St. Paddy's Day

May your troubles be less

May your blessings be more

And nothing but happiness

Come through your door.

To keep you from getting pinched on the 17th, I have put together a look for St. Patrick's Day.

St. Paddy's Day

You can see all of the items in this set on my Polyvore page. The dress is from eShakti.  I haven't ordered from them as of yet, but they are definitely on my list to try soon.  Have you ordered from there?

My Oscar's Best/Worst Dressed Picks

I know, I am late with this post, but it's never too late to admire some great fashion!  This year the Oscars left me yearning for some Old Hollywood style but I did manage to find two dresses that totally caught my attention and I really can't decide which one I love more.

I know, everyone has already applauded Cate Blanchett for her dress but it is truly amazing.  I thought the cap sleeves and high neck really suited her statuesque frame as well as the nude color on her skin-tone. And just look at all that detailed beading, simply gorgeous.  Her hair, makeup, and minimal accessories I thought were perfect as well.

Cate is wearing a Giorgio Armani Prive illusion gown with Chopard earrings

My next pick for favorite was Bette Midler's dress that she walked the red carpet in.  I heard so many fashion "experts" go on about how you shouldn't wear red to walk the red carpet because you will just go unnoticed, but I don't see how this would be possible for Bette in this dress.  She is 68 years old and looks absolutely stunning. Seriously folks, I think she is just perfection and this dress looks Aah-May-Zing on her. Love, love, love it!

Bette is wearing a custom Reem Acra dress, Brian Atwood shoes, 

Lorraine Schwartz jewelry, and carrying a Rauwolf bag.

And finally, my worst dressed must go to Liza Minnelli.  I mean, I love Liza, don't get me wrong, and it was great to see her out and about, but come on, put on a bra for heaven's sake!  I did think the blue streak in her hair was great as well as her makeup and accessories.  And her Halston satin pant suit would have been a perfect choice for her had she just hoisted the girls up off of her belly.

So those are my best and worst dressed of the Oscars.  

Did you have any favorites?

Daily Outfits

I love bright colors and this lime green top is so fun to wear.  I paired it with some charcoal gray slacks and lime green sandals, added an orange Belle Blossom to my hair and called it good.

I picked this navy blue wrap dress up at a warehouse sell about 5 years ago.  It is a nice weight cotton so its very comfortable to wear.  I love the pleated bottom.  I paired it with some mustard yellow wedges that I have gotten a lot of wear out of this summer.  Oh, and in case you were wondering, this is my freshly blow dried, unstyled hair.

I'm not sure I really like this top.  I've had it for years and I adore the print, but the tie belt seems to stretch out as the day goes on.  Maybe if I used a different belt with it, I might like it better.  I added a khaki colored camisole underneath and paired it with black slacks and my little red flats.

I have had this dress for ages.  You can't really tell from the picture but the top is lacy.  Its made of a soft jersey fabric which makes it a dream to wear.  I added a pink camisole underneath and paired it with these fun, beaded wedges.

This was a fun, warm weather outfit.  These mint green capris are comfortable but are lint magnets.  Not good when you have a cat and a dog and toddlers running around.  I've paired it with a sleeveless top that is made of a gauzy material, great for those hot days, and the little leather sandals I bought from Walmart earlier in the year.

The Style of The Women Of Mad Men

I am a huge Mad Men fan.  In fact, I recently sat down and re-watched every single episode and I am already thinking that I want to watch them yet again and I can hardly wait for season 7 to start.  Hurry up already!!

While we are waiting for the next and sadly, final season to begin, I thought it would be fun to take a look at the fashion of the women on the show.


Megan Draper

Megan is young, fresh, and carefree.  Her character comes onto the show in the later 60s so she wears lots of shorter dresses.  If you would like to dress like Megan, you might want to try something like this gorgeous 60's Lilli Ann Knit Coat and Dress set.  You can find it here :

Joan Holloway Harris

Joanie is composed, sexy, and sophisticated.  She typically wears a wiggle dress in jewel tones of ruby, sapphire, and emerald green to showcase her magnificent figure and fiery red hair.  If you would like to dress like Joan, you might try something like this wiggle dress.  You can find it here :

Peggy Olson

Peggy is smart, witty, and professional.  She typically wears neutral earth tones with a more modest feel. If you would like to dress like Peggy, you might try something like this 1950's empire dress.  You can find it here.

Betty Draper Francis

Reminiscent of Grace Kelly, Betty is classic, stylish, and feminine.  She typically wears pastels such as light blues, soft pinks, and mint greens.  Out of all of the women on the show, I think Betty has the best wardrobe. We get to see her at her best, her worst and everything in between.  And I think this lovely dress shows Betty's everyday style.  You can find it here.

So, do you watch Mad Men?  Who is your favorite style icon on the show?

Daily Outfits

I love casual Friday's, don't you?  Sometimes, if I know I will be having to do something that is messy, like moving furniture, or setting up a computer, I will dress even more casual.  This was just such a day.  I threw on a t-shirt and my cropped jeans, slipped on some flats and put my hair in pigtails to keep it out of my face.

This dress is so comfortable.  It is made from a jersey so it is soft and stretchy.  I've had it for several years and it always gets a lot of wear in the summer time.  I can't remember for sure where I got it, thats how long Ive had it.  The shoes came from Walmart many years ago, too.  And I threw my hair up into a bandana.  

This cute little top came from Kohl's a couple of years ago and its no longer available.  Ive paired it with some black slacks and my ballet flats.  My hair here has just been blow dried and pinned back with a couple of bobby pins.  So, overall, its a very simple look.

This top is one of my favorites.  It looks like two separate pieces, but it is made together.  Its the details of the under shirt that I love so much, it is a sheer chiffon material with delicate pleats in the front and the sleeves remind me of a 30s style.  I've paired it with some black slacks and my little slip on shoes from Walmart.  I'm telling ya, I get lots of wear out of those cheap shoes!

Daily Outfits

I love polka dots and was so tickled when I found this lovely polka dotted dress in a lovely gray shade.  It was one of the dresses that I got for the wedding I talked about here.  The shoes I got on this trip.  My hair accessory I have had forever, can't remember where I got it but probably from Walmart.  The turquoise bracelet I got about 10 years ago as a gift from a co-worker for keeping his dog while he and his family went on vacation.  I thought that was so very thoughtful of them and was really a win/win for me.  I got to spend a week with a cute little doggy plus got amazing jewelry in the deal.

I can't say which of these are older, my dress or my boots.  The dress I have had for about 15 or so years now.  It came from a Liz Claiborne outlet store and it is truly one of my all time favorite dresses.  I love the length, love that its a wrap dress, and the fabric is such a breezy, silky rayon.  The boots I've had at least that long, if not longer.  I hardly ever wear them though, not sure why.  They are very comfortable.  I guess I'm just not a cowboy boot kind of gal but I can't let them go.  Still hanging on to them because you never know when the mood to cowgirl it up will strike.  The rose in my hair is from Belle Blossoms and I love it. 

This skirt is so cute.  It has a corseted waist which helps with the tummy bulge.  I have had it for several years now and I think I picked it up at JCPenney's.  The peasant top came from My Baby Jo's I got it over a year ago when I was ordering a dress for my niece for her 18th birthday.  The dress is no longer available but the top still is.  The Tommy Hilfiger shoes you have seen before, I talked about them here.

This peasant top is very comfortable.  Its made with a kind of gauzy type material which makes it very cool to wear in the heat of summer.  I can't remember where I got it but I think it was from a discount store.  The bracelet is part of a set that I got from Premiere Designs.  The shoes you have seen before because I wear them quite often, they came from Walmart and were under $10.  This skirt is vintage and I got it from this etsy seller.  I spotted a matching top on etsy several months ago but couldn't decide if I should get it or not and when I went back to it, it had already sold.  That is all the time happening to me.  The top had a label in it but my skirt doesn't so I am curious if they were made by the same company.  The label in the top was "Paradise Hawaii" Made in Honolulu

Daily Outfits

You may remember this dress from here, it is one that I made.  The bangles I picked up at the local antiques store, the shoes I have had for probably 15 years.  They need a good cleaning but I'm not sure how to go about doing that since they are macrame.  Anybody have any suggestions?

Apparently I forgot to iron this before I wore it.  Maybe wrinkles can be counted as an accessory. lol. I picked this skirt up at a thrift store.  I like the length, its so hard to find longer skirts these days.  This top I have had for a couple years now, I love the color and the lacy neckline.  I think it came from Dress Barn.  The shoes are ancient and came from a garage sale.

The peacock blue of this blouse is one of my favorites.  I picked it up at JCPenney's more than 5 years ago.  The pants you have seen before and I posted about these shoes here.

This is my PUG dress that I blogged about here.  I also got these shoes there.  They are a little uncomfortable but I think I actually need about a half size larger.  The cardigan is thrifted.

How to Achieve Jackie's Style

Jackie Kennedy was a style icon that women still strive to imitate.  She always looked fabulous and put together, full of poise, grace and beauty.  She revolutionized women's wear in the 50's and 60's and understood less is more.

She loved wearing designer clothing and even though these creations were out of reach for most of us, her look was easily translated, becoming affordable and attainable.  Here's 7 ways to achieve her classy, casual style.

Black and White Jackie's favorite look was white on the bottom and black on the top. This is a very easy style to imitate. Start with classic white trousers or a-line skirt, add a black top pulled down over your hips. Add a 3-strand pearl necklace and large sunglasses - instant Jackie style.

Barefoot in Rome 1966 (AFP/Getty Images)

Well Fitted Jacket Jackie was well known for wearing fitted jackets with quarter and bracelet length sleeves, which could be paired with skirts, trousers, or jeans. Look for those with large buttons down the front or a belt around the waist to emphasize your figure and to give you a clean, polished look.

1970 (Getty Images)

Sleeveless In a time when baring your shoulders was considered a fashion faux-pas, Jackie dared to step out with bare arms. She mostly went sleeveless with her evening attire but could also be seen wearing sleeveless dresses, such as shifts, at other functions as well. To achieve this look, go with simple dresses in solid colors.

1969 (Gamma-Rapho)

Turtlenecks Jackie made the black turtleneck elegant. She would frequently pair it with flared trousers or an a-line skirt and trench coat. Wearing black on top gives you instant elegance, will trim your midsection, plus it's easy to accessorize.

1969 (Getty Images)

Pearls Jackie made the 3 strand pearl necklace a signature trend. Whether with a dress and white gloves or pants and a t-shirt, you can pair pearls with any outfit for instant class and elegance.

With John F. Kennedy Jr. August 1962 (AP photo)

Scarf Scarves were one of Jackie's most used accessories. She could be found wearing a head scarf paired with a fitted tee and capris or tied around her neck while wearing a simple dress. You could also tie it to your purse for instant color.

1962 (Photo by Irving Penn)

Sunglasses Jackie was known for her large, signature sunglasses. They are the perfect finishing touch to any outfit.

1975 (Getty Images)

Remember, to achieve the easy elegance of Jackie's style, you need to keep it simple and streamlined. Fill your closet with timeless and classic pieces and great accessories that you can mix or match for any occasion.  

Jacqueline Kennedy - Fashion Icon

It's no surprise that Jackie Kennedy is often cited as a style icon. She loved to wear designers such as Oleg Cassini, Coco Chanel, Hubert de Givenchy and Christian Dior. In August 1961, Vogue Magazine’s retrospective of the American look said of Mrs. Kennedy style: "dashing enough to capture notice, and unobtrusive enough that the wearer outshone her garments." Her own personal fashion icon was Audrey Hepburn, and you can see much of that flavor in Jackie's style.

In the 50's and 60's, Jackie's daywear generally consisted of simple sleeveless dresses or pastel suits, paired with her signature pillbox hat, white gloves, and pearls or brooches. Or you might find her in high waisted trousers and a blouse, turtleneck or cashmere sweater. She usually completed her daywear with her black, oversized sunglasses.

For eveningwear, Jackie's style was generally a sleeveless look in a single color with a rounded or bateau neckline as well as long sheath dresses. She also loved backless or off-the shoulder gowns. Her shoes and accessories would always match her evening apparel perfectly. A pair of white gloves was another signature accessory.

While traveling to foreign countries, Jackie would dress accordingly to complement the customs of her host nation. When visiting India, her style was more conservative than what she would wear to an American event. It's this quality that helped foster Jackie's classic and classy sense of style and drew infatuation from people all over the world.

First Lady Jackie Kennedy in blue dress and hat walking with 
Indian Prime Minister Jawarhalal Nehru in the garden of his residence in New Delhi. 

Jackie Kennedy at the Palace of the Maharajah in Udaipur, India during a state visit, 
wearing a fitted silk apricot dress by designer Oleg Cassini 

Into the 70's, her style continued to evolve and she adopted a sportier look. In the daytime she began wearing wide leg trousers or flowing skirts, solids or striped shirts, fitted t-shirts and black turtlenecks, silk scarves and espadrilles. She loved the look of black on top and white on the bottom. And, as always, her signature sunglasses.

For the evenings she wore draped, solid or patterned, glamorous gowns.

Designer,Valentino, said this of Jackie: 'Her style was always a great inspiration for my work. She had this inner quality to make elegant the simplest dress, the most shabby raincoat, the oldest pair of slacks. Her way to wear a scarf, a pair of sunglasses, to choose a bag or shoes or go barefoot, or with a tiara was natural, she was not thinking twice, she knew by instinct.'

Jackie's style was revolutionary, youthful, modern, timeless and elegant and her fashion sense is still inspiring women around the world today.

Stay tuned for Part Five: How To Have Jackie's Style and if you missed Parts One through Four you can catch them by clicking on my Jackie button in the sidebar.