Happy Memorial Day.

I want to say "thank you" and give "thanks" to those that have served for our country.  And those that we have lost.  To all of my friends and family that have served or are currently serving.  Jason.  Dad.  Bernie's "Uncle Bernie" and namesake.  Milt, Bernie's Dad.  Ian.  Christopher.  Kirsten's husband, Rick.  And to my Alaska Crew - you know who you are. 

Today is a day of rememberance and thanks.  Thank you.

All images via {pinterest}

Accessories for {the dress}

As you all know I have two weddings this summer to attend.  My cousin, Amy's (whom was my birthday present when I was 6) and my girlfriend, Dana from high school.  I thought I'd treat myself to a new sassy and chic number!  A little treat to myself if you will.  The complete ensemble. And on a budget.  Here's the post where I "asked" all of you to help me select the dress.  I picked the first dress (the picture on the left).  I must say it is a bright orange/coral number.  I'm completely unsure "how" I want to accessorize it.  Completely.  And it will look completely different dependent on the shoes I pick.  As a result of my indecision, yet again, I'm asking for your help again. 

If any of you were on twitter you say that Ms. Kori from Blonde Episodes and I went back-and-forth on the "search" for the perfect necklace.  And I'm still undecided.  I've also searched more today...here's what I've come up with.

Besides Kori's "picks" I found a few others.  Bern suggested I head over to etsy.  And what a good idea.  I'm still completely undecided as to "what" to wear.  You see it entirely depends on the shoes as well.  I really could go several different ways.   Let's start with the shoe choices.

One look is the existing shoes I have.  My all-time favorite Gianni Bini boots in cream. And yes, these are the same ones as my black ones (that ARE broken).  I'm still quite sad.  With these shoes I have a coordinating clutch so I'd need just jewelry. 

Another look is the City Huarache Heel from Boston Proper.  And yes, differently jewelry would be required.  However, I have an existing clutch that would work. 

I'm ordering these shoes next week regardless if I wear them with the dress. 
I'm in need of some new work shoes.

And the third look would be the nude Steve Madden shoes I ordered on Friday.  Let me explain how I came about this fabulous shoes and fabulously priced as well.  I was reviewing my infinite number of emails and I just so happened to see my newsletter from The Simply Luxurious Life.  The shoes I bought were at the end of the newsletter titled "This Week's Style Suggestion".  I can't find the exact link from the blog but, you get the point.  And if you receive the newsletter you know exactly what I'm talking about it.  And if you don't subscribe YOU are so missing out.  Oh yes, you most definitely are.  So, what are you waiting for head on over and sign up!!!!  Yes, yes, and yes.  Don't worry this post will still be here after you do sign-up...so hurry up, ...this & that... will be waiting patiently.  Ok, good.  Know that that's done, let's move onto the necklaces.

These shoes have been ordered.  I'm thinking the "nude" will be versatile with any color pants including black (to tentatively "replace" the broken black shoes...I'm still so very sad).

This is one of Kori's picks during our "twitter chat".  I absolutely adore my virtual friends. 
But, I will admit I would have loved to hop in the car and head over to her place and pick her up for a trip to the mall. 
Oh, and this necklace comes in turquoise too.

These stackable rings are hot! Love them. A must have for each of us.

{Old Navy via Average Girls Guide } 
I recieved an email from my cousin, Amy after Thursday's post that I needed some help with jewelry. 
She sent me a link to Old Navy as well.  Great minds think alike.

I really like the "WOW" factor of this earrings and the matching cuff below. 
However, the "wow" factor is a bit pricey. 
But, if the fashion fairy will treat me then I choose "this" set, wouldn't you?
Click here to check out this shop. 
If your looking for something sassy and chic and you can go outside of your budget this is the shop for you.

I'm leaning towards this necklace because it will go nicely with my cream shoes and clutch. 
And a nice vintage look to it.

I'm not sure about this one but, it would look fabulous with the cream shoes or with the nude shoes.

I like this necklace too.  I think the orange/coral beads are just the right shade and I love the rosette's "pop" of color.
What shoes would I wear? And the clutch?

I really love this necklace.  The color looks "identical" to the dress however, the description states "red"...I've convo'd the designer on etsy and we'll see..  Check out the matching cuff below.

I wish it didn't have the grey but, it adds a bit of character...don't you think?  I'm thinking if I were to get this "matching" set ask the designer to make me a pair of "grey" rosette earrings like the center flower?  It would look smashing don't you think?  Now, the question is what shoes would I wear?  The cream, brown or nude?  Decisions, decisions...

I really like this necklace as well.  I feel it gives a very romantic feel.  However,
I'd love to see with cream roses rather than the turquoise (to match the shoes of course).  Either way I think this necklace definitely make a statement and would compliment the outfit very nicely.

I really like the "pop" of color and the 2 geen rosettes that stick out.  I like this one too.
You can check out this necklace here.

Color blocking anyone?  I'm not sure if a necklace like this paired with my dress qualifies? 
However, I do really like the statement "this" necklace makes. 
I could definitely see wearing this with a white sleeveless shirt and a pair of wide leg dress linen pants or a pencil skirt/

This one might have to be a "just because" gift to myself.

Now, I need your help...  1) What style are we going for, ie: vintage, sassy, chic, sexy, etc.?  2) Which shoes would you choose and why?  3)  Let's match the accessories to our style and shoes...  4) If you don't like any of my choices please tell me why and what you would choose instead.

I greatly appreciate any and all suggestions.  Plus, I'd love, love, love for the fashion fairy to bring me each and every one of the items of jewelry.  I could wear each and every item.

And before I forget, I also have one other option.  If I can figure out "how" to make my own necklace and/or bracelet.  I did buy a set of wonderful beads on etsy a few months ago and the colors are perfect!  Now, if I could put it all together...any suggestions and/or a volunteer would be greatly appreciated!

Perfect, right?  Yep, I thougth so too.

PS - Thanks Kori at Blonde Episodes and Amy for your assistance.  And much thanks to the inspiration over at Average Girls Guide and The Simply Luxurious Life.

Sassy Stylin' Sunday - Chic & Sassy.

color + simple by jlcstyle featuring gold plated bangles

Fashion Friday and {Friday's Fancies}

Fashion Friday & Friday's Fancies.

Memorial Day weekend. 

In honor of the holiday weekend I'm going to share a few outfits {via pinterest} that I'd love to be wearing. 

My look and style for the weekend is casual anc chic.  What about you? 

What'll be your style this weekend? 

I'll be hanging with Bern.  I plan on relaxing and working on my tan. 

The gym.  The movies.  The pool.  The race.

Chillin' and relaxing are the main focus for this splendid holiday weekend. 

Stop by Blonde Episodes and Friday's Fancies to link up and view more fabulous fashion posts.



I'll be blogging poolside. 
This is Bern's pool and where I'll be spending the next 3-days.

An outfit for running errands and hitting the movies.  Hangover here I come!

I think I might have to branch out for a one-piece.  I think it is sooo stylish.  And of course the red "pops".  And this outfit gives me a vintage feel and I love it.  The hat is a definite statement and a must-have to protect your eyes and skin. 
Plus, tons of SPF!

An outfit for a little dinner date on the patio.



I'd much rather be at the beach with Bern doing this...
{vis pinterest}

Have a wonderful holiday weekend and be safe!  I'd love to hear your plans.

All images via {pinterest}

...this & that...Thursday.

It's my favorite day of the week! ...this & that...Thursday

I'm leaving work a bit earlier today. Heading back to the eye doctor to have my eye's dilated. Fun stuff, right?

 

So...the eye doctor.  My retina's are fine.  Thank goodness.  The doc and I still don't know what the problem is...  Trial and error, I guess?  My eyes are constantly refocusing - like a camera.  Yes, my eyes really do this and I can feel it happening.  As a result of "this" constant refocusing, my eyes are constantly blurry.  And I do of course stare into a computer screen and continue at home.  However, we did determine that I need to move the montior further away at the office.  At home it's not really an issue.  Lab top on my lap...  So, we've got a plan.  And we will see how it goes when my new lens arrive next week.  *fingers crossed*

 

Having your eyes dilated is not fun.  Well, the dilation part isn't bad but, getting home afterwards isn't.  So, I leave and think my uber dark sunglasses from Tunisia (my "fake" Gucci's that Bern bought on our trip) will be sufficient.  NOT!  I place the dark plastic glasses, I think you call them glasses under my sunglasses!  And "presto" it is plenty dark enough for me to drive home.  However, It is imperative the visor is down and that I don't look directly into the sun.  Not a good idea, not at all.  So, I make it home.  I attempt to "be" in my apartment with the lights on and watch tv.  It's not happening.  I try and use my lab top, not happening.  I change the screen brightness - still not happening.  So, I do this...  Close blinds.  Turn of all lights.  Sit down in my chair.  Put my sunglasses ON.  I'm in heaven.  So, I watched an hour of Mr. & Mrs. Smith while wearing my sunglasses and it was absolutely perfect.  Yes, yes, I know it extremely funny.  You can laugh, I did.  And so did Bernie when he came to the door.

 

I took a few fun pictures with Bern when he came over.  A few funny ones and a few i just couldn't resist.  Let me know what you think.

 

Sorry Bern but, I couldn't resist.  I had to post it.

My dress came today!  I'm glad I ordered 2 sizes.  Size 6 wins.  Size 8 is going back to the store.  I took photos after Bern left.  Yes, I know, I should have had him wait to take the photos outside.  Pictures with my camera turn out much better outside.  Lighting is everything.  Absolutely everything.  Anyhow, I really like the dress.  I definitely need a tan.  And I'm on it this weekend.  I still have my tanning membership so, I'll be utilizing that as well.  I think I'm going to need to get a new pair of shoes though.  The cream ones don't cut it.  I'm pretty sure a 4" pair of nude patent leather are the way to go.  Gianni Bini.  Jessica Simpson.  Steve Madden.  Michael Kors (if I can find them on sale).  And I need a statement necklace.  I'm thinking coral and gold...?  Your thoughts?  Remember, accessories on a budget!  Yes, ladies and gentlemen on a budget.  So, when you are out and about and searching on line keep me in mind over the next few days.  Please send any ideas my way.  You can email me at hpranitis@yahoo.com .

I changed the picture setting to "vibrant" on my camera.  The dress is bright but, not as dull as the photos below.  I'll take better photos this weekend (with Bern's assistance this weekend).

 

Day 3 of Shakeology!  And I'm really liking it.  Thanks so much to my girlfriend, Kirsten for getting me "hooked".  I skipped cardio today due to the eye dilation.  Somehow, I didn't think cardio would be such a hot idea.  Anyhow, I'm going to start the Shakeology workout videos this weekend and lifting.  I've got a plan and I'm sticking to it.  I'm determined.  More on the plan later.

 

YUM!

 

I really need to figure out all the hype behind the book The Hunger Games.  If anyone wants to feel me in, please do.

 

I'm really looking forward to The Hangover, Part II this weekend.  Bern is hesitant in joining me because he'd rather watch it at home.  Well, me, I don't want to wait several months.  I want to be part of the excitement and laughter, now, right?  If your going to see it this weekend you know exactly what I mean.  Enough said.  I'm going to see it with or without you Bern.  But, I hope with.

 

I've seen a lot of movies lately.  And yes, I know, I need to blog ALL about them.  Some of my favorites so far have been Fast Five, Thor, and Bridesmaids.  And Thor I've seen twice.  It was fabulous and Sierra from Ocean Dreams can attest to that.  I had the pleasure seeing the movie with Sierra after a fabulous dinner of sushi.  More on this later.  And on the fabulous scene of Mr. Hemsworth that just makes you drool.  The drool factor takes place whether your female or male.  Period.  Let me know what you think...look below at the screen shot.  And you tell me.

 

On a side note the drool factor for me is not just because he's "hot and sexy" but, because I know what it takes to look like that.  About 3 years ago, I was in phenomenal shape and extremely cut.  I know what it takes.  And love the look.  I guess it is an obsession of sorts that I have.  And this helps me with me "current" goal to get back in shape and cut.  More on this later.

 

 

 

Netflix. 

 

I hope each of you have a fabulous evening and see you tomorrow for Fashion Friday and Friday's Fancies.

 

Oh, and before I forget what are every one's plans for the weekend?  Bern and I will be working on our tans.  Poolside.  I'm going to hit the gym.  And introduce Bern to Shakeology.  In addition, it's movie time.