My Drug of Choice

Here is the truth as of right now. I have high anxiety issues. Money stresses me out. I take personal issues to heart and allow it to stress me out. But Golden Oreos make me feel better. So, I've been feeling really good for the last few hours...thank you Double Stuff Golden Oreos.

Don't judge me, you know you have that favorite thing that helps soothe the stresses of life. I don't do drugs. I do Oreos. Judge me not, lest ye be judged (is that in the bible or a Snoop Dog song...can't remember:)

The only thing that can make me possibly get rid of my anxiety is maybe if Jesus himself lined the streets with a trail of Golden Oreos leading to him...what a glorius day that would be!

Unfortunately, things that make you feel good usually have a downside...a consequence...a side effect. The thickness in my hips are my consequence. Remember a few weeks ago, I was all excited about jogging a solid 20 minutes...forget I said that. A couple of weeks ago, the mister and I had to run in the airport to catch our connecting flight. We  He ran, I hyperventilated. My short legs couldn't catch up to his walking strides. I think I might have screamed "GO, SAVE YOURSELF!" at one point. I don't remember, I was losing oxygen. It's a blur. We made the flight but that little run made my throat burn.

I haven't kicked the habit but I do plan to soon...as soon as I finish the pack of Oreos.

Don't give up on me!

(Vintage Kimono, Target Tank, Lucky Jeans, BCBG Heels, F21 Earrings, Thick Hips: Golden Oreos...Double Stuff)

Kimono worn as dress here:)

GFS Diva Style Advice: Part "Finally!"

I haven't done a GFS Diva Style post in a while...well because no one has asked me. Cathy from The Minister of Style blog contacted me to confess a cardinal sin. She had a kimono hanging in her closet not being used to its potential! What the What!?!

Cathy's Kimono Collection

So Cathy,  the Minister of Style...by the way wouldn't you go to church more often if your minister had a little style in the pulpit although it would be a distraction because I would sit there thinking that I need those shoes or that dress...I digress...  asked for ideas on how to rock the kimono. Nothing revolutionary here but here goes!

1. Think outside of the box...wear it outside of the house. Why waste all of that fabulousness sitting around the house? Not that I'm judging but a kimono is instantly chic. Somebody should see it...even it is that pimply faced kid sacking  your groceries at the supermarket!

Pics 1/2: from The Glamourai

Pic 3: From Karla's Closet

Pic 4: from Sea of Shoes

2. Play with the length of it. If you thrifted a kimono, there is no harm in altering the hem line. Depending on your height, a shorter length might be ideal. Throwing on a contrasting belt can also make all the difference in the world.  I had this purple one altered because there were stains at the bottom so I just had it cut. I have quite the collection of kimonos now, all thrifted of course.

3. Wear it is a jacket/cover up. Using it as a lightweight jacket/cover up is always an option. Find a solid sheath (or anything semi fitted), grab some accessories, throw on some heels...and step honey...step like you are going somewhere important!

The above kimono from my GFS Goes to Austin post here

Photos from The Glamourai

So here are the rules Cathy. You take my pointers and run like the wind! My only request is that you have to send me a pic(s) of you rocking the kimono so I can sleep at night:) I will post the update in a new post!

Necklace from Fashionnette-work.blogspot.com...go shopping now! Email her and she will show you her newest pieces!

Let me stress that I am really not one for rules when it comes to style...just know what flatters you and makes you feel good...most of all, whatever you do...pay close attention to fit. Whether it's a vintage find or from a shi-shi-fu-fu store...pay attention to how your clothes hang on you!

Email me if you have a question to go in the next edition of GFS Style Advice!

Godsfavoriteshoes@yahoo.com

If no other reason...do it to keep me busy...I'm getting bored!

I've Changed...Really

If you are new to this blog, then you don't know that I have an affinity for kimonos. It's my life's mission to own every kimono in the South:) I may have even threatened a blog diva or two if I see them rocking a kimono that really should be on my body. I guess I should take this time to apologize to Jane from Sea of Shoes (click here).  But I've changed. I have been rehabilitated.  I'm not like that anymore. I promise. I haven't beat anyone down in over a week for wearing something that I should be wearing. God is real people. God is real! HA HA!!

(Vintage Kimono, Goodwill Belt, Kate Spade Shoes)

I instead think I've quenched my thirst for the ultimate kimono/jacket/dress with this little vintage number! I've had it a few months now...just hadn't gotten around to wearing it. What better day to rock a kimono than on Cinco De Mayo! Can you believe it was only 6 bucks! The resale shop was trying to sell it for 60 but let's just say that I worked my jelly:)

I'll let the kimono speak for itself. Can it be anymore perfect? And it gave me a reason to wear my favorite pair of red Kate Spade shoes!

I wore this to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. I celebrated by learning about the history of Cinco De Mayo and volunteering. Okay......I had a Margarita and stuffed my face with empanadas and queso dip.  Don't judge me. I'm thinking I'm going to make this little outfit work appropriate by throwing on some black slacks or my purple pencil skirt underneath. The split is a little too "risky" for the children at the school house.

By the way, I'm feeling better than earlier this week. I'm about at 93% now!

Random note: My students are reading The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins...OMG, I am hooked! This book is awesome. It has me sucked in like the Twilight books but it has NOTHING to do with Vampires! I highly recommend this book for those adults that aren't ashamed to read a teen book...it's really good:)

For Just $6 a Day, You Can Save a Child...

Okay...the title of this post is a little deceiving. You can't save a child with 6 bucks but you most certainly can find a devine vintage kimono jacket that will feed your inner Diva!

Here's another find from my trip to Austin a few weeks ago. This vintage kimono jacket was a whole 6 bucks! It's a size too big so I just criss crossed the front and put on my favorite vintage belt of all time! That belt works everytime!

Yesterday, I took a walk with a friend (I'm trying to excercise more) and somehow we started talking about shoes...of course. I told her that I only got into shoes maybe in the last ten years. It was never something that I focused on when I was younger. I shared with her that for my entire middle school and high school years, I never wore sandals because I have ugly feet. I was very self conscious about them.

As I got older, and started living life, I decided to be grateful that I even have feet! I just got to the point where I realized someone, somewhere in the world would kill to have my ugly feet because they didn't have FEET AT ALL! Then, I took the attitude that if I'm gonna expose my "ugly" feet...I might as well dress them up in fabulous shoes! So, that my friends is the reason I love a really pretty shoe!

Plus, my great grandfather always said that if somone doesn't like my feet....KICK THEM IN THE EYE! And really my feet aren't ugly...they are just MINE! LOL

Did you once hate something about your physical appearance but now embrace it?

I wore the skirt to work but wanted to wear jeans. It's the perfect Spring item. Lightweight, well structured and classic. I'm thinking you'll see alot of this kimono around these parts!

Toodles! Have a great weekend!

Girl Fight!

(You have no idea how hard I would strut in this whole outfit. IT would be ridiculous. There would be smoke trailing my steps because I would be digging my heels in the ground so hard)

When I saw these pics from Sea of Shoes, I gasped. Like literally gasped. Then I got angry. VERY ANGRY. I would even say irate.

WHY ISN'T THIS WHOLE OUTFIT ON MY BODY?!?

So this is what I have to say to Jane from Sea of Shoes.

Dear Jane,

I know you are a teenager and a model and all of that stuff.  I know you have the model body and that great red hair and a closet sea full of fabulous shoes. But why would you taunt me with this outfit? You knew it was mine when you put it on. You know that I am obsessed with looking like Diana Ross at the most inappopriate times. Not only did you wear this fabulous kimono but you had the nerve to pair it with those killer shoes and THAT delicious bag. Do you have something against me? I don't even know you. I teach kids your age. I love the kids. But this is war.

So either you send me that sequin kimono and shoes to Houston immediately or be ready for all this jelly. Yes, I am a teacher and it's ethically wrong for me to fight kids but not on the weekends. I will fight you Jane.

 I WILL FIGHT YOU. AND I WILL WIN!

 Just give up the goods and I will continue to love your shoe game and nobody gets hurt. We can even do lunch if you want. We can meet in the middle. We can even meet in Madisonville, Texas...halfway point between Dallas and Houston. Nobody gets hurt and you can live your life being the fabulous teen that you are.

Just to prove how much I would worship this whole outfit, here is a list of all the places I plan to wear it.

1. To work...yes I teach high school but whatever.

2. To church...jeans and all...except that I will be holding a black Japanese fan in my hand to fan off the holy haters.

3. To the supermarket to pick up some gum.

4. To the movies to see "Why Did I Get Married Too?"

5. To pick up my nieces from school early...I would make sure that I walked all the way into their classrooms too so the little kids can whisper "Is that your auntie? Can I touch her?"

6. To job interviews...I would just sit and let them stare at me first.

7. To Zumba/aerobics class...and I will be in the FRONT row...not the back per usual.

8. To the Jill Scott/Maxwell concert this summer.

9. To my neighbor's house to borrow some eggs.

10. To the Oprah show when she finally gets wind that I'm still trying to be on her BFF team. This is so an OPRAH outfit!

See Jane? I have plans for the whole ensemble. Don't deprive me. Think about it....or else:)

Toodles!

(Just kidding! Jane is actually a blog diva with the fiercest shoe game.  I'm so jealous of her. I love you Jane...but send the kimono. Seriously. NO...Seriously)

Let Thy Will Be Good!

Let thy will be good...forget it...all Hail to Goodwill!

Occassionally I am a "thrifter" but usually I have to be in that specific mood or have a specific treasure I am trying to find.

Well, I stumbled into the almighty Good Will Thrift store this weekend and straight up lost my mind! I found so many fabulous treasures that I literally had to convince myself to walk out of the door and not look for another thing.

I actually went out of boredom and came out with great finds. First of all, there is something to be said about a Goodwill that is neatly organized and doesn't smell like old people's feet. If I walk into a store and it smells like refried vomit, chances are I will get right back in my car and go straight home to take a shower. But this Goodwill was better than any Marshall's or TJ Maxx anyday.

First of all, how long have I been wanting a Kimono Robe. Like forever! Remember this post? Guess what! I found one! For $6.99! And it is beautiful. I literally squealed and held it close to me as if it were going to run away! And it was reversible! What what what!!!!

Then since I was back in the "robe" section, I found a cute little floral nightie that I am so going to rock as a Kimono Top. I wish you can really see the sleeves...they narrow around the wrist rather than flare. $4.99!
Then it just snowballed from there. I found this cute little dress made by Neiman Marcus for 9.99! You know I am the queen of alterations so I am going to shorten this and all of the dresses I thrifted! I would so pick the dress out if I was in a high end boutique so imagine how I felt when I saw the price! I am going to just shorten the dress to above the knee because that's just what I do! Throw on a wide belt and BAM! Oh yeah...it's 100% SILK!
Then I ran across this Mexican dress. When I was little, my mother used to buy me these dresses and I wore them with Jellie Sandals...I bought it for 6.99 and it might be my favorite summer dress. The idea was to throw a belt over it but it was just so comfortable, I decided to rock it as is. (sandals by Steve Madden...aren't they fabulous, they are very "Bollywood")I ran across a Nurse's Uniform. YES. YOU READ THAT RIGHT. On the tag, it literally says "Hospital Nurse Uniform by Vanderbilt Co." That would be Gloria Vanderbilt. It was so Vintage, I couldn't pass it up. Since it is stark white, I can only wear it a few times before the summer is up...but I am straight up jazzing that baby up with a short hem and a big purse and belt and dare anybody to ask me if I am rocking a Nurse's outfit. YES I AM! 6.99!

(I know the belt is crooked but my photographer was tripping so I had to keep the picture as is:)

Then the ultimate JACKPOT! JUST LOOK AT THIS BAD AZZ Purse! It's a KOOBA purse...not that I know what that means but it had to mean something for the purse to be 40 bucks. I just grabbed it because of the soft leather and the color.

Of course I had to do a little research on the purse because I suffer from a rare strain of OCD called "I gotta know everything". I googled KOOBA handbags and my my my, I must say this GOODWILL did me justice! Kooba brands can range anywhere from 100 bucks to $700...yeah...Mine was $40!

I can't write enough about it. THIS IS A GOODWILL PURSE!! I can't tell you how many times I have stroked it since I got it! The condition of the leather is impeccable and the gold details are perfect. Trust that I am going to wear this baby out!

Can you believe it? GOODWILL. I think when one shops there, one must have an eye for the potential in what could be considered strange choices. My alterations Lady will be happy to see me walk through the door with these babies. I plan on Nipping and Tucking all the dresses to make them more my style but I couldn't be happier. I will post the "AFTER" pictures once I make the alterations to each dress:)

This is what shopping within your means is all about. Find some vintage items and make them your own.

By the way, I am slipping! My blog made it's first Birthday on July 2nd and today is July 27th and I just realized it! I'm a bad mommy:(

So Happy Blirthday (get it? Blog + Birthday) to God's Favorite Shoes!

***please excuse all lame poses and wild hair moments...my photographers (fiance' and nephews) were being temperamental and impatient so I had to work in a fury before they staged a walk out***

Speaking of my darling Nephews. As I was taking pictures, one of them asked why was I doing this? Here is a taste of that conversation...

Nephew: Why are you doing this? Just taking pictures of yourself in somebody's old clothes?

Me: I have a blog about clothes...

Nephew: You take pictures of clothes of dead people's clothes?

Me: No, It's kind of like a fashion blog. I give people ideas and I tell people what I think is cute.

Nephew: YOU? FASHION?

Me: ____________Flat line_____________________________

Photo session ended. LOL. He is such a brat!