.

Look #1:
Miranda Kerr in NYC.  She is adorable--watched her on Chelsea Lately last night.  You done good, Orlando.  Tailored jackets, contrary to popular belief, can keep you just as warm as sweatshirts and are MUCH easier to layer and work with.  The puffing in this leather number gives it an added feminine touch.  The pants are a versatile color without being boring or predictable, and again very tailored and chic.  Opting for a longer shirt also adds an era of uniqueness...if you must wear leggings as pants please follow suit!  Topping the look off with buckled boots for edge, an oversized bag and sunglasses tie the pieces together.  *I wear my sunglasses in snow.  Cause I'm hot, cause I'm hott.*

Look #2:
 
Monique Pean in NYC.  Okay, so I have no idea who this is, but nice pairing girlfriend.  This is a prime example of taking summer and fall looks into winter without looking like a bone head.  Simply gather up your cutest LONGER, at least knee-length dresses in dark and light prints--depending on the occasion and other key components, and a full-sleeved oversized cardigan--embellishments encouraged!  The floral and sequins combo work wonders for that feminine pizazz.  Adding a conversation necklace and unique ankle booties makes the look all her own, so go crazy!

Looks #3 and 4:
Elizabeth Olsen, you are a doll.  I foresee big things, one of them being fashion mogul status.  This day-to-night set of winter creations is oh so easy, but oh so polished!  A few highlights:  the matched bag and belt in a sharp contrast shade from the rest of the ensemble; the collared shirt under sweater--sucker for the classic; and neutral stage shoes to add a high brow touch to the monochromatic girly top and skirt.

Now for a few of my friends' chic winter looks!  Bekah and I:  Basic with a splash of COLOR!
  Devin and I:  How to LAYER over a sleeveless dress!


Adrianne and I: Sweaters & Boots!


Oh, and the guys from Burried Life!
  
For purse inspiration, check out the Kate Spade Sample sale with 75% off selected items...extended until midnight tonite!  SALE

My personal favorite is the Windsor Square Gabrielle, made with Ostrich embossed leather.  So sophisticated!

Much Love,
xo-Carli-xo
Originally $500!:

Look #1:

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Love of the Game?


Hey everyone!  After a very hectic 4 weeks, I'm baaaack ;)  Cheers to a fabulous Thanksgiving weekend--I had a fairly eventful last several days, with my aunt and uncle in town, shopping, cooking and running 5ks...woo!  I would really love if you, my loyal and beloved followers, could send me feedback regarding posts as well as topics you would like to see explored in the future :D Sound good? Oh yay!

Early this morning and end to the NBA lockout was officially negotiated.  (As if we didn't see this one coming...)  The $4-billion-a-year business will now begin its season on Christmas day.  A 66 game season is the second shortest in the league's history, due to player strikes.  Players were the party making the largest concessions, including a reduction of up to $300 million year in salaries.  With reduction figures this large, one must question the legitimacy of beginning and current salaries paid to NBA stars, as well as all professional athletes.  

The recent dealings seem to be a slight step in the right direction--likely an indirect response to the current outrage over amassing corporate greed.  These player and team owner 'sacrifices'  include shorter contracts, fewer and less extensive raises and higher taxation to better control and limit waste in the top-spending teams.  December 25 is planned to still host the triple-header scheduled pre-strike: the Boston Celtics at the Knicks, followed by the Miami Heat at the Dallas Mavericks and the Chicago Bulls at the Los Angeles Lakers.  A new line-up for the remainder of the season will be drafted in the time between now and then.  As was done to accommodate the shortened 1999 season, teams will likely play a compressed schedule, and regular season games will be played through to the end of April.  

Along with pay cuts and seasonal parameters, a myriad of other issues arise under the complete reconstruction of collective bargaining regulation--drug testing, the minimum age and the use of the Development League, and ratification by a simple majority of the 30 teams and a simple majority of the 430-plus players.  In the meantime, two pending lawsuits must be thrown out and the players' union reconvened.  

An area of key concern regarding all of these negotiations, however, is how truly collaborative they are at this level and point in time.  From even a complete outsider's perspective, it seems as though the current decision points were more of a last-stitch shuffle to pacify the public than anything else.  Player representatives appeared less than thrilled with the new developments at the press conference this morning, officials refused to answer any detailed inquiries, and the deal had not yet been shared with key committees.  What baffles a majority of average class citizens is that so much struggle and bad feeling can be precipitated over a difference of 7% in player share of the NBA's profits when the pool of earnings is such an immensely massive sum.  Profit margins may be down to approximately 5%, but the dollar amount still exceeds $183 million.  

Because player greed is a fairly clear incentive to striking, it would seem a positive development if the changes specified will indeed come to fruition.  The NBA's primary goals:  reduced overall spending and promotion of a competitive league-wide balance, have more noble roots than the desire of rich teams to recruit, trade and tax consumers however they may please.  If anyone questioned the bottom-line mentality or purely commercial nature of the NBA before the lock-out and negotiations, let us hope that these few do not still maintain the naive belief that there is more to the organization.

Okay, your turn!  Tell me what you think, and we can really get the ball rolling...Have a fun-filled Saturday night :)  I'm going bowling with some friends (flashback!) and then maybe out for a drink, good way to wrap up a Holiday break.  Here's a Pinterest present that I'm granting to you, readers:  Look for a hilarious/ inspiring/ just plain adorable clip in all of my posts leading up to Christmas!  



Love to you all,
Carli













Tuesday, November 1, 2011

The South Will Bow Again, and Again If You Ask Nicely…


Southern Culture: Outdated or Classic?

Many believe, and have long felt, that manners and etiquette are dying art forms and only relevant in the pages of history books.  However, if you asked someone living in the south, especially the rural south, the general sentiment would likely be quite different.  After all, the notion of 'ma'am' and 'sir' were practically born in the region, and tradition is not only important to the elderly but ladies and gentleman of all ages, one might say.  Yet, even in the part of America most hell bent on keeping sentimentality and values alive, few can deny the decline of 'politeness'.  

Perhaps this downward trend, as many men and women who remember simpler times have offered, is a direct result of the modern family.  Without home-cooked meals and a steady dose of parental discipline and guidance, children are instead being raised by televisions and on a diet of greasy fast food.  On the other hand, is it truly accurate to attribute these current social problems as a direct factor leading to the detriment of common manners?  Such is the debate.

A significant number of adults in the country think that using the titles of sir and ma'am is derogatory or condescending.  Therefore, their children's behavior is not due to neglect but instead very active parenting.  It would also seem somewhat obvious, but worth mentioning, that not everyone outside of the southern states has an aversion to an Emily Post lifestyle.  Cotillions and debutantes are not obsolete in the North, just less of a mindset and more of a hobby.  In that same vein, it becomes questionable whether stringent manners are built conscientiously or fostered by habit.

Some have made the argument that such strict and formulaic social guideposts are merely a tool by which to sugar coat distasteful opinion.  While this is likely true in certain situations, not everyone who swears by please and thank-you has a hidden agenda.  Repetition, environment, and choice (imagine that) are all reasons aside from the negative assumptions, why people young and old insist on holding doors and never forgetting to send out monogrammed thank you notes.  Perhaps instead of embracing change, we should instead embrace our differences--as it is those individual quirks which are the basis of American culture. 

For more on this topic, see the following article:

I would love feedback, as I know this is an argument which many of you have strong opinions on!  Happy November--hope everyone had an frightfully good Halloween ;)  In honor of the new month, I would like to take the opportunity to quote Wikipedia:

"It is quite common for some males in Australia, (especially in the city of Melbourne) New Zealand, and New Orleans to sport a moustache during the month of November [...] In the United States, it has recently become known as No-Shave November with growing participation from men and women alike to raise awareness of a variety of charities..."

Highlighted are some of the more humorous portions.  Also, Georgina wants to say hi: 

Xoxo,
CARLI

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Presidential Debates for Dummies

With the political debates in full swing, Rick Perry announced as of today that he would not be participating in all of the forthcoming panels.  While this might prove to be a benefit to fellow candidate Mitt Romney, Perry’s team believes that limiting involvement will ultimately prove less detrimental than continuing to be a constant presence.  The notion that a potential candidate can miss a bulk of the sixteen upcoming scheduled debates, and still maintain a strong presence, is by no means iron clad.  Consequently, time will tell if Perry can hang on to a leading position based on other campaigning efforts.

Physically meeting with voters in early election states and other grass roots methods are planned to replace the television spots.  As former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney and entrepreneur Herman Cain are both ahead of Perry in current polls for all of those states, a more hands-on approach is perhaps indeed what is necessary for the Texas hopeful to increase his popularity.  Perry’s percentage of support has dropped to a mere 8 percent, according to several public polls, from the beginning of the televised debates.

Leading up to the beginning of the nomination process on January 3, Perry is already beginning to air television advertising spots in Iowa.  Additionally, on the heels of Romney’s online judgment over Perry’s debating style, the Texas governor met with a group of 1,000 Iowa residents at a dinner over the weekend.

End Article.
Now for some more personal commentary…

I still wish Ron Paul was a viable option, because he struck me as the most honest and straightforward candidate.  Quoting msnbc.com,

“Dr. Paul is the leading spokesman in Washington for limited constitutional government, low taxes, free markets, and a return to sound monetary policies based on commodity-backed currency. He is known among both his colleagues in Congress and his constituents for his consistent voting record in the House of Representatives: Dr. Paul never votes for legislation unless the proposed measure is expressly authorized by the Constitution. In the words of former Treasury Secretary William Simon, Dr. Paul is the "one exception to the Gang of 535" on Capitol Hill.”

Maybe if Perry can come back from an 8 percent share of the pie, Paul can himself emerge from the shadows that the media has once again thrust him into.  As momentum slowly builds and the debates become more contentious, I will be tuning in to see who is slamming whose policies and which hopefuls are continuing to voice the same diatribe; but more importantly, which candidates are rising above this type of behavior.  To quote Missy Elliot: ‘(Y)ou don’t see Bill Gates and Donald Trump arguing over who got mo’ paper’.  Bottom line: negativity and endless argument never accomplished anything.  For a full list of the upcoming debates as well as a limited commentary regarding past debates, visit:

HAPPY EARLY HALLOWEEN!  I’ve decided to layer the underside of my costume’s skirt with a feather boa—take that Martha Stewart!  I’ll report back with news on the weekend’s festivities.  Also, Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Frank Bailey who had a beautiful reception Saturday evening at the Peabody; much love and happiness J  Goodnight Angels, xoxo.

 In honor of J Simp's having a bun in the oven, (I'm supposed to be Daisy Duke...), I present you with a major throwback.  Enjoy loves.


-Carlos

Friday, October 21, 2011

Occupy fever

With the current status of the economy, it is natural to try and find someone to place the blame on.  An excellent, and sometimes deserving scapegoat lies in the U.S. government, with particular emphasis on one subset of power in any Capitalist society: Big business.  This ever-increasing source of anger and frustration for those middle class, hard working Americans is blatantly apparent in the midst of the current on-going Wall Street protests. 

Occupy Wall Street has shocked the conscience of people from all socioeconomic facets, showing the strength of the human spirit.  The ‘everyman’ is lining up in droves and submitting to long-term uncomfortable conditions.  Backed with no other compensation than the hopes of spreading awareness, this type of large-scale grassroots movement is somewhat unknown within today’s culture.  The momentum and sweeping attention gained over a little less than two weeks is daunting, but will any real results come from all of the hype?

While the past weekend was the biggest turn out in New York and other countries have seen their own burgeoning calls for action, violence and other tensions are also growing.  There is no strong current consensus on what protesters are demanding from the government, as much as an overarching cry for justice and equality among citizens.  One more specific battle cry is coming from the mouths of those upcoming and recent college graduates. 

I myself feel most passionate about the issue of growing college debt, especially as the growth sees no end in sight—nor does the flailing job market.  Further, as scholarships become more sparse, the possibility of attending anywhere apart from one’s state college is becoming less and less of a reality.  America used to be the land where anything could happen; if you could dream it, you could do it, right?  Well, not anymore ladies and gentleman. 

This sentiment seems to resonate with people from all walks of life, and as the cause grows, the most important step is to continue to formulate and strengthen concrete governmental demands.  Growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, consistently one of the most impoverished cities in the nation, it is no surprise that an Occupy effort has begun here; however I am also extremely proud that a city so divided can come together in such a harmonious way for something bigger than personal differences.

Having grown up in the midst of so much racial and economic tension, it is refreshing and uplifting to see a movement which is not fueled by hatred, but hope for something better.  College tuition is increasing at twice the rate of inflation and graduates still can’t get jobs to sustain a livlihood, but the CEO of Walmart still makes more in an hour than a family of two living at the poverty line make in a year.  Hard work deserves a pay off, but CEOs are not kings.  We do not live in a monarchy. 



With the recent Schnucks grocery store chain buyout, unemployment rates soar ever higher.  Those who were able to be transferred to Kroger stores have felt the merger as well—one long time Schnucks employee survived the cut only to be demoted $3/ hour and have his weekly hours decreased from 40 to not quite 30.  He has a family of four to support. 


This nation has to quit punishing those who work for a living and those who pay their way through college for a better future, because the powers that be cannot seem to fairly and properly distribute tax dollars.  In a time when accountability is everything, those ‘on top’ have run out of excuses and chances to defer to international affairs and television appearances.  When so many people in the richest and most powerful nation in the world are allowed to suffer by no fault of their own, it seems obvious what priority number one needs to be.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Titles are the WORST!


Hola angels,

Update: I found my Halloween costume kittens!  I am going as a sultry, albeit classy, Snow White.  I had it narrowed down to a Crayola crayon, a girl scout and ole Snow baby, but ‘tickle me pink’ was a tad bland and the ‘Don’t touch my cookies’ title to the classic green uniform with a twist just didn’t seem right…
        
Here’s a pic of what I will be tweaking in order to make this costume custom Carli:


Only the headband and the ‘dress’ minus the red tutu came inside the package (typical, PC), so I will be attempting to hunt down a cheaper pantaloon or perhaps scrap buying one altogether and just neatly staple some red tool into the underside of the yellow skirt.  The gathered nature of the bottom should make this fairly easy.  Contrary to the model’s white knee high spin, I will be wearing some in translucent black which I originally bought in 2006 for a viewing of Rocky Horror Picture Show (recessionista y’all).  Depending on the weather, I have several shoe choices directly from my closet.  Soon to be discussed.

Anyhow, I’m getting way ahead of myself because I have another important fashion purchase to make before H-ween.  I have to get a really hot and preferably flashy new dress for Brook and Frank’s wedding.  After being told that I am not allowed to bring a date, you better believe that I will be looking good and drinking/ dancing up!  Browsing Macy’s ‘Wedding date’ collection online as we speak…I’m thinking either something white or with sequins, both hitting well above the knee.  Hope that’s black tie.  Love ya girl! ;)

I narrowed it down to four online dresses and am going to eventually make it to the store to see if they have them in stock.  I would love if you would tell me your favorite!  I’ll be wearing it at the end of October and then the first of November to one of Chris’ friend’s second weddings, i.e. I don’t know how dressy that will be but the guy took the ‘boys’ to Vegas for his bachelor party so I’m guessing anything goes haha.
        
Dress #1:




MICHAEL Michael Kors Dress, One Shoulder Sequin


$150.00
Light up the night in this metallic-hued sequin dress from MICHAEL Michael Kors!
details
shipping & returns
  • Rayon
  • Hand wash
  • Imported
  • One shoulder style; ruching at shoulder
  • Pullover style with no closures
  • Sleeveless
  • Allover sequins
  • Unlined
  • Hits above knee; approx. 34-1/2 inches long from center back neckline
  • Shop the Women's Dress Finder
  • Web ID: 584042
sizecolorqty


size chart
Dark Camel


         DOS:
http://www.shopstyle.com/browse?fts=sequin+cap+sleeve+cocktail+dress 
(copy/paste this link and the dress is second from the left on the top row)


Donna Morgan Dress, Cap Sleeve Sequined Cutout Cocktail Dress


$168.00
Tripping the light will be extra fantastic when you're wearing this luminous Donna Morgan dress—the sequins give off a super shimmer.
details
shipping & returns
  • Nylon; lining: polyester
  • Dry clean
  • Imported
  • Boat neckline
  • Double button closure at back neckline
  • Cap sleeves
  • Rectangular cutout at back shoulders
  • Allover sequins
  • Fitted silhouette
  • Lined
  • Hits above knee; approx. 35 inches long from center back neckline
  • Great for cocktail dresses or party dresses
  • Shop the Women's Dress Finder
  • Web ID: 596302

      TRES:

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=604342&CategoryID=5449#fn=sp%3D1%26spc%3D949




T Tahari Dress, Annette Sleeveless Gathered


$138.00
Sexy and sophisticated, this fitted dress from T Tahari flatters with a gathered front.
details
shipping & returns
  • Polyester/elastane
  • Dry clean
  • Imported
  • V-neckline and back
  • Concealed back zip closure
  • Sleeveless
  • Gathering at front
  • Lined
  • Hits just above knee
  • Shop the Women's Dress Finder
  • Web ID: 604342

color

Black

      CATORCE:


http://www.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=597707&PartnerID=LINKSHARE&cm_mmc=LINKSHARE-_-4-_-37-_-MP437&LinkshareID=neQRQBqOKtQ-FFIWkzBPS4k5QB8N7UIz9w



INC International Concepts Dress, Sleeveless Racerback Sequin Mini


Reg. $99.50
Sale $79.99
Shimmering sequins give INC's mini dress a glamorous look for your evening out! The racerback styling gives this feminine frock an edge.
details
shipping & returns
  • Polyester; lining: nylon
  • Machine washable
  • Imported
  • Scoop neckline
  • Pullover styling
  • Sleeveless; racerback
  • Allover sequins
  • Fitted silhouette
  • Lined
  • Hits at thigh; approx. 35 inches long from center back neckline
  • only @ macy's!
  • Shop the Women's Dress Finder
  • INC Trend Report
  • Web ID: 597707

color


Gold

Let me know, much love!  And no, I didn’t forget…awkward family portrait worthy costume shot... ...numero 2: *love you Bekah boo!*