Goodbye 2012, Helloooo 2013!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I hope you all had a great 2012, and I am looking forward to what 2013 will bring. Not sure it can top the excitement of 2012, but I don't want to dismiss it too early ;)

Obligatory resolutions list:

• Keep this blog going.
• Get fitter.
• Actually do things, rather than say I'm going to do them.
• Read more.

Highlights of 2012:

• Going to New York to see Darren Criss in How to Succeed. Amazeballs.
• Going to France to visit a friend.
• Olympic and Paralympic fever. Dude, London nailed hosting these Games.
• Getting to go to the Olympics and see Team GB win a bronze medal.
• Securing tickets to LeakyCon 2013. I am so excited for that!

What are your resolutions for the new year, and highlights of 2012? Let me know!

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Things I Love/Want right this second

I get asked to write things for people all the time. 99% of the time I forget. Sometimes I remember. Kim from the beautiful blog **SEQUINS + STUDS** (click here) asked me what are the "8 things I am loving right now". Yesterday, since I had a sacked-out 4 year old sleeping in my lap all day, I had tons of time to write, so I kicked out these jams. 

1. CC Skye Bella Cross-body Bag (purchase here)

My usual bag for every day, ready for it..... >>shudder<< is a Dickies brand mailman's bag that I purchased in the 1990s, and it looks as perfect and flawless as the day i bought it. it's a cross-body mini messenger made of bulletproof treated canvas and juiceboxes can spill in it, my Mac Book and Camera fits in it, I don't have to think about it, i won't put it down. it's the best in my whole life. 

But saturday evening i was going to Neimies, in a dressier ensemb, and i just thought, i cannot carry this thing in there. so i brought a vintage 80s satin cross-body with me, and sadly found that it could only hold my SINGLE CAR KEY and my phone. NOT EVEN A WALLET, or my blackberry. wtf. but it's pretty. 

So i need a dressier and bigger cross-body. I have a Prada black one, but I am so anti-label now, i don't want to look like a cheeseball flaunting my little triangle emblem. Plus, I broke it, and then fixed it with a safety pin, since there sadly is not a Prada store near me to get it fixed. anddddd, the last time i sent something through the mail for repair, it was lost, and i never got it back. that is why i hate mail-order.

So i want this bag, below.

2. A chinchilla or sable Wrap/Cape. I really just want this for the Auto Show Gala. And I really just want one of these specific ones below. My dress is gold, and that Sable one will be perfect and dressy and soft and warm and amazing. I'll be like a little squirrel surrounded by my tail, impervious to the weather around me. Apparently it's $40 Grand. Great, I'll get two. :-)

3. I wrote this yesterday, when I was super jonesing for sugar. This cake is from Tavern on Rush in Chicago. (click here) It's sooooooo good, and soooooo rich, and tastes extra amazing if you turn it sideways and pour a tiny cup of espresso over it. **BEST BEST BEST BEST BEST**

 Stonewash and I got engaged in Chicago next to the mezzanine fountain at The Drake years ago, and went to dinner here at Tavern on Rush afterwards, then we went to this amazing party with my friend Logie that involved a trip to the Fireside Bowl for punk rock

Can you see the defunct bowling lanes in the background? How great is that?

4. Enzo Angiolini "Tanen" Pump
(purchase here) This is my "working shoe". It's beautiful and lovely, and comfortable. The material feels like it was molded specifically for my feet. I just learned that it is a 6.5" heel! Damn! It makes your legs look like those of a gazelles, able to leap among the tall grasses of the savanna looking fabulous. I have worn these on 8-12 hour stretches and have had no complaints. They also put the arch of your foot at that amazing feeling angle, almost like you are en pointe. When I try on shoes, I am always trying to replicate this feeling, and with these shoes, it's there, right away. I want them in every color on earth.

5. LouAna Coconut Oil. 
I know I talk about this all the time. But it's the most amazing stuff on earth. USE IT FOR EVERYTHING. BATHE IN IT. DRINK IT. COOK WITH IT. SHAVE WITH IT. ANOINT YOUR CHILDREN WITH IT. it's awesome.

 6. This 1970s "Ali McGraw in Love Story" Cashmere Coat. 
(purchase here) OH YEAH, YOU CAN'T PURCHASE IT!!! BECAUSE I DID!!! hahahhah! suckers! :-)

See Ali's here. I think mine is better. I don't like the patch pockets on hers. 

 BOOM. here is me today. I guess this counts as my outfit post. How great is it? Wrap-styling, Has the Original Belt (for vintage connoisseurs this is a BIG DEAL). it's lined, it feels wonderful on. I had to get gas with it on earlier, and it's warm and wonderful, and I can't stop petting the cashmere. I just want to hug myself forever.

7. False Eyelashes.
Anyone who does not wear them, get off the computer, get in your car, go to CVS and pick some up RIGHT NOW. look at the difference. even if you have rather lush eyelashes, they aren't going to be as lush as long as what you can buy (that's what she said, hahah) I've been wearing them since I was 10 so it's like riding a bike for me. If you've never put them on yourself, either call me, and i'll get them on for you, or just practice for 10,000 hours. It's worth it. I promise.

8. Colored Tights/Leggings
I love a bright leg. I love to wear dresses. I get cold. So boom, solution to everything. Kate Spade actually did some super lovely colored tights this last season. I just think it can extend your wardrobe so much. summer dress + track jacket + loads of jewelry + leggings = Sartorial Gold

Personalized Village Tote Bags

                                      

These durable totes are great to have. They come in a variety of colors and have quilted pattern designs by JDS Marketing . You can customize these with your own initials.

Girl Crush - Megan Draper

We just got MadMen Season 5. Oh my goodness, i have been in withdrawal. I firmly believe it was a personal crime against me that I had to wait so long to see this. We watched the first episode last night, and it did not disappoint. Don is wonderful, has mad-swagger... Roger makes me so happy... Peter makes me want to punch him in the face... 

AND MEGAN DRAPER, HOLY CRAP you are my new style icon, my lovely love. i love you. It's 1968 on MadMen now, and the fashion is hitting my **prime wheelhouse** of vintage obsession. Watching last night I was literally drooling, thinking of the vintage shopping spots i need to hit ASAP, to dig for these finds. I do have quite a bit of wonderful late 1960s stuff, but vintage clothes are like hugs.... you always want more. :-)

First of all, how do i hire the band that played at Don's surprise party? I just want to put them on retainer and have them live at my house. Megan's dress here is so fabulous, super mini length with the accordion pleat sheer bat-wing sleeves. I would have loved a go-go boot with this.

 Workwear. This is a short-sleeved orange sorbet shift with the zig-zag matching jacket. GET IN MY FREAKING CLOSET. perfection.

this dress didn't get a lot of airtime. but it's so amazing. when i look for vintage 60s this dress has so many elements that catch my eye. the color-blocking, the gold button detail on the shoulder, it's amazing. hey, maybe i'll start wearing gloves.

 This polka dot blouse is lovely, but what made it better is that it was tucked into a black pencil skirt with white tuxedo stripes down the sides, i couldn't find a photo showing that. sorry.

 Where can I get this bikini? NOW. i will pay ANY AMOUNT OF MONEY. omg. i love the pucci print. I wonder if it is actual pucci. I would not wear the hat and the glasses with it, due to that being to period literal. But I would definitely take Don as my accessory. ohhhhhhhhh yes! :-)

 Beach cover-up. Seriously? did she pluck this print from my brain? I need this thing.

See, Don really is part of this swim ensemble. So someone notify Jon Hamm to get over to me in the summertime.

Everytime i'm vintaging, and i see a print like this from 50 paces away, i know i'm going to buy it. i don't even care if it fits, i just love the fabric. i just bought an amazing similar print dress that didn't fit me, and I just took it in on the sides, it took 10 minutes. BAM.

Love the scarf look. I had a similar green one that my children destroyed, oh well. And again with the printed dresses, i would pass out if i saw this green one on the rack. The thing is, it has to be actual vintage. Modern dresses made out of that nasty thin poly-jersey make me want to throw up.

 I'm not usually a fan of the high neck, but this is working for her. and having Don zip her up. Ah! J'Adore. This dress has a pleated flared skirt too. It's amazing.

 Lastly, look at this evening gown. I mean, was that color created to set off her skin in the most perfect way of all time!? The embroidery and detail are so gorgeous, the hair, makeup jewelry... Makes me want to pass out. And see this photo below... Flawless.

I'm going to have to hit the vintage stores asap. I CAN'T WAIT TO WATCH MADMEN AGAIN TONIGHT!!!! OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG!
Love you Megan. *muah muah*

Gala Glamour- Neiman Marcus and Saks 5th

Yesterday I was coming back from a job in the D, and I really wanted to try on some more gowns for the Auto Show Gala. I have my gown on *order* WHICH SCARES THE LIVING CRAP OUT OF ME. I was not able to try it on. I talked to the salespeople on the phone, they have assured me that it will fit, but I DO NOT TRUST ANYONE. So I thought, "hmmm, maybe Neiman's or Saks has it on the rack and I can just try it on to relieve my anxiety." Awesome plan, right. and yeah, i get to play dress-up too! WIN-WIN!! I unfortunately didn't find my dress, but I did find some other awesome ones!

The mall was JAM PACKED. I had no idea why. I do not like crowds. I was not happy, but I was there so as god as my witness I was GOING TO PARK and get the hell in there. Finally found a spot by Saks, walked in... Had to use all of my strength to not go into Gucci and Tory Burch... Got up to the 2nd floor and waltzed around the gowns...

 Marchesa. Isn't this a vision? oh lawd. So sorry about the terrible photo quality. Spätzle dismantled my phone the other day and threw the parts down one of the registers in our house. That phone has definitely had better days. LOL. Fun Fact: I was going to name my daughter Marchesa Luisa, but i didn't want her to have to spell and pronounce that name for EVERY SINGLE PERSON FOR THE REST OF HER LIFE. Here's a better photo of the dress below.

This gown is flowy silk, has the amazing lovely internal bustier construction that I LOVE, that's when you know you have a good garment on, when it has all those fit details. There is a crystal detail across the bust. It's just gorgeous, looks like it's fit for a greek goddess. A pale dove blue color.

This dress was awesome. I loved it. it has this tough, cool, gladiator leather bodice with a tulle skirt, how can you not love it? The fit is not very good, and the construction was not as well done as the Marchesa dress, you can see in the bodice that it's a bit big, and not fitting well. oh well.

This dress I loved. Badgley Mischka sheer shoulder gown. Better photo below. I thought the color was so gorgeous, the material was the most fluid, liquid silk. and the shoulders were sheer and topped with crystals, it just felt magical. Also, I could wear a bra with it! YAY! :-)

 *******************************************************
Then I moved over to Neiman Marcus. I LURVE Neimies. I adore how their fitting rooms are as large as my college dorm room. You have little closets, arm chairs, 3 way mirror, and BEST OF ALL **spectacular lighting** no matter what you have on, because of this lighting, you will look FABULOUS. A great place to bring a friend and spend an afternoon. Tell the fitting attendant to bring you some champagne. :-)

 Are you kidding me? This thing is GORGEOUS. also though, it is completely sheer. The only thing that is covering your goods is sequins. The torso is absolutely see-through. You cannot wear anything under this dress, nope, not even underpants. it just can't happen. It's pretty much you, naked, dipped in sparkles.

 I liked this one, because it was kind of **bad gal**. Like "Yeah, I'm in a gang, I listen to Hardcore Metal, but I still can dress like a Laydee and knock your socks off." boom.

 This, bleh, mother-of-the-bride. and it's covered in beads and i just hate it.

 This silly thing, completely open back, like **NOTHING** there. I think this was wayyy too big for me, it had this "ladder-y" detail on the sides that was just bagging out all over the place. This crazy pose was the only thing keeping the dress on. :-)

I loved this. It's a little bohemian... Not a look I rock. But I love the detailing of it. It's covered with a trillion tiny petals, no sequins, no shine, just these little ovals of silky fabric that ruffle and move as you dance around. I love the graduation of color, and the simple spaghetti straps. it's really lovely. young and fresh.

My 2012 GoodReads Challenge

Was a fail.

I challenged myself to read 15 books this year... and I read 9.

I'll explain why I didn't manage to complete this challenge later on. But first, I'm going to just recap what I did actually read*.

1. Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson - 3/5 | Review
2. Paper Towns by John Green - 4/5 | Review
3. The Fault in our Stars by John Green - 5/5 | Review
4. Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins - 4/5 | Review
5. Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex by Mary Roach - 3/5 | Review
6. Divergent by Veronica Roth - 5/5 | Review
7. A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin - 4/5 | Review
8. The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer - 5/5 | Review
9. The Life of Pi by Yann Martel - 5/5 | Review

The stand-out book for me was The Fault in our Stars. Basically, John Green is a master of words. It makes you laugh and cry (like, ugly-sobbing-type crying) in equal measures. If this gets made into a film... I think I might skip wearing makeup.

The surprise read was The Life of Pi. The only reason I started reading it was because, last year, with the iTunes 12 Days of Christmas, I got it free, and one time at work, I had nothing to do so I started reading. And it was well worth it.

So, why didn't I finish the challenge?

One word: fanfiction.

If fanfiction was included in this challenge, I definitely would have completed it. Like, 10 times over. As it is, it isn't and I didn't so...

For 2013, I'm going to aim a little more realistic, with 12 books. Father Christmas was very kind, and I now have a Kindle to read on, so I have no excuse. Hopefully, this time next year I'll be writing about how I completed this challenge, and maybe even surpassed it?

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*I've linked each book title to the appropriate Amazon UK page, and to my reviews of the books (either on GoodReads or on this blog).

New York Fashion Week 2014

           
                                            

What are you guys wearing?

As Fashion Week 2014  approaches, which trends are you expecting to see? Who are some of your favorite designers? I have always like CHANEL, Donna Karen and many others. What new trends are you predicting?

Diva Samai
              

Book Review: The Life of Pi by Yann Martel.

Synopsis: One boy, one boat, one tiger ...After the tragic sinking of a cargo ship, a solitary lifeboat remains bobbing on the wild, blue Pacific. The only survivors from the wreck are a sixteen year-old boy named Pi, a hyena, a zebra (with a broken leg), a female orang-utan and a 450-pound Royal Bengal tiger.

Number of pages: 464

Rating: 10/10

Overall Impression: Compelling, thought-provoking and unbelievable. I opened this book with little to no idea what it was about, and it weaves an unimaginable tale of hope and faith, but with none of the pretention of the award-winning book it is.

Read more »

Dream Vacation

                             

Many of you are probably returning from your holiday. Where did you go? Visiting family is the most popular destination. What would be your Dream Destination? Fiji? Morocco? Tell me about your dream vacation and who would you bring?

Dec 28 - Vanessa - Size Matters

I needed new jeans. I got some. Check em.

I've been shopping with all kinds of people lately, and I just still think it's funny how freaked out people get by Sizing Numbers. WHO FREAKING CARES. If it fits you and looks great on your body, what does it matter what the number is?

I mean, look at me. I walk into a store and sales people think i am a small size. BUT, or BUTT, in pants/jeans i need a larger size to accommodate the **quad-zillas** and my ample badonkadonk. if you got it, fault it, AMIRIGHT? hahhah.

These jeans are from Banana Republic, great fit, great length. Size 29.
Got another pair from Levis. Super skinny fit, great length. Size 11 Long.
the third pair were from Nordstrom and fit wonderfully, Size 6L.
You figure that out.

Green T - Thrifted
Sweater - Target
Jeans - Banana Republic
Heels - Target with DIY paint job

That's A Wrap - Auto Show Gala Edition

So all the plans are coming together. The dress is on order. Sadly, I can't wear a 6 inch heel (my comfort zone heel height) since I can only get the dress in a "Long" and not an "Extra Long" oh well. I'll have to settle on being 6'2'' and not 6'6''. :-)

Hair is on lock. I have to go see my Hair Genie next week for a consult. I decided i'm doing deep red nails and natural makeup... 

Now the icing on the cake is the Coat/Wrap/Topper. I have a beautiful black wool Mackage Coat, but I wear that thing on the reg, so i don't think it will work for me mentally on a night where I am wearing a beautiful evening gown. So WWMMD? (What Would Marilyn Monroe Do?) Wear a Fur Wrap, OF COURSE. 

My goal from the beginning of this whole auto show thing was simple... To look better than anyone else there. ahhahhah. :-) and we can't just go half way with anything. We have to go ALL IN. Fur Wrap it MUST BE.

Of course there are tons of these for sale. But in my mind I have a specific fit that I would like. 

I want the fur to comfort and encircle me. Like a Mink Lover entwined around my body.

I thought of making one. I love to make things. I know a lot of wonderful creative girls that can help me with this too. I don't know how to use a sewing machine, so i would have to sew this by hand... But then I talked to my friend Christina who offered to COME OVER MY HOUSE WITH HERS! YAY! No bloody fingers!! hahha.
But can you get fur at JoAnns? I have no idea. Time to go shopping.

Pinterest

                        



LuluBellaWomensBoutique is proud to announce we have join Pinterest. I am enjoying Pinterest and viewing the beautiful boards made. Check out our pin boards, like us, follow us and share you boards!

        

Perfection in Holiday ManStyle = Stevo

I love Steve. I just asked if I could enter a polygamous arrangement with him and his wife. He has neither accepted or declined, so i'm crossing my fingers. :-)

When you're a man, and it's time for the holidays, let's KICK OUT THE JAMS. don't default to some lame-o argyle sweater and pleated pants.... PLEASE NO. I would rather rip those from your body and have you dressed as jesus when he came into the world, naked as the day he was born.

Setting the bar for Holiday ManStyle this year is Stevo, my Love. I have ALWAYS been a fan of the Ascot, oh lawd yes. For many decades Hugh Hefner was the only man rocking these and he gets so much play, I don't know why every man in America wasn't wearing one.
But then Steve comes along and takes it to another level, pairing the lovely SILKY SENSUOUS ASCOT with the beautiful peacock blue shirt. The tone of the shirt color is setting off his complexion perfectly, highlighting the amazing Morrissey-esque hairstyle...

Also, for a touch of flair...
Everyone knows nothing says Happy Holidays like a Skull Belt Buckle. This one is from the DixieLand Flea Market, which if you haven't been... may be THE MOST AMAZING PLACE IN THE WORLD. I haven't been there in about a decade, which is so incredibly sad, I must get myself there, to spend hours touring the amazing finds of used Carhartt overalls, States of America collectors plates, and BEST OF ALL the GREATEST PEOPLE WATCHING OF ALL TIME.
They should re-market DixieLand as "The Zoo of Incredible Human Characters" because that's what it is.
The last purchase I made there, which must have been in 1997, was a SUPER GIANT belt buckle that stated simply "I LOVE COUNTRY MUSIC". Even though this is not true, i appreciated the sentiment.

Steve's Outfit:

Shirt - Sears

Ascot - gift from my wife, bought online

Belt - Dixieland Flea Market

Pants - Thrift City USA

Christmas Carols

Some of my personal favorites Christmas Carols! Share some of your favorites!


                                        Mariah Carey- All I Want for Christmas

 

Little Drummer Boy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bloglovin

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Bloglovin is like the Tumblr dashboard, but for, like, proper blogs. So if you follow a lot of blogs but have to check them all 'manually', this is dead useful.

That is all.

Gorgeous Dress Find. Anyone want it?

I forgot to post this the other day.
I found this gorgeous silk, acid-yellow dress the other day. Does anyone want it? If so I'll pick it up for you.

It's a modern size 8.
Cap sleeves, side zip.
attached sash belt.

I love it, but the length is awkward on me. I think it's supposed to be tea-length, and on my leg it is falling weirdly below my knee. It has an amazing flared circle skirt, I think it would look beautiful with a crinoline underneath.

It's beautiful and in perfect condition.

Lemme know if you want it. Email me: readydressedgo@gmail.com

The Christmas Presents: 2012 Edition

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Hope you are all having a lovely holiday season. Despite working Christmas Day, mine has been very enjoyable. Especially as Father Christmas has been very kind this year :D

The highlights of my haul this year:

Harry Potter ring :D

A Kindle Paperwhite! Now fully kitted out with Harry Potter. Obv.

A rather impressive stack of Blurays. Gonna take me a while to get through these!

A Darren Criss calendar!!! Hells yeah.

My sister knows me so well...

Yep, did pretty well this year. How about you??

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