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Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Feminine Differential - Body Image

I attempt to present myself as a woman of a certain age with dignity a good fashion sense.  My body image in far from ideal and I struggle.  Presentation is not easy when there is self doubt. Combine that with fashion inexperience then fear develops quickly.  

We all know that teens experiment with fashion and sometime it works and sometimes not. Many of us have what is best described as belated development and we come late to the fashion experimentation stage.   In a way that explains 5" heels at the mall on Saturday afternoon.  It is not that they don't look sexy but out of place.  Teens many times when they start with makeup go overboard, not realizing that less is better - natural. 

Without a question I have been there.  My closet is littered with over the top feminine outfits.  Maybe I was attempting to overcompensate? You think!  

I still catch myself trying-on tops and skirts that are not age appropriate.   I put together a post recently on  "Fashion for Grown-Ups" and discussed looks that can just be a little, "Too-Trendy".  

Dressing now is almost the opposite problem.  I very much enjoy my femininity, but I do not want to look frumpy or look like my grandmother.  My goal is modern, elegant, and chic - the delegate balance. 

Working as Rhonda and being out socially I have learned by observation. People watching is so much fun.  The biggest sourced for great fashion advice I have found recently is blogs that addresses fashion and my age group. Listed in my Favorite sites is "Fifty Not Frumpy" and Susan has been a great source for dressing and really looking put together.  Her blog is so worth following.  

That bring me to the photo above.  I love the look! Casual, young, fun and put together. It is from the blog "Haute Business Fashion and Finance". Helen describes her blog the way -  "Haute Business is a place for women to share both fashion and finance."  Yesterday's post on body image was outstanding. Here is great quote from yesterday's Blog:


When was the last time you met a woman who said she was perfectly happy with her body?  It’s a bit like looking for a unicorn.  If you’re that woman, congratulations.  If you have a good body image, you’re certainly in rare air.  Even Bo Derek,who starred as Dudley Moore’s idea of the perfect woman in the 70s hit movie “10” rated herself somewhere around a 7 or 8.  Seriously!  If she feels that way, where does that leave us?

For instance, working to look your best can be perceived as vanity.  I see it differently.   It’s placing a value on yourself, not just physically, but emotionally as well.  It’s about loving yourself enough to take care of yourself, inside and out....

In today’s society where looks continue to be a driving force to success, striving for that ever-elusive ideal becomes a consuming obsession.

Body image is something we all deal with, some more successfully than others, but we can all learn from each other.
One last photo of Helen.  Wow does she look great. Here is another link, Fabulous after 40, that offers advice for those of us that want to look stylish at our age.  This post includes an interview with Helen and has a heading of "No Old Lady Clothes for Haute Business!".  Enjoy!


 Haute Business Fashion
 and Finance





Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Cocktail Party Attire

Working in business, I am required to attend and ever-growing number of evening events. From fundraisers to cocktail parties and banquets, the list can seem endless.  But finding a dress to wear to these events is a real challenge.

Traditional cocktail dress code etiquette states that a dress’s length is to the knee, but nowadays you can go for something a little shorter if you wish. Short, strapless styles can look great on young ladies.  I typically wear at the knee or petite, above the knee.  

Just remember to keep it dressy and elegant, but not too formal. The appropriateness tends to be judged more on its sumptuousness rather than length so you should lean towards sensual fabrics like silk and crepe in good strong colors. 


From my closet I wore the above items to a resent cocktail party.  Here are some general notes I found on the internet.  Source:  Etiquette  and Manners.  

The Occasion: A Cocktail Party
        Old etiquette: No surprise here―a cocktail dress.
        New etiquette: Cocktail dresses are always in style - There are other options.
What to wear: These days, a cocktail party can be anything from a swanky society affair―cue that glittery knee-length number from the special occasions department―to a low-key group of friends gathered around a platter of canapes. But for the most part, cocktail parties are dressy-casual, so you can’t go wrong if you wear a fitted jersey dress (like the one shown) plus heels or fancy flats. Avoid fabrics that are too casual, like chino, jersey, and denim. Also avoid over sexy and remember this is business.  



Monday, August 29, 2016

Act Three

My tagline about “It never being too late” is catchy” and I am sure many of you have given it a passing cursory nod. We all know what the actual “being too late” would entail, so if you are reading this, you fit into its up side premise. 

I mentioned earlier that I lost my parents at a very young age and was raised by grandparents. They were wonderful and loving and I had an idyllic childhood. The only negative is that I lost them too soon.  

However, there were two dynamics put in place in my adolescent mind, both of which were false. I saw old age commencing at about the 6 decade, and based on parental permanence, I did not see myself living much past age 50. Wow was I wrong!


It has not been that long ago in human history that lifespans were so short, that three generations did not to live side-by-side.  Health advancements and wellness has changed so much that it is common today that four generations live side-by-side. We live almost a complete generation more than our grandparents.  I already have lived one-half a generation more than my grandparents and fully expect to live in good health as much as a full generation longer – possibly/hopefully more.  

I watched a video (below) that called this additional time "Act three".  Many of us after growing up built careers and family – "Act one".  "Act two", involved seeing our family mature, and enjoying an active life while still working.  Now what do we do with our “Act three”?  Do we continue or reinvent?  It is your option.

We baby boomers have never accepted passively the enviable.  So now what do we do with the gifted time? Our grandparents were not given an act three, thus no reinvention, planning or action.  Our past does not determine the future. The past involves memories – hopefully good ones.  However our future is unwritten and available. 

I got an early start on reinvention about 20 years ago. Not the one you are thinking, but was forced into rethinking all that I considered sacred. I put down quite a wake as I changed direction. I knew that continuing was going to make me an old, disillusioned, bitter and unhappy individual - Thus no regrets.  

I have been on job interviews where they ask the question “Where do you see yourself in twenty years?” Let us all suppose twenty more years and ask ourselves that very same question. 




Within this generation, an extra 30 years have been added to our life expectancy -- and these years aren't just a footnote or a pathology. At TEDxWomen, Jane Fonda asks how we can think about this new phase of our lives.




Sunday, August 28, 2016

Sunday Funnies - Conversion Therapy


Just in case you think this is absurd take a look at this Time Magazine article and portion quoted:  


The Republican Party’s platform is taking a turn for the right.

As GOP delegates gather in Cleveland to formulate the party’s principles document, social conservative priorities have dominated the discussion, with several provisions opposing same-sex marriage and endorsing controversial conversion therapy... The platform committee approved several of the measures in a sometimes-heated discussion between social conservatives and more moderate Republicans that represent a more conservative shift from the draft platform authored by Republican National Committee staff and outside advisers....

This and other provision of the Republican Party’s platform were approved by uncontested voice vote on the first night of their convention.


I got a response on my "Be Worried" post last week so let's see if this shakes anyone up. Please comment if you have an opposite view to relate. That is what politics is all about.   
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Growing up the funnies were my favorite section of the Sunday paper.  I will include a political cartoon occasionally when relevant.  I welcome your comments and feel free to express your views at any time. 
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I have no upcoming trips until the end of September and the first week in October.  September 29, 30 and October 1 I will be at the Southern Comfort Convention in Fort Lauderdale.  October 3-10 I will be in Asheville NC,   Southern Virginia (50th high school reunion) and then back in Jacksonville FL October 10th, for business.  


Saturday, August 27, 2016

Do Something That Defies Logic


Judith McNaught is a bestselling author of over a dozen historical and contemporary romance novels, with 30 million copies of her works in print. She was also the first female executive producer at a CBS radio station.  Source Wikipedia 

Everyone have a wonderful weekend! 




Friday, August 26, 2016

Feminine Differential - Casual Shopping

My Afternoon Shopping Trip 

I found a fascinating article (very scientific) that studied the differences in how men and women shop.  I have made no secret that I love to shop. However I do see a difference in how I shop bases on how I present.  Maybe It is just that I give myself permission to indulge and be in the moment as opposed to type “A” – the let's get it done approach. 

Last afternoon I had about an hour to kill before going to an art gallery opening so stopped by the mall.  I purchased the two tops in the fashion layout at Chicos and tried on many more.  I did not plan on any purchases beforehand and was just looking.  In all, I am very pleased with my purchases, 30% off, and both go well with items I already have, shown. 

As I was doing the layout I started to wonder if there were any studies that address the “feminine differential” on how men/women shop.  Silly me - of course there is.  I have included one paragraph so if interested chick the link and read.    FYI - I shop because I love it.  




Previous research has discussed two type of shopping motives: Utilitarian and hedonic  shopping. Utilitarian shopping involves “some type of conscious pursuit of an intended consequence” and hedonic  shopping relates to intrinsic and emotional response.  In other words the two shopping motives reflect the distinctions between the “shopping to get something” as opposed to the “shopping because you love it”.  Men’s motives for shopping appear to be utilitarian whereas woman’s shopping motives tend to be more hedonic.  Women are more likely than men to shop for enjoyment and information gathering rather than purchasing.  


How about you - Why do you shop and with what motive?  



Gallery Opening Night 

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Fashion Layout - Favorites



I had fun this morning playing with fashion.  These are all item I have in my wardrobe and seem to wear with consistency.   I will try in future layouts to show where the items came from so you can shop there also.  I am not making a commission but realize there are those on the web that do. Several of my blogging friends say I should, however for now I am doing this for my own pleasure and hopefully encourage you to get out and live life to the full - "ESCAPE".


So enjoy, comment and follow.      

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Gray is the New Blonde

Carmen Dell'Orefice

Embrace Your Silver Hair— It's Unique!

How we resist our natural gray locks. We moan and groan about the silver hairs which peep through the glossy brunette (or red or blond or whatever our natural hair color is) as a sign of encroaching maturity, a reminder that we all, if we're lucky, eventually succumb to old age. Most of us panic and reach for the dye. We go for streaks and tints, anything to disguise those nasty betraying grays.

Never mind all that. You need to know that gray is now THE color to have. Celebrities are even going out of their way to embrace silver. Baby boomers continue to have it all our own way. We are not prepared to fake any longer. We will celebrate middle-age. We will make grey the new blonde. We will make YOU want to be gray.



_____________________


From the Fabulous after Forty Blog here are some Tips:  

  • Start with a sheer to medium foundation and a dab of powder. As your hair grays so does your skin. It becomes pale, spotty and uneven, so you need foundation to create a smooth base.
  • A good under eye concealer is a must for women with gray hair
  • Make sure eyebrows are well-defined with a light pencil. Don’t use black. It’s too harsh.
  • Keep blush very soft and subtle. Just a sweep of color, otherwise you’ll look old and hard.
  • Lipstick is key to adding life to your face. The best shades are soft pinks, roses, and peaches. Stay away from anything that screams bright, or anything that is too dark.
  • Also avoid brown/neutral shades which are too dull and muddy.
  • Eyeshadow -I love make-up artist Bobbi Brown’s advice on this. She says: “I recommend grays, slates, and white for the eyes, which offer a sleek and sexy look without too much drama.” I’ve found that very soft pink can also work well with gray eyeshadow.


There is a wonderful book written by my friend Diana Jewel

you should check out called  Going Gray Looking Great. It covers everything to do with style and beauty for gray-haired women or us.  

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Feminine Differential - Next to Nothing

VIPME.COM
Please forgive - Today will be scandalous.  

There is one aspect of this hot summer I have been enjoying. If you remember, I have talked about in the past how I wore so much it was as much, a costume or complete cover-up. That has not been the case lately.  On occasions this summer I have worn short-shorts, off-the-shoulder tops all in light weight fabrics and sandals. And on more than one occasion I have worn a lightweight short dress, with only a bra and minimum panties underneath.  

Oh the shame of it!  

For some unlikely reason, it feels very liberating. It is fun and light. And o
n a hot day when as an ocean breeze move your hem, super exhilarating.  My guess females are so used to this, they do not notice and it is a feeling that few males would ever experience.  Therefore, the best word I can come up with is "cool". 

Give it a try - Comments Please?   


From FunFacts About . . . Underwear


In the 19th century, women typically wore heavy petticoats to keep the cold breezes from blowing up their skirts because they usually did not wear any underwear underneath. Until the mid-1800's, it was considered improper for a woman to wear anything in between her legs. This is why women rode sidesaddle and why pants were considered a male-only garment.

Monday, August 22, 2016

Be Worried - Be very Worried



Stephen Bannon, the head of Breitbart News, The new chief executive officer of Donald Trump's presidential campaign.  BloombergPolitics describes him as "This Man Is the Most Dangerous Political Operative in America."

Just when you would think it could not get any worse for the transgender community from the Republican Party and political right, look at what Steve Bannon, Donald Trump’s new Chief Executive offices said on his blog Breitbart


Headline – “Big Trans Hate Machine Targets Pitching Great Curt Schilling” Former Boston Red Sox great Curt Schilling says that men are men and women are women. That may cost him his job on ESPN.


This is Schilling statement he defended:

A man is a man no matter what they call themselves. I don’t care what they are, who they sleep with, men’s room was designed for the penis, women’s not so much. Now you need laws telling us differently? Pathetic.

Bloonberg after describing Mr.Bannon as the Most Dangerous Political Operative in America went on to describe his blog, Breitbart News, this way:



Bannon is the executive chairman of Breitbart News, the crusading right-wing populist website that’s a lineal descendant of the Drudge Report (its late founder, Andrew Breitbart, spent years apprenticing with Matt Drudge) and a haven for people who think Fox News is too polite and restrained.



Further, Vanity Fair’s Hive had this comment on what appear to be Trump’s master plan:    "Bannon, not surprisingly, has critics, even within the movement he leads. A former employee of Breitbart described him as “Donald Trump but more intelligent.” He didn’t mean it as a compliment, and was instead referring to the opportunism, the personal vindictiveness, and the lack of a moral center that have become defining characteristics of Trump."

Be worried - Now is not the time to do nothing or be politically inert.  




Sunday, August 21, 2016

Sunday Funnies - 8/21


1970 Playboy Cartoon by Don Orehek - Shoe Salesman 


Growing up the funnies were my favorite section of the Sunday paper.  I will include a political cartoon occasionally when relevant.  I welcome your comments and feel free to express your views at any time. 
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I have no upcoming trips until the end of September and the first week in October.  September 29, 30 and October 1 I will be at the Southern Comfort Convention (SCC) in Fort Lauderdale.  October 3-10 I will be in Asheville NC,   Southern Virginia (50th high school reunion) and then in Jacksonville FL October 10th, for business.  

Are you attending SCC? 

Saturday, August 20, 2016

Friday, August 19, 2016

The Olympics and Femininity Certificates

We have all been enthralled watching the Olympics of the last week.  The athleticism, concentration and sheer endurance is amazing.  The physical art of the gymnast coupled with what seem to be an ability to defy gravity is like watching art in motion.  It does not go unnoticed especially among us that there are stick gender boundaries. However defining these is becoming more and more of an issue.  

According to an article written by Christie Aschwanden, at stake is a delicate balance between protecting the integrity of women’s sport while also honoring the rights of intersex and transgender athletes, who already face discrimination and marginalization.

Here is an interesting historical account:

In 1938, the gender of an athlete came into dispute. The German high-jumper Dora Ratjen, a former fourth-place Olympian who won a gold medal at the European Athletics Championship, was suddenly identified as male, prompting Germany to quietly return the medal. When Ratjen’s case became public years later — he claimed that the Nazis pressured him to pose as a woman for three years — it validated the growing anxiety about gender fraud in athletics.... Dora lived as a female until two years after the 1936 Olympics, when police were alerted to a train traveler in women’s clothes who looked suspiciously masculine. With relief so apparent that the police noted it in their report, Ratjen told them that despite his parents’ claims, he had long suspected he was male. A police physician examined him and agreed, but reported that Ratjen’s genitals were atypical. Ratjen changed his first name from Dora to Heinrich. But those details were unknown until recently, so for decades, Ratjen was considered a gender cheat. 

By the mid-1940's, international sports administrators began requiring female competitors to bring medical “femininity certificates” to verify their sex. That has been extended and women’s eligibility has to be medicalized, systematized, and standardized. Athletes in the past had to prove their gender, by regulations known as a “naked parade,” chromosomal testing and currently testing of hormones levels, notably testosterone. 


The Canadian skier's ''Femininity Card'' 

So what is happening this year: CASTER SEMENYA, a runner from South Africa has sparked a huge debate about who should be allowed to compete in the Olympics. The middle-distance runner simply went about her business and won the semi-final event.   The Final event is Scheduled for Saturday August 20th as the debate about hyperandrogenism raged around her. The 25-year-old runner stormed through the first heats of the women’s 800m and is expected to win gold.  But many are questioning whether she should be allowed to run as a woman. Semenya has hyperandrogenism, a condition that means her testosterone levels are three times that of the average woman, giving her a broad, muscular frame and male look. So is she female?

Back home in South Africa, Semenya's defenders are using social media to show their support. The hashtag "HandsOffCaster" has been trending as her race approaches.  (read more: The Sensitive Question Of Intersex Athletes)


So the Olympics, the single biggest stage for female athletes, is back in the business of deciding who is a woman. The world around has changed, but the heart of the process has not.  


So why can not the world accept that we are what we say we are!

Stay tuned - I am sure the controversy is not finished. 


South Africa's Caster Semenya competes in the women's 800 meters in Rome

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Cute Casual Shoes - Keds


It’s not a running shoe, it’s a run the world shoe, with our classic sneakers for women

I will start with the Amazon review that won me over:


Trendy and comfy! - Absolutely love love love this cute shoe. It made my size 9 foot look really small. I wore it all day and it was really comfortable. I love the look of a cute white sneaker and these Keds are just perfect.

I receive these from amazon a few day ago and was looking for a clausal cute shoe for playing and travel.  I love these.   "Leisurely Saturday mornings have never looked so good".  I wanted something to go with the "Girlfriend Jean look"  and although not the exact shoes from the Chicos catalog, a close match.  These are leather with a rubber sole and not the typical canvas Keds, as shown below.  

From the mid-1980's through the mid-1990's, Keds were very popular with girls from elementary school age through tween, teens, college age and beyond. Moms also wore this same trend as their daughters. These have been around as long as I can remember as a casual fashion shoe that can go with anything.    

Keds celebrated its centennial in 2016 and the continuation of its "Ladies First Since 1916" campaign.  I love the slogan and the Keds web site is fun to browse.  I got the shoes above from Amazon (size 9) for $41.00 - a real shoe bargain and cute. Enjoy! 

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Sunday Meetup Mixer

Sunday's Meetup


My Sunday afternoon escape was to the Palm Beach Chesterfield hotel.  There is a monthly Second Sunday Meetup that always attracts a good crowd. Even being out-of-season (summer) for Florida, we had fun and good size group of about 50. Present were several civilians that joined in the fun.   

If ever in Palm Beach, The Chesterfield, Leopard Lounge and Restaurant is a must stop.  It describes itself this way:
The legendary Leopard Lounge & Restaurant, one of Palm Beach’s best loved institutions, is the epitome of sleek sophistication. Jet black lacquered walls, window blinds, granite topped tables, leather banquette seating and chairs, are perfectly complemented by a leopard skin patterned carpet, bevelled mirrors, punkah fans and the richly swirling white and red images of the decadent hand painted ceiling.

The hotel built in 1928 is a proud member of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection and Small Luxury Hotels of the World.  It is located in the heart of a residential section of Palm Beach but still only two blocks north of the world famous Worth Avenue shopping experience.

Sunday Outfit 

Monday, August 15, 2016

Feminine Differential - Work Environment

Today's Secretary November 1959
I had the wonderful and enlightening experience of working as Rhonda for over 7 years.  I worked as an administrative assistant for 2 years,  3 years as a museum donation coordinator and 2 years as an office manager.   I would still be at the last job had the office not closed.  I was having that much fun.

This certainly was not any marked achievement.  Our transitioning, sisters do this every day and this is the conventional environment for the female working population. 

According to an Ann York CNN survey, "in 2011, 96% of all secretaries and administrative assistants are women. For a variety of reasons, clerical work came to be dominated by women. Once an occupation becomes 'feminized', trends show that men prefer not to enter it." 

I relished the challenge and adored the job. Stepping into a female-dominated occupation, I had nothing to lose and much to learn.  As a former/retired entrepreneur and executive, it was as if I became an undercover or clandescent spy. What I learned and experienced was amazing.    

I understand that to learn a new language, immersion training works best. Immersion was what I did in the land of femininity.  And there was much to learn prior - body language, hand gestures, eye contact, fashion styles, voice delivery tone/volume and social interactions.  All of the above was expected, planned, and practiced. Here are some of the situations that I did not anticipate:  


What I learned working in the land of femininity.

  • Women are underpaid.  No big revelation here.  The glass ceiling is very real but there is a subtle, even more, insidious element that keeps it in place.  The positions that women in the business workplace hold are seen as essential but the person is seen as disposable. “Readily available is your replacement” is the message. Turnover is even expected/encouraged at that level.  Therefore, instead of giving raises employers expect the incumbent to move on thus perpetuating the entry-level salary.  This was a shock, where male employees are encouraged to move up, female employees are expected to move on. Moving on many times means restarting the career back at the entry level.
  • Female employees are less likely to help each other in the workplace and at times will roadblock ambition. Much of their work is focused and provides little time to build work relationships. Women network better outside of work and in an entrepreneurial environment, however at work their focus tends to isolate them. They are so busy and preoccupied; comradery comes second.  
  • Assignments are distributed unfairly.  Female employees are seen as the “get it done” group (worker bees) and males are seen as the traditional decision makers.  I cannot tell you how many times I saw a meeting taking place, typically males, making critical work decisions unencumbered by input and then after the meeting, having a “special project” assigned.  My input was not solicited and the message, “not required”.
  • Female managers, one would think, would be empathetic and supportive to other females in the workplace.  I found it not to be the case.  Once they have risen above the female work pool, to be supportive of the underlings is seen as weakness.  To be part of the “good old boy” fraternity is viewed as the goal, although acceptance is seldom granted.  In my limited experience, I found male manages to be more understanding and open to mentoring thus encouraging achievement. Certainly more appreciative. 
Please don’t construe what I am saying as bitter or regret for my time working as Rhonda.  I would do it again in a heartbeat for the challenge and sheer delight.  All dressed up and somewhere to go - "Every Day".  All jobs have negative times and what I have describes are only my basic observations. These may have been isolated occurrences and your mileage will vary. 

I welcome your comments. 


Vintage Photo from Today's Secretary 1962

Sunday, August 14, 2016

Sunday Funnies - Dilbert


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Growing up the funnies were my favorite section of the Sunday paper.  I will include a political cartoon occasionally when relevant.  I welcome your comments and feel free to express your views at any time. 
____________

I have no upcoming trips until the end of September and the first week in October.  September 29, 30 and October 1 I will be at the Southern Comfort Convention in Fort Lauderdale.  October 3-10 I will be in Asheville NC,   Southern Virginia (50th high school reunion) and then back in Jacksonville FL October 10th, for business.  




Friday, August 12, 2016

Feminine Differential - Team Shopping

Friend's Friday 


Photo Source: My Woman Stuff
Do you shop alone or with someone? I know sounds a little personal. I am an independent person and much of my shopping is done alone, either on trips or excursion to the mall to just see what is new. I love to shop so will make an opportunity whenever I can. I do not have many memories of my mother (long story) but I do recall she loved shopping, especially for shoes. So I come by my shoe addiction naturally.   

I have a great shopping story - I was out of town about 20 years ago over a weekend and wanted to get out, have lunch and go the mall. I called a girl friend to see if she wanted to go and to my surprise she said, sure. So off we went, shopping first. This was kind of a first - In girl mode with a friend doing the ultimate girls thing. 

So there is not a misunderstanding, the person I will call Ann is a real girl and we were just friends. She enjoyed Rhonda's company and I likewise.  

At a large upscale department store, we looked, played, laughed and were really having fun. Our sales person commented about how cute we both were. The sales girl suggested a beautiful dress and said she would start a room so I could try it on. After I picked several more items and told her I was ready to give them all a try.  She told me my room was the last door on the left with the dress hanging on the door.  Ann had also seen several items she liked and our sales girl had taken them away as well.  

As I went in to my rather large changing room I noticed Ann's stuff was hung in that room also. Ann had followed me back and was looking for her items in another room.  It was about this time we both realize we were both set up in the same room. As soon as the shock wore off, we both giggled, undressed and started trying on all of our combined items.  

Ann stepping out of a beautiful dress, wearing only panties and a bra, handed it over to me, wearing only panties and bra, saying "You try this - I think it will look better on you".  And it did.  

A few minute later the sale girl opened the door, and said "you girls are having way too much fun; Do you need anything?"    

I never realize that this is the way two girls shop. After paying for our respective items we went to the department store cafe and giggled more. Ann's comment "didn't you know that was going to happen?" 

"No - that was not my plan - but it sure was fun." was my answer.  What an enjoyable afternoon - Just two girls shopping.    

Thursday, August 11, 2016

Girl Friend Jeans

Chico's Guide to Style - Early August 2016 

Wow, what a great look! I am not a big fan of Chico's mainly because of their weird sizing.  I never know if I am size 1 or size 3 and almost always have to try an item on to see if it is going to fit. However this outfit looks super.  I already have several item in my closet that are like this outfit and will definitely try this look.  I hate using the "A" word "androgynous", but this might be just the right mix of feminine to casually work. Maybe for my next airline flight and this is a great year round outfit for Florida.  In reality this model has the androgynous look going and I especially like her hair style.  Nothing is over the top - just cute.   See the whole catalog here:

I even love the shoes.  They are super cute as well and look comfortable.  I have been on the look for girly, but not over the top plus comfortable, casual shoes. I think I have found them but will not post any info until I can can confirm.  Stay tuned.   

There is still some summer left so this would be perfect for a day at the beach, lake or weekend lunch with the girlfriends.  I will give it a try and let you know how it worked. You do the same.

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Remember The Alamo - Part 3



Lunch At Casa Rio
This is several additional photos and random thoughts from my resent trip to San Antonio.  I flew in wearing white pull-on jeans and the top shown to the right.  Not exactly "Flying Pretty" but I have learned there is a lot to be said for practically when going from gate to gate in the Atlanta Airport - You never know how far the distance.  I am certainly up for the challenge but commons sense rules when Delta/ATL connections are involved.  

That is also true when walking around in the summer heat outside.  Once I checked into my hotel I changed into shorts and headed out.    I remembered River Walk from a previous visit, over 20 years ago, however enjoyed experiencing the architecture again.  This was government money well spent putting America back to work during the "Great Depression". To bad the same was not done during the "Great Recession" and we would have something to see for the billions spent.  So I guess still having banks is a good thing?  We still benefit from the projects of the 1930's in our national parks and so many other worthwhile destinations. 

TSA has never given me any problems.  About 50% of the time I get Pre-Check and breeze through not even taking my shoes off. One funny experience was in Chicago's O'harea a few months back.  I presented my passport along with my ticket and the TSA agent without looking too closely said "Honey, you and your husband have your identifications mixed up".  I just laughed, said "it is me". Not the best gamma but explains the situation in the least amount of words.   After a big smile came across her face and I told her she had made my day.  She laughed too and said she was sorry and was experiencing a long day.  She told me I looked great.  I did enjoy the complement in spite of my long day also.

Do not let TSA deter you for escaping.  They seem to be well trained and do not want to hold up the lines any more than we want to wait.  Attitudes have changed and I am sure they have seen it all, by now. 

I had three days of business meeting in San Antonio and overall enjoyed the whole trip.  I have made many similar trips and getting out as Rhonda is always a fun challenge and add excitement.  San Antonio was a good destination.  Plan your escape.  


Casa Rio a little later in day