Siren Song

Dress (Tadashi Shoji); Headpiece (Loreta Corsetti Couture Millinery)

Even if your appreciation of opera stops with Elmer Fudd and Bugs Bunny in Warner Brothers' parody of Richard Wagner's opus, there's no denying it's easily the most dramatic of the musical genres. I wasn't even good enough to make the cut for my fifth grade choir (true story), so I find the unbelievable notes hit (and held) by those with the talent to sing it particularly awe inspiring.

You didn't really think I'd be hiding a boring pair of pumps under the lace train of my gown, did you? These crystal encrusted sandals are by Nina and come in different colorways.

I can't sing a note, but I like to think I can dress a good game, so I brought my own kind of drama to this weekend's Indianapolis Opera Ball. When I found this Tadashi Shoji gown last January, I fell hard for the nautical theme of the heavily embroidered, sheer lace. 

A parade of mermaids surrounded by starfish, angelfish, seahorses, anchors, compass roses, and seashells graces the bodice from head to toe. I had never seen anything like it, though it looks like it might have come straight from the art nouveau era. Indeed, several people have asked if it's vintage, but it was actually part of the designer's 2015 resort collection.

At the risk of gilding the lily (because we all know I'm not much of a moderation girl), I couldn't resist the opportunity to wear a dramatic headpiece by my favorite milliner, Loreta Corsetti. I've treasured this one of a kind piece of art featuring a traditional birdcage veil modernized with hand-strung irridecent glass beads for a few years. I've worn it for other events with other ensembles, but I think I love it even more with this dress, especially with the temporary addition of crystal-encrusted metal shells and starfish to extend the nautical theme, literally, from head to toe. The seaworthy embellishments were originally part of a necklace, but I used a small pair of jewelers' pliers to take it apart and repurpose it for this look. I hope Loreta agrees it was a perfect modification of her genius for this particular ensemble.

The ball itself was a splendid event: elaborate centerpieces in the rich colors of the Season; a meal that exceeded "fundraiser" expectations; two excellent bands; a stunning performance by two up and coming sopranos who got their start in the Circle City; and the company of friends and colleagues that make me smile in any environment.

My friend Yolanda brought glamour to her hunter green velvet dress with coordinating velvet opera gloves; a crystal-encrusted gold minaudierre; and dazzling green crystal heels from LittleBoutique (I have similar LittleBoutique heels in grape).

I'd be remiss if I didn't also give a shout-out to Becca at my favorite local salon and spa, Studio 2000, for creating the perfect pin curls to complement my chapeau! Likewise, many thanks to Indianapolis photographer Faith Blackwell for providing a fun "pre-party" opportunity to gather with friends in her near-downtown studio for sips, snacks, and (professional) snapshots that remove any desire for tableside selfies in a dimly lit ballroom - something to think about next time you're all gussied up!

KDef didn't neglect the details, either, accenting his classic Ralph Lauren tux with music-themed cufflinks that once belonged to my Dad.

Fashion is what you buy; Style is what you do with it!

If you love exotic headpieces, check out The Style Crone's Hat Attack,too!

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Lauren, Catherine, Lana, Too...

Despite Marilyn's mug on my neckwear, the glen plaid menswear trousers, trench coat, brogues, and fedora are decidedly more Hepburn than Monroe.

"Greta Garbo, and Monroe. Deitrich and DiMaggio. Marlon Brando, Jimmy Dean, on the cover of a magazine. Grace Kelly, Harlow, Jean, Picture of a beauty queen. Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, dance on air. They had style. They had grace. Rita Hayworth gave good face. Lauren, Katherine, Lana too. Bette Davis, we love you."

I found the scarf at a vendor booth at a fundraising walk; Brogues (Frye, Zappos); Watch (Fossil, Nordstrom Rack); Pants (Bass, thrifted)

If the sight of this scarf leaves you with an irrational desire to frame your face with your hands and "strike a pose," welcome to my world. If it doesn't, you did not grow up in the 90s. Marilyn is actually my least favorite of the sixteen icons called out in Madonna's classic hit (though I'm still a fan). My own taste runs more toward Kate than Norma Jean. In fact, Catherine, Lauren and Grace top my list of Old Hollywood style icons, along with Audrey and Veronica, neither of whom got a shout out in Vogue despite their clear contributions to Tinsel Town's Golden Age. Come on, Madge, surely you could have worked them in! (How about "Audrey, Garbo, and Monroe.... Lake and Haworth gave good face?") 

Fedora (Marigold Clothing in Broadripple, IN); Trench Coat (Insight, The Secret Ingredient). Love headwear? Check out the The Style Crone's Hat Attack for some amazing chapeaus!

I've always loved the glamour of Old Hollywood, and many of my favorite movies of the era are at least as well known for their stunning costumes as they are for their plot. Case in point: Funny Face - Givenchy's elegant designs for Audrey's librarian turned model Jo Stockton are still relevant today, making the movie a joy to watch despite the razor thin plot. Likewise for How to Marry a Millionaire - Bacall's sharp suits and the film's introduction of the "New Look" silhouette provide a visual feast, but the plot is archaic if still amusing.

 Fashion is what you buy; Style is what you do with it!

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Handbags for Hope

Retired Indianapolis Colt and superbowl champ Justin Snow and I compare our auction wins: he was the high bidder on my Diet Coke clutch, while I went home (coincidentally) with a Colts clutch.

Yesterday I sold the purse off my back (well, literally, off my arm rather than my back) to retired Indianapolis Colt and Superbowl winner Justin Snow, and threw in the coordinating bracelet from my wrist for good measure. How's that for an unexpected Saturday afternoon? It's not quite as odd as it sounds... 

This insanely puffy, pleated Chicwish skirt featuring a London street scene is not for the timid, and was quite the conversation starter at Handbags for Hope.

If you follow Red's Shoe Diaries, you know I'm addicted to Diet Coke. So, naturally, when I found a small silver clutch that mimicked my favorite caffeinated beverage can, I had to have it. I carried it for the first time on Saturday, to the 8th Annual "Handbags for Hope" fundraiser. This event features a live and silent auction that raises funds for the Beacon of Hope Center for Women, a local non-profit whose mission is to empower victims of domestic violence to become self-sufficient by providing safety, support and education. It was my first time at the PNC Bank-sponsored fete, and my introduction to Beacon of Hope and the valuable programs and services it provides to the central Indiana community.

I sweetened the pot for the live auction of my Diet Coke clutch by throwing in my custom-made bracelet made from an "upcycled" Diet Coke can. Find out more about this upcycled aluminum can jewelry here.

A friend who knows well my penchant for unique purses invited me, and I have to admit I agreed to go as much for the unusual format of the event as for the cause. Each guest brings a new or lightly used handbag filled with "surprises." Some of the purses were put in a traditional silent auction (a popular staple of Indiana fundraisers), while others were reserved for the live auction that took place following a delightful meal. 

Striped top with lace trim (Kohls); Shoes (Donald J. Pliner); Safety Pin Clutch (Bodhi Bags, eBay); Sunglasses (Prada, Revolution Eyes)

My initial contribution to the live auction was a large, special edition Vera Bradley tote bag filled with two smaller Vera Bradley pieces (a cosmetic bag and travel jewelry case); blown glass wine charms; a braided leather and silver bracelet, gift cards for Starbucks and iTunes, and a Bath & Body Works gift set. I hadn't planned to put my brand new and beloved Diet Coke clutch in the auction, as well. But, I was so moved by the program and the impact that Beacon of Hope makes on the lives of women who, but for the grace of God, could be me that I made a spur of the moment decision to offer up my shiny little piece of Diet Coke kitsch for the cause, too.

The Vera Bradley prints in my contribution to the live handbag auction were all special edition designs

As you might expect at a handbag-focused event, the guest list was overwhelmingly female. But several local news anchors, athletes and other philanthropic-minded men stepped up to "model" the purses, with emcee Chuck Lofton and volunteer Justin Snow also bidding handsomely during the live auction on items intended as gifts for loved ones. And that's how Justin ended up buying the bag off my arm. I told you it wasn't nearly as odd as it sounded! 

There's no denying the contrast between my new Colts clutch and the "purse" that I rigged up at the last minute to meet NFL stadium security requirements earlier in the Season (inset), though that bag definitely served its purpose (I blogged about it here).

I haven't heard any final numbers yet, but by all accounts the event was a big success, and I was thrilled that my handbag contributions raised nearly $600 to help Beacon of Hope serve women and families in need. Not surprisingly, I didn't leave the auction empty-handed either. I came home with a super cute Indianapolis Colts-themed clutch. Although I'm still quite proud of the NFL stadium rule-friendly zip tie and a clear plastic curtain bag I MacGuyvered for this year's home games (remember my Black & Blue Monday post?), there's no denying my new clutch is quite a bit more stylish (though it is, unfortunately, still a bit too big to pass muster with Lucas Oil Stadium security). 

Fashion is what you buy; Style is what you do with it!

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Central Park Stroll

Dress (Retrolicious); Cardigan (Mak; ModCloth)

I love this time of year. The crispness in the air; the colors of the leaves reflected in my hair...what's not to love about Autumn?! I waited months to pull this Fall forest print dress from Retrolicious out of the closet, and it made its debut at the beginning of October during a beautiful day spent wandering around Central Park. I was surprised to find the leaves had only begun to turn; it would be a few more weeks before the colors of the park foliage caught up with the vivid hues in my dress. But the view is beautiful any time of year and, while I might not want to live in NYC, I'd be happy to visit in every Season.

Bag (Burberry Prorsum); crystal butterfly brooch (vintage); mandarin garnet necklace (custom design; Aronstam Fine Jewelers)

When the Autumn sunlight disappeared behind the clouds and the wind whipped my hair into a Medusa-like frenzy, it was time to warm up on the steps of Lincoln Center with the quintessential Fall beverage. No. I do not mean a pumpkin spice latte, machiatto, mochachino, espresso, or any other orange gourd-flavored beverage on the menu of every corner coffee shop from September through November. No. Contrary to the opinion of approximately 73.6% of my Facebook friends and every fifth Pinterest post, pumpkin spice is not where it's at. Apple cider is the spice of Autumn life, people! How can you forsake apple cider?! In my book, Fall will always mean hot apple cider spiked with cinnamon (and maybe a splash of butterscotch schnapps or caramel vodka if I'm tailgaiting). Yes. In my book, hot apple cider will always trump pumpkin spice anything.

Boots (Franco Sarto; Simply Chic Consignment); Watch (Citizen Eco Drive)

What started several years ago with the advent of the pumpkin spice latte has mushroomed (or is it pumpkined?) into a ridiculous amount of pumpkin spice flavored products, and not just of the beverage variety. According to Popsugar, this year you can find 119 different pumpkin spice flavored products on store shelves, from oreos to potato chips. I realize this may alienate many dear friends (sorry, Kim M), but I just. don't. get. it. Pumpkin pie? Absolutely (but only with copious amounts of Cool Whip and a cup of warm cider to wash it down). Pumpkin muffins, cookies and other assorted baked goods? I'm down with that (but I submit a pumpkin donut is better complemented by the contrast of crisp apple cider than yet more pumpkin of the warm liquid variety). 

Despite its location in the heart of the city that never sleeps, Central Park seems miles away from the skyscrapers that sit just beyond its borders.

But pumpkin spice gum? No thank you. Pumpkin spice M&Ms? I'll stick with chocolate or peanut butter, please. And as for the not so humble, overpriced hot beverage whose popularity (ie, genius marketing) spawned a thousand products (or at least 119), enjoy them while they last. I'll still be sipping on that sweet, sweet cider long after the pumpkin-flavored craze has been "squashed." 

Yet one more reason I wear hats so often! This the Big Apple, not the Windy City... (Sunglasses, Tory Burch)

Fashion is what you buy; Style is what you do with it!

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Off With His Head!

I'm like a kid when it comes to Halloween, so I was a probably unreasonably giddy when our Halloween chili cook-off hosts gave me the prize for best costume Saturday night.

Strangely enough, inspiration for the Queen of Hearts theme struck less than a week before the party. Being my OCD, theme-loving self, my chili cook-off entry had to coordinate with my costume (it wasn't a requirement for the cook-off, just a Jody requirement... come on, you're not surprised). 

The best chili I've had in a minute is a white chicken chili recipe that my friend Jen makes. It's actually really healthy, and it's dairy and gluten free, so using her recipe for the cook-off also meant I'd actually be able to eat my own entry without paying for it later. 

As soon as I settled on the chili recipe, a light bulb went off: I'd go as the Queen of Hearts and turn the recipe into  "White Rabbit Chili" (he shouldn't have been late, after all...) I've hosted a couple of Mad Hatter tea parties in the last few years, so I already had everything I needed to set up a Wonderland-worthy chili buffet station, and I knew I could pull the costume together using items already in my wardrobe.

I already had spectators with red hearts on the heels and an Alice in Wonderland storybook-shaped clutch, which I paired with a black and white striped sundress I found on eBay last Summer. The Queen is usually portrayed with a large stand-up collar, so I topped the dress with a black shantung peplum jacket with a wire-edged ruffled double collar that allows it to be molded into various neckline looks. The jacket was a clearance find from Pretty Woman, a little boutique in Bedford, Indiana, that I picked up a few years ago. I love both pieces, but I never expected to wear them as part of a Halloween costume, or to wear them together! An old pair of striped gloves, a heart shaped stretch ring, and some inexpensive heart shaped brooches fashioned into cufflinks and a necklace (the only new items I purchased) completed the look.

I didn't have a crown, so I repurposed a little black top hat using a deck of cards; a small fabric teacup in a card pattern; some red velvet roses I pulled out of a Christmas arrangement; feathers left over from another project; and a few stick on heart-shaped gems. As for makeup, I didn't want to do the blue-eyeshadowed Disney look. I ultimately decided to paint a heart around one eye rather than turn my mouth into a heart, so that I could eat and drink without wondering whether my heart was breaking. I also used three-dimensional red scrapbook gems, affixed to my cheek and forehead with eyelash glue, to add a little sparkle, and covered my face with iridescent white eyeshadow to give the red accents more dramatic impact.

I had the most fun setting up the details for the chili buffet. I made a sign using clip art; labeled shredded mozzarella as "Rabbit Dropping Topping"; and made "tea" using rabbit's feet that I made using strips of white faux fur and hot glue. A small alarm clock from a guest bedroom served as the White Rabbit's pocket watch. I even used cookie-cutters to cut little hearts out of corn tortillas, which I then sprayed lightly with cooking spray, dusted with garlic, and baked until they were crispy - a Wonderland alternative to traditional crackers in your chili. Over the top? Not in my world. Down the rabbit hole? Absolutely!

Fashion is what you buy; Style is what you do with it!

KDef has his own brand of clever, in the form of a different "too soon dead" celebrity each year, so we almost never coordinate costumes. But this year he was a gamer for my last minute inspiration theme and went as the Mad Hatter.

You can get the details from last year's Vampire Killer Chili here.

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I'm also linked up with The Style Crone's Hat Attack this month!

Dia de los Muertos: el Segundo Anual

The head to toe sugar skull look was on point for a Dia de los Muertos themed event last weekend, but I also recently wore the embroidered sugar skull boots with a floral knit dress and a dinosaur bone necklace for a more casual, everyday look. Sugar skull dress (Banned Apparel, Modcloth); Infinity Scarf (gift); Floral knit dress (Zulilly); Dinosaur Skeleton Necklace (Tatty Devine); Boots (Old Gringo)

My favorite cowboy boots from Old Gringo feature embroidered candy colored sugar skulls. I wear them year round (even at the beach), but the design clearly lends itself well to a Day of the Dead Halloween look.

I don't like heavy cream makeup that feels like it's going to come off if you touch it, so I "painted" my face white using powdered eyeshadow. The green around my eyes is water-based metallic green body paint from Wolfe applied with a small artist's brush, which I then topped with a layer of iridescent teal powdered eyeshadow. The addition of the powdered eyeshadow added more depth to the color and also "set" the look. I finished with a setting spray from Urban Decay. The makeup stayed on all night, and looked just as polished after an evening of eating, drinking, talking, and hugging friends as it did when I left the house. In fact, it was actually challenging to remove.

Despite their proximity on the calendar, El Dia de los Muertos actually has nothing to do with Halloween. But the beautiful macabre sugar skulls iconic to the Mexican holiday celebrating the lives of lost loved ones make the scary sweet look a classic costume choice. 

The $30 Reborn Collection floral dress from Zulilly is a super-comfy knit fabric. I ordered it in hopes it would coordinate with my favorite boots, but I was actually shocked at how perfect they are together.

I did a sugar skull face for the first time last year. I'd never done such elaborate makeup, so my friend Kelly Oswalt, a remarkable professional makeup artist, helped me out. When we were invited to a Day of the Dead themed outing downtown this year, I couldn't resist doing it again, especially since I already had the dress and boots in my closet.

The photo on the left is this year's version; the photos on the right are from last year. Last year's look was done entirely with creamy face paints. The white base is more dramatic, but it also came off on my fingers if I touched my face, so I went with a more subtle, powder-based white this year. It helps that I'm very pale to start with - "ginger benefits," I guess.

I did my own makeup this time around, using a mixture of professional face paints from Amazon applied with artist's brushes (also from Amazon); temporary tattoos from Walgreens, and regular makeup. Though perhaps not as dramatic as last year's look, which also included killer contacts in a patchwork design, I was really happy with my first attempt at the theatrical look. In fact, it inspired me to get more adventurous with my own makeup for a different Halloween celebration last night (to be featured in an upcoming post).

I love the sugar skull fabric of this Banned Apparel dress from ModCloth, but it's harder to pull off as an everyday look.

In fact, I had so much fun with it, I can't wait to do it again because there are more looks and color schemes I want to try. I may even have to cajole some friends to let me paint their faces next year so I can let my inner artist go wild!

Fashion is what you buy; Style is what you do with it!

I'm linked up with Shoe And Tell!