To Audrey, With Love

I fell in love with this dress the moment I saw it on the Bettie Page website. But of course, it was too expensive and it is against my morals to pay retail (the thrill is in the bargain hunt, of course). I found it new without tags on Ebay later at half the cost and snatched it up!

 This dress was shipped from a seller in Thailand-- I'm so glad my clothes are so worldly!

Dress: Bettie Page "Brigit"

Glasses: Ralph Lauren

Shoes and purse: JC Penney

I feel like a polka-dotted Audrey Hepburn in this dress.

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Just bought a new flat iron to try out the new straight, sleek look. 

I love that this dress has functional pockets.

Yes, I did succumb to the allure of polka dots once again, but what can I say? They are my kryptonite.

High Tea at the Mary C.

I had been wanting to try "High Tea at the Mary C." for a long time, and finally got a chance about two weeks ago. (Also did a review for the newspaper. Great chance for combining work with fun). The  Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Centerhas a weekly tea time where you get your choice of tea  and finger foods- the "perfect blend of sweet and savory," as the hostesses said. I am wearing my latest Hell Bunny dress from Modcloth.com, which they called "blueberry pie."

Dress: Hell Bunny "Vanda"

Purse: Casper

Shoes: Via Neroli

I stopped by Sally Beauty Supply and got a new ceramic spiral curling iron and love wearing my hair curly a few times a week. 

The serving trays, teapots, and saucers are beautiful!

Beautiful murals in the lobby.

Mary C. hostesses gave amazing service!

Someone trying a vanilla bean scone -- delicious!

The best thing about living in the South is mild winters. It's October and I can still wear a summer dress! It will kill me when I have to put these away for the winter.

Farewell, Hurricane Isaac!

After being cooped in the house for 3 days due to Hurricane Isaac and all the yard work that followed, I couldn't wait to put on a nice dress, get out of the house and over to one of my favorite restaurants- Salute. I love sitting out on their patio on a nice day (and in this case, watching work crews clean up Hwy 90 and the beach). 

Dress: Hell Bunny "May Day"

Shoes: JC Penney

Purse: Kristin Davis 

 

Strawberry Fields Forever

"Isobel" was a Hell Bunny dress I've had my eye on for a while. When I lost an Ebay auction for the dress by one dollar, I complained about it for two weeks (just ask Mike). Finally, a seller from Australia put it up as a "buy it now" option, and I snapped it up! Now I can say I have dress from Down Under! 

Dress: Hell Bunny Isobel

Headband: Lulu in the Sky

 Purse: Payless

Shoes: Cato

I'm loving the latest trend in "Rosie the Riveter" wire-wrap headbands. I've checked around locally but no one has them. I got mine from "Lulu in the Sky," and Ebay seller from the UK. She has a huge variety of colors and patterns. 

I'm not usually good with hair up dos, but I learned a few simple styles from YouTube. If I can do it, you can do it!

A view of Back Bay near Kremer's Marina in Gulfport. The criss-cross straps of this dress are adorable!

Relaxing on the porch of the Chimney's in Gulfport. Shoes from Charlotte Russe.

I love that Hell Bunny puts pockets on all their dresses!

Ladies Who Do Lunch

 Mary Mahoney's

Today mom and I decided to have lunch at Mary Mahoney's in Biloxi, which all locals know is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. I'm always very picky about where I go out to eat because I'm all about "ambiance" (say it with an accent. It's fun!)  I love eating at beautiful places with cute dishes and waiters in black bow ties. Mary Mahoney's definitely meets all my requirements.
For any out-of-towners reading this, if you only visit one place while visiting the Gulf Coast, come to Mary Mahoney's. It is the quintessential Southern experience and the food is delicious. We had my wedding rehearsal dinner here. I recommend the Lobster Georgio and the house specialty, bread pudding. 

 Dress: Bettie Page

Shoes: Unlisted

Purse and belt: Stein Mart

Out on the patio. Beautiful scenery before you even enter the restaurant.

A little bee friend who visited us on the patio.

I ADORE these shoes! As you know, I'm addicted to polka dots.

Gorgeous glassed-in porch dining room.

 

Sunday afternoon

We spent Sunday afternoon at my mother-in-law's beautiful home on the Back Bay. We had her famous gumbo and Aunt Charlotte's delicious potato salad for lunch, among many other delicacies.
We celebrated my sister-in-law's new assistant principal job in the local school district and my husband's new teaching job at Tulane University!

Dress: Willi Smith (TJ Maxx)

Shoes: American Eagle

Purse: Bishou Bishou

Truly adorable print, truly adorable dog.

Matching shoes and purse not required.

Little Black Dress, How Do I Love Thee?

The Saga of the Little Black Dress

We were meant for each other. 
It was the moment every woman dreams about. No not a dream job or a fairytale wedding. Ladies and gentlemen, I have found and now possess the perfect little black dress. It is the LBD I have been waiting my entire life for. And the best part is, I got it for 65% off.

In the spring, while checking out the website "Stop Staring," a pinup brand with celebrity followers like Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton, I fell in love with their latest LBD. It was way too expensive, but low and behold, I came across it for sale last week on Ebay by a store going out of business. The best part is, I managed to talk the seller down an additional $10. Yes, I am an LBD lawyer! Two days later, it came in the mail and I beheld the wonder of the LBD.
"Please let it fit, please let it fit!," I prayed. I am happy to say it fit like it was tailor-made for me.

Without further ado, behold my new dress!

Dress: Stop Staring "Crush"

Shoes: Delicious

Purse: Kasper 

I'm loving Mike's derby hat that we bought in New Orleans from Shushan's. Mike has started a "bow tie Thursday" at work, and this is his first bow tie since our wedding.

Comic print heels.

I love the bodice shape and sweetheart neckline.

Love this guy!

It's important to add a pop of color to a LBD with bright accessories. 

Pictures taken at the Gulfport Galleria's 5th Anniversary party.

Pink Heart Funds Benefit

Covered "Ladies Night Out Expo," a Pink Heart Funds benefit, for the newspaper. Pink Heart provides free wigs to people with hair loss due to illness. A great cause and great occasion to wear my little pink dress! (Pink just may be the new black). It's an ultra-preppy combination, but I recommend pairing green accessories with a pink ensemble. 

Dress: Jones of NY 

Shoes: Payless

A high waist cut elongates the leg.

Cute shoes that I haven't worn in a while. They were very excited to be taken out on the town for such an important occasion.

 

Croissant d' or Patisserie, New Orleans

 Croissant d' or on Ursuline

We spent Sunday in New Orleans, LA, picking up my artwork, shopping, and visiting our favorite pastry shop, Croissant d' or on Ursuline. (Their almond croissants and chocolate cappuccino are a must for any visitors to the Big Easy).
It was a hot summer day, and the perfect day to wear my new dress.

Dress: Hell Bunny "Penny"

Shoes: Guess

Sunglasses: Forever 21

Hell Bunny really makes quality clothing. I love the thick, full skirt and the rickrack detailing on the collar, bow and bodice. 

Mike and I had chocolate cappuccino, fragipan, fruit tart, and croissants. Truly the breakfast of champions.

I'll take one of each!

One of my favorite courtyard cafes.

Photography by Mike Mucha.