SO KATE

Why hello there lovers.  Gawd, I don't even know where to start.  So many things happened in such a short period of time.  Not to mention I drank a lot this past weekend so it's all kinda fuzzy wuzzy.  To start, I guess I'll talk about this new adventure I am taking on with my partner in crime and all things random, LC.  Basically we started, what she likes to call, a girl gang appropriately named Ladies Who Booze.  You must all think I am a raging alcoholic at this point.  No I am not and that is not something to joke about.  But I do love to kick back once in a while with a drink in hand after a rough day at work.  And I figured, I'm sure there are other lady friends that do the same.  I started thinking about the term "ladies who lunch", which I am not too proud to say I Wikipedia'd.  

"Ladies who lunch is a phrase often used to describe well-off, well-dressed women who meet for social luncheons, usually during the working week. Typically, the women involved are married and non-working. Normally the lunch is in a high-class restaurant, but could also take place in a department store during a shopping trip. Sometimes the lunch takes place under the pretext of raising money for charity." - Wikipedia

Then I thought, women today are so NOT that anymore.  We've risen above and are now so much more multifaceted and are proud of it.  So I took a very old school mentality of ladies who lunch and gave it a modern spin with Ladies Who Booze.  Where modern women still get together and meet other amazing women and discuss various topics of interest from fashion to business to relationships to food, what ever floats your boat, all over a cocktail or a diet coke (no you don't need to booze to be part of this).  I want to feature the amazing women I know in my life as well as go forth and meet new ones!  We all have something to offer each other.  True we have our friends but sometimes they might not understand one aspect of who you are.  Wouldn't it be great to be able to reach out and find someone who gets it?  We at Ladies Who Booze want more women to help other women become a better version of themselves through love and support or even if it's just someone to have a glass of wine with and vent with.  This new adventure of ours is still in the baby stage where we are trying to get a better handle of what we want to do, the goals we want to accomplish, and how to go about it.  Buuuuuuuut I wanted to let you all know that this is happening.  

I want to break down the walls ladies sometimes build up to protect themselves from other ladies.  We should not be so catty and so judgy and soooo un-supportive of each other.  Let's raise each other up because we understand each other, sometimes much better than any of the men in our lives.  You should feel safe in your skin and also AMAZING, because you are.  And your ladies are behind you to tell you so!  If you don't get it, just listen to Beyonce's song Flawless.  Though I'm sure no one wakes up like Beyonce does, we still are flawless in our own right.  And no this is not a we want to crush the boys club though we may complain about them here and there.  This is empowering women in their own way and creating a network of all types of ladies!  We are powerful and together we can make powerful changes.  Which brings me to my favorite quote:

"There is a special place in hell for women who don't help other women." - Madeleine Albright

And speaking of feeling powerful, every lady needs a pair of powerful pumps!  Like that transition I did right there?  Hehehe... I recently and FINALLY was able to get my hands on the So Kate shoes by Christian Louboutin in my size.  I have ridiculous baby sized feet so I had to wait around until my size was available again.  When that phone call came in from the New York Madison store... woosh... out came the credit card and it was a done deal.  They came in and gatddamn they hurt.  Shocking?  Hell no.  You don't buy a pair of Loubies because they make you feel like you are walking on clouds.  You buy them because it makes your feet look hot like sex and that feeling radiates all over you making you feel like the hottest mctottie that ever totted.  Even though you may look like Bambi trying to walk for the first time, the "just standing" version of you is WERKING that shit!  Wearing these shoes instantly give me a little boost in confidence in a way my lady friends totally understand.  I know some of you are saying, why would buy love shoes that are so painful to even walk in.  Valid question.  Here's my answer, scroll down to the second to last picture in this post and I dare you not to feel some sort of tingle.  Feel that little wave of "ooOoOOoh" before you get to the "ouch that looks painful" scowl?  You know you felt it.  Be honest.  Wearing a pair of what I call "power pumps" can transform how a gal can feel about herself.  It doesn't have to be a Louboutin, but something about a stiletto heel and being that much closer to the sky.... sigh... you just feel more bad ass, like you could accomplish anything.  Like you are going to turn heads, and people will take notice.  Maybe it's all some fantasy in my mind, but at some level that's what matters right?  What I think of me?  And with heels like the So Kate, I think me is AWESOME SAUCE!

... now where did I stash those flats...

Jacket - Rick Owens  |  Sleeveless Trench - All Saints  |  Faux Leather Leggings - Aritzia  |  Shoes - Christian Louboutin So Kate  |  Bag - Givenchy Antigona Small  |  Sunnies - Anna Karin Karlssen

Please follow Ladies Who Booze on Twitter @ladieswhobooze, Instagram @ladieswhobooze, and Facebook @ladieswhobooze.  Website coming soon!  We thank you for your love and support in these early stages!

xoxo,

DOS

BLACK AND BLEUTIGONA IN SAN FRAN CHINATOWN

I know what you are thinking.. damn this betch took a lot of photos in California.  Uh yea, I sure did.  I think there's prob two more sets of photos after this day.  Trust me, I am trying to get through them and be done with it.  I'm starting to forget the things I did.  LOL.  This was the day we trekked it over to Chinatown in San Fran.  I was seriously craving dim sum and I always try to hit up the different Chinatowns there are in the major cities.  I can't remember where we ended up eating but it was aiiiite.  Nothing mind blowing.  But dim sum is still yummy and I imagine would be pretty hard to mess up completely.  I will say this, attempting to walk the 5-6 blocks from our hotel, The Westin St. Francis in Union Square, to Chinatown in heels was by far the dumbest idea EVER!  I looked like a complete fool trying to shimmy downhill ever so slowly so I wouldn't trip forward and just completely face plant on the sidewalk.  I definitely felt like I had a big fat TOURIST BLOGGER sign across my forehead.  I don't know how these SF bloggers do it!  Anyhoozie... short post because I am feeling all the lazies so enjoy the photos.  Happy Friday you sexy nuggets!

Jacket - Rick Owens  |  Playsuit - THANKS TO ASOS  |  Top - Zara  |  Boots - Aquazzura  |  Sunnies - Anna Karin Karlsson  |  Bag - Bleutigona  |  Accessories - Vita Fede, Hermes, Chanel

Photos by The Husbter

xoxo,

DOS

BANG BANG BANG

Hey there.  Look who got bangs again.  I don't really know why I did it since I had no plans on getting bangs whatsoever.  I guess I was just bored after work on a Monday.  So here I am, rocking bangs again.  It's always a hard transition to get used to.  I'm still deciding if it was a good idea or not.  Hahaha.  It's also a weird sensation to have hair on your forehead and floating above your eyeline all the time.  Oh well.  Rocking a casual look to celebrate Papa DOS' birthday.  I got us all tickets to a show at The Second City.  It was such a funny show and I highly recommend it!  The show we watched was called "Best of the Second City" and it was HILARE!  If you have never checked it out, please do!  It's the perfect way to celebrate a birthday and my dad had a great time.

I'll be leaving for Vail on Friday and I'm supes excited!  Even though I haven't had time to really think about it and I have still yet to pack, it's starting to sink in.  There has been no real snowfall here in Chicago so I haven't had the chance to hit the slopes and board so I'm really looking forward to getting out on a mountain and launching myself down it.  Hahaha.  I hope I come back in one piece!  

Jacket - Rick Owens  |  Tee - Wilfred  |  Jeans - JBrand  |  Bag - Givenchy  |  Sunnies - Paul Smith |  Shoes - OASAP  |  Necklace - Nasty Gal

xoxo,

DOS

trying to be fab just crossing the street

Hi everyone!  Oh-mah-gah!  Thank you thank you thank you for all the lovely comments on The Hubster's post.  Yes, he is the sweetest.  I was pretty surprised with the post.  He did a great job and he deserves a ton of credit.  I suppose he's a keeper.  LOL.  I was so touched from just everything my readers have done to support me.  He's right, I get all cheesy and geeky whenever I see any new activity from the blog.  I'm an accountant so I am constantly refreshing my numbers and looking for new followers and new comments like a total blog nerd.  Thank you for taking the time to publicly show support for me and showing me some love on my birthday.  And for those who sent me a personal message or email, thank you so much.  One in particular definitely made me tear up.  *wink at Becks*  I feel like you all have gotten to know me through this blog and I appreciate the little notes that let me get to know you and your story.  

I honestly cannot express how elated I am right now.  I know it may seem excessive but I do drown out my birthday for as long as I can and for as long as my friends can tolerate it.  Hahaha... So thank you to my wonderful friends for putting up with it and celebrating with me.  The fun is definitely NOT over because guess where I am going today... Lake Tahoe!!!  I have been itching for some snowboarding funsies but it's been so unseasonably warm here in Chicago that we have barely had any snowfall.  I'm probably the only person around here begging for another blizzard like the one we had last year.  I thought I would definitely get some fresh snow out west but you know what... there's no new snowfall going on in Tahoe either!!  What the doodle is going on!?  Oh well... I am still very much looking forward to it and to milk my birthday celebrations even more out west.  Tahahahaha...  I probably should be packing right now but I wanted to take the time out to do one quick post and to thank everyone for this amazing birthday I am having.  

Thank you to the friends who listened to me sing Whitney Houston songs off key, as a tribute to a great artist, at the karaoke bar.  "I Have Nothing" was an epic song.  Thank you to the girls who came out and treated me to an amazing dinner and partied like rockstars, even though one was preggo.  Es, you prove that moms can still hold it down.  Totes understand why you didn't take the patron shot though.  Bwahahaha!  I told you that you didn't look preggo at all.  Sue couldn't even tell!  Thank you to all the birthday dinners in the week that followed and all the amazing memories.  I have gone out to eat for the past 7 days and I don't think I remember how to cook anymore.  LOL.  Thank you to Papa DOS and Sissie DOS for being the bestest family ever!  Thank you to my hubby that kept saying "Happy Birthday!" to me every day for 7 days.  This all would not have meant as much if I didn't have you to share it with.  On the REALS!  

So these shots were taken after my BE&D shoot right around the Murray Hill area which was where we were staying on our NYC trip.  We were about to head to Soho for some light "window" shopping... okay lie, I totally shopped for real.  I changed out of my bright yellow jeans because I wanted some neutral denim to try on with other tops.  When going shopping, I like to wear neutral clothes and shoes so that it will compliment whatever I decide to try on.  Which is probably a really bad idea because I end up loving everything I try on.  Papa DOS decided to take some shots of me walking across the street.  This was probably the slowest I've ever crossed the street and I was trying to look so cool doing it.  Does it show?  It was a bit chillier this day so I had to bust out my muffs.  I'm sure I've said this before but I cannot live through a winter without these!  I am also pretty surprised I have not lost them yet.  Shoot, I'm pretty sure I just jinxed myself.  I actually have more pictures from this day of me in different coats.  We took the opportunity of the sun being out to take shots while we were out and all I had were different coats that I bought while in Soho.  I'll definitely be sharing those next week.  Thanks again everyone and I hope you enjoy the photos.  Keep the comments coming so I have fun things to read when I get back!  Wish me luck in Tahoe!  I probably won't have any new posts until Tuesday or Wednesday.  But there's nothing wrong with going back to July 2011 and re-reading everything right?  Oy vey, I really need to get packing.  Love you all!

Top - Wilfred  |  Jeans - Paige Denim  |  Shoes - Fendi  |  Scarves - Wilfred  |  Jacket - Rick Owens  |  Bag - Louis Vuitton  |  Sunglasses - Oliver Peoples  |  Earrings - Top Shop  |  Earmuffs - Neiman Marcus (old)  |  Gloves - Moschino

-DOS

DAY ONE: THE "WELLS" BOOT TAKES ON NYC

Happy Valentine's Day to all my readers!  XOXOXOXOXOXO!  I hope you are all spreading the love today.  Even if you are single and may or may not be ready to mingle, spread the love to friends and family because they have been with you through thick and thin and deserve a little TLC.  This year is flying by!  I can't believe it's Valentine's day already.  Well to celebrate Valentine's day, I am putting up an outfit post with a surprise at the end.  Hehehehe...

Here I am on the day we landed in NYC which was Friday.  The weather was so nice that day.  Perfect for a stroll around Rockefeller Center.  It felt so good to be in a different city.  Definitely needed a mini-getaway.  It was perfect because that day it was snowing in Chicago and hitting temperatures in the teens.  My dad and I went and had some amazing ramen at Hide Chan Ramen in Midtown East before we ventured around town.  I have a total weak spot for ramen.  Ever since my favorite ramen spot closed in Illinois, I've been on the hunt for something that could satisfy my ramen craving.  Just my luck that I would find it in New York.  The ramen at Hide Chan is uh-mazing!  I had the one with garlic oil and now that I am back in Chicago, I can't help but think about my next trip to NYC for another bowl of that ramen.  Nyummy!  If you've got a love affair for ramen, definitely hit up Hide Chan on 52nd between 2nd and 3rd.  

I also got to take my Bone & Rattle Wells Boot on it's maiden voyage.  =)  Don't you just love the fringe and gold metal details?!  They are so fun and swish around while I walk.  I also wore them to work when I got back from NYC and got tons of compliments in the elevator.  Like I said before, us gals love ourselves some comfy boots!  I wore these a couple of ways.  Over the knee which is how they are made, and also I folded over the top part to create a cuff and it reveals the nice leather inside. You can also scrunch them down once the suede gets softer which I am trying to get them to do by massaging the suede every so often.  They have a zipper detail but my teeny feet just slip right in without having to unzip them.  So far they are a great change to my worn out Uggs.

Jacket - Rick Owens  |  Sweater - t.babaton  |  Tank Top - t.babaton  |  Jeans - Paige Denim  |  Shoes - Bone & Rattle  |  Bag - Chloe Marcie  |  Scarf - Alexander McQueen  |  Watch - Chanel  |  Bracelet - David Yurman

And for all you Chicago gals, here's the best part!  Bone & Rattle is having a Warehouse Sale!  Snag some fabulous boots for this winter season at 50% off!  Most of the boots will be priced around $100 or less during this sale.  Limited to sizes 4-8.  All made with high quality leather and suede and all are comfortable and have slight padding on the insoles.  I spent a whole day strolling the streets of NYC in my fabulous 'Wells' boots and to me, that makes one great pair of boots!  Don't forget to RSVP and say that you saw the sale on DRUNK ON SHOES to be put on my special guest list.  All sales are final.  For those of you who are out of the state and are super interested, just email me at dos@drunkonshoes.com and I'll see what I can do for you!  For photos of the shoes, 'LIKE' Bone & Rattle on Facebook!  Also follow Bone & Rattle on Twitter - @bone8rattle

-DOS