Scouting Mission

One of my best friends is turning 40 soon. We're planning a celebration for her in a couple of weeks and Sunday we went out on a scouting mission to check out some bars with rooftop decks. Problem was, it was raining. So much for rooftops, but an excellent opportunity to take the new patent boots out for an airing. We wound up in the cozy comfort of the bar upstairs at the Stephen F. Austin hotel, one of my favorite bars in Austin and wonderfully quiet for a change on a rainy Sunday night.

cable knit sweater: Gap
rose-print pencil skirt: D&G
patent & elastic boots: Vaneli
croc-print belt: Cole Haan
leather cuff: Adrienne Vittadini

I've been wanting some knee-high patent boots for ages & ages. I would have preferred them patent all around, but I found these at Nordstrom Rack (I went back near closing time and the place was almost empty and I STILL had to wait in line to check out) and the price was right -- I'm just not into spending a commitment sum on shoes right now. Plus, I really, really loved the little wedge heel. It's a shame I'm not going to Paris until May, these would be perfect for traveling.

Dinner With Lidia

Often it starts with the shoes...



(Note Shine's intense interest in that ankle strap. That is why my shoes get put away as soon as I take them off.)

This adorable little sequined numbers are Emporio Armani and I haven't worn them for quite a while, so when I was deciding what to wear for a wine dinner with celebrity chef Lidia Bastianich Saturday, I started there.

cashmere sweater: Neiman Marcus store brand
black wool/silk skirt: Rochas
black patent belt: O Oscar de la Renta
copper & faux gems Alexis collier: Fallon
blue sequined ankle-strap d'Orsay pumps: Emporio Armani

Love me some big jewelry. I saw this at Barney's and watched & watched & it went on sale but not enough and eventually it wound up at the Barney's outlet in San Marcos at which point I snapped it up. It still wasn't cheap, but I think it was a good investment -- I love wearing it and it certainly makes an outfit. It's best with collar-less things, though, because the copper can rub against fabric and turn it green.

I found this skirt on Yoox and bought it in a hurry. It was from (I'm pretty sure) the last collection Olivier Theyskens did for Rochas. It's really stunning -- a silk/wool fabric and the finishing is exquisite. I had to have it taken in because the only one they had left and I still wanted it.



I went with the fuchsia nets because I was worried that otherwise the outfit was a little blah, but now I'm not so sure it was the right choice. What do you think?


Oh, and to answer the question, No, the wine dinner wasn't fabulous. Don't even get me started on that...