Time For Change

Dear Beautiful People,

After blogging as Style Mentor™ for six months and having certain "issues" with my blog, I have made some big changes.

The fact is, the name 'Style Mentor' belongs to a Korean clothing company. They own the dot com and dot net. That is why I picked StyleMentor.US in the first place. The Korean clothing company 'Style Mentor' is not in the US and they haven't trademarked the name here either, so it seemed okay.

But let's face it.

NO ONE gets the 'dot US' thing. I was at a fashion show yesterday and when I said my domain was StyleMentor.US, they looked at me like I was from outer space. "What is a DOT US" they would ask?

The other issue I have had with this blog is COMMENTS.

I cannot reply to comments here because of the platform. So I have been going to you my lovely bloggers, hoping my comments on your blogs would suffice.

The problem is, it looks like I don't engage with anyone on my own blog, even though I comment on other blogs regularly.

The answer I came up with was to change the URL to a dot COM and change the platform to one that would allow me to comment on my comments.

Fortunately, Squarespace 6 was released a while back, and I was excited to use it because one of the new features was allowing a blogger to comment on the comments. I was thrilled!

But it took me several weeks to get used to the new Squarespace.

During that time I bought different URLS, hoping they would work instead of StyleMentor.US.

I decided that none of them worked for me and who I was.

Then today, I decided I MUST come up with a new URL that I can build on.

I wanted a URL that described my rediscovered 'high style'.

I wanted HighStyle.com or HigherStyle.com, but they have been taken by someone who is hoping for an offer of thousands for a domain that has not been built.

I then tried StyleHigher.com and it was available. I thought about it and realized that StyleHigher.com was my URL.

It wasn't until I started to 'Style Higher' that I found my style again.

It wasn't until I was honest with myself about what I really loved and wanted, that I was able to be true to who I really was.

It wasn't until I looked up, higher than before, that I realized what I was missing in my life.

I had to Style Higher in order to change my destiny.

I now Style Higher™ regularly and I can honestly say, it has changed my life for the better.

Please join me as I reach for greater and greater heights on my new blog, StyleHigher.com.

Looking up,

Lunch with Animals

 

Hello Beautiful Ladies and Gentlemen!

I went out to lunch today and since I wasn't wearing 'farm wear', I thought I should snap some pics. 

 

This skirt is years old and I bought the silk blouse on eBay for $15. I tried to work in a pair of gloves Style Crone, but they just didn't work with this outfit. Roadmaps, Jamberry Nails and a couple of rings will have to suffice today. :-)

The Gucci scarf is from the biggest vintage store in Italy, A.N.G.E.L.O. I went nuts when I learned I could shop Europe while dressed like a farmer! And think of all that fuel I WON'T be burning by not having to fly to Italy! Talk about sustainability; I tell you, vintage is the way to go. :-)

How CUTE is this 'butterscotch kiss' little wonder in my hand? It is a VERY vintage Hermes market bag donned with a $6 necklace I picked up at a store around the corner from my house.

 

I bought these Tory Burch dyed pony flats new. I had to have them. But they will be my last pair of Tory Burch flats because they CRUNCH the toes and the back forces my foot forward causing more crunching. The problem is clearly in the toe box. THERE ISN'T ONE. I wish designers would wear their own shoes so they know how they feel on. 

It looks like a mouse took a nibble out of my seam here on the left. Oh, and MB, I have other seamed stockings soon to arrive. Your Fall wish is my command. :-)

Here I am looking very granny like.

I am ready for grandchildren in this shot for sure.

No pressure girls, I know you are only 14 and 18. :-)

Thank you for joining me today.

See you next time,

Blouse: Laurel  Skirt: Talbots  Scarf: Gucci  Shoes: Tory Burch  

Bag: vintage Hermes (60-70's)  Gold rings: old gold collection

Necklace: $3 junk piece  Watch: Michele  Glasses: Calvin Klein

Visit Patti at NOT DEAD YET STYLE.

Buy Vintage. Wear History.™

GLAMAMOM

$100 Bucks, Taped Labels, Plus Gum Removal

This post is inspired by lovely Joni at Walking Colors. 

In a comment Joni asked, "Did you start the business up yourself?"

Today I will share a little about the beginning of Tooth Soap®. I could write a book on the saga really, but right now, just a few little tidbits.

I'm not sure what to make of this pose...

It was 2003, my style was becoming more supressed, I was living in Oregon City, Oregon, and married to my second husband (call me Liz... :-/). He had watched me spend several thousand dollars, over the years, on business ventures that did not pan out.

I had no idea I was Lady Pigeon Toe here. I have to admit though, it was comfortable standing like the chickens do. :-)

When I decided I wanted to make it my mission to revive the concept of using soap to brush teeth and bring Tooth Soap® to market, my husband literally forbade me from spending more than $100 dollars on the venture. He told me I was not allowed to spend more than $100, and he was serious. He thought it would be another losing proposition, so we might as well keep the investment to a minimum. I was irritated at the restraint that was put on me, but I did think that later it would make a great story, if the business actually took off.

With the initial $100 dollar investment, I quickly purchased $45 dollars worth of custom made cinnamon and peppermint soap, spent $50 on amber glass jars, and dropped the last $5 on parchment paper for the labels that I planned to make (by hand).

I was a bit of a laughing stock when I told people about selling soap for teeth. I didn't have a lot of support in the beginning because it was a crazy idea. When my friends and family heard about me washing mouths out with soap, they chuckled. But I didn't care. I felt that the research I had done proved that soap was the best thing for teeth, and I loved the product so much myself that I thought if no one bought it, so what? I would have a nice supply of Tooth Soap® for my teeth, for probably a decade. :-)

After sitting at my dining room table by myself, filling the jars with Tooth Soap® and printing, cutting and pasting on labels by hand, I had a new dream. I dreamed of making enough money to be able to buy real LABELS. That was my first goal in the beginning. Labels were very expensive and I had to buy a large quantity to get a decent price. There was also a design fee. My husband insisted that the business must pay for itself, and if I was going to buy labels, the Tooth Soap® sales would have to pay for them.

First Tooth Soap® label in 2003.

All the jars of Tooth Soap® sold immediately when I introduced them to my newsletter list. Shortly after that, I had enough money to buy labels! I remember how amazing it was to be able to just peel and stick them on the jars! No more double stick tape, no more printing, cutting and trying to stay right outside the black line, which you can see above I was barely successful at. I will never forget how excited I was to be able to use a perfect, sticky label and apply it so easily to the Tooth Soap® jar!

So what about gum removal?

See these Dolce and Gabbana pumps? I got a killer deal on them. They had one little flaw though: A nice wad of gum on the sole that seemed inbedded and a gum smear on the patent leather. The gum needed to be dislodged and the leather cleaned up.

I used some ice to freeze the gum, and it came off with a little force from a plastic knife. I rubbed the patent leather for a good while with a soft cloth and it polished right up. Btw, I didn't give the alien hoof microorganisms in the shoes one thought. Now that I'm BFF with pre-owned shoes, clothes, and jewelry, I am so over that previous shoe cootie freak out that plaqued me in the past.

See how that gum on the pump sort of tied in with the Tooth Soap® $100 beginnings sticky label story? :-)

As I close I would like to say, follow your dreams, stay strong and know it will be challenging every step of the way:

• You might have limited funds
• You might have to dream and work by yourself in the beginning
• You might even put your fancy pump on gum

But also know that difficulties are like exercise; it's very good for us even if we don't like it, and we eventually get into awesome shape because of it. :-)

Thank you for joining me today.

See you next time!

 

Jacket: Valentino Miss V (preowned)  Skirt: Louben   

Shoes: Dolce & Gabbana (preowned)  Necklace: CHANEL (preowned)

Watch: Rolex  Bracelet: NY trip

BUY VINTAGE. WEAR HISTORY. SAVE THE PLANET.™

TOOTH SOAP®

SUSTAINABLE ORAL CARE AND LIVING

Meeting Indiana Jones At the Tooth Soap® Factory

 If I ever met Indy Jones for a sumptuous lunch at the Tooth Soap® Factory,

(yes, I would call him "Indy"), I would show up in this: A LONG SKIRT.

 

For over a decade LONG SKIRTS have dominated my closet.

I call them long skirts because that is what they are to me.

Once I assign the name "MAXI", they will become trendy

and since I don't want them to ever go out of style, I call them

what they are which is a truly LONG SKIRT.  :-)

 

I used to wear this skirt to the factory many years ago, it is probably 10 years old.

I also stomped those factory floors while wearing these same Frye boots.

I made Tooth Soap®, packaged up the boxes and took them

to the post office while wearing long skirts and boots. 

 I even wore this jacket at the factory too.

Here is a pic taken six years ago and yes, we all wear HAIR NETS:

See what I mean? I'm wearing a long skirt again.

 I don't have this skirt anymore or the lace up boots.

I used to love them though!

I have a serious thing about BOOTS, btw. 

The cooler months will reveal my secret boot weirdness.

Isn't the Tooth Soap® factory so lovely? 

I love going there. It smells like peppermint

the minute you walk into the door. I haven't

been there in over three years. Sounds strange right?

I have been running the business from the East Coast

for some time now. The truth is, I have AMAZING people

working with me; they handle everything. They are 

so awesome, I love my staff and am so very fortunate to have them!

 

I made this bracelet from the Copperhead snake I killed

in my garden a few months ago. I also made some boots and

some seat covers for my car.  Just kidding. :-)

Let's face it, Indiana Jones knows CHANEL is forever,

so I had to wear them.

 

The hat is the Real Deal Brazil.

It's made from recycled tarps from Brazilian cargo trucks.

They are attempting to cut down on wasting resources

by manufacturing this way.

Tooth Soap® cares about resources too, that's why

we stopped using palm oil in our soap many years ago.

 Thank you so much for joining me today.

Now you know what to wear when you meet Indy. :-)

See you next time!

Jacket: Rogue  Skirt: Newport News   Boots: Frye   Bag: Pendelton 

Silk Blouse: J. Cooper   Earrings: CHANEL   Hat: Real Deal Brazil

Bracelet: Bella Q

 Linking to Patti!

Linking to Momtrends!

What I Wore Wednesday

Respect of Navy and Gold

Vintage, vintage and a bit of the new.

This outfit was inspired by my puppy Winston,

and my need to overcome his dominance.

 My puppy has been challenging me lately, so I spoke with 

a dog owner who is an expert with my breed. 

The issue is DOMINANCE. My puppy has realized

how large he is and has been testing the waters.

The only answer is for me to make it clear to Winston that I am in charge.

I decided that a military ensemble would help me show Winston

how serious I am about running the house. I felt that going 

"Drill Sargeant" would be the answer to whip him into shape.

I even thought some shoulder pads from the 80's might demand his respect

(or make him love Joan Collins in Dynasty).

Fake smile, but I had to show my teeth for Tooth Soap®.

Oh yes, indeedy...

Winston shaped up quick when he saw me 

walk downstairs in this outfit!

Winston immediately stood at attention when he saw me

wearing navy and gold! Don't believe it when they tell

you dogs are color blind. :-)

Winston is now aware of how crossing the line and

trying to dominate me will only cause him to have

to run extra miles or do pull-ups, push ups and

any other type of boot-camp, hard exercise. 

It is quite incredible to me that a change of dress can

make such a difference when training a puppy!

Winston takes me serious now, but when I 

was wearing a thin maxi skirt, he just wanted

to chew and rip holes in the fabric. 

Now that I wear this "awkward length"

skirt from the 80's, RESPECT is mine and he

doesn't dare jump up on me. 

Looking masculine from behind, trying to create the illusion of more dominance. :-)

After just one day of wearing military clothes, Winston has

improved 100%. I finally have my puppy's respect

and it is all due to my choice of clothing that demands

R E S P E C T.

 

Photos taken by both of my daughters. My youngest

just got back from camp so we are all happy to be

together again before my oldest leaves in September!

If you are having difficulty with gaining respect from your animals

or even humans for that matter, try a military edge.

The clothes make the man or the woman, and your choice

of attire might even help you dominate in areas

of your life that need it. :-)

See you next time!

 

How I love mixing the decades!

Vintage St. John sweater by Marie Grey, 1980's.

 The skirt is vintage Valentino, the hat is from

the 40's the earrings and necklace are 80's and 90's,

and the LV bag and shoes are this century.

And now, a word from our sponsor...

Autism and Tooth Soap®

I wanted to let you know the exciting news about one of our kiddos who is successfully brushing his teeth with the liquid Plain Jane Tooth Soap®!

 

He is 20 years old and has severe autism.  He was so extremely orally defensive to texture and taste, which we have been working on in other means, but still had not been able to brush his teeth with any substance other than water on a brush.  We have officlally used the liquid 3 times, and have sent a little home with his parents.  He tolerates it!  We are all so excited, and are waiting to hear how he does at home with the liquid as well.  Look forward to letting you guys know more! 

 

So far the Tooth Soap® has made a great impact here, and we are telling families about it!

  

Regards, 

Jessica
Kidz Therapy Networks, Inc 
www.kidztherapyinc.com 
Tel: (770)205-5551 
Fax: (678)749-7611

Plain Jane Tooth Soap®

No flavors or colors and always non-toxic.

 Nails by Jamberry.

 Linking to Patti!

Linking to Momtrends!

Three Grooming Products I Would Pack For a 3 Hour Tour

With a busy mother working all the time, my brother and I watched TV when we got home from school. There was no such thing as cable back then, and I remember our little black and white TV only got 2 channels. Gilligan's Island was on one of them, every day, so I have seen every episode and I am not proud to say, I probably know every line in the series.

Many times I wondered to myself, if I packed for that three hour tour and ended up living on that Island for the rest of my life, what would I bring in my makeup bag?

The thought that I would be without certain beauty items would make me nervous! I admit it! I am a slave to certain products and tools.

Having had the chance to be both a Brownie and a Bluebird and then a full fledged Girl Scout (with badges no less), I can't help but have survival thoughts to this day.

When it comes to grooming, if I had to pick, I have always thought I could get along well with three things:

1. TWEEZERS! Imagine the possiblities beyond plucking! They would be so handy for little jobs around the island. And since I would have so much time on my hands, I could pluck every hair on my body that I didn't like. I could do this for years... :-)

2. Waterproof CONCEALER! It would double as a spot foundation, and I would never look tired because I could cover up the dark circles! I would be style blog ready at all times.

3. Waterproof LIPLINER in light plum! Style confession: I have slightly crooked lips. The left side of my upper lip is fuller than the right. Not only is it crooked, but my upper lip is also larger than my bottom lip. Fortunately, it is not so noticeable unless you are looking up my nostrils, which I wouldn't let you do anyway. I tried to get the right side of my lip temporarily fixed once, with disastrous results (!), so I went back to tried and true lip liner. If the plum is the right color, it could even be used as eye liner too.

With these three items in my bag I could get along well on a deserted island (I think).

Now... what would I wear?

This is when I realized I forgot my GLOVES! Get your GPS for the road maps!

I might wear this, hoping that my fancy (COCONUT) dinners

would continue on the deserted island.

Look at that LONG PRADA SHOE! LOVE IT!!!

I would be sure to pack a silk blouse, silk skirt and a sweater,

for those few nights when an occassional ocean chill blows through.

And I would for sure pack my seamed stockings and a pair of

low heeled Prada's, like these that I snagged on eBay for $60.

Note to self: Dust off the Prada shoes before using the micro lens.

I would also be wearing pearls or a necklace, preferably CHANEL,

and one that sparkles so I could attract any planes flying above.

Now it's your turn.

What THREE grooming/beauty products would you pack that would handle your grooming needs on a deserted island? You only get THREE.

See you next time!

 Sweater: Tory Burch  Shirt: Talbots  Skirt: Escada  

Shoes: Prada   Necklace: 2011 CHANEL  

 Linking to Patti!

Linking to Momtrends!

Remembering My Blonde Roots And Wearing Buckles

My Style Story

Part 2

Picture it, it was 1968 and I am sitting at the Hollywood Bowl with my mother, waiting to go on stage.

The sash above is pinned to my dress.

I am the only girl at the Hollywood Bowl with brown hair and brown eyes. And I know what that means, even though I am only five years old.

Knowing how poor we were I can only wonder where my mother got the money to enter me into this contest, let alone buy me a dress and shoes that were suitable.

Maybe my mother was hoping for some kind of miracle or a way out of the grinding poverty. I remember she tried to get me into commercials, but nothing ever came of it.

We are seated way in the back, so when it's time to go to the stage, I have to make my way down many steps.

As I get closer, my heart pounds more and more. I walk the final steps and make my way to my spot on stage.

Even at five years old I am wondering, "What will they think? Will they accept me, even though I am so brown?"

 

Standing there silently, with my feet together perfectly, I look down at my white patent leather shoes.

The judges pass me by.

They barely look at me and don't even smile.

I know what they are thinking.

I happened to be a mind reader at five years old.

The blonde girl next to me, the beautiful one, with the crystal blue eyes is the one they choose. She is the winner, not me; I am not surprised.

When I got back to my seat, I told my mother, "I didn't win Mommy".  She smiles at me and assures me it is okay. But deep down I felt like I wasn't good enough. If only I had blue eyes and blonde hair, then I would be accepted.

I felt like a loser and it wasn't just about losing the contest and not being Little Miss America of 1968. I felt I wasn't the right color, and there wasn't much that could be done about that.

That is what Hollywood wanted back in the day. A blonde haired, blue-eyed little girl. That was the ideal and the mold seemed like it would never crack, let alone be broken.

I have to say I became obsessed with blonde hair after that. I thought there was no other hair color in the world besides BLONDE. No other hair color mattered, it was blonde hair that was the ultimate and desired by all.

I would stare at old photos of Marilyn I found in my mother's old magazines. She was ideal. She had blonde hair. I didn't know she was a bottle blonde.

More blonde roots...

My parents divorced when I was three, and I didn't see my father much growing up. The last time I remember seeing him was when I was around 8. He told me he would buy me a Barbie, and I couldn't wait to get it.

It was a big deal to get a Barbie doll, because they were expensive. I waited and waited for that blonde Barbie and when my father showed up on my birthday with a box, I knew what was inside.

As I ripped open the box to reveal the blonde little goddess, I noticed right away that she wasn't blonde at all.

My father had purchase the Barbie with light brown hair, like my own. He thought I would prefer that, I guess.

I will always remember how disappointed I was when I got that brunette Barbi.

My mother didn't understand.

Let's move forward now, to my middle school years, which was called "jr. high" back then.

My mother loved to put Sun-In on my hair, because it would turn the most amazing shade of gold.

She first put the Sun-In on my hair when we were sitting by Aunt Carol's pool, the rich blonde step-auntie that was now in my life and inspiring me in ways like never before.

I still remember that day, because that night I was left alone in the house, pretending it was my own. (for another post).

I got used to using Sun-In and lightening my hair when I was young. My mother would say to me all the time, "You should have been born blonde, it looks so good on you." I would get tan in the summer and enhance the blondeness further.

With the confirmation of acceptable blonde hair color from my mother, I spent a couple of decades lightening my hair, either through weaving or using a double process so I could achieve that incredible "ivory" shade of blonde that I loved so much.

I was known as a "blondie" and I knew every blonde joke there was. Even though I wasn't naturally blonde, some things I would do and say indicated that I was a typical blonde, and that added to the whole thing.

When I finally stopped bleaching my hair when I was 33, I couldn't believe the color my hair was. It was so shiny and healthy and so, so dark.

I would say it was the color of mink, and I fell in love with it and wondered why I had bleached it for so many years.

I regretted my blonde days and felt I missed out on enjoying my own natural beauty. But if someone would have suggested I go natural back when I lived in California, I would have told them to take a hike.

It wasn't until I moved to Oregon that I was able to break free from the blonde desire. It felt like I "had" to be blonde when I lived in California. Just like it feels like you need to drive a Jaguar or Mercedes there.

Today I am sporting a new blonde hair hat and when I first opened the box and saw the color, I was taken back at least two decades. This color and STYLE was EXACTLY what I wore back in the day. EXACTLY!

Wearing this brings back so many memories of my blonde days.

I wore the blonde hair hat all day and by the time the evening rolled around my daughter said, "You know, that color blonde you are wearing has really grown on me, I like it."

Thank you my daughter, I like it too.

But not because I don't like my own hair. I most certainly do.

I find it fun, however, to be able to toss on a hair hat and mix it up a bit.

This time I am blonde because it is fun and not because I don't feel good enough.

 

The great thing about style is that you can grow up through it. When you look back you can see what motivated you to do what you did.

How many of you out there have colored your hair and have you thought about why you did it? Besides the obvious of coloring grey, what other reasons motivated you to color all of those hairs on your head?

Thank you for joining me today.

See you next time!

 

 Shirt: Ralph Lauren Skirt: Vintage Gucci  Shoes: Miu Miu

Necklace: 1970's vintage Chanel  Bag: vintage Chanel

Sunglasses: Tom Ford  Plumped lips: City Lips, Toyko Kiss

 Linking to Patti!

Linking to Momtrends!

Being True to Myself in the Free Green Chair

My Style Story

Part 1

I began working in my teens.

When I got my paycheck on Friday,

I headed for the mall and spent every penny

on clothes and makeup.

 I had a budget, or as my Mommy used to say,

"Mija, you have champagne taste and beer money,

so you need to work."

I was raised by my Mexican, single mother,

and we were on the poor side of the tracks.

I remember being the only kid in the class who

didn't have a dad around when I was

growing up. That was back in the late 60's-70's,

before divorce was like it is today.

When my mother married my stepfather

(when I was 12), I saw how the other half lived,

because he had a wealthy sister, or,

rather, she married a man who was rich.

When I saw material riches for the first time,

I became fascinated by it, all of it.  

I thought it was the greatest thing ever!

And the clothes, my new step aunt was

so elegant, I can still remember her blond hair,

crystal blue eyes, her camel monochromatic outfit

with matching turban and her amazing platform shoes.

I will always remember her tan wrist, glistening

in the sparkling pool, and those amazing gold bracelets

almost melting together as they glowed in the sun.

After that one weekend I spent at their home,

I wanted to get out of poverty with all my being.

Once I saw there was another way to live,

I wanted out of where I was. I knew there

was a better way, or rather, a more comfortable way.

I was used to hearing, "No, we can't afford

that". I heard that over and over again growing up.

I couldn't go to camp, or get piano lessons, or

get those little wooden platform shoes because we 

couldn't afford it. I still have dreams about

those little wooden shoes. :-)

My mother made sure I had jobs every summer

so I could buy my school clothes and

when I was a sophomore in high school,

I worked at a sandwich shop every day

after classes ended. I worked there for a year

and then, trying to be helpful, I got my friend a job

and she worked beside me.  After a few weeks,

they liked her better and I was fired.

I then got a job at Montgomery Wards, working

in the cosmetic and perfume department.

 

I have been thinking deeply about my earlier years lately.

As I approach 50, my past is being replayed in my mind.

I seem to be connecting to that part of me that loved 

clothes and especially wearing them.

The part that I have slowly but surely let go

of over the decades.

At one point I began my mad pursuit of the spiritual

side of life, and I buried the desire for nice things.

I put myself on a materialistic diet so to speak,

convinced that I could not be spiritual and pursue

the physical at the same time, even after I learned

that it was possible.

I began to live in a type of sartorial abstinence,

as compared to the earlier days, when I

thoroughly enjoyed clothing and dressing

myself. I would still dress up, but not with

the same drive and passion. I thought I 

was just getting older and turning grannyish.

As the years went by, I shed more and more

of my desire for sporting beautiful clothes

and jewelry, and convinced myself

I was over all of that.

I was more mature and older now.

I would tell myself I must shed the material side

to strengthen myself spiritually.

I could not grasp that physical things mixed

very well with the soul.

They seemed to be in opposition, at least in my mind.

If you look into my crystal ball you will see Tooth Soap® in your future. :-)

At one point I stopped dressing up and even wearing makeup

and didn't care how I looked. I lived in jeans and t-shirts,

something I would never do before. I clearly let my style go.

I see now that I was not being true to myself those years

I did not dress up. I had reasons when I didn't, but I wasn't being

my old honest self. I wasn't enjoying my clothes like years before.

Over time I discovered that my love of beautiful

things does not conflict with my spiritual pursuits.

Material things I love are delightful to me,

therefore bringing me joy.

Joy is mandatory when seeking the spiritual side of things.

I don't dress for anyone else but myself.

The fashion show is my own.

Being true to who I am is more spiritual than trying to bury those 

things that my mind believed were in conflict with my soul.

Today I am being true.

I love clothes and shoes (especially shoes).

And not just any clothes and shoes.

I love DESIGNER stuff.

I love QUALITY and even though I grew up

with meager means, my mother taught me

to go for quality and don't buy CHEAP ANYTHING.

She believed it was better to have less and

high quality, than a bunch of cheap junk!

I love my Mommy's advice!

I don't need to feel guilty about surrounding myself

with the most beautiful things in life anymore.

I don't need to hide it or be embarrassed by it.

Embracing my desire and love of even gorgeous

luxury is helping to nourish my soul now.

So what about the green chair?

My daughter and I found it today on a curb

when we were walking in the early morning.

It was free so I thought it would be fun to 

reupholster it; we now have a little summer project.

How funny is that?

As I re-embrace my love of luxury everything, I can't

seem to resist an old chair on the side of the road.

I guess you can take the girl out of some poverty,

but you can't take the curb trash out of the girl. :-)

Thank you for joining me today.

What is your style story?

Whatever it is, stay true to yourself!

See you next time,

 

Cashmere sweater: Chanel 03  Earrings: Vintage Chanel 

Sunglasses: Tom Ford  Gold Bracelets and Pearls: Old treasures

Ridiculously amazing clear ball bag: Judith Leiber

Hair hat: Gabor  Shoes: Qxtra

This post is sponsored by Tooth Soap®

Learn more about why I do what I do.

Linking to Glamamom today!

Secrets, Fire and some Shoo

My daughter likes this poem.

She wanted me to print it so she could hang it on her wall.

I posted it instead.

the most difficult to forgive is a treacherous betrayer of secrets

remembrance of the treachery

kerosene on an already burning fire

embers floating like fireflies

shoo it away

shoo, fly shoo

dismissing the flames and the ensuing smoke

the kerosene with such an odor

a foul smell that continues to linger

the stench cannot be escaped

constant whiffs, flaming the cinder

distilled petro on clear combustion

continued manipulation for self preservation

like fire crackling in the dry woods

never more than a few days of relief

ready to consume at a given moment

the most difficult to forgive is a treacherous betrayer of secrets 

If you are feeling a little heated now, for any reason, try some elegant dress.

It has worked for me over the years and it can work for you too.

It is hard to be raging at anything when dressed up in beautiful clothing.

Display your true beauty by surrounding yourself with sartorial forgiveness.

See you next time,

Poem: Rachel  Shoes: Chanel

The Purple Ostrich Loves Silk

I used to be a fabric snob and at one time,

I refused to wear anything but wool and silk.

I didn't care so much about brands,

but I cared about quality of fabric.

This purple silk blouse is from Target.

I bought it many years ago (for $19)

because it was silk. 

I never wore it.

Even though I purge my closet regularly, for some

reason I couldn't seem to let go of this little lavender

3-tiered silk blouse. I kept telling myself that

someday I "might" wear it, so keep it.

It appears that the blouse was waiting for it's soul mate.

Enter the soul mate:

These ostrich skin Prada Mary Jane heels

retailed for about $1000.

I got them for $150 because

they were worn twice.

Once I got over my phobia of buying shoes

that contained toe DNA other than my own,

I entered a world of being able to afford amazing

designer shoes.

How did I get over my freaky foot germ creep out?

I faced reality that almost all shoes are full of 

cooties! Especially the ones at department stores!

Think about all the people that try on shoes during

a sale! Those shoes are not NEW! They are broken

in and full of alien 'hoof microorganisms'.

Once I came to grips with the fact that most shoes

are loaded with creepy crawlies, and that it's just

life, and it wasn't going to change, I got over it.

Each hole had a huge ostrich feather in it at one time...

See the perfect road maps peeking through the polka dots. 

I love how my veins do such a smashing job of 

pumping all that life giving blood through my body!

Necklace and earrings are from a designer in Atlanta.

Her name is Susan Park and her studio

is called "Zenaholic".

Seams and ostrich skin,

a marriage made in heaven...

You can see how happy this outfit is together,

but it took a while for it all to mesh properly.

Sometimes a blouse needs to wait for that

right shoe to come along, and it could take years.

Patience is key.

Nothing worthwhile ever comes easy either.

If it did, we wouldn't appreciate it.

Thank you for joining me today.

See you next time!

Hat: Helen's Hats  3-Tiered blouse: Target  Silk blouse: Talbots

Silk Skirt: Escada  Shoes: Prada  Watch: Rolex

Necklace and Earrings: Susan Park for Zenaholic

Black and Baubles for Lunch and Dinner

I entertain formally in my home every week,

so I buy my dress up clothes for lunch and dinner!

I basically have dress up and gardening clothes

and very few middle of the road items.

That is what works for my lifestyle at this point.

I wear everything I show you here, but only at lunch or at dinner

and always in my house or my next door neighbor's.

I change my clothes and especially my shoes

when I have to walk outside for a while.

It is good for the expensive shoes to 

refrain from taking too many steps in the elements.

These organic sesame sweet potatoes and baby bok choy

and pineapple slaw were a hit this passed weekend.

The ridiculously simple recipes are at the end

of this post. Ha, ha, made you scroll! :-)

 

This is the other outfit I bought in New York.

I know, it is so 80's, with those shoulder pads

and baubles but I loved it when I saw it!

This could be MC Hammer approved if

I applied for certification...

 

I bought the Prada embellished with

Swarovski Crystal whacky heels on eBay from a 

woman who bought them in Rome and never

wore them.  She said she just wanted to

stare at the crystals...

 So I took control, bought them and have been

wearing them ever since! I can't stand to see a good designer

shoe go to waste! Ladies, take them out of the bags and boxes,

put them on your tootsies and enjoy them!

If you don't walk outside they will stay looking new.

These toe sparklers are my go to shoes on nights when

I am wearing something a bit drab that

needs some dazzle!

 

Hats keep hair off the face because nothing is worse

than a mouth full of food and hair hat!

Love those seams...

I have been wanting to wear this bracelet for probably 45 years.

It was in my mother's jewelry box forever and it is truly amazing

that after all the moving I did growing up and all the moving I 

did after I left home, that I still have it and it is still in tact.

After not being able to work this bracelet into any outfits before,

mostly because it looked "dated" for the longest time, now it has

taken on a new look and appears vibrant, even though it is tarnished.

A true rhinestone unsigned masterpiece, I wish my mother

were alive today to see me wearing her bracelet proudly on this blog.

She would love it!

Silk blouse feeling lovely underneath.

An eBay snag, brand new with tags, retailed for $187.

I paid $30, thank you very much.

This pleated sweater skirt is amazing!

I was literally trying this outfit on when

I needed to hail a cab to the airport

because of my flight leaving in 90 minutes!

There was no time left but I had to have

this outfit so time stood still for just a few moments.

  :-)

Looking most "HOUSEFLY-LIKE" in this shot! 

Very buggy, yet fancy too.

The best of both worlds. :-)

Daughter in the lens again. She left for summer camp today and will 

be gone for 4 weeks. I miss her already. It is just me and my oldest now.

I will be savoring my time with her until she leaves in September.

Did you know that sweet potatoes contain beta carotene and vitamin A,

vitamin C, manganese, fiber, complex carbs and antioxidants besides being

super yummy? Vitamin C is good for your gums and connective tissues so

sweet potatoes basically make you pretty. 

Cilantro is an excellent heavy metal detoxifier and when mixed

with bok choy, you get a super nutritious punch! Fiber and

sweet goodness from the pineapple make this a unique dish

they will either love or hate, because that is how it is when it

comes to cilantro! 

*Sesame Sweet Potatoes

Peel and cube sweet potatoes. Toss with a bit of olive oil to coat.

Sprinkle lightly with a good salt. Roast at 375 degrees until tender,

turning half way through. Let cool; toss with a few dashes of

sesame oil (to your liking) and sprinkle with sesame seeds. 

This dish tastes good warm, room temp or cold.

*Baby Bok Choy and Pineapple Slaw

Clean and slice baby bok choy into thin strips.

Cut the same amount of pineapple into little

pieces. Add an equal amount of cilantro and

a bit of salt. Let set for 10 minutes and serve.

Serve cold with your choice of protein for a light summer meal.

Thank you for joining me today.

I am linking to Patti at NotDeadYetStyle!

See you next time!

*Recipes adapted from a 2011 Real Simple

magazine I read last summer. The recipes

are from memory now. :-)

Top and Skirt: Kourosh New York

Silk blouse: Voom - eBay

Shoes: Prada  

Earrings: Adrian Apel from 10 years ago

Bracelet: Vintage from my Mommy

Joining Jill at Monday Mingle.

Fighting The Frump With Disco Balls In The Garden

Have you ever dressed in the morning and had to

admit that your outfit was just plain, "frumpy"?

That happened to me this morning.

It wasn't only the outfit though. 

I woke up feeling frumpy; not so 'UP' in the morning.

I had two choices at that point.

Either go with it and act like a SHEEP, following

that frumpy feeling, or I could choose to go in another direction.

I chose to FIGHT THE FRUMP!

I had put on a skirt that didn't work no matter what top I tried.

I decided to start over.

I always have that CHOICE!

I ditched the skirt and reached for an old favorite instead.

I also decided to shoot the photos in the garden because

one thing is for sure, the garden is far from frumpy!

Being in the garden with the chickens and all that gorgeous life

encourages my happiness hormones!

A quick trip to the garden fills me with the proper amount 

of gratitude to change my perspective.

Silk was the fabric answer I needed to begin the de-frumping process.

I never feel frumpy in silk!

It was the stiff cotton in that skirt that

was pushing my frumpy buttons earlier.

I initially thought of wearing the cream silk blouse over the dress

but when I tried that, it made my favorite silk dress FRUMPY!

My shape doesn't work well with certain types of unfitted garments

as they tend to drown my body into a sea of clothes.

So I put the silk shirt on underneath instead.

When I slid my right arm through the sleeve, it tickled my skin;

it almost felt like butter for a second.

I knew I made the right choice for the day.

I decided to go easy on the heels today.

Since I started wearing them again recently, I can feel it in my lower back.

But like I always say, "No pain, no beauty gain",

so they will continue to make their way onto my feet.

It is hard to say "NO" to heels once you

have let them back into your life.

I am the only one who likes these pumps, but it doesn't bother me.

My daughter sees the square toe and says, "Why Mom?"

I say, "Because they are unique.

And they are Chanel."

The disco balls...

 

This necklace and matching earrings are DNKY vintage, from the 90's.

I can't believe the 90's are now vintage...

Speaking of wildflowers...

I planted them so that they would attract bees in the kitchen garden.

My plan worked!

To my left, below, are 17 pepper plants.

To my right, more peppers and tomatoes!

Helen on the left, Butterball in the middle and Goldie in the back.

The slight smile below indicates that I have eradicated 

any frumpiness feelings I had previously.

I am happy to say that I was able to remove the frump factor today by 

simply slipping into a fabric I love, adding some great accessories,

and choosing a better location to dwell in, to rev up my gratitude engine.

It is impossible to feel frumpy when full of gratitude!

 

My conclusion is this: When you are feeling a little down and frumpy, 

instead of going with it and letting it set the tone for the day,

get dressed up in something you love and change the landscape!

I promise you that the frump factor will not survive if you do this!

See you next time!

Dress: J. Peterman   Shirt: Talbots  Shoes: Classic Chanel

Jewelry: Vintage DKNY Sunglasses: RayBan

 Linking to Pleated Poppy.

_______________________________________________________

Check your oral care labels now for a warning.

You brush your teeth over 57,000 times in your life.

Help your body reduce

the daily toxin overload.

TOOTH SOAP®

Natural and Organic Oral Care

Black and White Plaid Popped With Red

Atlanta is experiencing GORGEOUS weather this week

and this outfit takes full advantage!

The red vintage sleeveless St. John mock turtleneck

combined with this lightweight jacket kept me cool all day!

The skirt is super lightweight and feels more like a t-shirt. 

I bought it earlier this year from Ann Taylor.

These Miu Miu's have been sitting in a box for a few weeks,

but today they got to adorn my feet!

They are very comfortable and no

walking sticks needed for these cork platforms!

Note to Self: The sheer gloves do NOTHING

to diguise the road maps on my hands during

 a warm day.

 See my daughter in the right lens...

Wearing the St. John necklace again.

It works with so many things in my closet

and has proved to be a good investment!

I love the fabric of this jacket; a thin cotton blend.

But it is a SNAGGER... and gets caught on everything.

I have to be careful and the bird is not allowed

on my shoulder while wearing it!

Thank you for stopping by.

I am linking to Patti at NotDeadYetStyle today!

Enjoy the weather and stay comfortable!

Jacket: Pendelton  Skirt: Ann Taylor  Shirt: St. John by Marie Grey  

Shoes: Miu Miu  Necklace: St. John

Joining Jill at Monday Mingle.

Shoe Link Up with Simply Sarah.

A Higher Platform For Fashion Bloggers: How To Easily Monetize Your Blog

My daughter gave me a style challenge recently.

She wanted to know if I could make a certain

pair of shoes fit into an elegant outfit.

I accepted the challenge and purchased the shoes.

I chose my new white skirt and a Chanel sweater from 8 years ago.

The Milk Glass Jewelry came next...

I then chose a beautiful walking stick to help me balance...

Fred Gwynne, you are an inspiration!

You never used one walking stick!

Here is the completed ensemble...

Not only was I able to style these shoes with elegance,

but they also gave me an idea for a business opportunity!

TAKE A LOOK AT ALL OF THAT AD SPACE!

Imagine the possibilities! 

Walking around with ads on your feet could bring in

$100 - $200 per shoe! :-)

See how easy it is to create style through a higher platform

and monetize your blog at the same time?

Thank you for joining me today.

See you next time!

Sweater: Chanel  Skirt: Seen Here  Jewelry: Vintage

Platforms: SubsTitute  Walking sticks: Ace Hardware

Sunglasses: Tom Ford   Belt: An old headband

Style Blogger Inspiration

Since I saw the recent post by the Style Crone,

I have been inspired to wrap my head.

When Bella Q, 'the Citizen Rosebud',

commented about my Valentino booties,

I was inspired to put them on my feet.

That inspiration led to choosing this

vintage blouse that was born in the 1940's. 

The embroidery, rhinestones and seed pearls are fantastic!

These vintage platinum diamond earrings are cut the 'old school' way.

Not like the 'brilliant cut' that we are used to seeing now.

I got them in a vintage shop in Jerusalem.

A 1950's brooch turned into a head wrap accessory.

Thank you for joining me today and thank you

to all the style bloggers for the inspiration!

This is the most fun I have had blogging in years!

See you next time,

Blouse: Vintage  Silk Skirt: Escada  Booties: Valentino  

Earrings: Vintage  Scarf: Foxes, Atlanta

Sunglasses: Chanel

Web Cam Style For Busy Bloggers

Some days a blogger has to take care of everything.

And there may be very little time to take photos.

What's a blogger to do?

WEB CAM!

It is fast, easy and the fuzzy texture gives the photos an edgy feel... 

 And/or it diffuses wrinkles on your face and on your clothes!

WARNING: DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!

This is a dangerous move in high heels!

I apologize for wearing the same 'ole' shoes again

but I can't stop putting them on my feet and staring.

I thank you in advance for dealing with my obsession.

Besides, they go with everything...

The bulls blood red loops combined with the gold

are just yummy in this necklace.

It was thrifted for $7.

I also found another option to make up. 

The tried and true "Smiley Face"!

How about showing me your Web Cam Style?

I would love to see it!

Sweater: Vintage, St. John by Marie Grey  Skirt: St. John  

Blouse: Talbots, several years old   Necklace: Thrifted for $7

Gloves: Vintage from the 1940's  Bag: Chanel  Shoes: Dolce & Gabbana

Mixing High and Low

Linking to Patti at Not Dead Yet Style!

The outfit today is inspired by my free ranging hens! 

See the top of my head?

It's like chicken tail feathers! 

I tell you, these D & G shoes go with everything! 

TEXTURE anyone?

Jacket is Chanel.

Retail price was $3650, but I paid only $499.

This is the high.

The skirt is several years old, from Talbots.

This skirt could never have imagined it would be on a blog

and paired with a Chanel jacket in 2012.

You just never know what life has in store for you.

The groovy necklace was a thrift pick.

Total price: $6

This is the low...

Hair Hat matches the orange in the jacket

and the shades compliment with housefly appeal.

Bag (that looks like chicken skin up close) is by Brighton.

I bought it impulsively when I was at the Atlanta airport.

 

Thank you for joining me today.

See you next time!

Jacket: Chanel  Skirt: Talbots  Blouse: The Vermont Country Store

 Necklace: Thrifted  Hair Hat: Rachel Welch  

Shoes: Dolce & Gabbana  Bag: Brighton Bags

Sunglasses: Tom Ford   Earrings: Gold oval hoops, QVC, 15 years ago

Happy Smile: Tooth Soap®  

Sobbing Style In The Empty Nest

I am snapping pictures like crazy, hiding behind this huge Canon and I'm so glad I have this camera to cover my face. I can't hide or stop the tears now, they are flowing, flowing. How could I forget a tissue, I have nothing to soak up this mess. It is a good thing I didn't wear a lot of eye makeup, so it won't be so noticable later.

There, I just flicked some tears away really quick with the tip of my finger, and the floor is carpeted so the sound of the tears pinging the floor can't be heard. The truth is, no one would notice anyway, because all eyes are on the stage, where you and other lovely ladies now sit.

My precious daughter, how did you grow up so fast. Just yesterday you were at my breast, content to stay there forever. Now you are ready to fly free and in less than three months you will leave the country to learn in another land. My heart is bursting with pride and at the same time it feels crushed. Yes, that is how it feels. Like an egg, crushed. In an empty nest.

Enough about me.

This is about you.

You did it and all of your hard work has paid off.

You are such an inspiration to me.

 

I love you my daughter.

Fly high and free...

Mommy

Earrings: Lorenzo   Super Clean Teeth: Tooth Soap®

A Free Dress and $20 Shoes

My 18 year old daughter who just graduated (!) bought

this dress from Forever 21 but didn't like it. 

She paid $19 for it.

I decided to see what I could do with it. 

I have had this hat for YEARS and I think I paid $29 for it. 

I am not comforatble with so much bare skin so I added

the calamine lotion blouse.

And the shoes... these shoes are my new favorites! 

They were thrifted for TWENTY BUCKS yesterday afternoon!

All leather and they fit like a glove.

They were barely used and I was out of my mind when I found them.

It is amazing what getting a nice and inexpensive pair of shoes can do for a lady!

One of the necklaces was also thrifted yesterday.

I paid a whopping $6 for the longer one!

My beloved seams...

I completed the outfit with some "slightly buggy" sunglasses. 

I am getting used to the fly look now, and am starting to like it.

The resemblance is uncanny.

Thank you for joining me today.

See you next time!

Dress: Forever 21  Shirt: Ann Taylor  

Sweater: Vintage  Short necklace: Vintage  Long necklace: Thrifted  

Shoes: Thrifted  Bag: Valentino  Sunglasses: Tom Ford

White Cotton and Ruched Cashmere With A GLOW

This outfit is almost all new.

I bought this cotton skirt and cashmere sweater to add to my summer wardrobe.

Yes, you read that right.

I bought a cashmere sweater for summer. 

To wear in Hotlanta.

 

Bows on the gloves and the bag...

This necklace is VERY VINTAGE, from the 1940's, one of my favorite eras.

It has rhinestones and MILK GLASS, and

I'm just about ready to get some cookies to dip into it. 

Forget the white ceramic watches for summer ladies,

hunt down some MILK GLASS jewelry!

The sweater was just fine while indoors,

but after being outside for 10 minutes, I am SWEATING!

And not because of any hotflashes or anything.

It's June after all.

Matching Milk Glass earrings, so yummy and cool to the touch...

The D & G shoes that I told you about before.

You see how I don't just tell you to buy it without buying it first myself? 

Hurry and take the pictures!

I am sweating like a PEA EYE GEE!

My coveted and beautiful stockings do not look like this in real life!

The flash is working overtime in this shot.

Practicing my courtsey just in case my blog post about

the Queen gets really famous.

Maybe the Queen will start following my blog too!

Can you imagine Queen Elizabeth II following my blog

and commenting along with us?! 

President Obama gave her an IPad with a bunch of show tunes on it,

so maybe she will get bored with that and

come visit Style Mentor™ on a regular basis.

I know, good luck with that and especially, el oh el!

These gloves are vintage too, just not sure how many decades old they are.

You can see they are in full BOW compliance.

I will have to report on these at the BLA (Bow Lovers Anonymous) meeting today.

Look! Seams! Again!

I am in LOVE with this white cotton skirt I picked up from Garnet Hill.

It has a built in petticoat! 

This is my "official" summer skirt, so get used to seeing it now!

I can't believe the sweat from my upper lip

is dripping on my new cashmere sweater!

I mean the glow...

Fanny myself with my gloved hand will not suffice here. 

Time to get inside where the air feels as cool as this ruched sweater looks.

See you next time!

Sweater: Garnet Hill  Skirt:  Garnet Hill  

Jewelry: Vintage from Anne Sherman

Shoes: Dolce & Gabbana  Bag: Valentino

Sunglasses: Ray Ban