Hitting the road for a few days.

I'll be out of town for a couple of days. If I find high fashion (or low) I'll try and snap a pic and post it when I get back.

Feel free to talk amongst yourselves in my absence!

Shaggy James.
I HEAR James is getting his buzz cut this week. I got the "before" photo and hope someone sends me the "after," as I'll be gone until next Weds. Can't wait to see it, James!

The one that got away...
I tried on this dress at Talula's. It's gorgeous and I LOVED it. It was a heavy off white lace over a beige liner. The bow, which cinched the dress at an empire waist, is a darker beige, though you can't tell in this photo. The straps were a little long for me, so I'm holding it up.

Even though I loved it, I didn't get it. It was $510.
If anyone has the bucks, I say grab it! All I got was this photo.

One reader's pet fashion DON'T!
Aviator glasses.
I have to agree. Unless you actually ARE an aviator, and even then it's iffy.

Pictured here is the reader's (Kim) daughter, Kirsten and her pal. And they don't look happy modeling these serious fashion DON'Ts! They're far too pretty to be seen in such monstrosities!

Talula's sale!
I told you I'd be at that sale and I was lucky to get there as early as I did. The ladies were on that sale rack like locusts!

I found two great pieces by Free People. They have really original stuff with great details. Check out the back of the sundress and the cool corset tie on the back of the cami.


But their stuff ain't cheap, let me tell ya. The people may be free at Free People, but the clothes sure aren't!
The dress was $120 (on sale for $70) and the camisole was $54 (on sale for $30). I'll have to get some light sweaters or shrugs to be able to wear either to the office!

Oh, and since I had a $25 gift certificate I got the sandals ($29) as well. I think they're snazzy!

Guillermo, AGAIN, was looking stylish on Tuesday. I love the light-on-light pairing, quite dashing!

Ok, here's my 2nd attempt to get the cool Prada glasses of Cindy's. Again, the name is blurry, I'm blaming the camera!
But here, you can CLEARLY see the name on all the accouterments that come with the glasses. Cindy said the little card on the right is a magnetic card that you can use to REGISTER your Prada item so it is known far and wide that you have the real thing! Wow...

In response to a querry about the "summer cut" boys from the office featured below...yes...all are quite taken, especially the one in the middle, who is often quite taken with HIMSELF!

Thanks for commenting!

The deal of the century!

I spied this great gypsy skirt (complete with eye-catching sequins) on Colleen today and asked if she'd share it with BakoFashionDo. She said sure and then told me how she found it at Robinson's May on super clearance. Originally over $100...she got it for $7!!! SEVEN DOLLARS!!!! You can't even get a six pack of decent beer for $7!! Not only is it a deal, it's a total fashion DO at 5 times the price...that would be, uh...$35? Right? Anyway, isn't it gorgeous?

Girl's lunch!

Well it was kind of a straggling affair, we kept changing the date, the time, the place, so some people showed early, some late. Even so, it was great to see all the running girls (ladies I met running) today (Monday 6/19/06) for lunch at Jakes TexMex. And some definite fashion DOs were on hand!

First are Kim's sexy topaz jewel sandals!
They're gorgeous and she gives us a little tip: they're $90 at Bella's but she saw them for only $36 at Leeds. Good tip for us, too bad she didn't hit Leeds first. But they do look good on her!


And now, look at Nancy - an absolute vision of summer flirty! The skirt is a fresh floral patterned cotton paired with this season's must have light cotton overshirt in a beautiful lemon yellow. The chunky "Flintstone's" turquoise necklace and rattan summer purse set it all off perfectly! Total fashion DO. I forgot to get her deets on where and how much, but I'll add that later.

Check it out!

Not only is Talula's is having a CLEARANCE sale...but, I have a $25 gift certificate. Do not even bother looking for me at tomorrow at lunchtime...

The top that started it all.
I went back and found pics of the gold top that Denise insisted I buy way back in 2001 that started me on my path of fashion.

Here they are from that first fateful Vegas trip up to last October! Man, I gotta get some new "fancy wear"!




Here's me and Denise in Vegas for the Big Smoke in 2001. That's me in "the Top" doing the bump for unknown reasons!

Then here's my husband, Larry and I, same night. No, I'm not flipping the bird, I'm holding a cigar!
"The Top" makes another appearance at the Bakersfield Hispanic Chamber of Commerce annual installation dinner in 2003! That's Olivia and her husband Julio on the left. Seated is Jan and next to her is Oscar (long story there!).

And here "the top" is AGAIN in October 2005. Denise actually took this picture. She's far too gracious to tell me, but I'm sure she's thinking "enough with 'theTop!'"

Yes, that's Bill Thomas, Bakersfield congressman and head of the Ways and Means Committee in the House of Represenatives. Arguably one of the most powerful congressmen in the country. See? Even when it's over used, good fashion gets you noticed in allll the right circles!

Talbots sale!

Talbots is one of my favorite stores for work duds because their clothes are really well made and have that classic "beyond trendy" look. But they're expensive, so I lie in wait for the twice-a-year, 50-percent-off sales. One started Thursday but I couldn't get there till today.
I wasn't overwhelmed with the selection, but then I wasn't looking for anything specific. I stuck with the basics and am pretty pleased with my haul.
Four t-shirts, $14 each
A basic short white cotton skirt, $32
A basic pale blue cotton camp shirt, $29
A light georgette silk print shirt, $34
With tax, $161 total.
I spent more than that on groceries today!

Here's the goods:

A slight correction, or clarification.

While Olivia has kept me focused on fashion, I should say that Denise actually got me started. We were going to Vegas and looking for outfits. I was trying to be practical but she convinced me to buy an Anne Taylor top that, no, I could NOT wear every day. It's luxurious and sexy and was very expensive. But it's gorgeous. I still have it and still wear it to fancy events.

In fact, I wore it a few months ago to a gala opening that Denise happened to be in town for, so we went together and had a ball! It was at that event I got the idea for this blog.

Here's a picture I forgot I have! That's me and Denise at a dinner in Vegas for the Big Smoke. I think it's 2000, but I'm not sure. Isn't Denise's blouse fabulous? She has impeccable taste!

Kick ass shoes.
I got these at Robinsons May just before it closed. They're Karen Scott and I think I got them really cheap, like $15 because the store was finally selling everything at clearance.

Bob called them "kick ass" shoes today and I wholeheartedly agree. Except I wouldn't want to scuff them by actually kicking anyone in the ass!

Summer cuts

I'm giving a fashion DO to men who get summer cuts. Even though I grew up in the late '70s and early '80s (era of long hair and glam rock) I still always liked the old fashioned notion of dad's taking their sons to the barber for the summer cut. So here are a few guys from the office, Herb, Bob and Chris, with their summer cuts. Herb's is fresh. Bob's may look long, but believe me, it's a "buzz" compared to his usual dreds. Chris says it wasn't his dad, but his mom, who took him to the stylist instead of the barber. Well, everyone has their issues! Either way, a fashion Do shout out to the summer cut boys from the office!

Fashion wreck

I was in a car crash today. I wasn't hurt, but my truck is pretty smashed up. And I blame bad fashion. I was at a red light at Niles and Union, going onto 178. A woman was crossing the road in front of me. She was wearing pajama pants, big fluffy slippers, a white sports bra and those sunglasses with the thick white rims that are all the rage now among the 12 to 20 set. An awful trend that I hope ends soon.

I watched her walk across the street and pulled out my camera to get a "fashion don't" photo. But I saw that the light had turned green, so I hastily dropped the camera back in my purse, put my car in gear and headed into the intersection.

WHAM! A woman going north on Union ran the red light and smacked right into me. We pulled to the side of the road, exhanged info, I got a tow, it'll all work itself out. (Ms. Pajama pant never batted an eye, by the way)

But let this be a lesson, bad fashion isn't just an eyesore, it's a hazard!

This is my fashionista fairy godmother, so to speak.

Like Guillermo, I denied that I loved the look and feel of fabulous clothes, that I actually liked to stroll from store to store trying on anything and everything. I denied that fashion made me feel good, renewed, happy. But my pal Olivia refused to let me wallow in a world of practicality. She set me on a course from which I hope never to deviate, sailing the fabulous world of fashion.


And here she is on a regular work day looking incredible (did I mention that she's PREGNANT and she still takes the time to look MAHVELOUS!)

Most importantly, here are the SHOES!!!

Read below for all her outfit deets:
I got the necklace at Charlotte Russe, $6. Brown Pants, Target, $24 (maternity!). Carlos Santana shoes, $70, Zappos.com. The top from The Limited, $48

Ok, where are we? So many fashion DOs my head is spinning!

Oh! Here's an incredible fashion tale anywhere, but in OUR little work world hovel? Prada? HERE??? REAL PRADA!!!???

Ok, I have to get a better pic, I know, I know. But can you make it out? The name on the side of the glasses???? Look CLOSER! Ok, I'll get a better pick, but they ARE the real thing. Here's what Cindy had to say about how she came to own such a fashion feast for the eyes!


"Unfashionable. Mismatched. Roll outta bed.
That's me. But when it came time to pick new frames ... I was begrudgingly bewitched by one of fashion's most synonymous names, Prada. They beckoned to me like a ratty pair of Levi's, worn in just right. My sister said 'You have to buy those!' The price ... $245. A disgrace to nonconformists everywhere."

Perhaps, but still a fashion DO!

Super cool!

This is such a laid back outfit, but really eye catching. It makes you wish you'd thought of it!
I love the combo of the orange skirt and turquoise jewellry, so simultaneously roughhewn and elegant. How does turquoise do that?
Read below for all the deets on this total fashion DO!

Coral linen skirt with maze of cream-colored embroidery, Kohl's, $30-ish
Neutral cork-wedge sandals, Target, $18.99
Choker necklace of large turquoise-colored beads separated by small coral beads, under $10 at one of those chain-store accessory boutiques in Valley Plaza.

Let it be noted that I had to relieve the choker of its focal point: What's best described as a smallish sand dollar was originally suspended from the necklace. Without that eyesore, it's totally cute and one of my favorites.
Turquoise and coral faux-stone drop earrings, Wal-Mart, $2 on clearance. (I was picking up supplies for the TBC Easter Egg Hunt. I am not a big Wal-Mart fan. Really.) It wasn't until I'd had them for a few months that I realized what a freakishly perfect match they were for the 5+ year-old necklace!

So much fashion going on and the internet fairy abandoned me! Unforgiveable!

First, a little catch up.
Guillermo's orange polo/kahki slacks outfit (pictured below) deets:
Polo shirt: $35.00 @ Mervyns.
Slacks: $75.00 @ Nordstrom's (San Francisco).
Shoes: $45.00 @ Guarantee Shoe Center.
Belt: $15.00 @ Sears

See? No need to break the bank to look good. You just need to know what wears well on you and then you can mix and match.

Now, as to the reader's question about where Guillermo gets his style sense, I asked and he told.

"I'm always asking people what they like and what they don't like, my friends, sis, dad, acquaintances.," Guillermo said. "I observe what people wear on TV, magazines, movies, on the street, out of town, etc. Then I look for people w/ my same body type and skin tone. Advertisements also help to visualize pants/shirts combo."

Here's the best tip of all, I think:
"I never go shopping on a hurry. I take my time and my secret is if I do not find anything that I truly like, I do not buy anything."

And it's always good to have a partner in crime!
"I have to give credit to my friend Vicki. On a trip to San Francisco, she showed me great places to shop for clothes. Vicki unleashed a side of me that I was in constant denial about. "
I hear ya, brother, I have a friend that did the same for me! (OLIVIA!!)

"Also with Vicki, we went to the coast to visit some shoe outlets and I ended up spending more than I ever had before. But the spending was well worth it."
Absolutely! The value of good shoes can never be underestimated!

"Even dudes were checking me out and complimenting my choices on clothes and shoes."
And well deserved, I say!!


Oh, and here's Guillermo's latest look.(6/15/06).
I love the combo of the workaday dark gray trousers, serious black leather shoes and the light, summery, pistachio polo. It works really well with his skin tone and is just an overall sharp look. Definite CEO material!

The rotten internet!

Sorry no new posts, I have LOTS of stuff to add.
But the internet is down at my house, has been for 3 days now!
I'll send an email when I get some new stuff. Meanwhile, add your comments on what you'd like to see on here!!

Blog comments rock!

We got our first comments, YEA!
In response:
Guillermo is highly stylish. We'll try and find out where he gets his inspiration.
Jennifer's neck candy is definitely enviable. She said she got it at the Haberfelde, but no copy katting!
And yes, I do need a larger closet, perhaps someone could talk to my husband about that.

Tune in tomorrow for more fashion dos seen about town!

Accessories surely can make all the difference. And what compliments your ensemble better than a nicely dressed man? Guillermo looked very sharp today in an orange polo and khaki slacks. I didn't get the shoes, but they were a nice rich brown leather. He looks fabulous! And, he's promised he'll tell where he got the duds and for how much. I'll add that info when I get it.

It's all about the accessories...

Jennifer is a master accessorizer (is that a word?). No matter what she's wearing, she knows how to set it off with just the right piece. She got this little bauble while lunching with our own Sandi M., herself a snappy fashionista. They were at the Haberfelde and stumbled on quite a trove of "finds," to hear Jen tell it. This only set Jennifer back $15!! A steal at twice the price and a definite fashion DO.

Can't wait to see what Sandi picked up!

The true fashionistas...
That's me on the lower left. Top is Ms. Bans, middle in the red is Ms. Olivia and on the right is Ms. Vicki, of course! They're all much more fashionable than I can ever hope to be...and they let me know it all the time...

Curse my poor camera skills!

I went to the American Heart Association event a couple of weeks ago and it was BRISTLING with major fashion dos and, OK, one or two fashion don'ts. But the fashion dos were spectacular! Anyway, my problem was I forgot to check the charge on my camera before I went. So I got one decent shot and that was it. Here it is.

That's me on the right in the purple, a lovely top picked out for me by very good friends for a wedding I was disinvited to...but that's another story.
On the far left in red is Christina and Heather is the blonde in the center in gray. They both looked GREAT. Heather is 16 and Christina is about 21, I think, so their dresses were very micro mini short. I was wearing a black skirt, only about an inch above the knee and black patent leather Evan Picones that I got in Washington DC.

This was the only other shot I got that turned out at all. That's Christina on the left and Charlie on the right. Charlie's dress was great as well! In fact, our whole table was a major fashion DO!

Out of the closet...

Here's my closet, just a little larger than the average walk in. We have a three bedroom house and no kids. So my husband takes one of the other rooms for all his stuff. Otherwise, how do married people share such a small space???

Oh, and people have often asked how many pairs of shoes I have. The first pic shows my everyday shoes on the floor of my closet. Running and biking and walking sandals mostly.

The next pick shows my "working" shoes. Not many at ALL. Especially compared to certain friends of mine!

Ok, here's me.

First pic is how I look most of the time around the house. The other pics are mostly of me in work clothes. I'm only doing the goofy foot up thing to show the shoes, which of course can make or break any ensemble.


The one below with the pink top and black skirt is one of my favorites. Very comfy and, I think stylish. I usually wear pearls with this one. I don't know if you can see it in this photo, but the skirt has a little bit of a train at the back, very flippy and fun.



This blue outfit is another favorite. The skirt is the same sheer, light material as the black polka dot above. It's a faux wrap around so it has that open look, without being revealing at all. I LOVE these shoes, they're silver strappy sandals that I bought a couple years ago and I think they've really held their style, evidenced by the fact that two of my so-called friends went to the store after seeing my shoes and bought the very same pair! Shoe hos!

It's hot in Bakersfield but you still have to wear "office" type clothes. That's why I loved these short slacks, which even have cuffs, though I don't think that comes through in this photo. I wear pointy black pumps with these.

I grew up in jeans and t-shirts and never, EVER liked to clothes shop. My mother would find this blog so funny. And my sister would fall over! Anyway, despite my tomboyish ways, when I was a teenager, my mom bought me a linen(well, it was close to linen) very light peach colored skirt that was long and flowy. I loved that skirt! So got a real linen skirt last year and match it with this light lime green summer top. And a good friend bought me these shoes, which make me tall...well at least over 5 feet!

My husband and I were at the warf in San Francisco and I stopped in the Ann Taylor shop three summers ago. They were having a sale, a good one! I found this linen summer dress and have worn it to numerous summer weddings and events. It's always a hit!

My first order of business will be to put up some fashion "dos" and "don'ts" of myself. But first I have to figure out how to use my camera to do the delayed time thing. This could take a while.