I Am Torrid!

Last month, Torrid gave some fashion bloggers a peek behind their curtain. And, I was there. Lucky me!

Torrid offered up a preview of their spring/summer fashions - awesome, bright, denim are just a few of the words to describe what's to come. Florals on tops, denim, jackets. Stripes on dresses - maxi and not-so maxi. Prints, whites, colors!

Fashionistas from near and far were given unprecedented access to designers, buyers and even the CEO! Who does that?! Questions, comments, likes, dislikes were all bandied about in an effort to understand Torrid customers. Most of the discussions stemmed from personal preferences - 3/4 length sleeves, ruched sleeves, cork heels. Some topics - 5" heels in particular - brought about consensus from all. 

The most fascinating person I met was Liz, SVP of Product. Her passion for denim was palpable! She shared her vast knowledge of denim, which comes from years of experience working in the industry for some big names in the world of jeans. Liz and the Torrid team fit test the jeans - every size, every style. Isn't that cool? AND, we learned that each pair of jeans is hand destructed. Catch that? Each pair of jeans is hand destructed! So rad! Certainly makes me appreciate each pair of jeans more.

I was also quite fascinated by the bra guy (totally spaced on his name! - Yikes! UPDATE 04.09.13 ~ Vince! His name is Vince!). Yes. A bra guy. He had a plane to catch, so his presentation was brief. But, boy, did he give us a lot of info! He showed us the new lace demi-bra (GET. ONE. NOW!). Some of the fashionistas did not believe a bra with two hooks could be supportive. Oh, it's supportive! And, lacy and pretty and comfortable and GET. ONE. NOW! Let me say this - it's crazy how two hooks makes me feel even sexier in a bra than lace does.

One of my favorite activities of the day was the photo shoot. What an incredible sight ~ a conference room filled with clothes! Jeans hanging on the wall to the left; shoes, bras and accessories displayed on tables; tees, tops, jackets and such on racks. Kinda heavenly. 

::SIDE BAR:: I am in my mid-40's. I also stand 6'2" without shoes. I've learned to live with too-short jeans and cuffs. It's just a fact of my fashion life. At the event, one of the fashionistas in attendance was seriously rockin' Torrid's rose print jeans. I admired from afar, having already written off sporting a pair of my own if for no other reason than the jeans were too young for me. ::end SIDE BAR::

The first outfit I picked out was pretty much the same thing I wore to the event ~ tee + blazer. I put it back on the rack and grabbed one of the fabulous Lords of Liverpool lyric tees. Super soft material, slightly oversized and quite eye-catching, I couldn't resist. With a Bowie lyric to boot! I knew this shirt would join the other 2 tees already in my closet.

I was ready to go! But was stopped by Torrid team member, Nicole. She wanted me to try on their oh-so-popular Stiletto jeans. I told Nicole that I had tried them on but, alas, they were too short. The zipper detail at the ankle (well, it was on my calf) prevented cuffing. So, Nicole brought over the rose print denim. I put 'em on, great fit, a bit short, but able to be cuffed. I confessed that I was much too old to wear the jeans. She did that you're-kidding-me-right head tilt thing and was persuaded to keep them on for my photo shoot.

By the time my photo shoot and interview were finished, I was in love with the jeans. After the event, I sat in my car and ordered a pair online!

I met some fun and lovely and fashionable ladies ~ what a great group of gals to share the day! WE are Torrid :)

Thank you, Torrid, for including me in such an incredible event! 

Check out the video...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ipo8vk7GXR4&feature=youtu.be

Nothin' But a Good Time!

I've worked in the entertainment industry for over ten years. I'm lucky to work at one of the most recognizable studios in the world. And, I'm lucky not to be jaded - walking on the lot still makes me giddy. 

In these ten years, I've had the chance to experience some incredible things - TV show tapings, an intimate tour of shooting locations for Blade Runner with Ridley Scott, even a movie premiere. But, last Friday night was THE MOST INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE EVER!

A few weeks ago, I sent an email offering to work the Rock of Ages premiere. Honestly, I didn't expect a response. Secretly, you know I wanted one.

So, I waited. Patiently. (Hey - I'm a Taurus, we're patient people.)

And, I was rewarded. My name was on the staff list for the premiere and after party WITH POISON AND DEF LEPPARD. OMG OMG OMG OMG! Talk about giddy - was I ever! I had two assignments for the night - inside and outside. AND - we were to dress in 80s attire! Aww yeah! I mean, really. It's Rock of Ages! THE epitome of 80s rock - big hair, acid wash, neon jewelry and blue eye shadow. COME ON! 

I only had a week to come up with an outfit. Finally, I narrowed all my possibilities down to 2 options. All the while, I'm fretting about the night because it would be my first premiere - what could I expect? What would be expected of me? What do I do? What does all this mean?! Thank God for Liz and Karen! Both assured me, reassured me and answered all of my silly questions. Beyond that, both were excited by how giddy and excited I was to attend. And, they helped with my outfit.

Fast forward to premiere day - a lot of Aqua Net and a lot of blue eye shadow. Ai yi yi! I wore my English Beat Special Beat Service t-shirt, black lace mini skirt, tights and black motorcycle boots. My hair was slicked back on one side, the other side hanging down over my eye. I wore a gorgeous orange/red eye shadow with blue eye liner that extended out to my hairline. Oh yeah. I rocked that look on one eye. I also wore one earring. Dude, I was kinda rad.

Inside the theater, I was nervous. David walked me around, showed me the sections and tried to calm me down. Once the soundtrack started, I was totally fine - I just sang, rocked it out. It was fun and we all were there for a good time, so I had one.

I think it's awesome to see movie stars. On only two occasions have I been the "loud obnoxious give me your attention" girl - the time I saw the Ocean's 11 cast playing shirts versus skins basketball (::thud::) and when I saw Ryan Gosling last week (::thud:: #2). Other than that, I'm "Hey, look" and the end.

But...put me with musicians? Oh, my. It's a different story! This theater was filled with 'em. I wanted to tell Lita Ford how she inspired me to be courageous. I wanted to explain to Kevin Cronin exactly what I felt when I drove over the Golden Gate Bridge for the first time with Roll With the Changes blaring. I wanted to yell at Debbie Gibson for throwing away the roses my friend gave to her. Segments of my life were represented in that room. I wanted to address each one. I wanted to thank or yell or hug and relive each one.

At the after party, I handled a table - making sure the guests had what they needed. I was pretty damn close to the stage. I was pretty damn close to tears. When Poison came out, all I could do was dance. So, I danced away from the table. The band ran through six classic songs - so much fun! I love it when I know all the words :)

Then, Riki Rachtman came onstage. My 15 year-old self started to shriek and yell - It was starting...

WE CAN'T STAND WAY BACK HERE! MOVE MOVE MOVE!

OK OK OK! We will. We will.

Gunter glieben glauchen globen

ALRIGHT!

My teenaged self took over at that precise moment. And, we moved right on down, in front of Vivian Campbell and Rick Savage, to the side of Joe Elliott. ::swoon:: 

Def Leppard ran through six songs ~ Rock of Ages, Hysteria, Foolin', Bringin' on the Heartbreak, Armageddon It and, of course, Pour Some Sugar On Me. Holy crap! I danced and screamed and sang and screamed and enjoyed the whole thing! It was amazing. They were so incredible! I am trying to find adequate words...I can't.

I tried to hold onto the night...did the best I could...but it ended. I know other premieres and after parties won't be like this one. That's okay. I am so ridiculously grateful to have been there, done that.

NaBloPoMo 11.16 - 25 Ways to Wear a Scarf in 4.5 Minutes

This is absolutely fabulous! I've already noted my favorites (the Bunny Ear, Double Rainbow, the Braid, the Magic Knot) and plan to try them out this fall/winter season.

BTW ~ I want that McQueen skull scarf!

Which ones strike your scarf fancy?

NaBloPoMo 11.13 - Melissa McCarthy and her Spanx!

THIS is *hilarious*! OMG! Melissa is a brilliant storyteller :)

Melissa McCarthy and Her Spanx - The Ellen DeGeneres Show

Dear Lane Bryant...

Santa's good.

Two days before Christmas, I received an email from Lane Bryant heralding their day after Christmas sale. Bras and jeans on sale. I made a mental note because, really, when bras are 'buy 2 get 2' I'm all over it.

Lo and behold on Christmas Day, what does little Reesie get? Gift card to Lane Bryant. Well played, Santa!

So, off to Burbank I go the day after Christmas. I know, I know. Crazy Reesie out with the other crazies at the maul mall. I got into Lane Bryant by 8 o'clock that morning. I was out of the mall parking lot by 9:15 a.m.

I was the lone crazy person shopper in the store. Kid in the candy store, money burning a hole in my pocket, I looked around, wide-eyed at all that lay before me inside Lane Bryant. Like the responsible adult I am, I tell the girl I need bras and jeans for sure and maybe something fun if there's enough leftover.

I get measured. I try on. I select. I set aside. Moving to the wall of jeans, the gal asks my size. "4 yellow tall" [Lane Bryant has this 'Right Fit' way of measuring for jeans based on your shape]. "Oh, we don't carry talls in stores anymore."

You don't carry talls in stores anymore?! Huh? Wha?

"How am I supposed to get jeans?"
"Just go online and order!" She was a bit too cheery about this.
"How will I know if the jeans are long enough?"
"You can return the jeans to the store if they don't fit."
"So...I have to BUY jeans, WAIT 4-8 business days to get them, then TRY THEM ON?"
"Yes!"
"No!"

I have to buy jeans that may or may not fit, wait for them to arrive, then return if they don't. That just doesn't seem right. And, I tell the girl. Sorry for her. Why can't I go into the store and try them on, ensure they fit, then purchase? I was livid. The sales gal had me try on 'average' size jeans "for the fit" and then guessed how long the talls would be. Ai yi yi! A lot of stores increase the rise of the jeans and call them tall. Uh, my legs are long. I need length!

Later that night, I found Lane Bryant on Twitter (@lanebryant). Dear @lanebryant, Why did you take tall jeans and pants out of your stores?! I got a DM (direct message) saying all I had to do was order online.

Dear @lanebryant, I have to BUY jeans that may or may not fit?
Yes, then return if they don't fit you. Thanks!

Are you kidding me?! What a tremendous pain! These messages went on for 3 or 4 more rounds, each with a line that has nothing to do with anything, really - have them shipped to the store! There is no demand for talls! You can easily return to a store!

I have to spend money in hopes that the jeans fit? I've shopped like that for most of my life! Many is the number of times I've been tremendously disappointed when something I adored in a catalog didn't fit. It's frustrating. It's disappointing. And it pisses me off!

NOW where am I going to find tall jeans?

*sigh*

Party dress - new year's eve

Consider this if you will:

I certainly am! The ultra-sexy Evalyn dress from b&lu plus-size fashion site. Purrr! $56 minus 25% ~ it's a steal.

Wear with peep-toe stilettos or over-the-knee boots. I'm thinking a chunky boot to throw a curve at ya :)

I have arm issues; I'll have to figure out the bra situation...whatever! I need to rock this on New Year's Eve!

Observations from the Deck. Observations from the Line.

Thursday night ~ VH1 Save the Music benefit ~ Carnival Cruise Line 'Splendor' ~ John Mayer, Jordin Sparks, Gavin Rossdale, Sara Barellis, OAR and 2 other bands

Observations from the Deck:
~ when given the option, most girls go for fashion over comfort (me included)
~ 20something girls are really young ("I LOVE YOU JOHNNY! I LOVE YOU GAVIN!")
~ open bar and open cruise ship food is a good thing~ perhaps 'open bar' shouldn't be so open to some people (the 2 ladies in front of us and the whole row of girls behind us for example)
~ Gavin Rossdale really is hot!
~ goody bags are aptly named
~ cruise ships need better decorators
~ when there are several singers on a bill, limiting each to 2 songs is brilliant

Saturday night/Sunday morning ~ Prince ~ Club Nokia @ the Nokia Plaza downtown Los Angeles

Observations from the line:
~ when given the option, most girls go for fashion over comfort (me included)
~ the Religion of No Mirrors has a larger following than I suspected! I'd hate to think friends let friends go out of the house without commenting on outfits...
~ curiosity gets the best of people - if there's a line, everyone wants to know what the line is for
~ one raspberry beret
~ a lot of purple
~ there really is someone for everyone!
~ some people will do anything to not wait in line!
~ $40, if propositioned to the right guy, will get you a place in line
~ waiting 3 hours in line + starting the show an hour late is worth it if Chaka Khan shows up to sing 'Sweet Thing' with Prince on guitar

:)

The Girl is Mine!

Remember this lovely little lady?

She's the one I've been drooling over since the summer ~ the Christian Louboutin clutch priced at $795 at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Saks.

Then, I gave up on her.

Well, I got her. Yes I did! I actually got her silver sister.
AND. SHE WAS ON SALE!

$220.

Done.

The Girl is MINE!

how much aluminum foil does it take to wrap a plus-size chick?

A lot. Listen up, Shoppers/Buyers for stores: Big girls have a tough enough time finding clothes that cover our arms or give us a (illusion of) waist or that look somewhat trendy. We do not need aluminum foil masquerading as a shiny party dress.

AND this atrocity party dress is at Nordstrom.com :::shiver:::

Rita Hayworth gave good face

Nordstrom had a make-up event on Saturday morning. I know it's supposed to be exclusive, invite-only type of thing, but seriously - does it have to start at 8:30 a.m.? Egads. I was only fifteen minutes late.

All participants were given a great tote bag which contained a bottle of water *and* breakfast. I know! Berries and a scone/muffin/biscuit thing. Nice touch, Nordstrom.

Videos of each make-up line were played, interspersed with give-aways from the managers of each counter. I made notes on several products to check out and paid special attention to the Smashbox video as I had a 'consultation' (read: put makeup on meeeee!) with them after the event.

First stop - NARS. The account rep was adorable and lively. He danced up and down the runway; and was the only one to come all the way to the back of the audience where I was sitting. His model wore a gorgeous lip gloss called All Night Long. I tried it on, loved it, bought it. No wonder it's voted best by Sephora customers!

NARS Lip Gloss ~ All Night Long

Next on my list was Laura Mercier. I know the brand name but am only familiar with the Stick Gloss (Black Orchid - my favorite). The account rep also highlighted berry lips with a product called Lip Velvet. The color, Cassis, is a dark intense color which I tried on, loved and bought. I am so easy.

Laura Mercier Lip Velvet ~ Cassis

I made my way over to the Smashbox counter - second in popularity to MAC (of course). The account rep was lovely, offering to move my appointment 30 minutes so I wouldn't have to wait around. The woman who did my makeup was great ~ she asked what I liked, blended when I didn't like, showed me wonderful products and was truly helpful. When I hemmed and hawed at some of the products and brushes she was pushing, she suggested alternatives and saved me a lot of money. My favorite product is the waterproof eyeliner in Navy. My eyes looked amazing! I told the gal she had to come do my makeup every day.

Smashbox Cream to Powder foundation ~
excellent coverage, very light,
stayed in place all through my adventures at Knott's Scary Farm!

Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof Eye Line in Navy ~
amazing product that sets in 60 seconds and won't smudge or move.

Smashbox Doubletake Lip Color Sugar/Spice ~
nothing beats convenience! Lip liner on one end, gorgeous color on the other.
The texture is very nice and smooth - didn't tug on my lips when I used it.




OK. THIS is the best lip gloss I have *ever* seen. It's Yves Saint Laurent Gloss Pur in Black. Yes, black. The host of the event wore it, but I was too far back to see. I made my way to the YSL counter in time to see it applied to a 16 year old girl. It was applied sparingly, so the color was a lovely berry tinged with black - it was very cool. I saw the host of the event putting more on and it was black - looked pretty cool. I'm watching everyone try it out, completely baffled at how different the color was on each woman. Someone tapped my shoulder; I turned to see the national account rep/lead makeup artist with the black lip gloss.

I'm Keith. I want to see this lip gloss on you. It would look beautiful over the color you're wearing now.

Seeing as I'm a girl, at a makeup event, who loves makeup, how could I refuse? Couldn't. Didn't.

Keith applied it, changing my berry lips to a deep dark cherry color. Sold! He only had 25, so I was lucky to get one.

This lip gloss is crazy cool! Sephora doesn't even have it. I can't wait to experiment with it - over liners, over other lip colors, on its own. Yes, Lys ~ it's coming to PhilaPA.

YSL Gloss Pur Black (limited edition)

The Surgery

I wear size 12 shoes. Adding insult to injury, I wear size 12EE. That's wide. Pretty damn wide, if ya ask me. I've worn size 12 since, oh...let's see...7th grade. Uh huh. As if being 5'11" at age 12 isn't enough.

Back in those days, there weren't a whole lotta footwear choices. My shoe wardrobe consisted of Nikes - white with the blue swoosh. In the 8th grade, I got a pair of blue Nikes with a yellow swoosh. Ooh, snazzy! Not so much.

At some point during my high school years, my sister discovered a store called Freeman's. It was a huge shoe store in Pomona. Aisles and aisles of shoes stacked from floor to ceiling. The newspaper ad advertised shoes "from 6AA to 14EEE!" Damn! I could definitely find shoes there. The only decent shoes in my size were called 'skimmers' - your basic flat shoe. I got 5 different colors of those skimmers; wore 'em out fast.

As cute as the flats were, I wanted current shoes; shoes like my friends. It wasn't to be. Well, there was the espadrille incident...

It was about this time, that I proposed The Surgery. There were two options to The Surgery:

1. Cut off my toes, shave down some of the bone, reattach the toes. Or,
2. Cut out a chunk from the middle of my feet, reattach accordingly.

It wouldn't take much as I just wanted to be a size 10. A size 10 has no problem walking into any shoe department and finding shoes. Besides, if I went any smaller than a 10, I'd probably fall over.

Times changed, Payless Shoe Sources popped up, plus-size catalogues carried fairly decent footwear in my size and the need for The Surgery waned. Would you believe I was 19 years old before I wore my first high-heeled pumps?! I know!

I've been on a shoe kick as of late...and that pesky desire for The Surgery has popped up once again. I found a gorgeous pair of Prada-inspired pumps online...and wouldn't ya know it, they only go up to a size 10. I could always do the espadrille shuffle...

Sigh.

She's out of my life...

Remember The Purse? The ridiculously gorgeous Christian Louboutin Laminato clutch? Lemme refresh your memory...

Ahhh yes...it's all coming back to you now...isn't she precious?!

I'd been hoping Nordstrom would get her in-store in time for their triple points week, but this was not to be. No matter - she would still be mine. Everyone in the Handbag department knows I've been on the wait list since July and how serious I am about her. I get updates - "Oh, it should be here in August! Or September." I just haven't received the call.

Thursday afternoon, we went to Saks in Beverly Hills. While strolling through the huge handbag department, I saw her. She was right there...in a glass encased wall display. It wasn't actually her - as she is pewter; it's her gold sister.

"Would you like to hold it?"

She's smaller than I thought. She's much more gorgeous than I thought - pictures don't do her justice. The clasp is darling, the signature red lines the inside and she looks good in my hand. Swoon

I've come to the decision to let her go. I know, I know! She is such a gorgeous clutch...she's the special occasion clutch. She's the clutch for the Grammys, the clutch for the holidays, hell she's the clutch for going out with the girls on Saturdays! But she's just not what I need. sniffle sniffle

My obsession is over.

Practicality. That totally bums me out.

Girl of 100 Lists ~ Plus Size Fashions online

For the past several months, I've become disenchanted with Lane Bryant and the Avenue. When I want basics (tees, camis, tanks) or need classic pieces (button-down shirts, cardigans), I will visit those stores. But, I want trendy! I want fashionable! I want fun!

Torrid ~ www.torrid.com ~ hip, trendy and fashionable. I love that their TALL pants actually have a longer leg instead of a higher rise. The shorts, pants and crops have the perfect rise. The shoes go up to size 12 and are cut to accommodate a wider foot. Yippee! Always check out the clearance section ~ good deals to be found there.

Size Appeal ~ www.sizeappeal.com ~ for the confident curvy woman. Sexy tops, slinky dresses, great prices. It's shopping online, but the returns are no hassle.

Fashion Overdose ~ www.fashionoverdose.com ~ my current obsession! The styles are surprising and hip. Click on the 'Collections' link on the left side to see how they throw unexpected pieces together to make great outfits. The quantities are limited, so if you see it, buy it!

B & Lu ~ www.bandlu.com ~ love the variety; recently reviewed the four pieces I purchased here

One Stop Plus ~ www.onestopplus.com ~ one-stop shopping for Roamans, Jessica London, Chadwicks and the Avenue. Everything is here. Everything.

Igigi ~ www.igigi.com ~ sexy, sophisticated plus-size clothing is their tagline - and it's appropriate. I have one top from Igigi; love love love it! This site has a feature which lets you shop by shape (hellooooo ~ brilliant!). I'll admit, I have occasionally balked at the prices. However, you really can't put a price on quality clothing that fits.

Kiyonna ~ www.kiyonna.com ~ Ohhh, I love the Kiyonna! They seem to have their finger on the pulse of trends ~ gorgeous dresses, flirty tops, Spanx and Hollywood Tape (my personal lifesaver). Kiyonna has a boutique in Southern California which showcases its wonderful fashions.

If you're more about the mall experience, visit Macy's (the Self-Esteem line has *great* tops) or Nordstrom (Maggy London and Nine West dresses, Sweet Pea tops) or hit up Torrid to see their stuff up close & personal.

Oh ~ Old Navy has phased out their in-store plus-size selections/collections. These are now available only online at www.oldnavy.com - nice basics and surprising trendy pieces; if you like, buy it - the stuff sells out quickly!

For more reviews, links and all fashion-related things for the plus-size gal, check out Fashionista +

Fashion Review - B & Lu

It's a fashion post! It's a fashion post! Call your friends. I'll wait...

B & Lu (bandlu.com) ~ Plus Size On Trend

I am new to the b&lu bandwagon. Lys has purchased items (snagging a sweater I really really wanted) and extols the virtues of the b&lu. I've perused several times. Last week, I took the plunge. Let's review, shall we?

Item #1 ~ the Jacey Jacket (silver or gold - I got gold) - $26.00

Gorgeous jacket! I ordered a 3x, which fits fine across my back and shoulders - my trouble areas. However, it doesn't button up. Looking at the website photos, the way the jacket fits the model is how it fits me. I'm okay wearing the Jacey Jacket open over a shirt. Seems well made, material is good; the color is more of a dirty/burnished gold color. I'll keep it! Grade: A-

Item #2 ~ the Willa Hoodie (sage) - $38.00

Love at first sight! Ruffles? Love! Deep V-neck? Love! Stripes? Love! I ordered a 3x and it fits just how I like a casual shirt to fit - a bit loose, very comfortable. The V-neck is deeeep. If you're daring enough, wear a plunge bra and flaunt the cleavage. If you're me, wear a lacy cami or tank under it. I'll keep it! Grade: A

Item #3 ~ Kylie Top - $28.00

Oooh, I love this shirt! Again, I ordered 3x thinking it wouldn't be as snug as described. Yeah, not so much. No matter - it's a darling shirt! I just won't wear it to work. The material is thin, so black bra is recommended. I'm pretty sure I'll keep this shirt; but I'll let it live in my closet for a few days and see if it's something I reach for. Grade: B-

Item #4 ~ the Vera dress $36.00

I love this dress. I don't love sequins. Looking at the dress on the model, I thought "Hmm. Not so bad. I could do it." I can't. Too much with the sequins and too close to my neck. The material is gorgeous, soft; the dress fits beautifully and is so comfortable. But the sequins? I just can't do it. It's going back.

I hope you check out B & Lu ~ great stuff, with some stuff in 4x and/or 5x.

Any other plus-size online shops I should check out?

Happy Happy Joy Joy!

Text messages received overnight from my VP:

"Your Louboutin is officially 'on order.' Mike is checking other stores to see if anyone has it yet."

"Mike thinks the silver will be the better color, but he'll let you decide"

:::doing the happy dance:::

Yippeeeee! I'm getting the clutch! I'm getting the clutch!

Really busy, busy, busy...

First, go see The Dark Knight.

Then, while you're at the mall, hit the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

I was online at 11:43 p.m. last night, shopping.
I tried to get out of the house at 7 a.m. to hit Topanga, to shop.
Going to Santa Anita with the boss at lunchtime, to shop.

The Nordstrom Anniversary sale is serious business, people.

Clearly, cobalt is the new black.
I shall rock this dress in a most splendid way!

Say "Hello!" to my new favorite jacket in my new favorite color!

I will be rockin' this Donna Ricco dress

And look at the darling Franco Sarto shoes in my size!

I'll be stylin' and profilin' come the Fall!

...and you gotta look sharp...

The Company I work for follows a 'business casual' dress-code for employees. Working in HR, I've seen the limits of this pushed to the extreme. And now that summer is upon us, there are no limits. WTC are people thinking?!

The other day I saw a gal in the building wearing a maxi dress (long, flowy, halter style dress that has no shape), flip-flops and hair piled atop her head as if she didn't have time to slide a comb or brush through it. I was appalled!

I've seen a couple of employees wearing short-shorts. Uh...hellooo: pinstripes on short-shorts do not make them 'business' attire.

I've seen sweatpants at work. I've seen jeans with holes at work. I've seen extreme casual wear at work. And I am seriously appalled.

Most of the time, I wear jeans to work. However, the jeans I wear are not in a state of total disrepair. I take some pride in what I wear; and subscribe to the "Dress for the job you want" philosophy.

Many days I just shake my head. Some days I want to breakout the annual 'Summer dress code' memo and hand-deliver to each employee.

Sigh.

I don't get it.

*WTC = What The Crap

Even though I try, I can't let go...

So...been thinkin'...my bed cost $1,000 - right? It hasn't been delivered yet...I could *totally* return the bed and get The Purse!

And, best of all, save some money.

This is totally doable.

I'm obsessed.

I feel for you...I think I love you

No matter what my girl Lys says about me + fashion, that girl has a fabulous eye! Not to mention equally fabulous fashion taste.

The other day, she blogged about a Christian Louboutin clutch.

Oh. My. Heavens. Take a look at this:

~ Helloooo Lover ~

How delicious is this clutch?! How absolutely gorrrr-juss is this clutch? I know, I know - it's a flippin' clutch; it's a little purse. Tis true. It's sexy and luxurious and totally worth the $795.00 price tag. I'm serious. In my mind, it's *totally* worth it because I can't fit into CL shoes (well, at least I can't until I have the 'surgery') and this bag has the classic tell-tale 'signature' ~ the red! ::shiver:: Did you look at the clasp? Did you? Look at it. I'll wait. G'head...

Uh huh - it's a pair of shoes! How darling is that?! Holy crap!

I want this bag. I crave this bag.

Dear Christian Louboutin clutch - I feel for you...I think I love you.

all I really need to do is find myself a brand new lover...

Found these beauties at Zappos.com (thee best shoe place EVER!):

Hellooo, Luvah!

OK. So, at 6'2" I really have no business whatsoever getting a pair of 4" pumps. But uhmahgaw, Becky! LOOK. At. These. SHOES!

I don't know when...I don't know where...I don't know why...I do know I'll be rockin' the hell outta these shoes!