To be in New York...

The Met Museum's special exhibit Fashion and Fantasy

Fashion Envy

What a fantastic waste of time, particularly if you love, like I do, the InStyle features where they have all the outfits for the season all assembled and ready to buy... It's called Polyvore, found via Jezebel.com. Here's my first construction, in my have-to-have color this season: grey.

Kimchi & Blue

On today's thrifting expedition (no fabric found, but good results later), I found this brand of clothing Kimchi & Blue. I found NEW, unused, several styles in all sizes, available at nearby Dallas consignment store Dot's Closet. (Also found this listing of Dallas consignment shops.

Not sure if it's last season overstock, or what, but I bought two dresses, both fantastic, for about a QUARTER of what they're sold for at UrbanOutfitters.com. Will be heading back for more now that I know they fit brilliantly, albeit in European sizing.

How to clean patent leather

Recent patent acquisitions have already necessitated googling how to clean patent leather... A summary:

Traditional, Good Housekeeping suggestion, a la Hints from Heloise, though would require a purchase of mineral oil

Wikihow, for Patent Boots, photos look kind of er, like shoe-porn, but the process is simple

Ask Andy About Clothes article about shoe care says: Patent leather can be cleaned with a damp cloth using lukewarm water and plain soap or Windex. Shine with a smooth soft cloth. Don’t get any of the fabric wet (like the ribbon bow).

I tried the water, soap and windex, and the windex worked the best for me. My patent shines like glass, but it should be noted I don't know if it's "faux patent" or not, so if you're dealing with something expensive, take it somewhere to be cleaned instead of risking damaging it.

Frugal Fashionista

My newest daily visit: Frugal Fashionista

Hair help

This looks so cool, I've always loved henna because it's not too permanent, and never as startling as storebought dye... Love that these are so natural: Lush

Wish I'd thought of that!!

I heard about this months ago, and have been searching and searching for it ever since. NO wonder I couldn't find it, thanks to Not Martha for the link, it's from Avon, not sold in stores.... I cannot WAIT to try it... Instant Manicure Press-on Enamel.