Nobody Wears it Better- Martha and Aloof

One Piece, Five Ways- Kim's Dress

This One Piece, Five Ways is long overdue! It just took me forever to come up with the fifth look. It's not as easy as it seems! Anyhooooo, these sets were created for Kim's cruise which she went on a few years ago!

There you have it! One piece, five ways. Now, like I said, I started this one quite a while ago, so you'll not find the dress at White House Black Market, but these looks will work with any LBD!

Nobody Wears it Better- Audrey and Millinery

Super Awesome Thing

Have you ever...
Seen something super awesome and thought, "I can make that"?  Duh! Of course you have!

Have you ever...
Planned a blog tutorial of said awesome thing, only to find out that someone's beat you to it?  Duh. Of course you haven't.




Here's the scenario...
Two years ago (I know because I saved it in an email), I saw this clever t-shirt ($65-holy cow!) on Artware Editions and thought it was so cute that I decided to make a diy tutorial.  Perfect!  I'll be the toast of Crafty Land!

Here's the part where I am humbled...
I was hanging around Pinterest today and guess what. I spied with my little eye the same shirt pinned to someone's board. So, I did a search and I'll be darned if it isn't all over the place! Plus, there are already diy tutorials! Plus, they use the same materials I was planning to use: masking tape and fabric paint. SMH.  I am NOT the toast of Crafty Land.

Here's the part where I press on...
There aren't any super awesome sheet music shirts, so I'm claiming the idea and the tutorial will be out VERY soon. Right after I finish the post on the tea party I threw a couple years ago. Right after I do the post about my 35th birthday party (I turn 40 in May).  So, the shirt tutorial will come out VERY soon. In leap years.

TOMS does Ballet!

Woo Hoo! TOMS ballet flats are here! Finally, a cuter alternative to their classic unisex flats. Yes, they are pricey for canvas shoes, but you gotta love their One for One business model.





For every pair sold, TOMS gives a new pair to a child in need.  According to their website, the pair that they donate to children (called the Giving Pair) is most frequently the black above mentioned "alpargata".  They found these to be the best because they are generally approved for school uniforms, kids can walk and play in them while protecting their feetsies, plus they don't require shoe laces which can break easily and are difficult for many families to replace.



It's an awesome company--one of the first to adopt a buy-one/donate-one philosophy for their entire product line and they have inspired many other companies to do the same.  Here's what else:  TOMS founder, Blake Mycoskie, who attended SMU for two years before his entrepreneurial spirit whisked him away, won the 2011 Emerging Leader Award from my alma mater!  Pony up!


So, that guy is Blake...but who's TOM?

There is no TOM. We like to say that everyone is TOM, because what TOMS stands for, it's a derivative of the word 'tomorrow' and the idea that we have a better tomorrow.  When we started the project, it was called the Shoes for Tomorrow Project. Then it was just Shoes for Tomorrow. Then that didn't fit on the label, so I just named it TOMS.  You buy a pair today, we give a pair away tomorrow. And collectively, everyone who buys a pair, everyone who works here, everyone who's an intern, we all are TOMS. So that's who TOM is.  --Blake Mycoskie from an interview on Tree Hugger Radio.

P.S. In case you are deciding what to get me for Valentine's Day, these Alessandra ballets would be awesome. Size 7 1/2, m-kay? Thanks.

The Most Sensational Inspirational Celebrational Muppetational!

So, I can't tell you how excited I am to see the Muppets on the scene! They were my all-time favorite children's characters ever. I loved the Muppets so much that I got my hands on everything I could-- board games, coloring books, figurines, puppets, lunch boxes, tennis shoes. And I never missed an episode, or movie, or Muppet Babies cartoon.

Jim Henson was my idol. In fact, my dream was to be part of his Creature Shop. The first time I ever saved my money to purchase anything, it was for a Miss Piggy puppet complete with purple satin gown and gloves. I used to drive my parents crazy by forcing them to sit through puppet shows that I performed from scrunching down in the bathtub!



Anyhoo, as excited as I am to see the newest movie, I am thrilled that the nail geniuses at OPI have introduced a Muppet line of polishes! Score! My sister and I checked them out this week and I went home with a bottle of Warm and Fozzie. It's perfect for fall. Warm and sparkly with hints of pink flecks in it. Once I wore it for a few days, I decided to try a matte top coat on it and I LOVE it!  It's like a copper suede and my new go-to for November.

I'm thinking of going back to pick up Pepe's Purple Passion.  After seeing some swatches online, it looks much prettier than it does in the bottle and it's unlike any polishes I already have.


Most of the glitters were too chunky for my taste, but they are perfectly in time for holiday parties.  I might break down and get Fresh Frog of Bel Air, because, hello!  Kermit!  Did you know there is a city in Texas named Kermit? Wocka Wocka.  Fer real, look it up!

One Piece, Five Ways- Max and Cleo Gown

I am proud to announce that I have finally learned from my Elusive Dress experiences and snatched one of those if-I-had-somewhere-to-wear-it-I-would-buy-it dresses.  When I saw this divine Max and Cleo gown online, I knew it would be perfect for some gala or other so I grabbed it to spare myself the why-didn't-I-buy-that-dress-when-I-saw-it agony.  Now I actually have time to put together a "look" instead of the blah formula I usually fall back on:  evening gown + satin clutch + satin pumps + stud earrings = black tie ensemble.  Borrrring!  Take a "look"...

The first look was inspired by art deco which I think is totally due for a comeback. I love it. It's so perfectly infused with architecture and design. The fluidity of the dress balances out the geometric details of the vintage-inspired jewelry and adding a modern shoe makes the look more wearable and less costume-like.

I love the idea of rocking-out an evening gown!  I know I won't be able to wear it this way too many places, but putting it together was so much fun.  As in the deco look, the soft nature of the dress keeps the ensemble from being too extreme.

This one was a no-brainer for me as I've been dying to do a Spanish look for the AAMA gala in particular.  I have the shawl and the shoes already, so this one is a totally doable.

For a youthful take on the dress, I created an enchanted, glamorous ensemble.  The silver accessories really lighten it up and give the dress an ethereal quality.

The final look was the most challenging.  The inspiration came directly from the dress itself.  The print is very organic to me.  It reminds me of water flowing over river rocks...and at other times of monarch butterfly wings.  Since I've never seen anything quite like it, I really had to define the look "from scratch".

So, there you go!  One Piece, Five Ways.

One Piece, Five Ways- The Elusive Dress

I can't tell you how many times I've searched for a dress at the eleventh hour all the while haunted by one I ogled over months earlier.  You know the one.  The drop-dead gorgeous if-I-had-somewhere-to-wear-it-I-would-buy-it dress that you'll never see again.  The one that no other dress could ever live up to.  Oh, the agony.




My elusive dress:  a rose print, full-length strapless dress with crumb-catcher neckline and asymmetrical tulle-underlay balloon skirt with hidden pockets that White House Black Market created for their limited Holiday Collection in 2009.  Aghhh!  I die. 

Well, two years later I still pine.  So, in an effort to claim the gown as my own, I decided to give it the One Piece, Five Ways treatment.  That way I can pretend like it's in my closet just waiting for its debut.

One Piece, Five Ways- Christy's Dress

My girl Christy is going to a fancy wedding in a fancy castle in fancy Italy and needed a fancy outfit to look fancy...but not too fancy. Despite its location, the wedding itself is not formal, so Christy bought this fabulous dress from Nordstrom. Fancy, right? It looks GREAT on her.  I love it.

Christy's next task is to put together an entire look for the wedding. She must wear a hat, so she'll probably start with that since they are so hard to find and build her look around both the hat and dress.

I came up with five inspiration sets that she can pull from when she's shopping for accessories. What do you think? Once I started to play around with it, I found that the dress is actually very versatile. It's a great dress to wear to church, a wedding, a baby shower or just for a Saturday afternoon of shopping and lunching! Great choice, Christy!

Do you have an item of clothing that you need help accessorizing? Are you stuck in a rut and need to revive some pieces in your wardrobe? Let me know and I'll give you inspiration in Five Ways!
.

Lost in the Royal Mail

...to the Royal Wedding by melgarzaallen featuring a wrap coat

For some unknown reason, my invitation to the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton never made it to my front door. But, had I been invited, here's what I may have worn.

Of course, now that I have to stay home, I will probably be wearing something more along the lines of pajamas...and a tiara.

Emma Tales: Chapter V

Chapter IV
Canada is NOT in Scotland
The Plaid Challenge

It's International Day at McKinley! All the faculty members have been assigned countries and the students have signed up to participate. Why on Earth would you want to spend time on schoolwork in your free time? Extra credit and a day off from classes to eat eclairs, sopapillas and crème brulee, that's why! Anyhoo, adorable Emma has been assigned Scotland and she has done her due research on all things kilt-ish. So, she gives the kids their assignments--decorations, food, dancing, costumes, music and sports--and looks forward to the big event.

The kids totally bring it: delicious nibbles, great entertainment and a Braveheart presentation… Freedom! Hold the phone. Stop. Be kind, rewind…Sweet, clueless, Brittany bounces by in what would be the PERFECT outfit, if it weren't for...

"But, isn't Canada in Scotland? Mike Myers is Scottish and he's from Canada. He always wears Canada hockey shirts, and remember when he ate haggises and his dad wore a plaid skirt at his wedding. And then, his dad sang “Do you think I’m sexy?" because Rod Stewart is Scottish, too. That’s what my cat said”

"That was a movie. But, that’s an easy mistake to make. In real life, Scotland and Canada are separate places," Emma says. Oy. Emma squeezes her eyes shut and blinks them open, squeezes and blinks, squeezes and blinks. Rubs them with her fists and and even clicks her perfect Mary Janes, "there's no place like home, there's no place like home"...she's not dreaming! Fer real? Think about it. If it were a dream, Brittany would know on which continent she lives. The End.

Canada is NOT in Scotland by melgarzaallen featuring platinum earrings

Emma Tales: Chapter IV

Chapter IV
Puh-puh-puh, Puh-puh-puh, Pillow Fight
The Nighttime Challenge

Brenda Castle is having a sleep-over and Emma, who has never been to one, is soooo thrilled until she learns that Sinister Sue is also invited, that is. Holy-I'm-gonna-get-my-bra-frozen! Despite the possible danger ahead, Emma jumps at the chance to see Coocoo Bananas' abode. Will there be rotating beds? Zen gardens? A Tiki-themed underground bunker? Emma is dying to know. Brenda's house does not disappoint. She has bamboo papered walls and shelves of Elvis plates, a leg lamp and a shag carpet walled bathroom. She greets the girls with a tray of Jello shots. Hooray! Baby Jello! After a brief Come-to-Madonna meeting (and Sue explains the baby Jello to Em), the girls leave their baggage at the door (okay, steam trunks) and trade their school clothes for jammies, or in Brenda’s case, lounge wear.

They TP Figgins house (If you wanna see your gnome again, you'll put Shasta in the vending machines!) and play Bloody Mary--after a few of their own. Pillow fights ensue. They order 2 dozen pizzas for delivery to Kin's house-- the pizza guy has it programmed in his nav system. Emma learns she's as light as a feather. Sue teaches them the Physical choreography, and Brenda tells their fortunes, (Figgins and Sue? Signs point to no.) Sue tries to wangle Emma into a game of Truth or Dare. Emma cites the Kin debacle and tells Sue her dare days are ovah. Emma shows Sue and Bren the magic of foam rollers. They decide to become blood sisters, but Emma almost faints, so they mix their nail polishes together and paint their pinkies with it. While exchanging dating horror stories, Emma’s the first to fall asleep. Sue and Bren put shaving cream on her hand and tickle her nose with a feather! She jumps up from her bed. It was all a dream! Or was it? **pulls feather from hair** The End.

Puh-Puh-Puh, Puh-Puh-Puh-Pillow Fight! by melgarzaallen featuring a velour robe

Emma Tales: Chapter III

Chapter III
Will Has the Polka Dots
The Polka Dot Challenge

Yikes! Will missed school! He caught the icky polka dots (that's chicken pox to the Pillsburys) from none other than ridiculous Rachel getting all up in his grill (don’t stand so, don’t stand so). After spraying Rachel down with Vanilla and Blossoms Lysol Spray (disinfecting can be pretty), waiting 15 minutes and repeating, Emma decides to help Will get his groove back. So, she packs her favorite train case with all the necessary polka dot fighting items: calamine lotion, rubbing alcohol and cotton balls; gently suggestive reading materials; a stethoscope for looking at, I mean listening to, Will’s chest; some mittens to keep him from scratching the dots on his dimples; and his favorite ice cream treat, Dippin' Dots.

She arrives at his house ready to take care of Mr. McGleemy when, what the cardi clips, Scary Terri opens the door! Terri says she knows how to take care of Will best. Oh really, Fake Preggers McPreggerson? Where were you when he almost forgot to Purel (it’s a verb now) after he used the public-use pencils in the teachers’ lounge? Who stood up to Sue when the performance-fleece-wearing cheerio sponsor dissed Will’s totally adorable houndstooth vest? Emmalicious, that’s who. "It's true, Emma," Will confesses, "she does know how to take care of me best." WTC!!!! Hold the phone! Did that just happen?!

Suddenly, they hear calliope music coming down the street. Is it the ice cream man? What kind of ice cream truck plays ABBA? Like a flash mob, the New Directions flood the street in matching white jumpers doing a mash-up to Waterloo. It’s fabulous! Will jumps in, then Terri, then Sue, then Kin and Figgins, but Emma doesn’t know the steps! They’re dancing around her, bumping her from every side. She falls to the floor and opens her eyes. She’s sprawled on her office floor! She fell asleep at her desk! Whew! No more popsicles at lunchtime! The End.

Will Has the Polka Dots! by melgarzaallen featuring a pearl ring

Emma Tales: Chapter II

Chapter II
And the winner is...not Kin
The Red Carpet Challenge

The invitation arrived. Emma is the 2010 CDC Everyday Hero and her presence is requested at their annual gala! She's over the moon! This is the perfect opportunity to lobby for hand sanitizer machines in every classroom. This is big. She wastes no time creating her ensemble, choosing a 1960s vintage gown that perfectly highlights her peaches 'n cream (not Herb) complexion and accessorizes as only a Pillsbury can. Emma is flawless. The only thing missing: an escort.

She considers her options. Dr. Jesse? No. It's just too uncomfy with the whole Mr. McGleemy thing. Her brother? Unfortunately for Emma, he has a rowing club dinner. Mr. Pillsbury? He's chasing mummies with Dr. Hawass. She's out of choices. It comes to this...

“Kin, you can come to the gala with me. I'll meet you there. Just don't sit at my table or look at me. I'm gonna wear gloves so you can't see my arms, K? And another thing, Kin, just because they're technically pants...”

The evening is here. Emma graciously accepts her award and gasp! She trips down the stairs! Horrified, she scrambles to her feet and runs out the door, breaking her heel as she goes. She jumps in a cab and runs inside her house before her self-imposed curfew. The doorbell rings. Oh no, it’s Kin with her heel! Pretend you’re asleep, pretend you’re asleep. The doorbell rings and rings and buzzes and beeps and sings. Sings? Her alarm clock! Her Sesame Street alarm clock! (I had one and it was awesome. Don't judge.) Thank goodness for Big Bird! She sits up in bed and shakes it off. It was a dream! Thank heavens, it was all a dream. The End.

And the winner is...not Kin by melgarzaallen featuring caparros shoes

Emma Tales: Chapter I

Chapter I
There's No Place Like Lima
The Jeans Challenge

Emma had a wonderful dream. Finn was there and Rachel was there (But, I’m the Dorothy!); Quinn was there and Terri was there (I’ll get you my pretty!); Will was there and Brittany was there (Is she an awesome witch or an alien witch?); there were painted ponies and a path made of gold; a bunch of little munchkins with questionable wardrobes; bluebirds flying over rainbows; lollipop enthusiasts, spontaneous music sequences just like New Directions and she was wearing pants! I know, right?

In her dream, Emma skipped (skipped? As if! Hello! Perspiration!) Strike that. In her dream, Emma rode all the way to Cardi Clip City just to learn that she already possessed the virtues to make her mark on the world (I’m going to make it on my own! *throws cap in air*.) She’s honest, loyal and true with a heart as big as Sue Sylvester’s ego and a beautiful mind with just a touch of OCD (but in a good way) and on top of that, she can pick out a perfect pencil skirt from miles away. As far as courage goes, Emma's a mean motor scooter in the face of bacteria and germies and she isn’t ashamed to show it. In the end, she realized there’s no place like Lima, clicked her ruby reds and awoke in her fluffy hypoallergenic bed ready for another day at McKinley.

There's No Place Like Lima by melgarzaallen featuring leather flat shoes

Emma Pillsbury: Storybook Heroine

So, you all know how much I love Glee and Emma Pillsbury.  Well, the most awesome blog for all things Emma is WWEPW- What Would Emma Pillsbury Wear.  It's fab!  Not only does WWEPW highlight Miss P's wardrobe, but with the help of several guest bloggers, it also offers a load of ideas for Emmafying your own.  You can find super fun Fashion Challenges, where to shop for Emma-looks online, hilarious episode recaps,  as well as some really great giveaways!

This summer, WWEPW hosted a Polyvore challenge in the style of American Idol.  Each week, there was a different theme that we were to interpret into a fashion set for Emma.  It was sooooo much fun!  While I was building the first theme set (the jeans challenge), an accompanying narrative began to form in my mind; so, I ran with it to see where it would lead.  As the weeks progressed, I realized that the challenges were turning into little mini-episodes and they were pretty darn funny!  I decided to share them with you because I think they're pretty cute.  So if you like Glee, keep on the look-out for a weekly installment of  Emma Tales.  I hope you enjoy them!





Emma Pillsbury:  The Complete Tales
by Silly Bee's Chickadees

• Chapter I: There's No Place Like Lima- The Jeans Challenge
• Chapter II: And The Winner Is...Not Kin- The Red Carpet Challenge
• Chapter III: Will Has The Polka Dots- The Polka Dot Challenge
• Chapter IV: Puh-puh-puh, Puh-puh-puh Pillow Fight- The Nighttime Challenge
• Chapter V: Canada Is Not In Scotland- The Plaid Challenge