For the last few weeks I've been obsessed with turning my junk room into a chic and stylish dressing room like Carrie Bradshaw's in Sex & the City.

Pretty kick ass right? Well, here is my closet....

A hot mess!

So now I'm dedicating the next month to transforming the junk room into a dressing room! A place where I can try on my clothes, apply make up, display my accessories and listen to music without disturbing up my resting place.

One of the benefits of being single and a homeowner, (yep, contrary to what society wants you to believe, they do exist!) I have extra room and total say-so on what those rooms will be used for. I have a den, a guest room, home office and now I'll have my very own dressing room. Oh you fancy huh? :)

It won't be easy but I'm already making progress. Here are some before shots.

 

Old IKEA couch

 Entertainment center with TV/DVR..I really want to keep the DVR and TV but the unit isn't doing much for the room....

 More junk...pilates machine and clothes baskets. I need to utilize that wire storage unit. Right now it just has socks and mittens in it.

 Sweaters, and junk all over the place (and yes I'm watching the Hangover)

So there it is, my inspiration and my current situation. I'm going to chronicle the process here on Dee-tales. I know it won't be easy but I'm determined to make this room work and for under $200.  I'll be back tomorrow with more updates. Wish me luck!

You Oughta Know: Armoire Boutique New Orleans

Hello my lovies!


I'm just getting home from an amazing visit with my lovely line sisters in New Orleans. It was my first time there and it was more than I ever thought it would be! The food, the people, the fashion, I'm in love with NOLA.

I was overwhelmed by all of the interesting shops and boutiques, and especially shocked when I saw the price tags on some of the items (handbags or $698, shoes for $500.)When balling on a budget, some find it challenging to look good and avoid looking like you just raided the clearance rack at that god-awful mall store Rave.

Luckily I found a shop that is not only affordable, it is fashionable, they have clothes sized from 0-20, AND the staff is amazing. The shop is called Armoire on Magazine Street. Now before you get all twisted and upset because you don't live in New Orleans, don't sweat it, you can shop online!

Dresses, tops, jewelry, handbags, they have it all! I didn't see anything in there over $100 and trust me, they have a lot.

How cute is this shop? Again, great prices and great customer service. We've all had those "Pretty Woman" shopping experiences, when you walk in and the staff looks at you like you don't belong, but not at Armoire. The ladies, (and gent) couldn't have been friendlier.

 

If you're ever in New Orleans, you must go by Armoire located on 4222A Magazine St.

Visit their site armoireboutique.com and be sure to friend them on Facebook.

I Never Thought I Would Say This....

I am obsessed with a piece of jewelry. Yes, me the girl who buys earrings for $1.50 at Forever 21. The girl who would choose a 55 inch HDTV over an engagement ring. The girl who would rather wear a  Keroppi watch from a Happy Meal instead of shiny timepiece. Yes my friends I want some bling in my life and it can be found at Tiffany and Company.

This is the Crown Key Pendant and I want it in my life!

When I tell you I don't know anything about jewelry, please believe me. I couldn't tell you what a carat looks like or what it is worth, but I know where to get the best carrot cake in North Carolina (I'll save that for another post.) I do know I love the look of this necklace. This is totally my style, and even though I don't buy jewelry over $20, I'm tempted to treat myself this Valentine's Day.




Now before you think I've lost my mind adding something like this to my wish list, let me tell you this is pendant is under $250 a steal if you ask me. And because the price is right, you can afford to get some additional Tiffany inspired goodies! Check them out below:

Coats by Arden B
Pumps at YOOX

 

Do you splurge on jewelry? What are some items on your wish list?

Until next time,

Deidre

Hu's In The House

I won’t even attempt to be “fair and balanced” with this post. I love, love, love all things related to First Lady Michelle Obama. She’s brilliant, accomplished, has a beautiful family, is in phenomenal shape, and has impeccable taste. Not since Jackie Kennedy have we seen a First Lady with unique and contemporary fashion sense like Michelle Obama.

At the State Dinner for Chinese President Hu Jintao, Mrs. Obama was stunning in a dress by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. The dress was a rich red which represents courage, loyalty, honor, success, and fortune in Chinese culture.

Guests included politicians, Hollywood A-listers, and prominent Chinese-Americans.

 Vera Wang

Anna Wintour

Usually a guest chef is brought in to cook for State dinners, but Chinese delegation requested a “quintessentially American” menu and White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford delivered. 

The Menu:

D'Anjou Pear Salad with Farmstead Goat Cheese
Fennel, black walnuts and white balsamic

Poached Maine Lobster, Orange glaze carrots and black trumpet mushrooms
wine--Dumul Chardonnay "Russian River" 2008

Lemon sorbet

Dry aged rib eye with buttermilk crisp onions
Double stuffed potatoes and creamed spinach
wine--Quilceda Creek Cabernet "Columbia Valley" 2005

Old fashioned apple pie with vanilla ice cream
wine-- Poet's Leap Riesling "botrytis" 2008

What do you think of the First Lady's dress?  Who is your pick for the most stylish First Lady?

2011 Golden Globes Recap

I apologize for being late with my Golden Globes recap. The broadcast was pretty uneventful, no major moments, no performances, and no remarkable speeches or upsets. So let's get to the important stuff, the fashion! The good, the men, and the "what the what?' Let's do this!

My pick for best dressed goes to Eva Longoria. I love this dress because I think it is flattering on almost any shape. I adore the cap sleeves, the deep v-neckline, and the classic black dress on the red carpet. Extra credit for the neat up do and minimal jewelry.

Ahh Claire Danes, always classy and so pretty in pink! Again I am a fan of the simple classic look at an awards show. Less is more. In 30 years we will look back on this dress and it will still be considered a stunning look.

Claire picked up a Golden Globe for her role as Temple Grandin produced by HBO.

Glee's Leah Michele in a lovely pink gown. I like everything about this look except the hair. A neater do would have made the dress the focal point. Either do a bold dress with a simple do, or a bold do with a simple dress. Doing both takes away from the overall look.

                              Mila Kunis...nuff said. Perfect, hair, perfect dress. Perfect 10

Glee's Diana Agron

  Halle Berry

Modern Family's Sofia Vergara

Vanessa Williams (how hot is she?)

Glee's Amber Riley

Kelly Osbourne & Julia Stiles

Catherine Zeta-Jones

And now the bad.....

Helena Bonham Carter

Sandra Bullock, bad hair, bad dress. It pains me to put her on this list

Anne Hathaway looks like she took a ride on a disco stick

Seal and Heidi Klum, why?

 Tina Fey

To quote the old man from Coming to America "What is that? Velvet?"

From Mad Men: January Jones and Christina Hendricks. Jones looks too severe, and Hendricks looks cartoon-ish.

And the worst dressed woman at the Golden Globes....

Gabourey Sidibe

Now ladies (and some gents, I don't judge) get ready for some eye candy!

The hotness that is Brad Pitt

Zac Efron aka My Heart

Robert Downey Jr.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Matthew Morrison

Jimmy Fallon

L.L. Cool J

I had to save the best for last.....

 

Blair Underwood aka Sir Chocolate

You know why I like Blair? He's handsome, talented, and seems to be a loyal hubby and father. Nothing hotter than a responsible man in my book!

If you actually care about the awards, check out the list winners and nominees here.