Love Potion Number 'Nine'

I absolutely love musicals. I love movies, and film, and theatre, and more than anything, I love when filmmakers from today create movies based on the work of past legends--so it is no big surprise I'm anxious to see the new Rob Marshall film "Nine" which is based on Federico Fellini's film, '8 1/2.' Fellini is the same guy who created 'La Dolce Vita.'

On top of loving movies, I love the costumes and wardrobe, hair and makeup, and seeing how it all comes together. For those who think movies don't have an influence on our society, you need only consider how often movies inspire trends and fashion.

I'm so thrilled that some of the major stars in this film, slated to come out this year, include Nicole Kidman, Fergie, and my favorite, Penelope Cruz.

What made me most happy, perhaps, is reading on a blog today that Fergie and Penelope were directed to gain weight for the film, so that they would be more 'voluptuous' in their lingerie and sexy clothing. It's nice to see Hollywood recognize the hot factor that a little meat on the bones can have, especially when it's enveloped in lace and satin. It made me feel better about my own curves, and if anything inspired me to shop, it was knowing that all over the world, soon enough, people will see women who embraced curvy bodies and still wore super sexy underpinnings to dance around on screen.



In honor of the movie, I was inspired to purchase sexy lingerie myself, and while shopping online, found this gorgeous lingerie set, complete with garters and thigh heels, sure to raise the temperature of any man. And though I wouldn't flatter myself to believe I can compete with the likes of Fergie or Penelope on the hotness meter, when I have a gentleman in my life who will have the pleasure of seeing this set for himself, hopefully, he'll appreciate it.



In the meantime, I will hit up the gym and dance classes with the same diligence I'm sure Fergalicious and Cruz did, because even us girls with curves want more confidence when we slip into something a little more sexy.

To purchase this lingerie, go to: www.victoriassecret.com, where you'll find it under sleepwear, by clicking on the tab: 'Sexy Lingerie.' Spice up your personal life today, and stay tuned for more info on Rob Marshall's film, Nine, coming soon to theatres.

A "Short" Note to All The Haters...

In defense of my homegirl, Michelle Obama, I am writing an open letter to all of her haters, who criticized poor M for wearing shorts in Phoenix. Bastards. Here it goes:

Dear Haters,

You know who you are. Most of you no doubt have a GOP bumpersticker on the back of your gas guzzling, environment-destroying, I-wrote-it-off-on-my-taxes SUV. The rest of you are just plain miserable with yourselves and probably wear mom jeans from J.Jill or Chico’s or some other sad store where middle-aged women gather. A small minority may be men who are overly critical (and to you, I say, come out of the closet already, douche bag, we all know if you analyze a woman’s wardrobe that much, you’re gay.)

Michelle is not only one of my favorite women, I feel like we could be friends. She not only is intelligent and headstrong and a great mother and wife, she is the type of woman I aspire to be. She is graceful and beautiful and works out so that she can keep her body in top form, while also keeping her health up so that she can take care of the most powerful leader in the free world and her two adorable daughters. Pretty sure her goal is not to dance on a stripper pole on national TV like Miley Cyrus or one of the Pussycat Dolls. She is in shape because she works hard to stay physically fit.

So how much did I want to kick your asses, personally, when I read blogs and bullshit magazine articles where all of you who are drinking the hater-aid criticized Mrs. Obama for wearing shorts on her trip to the Grand Canyon?

First off, I am from this hell hole we call Arizona, and even in the high country, it is pretty effin hot. If I had paparazzi, my husband, and 2 daughters in tow, and had just stepped off of Air Force One, you bet your sweet ass I’d not only have shorts on, I would have worn a tank top that said “F*** Halliburton,” too. She was going to the Grand Canyon, not the Republican National Convention. I think it’s socially acceptable to wear shorts to go see a big hole in the ground on your summer vacay.

Secondly, the woman is TONED. She has legs that are enviable and arms that put most celebrities’ to shame. So quit hating, and give the woman some credit. Laura Bush didn’t have a book called “Laura Style” that made the best-seller list. Michelle Obama does, so go to Barnes & Noble and grab a copy of the Mandi Norwood book “Michelle Style” today.

Anybody who can wear Jason Wu one day, turn him into an overnight designer to the stars and then rock J.Crew the next day is truly my style heroine.

And for those of you who want to send me hate mail? Hate on this, you style impaired prudes.

In closing, having actually worked for a politician myself for a brief time in college, I can tell you one observation, among many, that I’ve made about the Republican party, most of whom chastised Michelle’s wardrobe choices: the GOP usually looks very uppity, and frankly, constipated. I recommend a large dose of Ex-Lax and to part ways with your pearl necklaces and girdles. Sarah Palin might have lied about the cost of her wardrobe, but maybe it wouldn’t have been so expensive if she had regular bowel movements.

Thank you for your time,

LC

LC's Christmas Wish List...Starts Now.

Numero Uno on my Christmas Wish List?

World Peace. Duh.

But since that shit is probably not going to happen, why waste a wish on something unrealistic? If I’m going to wish for something unrealistic, I’d rather waste my wish on things like a new Chloe bag, or dresses from Diane von Furstenberg, or a Cartier tank watch.

But this is one of those items that makes my wish list, even if I know I might not get it.

Every time I walk into Nordstrom’s, third floor, right by Nordstrom Café and across from Brass Plum, I glance over at the home section where I always stare longingly at this gorgeous satin robe that’s lined with the most incredible fur I’ve ever felt in my life; so soft and sensual, I can imagine my freshly bathed and moisturized body slipping right into it while I do my hair in the mirror of my vanity, or apply my makeup in the mornings. It is luxurious and beautiful and I want it, Santa Claus, damn it!

But since I am no longer a little girl who writes hopeful letters to the man up North, I guess I’ll just have to save lots and lots of loose change and hope for the day when I can bring that robe home, and slip it on the body that was meant to feel such extravagance.

(Yeah, I’m talking about me, Santa, I can’t help it if I’m a little selfish, you never gave me a baby sister when I asked for one 24 years ago in preschool, and I’m used to getting the spotlight. You also haven’t brought me babies of my own—though maybe I should be thanking you for that—and so I have no one else to worry about except myself.)

Who knows what the holidays will hold in store for me…this year, I think someone to kiss under the mistletoe might be a more worthwhile present to ask for than a robe that costs $265.00. But it never hurts to ask, right?

To find this robe, check out Nordstrom online: www.nordstrom.com (the link is also on my blog page.) It is made by a line called 'Giraffe' and the fur lining is incredible.

Because I Can

I remember this shade of lipstick coming out when I was a young girl; I believe it was before the whole early 90’s grunge thing was going on. This hot pink shade was all the rage, and I remember wanting a tube of lipstick in this color sooo bad. Except at that time, I thought designer lipstick came from Maybelline or Wet & Wild. I would take what I could get when I was 8 years old.

Fast forward 20 years, and I no longer have my mother telling me “No! You cannot buy lipstick that looks like that, you will look like a cheap whore!” My mom would now encourage me to go run out and buy this lipstick, because it might look sexy, and sexy just might get me a date with a guy who might actually want a second date, and a third date…and that would get her daughter out of the house on Friday nights for a change.

Now, now that I am almost 30 years old and a grown ass woman, I can buy whatever lipstick shade-of-the-moment my little heart desires.

And when I pick up my tube of Nars’ Schiap lipstick, which goes on smooth but wears on your lips forever, and I keep in line with the current trend, I will know that I have grown up. I am wearing hot pink lipstick, why? Because I can. ;)








Purchase your very own tube of Schiap lipstick by Nars at select Nars counters, at Neiman Marcus or Sephora, or online at www.narscosmetics.com, because you can. ;)

I'll Keep You, My Dirty Little Secret

Sometimes I like to keep my beauty secrets to myself. I once went on a few dates with a guy who had really beautiful skin. When I asked if he had any particular trick to getting his skin so glowy, he said he read Cosmo and that he learned he had to massage in baby oil immediately after his shower, before drying off with a towel. I don’t know if I was more disturbed that I felt like he had stolen MY beauty secret, or that he, too, had read it in an issue of Cosmopolitan Magazine. Helen Gurley Brown herself would have scratched her head and wondered if she should lose the guy’s number after that date.

That being said, even though I blog and I like to mention all the latest beauty finds and steals out there that I unearth on my shopping ventures, I also keep some little tricks of the trade and tools to myself—call me selfish, if you will. This one, however, is totally worth sharing.

I work out about 5 days a week, and in the summer, I was clocking 6 days a week, 2 hours a day. (Please don’t ask me why my body doesn’t look like Heidi Klum’s yet; I ask myself the same damn question every time I strip down to my Victoria’s Secret lingerie everyday of my life in the full-length mirror.) Nevertheless, that is one hell of a lot of sweating going on, and my hair of course sometimes gets drenched, but mostly at the roots and around the crown of my hair.

In an attempt to salvage my hair and keep it long and healthy, I didn’t want to have to wash it everyday, but I also didn’t want hair that smelled like a man’s locker room. To that end, April recommended I buy dry shampoo, and ‘save the environment.’ Quite honestly, I’ll admit my selfish motivation—I wasn’t thinking about eco-friendly solutions, it was much more about me, not having to wash my hair on the daily. But, two birds, one stone, right?

Tigi’s Dirty Little Secret Dry Shampoo, part of their Rockaholic collection, not only has chic, sexy packaging, it smells good, neutralizes the smell of your hair and gives you volume at the roots; it also allows you to extend your shampoo and blow out another day, which, yes, April, saves water, but also saves you time and energy, which we all could use a little more of.

I’m very good at keeping things in the vault; I hold more secrets that people share with me than Fort Knox. But this one isn’t CIA status; it’s so good, I have to share it with my people, so run out and get dry shampoo for yourself.

And when your hair is looking fab the day after a major sweat session at your spinning class, I won’t tell your tool of the trade. It will be our dirty little secret. ;)

To purchase Rockaholic products from TIGI, especially Dirty Little Secret, check out select stores like Ulta or Trade Secret, or hit up San Tan Village's Toni and Guy Salon, where you can buy any of the TIGI products and get helpful, friendly service (the ladies in my Glam Crew highly recommend this salon, so put it on your priorities list, babe.)

Find Your Peace, DJ AM

I am saddened by the news of DJ AM(Adam Goldstein's) sudden death, and perhaps even more disturbed that drugs were involved, especially prescription pain pills. I'm not sure what it will take to open people's eyes to this tragedy that happens everyday across America, because so many people refuse to acknowledge the severity of this social problem.

I know I write a style/fashion/shopping blog, and this may not seem like a topic for discussion, but I recall very vividly when one of my favorite fashion plates, Nicole Richie, first started dating DJ AM. Although they parted ways, it's so sad that he turned to drugs for whatever reason...and the one thing I do know is, regardless of what drugs may seem "trendy" or "in" at the moment, there's no man or woman in the world who can possibly look chic or beautiful with a drug problem...

Hopefully this tragedy will be a lesson learned for those out there who are struggling with the pain of addiction...and hopefully, they'll get well soon.

RIP Adam. Find your peace. <3

I wish the same, to everybody else who needs to find peace within themselves.

Finding My Fortune

Recently, I’ve become very sensitive to fragrances. I’ve had to give away bottles of perfume I once liked. A trip through the perfume counters at my favorite department stores tends to make me fairly nauseous and I get sick to my stomach whenever I smell certain scents. Since I suffer from migraines, I have to be careful what scents I use or am around, because they trigger horrible headaches in an instant.

As I walked through Macy’s last weekend, I was drawn to the Dolce & Gabbana perfume counter. I was a little cautious about trying these new scents, but thought I’d give ‘em a whirl.



The interesting thing about his fragrance collection is that they not only have intriguing scents, they have equally beautiful names to match, and they’re inspired by tarot cards. Each scent represents a different card: such as the diva, the seducer, or the risk taker. My personal favorite is La Roue de la Fortune, which smells faintly of patchouli (a scent I actually have never been that fond of, strangely) and the name, translated, means ‘wheel of fortune.’ Perhaps this is a sign I need to start taking more positive risks, and take chances that might lead me to my fortune. Or at least a little more happiness or fulfillment.

Try the new fragrances for yourself, available at Macy’s or www.macys.com. In a world where you can be any woman you want to be, pick the scent that defines you.

Eyes Wide Open

Over the weekend, the girls and I had my 2 year old nephew, Alex, at Sephora. Spending an entire day with him can make even the most aerobicized woman incredibly exhausted. Since Sephora was one of our final stops, Alex was, of course, in full swing; full of energy, while the rest of us were in need of triple espresso shots.

As I perused the aisles of our favorite makeup playground, I looked up to find my nephew, having the time of his life, trying every eyeshadow color imaginable on his face. He had a grin from ear to ear. And though I am sure his father, and other males in our family, would probably disapprove of us letting him sample makeup, part of me found it slightly comical, and maybe not so ironic, because the women in Alex's family are die-hard cosmetic junkies, and always falling in love with a new shade of eyeshadow; whatever is the latest and greatest hue of perfection.

One of the sections he overlooked, but I did not, was Nars. I've of course tried and purchased Nars products before, especially their bronzer and lipgloss, but one of the shadows that I could not leave the store without was their eyeshadow in a color called Strada. It not only works for day, because it can be blended into a lighter shade of gorgeousness on your eyelid, it can also be glammed up with a smoky eye for night, so it's perfect for your ladies nights out, too.

I highly doubt Alex will remember that humorous event in the middle of beauty heaven, where his mother and three of his aunties were searching for new products to take home in cute little shopping bags, nor will he find it funny when we tell his girlfriends in high school how he once loved applying makeup all over his face like a circus clown. In fifteen years, he will not only refuse to spend any time with us in Sephora or any other shopping destination, I'm sure, but he will only like looking at eyeshadow on the lids of the ladies he is dating. But we hang on to the memories that bring us joy; and at least for a shining moment, Alex shared one of our mutual loves: eyeshadow. And just like lipsticks, shoes, or compliments, a girl can never have enough.

Peace Offerings

No matter what goes on during the week,one thing remains the same. I know that come Friday, I am probably going to get to see the girls in my family. Somehow that always comforts me and helps me get through my week a little easier.

Generally, when April & Priscilla and I get together, it's to go shopping, or to go to the salon. (Hey, not gonna lie. We're shopaholics.)

Ever since I can remember, the girls have been like my sisters. Especially April, because for a long time, she grew up with me like a big sister. Even in our teen years, when I was a total brat, we were so close. Priscilla was born 9 years after I was. I was thrilled when my Aunt told me she was pregnant, and I remember sitting next to her on the bench outside her house and watching monsoons rolling in, right before Fall was about to start, before the change of seasons. We would sit out there and feel the humid but cool breeze hit our faces. She looked like a grown up, pregnant version of me. And all I could think was how anxious I was to meet this little angel in her tummy.

Priscilla was born and everything changed. I adored her. I wanted to hold her and help my Aunt take care of her, I wanted to hold her hand when we crossed the street and even when she was 7 or 8 and wanted to follow me around and play with my makeup and ask me 24 questions, I still thought the world of her. I watched her grow up into a woman who is self-assured, confident, and not afraid to be who she is. I watched her make some mistakes and pick herself up again, admit her wrongs, and try to do right. I've seen her commitment to changing the world grow and develop.

Yesterday, the last of Nana B's girls went off to college. Three of us...Bernadette, April, and I, all received these cute peace bracelets that Priscilla bought for us to remember her by. Priscilla loves peace signs. The peace signs she always buys, on clothing, and jewelry, somehow remind me of the sixties; the free spirits who defined not only a generation, but who changed and revolutionized America.

I recall giving her tips on how to make her lashes look longer, and what color shadows worked best. I remember all of our shopping trips, and Pris arguing with April over a coupon at Victoria's Secret. I remember batting our lashes at the cute hairstylist guys at our salon, and all the stories and secrets we've shared through the years. She may be going off to college, but I know that this is only the beginning of a life that will define what it means to be a successful woman.

As I looked down at my bracelet yesterday, my eyes flooded with tears as memories came back to me of the little girl with big, pretty eyes and a cute little grin. She's now a woman on the brink of greatness. And whenever I miss her, all I have to do is glance down at my peace bracelet, the same one that links the 4 of us together, no matter where we choose to go. I'll remember her, and how we walked through life not only in style, but hand in hand, celebrating achievements and holding hands through defeat. But most of all, I'll be reminded of the peace signs so present during 1960's America, and all those who transformed a nation and brought about change. And I'll be reminded of the young woman I'm proud of, who will take those same qualities and make her mark on the world.

I remember so clearly sitting with Tia Pati, waiting for her baby, those August winds blowing in...knowing Fall was fast approaching and that soon, everything would change...it was the dawn of a new season.

A new season begins, and this time, the force that is moving that wind?

It's still our Priscilla.


Buy your very own version of our bracelet at Macy's or at www.macys.com. Similar versions can be found at Dillards, Nordstrom Brass Plum department or at select Charlotte Russe locations nationwide.

No Looking Back...

What am I looking forward to the most? I have made a list. And I've titled it "LC's Looking Forward List" because I am all about looking forward, ripping out the metaphorical 'rearview mirrors' and not looking back. I'm all about moving forward, and being enthusiastic about all that's up ahead for me.

To that end, here's my list:

LC's Looking Forward List:

1. Buying my first home.
I fully intend on selling my dining room set and purchasing a new one, also. You know you're a grown up when you get excited about shopping at Pottery Barn and when you want cookware from Williams Sonoma so you can cook for your dinner parties.

2. Getting my Professional Life Moving FORWARD...
And I plan on doing this in chic and sophisticated apparel from White House Black Market, mixed in with cheaper pieces from H&M and Forever 21, where, this weekend, I found so many career clothing options that will motivate anyone in 4" heels to kick some serious ass in their line of work.

3. Sticking to my current butt-kicking workouts...
Although it is admittedly GRUELING at times to wake up at 4:30, get to the gym after work, and then do the same thing 6 days a week, I grinned from ear to ear today when I took my measurements all over my body and had lost inches everywhere. If you like to look adorable in your workout gear, I recommend hitting up Lucy Boutiques in either Scottsdale or Gilbert for fantastic workout apparel that will make you the hottest chick to ever hit those treadmills.

4. Starting my OWN business...
Which I plan to do before the new year starts, and yes, it will involve fashion, because I believe in doing things we are truly, genuinely passionate about.

5. Spreading the word about Dreaming in Dior...
Because more people need to read about the world according to LC. So pass along the link to ALL your fashion loving friends, and become a follower today.

6. Scottsdale Fashion Week...
Because I promote so many local businesses and business owners, and highlight the best of the best in AZ and beyond, and since I am in the know when it comes to all things fashion, beauty, and in the media, I think the good people who coordinate Scottsdale Fashion Week ought to rightfully give me VIP tickets, front row status, to the runway shows. After all, who is anxiously anticipating this event more than me? Anybody who would call in sick to see runway shows should most definitely get special perks, especially since my little blog may just generate some buzz & some dollars to local businesses. It's a contribution.

As you can see, I have plenty to be thankful for and so much to look forward to...and I hope that as one of my blog followers, you're along for the ride, because I'd be glad to share snapshots and stories from my journey...I've let go of any baggage I ever had. Except for the Louis Vuitton baggage. That's just a necessity.

My A-List Hair from a Star Status Salon

All my life, since I was a little girl, I dreamed of being a Hollywood star. I wanted to be an actress more than life itself. At 18, before I went off to ASU, I begged my Mom to let me move to Los Angeles and pursue an acting career; she said education was more important and that I would be broke and penniless in LA and at the time, that scared me so much that I pursued other paths. Still, I often wonder what might have been; I think that feeling is quite possibly one of the most atrocious feelings one can ever have, which is why in my present life, I refuse to let anyone keep me from chasing dreams, however impossible they may seem.

One of the perks, no doubt, of being a Hollywood starlet is to have a team of experts and professionals at your beck and call; having stylists to the stars and colorists that are so exceptional, they travel with the A-List. Because I still try to live a glam life, even on the budget of a single woman who is purchasing her first home, I would like to think that I have my very own "glam squad" to keep me on top of my game--although at this point, I'm not certain I have a "game" to be on top of, or "game", period.

I had my hair colored this weekend at Toni & Guy in Gilbert, at San Tan Village. Dani, a colorist for T&G, gave me THE best color I've had in ages, and made it shiny, healthy, conditioned, and looking like a million dollars. Sometimes I feel like Jessica Simpson with her personal hairdresser, Ken Paves, giving her the star treatment no matter where she goes. Dani & the crew at this salon are so awesome, you'd want to take them along with you as you jet-set across the globe on publicity tours, too.

If I was a celebrity, you can bet your sweet ass that I'd have my very own "glam squad" assembled & set to make me look red-carpet ready every single star-studded day. And even though I'm not in the lens of the paparrazzi's cameras, my hair is ready for a close-up, and yours can be, too--so see Dani at Toni & Guy, and get celeb worthy hair that won't break the bank.

Tell 'em Lorraine sent you, and be sure and mention that you read it here first, on Dreaming in Dior. First time clients usually get extra perks, so see what they can offer. My hair professionals are Dani for color; Lethan for cuts--and he is seriously THE best,too--so make those appointments, honey. Crystal is April's stylist but she's done my hair before, too, and she's amazingly talented. And no matter who you see at this salon, I can tell you that the staff at Toni & Guy at San Tan are professional, personable, and totally A-List.

I live and die by the quote "It's never too late to be what you might have been." Although I took a different path at 18, my 15 minutes may someday come...and at least when the cameras flash, and I'm in the limelight, one thing's for certain: I'll get the award for best hair.

Call Toni & Guy today to book an appointment: (480) 812-1955. They're located in the San Tan Village Mall right across from Forever 21, close to Harkins Theatres. Every person in that salon is incredibly friendly; you'll get the best customer service, every time. Tell 'em Lorraine referred you. :)

Sisterhood of the Traveling Men

LC's Movie Pick of the Week: Ohhhh. Emmm. Geee.
You've gotta see Time Traveler's Wife. Rachel McAdams was a stand-out actress in this role. And I must say, I sort of related to her. I mean, so many of my frustrations about men in my past have centered on their inability to stay in one place (with me) for very long, and as soon as they find me and come into my life, they seem to vanish through time in a whim. Perhaps they, like Eric Bana, were "time travelers", also? The question remains. At this point, they can all stay lost in time, I think I'm much better off that way.

Back to the film, however...though the storyline can be a bit confusing at first, everything makes so much sense in the end...which explains why, after the theatre had gotten relatively quiet afterwards, I started bawling so loud that everyone started to laugh at me, not with me. April and Priscilla included.

P.S.--Rachel McAdams, while not dressed to the nines in every scene, looked very pretty, and the costume designer probably didn't do too bad, considering she had to capture Rachel at various points in her life, and different years.

Go see the film for yourself, before it vanishes from theatres.

www.harkinstheatres.com or www.moviefone.com for showtimes and tickets.

Real Rinnavations

Note to my blog readers/followers: this is the first posting for LC's Book of the Week Review; every week, I'll feature the book I've read for the week (yes, I keep Barnes & Noble's business afloat) and why I think you should read it, too. (No, I don't flatter myself to believe that I'm on par with Oprah's Book-of-the-Month club, but I still believe reading=knowledge=power, and on that happy note, here goes my first book review...just for you.)


Self-help books often get touted as being a bunch of fluff; I've heard so many of my friends say that they're just a ploy to make money and that only insecure people buy them. Incidentally, these are the same people who should probably spend more time in the self-help aisle. The truth is, all of us have our insecurities, and all of us are a work in progress. In LC's world, if you're not continually trying to improve yourself on one level or another, you're simply not living to your fullest potential.

I've always liked Lisa Rinna, ever since she played Billie on Days of Our Lives and had to live in the shadow of Bo's first wife and first love; I mean, hell, that can't be an easy task to undertake, especially because Bo's first wife was a real babe. Lisa played the part of Billie with sincerity and a realness that was very refreshing. In her new book, Rinnavation, Lisa approaches different topics with the same real, genuine attitude and personality.

Whether discussing topics about health and fitness, nutrition, skin care, hair care, fashion, how to start a business, sex, bedroom tips for spicing up your personal life, or parenting, she covers all her bases with charisma and by, simply put, keeping it real. This is a woman you'd love to be friends with, not only because she runs the super chic boutique Belle Gray in LA, but because she's the friend you'd go to for tips on just about any topic.

I loved the section on fitness, because for those of you who know me, fitness has always been something I've been into, but over the past year, it's become one of my passions and I always love learning about new methods or classes to take and ways to stay in shape. Lisa's book actually piqued my interest in strip aerobics classes, so I've been taking Pole Dancing classes at a fitness and dance studio in Tempe, and fell in love with dance all over again, thanks to Ms. Rinna's encouragement in the book. Some people may hate on the whole pole dancing movement; I say, don't hate, my future boyfriend sure won't be. ;)

They say you learn something new everyday, and I learned so much by reading this book, even things about myself that made me question my priorities and goals. It even prompted me to create a business plan for a new business, and make a list of things I want to accomplish soon. After all, what is life if we're not always moving forward, and, if necessary, "Rinna-vating" our lives, even if it starts by opening up a great book.


Buy Rinnavation by Lisa Rinna today at Barnes and Noble, Borders Books and Music, Changing Hands Books in Tempe, or online at www.amazon.com.

Forever Feminine

I have an entire closet FILLED with beautiful dresses. Dresses are my thing. While I admit to loving denim and leggings, there's something sensual and feminine about a woman wearing a dress. I will admit that while I love receiving compliments from my girlfriends about whatever ensemble I have put together and styled for myself that day, I am very much a woman, and I like to wear pretty, femme, clothing with a sexy twist, clothes that make a man's heart race a little faster, or at the very least, flutter.

This morning when I was picking a dress to wear, however, I have to admit that there were some dresses in the closet that still had tags on and that hadn't been used yet. It was unfortunate, but the pretty dresses that were a little too dressy for daytime were still hanging there on hangers in my closet. Nevertheless, when I am shopping, I can usually always find another pretty dress to add to my collection. As you've probably read on my blog before, when I'm in a moment of confusion over what to buy, I sometimes tell myself I can wear the pretty dresses on dates (as if I'm actually going on dates these days--my dating life is truly nonexistent at the moment.)

Today when we were shopping at Forever 21, this adorable, beautiful, sexy dress caught my attention, and thinking about it now, I think I want to make a special trip back there tomorrow to pick it up. Sure, I will have to tirelessly devote myself to a squats-lunges-aerobic workout everyday so I look and feel fantastic in my new polka dotted dress, but it's a sacrifice I will make in the name of style.

And at $22.50, the price can't be beat, either. This steal of a dress is MY baby, but you can pick it up, or many others, at Forever 21 stores or online. This is yet another dress I will purchase and hope that I go on a date sometime this millennium so I can wear my new stylish steal. When you can look like a million bucks for a date with destiny, it's worth every penny...and this dress won't break your piggy bank, that's for sure.

Bling on a Budget

The queen of bling just shopped solo two weekends ago on Sunday; it was quite sad without the girls there to keep me company. But I digress. I was in Macy's at San Tan Village, and my family had already called to say, "If you find good deals on jewelry, pick us up something and we'll buy it from you." Ever the one to love checking out the pretty jewels around the store, I spent no less than 40 minutes just shopping the jewelry selection.

In that time, I not only found Betsey Johnson accessories marked down 30% off,but so many other designers, as well. Betsey can usually be pretty pricey; these jewels were marked down so much, they were a big steal for any jewelry lover out there. In addition, on the weekends, for the passt 2 months, Macy's has been doing EXTRA savings on things like clothing, jewels, and shoes, on the weekends. Sometimes you can get beautiful jewelry for up to 70% off the retail price.

I had to mention this sale not only because it's fantastic, but because I had the most incredible customer service by my jewelry counter homegirl, Kim. She was kind, polite, and helpful, and went out of her way to interact with her customers and get to know us. She is a total sweetheart, and deserves to be praised...but what's even more sweet are all these tempting deals at Macy's, so check it out for yourself this weekend, and make sure you ask for Kim's help, she deserves to have even more happy, pleasant clients. Stay golden, loves. :)

Rockin' That Thing...

If there's one thing most women are picky about, it's usually jeans. Buy the wrong pair, and you end up looking like you've got on a horrendous pair of "mom jeans" or a disgusting display of camel toe. If you don't try them on, chances are, you'll wind up with a muffin top, which is nothing nice for anybody to see; in fact, I will go out on a limb to make a public service announcement: ladies, muffins belong in a bakery, they do not belong hanging out the waistband of your jeans. Thank you for your time.

Jeans are very difficult for me to find and purchase, because I am so particular. I have always had a big, curvy ass and no matter if I was a size 2 or a size 8, through the years, it's been a challenge to buy jeans. Right now, I am fluctuating between a size 4 and a size 6 (so, a size 26 or 27 in denim sizes) and they're still hard to shop for, and I'm sure just as I find a great pair, I'll lose more weight and have to get a whole new size again. The girls in my family seem to have no problem: they not only are able to glide right into the jeans, they also fit perfectly in length. I stand 5'2 in my bare feet and if I am not wearing heels, I am pretty short. Jeans usually fit me just fine in the butt (when I find the ones that fit my ass) and are loose in the waist, because my waistline happens to be more defined now, especially lately (shout outs to Globe Gym!) and fit just right in my legs but are looong on the bottom, which leads me no choice but to either alter them, cuff them, or wear 4" heels.

The one brand that has never done me wrong, the brand I always run back to and am a loyal follower of happens to be Rock & Republic. Now, I am a fan of Victoria Beckhams' style; I know many of you out there may dislike the skinny little darling, but I think she dresses impeccably most of the time. She designed a line for the brand, and I had to have the jeans; they have a crown on my ass, which I felt was appropriate, since my family and friends refer to me affectionately as the Princess.

Not only that, but those jeans are my "hey baby" jeans. Everytime I wear them, at least one guy will walk by and say "hey baby" and even though I generally don't pay attention to the comments, I am glad that my jeans fit the way they should.

Today April & I decided that, in order to live better lives, we needed to come up with a business plan soon and start our own company. And we decided when we have our own empire, we will run it in cute outfits, complete with jeans and heels. Because if you can't run an empire in jeans, that job really isn't our cup of tea. The right pair of jeans is like your BFF: when you find the right brand, you hang on to the ones that just fit you best and match your style, because they're certainly hard to come by.

Rock and Republic can be found at select Nordstrom stores, boutiques throughout the country, but your best bet may just be to order them online at www.revolveclothing.com/b/rockandrepublic, for the Rock and Republic online boutique on Revolve Clothing's website. Get yours today, because even us ladies with a little junk in our trunk can rock these babies like no other. ;)

Question: Where the F Was Billy Ray?

Okay, I'm one of the most avid fans of ELLE Magazine; I love everything about the layout, the concept, and the vision; especially when Nina Garcia worked for ELLE. I wasn't particularly thrilled when Miley Cyrus was on the cover this month. I mean, I would hardly say she qualifies as a style icon. And I'm a total snob when it comes to who I believe should be a cover girl.

But how much did I want to effing scream when I watched footage of the Teen Choice Awards only to see Miley in all her skank-a-licious glory, dancing on a pole in a trashy outfit? I think I was more disappointed than anything else, maybe because I'm in my late twenties now, and not a little pre-teen girl obsessed with child stars.

I'm not hating; I take pole dancing classes, but I'm not on national television, either, and I'm not setting an example for little girls worldwide. Whether we admit it or not, ladies, we do set an example, not only with what we choose to wear, but also through our actions and body language. And now, more than ever, young girls need to know what being a lady is all about.

Miley, honey, you got some 'splaining to do, babe. I'd love to be your stylist, send me an email, pronto. Nobody wants you to morph into Britney, that would just be too tragic for words.

And ladies, on a parting note: please, for the love of Jesus, do not try to recreate this look at home, kids. It wasn't stylish last night, and an outfit that could lead to showing your "Britney" all over national television and the world wide web is in poor taste, girls. Hannah Montana, let me give you a style education.

In Your Shadow

One of the perks of having girls in your family (especially fashion-forward style mavens with a mutual love of all things style & beauty) is that when one of you gets a new cosmetic treat, you all get to sample it before you buy your own. And between all of us, we usually always get the opportunity to try the latest and greatest, because at least one of us is on top of just about every trend that hits the fashion world.

So it was no surprise when Priscilla added the Kat Von D Eyeshadow Palette to her Christmas wish list last year. Of course, she got it, but when I visited this last weekend and realized she had 3 more eyeshadow palettes, I had to try them on my own eyes, for myself.

All day long, I had gorgeous green eyeshadow which complemented my eyes, and everyone I passed or met through the day gave me great compliments, too.

I have to give Kat Von D major kudos because, as a fellow Latina, she is going after her dreams and making them a reality in a major way, and I'm all about that. Not to mention, the color assortment you can get in the palette is reasonably priced and the pigment is gorgeous. Get your own today at www.sephora.com, or your local Sephora store, for $34.00.



Sharing is caring, but after you try this makeup line for yourself, you'll definitely want to take home your own. Nothing selfish about that. ;)

The Sweet Life

I'm very particular about declaring my undying devotion for places where you can shop. Even more particular about places where you can sleep (hotels). And I'm even more selective when it comes to raving about eating establishments.

So when I rave about the gelato at Leonidas Chocolate Shop at San Tan Village in Gilbert, I really am sincere about my love for this place. It is a small little shop, but the gelato is heaven-sent. Try the pistachio gelato, or the macadamia and coconut flavor. Or, one of my favorites, sugar free raspberry gelato. And for those PMS days we'd all like to sleep through, indulge with a tiny piece of dark chocolate, or go all out and take home a box of chocolate splendor of your very own.

Keep this business afloat, treat your sweet tooth, and take a break from the scorching heat in a sweet shop that's a little piece of heaven.

If You Win the Lottery, Remember LC

I remember as a teenage girl, my Mom would always hear my wish list of things I wanted (usually they were cute dresses and shoes and little purses or lipglosses)and if something was too expensive, she'd say, "Okay, Honey. If Mom wins the lottery, it's yours."

The irony I discovered, in my twenties, is that my Mom? Yeah, she never bought a single freakin' lottery ticket. Great job, Mom. Apparently you didn't get the memo? As the nice people at Arizona Lottery like to say, "You can't win if you don't play."

So, I'd like to add this indulgence to my wish list, in case my DAD wins the lottery. Because my Dad? He always comes through for his Princess. That would be ME. :)

The Clarisonic brush is not only much talked about on all the beauty blogs of note and the magazines that matter, it's a tool that will not only give you clear skin, but glowing, wrinkle free skin for years to come. It's a beauty saving grace, and I want it.

And if nobody I know and love wins the lottery soon, I might just have to bust out my Visa Platinum and hope for the best by the time the bill comes in the mail. Because me, looking 25 at 55? That's something worth gambling for.

Buy the Clarisonic for yourself at the following locations, prices range between $190-$225, including the kit and facial products. Get your skin looking fab. You can thank me later. Thank me by sending me a Clarisonic of my very own. :)

Buy Clarisonic at: Nordstrom, Sephora (at Chandler, Fashion Square, and San Tan Village or online at www.sephora.com), Dolce Salon & Spa (www.dolcesalonspa.com)

The Age of Innocence

I was having a lovely little lunch at Nordstrom Cafe at Scottsdale Fashion Square about two Saturdays ago. For those who don't know, this is customary for me; I love to treat myself to the Mixed Berries & Greens Salad and a glass of red wine; its a well deserved and much appreciated afternoon lunch that's healthy, light, and delish. (Nordstrom has to be one of my favorite places for this reason. I can go to the spa, hit up the best makeup counters, shop 3 levels of apparel nirvana, and still stop and have a nutritious meal and a glass of wine under one roof. Whoever invented the concept? Is seriousy my long lost twin sister.)Now, usually I do this alone. In fact, the people who work there know me by name. It is usually very pleasant, a place where I can regroup and clear my head.

This particular Saturday, however, I was seated across from a group of 8 year old girls. I knew they were 8, because the loud mouth of the group proudly announced she had just celebrated her 8th birthday. They were wearing makeup. They were wearing cutting edge shoes and each of them had a designer handbag. Now, I'm all about people supporting designers and pumping much needed cashflow back into the economy. Duh, I write a fashion blog, c'mon. I am not, however, in favor of indulging little girls with such niceties when they are not even aware of the value of a dollar.

I found myself intrigued by their conversation, their banter, their language and lingo, the pre-teen speak of this new generation. Enamored by the purses they carried that I, at 27, could afford to buy, but wouldn't ALLOW myself to buy, I momentarily paused and wondered if one day, I would spoil my own daughters like that after I'd become wealthy. Would we go to spa days together? Would I give her $100 and tell her to treat her friends to a lovely little lunch at Nordies, on me?

As I heard the very obvious "leader" or "queen bee" of the group talk to her friends, monopolozing the conversation, I overheard her talking about things that I most definitely would never want my daughter to talk about. EVER. Things like oral sex, and a girl who "lost hers" this summer, because she "didn't think she could wait" and "her parents were away on a trip to Sedona." My jaw just about dropped. On her feet were Tory Burch sandals, the ones I've wanted to buy that cost close to $200. She was digging through the Louis Vuitton handbag I've been lusting over for quite some time, pulling out photos of her friends at their last 'party,' and talking about how so-and-so had smuggled in a bottle of Grey Goose in her oversized Balenciaga bag. W..T..F.

I started thinking back to the days of my innocence. Days when life was simple. I had to shop at less desirable places. Ladies days out with my Mom consisted of shopping at Target and Mervyn's and if you were LUCKY, you got to buy a top or pair of jeans at Dillard's, and that was an indulgence. I wore Old Navy flip flops in high school, and in junior high, my big sister and I begged our grandfather for his old flannel shirts so that we could work that whole grunge look. Everything was hand-me-downs and haircuts cost $10 and they were usually done in my hairdresser sister-in-law's kitchen. My friends and I didn't get money to go to Nordstrom Cafe for lunch, we were lucky to get Dilly Bars from Dairy Queen. We weren't having sex; damn, at 8 years old, I didn't even know what an orgasm was. Hell, I knew girls I went to ASU with who had never known what an orgasm was, much less what one felt like. Times were far less complicated, conversation much less, well, R-rated.

I thought about the Louis Vuitton speedy bag that rested on top of her table. The smart mouth little self-important bitch with her parent's credit cards and spoiled attitude may have had a bag that was the equivalent to 3 of my car payments. But what I had was so much better. I had experienced what it was like to be innocent. I had actually been a kid.

As I got up from the table, smoothed down my skirt (which I incidentally had purchased,on my own,with my hard-earned money, at Nordstrom) and stood up straight in my Diane von Furstenberg top, I looked down at my own handbag, the one I had worked my ass off to be able to purchase for myself, as a treat. Everything I had, I appreciated. I appreciated it, because I remember what it felt like to be a little girl with stars in her eyes, wanting pretty things, but knowing nobody, not Mom, not Dad, and most certainly, not a man, would buy them for me--I had to earn those things on my own.

As I threw on my Ray Bans, I glanced down my nose at the little girls, and they turned to look at me. I looked like, on the outside, a woman who had made it. They didn't know that I had ever struggled. The labels I wore covered the hard times I had gone through. They had no clue that I am a teacher, and that I live on a budget. They looked up to me for the wrong reasons; for what was on the outside. But inside this woman with a Fendi handbag is the little girl who worked for what she has, who had a childhood, and who never sold her soul to get to where she wanted to be. Maybe those girls looked up to me for the Prada and the DVF, but those are only names. MY NAME, and my integrity, is what defines me. And I got that integrity because, as a little girl, I was just raised right.

And in that instant, I knew that little girl with the Louis Vuitton bag? Her purse and wallet may have been full. But her life was really empty. She may have had the purse I was lusting after, and it may have cost her parents over a thousand dollars. But what I have, inside myself, is priceless.

And at the end of the day, I think that's better than anything money can buy.

On Location with LC

Few people delay their flights simply because they "just need more time to shop." One of my favorite fashion partners-in-crime, my good friend Brooke, who is actually a designer for Cynthia Vincent, is one such woman, just like me. This is how we decided, on a weekend getaway trip to the Bay with our friends Ashley & Kyndal, to postpone our flights and spend more time together perusing the racks everywhere from H&M to the stores in Union Square.

It was a cold and rainy afternoon in February, and I just couldn't get warm. We had on our cutest boots and skinny jeans, and yet, I knew the jacket I had on still wasn't warm enough. I needed something new, but classic and chic at the same time. I was hesitant to buy a coat at Bloomingdales because frankly, I wanted to be able to afford to go on another vacay in my lifetime.

Brooke and I stepped into a super cute boutique, Aritzia, and I found the most classy, sophisticated black button down coat that tied in at the waist and made me look like a modern day Ava Gardner. I got into our car, and we arrived at the airport totally in style (minus my curly, wet hair, which got drenched in the rain.)

There's more to Aritzia than just coats (for those of you who are thinking, "how can she possibly talk about jackets and coats in the dead of summer?) and they carry such lust-worthy labels as James Perse, Marc Jacobs, See by Chloe, Cynthia Vincent, Vince, J Brand, Current/Eliot, and Earnest Sewn.

If you're ever in San Francisco, and want a great place to shop, visit Aritzia at Westfield San Francisco Centre, or one of their other great locations, everywhere from Vancouver to Santa Clara to Chicago and Seattle. The entire location list is on www.aritzia.com, and then you can also browse their selection of labels on the website, as well. It's totally worth a visit into one of their chic boutiques.

Delaying your flight in the name of shopping? Well, that's optional.

P.S.--This dress that Jillian from The Bachelorette wore on an episode of Regis & Kelly is from Aritzia, it's by Wilfred and is available exclusively at Aritzia. On a tangent, my nephew Alex pointed to the TV and told his Mom that Jillian was his Tia Nini (ME) the other day, which I find so ironic because, hello, I'm known for being the eternal bachelorette/hopeless romantic. And one thing I could totally fall for? This dress. So shop away, dolls. <3

I Can See Clearly Now...

Yesterday I drove out to Scottsdale Fashion Square, and had a pleasant day, shopping, lunch at Nordstrom Cafe, and browsing the bookstore aisles at Borders.

I woke up early yesterday to work out, so by the time I got ready to leave, I forgot a few important things to pack in my purse. When I got into my car, I started digging through my purse to look for my sunglasses, and realized I'd left them in my sunglass drawer at home (yes, I'm an organization weirdo and I have a whole drawer devoted to sunglasses and perfectly folded scarves.) Completely bummed, I walked into AJ's Fine Foods for my iced green tea with extra ice & sweetener (my favorite!) and realized just how important sunglasses really are.

Not only do they shield my eyes from the sun, and keep out harmful UV rays, they also prevent wrinkles. (Something I've been concerned about since I was 12.) They also allow me to walk through Fashion Square and not be bothered by people, because sometimes by oversized shades say "kick rocks" without the words having to come out of my own mouth. They give me the look of a celebrity who doesn't want to be bothered by the paparrazzi, and they add an instant touch of glamour to my outfit.
The pair I've purchased more recently is by Marc Jacobs, they're very Lauren Conrad from The Hills, square and oversized, and I totally love them.

Since I forgot mine at home, I was almost tempted to buy these Prada glasses at Nordstrom sunglass boutique at Fashion Square. They're also available at Sunglass Hut at Fashion Square, and Solstice at San Tan Village, and you can also find them online at www.nordstrom.com, for those who don't live close to these stores.

Hey, if I can't be a Hollywood star, I might as well look like one. Protect your eyes from the hot sun, and step out in style by treating yourself to a much deserved pair of glam new glasses. Put your stunna shades on, honey, because the sun is shining, and, best of all, so are you.

Gotta Treat Me Right...

I don't know about all of you, but if I'm having a bad hair day, it seems like it throws off my entire day. That may sound vain (and it is, I'll be the first to admit it) but my hair is important to me. I've been growing it out, and I refuse to get a short haircut. (I even made it through the whole Posh Spice trend without even considering cutting off my long locks, which is a good thing, because everyone and their MOM got that haircut, seriously.) Yes, I've spent a small fortune at salons through the years, and had a whole colorful assortment of hair professionals come in and out of my life. The ones who I somehow always go back to, I refer to as my "glam squad," because they keep me polished and put together, always on point, which is just part of the magic that is LC. ;) But up until very recently, nothing I seemed to try was helping my hair. Because I spent an entire year of my life with the whole Jessica Alba look going on in my hair, I had also severely damaged my mane, trying to be honey blonde, & as soon as I'd cut it, it seemed like I'd keep getting broken, split, ugly hair a week or two later.

I was in a somewhat hopeless situation with my hair until about a week ago, and was completely frustrated and unsure of what to do with it. I felt like I was having a bad hair day, and my actual life, incidentally, seemed to mirror what was going on with my hair, too. For those of you who laugh and think I'm overdramatizing, I'm totally not.

My cousin, Priscilla, was getting her hair done, and I went with April to have dinner at Gordon Biersch. When we went back for her, I got asked to be a hair model by a hairdresser who had done my hair for awhile a few years ago. Because he's such a nice guy, I was obliged to say yes, though I admit I was a little nervous at first. But at the same time, I had total faith in his talent, so I knew my hair would be in good hands.

Two days later, I walked out of a salon with an amazing haircut; healthy, shiny hair, and enviable, effortless curls. The miracle product that my stylist used on my hair? A fantastic little product that delivers big results: "Treat Me Right", which is part of the TIGI hair collection. This deep conditioner not only smells fresh, pepperminty, and clean, it also strengthens and softens even the most hopeless of hair.

You can pick up Treat Me Right, as well as the entire Tigi collection of hair products at stores like Ulta, but I'd recommend paying a visit to Toni & Guy Salon at San Tan Village in Gilbert, where you can not only find Tigi products, but also get a fantastic new haircut, color, or other beauty service with a hair professional that will give you a beautiful new 'do. This salon's filled with helpful, friendly, and attentive salon professionals--April's gone here for years, and she's even more picky and selective than I am, if that's possible. :)

Sometimes all it takes is a pick-me-up to lift us out of a slump, whether it's with our hair, or in our lives. Check out this product for yourself, and visit the T&G salon at San Tan Village...where I have no doubt they'll treat YOU right, too.

To book your appointment today: Toni & Guy:(480) 812-1955.

Save the Date

I have issues in my life.

If you know me well enough, I usually use that sentence at least a few times a day.

I say this because when I shop, I generally think about upcoming events I have planned. And if my calendar is running pretty bare in my BlackBerry, and nothing too exciting seems to be happening in the next week or so, I'll somehow imagine an event that could potentially happen, and I'll justify a reason to purchase an ensemble for said event.

I've envisioned everything from the outfit I would wear on the plane next time I take a trip out to California to visit my oldest nephew. How would I look as I boarded the plane? Like an in-a-rush celebutante, jet setting off to LA from NYC, in a pair of Uggs and designer jeans? Would I throw on a fedora to complete the look? And is the fedora in my closet sufficient? Or should I buy the one at this boutique, since I'm already here and all? I've also visualized what I needed to wear to my friend Rebecca's wedding, which is 9 months away, or to church on Christmas.

So, when I saw this gorgeous frock by 12th Street Cynthia Vincent, I thought to myself, "Ohhh-emm-GEEEE!" (that's OMG=oh!my!God! for those who don't speak text talk.) "I would so wear that on a date!" It's the right amount of glam, the right amount of sweetness, the right amount of sugar, the right amount of sexy. Put it all together, and you've got a recipe for a second date.

And since the dress costs as much as my car payment, it better ensure a third date.

Now, friends. One thing's missing from the recipe.

I need a hot date. ;)


(Purchase this fabulous dress by 12th Street Cynthia Vincent at www.couturecandy.com, click on the "Designers" tab and you'll find it there! Enjoy!)

Can't Buy Me Style

So many of us walk through life with what I like to call "grass is greener" syndrome. We always wonder about life on the other side, what it would feel like to walk in someone else's shoes (preferably if they happen to be Jimmy Choo's) and we covet what everyone else has, or, what we've never had, without appreciating what we do have.

Now, this idea can translate into just about any conversation; the theme is present whether you're talking about sports, and it's just as relevant when you're talking about marriages, relationships, or, (tada!) my favorite topic of all: fashion.

When I was a kid, my parents didn't have a whole lot of money. We were taught to make do with what we had; wearing April's hand-me-downs was the high point of my year; whenever there was a new bag of clothes that didn't fit her anymore or that she didn't like, I got to wear them. Then I passed them along to Bernadette.

So when I went off to college, I wanted what I somehow felt "entitled" to...I wanted all the things I didn't have when I was growing up. It wasn't until later, in my late twenties, that I've realized sometimes less is more, and true style has nothing to do with the labels that are plastered all over your body. I've looked absolutely chic in a $3 Walmart dress that I wore to work (because I had a fashion emergency, and had to stop and buy a dress) with six strands of pearls around my neck that cost $2 and a cute headband I bought for a fifty cents at Forever 21. I know now that the women who live in Paradise Valley that I used to envy so much as a college kid really have pretty shallow lives; there's some things I have that they'll never, ever have; things that money just can't buy...like playing in the backyard of my Aunt's house with my baby nephew Alex in a pair of $3 flip flops, which brings me more joy than you can possibly imagine; watching Gossip Girl with my niece Angela in cute pajamas from Target that cost $7, and baking Christmas treats for my family in my Mom's kitchen, in jeans I've owned since 1998 (and still goin' strong, baby!)

So today, when I went to Scottsdale Fashion Square in a dress I bought at a thrift store for $1.00; paired with heels that have the whole gold-studded gladiator-looking vibe goin on that I bought for $13 at Forever 21, and a Marc Jacobs handbag, and a woman walked up to me and said, "Oh my God! You look amazing! Your dress is soooo pretty! Where did you get it, can I ask? I so would love to get one!"

and I replied, "Thanks! I bought it for $1.00 at a thrift store in Mesa!"

and she lifted her eyebrows...(as much as the Botox would allow her to)

wrinkled her nose...(courtesy of a Scottsdale plastic surgeon, no doubt)

turned around sharply in her Gucci heels...

and walked the other direction...


I was still pretty damn proud of my outfit. Because my dress wasn't thrown in the garbage, I was saving the environment by wearing a dress someone didn't want anymore; I was promoting sustainability. Because I had worn a $1 dress, hundreds of young women out there can learn from the example & save money in an economy where saving pennies really does matter. I washed the dress after buying it, styled it and rocked it, and if I had told the bitch from PV that I bought it at Neiman's or Bloomingdales, she would've ran like a stupid ass to go out and look for the same thing.

I truly believe with all my heart that some of the best outfits I've ever worn were hand-me-downs from April's closet...from the sexy black dress she once wore that later became my evening gown when I went to Florida on a trip; or the sweaters that kept me warm in winter when I was still playing hopscotch on the playground. The best deals we've ever found, we've found together; the $5 cutoff shorts from Abercrombie that we bought in a size 5 in high school that we wore to a college baseball game, and came home with the best tans of our lives. We laughed so much that day. And nobody knew we'd paid under $10 for our outfits.

We were having the time of our lives together.

When you're laughing, and happy, and having fun, price tags really don't matter.

That's what REAL style is all about.

And you can't put a price tag on that.

Trippin' on Acid

While perusing the fashion blogs and several fashion magazines last night, I ran across this photo of Lo Bosworth at a Matt Leinart event. (You know, Matt? AKA, the future father of my children?) Lo's not my favorite, after she was pretty bitchy to Audrina over Justin Bobby on The Hills (AHH, that Justin Bobby, always stirring up drama!) but I do think she's a good friend to Lauren, and most of the time, she wears some cute things.

On that note, I saw this photo of Lo, and wanted to scream, "Bitch! You stole my skirt from 4th grade (as I am totally a child of the acid-wash jeans generation.) Looking back, I have no idea how I could wear a skirt that high waisted without complaining, because, funny enough, I adapted, as a college student several years ago, to the low-rise jeans trend that some of us loved (except on PMS days), and the girls with muffin tops hated. But, in some ways (after having seen too much of Paris Hilton's thong hanging out the back of her low-rise jeans) I think it's a breath of fresh air to be able to go back to the times of higher waistlines in skirts, at least.

The acid wash? I'm gonna have to get used to it once again, because although Lo looks super adorable in this pulled together outfit, it still reminds me of my brother bringing home his girlfriend to meet us for the first time in a matching acid wash skirt and acid wash denim jacket with huge curly hair lacquered in Aqua Net.

Feels like de ja vu to me.

Good Vibes, & Bad Vibes...

I have to make this confession: I would much rather write about stores where EVERYBODY can find a great deal, where clothing is available at a reasonable price point, where you can treat yourself to a beautiful new outfit without feeling like you may not be able to make your mortgage payment. But once in a while, I have to dish about stores where clothing is a little more high-end and where the price tags may be hefty, but the merchandising, labels, and selection is to die for.

Vibe Boutique (there's a super cute location at San Tan Village--yes, I love that mall) is one such store. Although the jeans are quite pricey, you're going to find a selection that rivals a lot of other local boutiques, not to mention really gorgeous accessories, handbags, and adorable peasant tops, which are a great transition piece between summer and fall.

Probably my only complaint was that the customer service wasn't the best, and I've been in and bought items on a few occassions. I felt like the girls were a little arrogant and like they were doing ME a favor by ringing up my purchases.

If you can deal with stuck up girls in $300 jeans who don't want to help you, then I think it's a go, if anything, you'll score some cute fashion finds, and while you may charge a little more on the old Visa, you'll walk out with something great, like this adorable maxi dress at Vibe, also on their website: www.vibetheboutique.com.