Professionalista

Websites: This 'n' That

Winding up the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Ate. Napped. Read. Shopped (a little). Now it's time to get crackin'. Back to work. But before I get there, thought I'd share a few websites and thoughts.

• How amazing would it be to buy vintage pieces of clothing, accessories, shoes for the chic women in your life? Wouldn't you stand out in the crowd? One of my favorite sites is Violetville. I look at so many pieces and think, "Ooooh, I could just shorten that to knee length and it would be perfect." (When I say "I would shorten it" I mean I would bring it to the seamstress - want to be totally on the up and up here.)
• My dear neice, A, shared this website: Downeastbasics.com. I had blogged about a skirt I bought a couple weeks ago, and she found a fabulous dress with the same "pop" floral element. Thanks, dearest A. I lurv that dress even more than I lurv my skirt. I would like to buy it but can't because I still haven't told D about the skirt.
• I'm loving this  blog: streetetiquette.com. These guys are super-hip Bronx-livin' NYC guys. They are totally out of my world and out of my ken. Their latest blog was about quilted jackets (being a resident of the fabuously cold state of Vermont, I love quilted jackets). Check 'em out.
• Who wants to see Black Swan with Natalie Portman? I have always loved dance movies: White Nights, Dirty Dancing. It's funny because I've never been a dancer. I took hula when I was 10. I wasn't gifted but did so admire the older girls who shook gourds and wore their skirts down low on their hips. Anyway, Natalie Portman is the fresh/good dancer competing for the lead role. Wynonna Ryder (!) is the waning superstar (love it! Go Wy!). My 18-year-old daughter and I also want to see Red Riding Hood. Let me know what you think if you go to see either of these movies.

• For those of you who are more interested in dressing your houses than your bodies, check out this site. The Inspired Room has great DIY home decorating tips. I always figure even if I just get a nugget of an idea, I am appreciative. You'll get lots of nuggets here.

Let me know of any websiste that you frequent. I'd love to check them out. Now, back to the old grindstone.

 

iPad/Kindle/Nook: Which is more stylish?

I've been comparing and contrasting e-readers. Which is most cost-effective? Which is most user friendly? Which has the best selection of e-books? Which has the most easy-to-use options/apps? And, ultimately, which is coolest?

We all know anything Mac is going to be the ultimate is geek chic. The iPad is hot. I didn't order an iPad.

I'm pretty sure Amazon's Kindle would be next in line. Smaller, easy to use, lots of people seem to love it. I didn't order a Kindle.

The most pedestrian of the three? The Nook by Barnes and Noble. I ordered two. It has some solid features:

• You can download books at your local library for free. My kids are both library fans and our local library is able to offer this service. Saves money in e-book purchases. This is good.
• It is easy to download e-books from many sources - unlike Kindle.
• I like the touch pad at the bottom (as opposed to the old-school buttons on the Kindle). I do wish it was touch screen like the iPad. I know that's the future - and is just wicked cool.
• You can change the battery - easy access. (Not so with the Kindle.)

I placed my order today - and should have them in hand in four days with plenty of time to download some books and apps for the kids before the big day. Now how cool is that?

Don't tell D, but I bought this...

I went shopping to support my friend, C. She wanted me to help her make a decision or two. I love helping my friends, acquaitances, random strangers make decisions about what clothing works for them. So off we went to a store I don't usually shop at. Be that as it may, I naturally ended up spending more than I should have. But three of the pieces were really necessary: two scoop-necked cashmere sweaters, one raspberry and the other black, and a pair of black trousers. And then I saw this skirt in black. I tried it on with the black cashmere sweater. I reasoned that I would wear it for every holiday party. Forever. I bought it.  Do I have to tell D?