Show off a Little

This past week I happened to be in Manhattan more than usual.  As always I take time to people watch because there are just so many things the mind can come up with about stories on each person.  Where they come from, what they do and where they are going are just a few of them.  Since I have been doing my Fashion Forward post lately, it is no surprise that I took note on the attire.  

From men and woman in suites to tourist in there vacation wear, I decided there was a problem: Over Exposure.  Of course this applies only to women.  I noted on my days out that woman were barring a bit too much.  Cleavage, mid drift and legs were a plenty.  Since it was hot, I can understand.  It's not like we want to dress in sweats.  But there was just too much on display.  Why can't we, as woman, chose one to highlight and accentuate?

One of my top rules when deciding what to wear is what I want to show off.  Is it a bit of chest or my legs or perhaps my mid drift?  I will never choose anything like this:

I can only imagine what it looks like from the front.  Granted she is posing for the camera, but really?

Here is something I chose which I think is appropriate for the day out and to dinner.  It don't think I showed too much yet I was still comfortable.

                                                

Location: 59th and 5th 

Top: unknown

Shorts: unknow

Bag: Modcloth

Tailored Menswear

Fashion goes round and round.  Diane Keaton and Katharine Hepburn wore mens inspired clothing long ago.  Now it's back with the boyfriend blazer and boyfriend jeans and who knows what other "boyfriend" look is also out there.

Hair: Lace braided headband tied with diagonal dutch braid into low side ponytail then bunned

Shirt: Banana Republic

Vest: vintage

Pants: Banana Republic

Necklace: Ann Taylor Loft

Watch: unknown

Color me Fuchsia

I believe fuchsia is one of the boldest colors to wear.  The mix of vivid pink, red and purple hue attracts glances. From a minor pendant or a major piece of clothing, fuchsia attracts attention.  This fuchsia tank top has wonder collar ruffles with a tie strap.

Top: Banana Republic

Cardigan: Delia's

Pants: H&M

Only one thing is worse than Fashion Faux Pas

Stroll down any busy street and there is bound to be at least one fashion mistake that catches your eye.  Maybe they just don't realize it or maybe they don't care.  However for the one seeing the big muffin top or those exposed bra straps and other cringe worthy mistakes, it churns my stomach just a bit.

Documenting fashion is of utmost importance.  The complete look viewed through something beside a mirror can capture the essence of the outfit.

However, sometimes that is not possible.  I dread self portraits!  Be it using a phone or a camera, I don't feel that it is able to capture the message.  There are very few poses available and a complete head to toe image is practically impossible to achieve.  

Today I was inspired by fellow blogger and close friend Olithia of Do You Speak Cilantro to attempt another fashion post.  So I found someone to take a picture of me.  Sadly I don't own a good point and shoot camera so I used my phone.  It is NOT the next best thing. 

Dress: Soprono, picked it up at Tjmaxx

Cardigan: Ann Taylor 

Belt: Vintage, Etsy

Shoes: Clarks 

Commitment and Experiences

Although I try not think that this blog is homework, I feel that i don't dedicate as much time as i should. 

With that being said, I have promised myself to post at least twice a week.  It does not matter to me if the post be two sentences or two pages, all I ask of myself is to post. This post will kick it off! 

But for more content.

There isn't anything greater than enjoying a meal at a restaurant.  The combination of good service, delicious food and fabulous company is like no other experience; however, to have this experience at the creme de la creme of a New York City restaurant is truly unforgettable. 

The night started off at my arrival to Eleven Madison Park with my friend.  We were greeted by two hostesses and promptly seat at a corner table that over looked the dining room.  The first thing I noticed was the ratio of waitstaff to patrons, it was about 1 to 3.  The attentiveness started right away with presenting the drink and food menu.  We chose the Gormand, an eleven course tasting menu and I also opted for the wine pairing. 

Then the dance began,  every course, every wine, every movement seemed calculated and rehearsed.  I could find very little fault in the presentation of each course and wine as they were set in front of me and explained each and every time.  The food was delicious and the wine went fabulously with each course.  To explain each dish would not it justice.  At the end of the night I was presented with the dessert plate that had "Happy Birthday Shannon" written on it expertly.

After everything was cleared away, the bill was presented to us as well as the menu.  Mine was the standard while my friend received an alternative one that had the shellfish and mollusk substitutions.  We also walked away with a small jar of chef's pick olive oil and gelee.

All in all, my dinner at Eleven Madison Park took a total of four hours from beginning to end.  With a price tag of over half a grand, I wonder when I will go back for another try. 

I want, I want, I want, but I shall not have.

My last post featured a yellow dress with a frilly skirt.  It was my first post on featuring things that I liked but would not buy just because I liked it.  Then my sweet Olithia of Do You Speak Cilantro, asked if I was going to or had purchased it for a stop on our Great North American Road Trip to Alinea in Chicago.  Then I got thinking, should I get it?!?!?!
Thankfully, as my cursor poised above the "checkout" I came to my senses.  Although I can want everything in the world, I cannot own everything I want.  As newbie in the world of adulthood, I feel it is paramount that I spend cautiously.
I have lived by my words once, lets see how many more times I can do it!

The YouTuber

It should be no surprise that I am a YouTube fan since, according to podcastingnews.com, the site as reached over 2 billion views per day.  My favorites to watch are cooking videos and make up tutorials.  It is my go to place for "how to" info as well.  However, a few months back I discovered what "haul" videos where.  Although I doubt many wouldn't know, I will explain it anyway.  A YouTube "haul" is basically a video about someones purchase, what they bought, a description and what they think about it.

I have done my due diligence to find hauls that do not pertain to beauty or clothing.  So far I have come up with none.  Then an article in July issue of Marie Claire came out about the growing number of haul videos which got me thinking.... How do they afford it all.

I love clothes and make up but never have I gone out to purchase a group of products unless it was absolutely necessary.  Therefore I have come up with a plan.  If I come across a dress I like online or an eye shadow that I think its cool I won't buy it.  I would just post a picture or a link because I want to live within my means and it would be impossible to buy things just to tell people about it.

So let me kick it off!

From: Modcloth.
Name: Who Wants to Be a Frillionaire Dress

Why I like it: Strapless is cute for summer, a light cardigan over it and it's ready for a daytime picnic or a cropped blazer and its good for an evening out dancing.  The color looks soft and feminine, it catches the eye but doesn't over shock the viewer.  Of course the frills are super eye catching.