Home Sweet Home?: Part 2

So remember when I asked the question, "Could you live here?" regarding the British Virgin Islands? Well, one week from today, I will begin to answer that question for myself. That's right, Mr. SDP and I are traveling to the BVI to learn more about the business opportunity that's been presented to us and the life there.

We will only be there for three days, four nights, but hopefully we'll get a sense of the island, its people, etc...

To be continued...

I heart chevron: PART 2

So, I saw Genevieve Gorder on HGTV's Design Star a few weeks ago and she was wearing this silk chevron number:
As I stated in this post, I am just loving the chevron pattern right now.

It turns out, the dress is by none other than Diane Von Furstenberg! {Love her!} After a thorough search online and a few phone calls, I have located it in my size! Better yet, it has gone on sale and I will be calling that store when it opens this morning. I have to wait until 10am Central Time!
I am just in love with it!!! Aren't you?

Ben Silver: Style Guide

Thanks to the Blushing Hostess and her recent post about Ben Silver, the men's clothier in Charleston, SC!

While I have been a fan of Ben Silver for many years, she introduced me to one Mr. G. Bruce Boyer, a published author and fashion writer for The New York Times and Esquire. He is writing a style guide for BenSilver.com.

I enjoy reading his take on the Scottish knits used to make Ben Silver's sweaters and the 'regal dyestuff' used to color their beautiful gum silk ties.

I love knowing the story behind the clothes...even though I'm not wearing the tie, Mr. SDP is and he too takes pleasure in the fact that there's more there. A history. Tradition. So, thank you Blushing Hostess for the lovely introduction.

Happy shopping!

I heart chevron

The chevron pattern that is!
A Fabric Outlet on Etsy is carrying this fabric and other colors for only $9.25 a yard. That's a really incredible price. I have spent the past hour searching for it by the yard and this is by far the best selection. Apparently Paula Prass, an interior designer, did a fabric line, but it doesn't appear to be active at the moment.

I'm not exactly sure what color to choose, nor do I have any idea what I'm going to sew with this fabric...napkins, table cloth, throw pillows, or curtains, but I'm feeling inspired.

Take a look at this outdoor room...fabulous!
I also found a new blog, The Haystack Needle and she recently did an entire post on the topic as well!

Of course, my lust for this fabric all started with 'the dress' - yes, the one I was undecided about.

"Grace in the glare"

That's how Diane Sawyer described South Carolina's first lady, Jenny Sanford. After reading this feature story about her in Vogue, I have to agree. She is thoughtful and composed. I'm sure there are many who think she's too old-fashioned, to be 'standing by her man' after all that he did and the pain and humiliation that he caused her. But if you really read her words carefully, what you will find is a courageous woman who is finding a way to forgive.

I'm not sure how I would handle myself if in a similar situation, but there is a gracefulness in Jenny Sanford that no one can deny.

Your hostess, Tory Burch

Is Tory Burch launching an entertaining line of products??? The other day, a few of these photos were posted to the Tory Burch Facebook page...I've searched for more information regarding a new product line and so far haven't found any such news.
You will notice, however, in the bottom left hand corner it reads, "Stationary courtesy of The Printery." {I must point out that stationery is misspelled. And if you're looking for a way to remember the difference between stationery and stationary, here it is: Stationery with an "e" is a paper product, remember the -er in paper. For the word stationary, think of a riding stationary bike; it's an action, emphasis on the "a".}I found The Printery online and they have beautiful things...maybe Tory will partner with them and produce a signature line? Wouldn't that be lovely? Almost as fabulous as finding one of these lovely invites in your mailbox!

Oh, and if you're looking to purchase some of the box invitations as shown above, here's a link to the where to buy page on their website. Happy shopping!

Whirlwind of a weekend!

Remember that feeling after riding the tea cups at Disney as a child?
That's how I feel this morning after our whirlwind trip to New Orleans for game night. Whew - what a ride!

We had a fabulous time and the best part? First class on the way home! We flew standby both ways, and suprisingly enough - getting there and back wasn't a problem. Our group even got to sit together on the way there! On the way back, however, we had to split up...four of us made the first flight, while two had to stay behind. Fortunately for me and Mr. SDP, our seats were in first class.

NOLA was great. The weather, the people, the drinks...fantastic!

There was only one dramatic episode that came at the end of a fabulous meal at Cochon in the Warehouse District. There was a dispute over the bill...no apology from the staff regarding the bottle of wine they charged us that we didn't order...unwillingness to split checks...unbelievably rude manager who apparently spits nails in her free time...you get the idea.

I refuse to let that one little disturbance take away from what was otherwise an amazing trip.

Beignets at Cafe Du Monde...check!
Hurricane from Pat O's...check!
Crawfish etouffee...check!
Mr. SDP's successful poker hand at casino...check!
Feather pillow in the hotel...check!
Drinks at Adalaide in the Lowes...check!

FOLO: Game Night Takes to the Friendly Skies

So, I'm packed for our trip to New Orleans! Game night, NOLA-edition here we come!

The Consummate Hostess recently blogged about NOLA and all of the "must-see" sights, as well as Mrs. News Readin' over at Breaking News.

If you're planning a trip to NOLA anytime soon, check out these posts. These ladies know how to travel!

Game Night Takes to the Friendly Skies

I bet you've never had a game night that required carry-on luggage. I can say for certain, that I never have. Until now, that is...

Here's how our game night usually works:

Our group meets on the first or second Friday of the month in one of our homes...we have drinks, heavy hor d'oerves, and usually play Taboo or something similar and then drink some more. There are five couples total, but usually the same four couples show month after month.

Well, there is a commercial pilot in the group and a few months ago mentioned that he'd like to move August game night to another city, courtesy of Airline X (and his buddy passes.) We didn't think we would actually see this game night come to fruition, so imagine my surprise when last week, we receive an email concerning game night, the NOLA-edition.

That's right, we are leaving in less than 24 hours. Destination: New Orleans, Louisiana! I seriously doubt there will be any games played on the trip...just some debauchery, with a splash of milk punch! I love New Orleans and haven't been there yet this year.
So, what to pack? I just looked up the weather and it's going to be hot, but not unbearable. While the high is 92 degrees today, it's only 90 tomorrow, and 86 degrees on Saturday, with scattered thunderstorms possible. Not bad for the middle of hurricane season!

I wish my Stephen Bonanno's would arrive today, so I could break them in on the streets of the French Quarter.

As for where we are staying...we are waiting to book until it's confirmed that all of us can get on the flight! But, we have several options. My vote is for the International House. It is a luxury boutique hotel, located just two blocks from the French Quarter. {Here's a photo of their bar, Loa...I hear the cocktails here are yummy!}

I can already taste the beignets! Laissez les bons temps roulez!

Home Sweet Home?

Could you live here?Mr. SDP and I are seriously considering it. There is an opportunity...a business opportunity in the British Virgin Islands. It's hard to imagine it all working out and actually getting our Visas, but you never know. There may be interviews for both of us! That's right - the business opportunity is a joint venture.

Born and raised in the south, I'm not sure Mrs. SDP can fully grasp what it would like to trade southern drawls for English accents...I think they have English accents there, don't they? Ha! This is going to be fun! I'm going into this whole thing with extremely low expectations and a very 'laissez-faire' attitude.

Of course, Mr. SDP is all about the expectation. For example...before leaving work yesterday, I emailed Mr. SDP and told him I needed to run by Target on the way home.

His reply:

Have fun at Target; there isn't one on the island! :)

Flipping Out is almost here...

The beloved network, BRAVO, is bringing back Flipping Out for a third season. We are one week away people!
I can't wait to see what Jeff Lewis has in store for us. Have you seen the preview? Hi-larious!

My favorite part is when Jenni Pulos says "Since he can't flip houses right now, Jeff's really making the best of it." And then the next soundbite is Jeff screaming "I'm going to kill myself!"

Cool as a cucumber - Ha! Set the DVR for next Tuesday night!

In other reality TV show news...have you seen Giuliana and Bill Rancic's new show? I've only caught bits and pieces, but I have a feeling it's not the train wreck many expected.
I caught myself smiling as I watched their banter over the outdoor fireplace. Bill wanted a fire and ice theme. Too funny!

Preppy Post and Preppier Giveaway

Not having reached even the 100 mark, I find it impressive that the lovely Preppy 101 is celebrating 300 posts in such a selfless way! That's right - All Things Southern and Preppy is celebrating the 300 mark with an amazing giveaway...make that amazing giveaways (plural!)

Check out some of these wonderful things! First up, a colorful watch from A. Tierney.

Also up for grabs - this pink polka dot needlepoint headband from Tucker Blair!

Congratulations to Preppy 101 and good luck to everyone who enters!

H is for Honesty

Angela, one wonderful Short Southern Momma, has bestowed on me the Honest Scrap award! If you're not familiar, a recipient of the Honest Scrap award must share 10 things about herself and then pass along the honor to 10 others. I guess this is the modern-day chain letter for bloggers.

So, here we go!

1. I worked as a television reporter for 7 years before making the switch to public relations.

2. While I enjoy what I do, I would love to do something more creative...particularly in fashion.

3. Babies in jeans annoy me. Wait, scratch that - parents who put their babies in jeans annoy me.

4. I believe in love at first sight.

5. I've watched every season of American Idol and can recite all winners and runner-ups in chronological order.

6. Ask me about a particular date/event/meeting and I can probably tell you what I was wearing.

7. Just yesterday, Mr. SDP asked me if I would move to the British Virgin Islands and live there for a few years...my answer? YES! {We'll see if that actually happens!}

8. My parents have been married for 43 years, something that makes me very proud!

9. I once met Felicia Rashad while on a trip to NYC, and I called her Mrs. Huxtable. She signed my playbill for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

10. My niece nicknamed me Ya Ya.

And definitely check out Short Southern Momma! Thanks for the nod Angela! I will be passing this award onto 10 others tomorrow...

Where is Weinstock when you need her?

The President's birthday cake would make Sylvia Weinstock roll over in her grave...that's if she were dead, of course. Instead, her eyes are probably popping out of her head and breaking the lenses in her signature spectacles. I am just so perplexed about this cake! Why on Earth would the cake maker put the #44 on the cake over the most obvious #48??? Yes, I realize Barack Obama is our 44th president, but he is turning 48 years old!

Even Duff and his crew over at Charm City Cakes could produce a more appropriate cake for our President!

As stated in this story, this cake doesn't reflect the stylish Obama that we've come to know! {Excusing the mom jeans he wore to throw out the first pitch at the All-Stars game a few weeks ago of course!}

The First Lady has more style in her pinky toe than this cake!

Keep Calm and enter this giveaway!

Over at Sweet Tea Diaries, there's a fabulous giveaway! You have to check it out!

She's featuring the artist, Pressureless, as seen on Etsy, one of my favorite websites. And the best part? You can choose your own color.

The Blu Rasberry is in first place for me right now.
Keep Calm. Carry On. Enter the Giveaway.

An open letter to Kristin Davis

Dear Ms. Davis,

You are a great actress. Your character, Charlotte, in Sex & The City is my favorite of all the girls. I also look forward to seeing your new romantic comedy, Couples Retreat, which will be in theatres October 9th.

But dear, sweet Kristin, we must talk about your line of shoes. Believe me, I was thrilled to see your clothing line in stores last Fall. I have several pieces. It's just the shoes that cause me so much pain...literally.

Don't get me wrong. They're pretty shoes; just something in the way they're made causes my feet to hate me.

Take for example these platform gladiators by Kristin Davis:

I purchased these lovelies on Saturday to wear to a wedding that night. While they made the outfit and were the beneficiary of numerous compliments, my poor feet! I had to hobble to the car by night's end, only to ice them down when I got home!

No amount of alcohol could numb the pain...believe me I tried, between the cosmos and the half dozen champagne cocktails consumed through out the night! Whew!

Maybe I should have opted for these Christian Louboutin's? With the $1,145 price tag, I think I might have to pass and pay my mortgate instead. You understand.

So, Ms. Davis, thank you for your attempt at bringing affordable fashions, similar to those found in your closet and on the set of Sex & The City, but politely I must say, "No thank you."

It leaves me wondering (in my best Carrie Bradshaw-inspired ponder) "Is it better to go without Christian Louboutins than be tortured by the affordable knock-off?"

Sincerely,

Mrs. SDP