Pinch me, just go ahead and pinch me now! 🙂
I hardly know where to begin with this big announcement, but I’ll just start off by telling all of you that I’m thrilled (just thrilled) to be part of a HUGE project with BlogHer and Macy’s and today is the kickoff. This project will continue through July, so you’ll be hearing from me, as well as everyone else, on several different topics throughout the event.
I, along with 7 other bloggers will be kicking off this campaign with the first topic, which is all about what to wear for those special occasions that arise, as well as how we dress at home. So, get ready for a fun time of brainstorming on this blog, as well as all the other blogs that will be participating in this fun event.
And, wait til I tell you the part that almost had me peeing my pants! (and that’s not hard to do these days) 🙂
I’m joining 3 other fabulous BlogHer bloggers (along with our co-hosts) for this exciting promotion and the key person in the middle of all of this is none other than Ree, The Pioneer Woman herself.
Get this: We will all be GOING TO THE RANCH TO MEET REE ! All of us will be filming a video with her during this 4 month promotion, at 4 different times. I can hardly contain my glee!!! I must have jumped up and down for 1/2 an hour when I got the news that I was chosen for this fun escapade. I’m SO blessed!
Sqqqqqqqqeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Just had to get that out since I’ve been holding this secret in for about a week now.
OK, I’m trying to contain my excitement, but I’ve been a huge fan of Ree’s for almost 3 years now. My episode will film at the end of June, so between now and then you may just have to hear about a million times, how super excited I am about this opportunity. You never know when what you’ve wished for may come true. I gushed about Ree in this post, since I’ve made many of her recipes and jokingly whined that I wish I would get an invitation to the ranch. Wonders never cease! Y’all, I’m going to the ranch!
Pssst, Ree, would you pleeeeeeeease make some of those world-famous cinnamon rolls when my group comes out there?? 🙂
So, back to the topic at hand:
What is black tie, Southern Style? Have you been invited to a special dress-up fancy-schmancy party lately and what did you wear?
(via Dark Black Dress)
Let’s talk about what to wear on those occasions when we are invited to a very special event. What does black tie mean these days, anyway? Is it an Oscar-worthy floor-length dress? Or will cocktail length work? Does your guy need to wear a tux? I definitely think Black tie has relaxed a bit from what it used to mean, so long or short is probably appropriate. But, you’ve gotta have some bling!
(from Style Frizz)
Unless I was absolutely certain that everyone would be wearing evening gowns, I might think that Black tie these days in the South, just might mean a sparkly top and nice dress pants OR the always popular “little black dress”. Do ya’ll actually own several little black dresses? I think I may have a couple that would qualify. But, I can’t think of the last time we went to an event that was really fancy black-tie. We did dress up last year and go to The Club for an event and I wore a cute top that I found at a yardsale for, I think a big whoppin’ $1, with dressy black pants and hubby wore a coat and tie.
So, what does a special night out for YOU look like? What would you wear? and how would you fix your hair and makeup?
(from Mac makeup)
Nighttime makeup should be richer and deeper and a lot more sultry than daytime, don’t you think? And getting the hair just right is so very important. A girl’s gotta feel good about her hair.
And let’s talk about day-time.
How do you dress when you’re at home? I have to confess, it’s yoga pants and sweatshirts or T’s for me. If I’m not going out, I don’t bother with makeup, but I always wear something on my face when I leave the house, even if I’m going to the gym or running errands. I don’t want to scare anyone I come in contact with. And I usually end up staying in my gym clothes all day, they are just so comfy.
(from Stylehive)
How about you? Talk to me about those dressy special occasions AND your normal day-time attire?
This is the time to interact and leave comments. They will be using some of the comments and ideas in our video sessions, so PLEASE join in! Let’s have some fun discussions on this, as we all figure out just HOW to put it all together.
All the hosts for this special promotion are listed here. I hope you’ll go over and get in on the conversations on their blogs too. There are sure to be some lively discussions:
Episode 1: Sheila from Xiaolin Mama, joined by Sheila will be Loralee from Loralee’s Looney Tunes in the first episode.
Episode 2: Susan at Friday Playdate
Episode 3: Holly at Nothing But Bonfires
Episode 4: Ree at The Pioneer Woman
Episode 5: Rhoda
BlogHer‘s Putting It All Together is a new collaborative video series talking about what really works for us, from lifestyle to personal style — and you’re a part of it. We need your best advice, funniest stories, and great photos. We’ll be blogging your great ideas, and featuring some of them in the videos we’re shooting at the ranch of Ree, aka Pioneer Woman. Stay tuned for more details about upcoming topics and special guests!
I almost had to make an unexpected stop at the ladies room for a wee bit (pun intended) of unexpected tinkle time due to your BEYOND EXCITING NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Macy’s and you AND Pioneer Woman?!?!?!?!?!?!?
Please, please, please promise that you ABSOLUTELY WILL TAKE A GAZILLION PHOTOS OF YOUR TIME ON THE RANCH AND GET A CLOSE UP OF MARLBORO MAN’S….Ummm….well, a close up of his…. chaps…yes, his “CHAPS.” (I’m a nice Christian woman and am trying to keep this PG) 😉
Now on to the fashion questions.
DICHOTOMY.
DUALITY.
SPLIT-PERSONALITY as in “Lana’s Gone All Cybil” or Sibyl or however you spell that movie schizophrenic woman’s name)
To me, there seems to be this either or mentality with my dressing.
You mentioned black-tie and you talked about what I wear at home.
The two couldn’t be any more different.
Having been married to a Naval Officer and also having been a professional singer for a long time, there were many occasions for me to go black-tie.
But you’re right; black tie can mean myriad things in the modern world, not just a floor-length ball gown.
I’ve worn everything from full on sparkle and gleam with a real diva dress to a wonderfully elegant top with a touch of the spangle combined with some refined, yet comfortable, black palazzo pants. My favorite ensemble, however, and I swear I am not doing a shameless Macy’s plug here, but it is the doggone truth…was a very simple (and still affordable) Ralph Lauren “LBD” with a shimmery black and white and silver jacket over it. I’ve worn that ensemble to weddings, to sing at public appearances and have worn the LBD sans the glimmering shine with a more straightforward, almost businessesque black jacket to a funeral.
But you know what? One of the AMAZING things about being a woman in the SOUTH is that we embrace color! I love that. I wish that everyone throughout the US had more of an open mind (and I think we’re seeing that as there seems to be a dissolution of preconceived ideas of what “black tie formal” means and “season codes” and even what defines elegant attire–it does NOT always have to be black. After years working in New York with a plethora of basic black on every street corner, there now seems to be a diversifying, maybe not a Crayola Big Box of a Gazillion Colors explosion, but certainly an embracing of myriad colors, from chocolate brown, to navy to accents of animal print, fuschia, lime green and the new “basic” of neutrals in abundance. Being a “Fall,” I so appreciate these warm neutrals and hints of color that really allow me to “glow.”
But for all this talk of my black tie experience…well, the reality is that I am currently, for the most part (I do still occasionally sing and/or direct a musical or?!?!!) a stay at home mother of 3 who homeschools, drives kids to a profusion of activities, has a garden, a house with multiple bathrooms to clean and only me to do it, goes to church and…
So my normal weekday attire is my husband’s t-shirt that I slept in the night before along with workout/athletic pants of some sort.
Sad, but true.
Being the creative type, my aesthetic self SCREAMS at this death of my artistic and beautiful personality succumbing to the realities of a banal wardrobe, simply due to the need for comfort, stretchability….ease getting groceries from Costco in and out of a Suburban…picking up toddlers…..reaching to get to the back of the toilet…
So much of my daily wear is defined by pragmatics.
Oh, how I wish it was different.
While more basic non-workout clothes have some touches of Spandex (even jeans are getting there) it is sooooo difficult to find truly comfortable AND concurrently elegant/playful/fun/artistic clothes that are STILL WELL MADE at a price point that I find tolerable.
I long for style every single day, for pieces that have a hint of trend and still the golden touch of timeless classic appeal. I long for clothes Monday through Friday that are both stretchy and truly comfortable, but that have a tiny bit of “flair” and originality, colors that are inspiring, lines that are still somewhat sleek and form-fitting, looks that say “look at Lana, see her amazing heart, her artistic side, her giving to her church, family and community, look at her sense of humor and her love of thrifting AND antiquing, of cutting coupons AND of splurging on a trip to Europe of….well….clothes that yell at the top of their lungs, “THIS IS ME AND I AM AN AMAZING WIFE AND MOTHER AND HUMAN BEING AND I AM BEAUTIFUL AND ARTISTIC, TOO!!!!”
Oh, and they have to make my thighs look smaller, my butt look higher and still be comfortable!
🙂
See my dilemma? See why I go from style maven, fashion diva when wearing my black tie pieces to SLOPPY AND SHLEPPY AND DOWNRIGHT DEPRESSING when I switch to my “every day wear?”
Well, you asked….and I answered, in my Lana-tells-it-like-it-is and sometimes my husband wishes I had more of an edit between my mind and my mouth/typing fingers way.
Rhoda, I always love to visit you. You are such a hero to me and all jokes aside, I am THRILLED for you to have such an honor.
You deserve it! I will keep you in my prayers as you journey forth to “The Ranch.”
But, please, don’t forget to get a good photo of Marlboro Man’s “chaps.”
Love, hugs and turquoise joy,
Lana
PS Thanks so much for always stopping by and leaving a wonderful comment. I know I will never have the gazillion followers you do, and yet you are so kind to come visit little ol’ me! It truly makes my day. Sometimes my whole week!
You are an immense blessing to all of us!!!
CONGRATULATIONS! Whooh Hoo! How awesome! You are going to “THE RANCH!” What a wonderful experience!
FIRST OF ALL… I LOVE CLOTHES AND MAKE UP!
I go to “PROM” every year. HA HA I know you are laughing right now but I really do! My husband is a high school teacher. We have chaperoned for the last 27 years. I usually wear a black dress or whatever the color is of the season. Strappy sandals. I will have a manicure and a pedicure. My makeup will be fresh and a bit more “night time.” My husband will wear a black suit and black tie.
I think evening gowns should be saved for a very formal evening. ( Cocktail dresses I think look more “stylish.” I would wear a halter type to a High School reunion. However some High School reunions up here in the North are getting away from the Fancy Shmancy reunions…
I work full time and I wear trendy clothes and love being up to date. On the weekends I will either wear yoga pants or jeans. I always wear makeup out. If my husband and I are going out for the evening… I will wear stylish jeans, black jeans, or khakis and I will have heels on. In the summer I’ll wear capris but my sandals will have a heel. I am getting excited to wear some little silky tops or halters with a pair of white capris and sit out on a Patio Bar for dinner.
Once again… Congrats! You go girl!~~ Nancy from OHIO
Rhoda,
Congratulations, I’m so happy for you to have this wonderful opportunity! I will be looking forward to seeing your video. I’m sure you will do a fabulous job. It sounds like fun.
I had a lot of experience with evening wear, because I lived in Dubai for 5 years. My husband and I attended several black tie events during that time. I bought a long gown each summer when I visited the states to take back with me. However, since I was in Dubai I would often have something whipped up at one of the tailors. There were amazing fabrics to choose from in the Souks (old markets) and my favorite one was called Cosmos Lane. It was huge about 10 city blocks filled with fabric store after fabric store. You would show the tailor a picture from a magazine of the dress you wanted and he would measure you then make it up in a couple of days. It was usually less expensive to have something made up at the tailor’s then buy off the rack and the tailor’s workmanship was top notice. We usually wore evening gowns since that was the norm on that side of the world. I opted for colorful fabrics from India or Thailand since they were so beautiful.
Cathy
since I am a single person now and retired I don’t have any fancy, smancy clothes any more and for everyday it is jeans/sweat pants or (shorts in summer) with sweat shirts or t-shirts. Retirees should be entitles to being comfortable after dressing for work for over 35 years.
Oh Rhoda, I am SO excited for you! Congratulations!
Hi Rhoda,
Congrats on the exciting news! That’s wonderful! I think it’s great that you get to meet someone you’ve admired, for real, up close and personal! I know you’ll share all the good stuff with us.
Now, about dressing…funny you should ask because I was faced with that dilema just this weekend. There’s no short way to answer that, unfortunately! Here’s what I know about myself, and my style:
This weekend we went out to dinner at a pretty nice little place, just the two of us to kick off our anniversary weekend. I wasn’t sure what to wear. It’s pretty casual out here in California. So, I bought these really great, high, strappy, platform-y, nifty heels to wear with a black pencil skirt and silk blouse, long multi-strands of pearls and chains for the finishing touch. I layered a beaded vintage sweater over the blouse because it’s cold here at night. I thought I looked pretty good. My girls (20 and 13) said I “looked hot”. Okay.. I did look kinda hot….but, the truth is I felt uncomfortable and the shoes were silly. They are too high, a bit difficult to walk in, and my feet were frozen, even in black tights. They are so fashionable, but not made to walk in, I guess! And, I just didn’t feel like myself.
I spend almost every day in jeans and sweaters, or dressy tee–shirts. I don’t wear “mom-jeans”, the ones I wear are new, updated, not too low-slung styles. I love my boots and have 6 different pairs to choose from. I also have lots of different jackets to wear over long or short-sleeved knits and tee shirts. In the warmer weather I wear skirts, tees, layering cardigans, with sandal or flats of some sort. I love my jean-capris, even though technically my legs are probably too short ( I’m 5’5″) to wear them. I like the look of white jeans with sandals and a cute little top. Very Jackie O. Not that I look anything near as good, but a girl can dream….
I rarely leave the house without some makeup (mascara, cover-up, lipstick) I always wash and blowdry my longish hair. I never skipped a day when my girls were babies, either. I feel better about myself when I’m pulled together somewhat. I feel just as comfortable, even more so, when I’m dressed and wearing shoes, than when I’m in my sweats, with no makeup and my hair in a pony tail. I feel like I can accomplish more, and that I look better doing it. I’m just pulled together more, not overdone, but I try to look presentable!
I figured out during our dinner that, although I love clothes and staying current, I was most comfortable in “dressy” clothes that are closer to what I wear everyday. Next time I will stick with a simpler getup, in the shoe department anyway! I will probably pass those strappy sandals on to my 20 year old, we wear the same size. I will wear something a bit less form-fitting, because my form ain’t exactly what I’d like it to be right now, though I work out every day. I am trying to get rid of some of this extra “where did that come from?” weight . So, I am still searching for that “perfect little black dress” that everyone says I should have, though I don’t have many occasions to wear it. I had found one I thought was close to perfect, took it home, tried it on in front of my mirror, walked around in it for 2 minutes, and then returned it. Because I realized that I would probably never feel comfortable owning something that can only be worn one way, was sleeveless, hugged my body a little too closely, and I didn’t really need. I’m a “separates girl”, always will be, I guess! So, I hope that answer your question, (plus a bunch more info that you probably didn’t need!) Thanks for asking, and have fun with the Macy’s promo. I ‘m looking forward to hearing more.
Take care, Rhoda. Have a great week!
XO
Heidi – Heart and Home
Rhoda, how totally EXCITING IS THAT! Your post just oooozes with happiness and I’m so happy for you. I think I’d give my left pinkie toe to go to PW’s ranch! AND DANG that girl makes GREAT GRUB! LOL I’m so excited for you. Congratulations!
Rhoda, Congratulations! You are perfect for this opportunity! We all come to you for advice and inspiration! Have fun on the ranch!
Pam
Rhoda, I agree that dress codes and black tie have probably relaxed a lot over the years. I still probably tend to overdress every where I go. I just started back to work and I can feel some people looking at me in my heels and suits or separates. I have new clothes from great stores but it seems where I work most people are extremely relaxed in their dress. Even on casual Fridays I wear cute shoes with my jeans and a jacket to pull it all together. I just can’t go sloppy looking. It doesn’t feel right to me. For a black tie event, I, too, would want to know if evening gowns are in order. And if so, I would go all out as much as possible wtihout breaking the bank. I love a bargain as much as you do, girlfriend! And there are ways to dress to the nines and still have some green in your wallet. I think you can look very shiek (chic?) in a very simple black dress — long or short. Sith the right hair, makeup and accessories and really rock the look. The most important thing for me other than comfort is for me to wear the clothes and not for the clothes to wear or overpower me. If you aren’t comfortable in your clothing, it’s going to show. We have to find our own style and be comfortable in it and in our skin as well. That’s when we shine. Oh, and I wear the same thing at home as you do. Love my black yoga pants and colorful and comfy tops and flip flops too. And I guess we southern girls have to put on our faces before going out the door. I never go out without my “face” either — even if it is just a simple and natural look.
I so miss reading you daily but I try to catch up one day during the week or weekend. So thrilled for you and the others regarding Macy’s and having the opportuniy ot visiting P-Dub and the ranch. Wish I could go with you!!! I’ve been dreaming of visitng the ranch too. I know my oldest daughter would love to go as well. Now that I’m working again, I’m not cooking. But my oldest daughter is apparently making everything in sight from PDub’s cookbook that we stood in line to have her sign when she was here in Dallas. We’re both members at her Tasty Kitchen site too. So happy for you, Rhoda!
I hate to dress up! Whenever I have to, I can’t wait to get home and get comfy. The best I ever looked was at my son’s wedding. I loved my dress and I got my hair and makeup done. After a few redos, I didn’t look quite like the geisha girl! I did love the fake eyelashes, but I can’t do them myself. I’m afraid I’ll glue my eyes shut! Just give me blue jeans any day!
Holy cow! How exciting is that?!!!! I love Ree and her cookbook is the greatest! I wouldn’t be able to sleep until it’s over with! Congratulations – I know you will be in the clouds with joy when you visit Ree!
Deborah in NC
umm WOW!!! You must be elated. This is big news! 🙂 Whatever you decide, you will look classy and beautiful.
((((((((Rhoda))))))))))
I AM SO PROUD OF YOU.
Love,
Kim
Congratulations Rhoda, I’m thrilled for you.
I see the common thread is black …..as I get older I think classic. You can always dress up a basic outfit with great shoes and jewelry. Being in my 50s it’s sometimes hard to find age appropriate clothes. Don’t want to appear frumpy or like I’m trying to look younger in teen age fashions. I love a touch of color, like a bright scarf and a sassy sexy shoe.
Home clothes are all about comfort. Jeans and capris mostly and minimal makeup.
Good luck! I’d sure love to visit Ree’s ranch too!
Wow!!!!! What an exciting announcement! I am so jealous! I love all her photography tips and those recipes….yummmm!!!! I just came across your blog from Heart and Home and so glad I did! I am going to be your newest follower!
We live in Charleston and our neighbors have lots of parties and eating downtown Charleston seems to go “dressier”. All it means there is a super cute, sassy top with black pants or even jeans! Gotta have sweet shoes and accessories to go with it!
At home, I wear workout clothes. They are comfy. I will wear them out or put on a pair of jeans with minimal makeup in the summer (as I am tanned!) and some makeup in winter so I don’t scare the locals!
Have a wonderful St. Patrick’s Day!
You almost made me pee my pants….and I hear you about it being easier these days LOL
CONGRATS Rhoda…. I have not been to Ree’s site, I do remember your posts about her….will def. check her out 🙂
All the best,
Kathy 🙂
I would be screaming with JOY too if I was going to get to visit with Ree on the Ranch. You are ONE lucky girl!!! And you can tell us if Marlboro Man is as cute in person as he is in all the photos!! LUCKY Girl….is all I can say! I’m jealous!!
For us here is southern California…it’s all about comfort! Hanging around the house I will wear shorts and a T-shirt usually or jeans and a T-shirt in winter. For a Black tie even…a little black dress will do as will a fancy/sparkly blouse with a great pair of pants and cute sparkly shoes.
Congratulations Rhoda! I’m happy for you…you give us girls who aren’t so handy some hope to do a project ourselves. My next project is spray painting my patio furniture….I bought some paint. I’ll let you know how it comes out.
You are such a lucky girl!!! Connie
This just can’t be beat. Wow, how great that you get to do this. OMG I would love to go to OK and see the ranch and Ree and family. Take a pic of MM.
The last black-tie event I went to was a charity benefit for my fiance’s job in October. I actually did go to Macy’s and found a great little black dress (just below the knee length) from Calvin Klein and it was on sale! I still love this dress and it’s my go-to look when I need something quick/fancy/comfy to wear. When I’m at home on the weekends, I usually wear skinny jeans and cute blousy top…
Ashley
http://HoneysuckleChic.com
One of my clients has a black tie gala each year. I usually wear a stepped up cocktail dress but that’s because floor length gowns aren’t really “me.” This year I got a great deal on a perfect and versatile LBD from Lot 8 (Chloe Dao’s boutique). My husband purchased his tux a few years ago, so he wears that every year. Even though I wore a black dress, we love colorful evening gowns in Houston.
Day to day I wear skirts or dresses, no hose, and heels. Unless I’m meeting with a client, then I get a bit more dressed up.
I would love to visit the ranch, especially with those other women. Awesome. And, I bet you’ll get to eat cinnamon rolls!!