Military Banquet Dress

In less then 3 weeks I am flying out to MO to attend M's first Officer's banquet. When I originally heard the word "banquet" I assumed the usual semi-formal attire and went out and bought an adorable cream/gold knee-length sheath. It is beautiful, classic, just screams Officer's wife. Well..... After M finally spoke to the woman in charge of the banquet he found out it was actually a black-tie event. The way she described it was "long dresses". HUH??? I was absolutely mind boggled as what to wear. Finally, M saw a banquet going on and saw what the ladies were wearing. THAT gave me a mental picture and so I with the help of M I found a perfect dress!

The dress is beautiful! In person it is more of a nude/peachy pink. The beading on top is crystals, rhinestones, and pearls. I THINK I'm going to pair it with a vintage 50's pearl and sequence clutch and nude pumps. Generally the strappy shoes are what is considered "formal", but with the chiffon being so delicate, I don't want any embellishments to tear at the fabric.

Now, the big question.... JEWELRY? Any ideas ladies?

Perfume Collection

Scent is defining. It can tell so much about a person! There is nothing worse then having some one walking by you and getting a waft of cheap alcoholic-smelling perfume, or even WORSE, like a teenager who just walked out of Bath & Body Works with the entire signature collection. Don't get my wrong, I own two B&BW body splashes, but there is a time and a place, such as after the gym, or at the beach, for a quick pick-me-up. Without further chatter, here is what is currently sitting on my vanity:

My husband smelled this, instantly thought of me and surprised me with a bottle. He couldn't have been more perfect. Hands down, my favorite.
A very close runner up. I absolutely ADORE the smell of roses. They are in nearly every room in my house, and I can say that Yankee Candle could possibly stay in business with the amount of Fresh Cut Roses candles I buy.

The newest to my collection. I like it, but really just loved the bottle more! It is a very light fresh smelling scent.

This is my feisty scent! When I'm going out to have some fun, or just feel like mixin' things up I but I spritz on some of this fragrance.
Bought this because everyone raved about it. I like it, but will probably not repurchase it when the bottle runs out... which could be a while.

After my grandmother passed away, a half full bottle of this adorned her dressing table for nearly two years. I decided to swoop down and add it to my collection partly in remembrance, partly because I enjoy the smell. A bit of an 'older' scent, great for sophisticated events such as Military Balls.

I find this to be a very casual scent. When I'm feeling preppy, and throw on a sweater instead of a dress, usually I'm wearing this as well. Again, not something I would repurchase, but it is lovely. Simple doesn't get enough use for a girly girl like myself.
This is the oddball out- less expensive, not a "high end" name brand, so why? I fell in love with the advertisement! The cream chiffon and pink peonies! Oh how divine! There was also a promotion where if you got the perfume, it came with a fantastic pink tote. VERY spring-time. I went through a few bottles in college, but think I've grown out of the scent.

The woman's sanctuary

Every woman needs a place to pamper herself, where she puts her "pretty" on. I grew up having a vanity since I was a little girl. It is a place, that is all mine, where I can just be me.

Believe it or not, I found this vanity at an antique flea market for FIVE DOLLARS! Can you believe it? It definitely a little TLC and a few coats of paint, but isn't it divine? I still need to make a cushion for the chair, but I'll get there. The woman who sold it to me said it belonged to a friend that had owned it for over 50 years. I love grabbing these finds!

This is the overview. My make-up is in the two drawers on either side. I don't own too much make-up. Variety is good... over-indulgence is sloppy.

This is the top shelf. A little crowded, but has everything I need. My perfume on a beautiful tray, magnifying mirror, more perfume and lotion, vintage hand mirror, and a Strawberry Cream candle.

This is where I go to get my pretty on in the morning and wipe it away before bed. Although tonight, there is no make-up to wipe away. I am sick as a dog with a swollen sore throat and a very, very stuffy nose. This weekend is definitely going to be a relaxing, bed ridden one.