MISS MANNERS WANTS TO TEACH YOU A LESSON

MISS MANNERS WANTS TO TEACH YOU A LESSON

Miss Manners is the proper name I gave these tweed beauties as soon as I saw her. She seems so very prim with her tweed exterior, but don’t let that fool you; she’s also a little racy with her red peep-toe, heel and trim. Because of her appearance she always makes me feel so formal and reserved with just a dash of daring when I have her on.

Miss Manners and I are walking through the Houston airport on our way home from a business trip, since I have time before my plane departs I decide to sit down with my computer and get some work done. While I’m busy with emails I hear a young woman having a rather loud discussion on her cell phone. My legs are crossed and Miss Manners is pointing in the direction of the annoying young woman. “I know, I know.” I say softly; I don’t want anyone to hear me talking to her. I glance over to see the young woman completely oblivious to her surroundings; she is dressed in sweat pants, flip-flops (you know my take on those stinky, nasty, no-support, poor excuse for shoes), a tee shirt; yes I know, comfortable, but when did it become acceptable to leave the house looking like that if you weren’t heading to the gym or going to clean someone’s house? To make matters worse she is propped against her carry-on, lying on the questionably clean floor when there are lots of seats available. By her clothing and demeanor she seems to be saying “I don’t care about myself or anyone around me.” As her noisy conversation continues, I begin to wonder when people became so comfortable with the public that they feel the whole world is their living-room. I’ve been watching it happen over the past few years in movie theaters, restaurants and malls, now it seems to be spreading everywhere. I’ve just recently made peace with jeans, tee-shirts and tennis shoes as fashion, but this! Are we really willing to go this far from courtesy and style? Casual is okay, however I really am sick of seeing slovenly in public, it hurts my eyes!

Her conversation goes on and on, at some points it’s funny and my fellow chair-sitters and I find ourselves chuckling; it seems we are all listening to her discussion. “How can we avoid it? She’s so loud” whispers Miss Manners. All of a sudden the conversation gets racy when she blurts out (loudly); “Oh no you di’int have sex with him, tell me you didn’t have sex with that weirdo! Ewwww, gross!” One woman gets up and takes her two young daughters to another, quieter section of the airport; the gabby-girl just keeps on talking and doesn’t even notice. Miss Manners is quite agitated and is wishing she had her wooden pointer stick to rap her on the arse with. I’m thinking; if she expects any degree of privacy, she’s delusional and she could, at the very least, lower her volume. Abruptly gabby-girl ends her call and immediately dials someone else and begins gossiping about whomever she was just talking to – now that’s classy! After a few more minutes on the phone she suddenly realizes her plane is fully boarded and they are calling for the last passengers before closing the doors; she swiftly ends her call and rushes over to her gate, yelling “wait, wait” the entire way; she makes it just in the nick of time.

As soon as she has departed, everyone goes back to actually reading and working on their computers. However Miss Manners feels she has missed an opportunity to teach a young person some etiquette, style and grace. She was aching to walk over, tap the young girl with her pointer stick, make her sit up straight, search through her bag for some appropriate clothing and footwear; and make her get up off the floor and sit in a chair like a civilized human being. Then she would school her on the fact that everyone around her should not be privy to her conversations, especially the more bawdy ones. Miss Manners is sure the young gabby-girl would have appreciated her wisdom.

Ah well, maybe next time; Miss Manners is sure there will be more opportunities in our travels.

SLINKY-SIREN GOES TO VEGAS!

SLINKY-SIREN GOES TO VEGAS!

I love Las Vegas it’s such a dichotomy, the glitz and tackiness, there’s lots of daytime fun and a decadent nightlife, all the new hotels and the mystique of by-gone days. You can take the kids and have family time; you can just hang by the pool and relax, or go see a show or headliner, there’s also lots of gambling and places to party! Me, personally, I like to lounge by the pool, enjoy good food, take in a show or see one of the current headliners; do some shopping and a little gambling.

Sometimes I wish I had been around during Vegas in the 6o’s when it was an adults-only playground and the “Rat Pack” was there; I love seeing the old footage of them performing at the Sands Hotel CopaBogies death, the group referred to itself as the Summit or the Clan, the term “Rat Pack” was only utilized by journalists and became the lasting name for this infamous group of men.

On my most recent trip in July; while lounging by the pool I decide I am in need of some swingin’ 60’s Vegas. So I tell the fabulous man in the lounge chair next to me that we need to get tickets to see Jersey Boys and go to a vintage restaurant for dinner; I know just the place. When you want to have a wonderful meal and feel that you’re back in old Las Vegas all you have to do is ask any local or a long-time cabbie and they will tell you about The Golden Steer steakhouse. It was built in 1958 for Sammy Davis Jr. who was not allowed to eat in the restaurants on the Strip at that time.

As I get dressed for the evening I choose my Slinky Siren’s because she reminds me of a pair of sling-backs my Grandmother used to wear. Hers were a rich green raw silk on a wood stacked stiletto heel; they were made in a time when they didn’t use plastic in shoes. My Grandmother was a shoe model at high-end department stores in the 1950’s when shoe designers made their samples in a size 5 (and people tell me I have small feet (size 7)). I pair her with a new dress I bought just for this trip, it is a flowing short green, orange & hot-pink dress with a bead and sequin encrusted empire waist which makes me feel very flirty and girly. I truly feel I am paying the proper respect to Frank, Ava, Marylin, Sammy and the pack and would fit right in at their watering-hole with my choice of attire for this evening.

When we arrive at our destination my date is taken aback by the exterior; I reassure him he’s in for a marvelous surprise inside. We walk in and the feeling of steak joint meets speakeasy washes over you and you feel like you just stepped back in time. All the seating is red leather with rich dark wood tables and paneling up the walls. The walls are covered with photos and paintings of the Rat Pack as well as many other old Hollywood. All of the booths have a name plaque and we are told that it signifies whose “regular” booth it was; the tuxedoed maitre’d ushers us to the Marylin Monroe booth in the front. There is also a Joe DiMaggio booth in the back; which is where Frank had his table moved after he and Marylin divorced. Although in one of my favorite photos of Marylin she is barefoot and is wearing a tutu-skirted type dress; I can still see her in these lovely green stilettos, clickety-clacking through the restaurant. The staff here fawns over you from beginning to end it’s really like being in a black and white movie; this is an extravagance I could definitely get used to. We eat at a very leisurely pace just like in bygone days before everything was “rush, rush, rush”. We order like we’re in the old days of Hollywood and there is no 24 hour gym and we are oblivious to what all this rich food can do to our hearts; ordering filet mignon, asparagus with hollandaise, sautéed mushrooms and of course martinis. When this most spectacular meal comes to an end, I almost want to see all the men in the restaurant gather to have a cigar and after-dinner drink.

Once our decadent dinner is over we head out to see Jersey Boys and are definitely thrilled with the show and the fantastic music! For a few more hours I get to stay in my 60’s fantasy world and it is marvelous! My only complaint the entire evening is that most people have forgotten how to dress for an evening out; I mean flip-flops and shorts to a Vegas show?! At least put on some nice jeans, a decent shirt (sans stains) and real shoes. Also for those of us who have to look at you and smell you; please take a shower and brush your hair after a day of drinking by the pool!

At the end of the evening we head back to the Bellagio and I am reminded of an old Marylin Monroe quote I’ve always loved:

“Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world!”

SUNSHINE

SUNSHINE

I was drawn to her sunny color clear across the store, however for the first time I actually had no idea what I would wear her with, but it didn’t stop me from making her mine. I name her Sunshine for obvious reasons; I love the soft orange color and the oh-so light sheen of the raw silk; she most definitely cannot be worn in gloomy wet weather. When I get her home I decide she complements brown and tan, I try her on with both color pants and jeans; she looks wonderful with my tan knee length pencil skirt.


Because of her uniqueness and style I wear her the night the girls and I decide to go see SATC2; I pair her with jeans and my orange-multi-colored satin top. Before the movie we meet for appetizers, martinis, wonderful conversation and lots of laughter. The theater is only a short walk across the outdoor mall and it’s a beautiful warm spring night in California, upon entering we choose the perfect seats and I find that my girls have smuggled in flasks of Cosmos. Yummy! After the lights dim and the previews start; I discover that Cosmos are especially delightful paired with dark chocolate Nonpareils.

The movie is a pure fantasy adventure and very entertaining, the wardrobe choices are as outrageous as ever and the “scenery” is spectacular! About an hour into the movie I am distracted from the screen by an obtrusive light directly to my left (about 3 seats over) and notice a young woman texting on her cell phone. I wonder to myself; does the cute ad asking EVERYONE in the theater to silence their cell phones and not text during the movie apply to everyone except her? Sunshine is tapping hoping to irritate the bad-mannered girl and make her realize her mistake, ten seconds go by, then twenty, now Sunshine is tapping like crazy and loudly too! I clear my throat noisily this doesn’t faze her either, so I lean towards her and do it again; she seems to get the message and closes her phone. Several minutes later I see the familiar glow once more, before Sunshine can start tapping or worse; decides to kick the girl (whom I will now call B-MG, for bad-mannered girl, although I’d really like to call her something else), I lean over and ask her politely to close her phone because the light is bothering me. She rolls her eyes at me, sighs loudly, whispers to her friend, who leans forward to look at me, she finishes her text then finally closes her phone. I get to enjoy the movie for about another ½ hour before B-MG lights up her phone to text yet again! As she giggles and shows her friend the text, I can hear Sunshine singing “let the sunshine in, let the sunshine in…..” I turn on my iphone open the flashlight application, lean over and start waving it in her face! The guy behind me chuckles, B-MG glares at me, slams her phone shut and calls me rude, ME, are you kidding? Whitney who’s sitting next to me starts giggling and whispers “I knew you’d make her see the light!”

When the movie is over the girls and I are in the lobby talking when B-MG walks past us and gives me yet another dirty look; so I smile sweetly, laugh and wave!

At this point my SATC2 fantasy mind is taking over and here how it’s playing out in my own personal movie. I look around and notice everyone is much more stylish and better dressed and coiffed then when we went into the theater, the lighting is softer and Sunshine is glowing brightly from my feet. I now have on a flowing short dress in hot-pink, orange and white, which is blowing slightly in the breeze (yeah, I know, I’m inside, but it’s my fantasy!). Sunshine tightens around my toes and I can feel her scheming to get her revenge on B-MG for disrupting the wonderful fantasy world we were enjoying! All of a sudden Sunshine is on the move following B-MG; we’re closing in on her and her entourage I glance over slyly as we start to pass them. Unexpectedly Sunshine propels me to the left, bumping one of the minions who in turn collides with B-MG sending her tumbling to the ground. I notice her phone sliding across the carpeted theater floor; however before I can mutter an apology Sunshine is moving on; forward we go heading straight for the phone. My mind is screaming “OH, NOOOOO!” as I suddenly realize what her intentions are; however before I can stop her Sunshine has put one of her beautiful silk clad heels through the phone over and over until the light goes out! She loosens her grip on my toes, I feel her fury subside; ahhhhhh that feels good! A wave of sheer delight washes over me as I scoop up the phone debris and sashay back to where the commotion is. My feet are all a-tingle as I hand her the mutilated pieces and say “I’m so sorry, I didn’t see your phone there on the floor and I must have stepped on it.” I smile sweetly and walk away. As I’m gliding across the theater to the exit I can hear the mayhem Sunshine has caused fading behind me and I’m humming along with her “I’m walking on sunshine, woooah, I’m walking on sunshine, woooah, and don’t it feel good!”

Although she’s beaming brightly I’m afraid Sunshine was a little dark tonight!

The Stiletto Whisperer

THE STILETTO WHISPERER

“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.”

Okay so I didn’t do anything noble, however I do feel like a leader on the stiletto front lines! I wear stilettos most everywhere and I know how to style them with various outfits, I also love helping those in need of stiletto mentoring. Sometimes when I’m out and about I like to sit and people-watch and decide what shoes they should be wearing with their outfit; the color, style and heel height, before I look down and see what they are actually wearing. Sometimes I am disappointed; sometimes I’m pleasantly surprised and other times I’m right on the money (or should I say, they got it right?)! I love deciding what shoes someone will wear with a particular outfit or for a special occasion, I especially love building a look from the stilettos up. I even find myself in the shoe store overhearing conversations and interjecting my opinions, on whether or not a certain style looks good on someone or what to wear them with. I always chuckle and reply the same way when someone says “I can't buy these, I wouldn't know where to wear them.” My answer is “Anywhere and everywhere, be bold, have fun!”


With my penchant for stilettos it has never occurred to me that I might actually know someone who is a stiletto virgin! Not me, no way! Quite by accident I discover I do know one, however once I found out; she wouldn’t remain a novice much longer!

One day a few weeks ago after trying on the most adorable pair of grey suede stilettos with rosettes and an ankle strap with a big silver buckle and deciding I must have them; I notice my friend Susan roaming the store looking quite perplexed. Clutching my boxes of shoes (I can’t buy just one pair!), I ask her why the bewildered look? She tells me she is going out dancing for the first time in quite awhile and wants some nice high-heels (she’s always in flats). I ask her what she usually wears for an evening out and she says she wears flats or wedge style shoes. “What type of stilettos do you currently own?” I ask. “None, I haven’t worn high-heels since my wedding day.” She answers. I feel shock and confusion upon hearing this and it must have shown, because she starts laughing. Of course the next words out of my mouth are; “Let me take you through my wonderful world of stilettos!”

I ask her to explain to me what she’s looking for in a stiletto; she says she wants something strappy and light for wearing during our hot California summers, some height to them (like me, she’s about 5’4”) and she most definitely wants comfort while dancing, standing and walking and lastly she doesn’t want to fall and break her ankle or neck. With all of this in mind, I begin scrutinizing the shelves of shoes, I start handing her ones to ask for in her size; 2 pairs, then 4, up to 7 pairs going at once. As she tries them on and walks around, she tells me she’s surprised at how comfortable and easy to walk in they are. The secret is that I made sure to only choose shoes with a platform in the front because although the heel looks “teeteringly tall” the platform offsets the arch of the foot, making them more comfortable and easier to walk in. She loves 4 of the 7 pairs I’ve chosen for her and she can’t choose, so I suggest she think of what she will be wearing with them. After pondering this she is then able to select 2 of the pairs that will work for what she wants; so off we head to the cashier. “I’m so excited; I can’t wait to wear these!” Susan says as she hugs me goodbye. “Have fun and don’t break anything.” I say.

Oops almost forgot to tell you; she bought a brown pair and a black pair of strappy stilettos that are perfect for summer wear that can be worn with jeans or dressed up.

About a week later I call to check on my new stiletto student and am thrilled with what I hear. “I danced for hours, my feet never hurt, only my calves were sore the next day from all that dancing!” she exclaims. “I love high-heels now, thank you.” she says excitedly. “I’m so glad I could help.” I reply. “I’m a changed woman; I’ve already added more stilettos to my closet. When I'm out shopping I hear your voice telling me to think of what I will wear them with.” She tells me. 

After we hang up I begin to wonder; Is this a new journey, have I become The Stiletto Whisperer?

UNEXPECTED DELIGHTS! 

These beautiful, sweet but totally rockin’ stilettos are so much fun to wear; I always seem to get compliments whenever I have her on; maybe it’s because I feel like a rock diva in her and it shows! I named her Delightful Diva because delight is what I experienced the moment I tried her on; she felt wonderful on my feet and looked amazing. Carlos Santana (yes, the guitarist/singer-songwriter) and his designer did a wonderful job with these, the different shades of grey, the pointy-toe and unexpected strap at the front with the leather flower are what caught my eye right away. I have had my Delightful Diva’s for over eight years and whenever I put her on I think “Oh, my wonderful old friend, you still feel and look great!” I want to put on a Santana CD and start salsa-ing (not sure if that’s actually a word or not).  A segment from their advertising reads: “Carlos by Carlos Santana are hip, hot fashionable shoes designed for women who love to be in the spotlight.” I decided that was quite fitting for what happened last time I had her on my feet; let me tell you:

Usually during my busy work weekend I will wear a pair of my ‘power’ stilettos, so when planning my outfit for a less busy weekday (less busy people-wise, but busier with regard to paperwork) I decide I want something more comfortable and not quite as showy. On this particular Wednesday I choose a black skirt to my knees that has pleats all around the bottom (it’s one of those that's on the fine line of business-ey yet sexy), a grey & white pin-striped button-down shirt with white collar and cuffs with the cutest cufflinks. I then decide that my Delightful Diva’s are just the stiletto I need to complete my look.

On my way to work this morning I need to stop in at UPS to pick up a package I had sent to my old address by mistake. I drive up at about 8:30am and park right at the ‘will call’ door and notice all the UPS vans and trucks parked everywhere and am wondering what’s going on here this morning, it seems really busy. I walk up to the door and as I pull on it I notice it’s locked and the sign reads “Open 10am to 5pm”, I head back to my car and one of the men in brown asks if he can help. I tell him I am here to pick up a package, however ‘will call’ obviously isn’t open yet. He says “Let me see if I can’t get someone to help you.” “Thank you.” I respond. “Wait here; I’ll see what I can do.” He says as he heads into the massive warehouse. It dawns on me while I’m waiting that I have never been here at this early hour and since this is one of the UPS hubs, this is probably the time all the drivers pick up their loaded trucks for the day.

A few minutes later he re-appears and says “Susan is inside at her computer, she can help you, follow me.” I follow him into the warehouse that holds about 30 UPS vans and I am to quickly find out; 30 UPS drivers too! We head right into the fray; the men who seemed to have been talking, stretching and getting their morning coffee, part like the Red Sea as we walk through. I am aware that all eyes have turned to us and a hush passes through the swarm of men, however I can still hear a few muffled words; “Wow”, “Who’s that?”, “Sexy”, “Where’d she come from?” are all I can make out. I am looking from side to side, enjoying the view, back and forth I glance; when I suddenly realize “NICE” has escaped my lips (quite loudly, I might add). I hear several of them chuckle, one drops his aluminum travel mug and another says jokingly, “You made him nervous.” I laugh and I’m feeling a bit giddy and thinking this would be a great time for a musical number in the middle of the UPS warehouse. I want to be in one of Santana’s songs; E Papa Re, it has a great salsa beat and the words are close to what I'm experiencing at the moment:

“The sun is slowly rising, the day is just beginning.
Let me take you to a place you’ve never been to.
Imagine that you’re walking with me in the jungle.
The natives they are dancing and singing to a ritual.
The music’s getting to you, your knees are feeling shaky.
Your mind is getting dizzy, the spell is taking over.”

I swear I can feel the heat of the jungle washing over me and my feet want to start moving to the beat, when suddenly the cool blue light of Susan’s comupter brings me out of my musical daydream and I realize I've made it through the jungle of men!

Oh, well back to reality I guess……Now my mind goes to what I originally came here for; "Just where is that package of mine?"

GLADIATOR GIRL GOES DANCING

GLADIATOR GIRL GOES DANCING!

When a few of my girl friends suggest we go out dancing for our collective birthdays, I say “Why not!” So now the question is what to wear, hmmmmm what to wear? I ponder this while sitting in front of my open bulging closet. A dress? No. Skirt and top? No. Oooooh, how about some nice tight jeans and a sexy top? That’ll work! Now for the stilettos; I need to choose a color first to go with the outfit I’ve selected, then the style, lastly comfort for the occasion (yes even stilettos can be comfortable!).

I finally pick out my favorite Seven Jeans (I wear boot-cut because they make me look taller), a silver belt and a black and red geometric patterned top. I check out all my red shoes, then my white ones and decide I need black instead because you never know what someone might spill on you and black is more forgiving. Mulling over my many choices (I have over 20 pairs just in shades of black) I decide I must wear something with a platform to protect my feet and still be able to dance all night long. Once that decision is made it narrows down my options, so the final question is; something strappy or smooth? Then my eyes land on her; Gladiator Girl she will definitely protect my feet from the surging masses on the dance floor.

I named her Gladiator Girl when I first laid eyes on her because she was my first pair of gladiator stilettos; I did however own a pair of gladiator sandals back in the 80’s. I have a theory that women’s shoe styles don’t really change that much they just get recycled from a designers memory of a favorite shoe from the past and then they tweak  it here and there to modernize it. Gladiator Girl is so versatile (not only because of the color – black goes with everything) I can wear her with nice slacks to work, jeans for a casual lunch or shopping, I’ve even worn her with skirts and dresses and I love that I don’t have to mess with a bunch of buckles, she zips up the back! The way she covers the front of my foot, and has the five straps going across but leaves a peek-a-boo view of skin makes her strong, protective and sexy all at the same time. Yup! Most definitely the right stiletto for the evening.

Once all my choices are made and I’m dressed, I head to the night club ready for fun! When I arrive I realize I am the first one there, I text Georgia and her reply is that they are about 30 minutes away, so I decide to people watch while I wait. I go to the bar to order a lemon drop martini, however before I can get the bartenders attention a good-looking man comes over to chat with me, he orders our drinks and like a gentleman; pays for them too. After a few minutes I find out he is a yoga instructor (I noticed he was built quite nicely), we discuss yoga and its benefits to the mind, spirit and body. He gives me his card and before re-joining his friends suggests I call him for some private instruction; hmmm, sounds promising! Before dropping his card in my purse I glance at it, his name is Paul and his studio is in Riverside, I might have to try him out, after all I do love yoga.

While leaning against a bar stool sipping my martini a nice young woman sits down next to me and introduces herself as Tina, she compliments me on my look and she seems to be a bit tipsy. After a few moments her girlfriend (and yes; I mean girlfriend) comes over and says, “Sorry she comes on to beautiful women when she’s drunk.” “Thank you for the compliment.” I reply. “Can I give you a hug?” Tina abruptly asks. “Sure.” I respond. While hugging Tina I notice Georgia and the others have come into the club, as her girlfriend pulls her away Tina kisses me on the cheek and whispers in my ear “great cleavage”. Tina’s girlfriend then escorts her back to the other end of the bar as I greet my friends who have arrived.  Everyone decides to order drinks at the bar and while waiting for their drinks the bartender comes over and hands me a Purple Hooter from Tina (it’s a shot with vodka, Chambord and a splash of soda). I nod to her and her girlfriend in thanks for the drink and down it goes; mmmmmm yummy. My friends ask what that was all about; I tell them and they have a good chuckle over it.

The girls drinks arrive and with drinks in hand we find a table near the dance floor and listen to the wonderful 80’s & 90’s rock that the band is playing. It doesn’t take long before the yoga instructor comes over with a few friends to ask us all to dance. Onto the dance floor we troop; several songs later we plop down at our table and Paul buys us all a round of drinks, says thank you for the dances and excuses himself. We have a discussion on how nice it is that there are still gentlemen out there. For the next few hours we enjoy the music, we sing and laugh, we dance as a group and separately with different men who stop by our table and offer their services on the dance floor, Tina even stops by for a dance. By the end of the evening my legs are tired and I’ve had a really good workout and a wonderful time! Gladiator Girl kept my feet above the fray, out of any muck on the floor and were quite comfortable while dancing the night away; I have one word for her performance this evening and that is: FIERCE!

It’s now 1 a.m. and I need sleep before work later this morning, so I hug Georgia and all the girls goodnight. On my way out the door Paul asks if I’m leaving, when I tell him I am, he offers to walk me to my car; I accept his offer. Chatting all the way to my car, I’m wondering if he’ll continue to be the gentleman he has been all evening? We reach my car, Paul kisses me on the cheek and says “It was nice meeting you; I hope to hear from you soon.” He then leans in again and slowly kisses my neck ever so gently in several spots before whispering goodnight and walking away into the night…

I MEAN BUSINESS

I MEAN BUSINESS!

I love these stilettos; they’ve always been quite the dichotomy; part business with the buckle across the front and the stark black and white coloring, part tease because of the peep-toe and lastly part seductress with the 4" high black shiny patent-leather heel. Ever since I brought her home with me I knew I would be wearing her most often to work, so I name her Boss Lady. I imagine her motto to be “I get the job done and look fabulous doing it!”

I purchase her immediately knowing she’ll be very versatile and I will be able to wear her with most anything; work pants, skirts, dresses, even jeans. The very first time I wear her, I pair her with long black below-the-knee walking shorts, a starched white fitted button-down shirt and big fun jewelry; business-like, yet feminine. I’m a Realtor; I sell new homes so the only people who see me are ones who come into the tract in search of a home. On her first outing she receives quite a few compliments; one gentleman asks me where he can purchase them for his wife. He and I end up having a discussion on stilettos and master bedroom closet size (to hold all the wonderful shoes & handbags, of course), I didn’t sell him a home, however I’m sure his wife will appreciate the new shoes!

Boss Lady has been to work with me several times, however this past weekend she outdid herself. We’re having a campaign for the next few weeks for home buyers to qualify for the final part of the Federal Home Buyers Tax Credit and we all have to wear a promotional tee-shirt. So I decide to wear the shirt with black trousers, a black cashmere sweater with ¾ sleeves and pearl buttons, understated jewelry, I complete my look with Boss Lady, she dresses up the tee-shirt nicely.

The first people who come in that day are a young couple looking for their first home; my favorite type of buyer. As we get to know each other and walk through the models together, we discuss how they will live and grow in the home and after awhile decide to go out to the construction site and see the homes being built, so they can see the location and lot size. I change into my “mud shoes” (as I call them), which are clogs for walking in the dirt/mud. While treking to the construction site Jenny comments on my change of shoes; she tells me she likes the stilettos much better. I tell her I do too, however don’t want to ruin them.

Her fiancé says “Don’t get her started on shoes.”

“Oh, are you a shoe collector too?” I ask.

“Yes, I own about 30 pairs.” Jenny answers.

I chuckle thinking to myself; she’s just getting started, I won’t tell her how many I have and that I’ve named them all!

We walk three home sites and I help them choose the perfect location for their needs. When we get back to my office to write up their contract, I slip back into Boss Lady to get the job done! After signing their contract and the many pages of disclosures that go along with it, they head out. However about half an hour later they return bearing a Starbucks latte for me. I know I’m going to love having them as homeowners in our community. I tell Jenny I want to come over when she has all her shoes displayed in her walk-in closet, she promises she’ll invite me over after they’re all moved in.

Before I can drink much of my latte, the next person I talk to is a gentleman out scouting new homes for his wife who is still in Texas. He and I only walk two home sites when he decides which one he likes. Dan calls his wife, sends her several photos and she immediately approves the purchase. Wow! that was quick, I’m thinking to myself as we walk back to my office. However, once we sit down he starts in on the negotiations.  I slip Boss Lady back on because it's time to get down to business!  Back and forth we go for several hours until we reach a good deal for both parties. I love the art of negotiation; it makes me feel like I’m working for my commission (hmmm, maybe I should have been a lawyer)!

At the end of the day two homes sold, four happy buyers and one delighted & exhausted sales agent! 

Today I know I got the job done and looked fabulous doing it, thanks in part to Boss Lady!

Here Comes the Bridesmaid

HERE COMES THE BRIDESMAID

My sister and I love to spend the occasional day just having girl-time which will more than likely include a leisurely lunch and shopping to buy shoes, clothes, purses, or whatever else might catch our eye. Very seldom do we just window shop!

It was during one of our girls shopping days that we both spotted these beauties (sort of). When we meander into the shoe store, I notice the shiny green and purple satin rosette on the front and I immediately pick them up. As I am admiring them I hear my sister behind me say “Ooooooh, check these out.” I turn to see her holding the exact same shoe; only in a gold, orange and fuchsia color pattern. I start to laugh and show her the shoe I’m holding. “Oh, no!” she chuckles. We’re still laughing as we call over the clerk and ask her to bring us both pairs in a size 7 (yes, we both wear the same size stiletto). The only drawback to having the same shoe size is sometimes there’s only one pair left and we both have to have it! Which means there could be a catfight over them, this could get ugly!  As you can see shoe obsession runs through the veins of the women in my family, we're just born with it!  After trying on both pairs, I opt for my original find of purple & green and my sister decides on both!

Later on we head back to her house so I can show her what to wear with her new multi-colored beauties. This is always fun for me; going through someone else’s closet to match clothes with shoes & jewelry! When I’m helping my sister, I decide to name mine Donna, after Donna Reed the most elegant 50’s housewife. I can see her out with her always handsome husband Alex, for an evening of dining and dancing at ‘the club’ with the boss and his wife, dancing cheek-to-cheek with some fabulous orchestra playing. That’s how and when I picture her wearing these dainty peep-toed satin rosette stilettos.

A few weeks later we were out on a shopping mission to find my sister’s wedding dress and a bridesmaid dress for me. She had decided on an outdoor spring wedding and wanted her dress to relay that message, nothing frilly, fancy or wedding-ish. In our search we ended up at Nordstrom and that’s where we found her dress; a white, knee-length dress with a purple flower pattern. I also tried on a few dresses and found a solid purple one in the same cut, style and length as Sherry’s. As soon as I put it on, she said “That one is perfect and will look really great with those shoes we bought a few weeks ago.” When I got home later that day I try the shoes on with the dress and they are a great match!

On my sister’s wedding day Donna gives a stellar performance; I do not fall down the grassy sloped isle I have to stroll down and I stand through the ½ hour ceremony without an ache or pain. She poses beautifully like a lady for all the photos and supports me during my toast to the new bride and groom. She dances comfortably like a pair of ballroom pumps during my many dances with my Dad, brothers and friends.

When the evening is over and I’m home, I slip her off my feet, thank her for the lovely day and place her in her color-coordinated spot with all her sisters. After all she does deserve a rest after that long emotionally packed day.

RACY LACY

RACY LACY

Lacy calls to me from the window of the shoe store, I hear her through the glass saying; “Terry, let’s go dance and play, come on in and liberate me, we’ll have fun, I promise!” I look in the window and there’s a blue radiance beckoning to me; I notice her on a pedestal, the gorgeous blue satin covered with delicate black lace. She is perched next to her more audacious sister who is red satin with the same black lace overlay. There’s no way I can pass up trying her on, so into the store I go. As soon as I put her on my feet I name her Lacy, however little do I know I’m going to have to add Racy to her name the first time I wear her! I roll up the legs of my jeans to my knees and walk around the store; I immediately get several compliments on Lacy by other ladies in the store. Even the young store clerk weighs in and says, “Those are fierce on you Momma!” Although he’s going for the sale, I do agree with him and I decide I must purchase her and find out what kind of fun we are going to have together.

Afterwards, I meet a girlfriend for lunch and when I show her Lacy she immediately asks “What are you going to wear those with?” “First off, she’s not a ‘those’, her name is Lacy and I know exactly what I will wear her with.” I respond. “You name your shoes?” she asks. “Of course I do, they all have their own personalities.” I reply. I then explain to Meg, “I can dress her down with jeans and a simple black tee-shirt, turtle neck or button-down. Maybe for work I’ll pair her with a black skirt or pants and powder blue button-down tailored shirt. Even all black with light blue bold jewelry, but still leaving her the center of attention. I think with stilettos like Lacy you have to keep it simple and just let her make the statement for the outfit.” “Wow, you’ve really figured all that out already?” Meg asks. “I’d say 9 out of 10 times I know exactly what I will wear with the shoes before I buy them.” I answer.

A few weeks later I need to go into Orange County for a sales meeting and dinner with an old friend whom I haven’t seen in five or so years, so I decide it’s time for Lacy to go on her first outing. I put on my favorite black pants and a simple light blue tailored shirt with some fun bold black and blue jewelry and head out the door. I’ve given myself ample time to get there, however in California you never can tell what the traffic demons will have in store for you. Today they decide to mess with me in the way of a red and black Camaro on a winding two-lane highway driving 35mph! I drive behind him for half an hour and wish he would pull over and hand me the keys, I’ll show him how to drive that car! Finally after quite some distance behind him we get an additional lane and now I can get around him. Regrettably I decide to make up the time I’ve lost and I’m speeding a bit; suddenly there they are the red lights and siren right behind me!

As I’m pulling over Sammy Hagar’s voice goes through my head;
“Go on write me up for 125
Post my face, wanted dead or alive
Take my license n’ all that jive
I can’t drive 55!”

When the Officer comes up to my window, he asks, “Did you know you were going 65 in a 45 zone?” “Sorry, I didn’t realize I was going that fast.” I reply. I hand him my license, registration and proof of insurance. I then suggest to him, “You should be giving a ticket to the guy I just followed doing 35 in the 45 zone for the past half hour.” I’m guessing he doesn’t think this is as funny or helpful as I do because he gives me a ticket. This is the first ticket in a really long time I haven’t been able to talk my way out of; oh well I’m sure I deserved it.

My meeting goes long but very well and Lacy is a big hit in the office, she gets lots of “oooh’s” and “aaah’s” and “where did you find those?” I’m quite delighted with her; she really does make a statement.

Now I’m off to an early dinner with my old friend Tim. Last time I saw him was at a birthday party for a work associate about five or six years ago. When I walk into the restaurant, I spot him immediately (it helps that he’s 6’3”, has powder blue eyes and an electric smile) I give him a big hug. We enjoy a nice long dinner and reminisce and laugh for hours. When it’s time to go, Tim says “I have something to show you.” We head outside and he walks me over to (you guessed it) his new red and black Camaro! I immediately start laughing while he is trying to tell me all about her; startled Tim asks “What’s so funny?” When I finally compose myself I ask him “Didn’t you see me behind you this morning on Ortega Highway trying to get around you or get you to speed up?” “No, I’m usually in my own little world when I’m driving Ortega.” I proceed to tell him about my speeding ticket, what I told the Officer and that I blame him for it. He laughs and says “Here you can drive her down PCH, since you think you’re a better driver than me.” He hands me the keys and I say to him “I am, you drive her like an old lady, let me show you how she should be driven.”

As I slide into the driver’s seat I wonder if Racy Lacy is going to get me into more trouble tonight, I guess we’ll see……

OH, OSCAR!

I love Oscar night; if I’m not hosting a fabulous party then I’m most definitely at one! Except the one year I was a limousine driver (as a favor to my brother-in-law; Michael). I drove Geoffrey Rush; he won best actor that night for Shine. I have a photo of me holding his Oscar in the back of the limo while he was in the Vanity Fair party! In case you were wondering I wore a black suit with a skirt, white button down shirt and of course black stilettos. At one point I was parked waiting for Geoffrey and his group to come out of yet another party and was stretching my legs outside the car when a very inebriated Andy Dick and his entourage walked by and he started yelling “Hey look, Madonna's driving a limo tonight, hello Madonna.” So I waved and blew kisses; he ran over and kept hugging me until they pulled him away.

Anyway, tonight when I walk up to where the party is there’s a red carpet on the ground leading to an open door. When I step on the red carpet flash bulbs go off like I’m surrounded by paparazzi and I start laughing, now this is the movie star experience! As soon as I walk inside I feel as if I just stepped into a champagne commercial (yes, I’m old enough to remember TV commercials for alcohol); everything is beautiful and sparkly with twinkle lights everywhere and everyone is dressed so stylishly, some as their favorite character from an Oscar nominated movie. There are little stars all over the hardwood floor and also on the table that’s set with marvelous looking food; I also notice mini Oscar statuettes placed throughout. Our hostess immediately greets me and hands me some fun star sunglasses and offers me the cocktail of the evening; Blue Angel, its blue Curacao with champagne for the movie Avatar.

I too have dressed for the occasion, in a more subdued way; I am wearing my Sixties Siren Stilettos. When I saw the pale tan color of the patent leather, the detail of the charming bow and side strap, pointy toe and of course that silver spiked heel, they instantly screamed 60’s siren to me. I could picture Sophia Loren wearing these with a tight pencil skirt, smooth tight top with a matching sweater and string of pearls, strolling the streets of Italy. I had decided to emulate the movie Nine (for the era) and Up in the Air and The Blind Side (for their more updated version). In Nine I can see Claudia (the movie star and muse) wearing these with her evening gown as she sings to Guido at the fountain, or Stephanie (the Vogue writer) in them with her chic Chanel suit. In The Blind Side these would have looked great on Leigh Anne when she’s wearing one of her pencil skirts, I can also see them on Alex when she’s sitting at the bar where she seduces Ryan in Up in the Air. I paired my 60's Sirens with my black pencil skirt that laces up the front/side, a tan mock turtle neck with short sleeves, cute black sweater and my gold pearl necklace that has a big crystal flower on the side of it and the matching bracelet. My short blonde hair is already very 1960’s and contemporary at the same time.

I’m enjoying a spirited conversation over who should win best director, actress, actor and picture, while sipping my yummy cocktail and checking out the other guests shoes and deciding to myself whether or not they’re appropriate for their outfit (I do this constantly, no matter where I am). On the table next to me there’s an appealing array of hors d’oeuvres; baked brie, blue cheese vodka balls, garlic spinach dip and several varieties of bruschetta. There are also silver buckets of various types of popcorn and trays of miniature cheesecakes and chocolate truffles, I’m in heaven. The Red Carpet pre-show is on the big screen and I’m loving all the beautiful gowns, the rich reds and purples, bold blues, pretty pinks and yellows; it’s so nice to see the myriad of colors and daring styles from the designers this year, also the up-dos and sleek hair are a beautiful sight! The men all look dashing too, however I must say to my gorgeous Antonio Banderas; what’s up with all the facial hair? We like seeing your handsome face, all of it! Are you with me ladies?

As I watch I realize I have stilettos to go with all the magnificent gowns I’m seeing. I smile to myself knowing I could definitely be the stiletto stylist to the stars; Sandra Bullock in the gold lace Marchesa, Queen Latifa in lilac Badgley Mischka, Sarah Jessica Parker in the buttery yellow (a color not many people can wear) Chanel, Jennifer Lopez in the pale, pale pink Armani Prive, Zoe Saldana in that vivid gradated purple Givenchy, Rachael McAdams in the beautiful soft flower water colored Elie Saab, Penelope Cruz in vivid red Donna Karan Couture and Demi Moore in the peach colored Versace. All of the ladies are dressed very classic old Hollywood tonight and I would love to have chosen their stilettos for the evening. Maybe I missed my calling, should I have been a stylist or costume designer?

While I’m pondering this, the Oscars start and I mingle about watching sporadically while enjoying the scrumptious cuisine, cocktails and conversation. I’m loving the lively discussions after each category and I’m happy when The Young Victoria wins for costume design (if it couldn’t be Nine, that is). As the evening is winding down, there’s an intense discussion at the end about best director and picture. The final consensus on the show is that the 2 hosts were funny; however everyone’s all-time favorite is still Billy Crystal and his comical opening musical numbers. The best picture and director winner is still being hotly discussed, however I’m leaving before I take off one of my stilettos and hit someone in the head with it!

I hate to leave this fabulous party, but all good things must come to and end; on my way to the door I stop to kiss and hug all the beautiful people goodbye.

Until next year......Just maybe when one of the stars is asked "Who are you wearing?" She just might reply, "I'm wearing Versace, however Terry chose the stilettos and aren't they fabulous!"

SWEET CHOCOLATE DREAMS

Chocolate, Chocolate,

Everywhere,

Dark Chocolate,

Do I Dare?

Although not really your traditional stilettos, I still love these high-heels, they seem very 1940’s-ish to me because of the thicker heel and rounded toe. I just love all the detail with the laces on the side, the bric-a-brac across the front and the way they positioned the patent leather with the suede. So no matter which way you see the shoe it looks interesting and I love the cute rounded toe.

When I first laid eyes on these I thought “Yummy – Sweet Chocolate Dreams” (I wanted to lick them); they have all the shades of chocolate I love: the (almost) white chocolate, the milk chocolate and of course the dark chocolate (my favorite!). Since I named these my Sweet Chocolate Dreams I thought it quite fitting to wear them to the Dove Chocolate Discoveries™ tasting party I was invited to – YES I’m not kidding, a
c-h-o-c-o-l-a-t-e tasting party!

I decide to pair my Sweet Chocolate Dreams with my favorite Seven jeans (which finally fit again, however after tonight, who knows...) and a dark brown button-down tailored shirt that has a white trimmed ruffle on the front and of course a really fun ring (my big blue and white crystal Koi fish) and since it is cold out I add my faux chinchilla coat. I feel fabulous and am ready for some yummy chocolate!

When I arrive at Michelle’s most the girls are already there and the air is filled with the fabulous smell of melting chocolate! I hug Michelle, Jodi, Tiffany, and my daughter Bre; then introduce myself to all the other ladies.  We are informed that the chocolate we will be sampling is the Dove Chocolate Discoveries'™ their exclusive line of premium chocolates not sold in stores; Ooooh, now I feel special, let the decadence begin!

First we sample the chocolate covered; biscotti balls, cranberries and almonds, cute little truffles in all three chocolate flavors. Our Chocolatier tells us about their ready-made candies and explains how to make our own truffles, candy bars, mini tiramisus' and chocolate embellishments. Then we sample dark chocolate espresso beans, I don’t think there’s anything better than the sweet bitterness of the dark chocolate then the bite of the espresso bean! Bre and I are reminded of a funny story that she shares with everyone; on a trip to Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco about 10 years earlier we bought chocolate covered espresso beans. While walking around all day we ate the entire bag, we were bouncing off the walls later and couldn’t sleep that night and couldn’t figure out why! Can anyone say 'blonde moment'?

Next the Chocolatier shows us how to make 10-minute mousse; yummmmm, creamy smooth fluffy chocolate on my spoon. What’s getting to me though is the melting chocolate that has been wafting through the air since I came in the door; the dark chocolate has been liquefying in the cutest heart-shaped fondue pot and calling to me for the past 1/2 hour. We finally get to taste it and mmmmmmm; it has the most fabulous rich flavor, first I dip a strawberry then a graham cracker, then another strawberry. Okay, I tell myself, time to stop this madness, drop that third strawberry!

I didn’t think we could surpass the fondue but then I see the chocolate martini mix and vodka come out! She first swirls rich chocolate syrup into the frozen martini glasses. “You can also rim the glass in raw sugar mixed with ground chocolate, cocoa powder or the syrup” she tells us while shaking the mix with the vodka and ice. Ohhhhhh my, so many different sensations; the sweet chocolate, the chill of the drink, then the warmth of the vodka, yum, yum and more yum! While enjoying our martini’s she begins to telling us that you can also make chocolate turtle and creamsicle martinis, this just gets better and better!

Later after several entertaining stories and lots of laughter…. Bre and I each order the chocolate martini mix, promising to host a ‘girls only martini party' and head home after an evening of decadent deliciousness!

I know every time I slip these beauties on my feet I'll be thinking of indulging in a yummy chocolate martini.

Goodnight all & Sweet Chocolate Dreams.......

THE GLAMOUR GEEK

I call these my Glamour Geeks because they remind me of that fabulous 30’s & 40’s film start Hedy Lamarr. Not only was she the most glamorous woman of her time she was also a mathematic genius or geek if you will. She was the first film star of her time to have done a full body nude scene early on and still have a substantial acting career in Hollywood.

‘You've Got A Date With Danger, A Rendezvous With Romance In The Glamorous, Mysterious Algiers’; that was the tagline of the 1938 movie Algiers, starring Hedy Lamarr and Charles Boyer (Grrrrrrrr). Hedy plays the beautiful and wealthy Parisian; Gaby who's visiting the mysterious Casbah in Algeria. I imagine Gaby wearing these stilettos with her black dress, white jacket and magnificent jewelry, wandering through the mazelike Casbah where she becomes entangled with Pepe Le Moko. Pepe is an international jewel thief who is hiding out with a fortune of stolen jewels, when he meets and falls for the stunning Gaby. I love the scene where you see him gaze upon each piece of her jewelry, lastly looking intently over her face; you can tell he’s intrigued, you just don’t know which he wants to steal more; her jewels or her heart. There is an extreme close up of her mouth as she smiles at him while he's admiring her and although the movie is in black and white you just know her lips are a vivid rich red.

I also love the art of the innuendo of the old movies:
Pepe le Moko: What did you do before?
Gaby: Before what?
Pepe le Moko: Before... the jewels.
Gaby: I wanted them.

Hedy’s real life had a lot of intrigue of its own; her first husband was a Viennese munitions dealer who consorted with the Nazi industrialists. At his parties in the mid through late 1930’s you could have had a martini and chatted with Hitler or Mussolini. It was during one of these parties Hedy wore all her expensive jewelry and afterwards with the help of her maid they drugged her husband and she made her escape out of the country with the jewelry, fleeing to Paris, where she obtained a divorce. She then moved to London and of course on to Hollywood to become the screen siren of the 30’s and 40’s.

I do believe she preferred her ‘geek’ side because she is quoted as saying: "Any girl can be glamorous. All you have to do is stand still and look stupid." I wonder what more she could have done had she pursued the intellectual part of her life instead of the acting side.

As for the geek side; she was co-inventor of the earliest form of the telecommunications method known as "frequency hopping", which used a piano roll to change between 88 frequencies and made radio-guided torpedoes harder for enemies to detect or jam. The method received a U.S. patent in 1942, under the name "Secret Communications System". I can see her in the stilettos and a sleek suit, jacket off, silk shirt underneath unbuttoned just to there…. In an office with her co-inventor, sitting on the desk leg dangling, cigarette between her red nails, chalk boards filled with code we don’t understand (the perfect Glamour Geek). Now if you think since their invention was used during WWII it is outdated well…. frequency hopping is now widely used in cell phones and other modern technology. However neither she nor her co-inventor profited from it, because their patents were allowed to expire decades before the modern wireless boom. In 1997 she received an award from the Electronic Frontier Foundation for her pioneering work in spread-spectrum technology.

For me Hedy Lamarr with her jet black hair, pale alabaster skin, dark red lips and sultry on-screen demeanor in conjunction with the intellect she exuded will forever be the epitome of GLAMOUR!

So today when I went to our corporate office for a test, I decided I had to wear my Glamour Geeks. Although the test was nothing mathematically challenging, it was only on our new sales techniques. I not only felt stylish in my charcoal grey pants, white silk shirt (unbuttoned just to there…), vivid red lipstick and pearls; I also felt more intelligent. It must have worked because I passed with flying colors and looked chic doing it!

EYE CANDY

EYE CANDY

LOVE is in the air; its Valentine's Day today so I decide even though I'm not going to be receiving a dozen or so white roses delivered in the arms of an adorable man and I may not be having a wonderfully romantic dinner with someone special, I'm still worthy of a treat!  Unlike my myriad of friends whose husbands, boyfriends or lovers cooked for them or brought them flowers or sent them off for some pampering or even served them breakfast in bed; no one is around to pamper me; except me.  In contrast to my eldest daughter whose loving and thoughtful husband made personalized cards sending her on a scavenger hunt around their house for a new Coach purse (in her favorite lilac color); nothing nearly that romantic is going on in my life today, which is okay.  I just wish more of my single friends would do something special for themselves today; whether it's a mani/pedi or going to a movie no one else wanted to see or just staying home with a good book and sour apple martini - I want to say to all of them, Do something for yourself, you deserve it!

Today I decide to indulge myself and spend the day with me!  First I head out for a good morning workout with my daughter (yes, the one with the thoughtful husband - who is now off coaching his swim team all day while she relaxes). Then it's off I go to have a pedicure, a nice lunch, maybe some window shopping and if something should catch my eye then I just might have to buy myself something.

I begin at my favorite shoe store (of course) and there she is; Candy, she's sitting on a shelf all by herself or at least she's the only one I notice, I'm drawn to her like a moth to a flame, instantly seduced by her beauty; all I can think is she looks just like a shiny red candy apple!  Although not round like an apple, she has pointy toes, 4" stiletto heels and her patent leather coating is so rich and is the perfect shade of red, I mean just look at her!  They are the ideal Valentine's Day high-heel; red, seductive and flirty, what more could you ask for?  Besides, I never need an excuse to buy red or black shoes because they go with everything!  I try on several other pairs, but none compare to Candy, she's a must-have.

Next it's off to my pedicure appointment; I relax in the chair and feel myself unwinding during my foot massage.  Mmmmmmm, it's so soothing, this masseuse has really strong hands and it's just what I needed.  I've chosen red toe-nail polish to match my new shoes.  When my ten little toes are all pretty in red, I head across the way to Starbucks to let them dry completely.  I sit sipping my latte and people watching, I'm noticing a lot of anxious looking men rushing about, can we say last minute shopping?  My toes are dry now and I change into my new stilettos, Candy looks magnificent peeking out from under my jeans and she complements the hot pink, red, white and black polka-dot top I have on.

I now feel glamorous and feisty, even though I'm wearing jeans.  My candy apple red stilettos make a statement and are most definitely not for the faint of heart!  "I'm a force to be reckoned with!" Candy says, so off I sashay to do some window shopping.

My next stop is one of my favorite department stores where I peruse the handbag, jewelry and shoe sections, I don't find anything I must have, so I head upstairs to the fashion department, deciding on the way I need a new pair of jeans.  I try on many different pairs, and the fit on most are really nice, however I've noticed lately that the majority of jeans start to sag in the rear after one wearing and I have to wash them after every wear (I think it's the amount of spandex they're using in nearly all jeans these days).  My daughter swears by the brand 'Seven' and says they won't lose their shape. I try on a few pairs of 'Sevens' and really like the way they look and fit me and although they are more expensive than most of the jeans I own, I decide what the heck, I'm worth it!  While standing in line to pay for them the lady behind me comments on Candy.
"What beautiful shoes, they're a great color." She says.
"Thank you, I just bought them, I saw the color and couldn't resist." I reply.
I notice the nice looking man standing behind her admiring Candy too, I arch my foot seductively, when he looks up I smile and chuckle, he smiles back coyly.  After I happily leave the store with the perfect jeans (which by the way look great with Candy) I set out to get some lunch.

I sit outside on the patio during lunch and indulge in one of my favorite appetizers and a lemon drop martini, enjoying the time by myself watching people pass by, knowing I have absolutely no obligations today, ahhhhh, peaceful!  At the end of my meal, I treat myself to the perfect dessert; Creme Brule with raspberries, yummy decadence.

After my leisurely lunch I decide it's time to head home.  I take my time walking through the mall, enjoying the looks Candy is getting; all the way through to the other end where the parking structure is. I put my bags in the trunk and notice my cell phone is missing, uggggggh!  I head back into the mall and start backtracking:
Shoe store: NO
Starbucks: NO
Nail salon: NO
Macy's: NO
Restaurant: NO
Mall concierge: NO, damn!

On the way back to my car I ponder when I last saw it, I remember being distracted by that good-looking man in Macy's, did I leave my cell on the counter when I paid for my new jeans? I do believe it's the last place I remember seeing my phone. If I did leave it there accidentally, did he pick it up? Is he roaming the mall searching for me? Eager to meet the woman in those captivating red shoes? Maybe he's hoping to be my knight in shining armor who has rescued my wayward phone... I know, I know, but a girl can dream can't she?  It is Valentine's Day!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY to all my single friends, please pamper yourselves, you deserve it!

LUCKY

LUCKY

I purchased these on the best shopping day of the year - the day after Christmas.  My daughters; Macaria and Breann and I have made this our family tradition for the past eighteen years.  We know we will spend the entire day in our jeans and comfy shoes (yes, I own a few pairs of those too! - notice I said a few) roaming the mall, having a leisurley lunch and making several treks to the car with packages.  No matter how often I shop thoughout the year, this is the ideal shopping day, sharing my favorite sport with my daughters and spending time with them, nothing could be better.  Okay, I'm done with the sappy Mom stuff.

When I tried these on in the store I was wearing my black jeans and they looked marvelous together; they are the perfecrt height and color for the jeans.  Both Macaria and Breann said "Oh, Mom you have to have those!" So I bought them.  I decided immediately they weren't really shoes for work, however they were most definitely fun shoes.  I originally named them my Harley Hotties because I thought they would look great peekin out from under a pair of black leather pants on the back of a big sleek Harley, heading out on an adventure along the coast.

The first time I wore my Harley Hotties they went on quite a different adventure then the one I previously thought they would and I would come to realzie I will have to re-name them Lucky.  I decide to pair them with my black jeans and a nice low-cut cobalt blue top that has a really cool blue and silver beaded embellishment on the front and added some really fun big earrings and bracelets.  I was meeting Tyler at one of the many Indian Casinos we have dotted throughout Southern California.  Anyway, I met up with my darling man for dinner at Cielo, it's a nice steak and seafood restaurant on the top floor overlooking the local mountains.  The ambience is wonderful, their stunning chandeliers change colors mimicking the sunsets you can see out the windows.

After a wonderfully romantic dinner we decide to walk around the casino and do our share of gambling.  Tyler likes to paly craps for a few hours, I however am not much of a gambler, I usually put between twenty and fifty dollars into a slot machine and when it's gone I'm done, whether I've played for 5 minutes or 5 hours.  I've won a few hundred dollars on the slots a couple of times in my adult life.  I don't gamble enough to win big which is okay with me because I don't lose big either.  Walking through the casino we're perusing the tables to see which one feels right; we finally stop at the loudest table, the one with the people who seem to be having the most fun.  There's some open space so we slide into it and Tyler starts betting.  I stay to watch for awhile; and cheer him on, I blow on the dice for luck when it's Tyler's turn to roll.  Someone yells "C'mon, momma needs a new pair of shoes." Tyler whispers to me "You've got enough; by the way, I love the ones you're wearing."  I'm having fun just watching, laughing, yelling and mostly enjoying the high energy from the crowd of people.  After about an hour I guess lady luck got bored, because she seemed to have disappeared from the table.  Tyler decides it's time to stop while he's ahead, about $400.00

He hands me $100.00, kisses me and says "This is for being my good luck charm", I laugh and say "We'll have to see how long I can keep the luck going."  Tyler follows me over to the Wheel of Fortune slot machines; my daughter Macaria and my mom love these ones and always seem to have good luck on them.  "Five cents! You could at least play the dollar slots." Tyler says.  "Yes, but this one caught my eye first." I reply.  I put in $20.00 and hit the 5 lines and 3 bets per line buttons and nothing happens.  Tyler asks "How do you know what lines you're playing and how much you'll win if you only bet 3 per line?"  "I have no idea; I wish these were like the old ones that had only 1 to 3 lines and you could only bet 1 or all 3 lines." I respond.  I decide to play max lines and max bet and hit the spin button, at least this way I know I'll receive the maximum payout whatever that might be, but again nothing.

I hit the repeat bet button and now the fun begins; the maching starts chanting "Wheel of Fortune" over and over again.  I look up to see the wheel at the top spinning; it stops on the red panel and a red banner starts flashing on the screen "$650.00 WINNER" and the machine is cheering.  "Are you kidding me?" Tyler yells.  I start laughing; jump out of the chair and start hugging him, we're both laughing and hugging like a couple of teenagers. Once I regain my senses, I decide to keep playing, but tell myself I will stop at $600.00 and not go any lower.  I play for another half hour and cash out at $599.75.

When each of my daughters turned 21 we had their birthdays in Las Vegas and I taught them when you win, you buy yourself something so you can enjoy the win, then you put the rest away or pay bills.  So..... Momma is gonna get a new pair of shoes - stilettos that is!

I cash out my ticket and when I try to pay Tyler back the money he gave me to gamble with, he nuzzles my neck and whispers "You can buy me dinner next week, until then I have other ideas my lucky lady."  I think to myself; Hmmmmm, I think I need to rename these stilettos LUCKY!

MY VERSION OF CROCS

MY VERSION OF CROCS

When I saw these slithering beauties I knew I had to have them!  I had no idea what I would wear with them, but felt confident I could figure it out.  They just mesmerized me like a snake does to its prey before it stirkes.  I tried them on and the way they wrapped themselves around my foot, across the toes and bridge then up and around the ankle, buckle them into place; ahhh, that feels good.  Walking around the store in them they look alluring and feel amazing.  They keep saying "let's just glide right out the door and keep going".  However I know I must pay for them first, so I slip them off and put them back in their box, while closing the lid I assure them it won't be long before they're free.

At home I decide to name these "Gustave" after the largest man-eating crocodile, because I think these will get more compliments from men than women.  I know, you're thinking "what?"  Women who love shoes know what I'm saying, there are just some shoes men will notice and compliment you on, and I think this is one of those pairs of shoes. I can't really decide if they look more like faux snakeskin or alligator/crocodile, since I don't own any of the real deal, that's okay because I think Gustave suits them well.

Anyway, when I get them home I immediately take them to my closet and start matching them with all my clothes and decide they go with everything in my closet except pink or red (the exception being red toe-nail polish).  I've since worn them with navy blue work trousers and this silky green/black/blue paisley patterend angel sleeved top with navy blue trim.  I have also paired Gustave with my skinny black pencil skirt and sage green button down shirt for work.  When I want them to be the center of the outfit I will wear them with either all black or all grey then add in green jewelry and an interesting green handbag.  I really love wearing them with jeans and a v-neck sweater or tee-shrit becuase they're unexpected peeking out from underneath the jeans.

Today I wore them with black jeans, lime green tank top underneath a black v-neck sweater; they were definitely the center of the outfit.  I headed out the door to the salon to have my hair done (this sassy short blonde hair doesn't come naturally anymore!).  My "hair-day" is all about me; I want to feel good, look good and have a fabulous time!  I love relaxing and enjoying all the gossip; especially when you don't know the person and you get to hear about their husband/boyfriend, neighbor or someone at work.  I'm a little jealous of my daughter (she's my hairdresser, in case I hadn't mentioned it) who gets to spend her days being creative with hair and enjoying all the different people.  When I hear bits-and-pieces she fills me in on what I've missed and if she won't then I know Daniel will (he's a big gossip and I've known him for 20 years)!

While sitting with my head in the shampoo bowl and toner on my scalp (toner tones down the yellow or brassiness in blondes - see Bre, mommy listens), I overhear these ladies talking about a party they were at and are commenting on how tacky one of the guests new girlfriends was because she wore Keds to a dinner party.  They go on to discuss her age and how one of them thought he brought his daughter until he nuzzled her neck.  At this moment Bre comes over to rinse out my hair and I'm thinking; I couldn't agree more about the tackiness of her shoe choice for that particular occasion and I let my mind wander as I think of what I would have worn to that outdoor dinner party.  Darn, my soothing scalp massage is over, back to reality, as I sit up I glance over at the two gossipers' and notice one of them is wearing a pair of those rubber Crocs!  I nearly gasp out loud.  I apologize but unless you have a medical condition that requires you to wear them, you're pregnant, you're a little kid, you're gardening or standing all day behind a hot stove (i.e.: Mario Batali) do NOT wear them out in public!  To begin with they have the unfortunate name; Crocs and my guess would be it's because they look as nice as the wide round flat snout of a crocodile!  Oh, doesn't that just say "wear me, I'm pretty?"

Let me ask you this; if a woman's shoes/clothing are an expression of how she feels and what she wants to project to the world, what are those Crocs saying?  To me they said; I'm bored, lazy, have no sense of style and don't care how I look to myself or others. Yikes!

As I walk back to Bre's chair I can hear Gustave growling and I see him peering arrongantly from under my jeans and I think "I know, how dare they name those shoes after you!"  I sit down in Bre's chair and say to her "These are my version of Crocs."  She laughs and says, as only a daughter can, "Everyone knows how you feel about Crocs and flip-flops Mother."  Oh, yeah don't get me started on flip-flops......

Now I ask you ladies - Crocs or Crrrrrocs?                                                   

RUBY SLIPPERS

Ruby Slippers

As I'm trying to walk past the shoe store, I hear someone (or something) singing; "Ding-dong the witch is dead! Which old witch? The wicked witch! Ding-dong the wicked witch is dead." There goes my resolve, I have to go in now!

I spot the singing shoes right away and name them Ruby (of course). I immediately decide if they have these in size 7 they're MINE!

Ruby is not for the demure, she is stylish and confident with her pointy-toe, shiny red skinny 4" heel, faux red croc, gold embellishments and buckle - a modernized version of Dorothy's Ruby Slippers. Judy would have loved these; I can see her wearing them with a pill-box hat, black and white Chanel suit and carrying a large red patent leather purse.

As I try them on; Ruby is taunting me, "You want me, but are you wicked enough to take me home?" I walk around and admire them in every mirror and decide I am fearless enought to add her to the sisterhood of stilettos in my ever growing collection. After all, every woman should have at least one pair of red stilettos, shouldn't she? Although these will be my third!

I can instantly see them peeking out from a pair of tailored black trousers paired with one of my favorite button-down shirts, it's also red with gold pin-stripes and flashy rhinestone cufflinks, kind of "rat-pack" era look. This will be a good look for work or a dinner out, professional and feminine, it's always a plus when I can wear them to work and out afterwards. Ooh, I can also see wearing Ruby with my long black walking shorts (they stop just at the knee) and a ruffled red satin top, probably to a family function or lunch and a movie. Ruby would even be great paired with jeans and a plain tee-shirt when I'm feeling blah; she would definitely lift my spirits. I MUST take the Ruby Slippers home!

I purchase Ruby and as I'm walking through the mall I'm humming, "We're off to see the wizard, the wonderful wizard of Oz." I really want to put my new ruby red shoes on and start doing that skipping/dance Dorothy does as she starts down the yellow brick road, maybe all the little Munchkins will materialize swirling around me and start singing along. However I know if I do this, the men in the white coats will surely be called to come get me, so I refrain.

When I arrive home I situate her among her sisters and I can tell Ruby has the attitude to go anywhere she wants, no yellow brick road needed, she'll create her own pathway, making a bold statement as she goes. I know whatever adventures Ruby and I take together I will be able to glance down and marvel at her sophisticated feminine style and bold ruby color and smile knowing I can dance all night in the Emerald City in them or alternatively just go home, since "there's no place like home."

SAUCY SECRETARY STILETTOS

To begin with I have a stiletto habit I call my fetish, certain ones call to me in the shoe store; I walk around listening and slowly perusing the displays. I like touching them and feeling the fabric; whether suede, leather, satin or patent-leather, I don't discriminate. I am more discriminating when it comes to the heel; the look of the 3 inch or taller is what usually catches my eye and they must be skinny heels, chunky heels are for rainy weather. Now don't get me wrong I do like the chunkier heels and wedge type shoe too and own quite a few pairs of those styles, however my heart and passion belong to my STILETTOS!

All the beautiful colors and shades, it's like a candy store for women; blue, red, pink, green, yellow, grey, purple, orange and of course black. Then there's the patterns; pin-stripes, polka-dots, geometric and plaid, no favoritism here either. Which one(s) are calling to me today? I always get a picture of what outfit I will build around the shoes (usually the shoes tell me); would they go with:
Jeans? Indigo blue, black, stone-washed, boot-cut, skinny or trouser style? Paired with a tee-shirt, button-down, something frilly, a bit flirty or down-right sexy?
A dress perhaps, if so, what type of dress; a favorite little black dress, summer dress or one for work?
Possibly a skirt; A-line and teasingly girly or pencil and tight, bare legged or with nylons or tights (yes, there's a difference). I even have to consider all of my work pants; their color, style and length too.

THERE THEY ARE; the ones that have called my name today, I dub thee Saucy Secretary Stilettos. Because as soon as I spot them I can immediately see them with the outfit described below and know I will look and feel like a 1960's vixen style secretary.

I will wear them with a black or grey tight pencil skirt and wide belt, white or black button-down short sleeved shirt and of course chunky jewelry and bright killer red lipstick! If it's sunny out (in Southern California that's most of the time) I will add my big black Dolce & Gabbana or big white Coach sunglasses. I can see it clearly; the shoes paint the picture for me.

As soon as I have them home I try my Saucy Secretary stilettos on with the outfit they told me to wear them with (like I said the stilettos talk to me), I feel leaner, taller and more sleek and at 5'4" that's saying something.

My next work day I get dressed in the above mentioned outfit and as I'm walking out the door I notice my stance and walk are more deliberate, I'm ready for business and whatever else might come my way.

On my way to my sales office I stop at Starbucks for a latte, I walk in with the confidence of a woman who feels good and knows she looks good too. I sense the admiring eyes of the men as I stand in line; I also catch the approving glances of the women around me. It's such a powerful feeling knowing men and women alike are appreciating the positive vibes radiating from me and my "SS" stilettos. As I'm taking in this delightful experience and ordering my latte, the gentleman in line behind me interrupts my order and asks if he may pay for mine (now that reeeeeally feels good!). I smile and politely say "Thank you". "I've noticed you in here several times." he says. I remove my sunglasses, "I do believe I've seen you here too, usually sitting with a group of others, over there." I say, pointing towards the grouping of chairs in the corner. "Associates from work." He replies. He pays for our drinks and while waiting for them to be made, we make polite small talk and flirt just a little.

I can tell he is younger than me by about ten years; he is tall, has an athletic build, a great smile and big brown eyes. When they call my drink, he retrieves it and hands it to me and says, "I hope to see you in here again; by the way my name is Roger." "Nice to have met you Roger, I hope to see you again too and thank you for the latte." I say as I head out the door. I can feel him watching me as I walk to my car.

See you never know what can happen with the right pair of stilletos and attitude!

Just the Beginning.....

(A small sampling of my collection!)

Hello fellow stiletto lovers!

I've started this blog because of my passion for stilettos, I (as most of you, I'm sure) have an extensive shoe collection and 90% of my collection are of the stiletto variety. My daughters understand; as do my girlfriends, men however, seem to think my slight obsession is "silly", though I have yet to hear any of them complain about how they look!

I will be blogging stories about my stilettos, the adventures they've been on or are about to embark on. I may also tell you what I'm wearing with them and how they make me feel!

Here are some interesting facts I've found about the stiletto......

The very first sightings of a stiletto (thin high heels) were around the late 1800's in numerous fetish drawings. Makes a girl think - how has something that was so sinful a little over a 100 years ago become acceptable every day wear?

The word "stiletto" is Italian which came from the Latin "stilus" which means: "a stake; a pointed instrument, its narrow shape, ending in a rigid pointed end, allowing it to penetrate deeply". Makes perfect sense to me, my stiletto collection definitely looks like pointed instruments ready to penetrate whatever gets in their way, including a man's heart!

Stiletto heels are associated with the image of the femme fatale. They are considered to be a seductive item of a woman's attire. Here's all I have to say about that - DUH!

I honestly feel stilettos are the every-day shoe! You can use them to dress up your jeans and tee-shirt or a pair of long walking shorts or Capri's. You can make a cute summer dress a little saucier! Don't get me started on work attire! Stilettos make the line of the leg look longer (which at 5', 4-1/2" makes me look much taller) and the derriere more perky in a pair of tailored work pants.

Except for working out or an outdoor party (stilettos are definitely not good on grass - imagine sinking backwards into someone's lawn), I'm in my stilettos!

Until next time.....