day five

if you are as busy as i am, sometimes your life doesn't feel glamorous. im talking it doesn't feel like  rachel zoe i have to be in milan in 5 hours - busy but glamorous. it just feels... busy with the usual dry cleaning to pick up, a toilet to clean, dishes in the dishwasher and a email inbox with as many emails as a short story novel, because we all know celebs don't do many of these things, even though people magazine tries to tell us they are, which is fine because it makes us normal individuals.


as i prepare for a black tie event this saturday i have looked for ways to make myself look -- and feel better.  this all came about when i did the mundane task of vacuuming. let me explain. when i got home i had two dresses waiting for me from nordstrom. like a child on christmas morning, any box that shows up on my doorstep, is ripped open immediately, and when its an article of clothing, it is ripped open at lightning speed, without taking time to look for scissors or other sharp objects to help open the package. there they were. two black dresses.


first one, no-go. second one, hmm. it needs to be taken up. after realizing this event is saturday and it is 9:30 on wednesday night, i add shoes, my mind close to a crisis. hmm. looked down at the carpet and oh boy, hello fall leaves, it could use a vacuum. get my mind off of all the to-dos. in my heels and new dress, i walk to the closet and pull out the vacuum.


very aware of this fact, i decide why change. as i pressed the lever down to turn on the vacuum in my peep toe heels i thought, "wow, that felt...sexy." as i manuevered the vacuum around my house, teetering in my heels, i felt something i hadn't felt in a long time -- glamourous. im not saying that Jackie O ever vacuumed her own house but damnit if she ever did, what would you imagine her wearing? heels. i felt like i was in a movie from the '50s, just a little housewife dressed to the nines, cleaning.


everyone DESERVES to feel this way, even if they don't need or want to feel this way. with our busy lives, remember yourself. make yourself feel glamorous, whether it is once a year, once a month or once a day.  


put on a pair of pair of pearls and wear them to bed.
snuggle up in a cashmere or other soft scarf while watching t.v.
the next time you make coffee or tea to take with you, put it in a glass mug personalized to your style.
wear a touch of gold sparkly eyeshadow


now, am i going to sit here and tell you to go out and put on heels the next time you vacuum? sure, give it a shot, you might be surprised at how good you feel -- you wont see me vacuuming any other way.


feel glamorous today. if not today promise me and yourself that you will by the end of this week, whether that is friday or sunday for you.


the very best, always,

alexandra

day four

greetings my loves! how about this awesome fall weather? how ready are you for a big glass of red wine (this is one of my faves), a fire and a blanket? i guess that right now my crackling natures wick candle, similar to this candle, diet pepsi and scarf will have to do.

as the holiday season approaches with both pumpkins and christmas tree lined department stores, i remembered how much i love this season.  however different it will be, this year, as my parents will be mid-move, and me in my apartment and working thanksgiving day, my sister at school. although we will come together for the holidays, it is amazing how much has changed in the past year - new jobs, new friends, and always my family.  i no longer yearn to pick out the best costume, instead, provide for the children who may, or may not trick or treat at my apartment complex.  i look to search for the comfort in my memories from childhood. so, while i may not pick out the almond joys in my pillowcase while trick-or-treating for my dad, i may still cheat with a box of dots here and there, sneaking a bag while shopping in target.

i urge you all to do the same this season, whether you are with your family or not. send the simple stuff, share the simple things. make anything from childhood you haven't had in years. set the table with a crayon-rubbed maple leaf, or a popsicle stick reindeer, jazz it up a bit, of course. you'll be amazed at the comfort it not only provides for you, but for your friends and family.


the very best, always,

alexandra

day three

good morning! hope the weekend was enjoyed by all. wanted to post some of my recent finds at Bella Villa Antique store in Aldie, VA.

i figured if i continue on this "pie kick" of mine (i made 4 pies last week!) i need the perfect way to display them.  i had to have this stand...

I also scored a silver three tiered tray which i used as jewelry. I put some dangle earrings from the top tier and now it looks like a chandlier. very cute.  Rosanna, the owner, stocks her shop (an old house, of course! what better way to shop?)full of fabulous antiques and unique finds.  Don't let the front fool you -- the house is huge! if you're ever in the Northern VA area, check out Bella Villa!

the very best, always,

alexandra

day two

good after(rainy)noon!

push through this day and tomorrow is friday! definitely took an extra effort to get up and hit the pool this morning. while thumbing through the ballard designs magazine there were definitely some pieces i know i want to include in the upcoming holidays.

how much do you love these candlesticks ? totally useable for a few months. add some sparkle! i want i want i want!


make your guests feel like royalty with these in your guest room this holiday.


i must must have these as an early christmas present ... pleaseeeee!!! its a total win-win situation. you buy me these stockings, ill fill them with presents. why not!?

hope you all stay energized during this weather!

the very best, always,

alexandra

day one

good morning! new to the event planning (AND BLOGGING!) world, my name is alexandra and i hope to find, and provide, inspiration to you all -- whether it is in the industry, or not! as a busy working girl (serving tables and event sales coordination), and plain jane at heart, i love all things classic, simple and beautiful.

what im loving -- and wearing -- right now:

minnie pant


i hope you all have a wonderful day.

the very best, always,

alexandra