Lola. Dog

My Dearest Blog Readers,

I hope you are all doing well and have had a fabulous week.  I wish I could say that I am relaxing the day away in my cave, but I am not.  The big ones are headed to San Antonio today and I was told I cannot stay at the apartment alone.  I am by no means happy about this.  That being said, if I can't be at home, then my next favorite place is definitely with my Aunt Tiffany.  The big ones, of course, shattered that, too.  Apparently Aunt Tiffany will be in Europe (eye roll), so I can't go there, either.  The big one said that I get to stay with my Aunt Leslie.  Which is fine.  I like my Aunt Leslie.  She's nice.  But she has a dog.  One that I've never met.  One that apparently weighs more than my mom (I call her that when I'm a little frightened).  He's big.  A Great Dane.  Oh man.

So, I was told this information at the beginning of the week and I have had all week to process it.  I've decided to embrace it.  I like making new friends (that's not true).  I will meet the new dog and be gracious and appreciative for his allowing me to stay at his home.  It's just for a few days.  Plus, it beats sitting in a tiny metal cage at the boarding facilities.  Those places have millions of dogs who like to run and drool on each other.  Ick, no thank you.  That's it.  I have decided.  I will go, meet this dog, make him love me, and we will get along swimmingly. 

That brings me to the picture above.  Normally when I travel by car, I sit on one of the big ones' lap.  That way I can look out the window if I so please.  Sometimes I jump back and forth between the two laps.  So, they got the big idea that I should have my own 'seat'.  They strap it in the back seat (!) and put me in there, clipping a short leash type thing to my collar.  So, I'm forced to sit there.  I cannot escape.

I hate it.  They say it's safer, blah, blah, blah.  I think it is dog torture!  Also, I would like to add that the look on my face in the first picture is not one of happiness.  It is extremely hot in the 'back seat'.  There aren't any vents, which supports my claim of being tortured. 

I have more news for you next week!

Until next time,
Lola

September Birchbox

I was completely underwhelmed by this month's birchbox. Here's a picture of what I received, followed by my reviews. 

Kate Spade New York Twirl: I was actually very excited to try this, even though I don't normally like the perfume samples.  I do have a love for all things Kate Spade.  That love has ended, though, because I don't like this perfume.  I am pretty picky, though.

Hollywood Fashion Secrets/Tape: So, I'm sure this a great product and all... I just have yet to find a use for it.  I have all my pants hemmed and I don't usually have gapes in my clothing.  So, yeah.

Skin, An Apothecary Soy Body Whip:  This sounds delightful, yes?  I honestly would have no idea.  I have extremely sensitive skin (which I disclosed to Birchbox), so I cannot use this because it has fragrance. 

Jouer Matte Moisture Tint: I'm sure this is a wonderful product.  I just need way more coverage than a tinted moisturizer provides.  I layered it under my normal make-up and it felt fine, but at $38 a tube I will not be purchasing it just to layer it.

Color Cube nail polish: I really like this nail polish.  It's a pretty blue color and I will add it to my nail polish collection and use it often.

Twistband:  These must be wonderful, because they are sold out on the birchbox website.  However, they are just not my cup of tea.  I have a ton of hair and this band does a poor job of holding it all in a pony tail.  It also stretches with wear (I know this, because this is the second twistband I've received).

Did you get something different in your birchbox?  Let me know in the comment below.  Not signed up for birchbox?  Sign up here. 

Weekend Wrap-up

What a wonderful weekend!  Our weekend was jam packed full of lots of fun things.

On Friday I had a girl's night out with some of my very close friends.  We met up at a hibachi grill and really just had a great time.  The food was really good and the conversation went on for hours.  Do you have friends like that?  I think you can have the type of friends that you feel so comfortable with that a few moments of silence are not awkward and then you have the type of friends that there will never be a moment of silence to even bother with.  The bad part of continuous conversation is that I always forget to take a picture. 

Pardon the bad cell phone picture

On Saturday we went to an engagement party for a sweet couple we know.  Their engagement party was held at Wine Cellar of Starwood, which is in Frisco.  All the attendees bought a bottle of wine to contribute to the tasting, so we all imbibed on several different kinds of wine.  SG and I really had a great time.

We kept the party going on Sunday with brunch for a friend's birthday.  A group of us went to Hotel Intercontinental.  I have never been to this hotel for brunch before, but it was so delicious.  They have a huge buffet spread that includes breakfast items (omelets and waffles), as well as lunch items (prime rib and shrimp).  They have a a huge table just for desserts.  We also enjoyed bottomless mimosas. 

Have a great week!

Lola. Dog

My Dearest Blog Readers,

I attempted to write this blog post earlier in the week and I obtained the worst case of writer's block.  That's what the picture is of me above.  I was so frustrated that all I wanted to do was curl up in a little ball and take a nap.  But alas, here I am with my second attempt.  I am feeling a little better.  I had a nice glass of milk and ate a few cookies.  That really helps the creative juices to flow.  And so I bring you, today's blog.

Today's blog: I seriously think that I am part of the 47% that Mitt Romney was talking about.  I mean, shhh... I don't pay income taxes.  At all.  I also don't work.  Do you think that has something to do with it?  I heard the recap of that video on YouTube and a rush of feelings of shame washed over me.  He's talking about me.  He thinks poorly of me.  He thinks I do not fend for myself and that I live off of the government.  The big people are not the government, right?  I immediately went and took a count of my belongings to see what tax ramifications I have been avoiding.  I have Sheldon.  But he's more of a friend than a belonging.  I have my food bowls... oh wait, this is about income and not about net worth.  Okay, okay.  Think, think.  No.  No matter how hard I think... I don't have income.  I don't even make anything off of writing this blog.  The woman calls it a privilege.  Oh my gosh!!  Is that like a tax credit?  Do I get fed because I write a blog post?  Is that some sort of payment?  No, no.  I was fed before the blog came along.  Phew.  Okay... what else do I do that can be seen as work?  Hmmmm.  I get up and the man feeds me.  Then I hang out with Sheldon until it's time to go outside.  Then I come back inside and say good-bye to the man (the woman is already long gone).  I take early morning nap.  Then I read some of my book.  Then I take mid morning nap.  Then I hang out with Sheldon.  Then the man comes home for lunch.  I don't get to eat lunch.  So, instead I have some water.  Then the man leaves again.  I take early afternoon nap, hang out with Sheldon, take mid afternoon nap, read my book and then the man comes home and we go outside.  Then the woman comes home.  I eat again.  Then we all hang out.  I usually give up evening nap to hang out with the big ones.  Then bed time.  Ok.  See, I don't make any income.  So, I don't think I am in the 47%.  Woo.  I still think that Mitt Romney thinks I will vote for Obama.  Do you think that Obama thinks I will vote for Romney?  I need to go look for my voter's registration card.

Until next time,
Lola

Wander

 

Not all who wander are lost

We purchased this print last week.  SG found it online and sent it to me at work to see if I liked it for our home.  It's an interesting print that really makes me think.  I've always been someone who appreciates stability.  But, the thought of wandering is very appealing too.  I would love to pick up and move to different cities.  I would love to stay a few years and enjoy the different locations and then pick up and start in on a new adventure.  I love to dream and ponder.

Dress for the season

Happy Tuesday!

A reader brought to my attention that for my last color pairing I included two dresses that could not be worn into Fall.  They were both leg and arm baring dresses.  However, you can actually take a dress across all seasons by pairing it correctly to be weather appropriate.  Take this chambray shirt dress.  It can be worn in every season.

Let's start at the top on the left.  The first look is for spring.  Take the dress and pair it with flats and pretty spring colors, such as bright pink.  Keep an umbrella handy for the random spring shower.

Summer.  Pair the dress with golds and soft colors.  The sandals are warm weather friendly.  Throw in the shades to shield your eyes from the sun.

Fat Face leather dress, $73 / Miss Selfridge leather jacket / Miss Patina / Falke / Lucky high heels / Madewell ballet flat / Mojo Moxy high heels / Studded shoes, $85 / Tory Burch / Nordstrom jewelry / Kendra Scott earrings / Alexis Bittar earrings / Chunky jewelry / Danielle Stevens Jewelry gold necklace / Dickins & Jones polka dot scarve, $57 / Marc by Marc Jacobs aviator sunglasses / Berry Auto Open Stick Umbrella

Fall: To take a dress into fall, throw on some tights and a scarf.  As the season starts to progress towards winter and get even nippier, you can add a fitted blazer or a cardigan.  Be sure to belt the cardigan, so you don't lose the shape of the dress. Also, go with jewel colored accessories.

Winter: A taller boot will help keep your legs warm.  You can even layer tights under leggings to add an additional layer of warmth.  Add a leather jacket or even a pea coat to keep this look cold weather friendly.

That is how you wear a dress year round.  Thank you for reading! 

Weekend Wrap-Up

It's Monday.  As if you needed a reminder.  Mondays and I have never seemed to find common ground in our dislike for one another.  I'm usually still clinging to the past weekend, since the next weekend seems so far away that it will be impossible to reach.  So, here I am.  Clinging.

We went to a birthday party on Saturday.  For a one year old.  I remember when the little tyke was born.  He has grown so much in one year and has learned so much.  He can stand up by himself, but he has yet to take that first step.  He also threw up on me.  Which reiterates why I love to hand children off to their mother's, instead of, well, you know, being their mother.  I had on a brand new shirt, too, by the way.  Here's a picture of his birthday cake.

As Lola mentioned in her post, she did indeed get her hair done.  She now smells nice and clean and even received a nice little trim.  This pretty pink bow lasted all of 5 minutes when we got home.  No, not because she tore it off, but because my husband refused to take her outside with that pink bow on.  I think she looked really cute.  Party pooper.

We made it over to Bath and Body Works to stock up on some new Fall fragrances.  This scent is a winner in our household.  I love Fall and my husband loves anything that doesn't smell too sweet.  The only issue we have is the smell filling up the loft space.  Our ceilings are pretty high and in true loft style, it's a complete open space.  I may have to go back and buy more, so I can burn several at at time of the same scent.  We also purchased black pepper bergamot, marshmallow fireside (not as sweet as it sounds) and autumn. 

Lastly, I convinced my husband that it was time to break out the Fall decorations.  One of my favorite decorations are these pudka pods that I bought last year.  I have enough to fill this bowl for my coffee table and one of my apothecary jars.  They are cute and tiny and they look like miniature pumpkins.  I'm patiently waiting until October to break out all of my Halloween decorations.  Halloween is my favorite holiday.

Sadly, we did not make it to the West Elm floor sample sale, which really is too bad.  But, probably very good in the long run... for my bank account anyway.

I hope you all had a great weekend.

Lola. Dog

My Dearest Blog Readers,

I'm so excited that it may rain this weekend.  Rain is wonderful.  Although, I do refuse to go outside in the rain, so that makes it difficult for the big people.  They usually pick me up though and carry me to the grass.  They will have to be extra careful this weekend, because I have a hair appointment on Saturday.  Anyway, back to the rain being wonderful.  It makes the sky sad and gloomy.  Our loft stays dark, even with the shades raised all the way to the ceiling.  It becomes a cave, sort of.  A modernized cave, mind you, but a cave nonetheless.  Rain is perfect sleeping weather.  Sheldon and I usually curl up in a ball on the sofa (on our special blanket, of course) and cuddle and sleep.  Rain is also perfect book reading weather.  I'm currently reading A Dog's Life: Autobiography of a Stray.  I will let you know what I think about it. 

With rain, comes cooler temperatures.  The days will soon be cold and the darkness will slowly start creeping up earlier and earlier in the day.  One of the worst things about Fall is that it brings Winter close behind.  Winter is not my favorite time of the year.  You would think I would be very prepared for it, with the thick coat I'm always wearing.  By the time the big people get home in the evening, it's dark and cold.  I hate going outside in the dark.  It is so scary.

On the flip side, the cold weather brings the holiday season.  My favorite holiday is Halloween, but that's because it is the woman's favorite holiday and she decorates the most for that one.  Also, we usually host a Halloween gathering and I get to dress up in a fun outfit.  And there's food.  And careless visitors who eat and sometimes drop the food.

I don't have much else to add.  I spent the majority of the week online doing my best to follow the events of New York Fashion Week.  I was not allowed to attend this year. Again.  But, I think if I start saving my pennies now, I will for sure have enough to cover my flight and hotel expenses next year. Then, no one can say no.  Of course I will continue penning Victoria Beckham in hopes of a personal (all expenses paid) invitation.  She's very busy of course and has not had time to return my letters.  Oh well, I'm off to create a budget.

Until next time,
Lola

Pairing: Green with Envy

Today's pairing is a range of one color.  Green.  The pairings below are in shades jade and teal.  Green shades work well with neutrals such as nude and cheetah print.  For subtle contrasts it pairs well with navy and cobalt blue.  An orange red dress is a pop of color that can be complimented with teal accessories.  Is this a color you will work into your wardrobe?

Oasis cutout dress, $56 / Lace cocktail dress / J.Crew slim fit shirt / J.Crew j crew / LOFT cotton pants / NYDJ / Navy shoes / Yellow Box shoes / Michael Antonio platform shoes / Michael Antonio shoes / Leather shoulder bag / Anne Klein watch / Amrita Singh jewelry / Flower earrings / Green jewelry

Fall Staples

I know I've said several times that I am very anxiously awaiting the cooler season that is fast approaching.  I'm looking forward to cooler weather activities such as enjoying a beer on the patio and riding my bike through the neighborhood.  I'm also looking forward to saying good bye to summer wear and slowly starting to introduce warmer clothing into my daily routine.  I don't like hot weather and I don't like cold weather.  Fall, clearly, is my favorite season.  When the temperatures change and all my favorite stores start introducing their new lines for the season, I immediately want to go out and buy it all.  But, there's not a money tree growing in my loft, so I have picked a few staples that I would like to add to my wardrobe.  Staples that can mingle with the clothes that are already in my closet.

J.Crew Blazer:  The two pictures are of the same blazer.  I'm really enjoying the elbow patch detail that I'm seeing in the new collections that are now in stores.  It's kind of a side nod to the equestrian theme that is so big this time of the year, without going all out with horse prints and riding pants.

Kate Spade Bag: I am a happy owner of a Kate Spade bag.  So, a new Kate Spade is not necessary.  I am happy with my current bag.  The reason I included this bag is due to functionality.  This bag is sleek and has a handle and a cross-body strap.  It's the addition of the cross-body strap to this bag that gains its inclusion to this set.  Bags get heavy.  Especially when you are trekking across the mall.  A cross-body strap really comes in handy.

Banana Republic Cardigan: I have a confession.  I already purchased this cardigan.  You know, a few weeks ago when it was 106 degrees.  I'm waiting as patiently as I possibly can to wear it.  Waiting.  Patiently.

Banana Republic Pants:  I own these pants in navy and I really love the fit.  Burgundy can be such a season specific color.  So, I am slightly undecided on this.  I'm still working on a set on Polyvore to see if I can make it work for other seasons.

DSW Boots: I came across these shoes when I was doing a pairing for a reader here.  Polyvore is dangerous like that.  You pair a few things for your blog and in doing so you come across several wonderful things that you would like to add to your closet.  Luckily I try to pair reasonably priced items (with some exceptions) on my blog, so these shoes won't break the bank.

Cap Toed Pumps:  I really love these shoes.  I'm really enjoying the cap toed shoe trend and this is a very neutral selection for my conservative office.

J.Crew Polka Dot Scarf: I may or may not be in love with polka dots right now.  I'm seeing them everywhere.  I've seen polka dot sweaters and polka dot denim.  I think a polka dot scarf would be a great way to add a print to an outfit.

Kate Spade Bow Bangle:  I love bows and buckles and baubles.  This is a sophisticated way to wear a bow on your wrist.  The red adds a little color.

What staples are you adding to your closet?

Random Outfit of the Day

I actually wore this outfit yesterday and this photo was taken last night when it was dark outside.  Our loft does not provide the best lighting, so please forgive the quality of this photo.  Although the top and pants look black, they are actually navy.  This color is quickly becoming one of my favorite go-to colors for the season.

Top: Banana Republic / Pants: Banana Republic / Shoes: Old / Watch: Target

What is your favorite Fall color?

Lola. Dog

Dearest Blog Readers,

It has been such a long week.  The big ones did not mention that they were going to be home on Monday and it really threw my week off.  I mean, I don't mind hanging out with them, but a little notice would have been nice.  I missed all my naps!

I'm really excited that you all have decided to read this blog.  I am excited to give you a peek into my life and I realize that you hardly know anything about me.  Other than, well, my name is Lola and I'm incredibly chic.  So, for this post, I would like to give you a tour of my home.  The place I spend 98% of my time.



 


















When you first open the door to my humble abode, you are faced with the longest hallway ever.  You would think this would be fun.  It's not.  It's so slippery, I can never get a good grip and I slip and slide the entire way down.




















So, instead of immediately going down the hallway, I like to run up the stairs.  The stairs are fun to run up... not so fun to run down.  Intimidating, yes?  I think so.  My strategy is to take them as fast as you can and never, ever for any reason should you stop.  Or you'll get stuck.
















This is the bedroom.  I love it in here, because there is carpet and I can run in circles with fabulous traction.  My bed is over there to the right, just out of the frame.  There is a little 'nook' for reading in the left corner.  What's the number of times one of the big people have curled up there with a book or magazine?  Zero.  What's the number of times they have let me up there?  Zero.  Yeah, rough life.  See the blanket on the bed?  That is the best blanket ever.  I get to sleep up there sometimes.  Especially if I am not feeling well.
















Here's a quick peek into our bathroom.  I like to lay in here on a hot day, because the floor is really cold.  Other than that, I'm not all that sure of its purpose.  The big people spend all of their morning home time here, though.















So, back down the hallway and you come to the kitchen.  Clearly this is the most important thing in our kitchen.  Also, it is my duty to keep the kitchen clean.  I make sure there is not a single crumb on the floor.  The woman goes over my work all the time (control freak much?), but I always do such a superb job, so she's really just wasting her time.

This is a nook area in the living room.  They play music from that thing on the table.  It's nice.  I really enjoy the entertainment.  Also, see that leather chair?  Yeah, off limits for me.  Only, they are not here allll the time to enforce that rule.  Hehe.

This is our sofa.  It is very, very cozy.  I take at least two of my afternoon naps here.  I just throw those pillows on the floor.  I don't understand their function anyway.
















And this.  This is Sheldon.  He is a very good friend of mine.  We are close.  Like yin and yang, peanut butter and jelly, coffee and cream... and if you just said you don't take cream in your coffee, then you are definitely weird and should have yourself checked out.

So, there you have it.  My place.  I hope you feel like we are better friends now.

Until next time,
Lola

Pairing: Cobalt Blue

Fall is just around the corner and with the new season comes stores full of gem tones.  This week I have paired the color cobalt blue.  As you can see, you can make the color the dominant color of your outfit or you can accessorize with it.  Pretty pairings included below: mustard, hot pink, orange-red and silver. 

layered dress / cutout dress/ top / Retro jacket / knee length pencil skirt / denim short shorts / leather flat / top sider shoes / stilettos pumps / stiletto high heels / logo watch / pearl bangle / gold bangle / long chain necklace / wood necklace / ALEXIS Clutch in Silver Silk with Mustard

 You can add leggings and a blazer or cardigan to the dresses and wear them into late Fall.  The shorts would obviously be for early Fall, only.  Now we can just hope the temperatures start declining, soon. 

August Birchbox

Yes, I realize it is now September.  I really meant to do this blog last week, but time has a way of getting away from me.  Besides, I feel like I have a better opinion of the samples if I use them longer before I post reviews.

Miss Jessie's Original Creme de la Creme Conditioner:
This conditioner smells really good!  I also feel like it made my hair very soft.  It is for curly hair, which I do not have.  I do have wavy hair, though.  So, did it enhance my waves?  Well, not really.  But I would consider purchasing it, because it is a really good conditioner and it smells very nice.

Miss Jessie's Original Curly Meringue:
This styling cream smells just as good as the conditioner.  Again, I don't have curls, but it really did help to calm down my frizzy, wavy hair.  I really like this product and it works better than anything else I have used for calming frizz.  It also does not weigh my hair down.  I was also impressed by the sample size.  Usually, when I want to wear my hair wavy, I use mousse, gel and wave spray.  Lately I've just been using this product (and the conditioner) and I am very happy with the results. 

Talika Lipocils Expert:
This lash serum claims to make your eyelashes longer and darker.  I tested it.  It is definitely non-irritating.  I had no issues with it in that respect.  But, I also didn't really notice a change in my eyelashes.  They definitely are not longer.  And I would have no idea if they are darker, because my eyelashes are naturally black.

Viva la Juicy La Fleur:
The perfume samples are my least favorite.  So much so, that I just realized I have yet to even smell this.  However, follow the link above and it is sold out on the Birchbox website.  So, I guess someone likes it.

Sabon Foot Cream:
This foot cream smells really good and when I used it for a few consecutive nights, I noticed my feet felt smoother.  The only issue I have is my own fault.  I have the hardest time remembering to put this on at night and I don't like to use a thick foot cream in the morning.






Schick Hydro Silk Razor:
For some reason I didn't take a picture of this razor.  But it's a full size razor.  It has five blades and is awesome.  The fabulous bonus to this is that it came with a $4.00 off coupon for refill cartridges.  I was more excited about that than the razor.  

Are you interested in Birchbox?  Click here and sign up today.  Already a Birchbox subscriber? Comment below and let us know what came in your Birchbox.