My Country Queen

David in Marni and me in Stella McCartney

Ok - anyone who knows me knows that I die for Dolly.  As a child I remember keeping all my 45's in a red pleather box with a lucite handle and carrying them all around the neighborhood like I was carrying a purse hoping the other local children would ask what was inside so I could pull out my favorite collection of Dolly's early hits.  Really she was one of the first concerts my father took me to in Arkansas.  I think my dad had a crush on her, and I just wanted to become her when I grew up.  I since have had the fortunate opportunity to see her probably half a dozen times so I guess you could say we grew older together.  Last week we had the pleasure of acquiring tickets through a client of mine so when I arrived, I downed a double margarita and headed to our seats which were coincidentally located in section DD (double d - get it?).  We waited excitedly for her to make an entrance, and when the ticket says she's starting at 8:00 p.m., she in fact begins at 8:00 p.m.  She looked like an angel in a gold jumpsuit with a teal colored sheer overlay dress with fringe details.  She would have made the perfect tree topper, and I would buy it.  She almost brought the house down with a revival of some religious classics and some of her stand-bys.

Curtain time

Center stage

She took a 30-minute intermission which made it perfect for people watching around me from Grandpa Jones look-alike and his western attire to a lady Two Doors Down who looked liked she was smothered in southwestern turquoise.  Dolly then returned to the stage in a gold legging pantsuit covered entirely of long fringe.  The crowd went crazy as she shook and shimmied about with so much energy. She of course belted out 9 to 5 which was one of my faves and ended with I Will Always Love You.  Her show left me with a smile, but the only way out of the theater was a two lane country road in grid lock traffic that reminded me of being back in Arkansas for my first Dolly show.  Unfortunately, I ended up with a flat tire by the time I got home, but I won't complain because I love me some Ms. Parton!

Lovin' the Stetson

Texting in turquoise

Ms. Parton

What's up with this round-about exit?

Street Chic

Waiting for a runway show to begin can sometimes be long and tedious if you are not into people watching and scoping out the crowd, but this guy makes it relaxing for the eyes with his chic ensemble.  He is polished and poised in his gorgeous dark salmon colored trench coat, gray trousers, brown shoes, and black bag - not perfectly matched which makes it all the more fabulous.  It's a mix of neutrals that calms the nerves.

Black bag by Celine

I love the peep of the striped sweater for just a little pattern

Grey Goose and Gossip

Komali is one of my favorite restaurants not simply due to the amazing Mexican cuisine, but the owner Abraham Salum is a doll.  He always gets us in at the most random hours for dinner, and the wait staff has my drink down to a science.

www.komalirestaurant.com

Recently, this hopping haunt played host to what was a very exciting viewing of Big Rich Texas.  My friend Connie whom I have known for years along with her daughter were two of the cast members who helped throw this cocktail get-together.

Connie in the middle - owner of Uptown Consignment

Another social acquaintance is Pamela Martin.  She and her daughter were the two repeat players from the original show, but they were out of the country for the summer and couldn't make it back for the launch - super sad as they were missed.  Abraham had reassured me a spot up front so I could take it all in, and since I was running from this to that, I knew I would have to stand if I didn't give him a shout out prior to arrival.  And when I arrived, the people were working those poor bartenders like race horses to get a final drink before the show began, and as I predicted there wasn't an available seat in the house so good thing I called ahead.

Not a seat in the house

Everyone cheered as the promo and the drama began.  Sadly I couldn't visualize all the happenings but hearing was a bit different.  I don't read sub-titles quickly, but I caught that one of the daughters had the "c" word tattooed on her foot.  She and her mother seem like the rebels which is why that duo could possibly be my favorite.

Taking in all the captions

After an hour just as all good train wrecks must come to an end, I jumped off my bar stool and said my hellos and goodbyes to the crowd and to the lovely Cynthia Smoot (a fellow blogger who is well worth the read).  We exchanged privately our take on the evening - the fashion, the hair, the show - you know your typical girl talk and called it a night.

Cynthia Smoot - www.ohsocynthia.com

Actually, I met some great people I hadn't seen before so I'm sure I will tune in for the next episode on Sunday at 8:00 p.m. because I think someone is getting a boob job - can't wait!

Yee-haw!

Thought

Ladies and some gents - don't overlook wearing layers with drape.  Tops that slouch may not look the best on the hanger in a store, but do give them a try in the dressing room, and you may find yourself taking them home.  They can be flattering to lots of body shapes and add that little punch to an otherwise plain silhouette.  You can even layer these with jackets and belts as they don't have to be one dimensional shapes for single pieces.

Top by Giambattista Valli

Notice the asymmetrical sleeves

Jacket by Miu Miu and pants by Chloe

Bold stripes

The shirt I'm wearing that's pictured in particular always reminds me of one my mother's swag drapes that we had in our house when I was growing up, but even that thought didn't discourage me from making this purchase.

All in the Buff

Summer to me can be summed up in one word - PEDICURE.

God, I love them.  My feet are always so jacked up because I stand on them all day long and half the night so they usually need some major tlc.  Recently, I headed to a local nailery called Hollywood Nails merely due to the name.  If I can't get out of the sweltering heat, then an establishment named after one of my favorite destinations would have to do; however, the place is anything but fancy.  I ordered a glass of wine which I'm sure came from a box in the back room, but it did the trick to start my relaxation.  My technician scrubbed my feet with that pumice stone for twenty minutes as she chatted with co-workers scampering about the floor.  Then, she wrapped them up in the hottest towels that almost sent me into hot flash hell followed by a massage which is normally my favorite, but this time if felt more like a flogging.  She then ask me what color I wanted my toenails painted.  I responded by requesting just a buff please.

Relaxation therapy

Scrubbing away

It's all about moisture

Soft and smooth

When she finished, they were so shiny that I could have hung them out of my car window and used them for reflective side mirrors.  Admiring my toes on the way to check out, I took notice of others' feet as I walked through the place.  There were a couple of girls who got my attention with their choice of polish color - one loved OPI and the other swore by Essie.

OPI color - La Paz-itively Hot

Essie color - Ballet Slippers

Later while at Barneys spraying perfume on white strips of paper for smelling, I took a breather to check out some of their nail polishes to see the latest and hottest colors.  I found that some of my favorite for the summer come from Nars and a super fun line Deborah Lippmann.  She was noted as a mega manicurist by Vogue.  That alone would convince me to buy a bottle and do more than just buff next time.

Nars polish found at Barneys New York

Deborah Lippmann polish with fun names likes Makin' Whoopee

Pick

If you're always trying to find those staple items to go with everything but wanting more than basic tees and leggings, then look no further because I have found them.  I'm of course talking about The Row.  The clothing is beautifully tailored and well made.  I used to think of the label as just tee shirts and tanks, but it's a full collection of items from tanks, tees, sweaters, jackets, coats, skirts, leggings, trousers, and dresses.  And now, the Olsens have added accessories to the line with some of the most simple yet chicest bags.  The colorations for the clothing always tend to be neutral (which is my favorite usually) but always have an interesting slant including unusual olives, blues that are not quite navy, and the creamiest putty colors.  All can always be mixed and matched together or paired with your other pieces for endless combinations.  The shapes are simple yet still have subtle details that take them to a high-end finish, and they are all always endlessly wearable.  I find myself going back to my pieces from The Row time and time again because the entire collection is always totally modern yet totally timeless.

All clothing by The Row

Bag by Louis Vuitton

Mother of Pearl sunglasses by Celestina Maynila and purchased in The Bahamas

Sandals by Marni

Just a note:  save up your dollars on this shopping excursion because the price points are high, but well worth it.  See the collection at Barney's New York stores  and locally at 4510.