Thursday, December 10, 2009

Birthday Duds

Ha ha, no NOT my birthday suit! (Sometimes I make myself giggle.) Yesterday was my birthday, so I took a drive to St Louis, MO to visit with Ruth and my peeps at The Scholar Shop.  Ruth and I went shopping together, we spent about 3 hours at GW (Goodwill) and TJs (TJ Maxx), then to the Scholar Shop for some real love.

Before I headed out, I decided to try a few outfits, to see how they would work for future events. When I uploaded the photos to my computer I really started laughing - my humidifier was on in the bedroom - so I got the awesome "smoke machine" effect in some of the photos!  LOVED it!

Here's what I ended up wearing yesterday:
Occasion: Shopping and schmoozing with friends, birthday dinner at Maya Fusion with husband and friends, staying warm in COLD weather
Details: Sleeveless black/cream houndstooth silk ruffled blouse, Trina Turk, The Scholar Shop
Merino wool cardigan, Banana Republic via The Scholar Shop
Joe's Jeans Muse Fit, TJ Maxx
Ugg's Boots (sheepskin lined with a rubber sole and 1/2 inch heel), Mosser's Shoe Store, Springfield, IL

I was an Uggs fan for years, then decided I needed more structured footwear. When I found this new style, it fit all my needs, especially the need for warmth (the low last night was 7 degrees). They're still a little "blocky" at the toe for me, but I was all about staying warm.  I waterproofed them and you will be seeing a lot of them on this blog this winter!

2009 Dec 9(2)
2009 Dec 9(1)


Before I finalized my daily outfit, I tried something new with this dress from The Scholar Shop. I belted it, hiking it way up (a la Chelsea  http://brightsidedweller.blogspot.com/2009/09/outfit-log-flouncy.html) and turning it into a tunic. I think I'll like it better with leggings and boots or heels, but I was getting in a hurry and went ahead with the photos. The dress is a silk jersey, and I layered a black sleeveless turtleneck underneath.
Details: Dress/Tunic Silk jersey, The Scholar Shop
Turtleneck: Sleeveless Michael Kors, Macy's
Belt: Lucky Brand Store, St Louis, MO
Jeans: Joe's Jeans, Muse Fit
Boots: Uggs


Tunic 2


For the finale - CHANEL!


One of the reasons I am such a fan of The Scholar Shop is this dress. The shop has an annual bag sale - you can fill a brown grocery bag with items from the store for $25 per bag. The first year I found the store, this CHANEL dress was the first thing I put in my bag. Then I piled in St John suits (most of which I sold on ebay) and tons of other goodies. But, the Chanel dress was the prize, don't you agree? I have two holiday parties next week to which I plan on wearing this gorgeous dress - one at the Governor's Mansion in Springfield, IL and the other in Houston, TX (the only person who will see me at both is my husband, so I think I'm safe to wear it twice).


Details: Dress, Chanel, The Scholar Shop
Shoes: Anne Klein, black suede peep-toe pumps, DSW


(Now admit it, you love the smoke effect!)


Chanel 3


Chanel 2







8 comments:

  1. I live in St. Louis, but haven't visited Scholar Shop in several years. After seeing your awesome finds, I think a trip is in my near future :)

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  2. I looooove your bday outfit! That shirt is just exquisite, and the long black belted cardigan looks cozy AND chic :)

    And I love the belted tunic! Soooo cute!

    AND that Chanel dress is TO DIE FOR! You are gonna stand out in the crowd at both holiday parties, for SURE ;)

    P.S. I would never know those were Uggs! They are so sleek!

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  3. Happy birthday! These are some great finds. The Chanel dress is gorgeous and fits you perfectly!

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  4. OMG! Never get rid of anything with CHanel on it! I love love love it!

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  5. The smoke effect is not really working for me...it distracts from you and the outfit!

    Have fun blogging :)

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  6. I am loving the belted tunic and the Chanel dress!

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  7. What a great find! It looks so great on you.

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  8. And by "it" I was talking about the Chanel dress, because I forgot that there were other looks in this post. But actually, every outfit on your blog looks amazing!

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