Pick

I love, love, love a tote, a top handle, or a clutch more than some of my distant cousins especially the one who hit his friend in the head with a hubcap that was once used as yard ornamentation to line his gravel driveway.

Clutch by Marc Jacobs with a mix of metals and stones

Gucci python bag with bamboo handle

Bolarti clutch with "brushstroke" colors

Probably my second love that is almost up there with bags is my love of clothing that is made with an artful flavor.  It always evokes conversation and can instantly spice up any bland ensemble.

A million ruffles from Comme des Garcons (top with sheer back)

Layers of beads and paillettes from Prada (hat with grosgrain ribbon and mesh crown)

Defined toes from Maison Martin Margiela (boot with flaking paint)

Watercolors from Dries Van Noten (boot with stretch sides and two-tone leather)

Be careful though when putting too many of these pieces together, or it can prove to be a costume.  Fortunately, my third favorite love after all IS a costume!

Me in Comme des Garcons jumpsuit

Me in Gucci and Jean Paul Gaultier

Me in Comme des Garcons 

Me in Tom Scott and Marc Jacobs

Me in Marc Jacobs and Chloe

Me in Alexander McQueen

Thought

For those of you who are looking for a bit of wall filler or even something interesting to lay about on a coffee table or desk, you have got to head down to Deep Ellum near Fair Park to 500X Gallery.  This is the final show for the season due to the lack of air conditioning systems, but they do have a box fan.  In the past, we purchased several pieces of art and sculpture for our home from there, and some have become a few of our favorites.  The present show is entitled Day Old Donut! and runs through May 29th.  After that, they close for the summer and then pick back up during the State Fair of Texas time.  Be cautious of their hours as they are open Saturdays and Sundays only from 12:00 - 5:00 or by appointment.  Here's a glimpse into this collection.  I always can find something I want to take home so check out a few of my favorites that are showing currently.

www.500x.org

"Designed in the fish bowl" by Clayton Hurt

"Bananas for peace" by Clayton Hurt - $750.00

I'm wild about bananas

Piece by Clayton Hurt

"nice rack" by Tiffany Wolf - $500.00

"purple mountain - green and yellow rays of light" by Rachel Rodenkirk

Monkeying Around

I convinced my boyfriend to go see the movie Water for Elephants this weekend starring Reese Witherspoon and that vampire boy.  He was slightly reluctant about going for many reasons - spousal abuse, animal cruelty, and it seemed too "Hollywood" for him to name a few.  I on the other hand loved seeing the animals so much I made him take me to the Dallas Zoo the next afternoon to get up close and personal with the wildlife.

This one could be a star

The movie going experience as a whole reminded me a whole lot of each one of the creatures we saw.  The children jumping from chair to chair, rocking seat cushions back and forth, and trying to make their crimson colored cup holders into slingshots all resembled the rambunctious chimps swinging on limbs and climbing up on their beat-down mother's back for a ride.

Playing around

Doing a little yardwork

Catching a ride

We crawled through caves in Chanel and went up pathways in Burberry Prorsum until we reached a pod of pelicans feasting on fish.  Shit, if I hear one more person chomping down on some nachos or smacking on popcorn, I believe I will scream.

Crawling through caves

Sheer plaid shirt by Dolce and Gabbana, netted vest by Chanel, trousers by Prada, bag by Hermes

 Caution - these Burberry Prorsum sandals may cause blisters with too much walking

Grabbing a snack

Cool in the shade

We headed to the monorail to see if we could rest our blistered feet and catch some breeze, but unfortunately it runs at a snail's pace and all the animals were lounging in the shade or better yet in an air-conditioned compound.  We did spot some awfully long necked giraffes with their irregular spots - I flashed back to the people who were sticking their head up in my business and trying to become my new best friend only due to the fact that our seats were way too close and by the way their skin was way too tan and already showing signs of age spots.

A nosey bunch

Saying "hey" to the camera

We ended the park with a quick ride on an overworked camel (aka Sex and the City 2) that made three circles for five dollars and gave you barely enough time for a photo op all before it was time to truck it to the car.  Some ladies and a few men stood up after the credits began to roll only to find their denim shorts had ridden up and their capris had started creeping - I think you get the picture!

Here we go

Shirt by Comme des Garcons, shorts by Dolce and Gabbana

Do I look like Carrie?

Back this thing up

Heading home

The Broke and The Beautiful

A couple of weeks ago, Bachendorfs (a high-end jewelry boutique) played host to a private viewing of Ivanka Trump's precious gems collection.  Social friends of mine were already inside trying on the baubles as I entered the showroom.  Her book was displayed to perfection in recessed lit shelving and delicate, feminine flowers graced the cocktail tables that were strategically placed about.  She is arguably one of the most beautiful celebrities I have had the opportunity to meet, and we all know I'm a celebrity whore so that is telling.  She mingled with guests as they tried on rings and necklaces which were mostly trimmed out in diamonds.  I heard her speak of her mother (whom I also met and sat near at a Carolina Herrera fashion show with a friend Lisa Garza) and of her love for Dallas women.  Ivanka also expressed that these women could truly understand and appreciate her collection.  I can understand and appreciate it too, but my pocketbook is not big enough.  There was a big (and you know I love big) necklace that was rose gold and white quartz and channeled with diamonds that I nearly fell out trying this sucker on.  I'm in love.  I didn't ask the price because my mother always said if you have to ask the price, you can't afford it.

www.bachendorfs.com

My girlfriend knows her jewelry

Books on display

Cocktails and florals

Ivanka Trump

Cover Your Butt

Here in Dallas we are well into summer with soaring temperatures and folks already wearing (or not wearing more like it) as little clothing as possible.  This kind of behavior seems a bit slutty to me, but I have ever been known to sport a deep v-neck that leaves little to the imagination.  As I'm getting a little older and somewhat wiser, I've started using creams and salves with SPF from the likes of La Prairie (not cheap) to combat the effects of the pounding sun on my face and body.  May is the melanoma awareness month so I've got my fashionable black bracelets on to show my support, and who doesn't look great and thin in black!  One out of five Americans are estimated to develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and a million are diagnosed with it every year - scary!  Don't misunderstand, I love my trips to Los Cabos for cabana time and mai-tais, but before I dip my Pucci clad hiney in the Pacific, I make sure I'm perfectly protected - if you know what I mean.

la prairie - anti-aging emulsion and anti-aging eye cream - both with SPF

www.laprairie.com

Spray tan (an option to avoid the rays) - She comes to you

www.choosehope.com

Awareness never looked so good