Shoes! Shoes! Shoes!

A girl cannot pass up a great pair of shoes, even if said girl does not necessarily NEED such shoes, or have closet space for them... A peek at what I'm craving.

Hale BobPeep-toe mary jane pump$115 (Victoria's Secret)

Triple-strap mary jane pump$78

(also Victoria's Secret)

Hair Show Oct. '07

The hair show went really, really well. The girls on our team were so much fun to hang out with; A long day goes by much faster with fabulous ladies!

I had a black beaded bustier, long satin skirt, and five inch black pumps with a clear heel. I also was given an escourt, a sexy shirtless male wearing a bowtie-- very Chip n' Dales. Just before we went out, he turned to me "What do I do out there?!" Strut your stuff? Look sexy? Smile and enjoy the wild cat calls from adoring women? He figured it out.

The seven stylists each had a unique look, from dark and edgy, to glamour, and modern. One stylist even demonstrated his spraypaint techniques on his model's hair.

Wine, fashion, artistic genious... it was a good night.

How to Walk the Runway

Move Like a Model
Six Steps to Creating Your Walk

We’ve all watched clips of runway shows, seen snapshots of models in motion, and caught episodes of “America’s Next Top Model.” Runway models are admired for the smooth and graceful movements they make, seeming to skate across the floor and down the runway. Professional models know how to move. They’ve perfected the art of showing off clothing, striking a pose, and exuding confidence. It takes time and practice to move with such skill, and although not everyone will step foot on a runway, learning to walk with poise and confidence is a skill we could all learn to master. The following six steps will guide you through the process.

Step #1. To start, make sure you are comfortable. The right shoes should be something you feel comfortable walking in, but with as much height as you can easily manage. If you normally wear flats, start with a thin two-inch heel, preferably one that you have already broken in. In time, move up to something with more lift. If the shoes are new, you might try scratching the soles with scissors so that they will not slip when they touch the floor. Alternatively, you can cover the sole of the shoe with masking tape, if you don't want to scratch your shoes. Models often do this to provide additional grip on slick surfaces.Step #2. Practice holding your shoulders back and learn to stand like a supermodel. Stand in front of a mirror and practice your posture; throw your shoulders back, and push your pelvis slightly forward. It might create the illusion that you're leaning back a little, rather than hunching forward. Find a position that looks natural and provides a “flow” to your movements when you walk.

Step #3. Train yourself to place the ball of the foot down first, and keep all of your weight balanced there rather than on the heel. It may feel strange, but placing the ball of the foot down first gives you more of an elegant stride than a clunky heel-first walk would. It's almost like walking on your tippy-toes, the way ballerinas do.

Step #4. Put one foot in front of the other (literally) with your toes facing forward. Your footprints should form a single line, as if you are walking on a rope or a beam. When done quickly, this gives the body that characteristic swing.Make your stride look long and commanding by lifting your legs almost in the same fashion a horse would. For each stride, you want to lift your foot a good distance off the ground (with a bend in the knee) and then place it down a good distance in front of the supporting leg. Don't make your strides too large as this will make you look awkward and ungraceful, but make sure you take large enough steps, rather than just baby steps.Step #5. Practice a sultry stare. Look straight forward, capturing the essence of the clothes you're wearing with the expression on your face. Focus on an object straight ahead of you (but don't stare or look glazed over). Keep your chin up and your head still as your body moves down the runway. When you make your turn at the end, let your head be the last part of your body to move.Fingers naturally curl under when relaxed, but don't let them! This makes it look like you have NO fingers, especially in pictures. Just let them hang straight down, tense your fingers enough that you can accomplish this.

Step #6. Develop your own signature walk. There's no simple formula for walking the runway, and what will ultimately make you stand out is not only how well you can move your body but also how much of your own personality you can inject into your performance to make it memorable. The best way to create your own unique style is to experiment, practice, and get feedback (even if it means taking some constructive criticism).

Be fabulous, be confident, and be stunning!

Furniture of a Whole New Experience

The Visual Reference Studio (www.visualreferencestudio.com/) plays with thermochromatic materials to create innovative home features. Each piece will adjust to shades of violet, green, and blue according to your body temperature.

Benches, lounges and stools are available through their website.

*Boutique Watch*

50's KAMEHAMEHA PINK HAWAIIAN HALTER DRESS

with Black Monstera Leaf Print-35/27Price: $295.00

1980s CAROL MIGNON STRAPLESS BLACK AND WHITE GOWN

32b 26W Price: $174.99


I just discovered Blue Velvet Vintage, an independent boutique with many fun fashions! My favorite was the selection of designer vintage pieces, some of which are pictured here.


Take a look by visiting http://www.bluevelvetvintage.com/

Home to Ruler of Abu-Dhabi

Take a tour of the home of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan! Please note that the Audi A8 is not just a metallic color, it is actually MADE of silver.

Celebrity Designers-- Goodies for You!

Celebrities turn designers for a good cause. Frederick's of Hollywood is auctioning off corsets designed by famed faces such as Jessica Biel, Christina Aguilera, and Eva Longoria.

AUCTION BEGINS TOMORROW!

"Proceeds from auctions held between June 2007 and May 2008 will benefit America's Second Harvest (the nation's largest charitable hunger-relief organization), The Art of Elysium (which enriches the lives of artist and critically ill children), World Education (focusing on girls' scholarship programs in Africa) and autism research."

http://www.clothesoffourback.org/

'You Are Beautiful' Campaign

It's not about selling a product, it's a simple message.
The 'You Are Beautiful' campaign started small, and has spread across the world. These stickers are popping up everywhere!

To learn more, visit:
http://www.you-are-beautiful.com/NEWS.htm

Miniature Art for Tues.

Kinda makes you go "hmmm...."

What She's Wearing

Today is chilllllly! Arriving at the office at 7am to make the afternoon hair appointment for my hair show cut, here were the wardrobe picks for the day.

I just love Victoria's Secret Clothing line! I have a hard time finding clothes that fit well and show off a small frame.

Top- Sweater Jacket layered with a black tank w/rhinestones from a local boutique

******************************************

Pants- Black skinny pants similar to those above, only mine are more fitted with silver gromets at the bottom ankle

Boots- (not pictured) Brown leather wedge boots from Victoria's Secret with buckles at the top calf

Acessories- My favorite slouchy hat from a local private designer! (I rarely leave home without it lately); Silver chain necklace (a gift); my faux diamond ring (from the same boutique); My silver Tiffany's wrap-around ring; Silver hoop earrings, my only casual pair

More On Pick-Up Lines

In response to my 'Pick-up/Put Him Back Lines' post, I received some suggestions (from my mother, of course) for "good" pick-up lines. Here they are with my interpretation written in Purple.
(Just being honest here):

"Hi, my name is Greg and I notice you don't act vile and stupid like so many other women today. Would you like to have coffee sometime?"

*Note** Greg is a 46 year old with a hairy back and halitosis who likes to try and meet younger women to make himself feel better about still living with his parents* "Vile and stupid"? Someone here is DEFINATELY angry at the world. I wish him well (sort of), but still don't want to exchange numbers.

"Hi, I'm Richard and I've been admiring your friendliness and kindness to that older lady over there. Want to meet for dinner sometime?"

First of all, no one uses the terms "friendliness and kindness." Secondly, I'm picturing a scrawny, nerdy type who hasn't been on a date... well... ever come to think of it. He could use the practice, but frankly, he can practice on someone else. Besides, nervous dates sweat. And Richard will sweat... A LOT.

"Hi, I'm Adam and it's good to see you in Bible study. I hope you come back next week. I liked your comments and would like to get to know you better."

"Hi Adam, I think you're looking for someone; Her name is Eve. I hear she lives in this wonderful community far, far away. You better start trekking over soon. You have a lot of populating to do." = )

"Having met you recently, you seem like a deep thinker and less self centered than many women today. I've been admiring you from afar. Would you like to go hiking sometime?Oh, yeah, in case you've forgotten, I'm Tom."

"Hmmm... being a deep thinker is in NO WAY a compliment. What... Like I'm distant or something? Why the HELL would I want to wind up out in the middle of nowhere with you???? A stranger no less. What are you trying to pull here, Tom? You better start walking before I signal my bodyguard, T.J.... see? He's the one sizing you up right now."

"Wow! You cook? Oh, man, how about dinner out tonight and then at your place if we get along? I admire a woman who cooks!!"

Ummm... J? Please tell me you're smarter than to fall for the guy overly eager to get you alone at his or your place. You worry me!!

Tips For a Sexier Frangrance

* Try a new place to wear it. Sprinkle a few drops of fragrance on your fingers and run them through your hair—nice for a date. Or hit the backs of your knees; fragrance rises, so it’ll keep floating up as you move (especially if you’re out dancing). Or put some on the small of your back; a dab down there is unexpectedly sexy when you’re wearing a backless dress (or nothing at all).

*Tap on a sexy fragrance oil like vanilla or musk, then top it with your usual perfume.
Subtly scent your skin by massaging on a perfumed cream. Even sexier: Ask him to do it.

*Don’t apply when you’re in pre-party sweatpants. “You want to feel sensual when you put on a scent,” says Sarah Horowitz-Thran, owner of Creative Scentualization. Do it after a steamy shower instead.

For more tips, you can always visit:

http://www.glamour.com/user/tips/registration?returnto=/tips/makeover

New Cut

This is the cut I've been assigned for the hair show next weekend, without bangs though. I don't remember ever having hair above my shoulders-- we'll see what I think!

Honestly, I think I was tired of the mundane and ready to do something drastically different. Getting paid for it is a bonus.

Highs and Lows From London

Are you really serious? This dress looks like it was taken out of "The Birds"... defiantely to be in high demand for horror movies this season.

Is it a bug? A missing pom-pom from the Jr High pee-wee cheerleaders? No... it moves!!... RUN





I think she's storing sun power- The new trend in eco-friendly wear.

Highs and Lows From London

The pick for BEST goes to this stunning evening gown, accentuating curves and shoulders without being "trampy." I just love the cut and design of this piece!

Payton

Meet Payton, the rescue chinchilla. He was found in a basement, living in his own urine, malnourished, and missing half of an ear... assumed to be from the other chinchilla he was living with. He's doing much better, despite an issue he will always have with his teeth, and will be ready for adoption soon.

(Thank you to Jessica who was kind enough to hold him for the photo.)

Handmade Clothing from Thimblescratch-- Something Different

Funky, cool, casual, and wearable clothing, Tammy's line is something to check out. She will even customize any piece in her collection to fit your body, ensuring it's just right for you!

Go to her site Thimblescratch to learn more and browse her current clothing line.

Says Tammy, “These clothes are made with love by a starving artist - built from scratch clothing, sweatshop-free, one of a kind and eco-friendly design.”

Pick-Up/ Put Him Back Lines

Why, oh why do men try those cutesy, rediculous lines on women?? And what's worse, some of them must actually work if they haven't stopped yet! I beg you ladies, have good judement and don't reward bad pick-up lines... For the sake of the rest of womankind. (I think situational pick-ups would count as well in this case.)

Some memorable and not so memorable moments:

- While out salsa dancing, asked by my partner:

Funky Awkward Guy: "So what's your SIGN?"

Me: "Hmm... not sure... Aries, I think" (Insert skeptical look here)

Funky Awkward Guy: "I KNEW we were destined to be together!"

Can I go now? This dance is over...

- While working as a gamer's event:

Pompous Gamer Guy: "Hey!"

Me: "Um, hi."

Pompous Gamer Guy: "So what do YOU play?"

Me: "I don't actually play video games... just working today with (sponsor deleted)."

Pompous Gamer Guy: "Well I'M really good at (insert gamer guy's favorite here). My team's doing really well because of ME! (Leaning in closer, whispering) So you're basically in the presence of greatness... it might rub off on you."

Oh my God! Well you didn't tell me THAT! I can't breathe.... go away?

- While walking down the street to a photo shoot wearing a bridal gown:

Cocky Street Guy: (Getting down on one Knee) "Will you marry ME?"

Me: "Tomorrow, hun... always tomorrow."

If I WERE a bride, which he wouldn't have known. Why on earth would you, even jokingly, propose on a street corner to her? Is that supposed to be cute?

Photography Piece

I grew up in love with a coffee table book of Robert Vavra images. His depiction of horses and their relationship with people sprouted a lifelong love affair that led me to own and show Arabians and National Show Horses for many exciting years. I attempted to paint this picture once, but of course, could not do it justice.

Incredible World of Art

Sometimes I wish my artistic talent could live up to the images I create in my head. Then... there's the people who easily think outside the box!

Time

This time, time is
Hanging over and around us
Pushing apart to the eventual
Of together

Poking and taunting this time
Time is
Feeding to the fear of uncertain
Laughing in the face of decision
Picking up the past cruelties of its faults
To hurl back again

So certain of what was going to be
Until the shifting wind
Steered into the haze
Of time

Tuesday

You have become that place
Where the pen is poised
Waiting
To transcribe my thoughts

I open the page,
Begin that glimmer
That never sprouts to life
Floundering
Slipping

What things I can't quite say
To speak with uncertainty
Of where in this moment
I find myself
When the traces of flighted half-sentences
I could share,
Things I try to collect and sort
Anything else seems petty
But these are those still left hanging
Unspoken

So finally,
I say the nothing only you will understand
The silence of nothing
Wishing I could find you words