Monday Mashup: Fashion Finds and The Dinner Circle

The weekend started out with minimal plans but ended up being somewhat busy. I had nothing to do during the day Saturday but then Tiffany invited me to go to the mall. What's a fashionista to do? I got in my car, picked her up and we were OFF!

We went into several different stores. I had been procrastinating on going to Sephora to pick up the Nails, Inc. "Magnetic Effect" polish I have been coveting. Since the mall Tiffany wanted to go to has a Sephora store, I finally bought it. I got the House of Parliament (purple) for me and the Chrome for her as part of her birthday gift. As soon as I take the time for a manicure I will post photos. We went into Forever XXI and that is where the trouble started. Currently, our local store is doing a BOGO on their clearance items. I found two fantastic sweaters. We just had a cold front come through so I have every intention of wearing them ASAP!

While we were making our way to the exit, we saw the Epic store. We were both in Epic Shoe Heaven. I have found the first item to put on my Christmas list:

Black Industrial Pump by Metropolis/Hades Shoes

When we saw the shoes in Epic, I knew I was in trouble. I have very little fashion cash right now so buying these shoes would have put me in the "bad wife" category. They only had a size 7 in stock so Tiffany had to be my shoe model> I wear an 8. The salesman assured me he could order my size and have it within 3 days. Wallet saved by big foot!

The industrial Steampunk aesthetic of this shoe seriously captivates my attention. That it is in the shape of a butterfly makes it all the better. They are made in China. While that is a downside, it is not a deterrent for me in this particular case.

I have been on the lookout for a black pump for quite a while. I didn't want anything plain or boring. These pumps are obviously neither plain or boring. I hope to find them under my Christmas tree this year. The husband has his shopping orders.

Last month I was chatting with my friend Stacy when she and Keith came over for fight night. We were sad that our circle of friends doesn't get together more regularly. She and I developed a brilliant plan. The Dinner Circle sprang to life from our conversation.

The Dinner Circle:

1. We will come together once a month

2. We will take turns hosting

3. Host/hostess will provide the main course

4. Guests will bring a side dish, appetizer, wine pairing or dessert

5. This is a stress-free event. So no pressure. Adults only.

Stacy and I reached out to Hope to share our idea and get her thoughts. She loved it! So right now we are a circle of 3 couples. Stacy and Keith decided to host the first dinner on Saturday night. I brought along my camera and told my friends, "If I don't photograph it, it never happened." They are well aware of my blog obsession so they were prepared for it.

Here is my beautiful friend Stacy at her well-appointed table. She is wearing my favorite color.

Stacy chose caramel boots and belt to accessorize her outfit. Her headband is giraffe print and the cross necklace is leopard print.

Stacy just can't help being fantastic. She broke Rule 4 and made all the appetizers, the main course and had dessert ready for us, too. The guests brought wine.

Left to right: Chris, Yvonne and John

The lasagna homemade by Stacy. It looked delicious and tasted just as good as it looked.

After dinner, we went outside to enjoy some fresh air and the firepit while our food settled prior to dessert.

Left to right: Chris, Keith, John, Hope and Stacy

Keith and Stacy did a great job with the first Dinner Circle. I know we all had a great time.

Our Hosts: Keith and Stacy

The main objective of our dinner circle is to stay in touch with our friends. Sometimes life gets in the way and it can be easy to drift apart. Now we have a monthly appointment to come together and socialize.

Left to right: Buster (with his pillow pet), Chris and John

Over the summer, John asked Hope to marry him. She said "Yes" but we hadn't seen them to extend our warm wishes to them. Stacy to the rescue! She made sure to have this lovely cake and balloons to congratulate the happy couple.

Hope and John were surprised and it was so fun!

Left to right: Chris (partially hidden by balloons) Hope and John

John, ever the romantic, asked Hope while they were on vacation visiting Graceland.

Hope and John

Dinner Circle Outfit details:

Sweater: Forever XXI (bought at the mall Saturday)

Belt and shirt: H&M

Pants: Express

Boots: Rouge9

Keith and Stacy set the bar HIGH for the upcoming Dinner Circles. Hope and John are hosting November; Chris and I will host December. I will be doing my Christmas baking then so there will be plenty of goodies for my guests to sample.

Sunday I was feeling really lazy so I made it my mission to do next to nothing. The husband reminded me that we needed candles for our candle stand that we have on the hearth. We sometimes want the glow of a fire but not the heat. Candles fit the bill. The original candles have been used so much they melted down to disfigured columns that no longer burned. I agreed to get some new ones. So much for lazy.
While I was out I remembered I wanted some yarn to knit up a new scarf for the season. Ben Franklin sells candles and yarn > yay!
I didn't find the candles I wanted at Ben Franklin but I did find the yarn:

"New Orleans French Berry" Lion Brand Hometown USA collection

"Prism" Lion Brand Tweed Stripes collection

I found the candles I wanted at World Market. I bought two different scents that blend well together:
Indonesian Teak and Tahitian Vanilla
As soon as I got home I set them out and lit them up.