One Good Thing

Such a smart idea...  check it. {image from Baileys}

Inspiration Daily: 11 .19 .08

Painted Lady by Kat Heyes

(Photo Border by wwitch22)

Chic for Cheap: Dinner and a Benefit Concert

Ametrine and Vermeil Drop Necklace (Yanis07) . Nicole Necklace (Bunny Luxe) . Stack Bangles in Gold Fill (Michelle Chang Jewelry) . Color-Block Satin Clutch (Old Navy) . Thistle Pocket Blouse (Adaire) . Solid Washed Favorite Tank (J.Crew) . Penelope Straight Denim (Ruby Republic) . Michael Kors Shoreham Boots (Nordstrom)

Reader Jill wrote in with a chic for cheap challenge for us this week.  Here's how she describes what she's looking for:

"I have a mini-reunion with some high school gals this weekend in Chicago - some I haven’t seen in 10+ years!  I need to look great, but I have hit a road block!  I already have some great brown Michael Kors knee-hi boots... and I'm thinking of wearing those with some skinny jeans, but for up top I need ideas and suggestions!

The evening will include dinner at a steakhouse, then drinks at a local bar that is having a benefit concert for a guy we graduated with that recently befell some very serious medical issues.  So the dinner will be maybe a touch fancy, but the drinks part will be very “hometown” fun with a little solemnity mixed in."

MY PICKS: I think a slouchy top looks great paired with skinny jeans and boots.  The tank top adds just a spot of color underneath it all and the accessories bring it all together.  Pairing two (or more) necklaces adds a funky (not too tailored) and chic note to the ensemble.

If you want to help Jill our with some ideas, please include a link to a look you create (with Polyvore or another program) in the comment section below.  Don't forget to check out Melissa's look right here. Have fun at your reunion and concert Jill!

Inspiration Daily: 11 .18 .08

 The Perplexing Androgyne by Paige Heinen (Photo Border by wwitch22)

7 Random Things

Last week darlin' Melissa tagged me with a 7 Random Things meme.  I can never pass up a good opportunity to talk about myself (note sarcasm), so here my answers are.  If you'd like to play along... consider yourself tagged!

1. I was born in a coffee shack on the Big Island of Hawaii.  My mom's best friend was giving birth at the exact same time in another room (of the same coffee shack)!
2. I play the piano by ear (decently.  My sister does so phenomenally).  I can't read music to save my life.
3. I am really picky about food.  It's annoying, but I can't help it.  Things on my bad list include: meat, creme brulee, asparagus, mushrooms, eggs, most cheeses, anything bbq flavored, anything with red food dye (I'm allergic), etc.
4. I'm extremely light sensitive.  I think it's because of having Lyme Disease... even just a tiny flash of light reflecting off the back of a car or other metallic surface can give me an instant migraine that will last for hours.  Fireworks, flashlights, etc. are not my friend.
5. I love to do the dishes, but can't stand to put them away.  Ditto for laundry... love the washing, despise the folding and putting away.  I think it may be a trend.  I do seem to enjoy starting a new project more than completing it.  Hmmm?
6. 11:11... Every day twice a day I made a wish for something at this
   time.  I've been doing it for years and my family has taken to thinking
   of me at 11:11 because of my habit.
7. I cry all the time.  : )  Not just for sad things... but for beautiful things too.  Like for a soaring note of a gorgeous song, or the sight of a small bird flitting on the breeze.  This quote from American Beauty pretty much sums it up: "Sometimes there's so much beauty in the world I feel like I can't take it, like my heart's going to cave in."