Doo-wop fashion plate

Thanks to Netflix instant demands I have discovered a new show, Pushing Daisies. It's witty, fun and interesting. But, to be quite honest, what keeps me coming back are the costumes. They are vibrant, detailed and utterly classic.

I realize that the 50s were a time when McCarthism ruled with an iron fist and women's rights were not quite where they could be but, how can you deny the ladylike wonder of such dainty clothes such as these:

Chuck (aka Charlotte) is dressed to the nines in each episode. Without fail I fall instantly in love and yearn for the ability to create my own clothing. Puffy sleeves, bright fabrics and dresses would dominate my wardrobe...and, Fran, this dress would make a lovely gift (psst, it's on sale).


Side note: the show takes place in present day America. The costume (and set) designers throwback to the 50's makes it triply charming. Or so I like to think.

Double whammy

Holy moly, people. Two wonderful things happened to me while at Target:

1. I found a replica of an Anthropologie skirt I had been drooling over for $13.46! I feel I could submit my find to Glamour's "find it for less" article which I must admit, is always my least favorite of their features. Only because I find that the cheaper alternative never quite lives up to the original. However, in this case, the only thing missing were the buttons. And, saving $135? I could pay two credit card bills with that and still hit up some Starbucks on my way home for that.

 

2. Yes, this is bragging but, it's been a lot of hard work and control so, bear with me. In the past 7 months I have gone down three sizes. I'm back in the size I was in when I first started dating Fran, five years ago- hallelujah. But, never in a million years would I ever have expected to wrap a size TWO around my derrière. That's right, a two. If I could wear that tag inside out believe me, I would. I haven't really bought many Merona pieces so, more than likely, it's one of those brands that have bigger sizes attached to small numbers. For now though, I am basking in the numerical glory. 

PS: Feliz cinco de mayo!

Haute Houston

When unexpected moments happen, things become that much sweeter & last Thursday was one of those times...

Heidi and I went on a bauble expedition to the Galleria. As we wistfully window shopped our way through the mall, we noticed the ice rink had been transformed into a hubbub of activity. Beautiful flower arrangements cheerfully hung above women huddled in their best fashion forward outfits gossiping and sipping champagne. Behind them lay a long, white runway. 

We eyed the check in table and looked each over other, two hot girls with decidedly non-fashion show worthy outfits. We entertained the temptation of heading out & scouting heels to add some va-va-voom to our jeans & blazers but, then we realized we could just as easily watch the buzz of activity from outside the rink and keep our bank accounts somewhat balanced. 

So, we did what two perfectly healthy women would do: we headed to Marble Slab, ordered a delicious blend of dairy and chocolate. With our snack in hand, we rooted ourselves as close as possible (without actually joining Houston's "elite" on the floor) and proceeded to countdown the minutes for the show to begin. I admit, after the initial 15 minutes went by (and my ice cream supply steadily dwindling) I was ready to throw in the towel and continue our window shopping. However, we soon realized our spot behind the black line was highly coveted by those crowding in around us and with only minutes left before the show began, we concluded sticking it out a bit longer wasn't going to kill us. 

Little did we know we would become head rests and be subjected to noxious bodily odors but, that's neither here nor there because the moment the lights dimmed we were mesmerized. 

As the music pounded, we swayed to the beat and eagerly watched as the models hit the runway in bright, beautiful clothes. To our delight we began distinguishing each model's walk and style- it made each spotting each model a triumph. Whether it was the sassy gal with the adoring parents or the girl who painfully attempted to strut, the people were just as thrilling as the merchandise. Upon the gradual return of the lights and the fading of the music, it took a few seconds before we landed back into reality & realized we had just experienced a real live fashion show. Our night could not have been any better. Hopefully next year we'll be down in the rink opening our goody bags, gracefully drinking champagne in our best outfits!

Smitten Kitten.

I was reading a blog the other day & they had written about their celebrity girl crushes. It got the wheels in my head cranking. I have a few and to be quite honest, it's not their philanthropic deeds or actions that has me snapping up the magazine covers they grace or paying for their movies. It simply boils down to their style. In no particular order I present my Top 5 Female Crushes:

Zooey Deschanel

Why? Her beautiful blue eyes. Quirky fashion. Off beat roles. She is beautifully exotic. I quite simply love her.  Not to mention she sings & dances in addition to her acting!

Must watch movies: 500 Days of Summer, Failure to Launch

Sarah Jessica Parker

Why? Once again, her beautiful blue eyes. Her completely unique sense of style (hired stylist or not). And, as lame as it sounds, I feel she would be a wonderfully sweet friend. 

Must watch movies: Sex & the City (series/movie)

Sandra Bullock

Why? I am just a huge fan of her movies. I fulfill the Hollywood fan stereotype when it comes to Sandy. I will watch anything she makes, crappy or not. 

Must watch movies: While You Were Sleeping, Hope Floats, Miss Congeniality, The Proposal

Dying to watch: All About Steve (even if it won the Razzie) & The Blind Side

Jennifer Aniston

Why? Maybe I'm a sucker for women's blue eyes but...she too, has bright baby blues that call to me. Her style may not vary too much from premiere to premiere but I love the consistency of her fashion: clean, unfussy lines. Not to mention, she's Rachel Green. Need I say more? 

Must watch movies: Picture Perfect & Friends (the series)

Anne Hathaway

Why? She exudes elegance and grace. She has an old-world quality that reminds me of Grace Kelly, Katherine Hepburn, and Audrey Hepburn.

Must watch movies: Princess Diaries, Ella Enchanted, The Devil Wears Prada


Honorable mentions: Liv Tyler, Mandy Moore, Kate Beckinsale, Rachel McAdams & Salma Hayek (who has been previously mentioned in my blog therefore I left her off the list this time around).

So, now it's your turn. Who are your celebrity girl crushes?

Simply the best.

This is why I love Anthropologie:

Not only do they have beautiful clothing, interesting lay outs, and eclectic items for your home...they also have spectacular customer service. A few weeks ago, I went to my neighboring (well as close to it as I can get at the moment) Anthro. While there I created the perfect outfit- only to find that the shirt was too big. I poked my head out the dressing room door and asked the sales lady, Michelle, for the smaller size. Come to find out, they were out of the particular color I wanted. They did have the medium in black, though..."would I wish to try it on" while they checked online and other stores? Sure. 


The medium was a better fit but the color was not. Upon arriving to the register I was informed that sadly, no raspberry top had been located in the nearby stores but that they would continue the search and notify me if it were found. 


Fast forward to Saturday night. 


I received a call from an out of state (or city) number. Normally, I do not answer numbers that are not already imprinted into my phone but because I had been waiting for a particular call, I answered. It was the Anthro from Baton Rouge calling to inquire if I was still interested in the raspberry top. 


I had given up all hope of ever encountering the shirt again. In fact, I was in the process of keeping my eyes peeled for a top in a similar cut and color only to have them call out of the blue to say they had not forgotten about me! The stunned joy in my voice must have been contagious because the voice on the other end was not only laughing with me (or at me, that's cool) he was the epitome of the gracious salesman. So much so, that this sweet note was included in the box I received this afternoon. 


It's the little things that matter. And it's the little things that add up to make the difference. 


Which is why, I shall continue to happily part ways with my paycheck at my beloved Anthro. Their creative, thoughtful (and let's face it, money larking) ways win my heart over and over again. 


Faithful shopper, 
Dahnya 


*Disclaimer: this was not a message paid and brought to you by the Anthropologie company.

Door stoppers.

There is nothing better than coming home to this on your door step:

Not one but, rather two boxes with my name greeting me. 

It's always a struggle when spotting a delivery box; do I open it first? Should I pee first? Should I let Bimbo out? So many options, too few hands (ha)! In the end, I always settle for the build up of anticipation. I do my business, let Bimbo go outside and then savor the slicing and ripping of the brown boxes. 

The photo albums I'd recently purchased and my bookshelves were only too eager to see that their counterparts had arrived sooner than expected.

Now, I am off to organize, admire and read...until next time dear brown boxes.