I'm Celebrity Gossip?

No, I'm not...

But somehow my ganstalicious friend Mb and I ended up on PerezHilton in his "Adoration" fan pictures Friday.

Funny thing is I submitted that photo back in April or May 2006 when he posted asking for fan photos. Why the heck he waited four years to post the photo is a mystery. We sure got a kick out if it though — that's for sure!

Gifted and thrifted

I was fortunate enough to get to come home from work and change clothes before meeting friends for dinner and "yay - we are buying a house!" celebratory drinks. (I feel it's so rare now that I wear "play clothes" on weeknights.)

I technically could label this a $50 or less outfit — but I feel that would be cheating. The shoes, clutch and dress were all Christmas 2009 gifts (my friends and family have great taste!).

And who says you can't wear black and brown together? I love that "saddle," a shade of brown, looks fine with black — especially when you mix in some color.

• Boots: Arturo Chiang from Piperlime (gift from the inlaws)
• Dress: Bailey 44 (gift from sister-in-law and her fiance)
• Clutch: UE or Urban Expressions (gift from my always stylish and fabulous friend Lauren)
• Leggings: Target ($6)
• Three-quarter sleeve sweater: Merona; thrifted at the Junior League Nearly New store for $5
• Multi-colored shiny button necklace: gift (several years ago) from my stepmother

Christian Siriano for Payless

Christian Siriano (of Project Runway fame) has unveiled his new line of affordable shoes for Payless.

I don't know about you, but I want to snatch up this pair of "Coast Print" (slightly platform) pumps for $34.99. (These pumps are also available in a fiery red/orange coastal print.) The shoes are a great way for el cheapies like me to have a piece of the 2010 Christian Siriano collection without spending the big bucks. This print was a big part of his runway show (photos here).

New Christian Siriano for Payless pumps.

Inspired by his 2010 Spring collection.
(Photo from ProjectRungay via firstVIEW.com)

Not feeling the heels? Check out his flats ($29.99).

Check out his entire line of spring handbags, clutches, heels, flats and sneakers on the Payless Web site.

Locate the Payless store closest to you here.

Guess What I'm Wearing Today...

I'll give you a hint.


It starts with "b"...



end ends with "ird necklace."


I've been working here since September — but today's the first day the bird has shown her fowl little face. So far, I've received one compliment ("cool necklace!") and some stares. I asked one of the starers, a guy named Scott, if he was captivated by necklace. His only response: yeah... I was looking at your necklace. I suppose his stopping there was his way of staying neutral?

My boss said the necklace is "interesting" and that it almost looks like two birds. She also asked, "Um... what's the significance?" (I think she wanted to know why I would don such a bizarre piece of jewelry). I told her it was a flea market victory.

See what happened when Megan and Julia each wore the necklace here and here. If you're a friend of mine and you want to borrow the necklace, let me know. It adds a little variety to the work day -- that's for sure.

Valentine's Specials at My Sister's Closet (Chamblee)

(Received this via e-mail from My Sister's Closet, a fabulous local consignment shop, and wanted to share)

Be My Valentine

Just because you are a special valentine, you will receive 20% off any one item Friday, Saturday, Sunday.

It's our valued customer Valentine's special and only valid through Sunday, February 14, 2010.
Free box of chocolates to the first 10 customers each day!

We have darling heart jewelry and new arrival* sweaters, dresses and accessories, including more boots!

Three tubs full of shoes and boots - only $ 10 a pair - get them while they last!

Suits & Dresses - $ 10 each

Sweaters, Tees, Blouses, Slacks, Skirts - $ 5 each

Vintage Clothes - Half Off

* excludes new arrivals *Pink & Purple tags* and designer items.

Hurry in! These items won't last long!
How about a gift card for that special someone?

Warm up with HOT TEA & COFFEE and special savings!
Tea from Zen Tea and Coffee from Get Coffee

Thank you for being loyal to My Sister's Closet. Thanks for
sharing us and this email with your sweet friends and family!

Happy Valentine's Day!
--The Team at My Sister's Closet

5350 Peachtree Road (Chamblee Antique Row)
Atlanta, Georgia 30341

770.458.8362
Tuesday-Saturday 11 am-5:30 pm
Sunday Noon - 4 pm
Monday 11 am-2pm

Quick Review: Flip Burger Boutique

So we FINALLY hit up Flip Burger Boutique (1587 Howell Mill Road Northwest; Atlanta, GA). For you non-Atlantans, Flip is the brain child of Top Chef Season 4 runner-up Richard Blais. Flip just expanded from Atlanta with a new space in Birmingham, Alabama.


It was a last minute thing. I had been out-of-town 'til late for a baby shower. You know, it one of those nights where you're too tired to even pop a Kroger thin crust pizza in the oven.


We arrived at Flip around 9:30. We knew they didn't take reservations — but thought (incorrectly) that we would be safe. The estimated wait time: 40 minutes. We took a seat at the bar. I was in the mood for something fru-fru, so I opted for their peach iced tea, which is made with that ridiculously addictive Firefly Iced Tea Vodka. For Dan: a beer (Sierra Nevada maybe?).


Over the bustling late-dinner crowd, I yold (that's a combo of "yell" and "told") Dan that I'd heard the restaurant a little of a club vibe — but I hadn't expected music and interior reminiscent of the new Tongue and Groove. I did dig the chick, modern space with its cool booths bolted to the ceiling — and the sexiness of dim lighting, lots of black and white and lacquer. I was amazed that the dining room continued to bump and bounce with energy well into our wait.


Lucky for us, a spot at the bar opened up. Score! We were able to skip the rest of the wait and dive right into dinner. I'd heard good things about the tempura fried rutabaga with a sweet and sour sauce (and some red pepper flakes for spice), so we definitely ordered that. We also ordered a side of the panko and parmesan zucchini fries that came with a side of spiced mayo. (Note: the burgers don't come with sides.) We found the sides to be savory with the right amount of crunch on the outside and the ideal amount of vegetabley goodness inside. I could have gone for a little less batter on the rutabaga — and maybe something a little less heavy than mayo as the zucchini's accouterment.


When I dreamed of my entree order weeks before, I visualized ordering the lamb burger. Nope. Not on the menu this particular night. Runner up: the po' boyger, a fried patty of shrimp, lemon, mayo and tasty cajun flavors. I was this close to ordering the gyro burger since I had lamb on the mind. Dan had his eyes set on the butcher cut (caramelized onion, bleu cheese, red wine jam) cooked medium rare. If I remember correctly, our burgers were each under $8.


Dan and I always order different entrees so we can taste one anothers'. Sometimes I "win," sometimes Dan is the clear victor. Dan won this time around. While the shrimp burger was enjoyable (kind of like a seafood salad with more crunch), Dan's butcher's burger was robust with fresh and rich beef, the sharp and salty bites of bleu cheese and the sweet and buttery ribbons of white onions. I will order the butcher's cut burger next time.


Since we were sitting at the bar, we saw many a "liquid nitrogen" milkshake walk past. Despite them not being "made" with liquid nitrogen so much as having liquid nitrogen poured over them once they're made, they still seemed pretty cool. What's that you say Mr. Bartender? You'll split the milkshake into two short glasses so we can each have a glass? Sounds great! The pistachio and white truffle was calling our name. Oh boy. The shake was dreamy, creamy, indulgent, decadent and every word that is slightly synonymous... wow.


Per Besha Roddell's post from nearly a year ago, we also found the portions and prices to be reasonable. We didn't leave with a food coma; but we were definitely satisfied. Our total bill (2 burgers, 2 sides, 2 beers, 2 cocktails, 1 split milkshake) was $65.00. And free parking! Gah how tired I get of valet parking at even the most approachable of dining establishments. I must admit though, that I was surprised that the shake was my favorite item from the fancy burger purveyor.


My rating: B
Dan's: B


See the menu here.

Goodwill Virginity: Gone

I have a super cute, incredibly fun, fantastically energetic and very stylish colleague named Kathryn. One catch:

She hasn't yet embraced secondhand clothing!

A time or two a week, Kathryn compliments my skirt or my top or my vest — only to find out I picked the item up at Goodwill or Last Chance. She's often shocked to find out I've found GAP blazers for $4.99 and an Isaac Mizrahi for Target skirt for $3.99. You never know till you look, right?

As you know, it's been part of schtick for this year to encourage more people to shop secondhand. So when I spotted a cute and versatile sheath (in new or nearly new condition) dress in Kathryn's size, I snatched it up. Turns out the fit worked and the style was a match made in heaven.

I'm not sure if I have a convert in Kathryn just yet — but I do have a feeling she'll don this dress often.

Khaki, black and hunter green houndstooth dress - $5.99 at the LaVista Road/Northlake Goodwill (Metro Atlanta). Dress didn't have a noteworthy brand name — but it was cute.

thrift blog atlanta

Sewing Blankets: the Explanation

My friend (and blog follower) Lindsay read my post about sewing baby blankets and was curious to hear more about the volunteer work.

I thought my answer may be helpful to some of you other ladies, too:

This volunteer work is through The Junior League. I never thought I would be a Junior Leaguer (heard too many bad stereotypes) but then I realized that the Atlanta Junior League is full of professional, diverse and motivated women (not the group I thought it would be). So I decided to give it a shot.

Everyone has different reasons for joining the Junior League, whether it be to make friends, have a reason to volunteer, do a little bit of networking (it sure grows your network to be in such a big club!), dress up for fun events, etc. I wanted to do a little of all of the above but mostly wanted to be held accountable to volunteer. (I think everyone who sets out to volunteer has great intentions -- but they may not actually volunteer as much as they thought they would -- with Junior League, you have to maintain a certain number of volunteer hours per year to be in the club). The other thing I like is that you have about 40 volunteer organizations to choose from versus being pigeonholed into one kind of opportunity. Last year, I volunteered at the Genesis Shelter (a homeless shelter for women and children, and fathers when available), helping by watching the children while their parents took courses in fiscal responsibility, parenting, etc. I chose sewing baby blankets this year so I could volunteer when it was convenient. It's been neat, but next year, I think I'll look into something that includes interacting with people.

Other opportunities include volunteering at the Chastain Horse Park (doing therapy with kids via letting them ride horses), helping with special events at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, serving on an event committee (e.g., the March "Tour of Kitchens"), volunteering at the Atlanta Center for the Blind, etc. All of this ties back to the Junior League of Atlanta's mission: "The Junior League of Atlanta, Inc., is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable."

(For more info, visit www.jlatlanta.org)

Remember the wrap dress?

She's back... return of the traveling wrap dress.

While you may not remember the Alamo, you may remember the traveling wrap dress comment contest I started back in May.

Well, after going from me to PLT and from PLT to Mb, and from Mb onto a D.C. chica named M, many of us thought the traveling wrap dress would travel no more.

Today, when I least expected it, the dress made it's triumphant return. Check it out here. And more importantly, leave a comment so you have a chance at winning the dress - and keeping the tradition going.

p.s. the instructional video is the best part!