Ashamed

Before I go forward with any other posts regarding The One Hundred, I have to correct a serious error I made in a previous post.  Oh, I could have gone back and corrected the error but this is so serious, I must confess it openly and honestly.

I have always loved Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel.  She contributed to fashion in ways we will never fully understand.  She designed c o m f o r t a b l e clothes for women.  Although she is know for her classic, collarless suits, and the little black dress, she also was a rebel; she wore pants and cut her hair in a time when these were seen as vulgarities.  She created the first perfume, she more or less invented costume jewelry.  She stayed in Paris during WWII when others of her stature fled to safer more comfortable accommodations.  (Yes, it was at the Ritz-Carlton but even so, I don't think anyplace in Paris during WWII was safe or comfortable.)  In essence, Coco Chanel was the epitome of innovative.
http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/chnl/hd_chnl.htm (This is a great reference from the Metropolitan Museum of Art.)

In the past year, there have been 2 movies made about Chanel - Coco Before Chanel and Coco Chanel.  If you get a chance to see one, watch the more authentic Coco Before Chanel.  I watched both movies before I posted on the LBD and have a reasonable amount of knowledge about Chanel because she is a bit of an obsession for me.  I know she had never married.  I know she was not a Madame but rather a Mademoiselle.



Therein lies my error and I apologize.  More to Mme Chanel than to you but when I'm wrong, I fully and openly admit it.  Please forgive me and yes, I have made the correction to my earlier post.

Number Sixty-one

The one-piece swimsuit.

Obviously I own one because I don't own a bikini, don't live near a nude beach, (like I'm opposed to wearing a bikini but will go to a nude beach), and like to partake in a swim every now and then.

There's really nothing else to say.

Number sixty-one - the one-piece swimsuit.  Thirty-nine down, sixty-one to go.

Number Twenty-seven

Diamonds are a girls best friend.  Specifically for number twenty-seven, it's diamond studs.  Yes, I am very, very, fortunate and do own beautiful diamond studs.  They were a gift from my husband.  He brought them back from a business trip to Africa for our first wedding anniversary almost 14 years ago.  I love them, wear them almost everyday, and have made it known that should something happen to me, they go to my youngest step-daughter (my wedding ring goes to my eldest).  They are, quite simply, one of my most treasured possessions.

All of that being said, I will never buy or accept another diamond.  You see, the term "blood diamond" is a reality.  My husband worked in the mining industry for 25 years.  He has visited the diamond mines owned and operated by the De Beers Family in South Africa and knows not only the geology of the diamond industry, but also knows the politics of the diamond industry.  I've quoted him in another post as saying, "Turquoise is more precious than diamonds." and I'll add, less bloody.

When we had decided to get married, I, like the majority of young, naive, American girls wanted and demanded a diamond engagement ring.  He begged me choose another gem - something that was actually rare but no, I had to have a diamond.  He obliged.  I also thought it was so "cool" that he traveled to Africa that each time he went, I asked for more diamonds and each time, he would say, "If you only knew."  However, he once again obliged and gave me my earrings.

It was the flu and Leonardo DiCaprio that finally convinced me.  Three years ago, Bernie and I had gone to a family members wedding in Phoenix and both of us had the flu.  We were literally stuck in the hotel room and decided we would rent Blood Diamond.  I could hardly watch the movie and when it was over, I told Bernie I had no idea.  He said, "Oh yes you did."  "I've been trying to tell you for years that the diamond business is ugly and diamonds are NOT rare but like most American women, you want to believe otherwise."  From that moment on, I decided that diamonds were not a girls best friend and I would never long for them again.

I'm not suggesting that anyone get rid of their diamonds.  I am however, suggesting that you think twice before buying another diamond, especially one from Africa.  And, if you have never seen Blood Diamond, rent it, but be prepared; it is a tough, tough movie to watch and unfortunately, fairly accurate.  (For what it's worth, DiCaprio gives an amazing performance and absolutely nails the accent.)

So Ms. Garcia, you are correct, diamond studs are stylish and as you suggest, fake diamonds are just fine.  If you don't have any, get yourself some fakes.  If you have real diamonds, of course keep them and treasure them and I can't say this enough, think twice before you purchase more.

Number twenty-seven - diamond studs.  Thirty-eight down, sixty-two to go.

Number Twenty-nine

"The ultimate summer shoe." says Nina.  Espadrilles. I've longed for espadrilles since I started reading The Preppy Handbook in high school.  I had never really found the right pair until recently and as per usual, I now own 2 pair and am considering purchasing...well, more.  Actually, espadrilles were one of the first purchases I made when I started reading The One Hundred.  I've loved them for so long and yet I've never found the perfect pair.

I've learned from Nina that espadrilles have a long, long history. In fact, espadrilles go back to the 1400's.  It is a shoe that is traditionally worn by peasants and fisherman and are traditionally made in Portugal and Spain.

Being the snob that I am, I began to seek out Castaner espadrilles.  The Castaner shoe company has been making espadrilles in Spain since 1776.  Apparently, the company was on the brink of closing its doors until Yves Saint Laurent commissioned them to create a high heel version of the shoe.  (I'm so glad he did.)  However, I did not want a high heel version,  well, I did/do, but first, I wanted a flat version and I
wanted only Castaner.  I found them on e-bay, of course, for a very reasonable price and guess what?  Most uncomfortable pair of flats I've ever owned in my life!  Seriously, I have to wear mole skin on my heels every time I put them on but by george, I own a pair of Castaner espadrilles.

My second pair of espadrilles is essentially the same as the first.  I found an adorable pair of espadrilles, made in Spain of course, with a very cute flower and I just had to have them.  I wore them once, received a ton of compliments, and went home at lunch and put on moleskin.  (I know, I could have changed shoes, but vanity wins almost always.)

So, as you now know, I'm seeking more espadrilles because I'm seeking a comfortable pair.  I know they exist, people have been wearing them for centuries.  Maybe I need to buy these Christian Louboutin's for a mere $290 to get comfort.  (Actually, there's a great pair of knockoffs at Target for $20 that I'll try.)  I'll keep you posted.

Number twenty-nine - espadrilles.  Thirty-seven down, sixty-three to go.

Number Forty-nine

LWD - Little White Dress.  Believe it or not, I actually own 3 little white dresses. S L E E V E L E S S little white dresses.  It's true!  How this happened, I do not know.  Sleeveless and little!  Who would have guessed.  Here's another shocker, I actually wear these dresses.  Let me clarify, I wear them with a jacket or shrug.  (Okay, I plan on wearing one to an outdoor musical festival and have no intention of wearing a jacket.  I'm just gonna let those flabby arms fly!)

Unlike the little black dress, the little white dress in my opinion is much more casual and can only be worn during certain times of the year.  Nina says that the white after Labor Day rule is malarkey but I disagree.  My disagreement with her is that it's not necessarily about the color, but about the dress.  My experience has been a little white dress is summer not fall or winter (spring is questionable).  Granted, I have seen beautiful white jersey dresses that would be okay anytime of the year, but in my mind, that is not the quintessential little white dress.  My definition of a LWD is cotton, sleeveless or short sleeves, perhaps some eyelet, short and breezy -  in essence, simple.

It seems difficult to express excitement about a simple white dress and yet when I see one, I do get excited - thus the reason I own three.  I think it's because the LWD is plain and doesn't really need anything other than a hot summer day as an accessory. Bring on the heat wave cause I've got three dresses that need to get some wear before labor day.

Number forty-nine, the little white dress.  Thirty-six down - sixty-four to go.

Number Forty-eight

LBD - Little Black Dress.  Oh how I wish I could say I owned one.  Ms. Garcia writes in The One Hundred that Mme Chanel should be credited with the LBD and I couldn't agree more.  When I think of it, I think only of Mme Chanel.  Ms. Garcia also shares a quote Mme Chanel made to rival designer Elsa Schiaparelli   "Scheherazade is easy."  Mme Chanel said, "The little black dress is hard."  This is the exact reason why I do not own one.

One of Mme Chanel's Little Black Dresses from 1926

First, I'm not little and the thought of a little dress is frightening.  Not that the little black dress has to be little, but just for kicks, go out some day and try to find a black dress that isn't.  In fact, black dresses are either little or matronly and in most cases they are sleeveless and that I just can't do.  (Sleeveless is right up there with me owning a bikini.)

I do long for the perfect little black dress because it would just be so great to have that one dress that you knew you could always wear in numerous situations.  It's an item that really has nothing to do with fashion, but has everything to do with class.  In my opinion, the little black dress should be about class and not about fashion.  It should be timeless.  It should also serve many purposes - the business meeting, dinner and dancing, a first date, cocktail party, and yes a funeral.  Ms. Garcia, as usual, does an excellent job explaining how accessories can change the look and as usual, I couldn't agree more.

Now that I've written it all down, Mme Chanel was exactly right, "The little black dress is hard."

So, in light of the difficult task ahead,  I make this vow.  (I'm raising my right hand and placing it on the July issue of Vogue).  I solemnly swear that I will not give up my search for the perfect little black dress. I won't schedule a shopping day to purchase the little black dress but rather will keep my eyes open always for the perfect dress.  I will use Mme Chanel as a guide for my decision.

Number forty-eight - The Little Black Dress.  Thirty-five down, sixty-four to go.

Another Chanel little black dress from 1927.

Mme Chanel herself in what else, a little black dress.

Post-script - Nina Garcia refers to Chanel often in The One Hundred.  When referencing her in her writing about the little black dress, she addresses her as Mademoiselle.  This indicates to me that the little black dress is so important that the person credited with inventing it deserves the utmost respect.  I could not agree more.  Thank you Mme Chanel for EVERYTHING!

Number Eighty-five

The sunhat.  To begin with, I am a poster-child for skin cancer and yes, I own several sun hats.  But beyond that, I own several sun hats because like everything else, I'm obsessed with cute hats and I use my fair skin as an excuse to purchase them.  (I need to be more careful about divulging my secrets because some of this may get back to my husband and my gig may be up.)  Anyway...I do love a cute straw hat and like most everything else, you have to find the right one and WEAR IT!!

Here's a dirty little secret - I hate to primp and preen - hate it!  Therefore, on the weekend I do whatever I can to keep from spending 30 minutes of my precious time in front of a damn mirror fixing my hair and makeup.  Most people can wake up and their hair shows some sort of resemblance to their day to day hairstyle; I am not one of those people.  I wake up and have to find my hair and put it back on my head.  I don't know what I do when I sleep, but apparently may hair has a hell of party because it looks nothing like it normally does.  Herein lies the beauty of owning hats.  


Normally I would wear a baseball hat on the weekend or leave my hair au naturale (clean but curly and on my head).  Recently however, I have decided to wear one of my sun hats instead.  They are more chic, stylish and purposeful during these hot summer months.  On my first outing with one of my sun hats, I asked my friend Linda if she was embarrassed to be seen with me.  She kindly replied, "No!" and off we went shopping.  As usual, I saw the glances from the small town heros but went on about my business and felt good about my stylish choice for concealing my weekend hair.   Then, on the drive home, I saw one of the town's "crazy" ladies and guess what, she had on a sun hat very similar to mine.  I just had to laugh.  It didn't deter me from wearing my sunhat.  As a matter of fact, the following weekend, I ran into an administrator from the college who commented that she was jealous of my hat.

There are few things greater than wearing a nice straw sunhat with a large brim that shades the sun from my already very freckled face.  I own many and the only problem is deciding which one to wear.  Although, I am a little less excited about the hat that is similar to the town's crazy lady.  I'm kidding!  EVERYONE, even those a little less fortunate, should show some style.

Number eighty-five - the sunhat.  Thirty-four down - sixty-six to go.

Kim Catrtall in Sex and The City - The Movie.
Now THAT is a S U N H A T!

I love it!

Updates

Yes, I've been gone awhile.  Not that anyone noticed.  Okay, a few of you noticed.  Don't think I've stopped obsessing about The One Hundred, quite the contrary.  In fact, summer is making me obsess about these items more and more.  Summer either fortunately or unfortunately is busy; gardens, vacations, family, long days and cool evenings spent sitting outside talking and enjoying the air.  Excuses not withstanding, I thought before I return to my individual scrutiny, inquiry or exploration of each item, I would present an update on a few acquisitions I've made over the last few weeks.

iPod - I don't know what I was thinking, but I purchased a Mac computer because Apple had a special for educators and if you purchased a Mac, you received a "free" iPod touch.  As my brother-in-law Dale pointed out, I received nothing "free" that day.  Nonetheless, I have a new iPod touch and yes, I love it-more than my dinosaur classic iPod.

Man's White Shirt - Yes! Yes! Yes!  I found it and it is wonderful.  Just what I was looking for - nice fit, good collar, not too thin, not too thick, nice sleeve length - it's just perfect. I found it at Target so it was steal.  I have my eye on them so when they go on clearance, I'll get another just for safe keeping.  I crowning moment for me was when my daughter saw me wearing my white shirt and khaki pants (I'll get to those in a minute) and said, "Look at you.  You look so crisp and cute."

Khakis - Remember the two pairs I purchased, I've actually washed them and worn them and they still fit.  Wow!  The universe must be in complete and total alignment.  I'm not complaining.

Striped Sailor Shirt - I finally gave up on finding the Armor Lux version and broke down and purchased the shirt from L.L. Bean.  I went with the cream background and blue stripe thinking the horizontal stripe would be less obvious.  The shirt arrived and honestly, it was more like a sweater.  The shirt was actually a little large, but thanks to husband, it shrunk and fits great.  I love it so much, I went back and purchased the navy shirt with the white stripe and don't really care about the horizontal stripes.  I'm still hoping to find the Armor Lux version, but for now, the L.L. Bean version works just great.  As a side note, I was watching Coco Before Chanel and in the movie, she goes to the beach with her lover and sees french sailors pulling in their fishing nets.  Next scene, Gabrielle Chanel is wearing the iconic french sailor shirt.  Made me love the shirt even more.

Jewelry Pouch - I know, I know, I already own several but...I found this great red leather pouch at a used clothing store and I couldn't pass it up.

Old Concert T-Shirt - Still don't have one.  I look and look but again, I just don't think it's right to own one unless you actually attended the concert.  Perhaps that means a concert is in my future - hmmmm...

That pretty much sums up my recent purchases and yes, obsessions. Did I really need another jewelry pouch, a new iPod and 2 French Sailor shirts?  I've been fortunate in the last few weeks that I've had the opportunity to take a few trips and visit some unique places in search for some items in The One Hundred.  I still have a many items to acquire, or not and I'm thinking that when all of this is said and done, I'll have to take a second job, or not.  Stay tuned, there's still sixty-seven items left.

Number Seventy-five

Summer is almost officially here and with that comes sandals.  I have to laugh at Nina when she makes the statement, "Every woman must own at least 2 pairs of sandals, one for day and one for night."  Nina honey, I own a sandal for every day, every night, every outfit, and every activity.  Two pairs? I scoff that idea - 20 pairs is more like it.

In most of The One Hundred items, Ms. Garcia lists a 'closest obsession'.  In the sandal category she references Jack Rogers Navajo Sandals.  I had never heard of Jack Rogers or his Navajo sandals and as you know by now, I immediately did a Google search and found the sandals.  With that first Google search I also discovered that Jackie Kennedy wore Navajo sandals and thus my obsession began.  The sandals are pricey ($100 and up) so I began looking on eBay.  There are many pairs available on eBay but a used pair sells for just about the same price as a new pair.  So I decided on one of my recent trips to the big city I would just treat myself to a new pair.

You can only buy Jack Rogers sandals at upscale stores so with my sisters' blessing, we head out to Nordstroms.  No luck.  (Here's a secret, the salesman at Nordstroms had no idea what I was talking about.  Shame on him!!!)  On a second trip, to the big city, my sister Brenda had called Saks to see if they had the sandals and we were in luck.  Well...I thought we were in luck.

Have you ever thought about something so much and then when you finally get it, it is the biggest disappointment?  Well, the Jack Rogers Navajo sandals was that experience.  I don't know what it was, but they just were not "all that".  I saved myself $100 and was able to treat my sisters to a trip to the cosmetics counter.  Since then, I've purchased two different pairs of sandals to bring my grand total to...oh whose counting.  And, a little secret, I still look on eBay everyday for Jack Rogers just in case a great deal comes around.

Sandals are wonderful.  They just make your feet so pretty and sexy.  Nina says and I have to agree 150%, sandals must fit, and your feet MUST be pedicured - MUST, MUST, MUST.  But for the love of God, have more than 2 pairs.  Geez, you need at least 5 pairs of Havaiana flip-flops for one season.

Number seventy-five - sandals.  Thirty-three down - sixty-seven to go.

Number Thirteen

The brooch.  (Does it rhyme with roach or hooch?)  Nina sums it up, "The brooch is often associated with grandma."  But wait, is it?  Well, it was before I started reading this dang book.  Oh yeah, and the CBS Sunday Morning segment on Madeline Albright's pin collection.  (You MUST check this out.  http://photo.newsweek.com/content/photo/2009/9/photos-madeleine-albrights-pin-diplomacy-her-famous-jewelry.html)  I would give just about anything for the bee brooch.  Okay, I'm rambling because really, these two things really have given me an appreciation for brooches and not in a grandmother sort of way.

Actually, long before I read The One Hundred I had collected a brooch or two.  I found a beautiful yellow daisy in a thrift store that reminded me of a pin that my mother or one of my sisters had so I bought it.  Never wore it, but it was in my jewelry box.  In fact, just a few weeks ago, I gave that pin to my sister Charlene because it matched an outfit she had purchased beautifully.  In another shopping trip to a thrift store, I found a gorgeous black and white flower pin for a mere four dollars that can be worn with several outfits.  (ALWAYS, and I mean ALWAYS look in the jewelry cases at thrift stores!  There are gems - literally and figuratively - in them.)  I digress...

In The One Hundred there is an adorable drawing (the drawings in the book are absolutely charming) of a girl wearing a white t-shirt and a BIG brooch.  I've envied this drawing from the first time I opened the book.  Well today I set out to get a new haircut and I wanted to look my best in case my hairstyle failed horribly.  So...I put on my make-up, red lipstick, white t-shirt, and a whimsical, blue rhinestone, starfish brooch.  I felt so good I really didn't care how my hair turned out.  Guess what, I received two compliments on the brooch - a couple on the hair too, but the brooch is the moral of the story.

As Nina says, brooches are not just for grandma, winter coats and blazer lapels.  I concur.  They are fun, and can be worn with just about anything and again, as Nina says, can be worn in your hair, on a handbag, or and evening gown.

Like so many other things, you have to just do it.  Just pin that brooch of grandma's on and walk out the door.  Trust me, you'll get a compliment or two and you'll probably also help someone with a trip down memory lane.

Number thirteen - brooch.  Thirty-two down - sixty-eight to go.

Number Forty-four

On paper it seems so simple, but in reality, at least for me, khaki pants are the holy grail of fashion items. Pants of any kind are difficult for me but there's something especially difficult about khakis.  I dream about the perfect khakis.  I would estimate that I've tried on hundreds of pairs...since April; and bought only 3 pairs.  Am I happy with my purchases?  Well, two of the pairs I purchased were today so the jury's still out.  As an FYI, if I find a pair of pants that fits me, I buy them in every color.  I use this same philosophy when it comes to bras and jeans.

Here's a story about one pair of khakis I purchased a few months ago.  I had made the decision that instead of trying to buy a pair of pants on sale and then give them to Goodwill 6 months later because they didn't fit, I would buy a pair of full-price pants.  That's a big deal for me - seriously.  So, off I go.  I literally tried on 12 pairs of khakis.  I finally found a pair, purchased them, washed them,had them hemmed, had them hemmed a second time (I have no idea what that was about), washed them again, was so excited that I could finally wear them and guess what, they were too big.  Somewhere between the time I tried them on to the time I finally got to wear them I must have gained a pound or lost a pound and now the pants don't fit.  Story of my damn life.  Pants are either too big or too little and I ALWAYS have to have them hemmed.  I've even spent $40 to have waistbands altered because the crotch of the pants falls to my knees.   Now that I've written this, I'm thinking price doesn't have anything to do with the pants not fitting.  Anyway...

Needless to say, I have khakis - one pair is too big and the other two that I purchased today will probably go through some mystery makeover between now and the time that I actually wear them.   I guess I figure if I get to wear them once before the pants take on a life of their own and transform into a different size and length, then I've gotten my money's worth.   I do love them though and will always seek out the perfect pair - especially in summer with a nice white t-shirt and cute sandals.

Number Forty-four - khakis.  Thirty-one down, sixty-nine to go.

Number Seventy-eight

Silk scarves; beautiful silk screened scarves that one wears.  Nina sums it up so beautifully when she talks about the women of Paris wearing scarves in many different ways.  Not that I've ever been to Paris, but I get what she's trying to say.  I've always thought of scarves as being in or out of style.  Thus the reason why I have a drawer full of scarves that I break out every 10 years or so.  No more!  I shall start wearing the scarves and of course, purchasing more.

Here's the good thing about scarves.  They don't take up much room, they are beautiful, they have purpose, and they can be purchased at second hand stores for very little money.  Okay, the most beautiful silk scarf ever, the Hermes can't be purchased at a second hand store, but you get the message.  Just today I purchased two beautiful silk scarves for $4 at a thrift store.  One depicts adorable scenes of 1950'esq nightclubs and jazz clubs.  I don't know that I'll ever wear it, but dang it's cute.  The long and the short of it is I have tons of scarves just for the sake of having scarves.  I do not have the coveted Hermes scarf (VERY big price tag, but amazing history), but my husband has purchased beautiful scarves for me over the years from all over the world.  (It's kinda surprising now that I think about it.)

I think part of the reason why I don't wear them more often is people seem to stare when you wear a scarf - at least in my town.  Today for example, I had on a beautiful scarf and as I walked through Target I could feel the eyes on me.   I decided however that this will no longer prevent me from wearing scarves.  They are beautiful.  They can make an outfit and can make you feel oh so pretty.

Number seventy-eight - silk scarf.  Thirty down, seventy to go.

The Obsession

I thought maybe writing about my obsession with The One Hundred might help stifle some of my shopping but as we all know, it's made it worse.  Not only am I obsessed with getting most of the items in The One Hundred, I'm starting to watch movies and see what items the actors have and how they have them put together.

Tonight, for example, as I was flipping through channels on the boob-tube, I saw Sex and the City (The Movie) was on.  I've only seen it 10 or 15 times and yet I was compelled, once again, to push the yellow button on the remote and join the ladies in a 2 hour fantasy about love, infidelity, friendship, letting go, forgiveness, fashion and New York City. As I was watched, I noticed several items in The One Hundred.  Items that I of course don't own, will never be able to afford and will never look good in. (At least not as good as they do.)  Nonetheless, in one scene, Carrie Bradshaw is watching a movie in her pajamas and pearls with a fur wrap.  The thought of wearing pearls, with your pajamas, and a fur wrap (yes fur) overcame me and I began to re-think not only my stand on fur but my stand on wearing pearls with pajamas.  I'm serious.  For a brief moment I almost got up and put my pearls on AND, I'm contemplating looking for a faux fur wrap that I could wear while watching old movies this winter.

Another movie that makes me long for fashion items is Giant.  Giant is in my list of top ten favorite movies.  I own it and if it's on, I stop everything and watch it - all 3 and half hours of it.  I love the movie as a whole, but I also love the fashion.  Each time I watch it I notice some item I must have; the turquoise bracelet that Lutz (the youngest daughter of Rock Hudson and Elizabeth Taylor) wears in one scene is my most recent obsession.  I look for it in every jewelry counter I come by.

I think it's time to admit, that my obsession is a bit more than an obsession.

Nonetheless, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.  Recreate a look from a corny chick flick, seek out items worn by long lost movie stars, obsess over books that tell you what you should own in order to be stylish and last, but not least, shop.  You never know, in my so called obsession, I just might find the perfect man's white shirt and just like Carrie Bradshaw, wearing my pearls with my p.j.'s might make me feel a little less lonely

Number Eighty-two

I'm not sure what the true definition of a stiletto is, but for me, it's a shoe with a high, spike heel that I would usually classify as lingerie.  Why?  Because stiletto's are S E X Y!!!! Really, they should be sold in the lingerie department and Nina suggests in order to walk better in them, you need to, "Practice, Practice, Practice."  Think about it, if you wore them as lingerie, you wouldn't have to walk very far, or very long.  Enough dirty talk.

I have owned stiletto's in my life and they really do make you feel so tall and thin and classy and...SEXY!  And, you do have to practice walking in them.  I'm not sure I have a pair in my current shoe collection but I do plan on owning a pair or two again in my life.  I recently went on a shopping trip with my sister's and we made a stop in the Saks shoe department.  (By the way, I've only been in Saks maybe five times in my life and I used to work at the mall where it's located.  I'm not sure my sister's have been in Saks in the last 30 years.) I was in heaven.  They, on the other hand, were both shocked and I dare say on some level disgusted by the inventory of $500 Manolo Blahnik's or Chanel flip-flops.  (Yes, Chanel, rubber flip-flops for $500. Even I was a bit disgusted by that.) The look on their faces as they flipped over the signature red soles of Christian Louboutin stiletto's starting at $800 was priceless.  (One of my sister's said, "Really?  You need to be an acrobat to walk in those things.")  Mind you, at the same time my sister was saying this, a customer walked up and asked the adorable and very un-pretentious sales girl, "Do you any any new Louboutin's?"  As if she already owned everything that was on display.  My sister and I looked at each other and just smiled.

I must admit, I wanted very badly to buy a pair of Manolo Blahnik's and I know that someday I will.  I know, I know, I live in Farmington, New Mexico and it's ridiculous to spend $500 on a pair of shoes, but just think how fabulous they'll look with my lingerie, suit.

Number Eighty-two - stilettos.  Twenty-nine down, seventy-one to go.

Number Twenty-two

Converse.  Can you believe it?  Converse shoes are part of The One Hundred.  I couldn't quite believe it myself when I read it.  I have many, many memories of Converse All-Stars.  Let's go way back to my youth when I was in 7th grade at Emerson.  Emerson grade school was a school that was/is in inner city Phoenix.  All of my siblings attended this school as did my Mom.  When I went to school there, it was the stereotypical inner city school; different ethnicity's, kids from broken homes, poor kids that lived in south phoenix and kids with juvenile records who longed to become members of the 9th Street Locos gang.  Part of the look of the gang members were Dickie's chinos, white t-shirts, and Converse All-Stars.

I had no desire to be a part of the gang, but I had a desire to fit in and that meant looking like everyone else.  I wanted a pair of Converse so bad that I remember going to sporting goods section at K-Mart (yes, they were sold at K-Mart then), and would just stand there holding them.  My mom refused to buy them for me and I never seemed to save enough money.  My only hope was the knock-off pair at some now long forgotten shoe store in the mall.  Instead of having the customary Converse logo on the heal, it had the name of the fake shoe instead.  But, I had an idea.  I could peal the fake name off the back and no one would be the wiser.  WRONG.  I wore my fake Converse to school and immediately someone said, "Oh my God, Michelle bought fake Converse and tried to fake us by taking off the fake label."  In typical 7th grader fashion, I thought my life was over, ran to the bathroom and cried vowing to never return to school again.  By lunch, everyone knew, and by the time the school day ended, everyone  had moved on to something else.  (Probably someone getting the paddle by Mrs. Williams.  Yes, students got paddled in those days.)

Ever since that experience, I haven't had a great desire to wear or own Converse.  The One Hundred resurrected my love for them.  I know, Converse has made a resurrection over the past several years and everyone and their dog owns a pair.  So, in my obsession with The One Hundred, I set out to purchase my first real pair of Converse All-Stars.  I couldn't decide between white or navy and after some consultation from my co-worker Jennifer, I decided on navy. (Sorry but those silly neon colors are just wrong.)  Because the sizing is different (remember, you're buying men's shoes), I couldn't decided between the larger size 5 or the smaller size 4.  I went with the 4 and decided to not wear socks.  Woo!  Did my feet hurt and sweat AND smell!  But boy did I feel cute.  Yes, cute.  Not chic or sexy, but C U T E.  Smelly feet and all.

I finally have an authentic pair of Converse All-Stars.  I do love them and yes, I'm happy they are the real deal.  Before I close this chapter though, I have to give a shout out to my brother-in-law Dale Davis who has been wearing black Converse All-Stars for...well, for as long as I've known him and that's pretty much my whole life.  All I can say is, "If the shoe fits."

Number Twenty-two - Converse.  Twenty-eight down, seventy-two to go.

Number Eighty

I've tried to refrain from divulging too much information about my undergarments and lingerie but I must express my frustration (I say that hesitantly) fantasy and humor about Number Eighty - Spanx.  Let's start with fantasy. What could make a woman more excited than a romantic evening with their significant other, a Hermes handbag, or a trip to Paris?  I'll tell you.  The fantasy that you could eat what you wanted and then put on a pair of underwear that hides all of your overindulgence's.  I believed in that fantasy like young children believe in Santa Claus.  I believed in it so much I actually went out and paid $54 for a pair of Spanx.  (Okay, they are "knock-off" Spanx, but the principle is the same.)  Here's where the fantasy goes to hell in a hand basket and the frustration sets in...Spanx (or their look alike) roll down when you sit down and all your dirty little secrets roll out (pun intended) and there you have the humor.  What else can you do but laugh?

I'm fairly certain that Spanx do work but you basically need a full body version.  (I actually think they make something that falls into that category.)  I'm pretty sure that putting that on would conjure up the memories and gyrations of laying down on the bed to fit into a pair of 29" 501 Levi's (don't act like you've never done that).  Those days are over for me.

Okay, I own and wear shape wear - when it's appropriate.  While I have not had luck with Spanx specifically, I won't give up on finding the perfect "foundational" undergarments that can help a body with a few imperfections and perfections (some people actually like a little butter on their toast).  If it's good enough for likes of Gwenyth Paltrow and Oprah and can be recommended by Nina, then I think I should find the right pair of Spanx for me.

Number Eighty - Spanx. Twenty-seven down, seventy-three to go.

P.S. - If you want to see something really funny about Spanx and Esther watch Wanda Sykes' latest stand-up on HBO.

Number Fifty-three - Amendment

I was driving along today and completely forgot why I chose to write about the man's white shirt.  I guess I was caught up in the whole, "What was I just doing?" idea.  Nonetheless, I was inspired to write about the man's white shirt because of a visit from some friends from Texas.  Their mother is the quintessential southern lady.  She is from Texas and in her early eighties.  I've only met her a few times, but it seems like on every occasion she is wearing a nice white shirt (I have no idea if it's a man's shirt but it looks like it is.) with her collar turned up and the sleeves rolled just a couple of turns.  She oozes class and I envy her every time I see her.

While I love the whole, "Why do I have a man's shirt on?" notion, I love more the idea of being simply classy. 

Number Fifty-three

The man's white shirt.  Nothing, absolutely nothing is sexier to me than a man in a crisp white shirt (button down collar is most preferable).  A woman in a crisp white shirt is just about as sexy.  Ms. Garcia says this really needs to be a man's shirt or a really good version of a man's shirt made for women.  I think she makes an excellent point; however, I've never been lucky enough to find either.  If I wear a man's white shirt, it looks like I'm wearing a man's shirt.  There is nothing sexy or chic about it.  If I have a woman's white shirt, it looks like a woman's shirt.  But...I'm always on the search for a great white shirt.

Like the plain white t-shirt, I own several white shirts - they just aren't a man's white shirt.  I get the idea Nina is stressing.  She notes, "It quietly whispers morning after dressing which may or may not be the case."  I get that.  I get how great it is to look like you couldn't figure out what to wear so you grabbed your significant others classic shirt.  The problem for me personally is that when I do wear my husbands shirt, I give off the vibe of a slob rather than the uber chic, "I'm so cool." vibe.

Like other items in The One Hundred, I'm going to try and seek out the perfect man's white shirt because I think I can find the perfect shirt and have that, "What was I just doing?" or "I'm so chic I can wear a man's shirt." look.

Regardless of the look or ambiance you're trying to project, try and find a great white shirt and just as Nina says, try and stay to look of a man's shirt.  It's great with jeans, khakis, shorts, a denim skirt or with an evening gown.  (Nina reminded me of Sharon Stone at the Academy Awards with her husbands white shirt and a gown.)

Number Fifty-three - the Man's White Shirt.  Twenty-six down, seventy-four to go.

Number Twenty-five

Let me just say, that I've been obsessing over The One Hundred for the last two months and today it finally occurred to me that the majority of items are accessories rather than articles of clothing.  I don't know why it's taken me this long to figure this out and I don't know why I'm so surprised. The right accessories can make just about anything look new, trendy, or classic.

So, number twenty-five, the cuff [bracelet].  I must admit that at first I didn't get the need for the cuff.  Especially the $12,500 Verdura cuff Nina obsesses over.

Verdura Cuff

But, after looking through my jewelry box, I came upon a beautiful silver cuff bracelet that I had completely forgotten about.  Then I remembered why I purchased that cuff bracelet.  A girl I once worked with wore a wide, silver, monogrammed cuff everyday and I coveted it from a far.  Why I've never worn it is beyond me.  I think it's because it's bold and I always feel intimated by bold jewelry.  Nonetheless, I do own the cuff bracelet and since I've re-discovered it, I've actually worn it a time or two.  Perhaps I'll get it monogrammed and never take it off.

I don't really love Verdura which is a relief because I'll never be in a position to pay $12,000 for a piece of jewelry.  Okay, you caught me. I'm looking at fakes just to say I have one.  After all, Coco Chanel herself invented and wore costume jewelry; and was the inspiration for the Verdura cuff.

Number Twenty-five - The Cuff.  Twenty-five down, seventy-five to go.

Number Eighty-three

The striped sailor shirt, oui, oui!  You know the ones, the blue and white striped shirt with the bateau neckline.  I love them.  I've owned several.  Funny thing is, I don't think I've ever actually worn the one's I've purchased.  You see, the striped sailor shirt has horizontal stripes and no matter how hard I try to wear one, it seems I can never work up the nerve.  Oh, one more reason why I seem to never wear it - they shrink. But sweet Nina has given me HOPE!

Nina says, "The striped sailor shirt embodies French Chic, and completely disarms the old myth that horizontal stripes are not flattering."  (These shirts are part of the French Navy uniform.) With that one statement, I've decided to pursue the perfect striped sailor shirt.  I've researched all of Nina's suggested suppliers - Petit Bateau, LL Bean, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Armor Lux.  (Nina also suggests the Army/Navy store and it is on my list of things to do.)  I've yet to find the perfect striped sailor shirt, but fear not...I'm confident I will.  I have even gone so far as to have one store (the only store I could find online that sells the Armor Lux brand) call me when their summer supply is delivered.


I really do love these shirts and can't wait to own and actually wear one. (Nina says it's about confidence.  Thanks for the reminder!)  I fantasize about wearing white pants, the striped sailor shirt, and navy blue ballet flats this summer.  I'll let you know if my dream comes true.  (God I'm shallow!)


Number eighty-three - the striped sailor shirt. Twenty-four down (almost) and seventy-six to go.

Picasso in the striped sailor shirt

French actress Jean Seberg  - ooo la la!