fOrMaL aFfAiR: pArT 2

I have a new favorite store thanks to Miss Beth over at Odd Girl Out!  In the post before last I was searching for some fairly formal attire for an upcoming work function and as stated I haven't been to a formal affair since Prom circa 1996 and well, I've been a bridesmaid a time or two and a bride once- but those really don't count.  Anyway to make a not so long story even shorter, I found something at the Shabby Apple- I must have been hiding under a rock to not know about this wonderful "anything but shabby" little venue.  And to make things even more attractive, they are running a 20% off sale through the end of January- this definitely helped sway my decision towards the "to buy" rather than the "to not to buy".  Heck, even with the 20% off I am still having a hard time justifying my purchase- I can think of so many other things I should have or could have or better yet not have spent at all $75 on, but hey 1996 remember and I can definitely wear this one again.  Seriously, I think I could have added one of everything at the Shabby Apple to my cart. And if you happen to stop in, you must check out the little girls clothes- they are to die for.

OK- not for sure why I decided on this little number.  But yes, I did kind of want something covering my back and shoulders (I have always been self conscious of these areas of me for some reason), I like the length, and I fell in love with the black at the idea that I could add a little bit of color by replacing the black sash with one of color and add a few other bold accessories.  Who knows I may even throw in some nail polish and lipstick.

Anyway, that's that.  Thanks again Beth- I owe you one. 

Did I mention, that it is freezing cold here in Missouri- I hate to say it, but wearing anything less than knee highs, long pants, and multiple long sleeved shirts isn't sounding too appealing to me right now.  Let's hope it warms up a little over the next week and a half (I'll even take double digits at this point) otherwise I may be wearing these with my dress instead of panty hose.

SWEET DREAMS.

(. . . and one more thing, Isla is finally sleeping through the night.
So sweet dreams indeed for you and ME!)

fOrMaL aFfAiR.

In a little over two weeks, we are hosting a work function formal affair.  In one way I am getting kinda giddy about being able to get all dressed up and accented with all sorts of beautifulness (I have to say that I like shopping for accents like jewelry, shoes, hair accessories, tights, etc. alot more than I like shopping for actual clothes).  And I am especially giddy about getting my hair done- soooooooo excited about this even though it is very short now.  Another thing I am just giddy about is seeing my wonderful husband all snazzed up.

However, lets get to the other side of the story.  Prom 1996- I believe this is the last time I actually got dressed up in fairly formal attire.  Lets face it, things have changed alot since then and styles haven't quite come back around to the mid 90s yet, or have they?!  Plus, since having kids, I notice my sense of style is somewhat lacking due to less time and money spent shopping and searching through the latest fashion mags.  I mean its not horrible, but yes, it is lacking especially when it comes to formal wear. 

The search begins . . . at the suggestion from a friend, I started searching aimlessly on JCrew's website (sale dresses).  Here is what I found.

1) I am thinking a shorter style dress - because I am short.

2) I am thinking something pretty plain so I can dress up with some fun accessories.

3) I am thinking a camisole cardigan because I am pasty white with lots of dry skin - it is so bad that I think I need a dress with long sleeves and a purchase of some very thick tights.

  This is when I wish I had the mad designing/ sewing skills like those on "Project Runway".  When it comes to lots of things, I can always kinda picture what I want, but I usually have a hard time finding it and when I do find it I usually don't have the money to purchase it :0)! Oh well, in this particular situation, it will be fun looking.  And when it comes down to it, because 1996 was a long long ago, dressing up in anything semi-formal to formal should be tons of fun!