Briefly

I am about to have to bust it outta here to a "Suspenders" party but just wanted to get a quick post out to jump off the weekend. I don't have suspenders, yet, so I will have to improvise for this themed deal. It got me thinking "What then, shall I wear?" So spenders makes me think of nerds, cropped pants and glasses. Ah! I did see those girls just the other day wearing the big, black frame glasses with the lenses popped out...works for me! And that is where you should be pulling for inspiration: the reserves all around you. I was out with some friends the other night when one of the guys I didn't know too well asked if he could touch my shorts. "Huh?" guy? "I know that's weird but...they look...like underwear. They look comfortable!" he said with a sheepish smile. Didn't know my attire could cross gender! So now I'm thinking hmm, that guy noticed I looked comfortable...in my underwear (it was not underwear)...I do want more of these boxer looking shorts, and apparently he would too...hence, briefly :)
Posting some pics to get you thinking along these inspiration lines.

At your service, Part II

"No talking." would be my catch phrase if ever I am deemed worthy a verbal trademark. Ironic, I know, seeing as how I am a communicator!, but sometimes*, I just like to say "no talking" and expect everyone to understand mums' the word. zzzip. no. nil.

So I have been in a 'no talking' mode, as one can see from my sparse posting. There are a couple reasons for this--unmotivated, un-inspired, addicted to carbs...you feel me don't you?, but the best of such is it would be terrible. The post would be an awful attempt to weave weighty world events and fashion or be downright frivolous when I am against the very act! (Hellooo, why hasn't anyone made mention Michelle Obama is really the "Great American Blank Canvas" we have knowingly stroked over with a true American icon?)

Alas, I am going to push on and once again bring forth the issue of presentation. (Hellooo, why hasn't anyone talked to me?!) I wrote about--not only the importance of presentation, but the value of feedback according to translation in "At your service, Part I." Go back and read it, folks, so you can see where I am coming from and where not to go. That goes for you too Michelle....waiting...


...ready?

I have heard many of you find your looks in the most obvious place. One, that like a review, merely gets me in the door but does not feed me full of what I am looking for. I speak of the mannequin folks, found in store windows which offers a mere smear of endless possibilities--which are better found on the racks. I get it: you aren't very good at putting together looks questioning the cohesiveness or just don't enjoy searching. Some--hmm, all of my favourite finds took a little work, a little patience to discover the merit of the dig.

Mannequin style is ideal; the look comes from a team of stylists who get together and determine the direction of an ad campaign and align their stores to reflect a constant tone. But you should be reading 'they decide what half of America wears,' as most buyers stop there, at exactly what is found on the doll. As does any artist, it is the goal of a stylist to inspire the buyer to the next aesthetic--to get you to showcase your skills a-la "My Kid Could Paint That!" or "I can do better than that!"

The point is: prove it.
Start before you hit the stores by drafting your own looks stemming from options I have provided (shopstyle.com). I tend to pull pieces according to two criteria: 1) if I think you will wear it, and 2) cost, usually under $100, as I leave it to you to find comparable style--no matter the cost, for less. That is your reward for the dig! And get inspired! I did a double-take when I saw the cutest girls walking down the street wearing the old Steve Urkel glasses with no lenses! He made nerds look cool! Er, "The Urkel", which I know you attempted at least once...

Don't get stuck in the shadow of a doll, as it your unique position that will catch attention. Or at least, revive a phrase delivered, of course, with a smile.

*"sometimes" is my reservation to occasionally post empty body. It just means 'I am here and am looking for the right words and 'that's hot!' style.' :)

"It's like Liberace, Versace, la cucarachi"

Since blogs are basically free cyber-psych in which one admits entirely too much, I might as well cite a couple more neurosis. The first would be my adoration and all to anxious adaptation of a Brooklyn accent. Sitting here now, I refrain from channelling my inner city sista dishing how one should pursue a sense of style, arms and red nails flailing directions. Even so, I love to meet folks from the borough as then I can match in tonal emphasis--tawk about what ails me soo, or how bothasome it is to push around tha toorists'--some people live ehr, ya know! ...I digress. I'm sayin' I love 'Real Housewives of New York City' cast member Bethenny Frankel, as she is no sista, nor a Housewife but can dish it nontheless. Watch the clip. You'll feel me.

Isn't she funny? Cooc-a-rachi is how I would describe my favourite fellas on EVR which is why I messaged kuddos to the show including a shameless "It's my birthday!" small detail on said day. You did me proud mistas! Not only did this sista get a "Happy Birthday Jessica!" (at 40 minutes), but Pretty Cheap Dress got a shout out toooo! (42 mins.) I haven't figured out how to stick it on ehr but go to this link, click on 'Listen to the most recent show' found at the top, and an online stream of Liberace, Versace, la cucarachi will hit ya upside ya head. ...I'm sorry. My sister gets excited about these sorts of things and doesn't get to come out and play very often.
p.s. If you found the video clip funny, Andrews' depiction of ones' 'workday' at 2:30 in should garner a couple more laughs. Prime example of what I am learning is another type of genius from this book. Yet again, I diverge.

At your service, Part I

Women are tough. If you have not recognized the strength of a woman by this point, you deserve to be karate chopped. Where you can feel it.
Change subject, I was most overjoyed when my brother treated me to birthday lunch at a relatively new establishment here in town. We had read in recent months several raving reviews of the thriving trilogy such successful business wishes to impart: delicious food, apt decor, and--often most important if one lacks elsewhere, gratuitous service. If I had to guess one-third of those responsibilities were left to one half of Thai Tina's, Mr. T dropped the ball. We were barely--hmm, not acknowledged upon entering the premise by the recognized proprietor and were only serviced when asked ("Sir, sir! Is my napkin supposed to be moist?"). Tina, on the other hand, was so kind to deliver our food, refill our drinks, and clear our plates, but I ask why? Didn't she cook it too??

Point is, disservice comes in many forms. I can create an inviting space for you, whip up appropriate looks I think you will wear, serve it up, no strings attached. But how successful would I would be with no feedback all the while assuming I am meeting expectations?

I have full intent of advising said locale of our recent visit because it is not my interest to leave a poor review. I would believe Tina can handle it (perhaps like Uma), but we shall see about Mister T.

Talk to me folks! What do you think about these looks?

Birthday Suits Everyone!

I am going to be a little selfish in this mini-post as my birthday celebration is this Saturday. I must say, I secretly envy those with birthdays at the end of the month as I believe they hold right to celebrate the full thirty and then one. Me, I just get a week as mine falls on the seventh. (One might argue, a lucky number!) Fortunately, I have the bestest friends whom all believe, if you are having a bad day--any day of the year, "It's your birthday." Let's just say, we are well practiced at 'birthday' celebrations.

Seeing as how I am allowed to celebrate oft and a lot, when the real deal rolls around, I am silly mad for a birthday dress. The irony on so many levels is, it is a given the weather will be glorious--unearthly, each day leading to that calendared Saturday. Each rising degree building to that day paves way to great expectations and mounted bravado to flaunt a sassy frock as "It's my (real) birthday!!!" And then, bam! De-flate. The worst rainstorm to hit North Texas will drop in flooding not only streets but the bars!!! Killer bees will decend and rather than kill, impregnate my single friends via tooth or toe! And then, and then!! let's just say, hell freezes over. Ha! Don't you worry! I will still wear my birthday dress. Why? Because despite such chronic dismay, it's still my birthday (really) and I will still feel good in my dress. Join me! It can be your birthday too!

Electric Feel

So I warned you of dying, now I must warn you of things that can strike you. I went running the other night just before--and then during, a brilliant lightning storm. It was one of the most invigorating exercises of my life as I literally thought "What if I run into a lightning bolt...??" If that doesn't motivate you to sprint through a workout, I don't know what will. Anywho, as I was saying, strike...
I've been asked several times when people learn I write a style blog: "So what do you think about that?" pointing out some unsuspecting-suspect fashion villain. "...Um....I don't think about that," is the honest to God to truth--meaning, I don't scope out people for what they are doing wrong, rather struck when something is done differently.
I think that is a very fair assessment for each of us unless you are this 'guy' who has made a career out of Paint.
It is what sets you apart--fundamental value that make the difference. This season, I am finding classic throw-backs are key. It is my theory, the recession is prompting a modern American art renaissance if you will, so what better time than now a brush up:

"Excellent Moments in Personal Style History."

I distinctly recall trailing far behind the cool kids leaving the lunchroom one day in the fourth grade. I must of been finishing my favourite lunch rather than simply disassociating because I don't know why else I would have been separate. A classmate I didn't know very well hung back to ask "Where do you shop?" .....Huh? my face undoubtedly read, as she continued, "You dress different...you always wear things I've not really seen before. Where do you shop?" I'm pretty sure my wardrobe was hand-me-down from my cool (double) cousin from Ohio, but since prompted, rallied into whatever memory recalled whence throwing on my clothes. I still remember wearing (daily) that over-sized, cropped, army green sweatshirt citing "The Gap", comparable to the one shown above (American Apparel, $42) Kuddos to that girl!

As I said, I totally rocked the prairie girl boots back in the day and would do so now as they hold a special place in my heart. I had a pair my mother got me from whoknowswhere that I ran into the ground. The ram I am, it killed my dad to see me still sporting shoes with near holes. "We'll get you some more!" he argued; easily said, off we went to find my new (had to be exactly the same!) boots. After the hundredth womens' shoe store and third mall, I talked myself into sparing my father anymore humiliation in taking me shopping, attempting to convince "...these will be fine..."

"Mija, get exactly what you want. If this is not what you want, do not settle for less."

We ultimately found a much more expensive, er, lovely pair at Nine West that, now that I think about it, must of been what turned me on to opting for wine or burgundy coloured shoes! Such storied value encourages brand loyalty but unfortunately for Nine West does not stimulate re-issue. (Urban Outfitters, $158)
There was a time in my youth, all I ever wanted in this life was "a pink baby named Amy," as pink was my favourite colour, every little girl loves her babies, and Amy was the prettiest name I knew. No offense, but you know how I feel about pink--in general-, I don't need a baby (real or not), and ...I know way too many Amy's! Must of been when I hit junior high, I dropped two-thirds of that list and concentrated on my favourite thing: a pink pique shirt dress paired with matching jellies (shown Lacoste @ Macy's, $140). Agh! I loved that look and while I will not encourage the hued dress, I do think the comfort of a solid cotton shirt dress will be invaluable this summer. Opt for this "Island" green update paired with bronze jellies (Rubbish Button Tab T-Shirt, Nordstrom, $21; "Madeline" Jelly, Endless.com $25).

Of course, there were looks I can't understand even in rational hindsight. I had this short, pleated blue jean skirt that, now that I think about it, I'm sure was absurdly too small for me. It made me feel like a cheerleader in day clothes! ...and after a quick search am not finding anything like it in my size today.... :) I wonder at times if my look is too young; am I to dress 'older' or more sophisticated or more proper? While in Austin, I mentioned to my life coach, Julie, how I loved Austin style: "It's so fearless."

"Yeah, but at least you look put together," she said. "These girls think they can just throw on whatever and it works because it's Austin."
Maintaining that belief system is the fallacy--the true crime committed that has created successful "What Not to Wear" TV. Remember to aim for timeless pieces of fundamental value that capture and hold your affections as it is such that strike a chord not only for you, but your unsuspecting audience. Strike accord. You want shock value, but not by running into a lightning bolt!

Get ready to die

OK. I'm sorry. That is a little brash. BUT, I don't know how else to warn of this killer pain in my chest. All I know is, I watched this video, and now my heart feels like it is going to explode. Is it love? Yes, yes--I believe it is. Thank goodness I have viable means of relief. But I might be dead come Thursday. I'm just sayin'.
If laughter is the best medicine--until Thursday, then I am happy to post this hilarious video.

Southern Comfort

Ok. It's time for a couple of disclaimers. Number one, I am no photographer. I used to say I am just not one of those camera carrying girls until I took my brothers camera on a trip and took quality pictures. I was addicted! I return and opt for a camera--and now, what? All of a sudden I take terrible pictures?! So disclaimer no. two is--assuming said sprawling industry has influenced 'good' photography, no. 2 is the actual camera makes all the difference.

Back to business, I was so stoked to recently ride it out southbound to the great capital city Austin for the annual festivus SXSW. This was my first go, so I had minimal clue as what to expect. (If you are like me and wiki everything, it's worth the look up on stats.)
It's also worth the trip (every sense of the word), the cost--which, if you know where you are going, many times is free, and very worth the time it takes to get together a great look as everyone is a rock star, which means everyone is pretty hot, and everyone wants to be your boyfriend. This is just my experience.
The Fader Fort was where it was at. Aside from the complimentary tasty bevs, it truly was eye candy galore. Disclaimer no. 3 would be, I'm not supposed to be the one taking pictures as, not only am I clearly terrible at it, but it totally jacks with the steeze.
So that picture way up there is of my favourite discovery in Austin, one half of Andrew Andrew,
an "interdisciplinary creative team," the wildly entertaining MC's for the event. I stopped Andrew as he was passing through (doesn't matter which one), to say how much I appreciated the intermission. He said 'thank you', reaching into his pocket to present--and I mean present, his card which simply read "ANDREW ANDREW" cradled in both hands as if offering a cool drink on a hot summer day. I went to recover the card--I felt like I was discovering gold, when he flipped it to the back to read "DOT COM".
Check them out on East Village Radio, a free online LIVE Stream that features the best of music, art, and culture from said locale.

I also discovered how delish "SoCo and Diet whatever" is. Yum-O Rachel Ray! I'm telling you... Come to think of it, maybe it was the SoCo that tricked my eye into loving the prairie girl boots everyone was rocking. I'm guessing these were the Comfort shoe of the festival because I don't know when else they would be appropriate. Ok, scratch that: disclaimer no. 4 would be I am totally rocking the boots because I now remember they were my absolute favourite shoe as a kid. I also know I will be the only one doing So in my Social cirque Soo...I am drafting a post as we speak of new impending styles I'm calling first. OH! Which leads me to say, see below: That's a fanny pack ladies and gentleman (Blaine). It was not originally a fanny pack as it was a long shoulder bag, but that's how re-invention works. Next post. It's coming, it's coming.

As for the musical entertainment which brought us all together, my discoveries were many. Dark Dark Dark was a lovely four piece compilation I would compare to Devotchka.
Dark x 3 has one up given the statuesque voice and beauty of their leading lady who also plays the accordion. It was this show I met Ashley--actually, I met Ashley through Lupe, a real life therapy dog folks, that--nevermind anything going on outside his arm span, this dog was the show. Ashley introduced me to The Elements, a southern rock group out of Oklahoma. She was pretty adamant about making this show and later revealed exactly why. Well, you can see for yourself: the lead singer looks just like Emile Hirsch. Helloooo! Oh, and they were good too.

Francis and the Lights were very entertaining. Mesmerizing actually. I would recommend Francis for good tunes and sweet dance moves.


I randomly took a picture of the band on stage at Fader to send to my friend: "This is The Hot Dogs" I messaged, not entirely sure their name, yet knowing it would go over her head as well.
After a hard days flirt, some guy trailing behind ran into the garbage can and howled holding his head from the 'accident'. I turned around to nurse the schmuck, when I realized "Hey! We saw you!! Where did we see you?!!?!" Ah, The Hot Melts informed me of who and where we had seen them. Really nice, fun guys--I would say Blink 182 meets The Beach Boys from the UK. Speaking of head rush, Lissy Trullie is truly a sight to behold. I was instantly enamoured with her style: cool (temperature and otherwise) in a cropped leather jacket, black stockings and mini-skirt--check her out in this mic clutch shot.

I know what I'm talkin': Oscar de la Renta Jr.'s muse..? Yes!

We saw a handful of other excellent acts: Tricky "The Father of trip-hop" and my fav, Passion Pit. I fell in love with White Lies a la a cd mix Julie made me but just learned Absolutely Rachel hearted them first (natch). Ten out of Tenn, Black Cherry, Michna which gets Andrew Andrews' vote to ski to. I met a couple fellas from Dephonic, a jazz infused beat band out of Philadelphia. Seeing as how The Roots are on lock down with insert-favourite-foul-word-Jimmy Fallon, my next big bet is on Dephonic.

I suppose disclaimer no. 5 would be first, I had an elusive ghost, and now spotty i-net as it has been nearly non-existent the past couple weeks. As for the next few days, my only excuse is: research baby, as you can find me furthermore south in sunny 70's on that little isle of ours we call Isabel. Take that East Village Radio! I'll be sure to send you tunes to surf to.

Essen-YOU-al

"Now accepting applications" should be the title of this post. No, no, no--actually it should be something of intrusive urgence like that simply complicated one liner in interviews: "Tell me about yourself." I used to think I was good at meetings, or wooing people but have discovered the opposite--indeed disturbing for a self professed social. Could you explain me according to a PCD?

"So, tell me about yourself..." today means I need to explain my sense of style--why often I am complimented "You always look good!" (--Meaning my clothes look good. I'm no model of perfection.) I don't know the answer. I don't know how to break 'me' down. It takes a distinct sense of self: an awareness, a goal, a motive or solution. That much I know. But I also know it takes practice and living in the great land of unpredictable weather, I am most familiar with change.
Every day is different. Some days, I want to be a sophisticated lady lunching; others I refrain from wearing a bandanna with my low-rider, So. Cal inspired board shorts. I can pretty much look like anybody and that's the beauty of playing with your look. It's still you folks! You will still hear "You always look good!"

So if you would like to be paid a constant compliment and skip that part of the interview, listen up.

Five Pieces That Do the Talking

#1. Of course, I would say a Dress.

This season, I am looking for embroidered details. I am particularly drawn to the bright florals that have a Spanish or Moroccan lean, or crisp eyelet detail, as I believe retailers will soon re-discover the local art from our southern neighbours. Grab anything reasonable when it comes to the detail, but be much more keen to the Spanish lean. (One more thing I can't explain..my ridiculous rhyme.)

The key is to zero in on one detail that sets you apart but still maintains the general function, i.e. can transcend your look however you mix it up. Don't limit yourself!! With each piece, you should have a multitude of options be it with a simple shoe change, by adding a wrap or cardigan, or even simplifying or dramatising your make up.
#2. A comfort 'blanket'.

Absolutely Rachels' Chihuahua dog Darla goes crazy when she pulls out this colourful, two sided quilt she has. She bounces around top to bottom, burrows herself into the wrinkles and will snap at you if you try to hog it all. (She's also 14 years old.) I feel you sister: this is exactly how one should feel in their cardigan or wrap. I've mentioned before the value of a nice shawl, but now would like to edit the function: I throw my wrap over everything. It is, after all, a cover up. Interchange the two, cardigan or shawl, as personal style is a matter of comfort.

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#3. We love short, Shorts.

That's not true. I like any and all shorts. Hold it! None-a-this "I hate my legs." "I don't look good in shorts." yada, etc. (I used to think the same of flip flops. Flip flops!) The thing about shorts is, there are rules. If you opt for the leggy exposure, consider the balance. Think of your body according to two halfs:

• Short-shorts, typically a 9" inseam, look best when paired with a long sleeve top, or by adding layers. It's an eyeball thing. The attention is drawn to what attracts the eye so take the viewer where you want them to go, i.e to the top. Needless to say, minimize the shoe volume.


• Longer shorts, on the other hand, are the attraction (more material) thus appearing best displayed by minimizing up above. Longer shorts look great with a sleek, sleeveless top, or strappy blouse and highlight such exposed features. Longer shorts are also great to work an unexpected heel, such as a fun platform, thus highlighting the bottom half of your body.
  
  But if you're like me and hate rules, just wear them all the time.
  

#4. Long sleeve Dress Shirt.

I love mine and not because it has "dress" in the name. ...Although, it does speak for itself. A cotton-blend, slightly over-sized dress shirt can create a multitude of looks. When I don't have time nor want to think about even dressing myself, I opt for my long sleeve dress shirt paired with whatever I can lay my hands on. Cardigan a little much given the weather or just feeling more casual? A simple dress shirt acts as both a basic and an accent--it's like an oxymoron! It doesn't make sense, yet it does; use the intended function as your function. A loosely rolled up sleeve is casual, while a perfectly proportioned cuff implies otherwise. The same applies to colour and detail. Remember, your dress shirt is talking for you. Just make sure it's not dirty talk.

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#5. Statement Jewel.


Unfortunately, I have lost a series of statement jewels over the years. Thus, I use the term loosely. My statement jewel (until that damned day) is a skinny band, marcasite encrusted ring. I get compliments on it often. IT. I get compliments on it. Yet, I can't go without it. By all means, I have the potential to lose it through whatever it is I am doing, but take the chance anyhow. Why? Because that's life! Not only does it draw compliment, it compliments me. My taste, my choice--it speaks of the essence I wish to embody.


With or without, win some lose some, you are essential to what makes such things work. Remember, it's still you, so it still has to be you. Otherwise, it's just an application.

Ghost Buster

Strange.
My mother and I have been at odds over a ceiling fan. It works when it wants to. We have had several people look at it. Re-place, re-wire--some professional, some not. I find it is the problem of whomever put it in. "Call them to come fix it!!" I shout. "I can't," she says slowly to level the tension. "They've done everything. What ceiling fan has a ghost???" And that is how our argument ends. (Note: that is how most of our arguments end--mom digs deep, I'm telling you.)
But, she is not wrong. My blood, sweat and tears post that disappeared?? Has a ghost!! This is it! It is amongst us! I am posting what remained of that fateful moment: a Maria Elena inspired look to work these next early days of spring. And am now off to call an exorcist.

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Condolences are in order

There has been an accident. A terrible, horrible accident.
I lost my words.
I'd been working on a most excellent post about this, when I dontknowwhatIdid, but it...was...gone.
I've now resorted to bullets.

• My newest philanthropy.
• The next big thing.
• A Pretty Cheap Dress for sale.

Someone take the gun away.

A Most Excellent Resolve

I'm not gonna lie (unlike some people): I believe in retail therapy. I don't care how short lived it is, whatever you are buying to make yourself feel better, should carry over the full extent til the day you wear it. It's been my selling point thus far. A pretty cheap dress that is.
Retail therapy: "shopping with the primary purpose of improving the buyers mood or disposition." Apparently, a European study found that 33% of shoppers had a rash or unnecessary addiction to shopping, the worse cases found amongst the Scottish. I say, rash therapy from Scotch or shopping?? Don't make me choose.
And so, I have not been very inspired as of late. There are certain things that make you want to--at very least, look pretty, be it an occasion, mood determination, or even an effort to impress. One of my favourite lines comes from Nathaniel Hawthorne's Young Goodman Brown: "With this excellent resolve for the future, Goodman Brown felt himself justified in making more haste on his present evil purpose."
Much analysis has been debated over Hawthornes' story; the irony in naming the flawed central character 'Good'man Brown and of course the mission at hand: should the Young Puritan have journeyed into the notoriously evil forest as if seeking temptation?
I think my position reverts back to one of my original posts: Colour You (me) Baddd. Meaning, if you're gonna do it, it better be worth it.
And it is. As proven below.

My dear friend Rachel (AbsolutelyRachel that is) had it out for the dress on the far right, comparable to this one. I was requested to find that dress for much cheaper (than $343)--which just meant do what I do best. Thank you! and all, please continue to send me your requests. If I can't find it online, then I may find it at, as my mother says, 'one of my gettin' places'--and it will surely be a one of a kind. :)
Note: I know what it's like to get your heart set on something particular (and expensive, where nothing else will do, except that you are minus dividends), which is why you need to go with what I got.
My favourite of my comparable finds is this brush stroke print by Kensie, Macy's $88. The battaeu neckline and full skirt add for a comfortable fit; shown paired nicely with tights, with or without, this look would be great for 'it's just dinner' or as a super fun party dress. This v-neck floral, shown below, would be a great Sunday (funday) dress, featuring braided straps and slight pleat detail. (Nordstrom, $58)



This C&C California bubble dress is also a fun find, and very reasonable at $39 (marked down from $110). Come summer, I live in my cotton dresses and can guarantee you will too. A string of bad luck, I ruined several in a matter of no time from sun tan oil, or somethin'. Let it be known: a bronze glow means nothing when you have a heartbreak! You're just burnt in your spotted dress! Opt for heavy prints and a good mix of colour in effort to conceal mini-mishaps.
I am also digging the lovely--I call them 'housewives' dresses, popularized by my icon Lucy. She always seemed so comfortable haggling with Ricky for a part in 'his' show, or hosting the albeit neighbors Fred and Ethel Mertz. (Did you know: early in the show, producers required Ethel to appear more homely and carry a few extra pounds because she was actually younger than Lucy. Later in the show--having gained a following, Ethel (Vivian Vance) contested the stipulation and was allowed to return to norm.) Newport, $39

Return to norm! Kick off your spring thing gifting yourself a couple of these comfortable, easy go-to dresses. I'm not telling you to lose yourself in a buying frenzy, rather reminding it's ok to check out the forest because you will find your way out. Of course, it will take a most excellent resolve. And you will need a Pretty Cheap Dress.