Part of the DC suburbs is Northern Virginia where there’s a lot of business going on. I remember the area used to be compared to Silicon Valley back in the 90’s. There are a lot of big technology companies headquartered there and government subcontractors. Actually after I left the hotel catering field, I dabbled in the technology arena for about 9 years in that area.

And aside from the business hustle and bustle, the Raleigh towns remind me a bit of Northern Virginia circa 20 years ago. Friends of mine that I go way way back with, met me for Sunday brunch on my trip over the past July 4th weekend.  Oh, and one of their  little ones joined us (see cute photo).  So, my friend Lisa sent me a text message saying that Ruthie would be joining us but that she’ll be a lady.  I replied back…I don’t know about the lady bit but I’m sure she’ll be sooo darn cute!  …and she was happy with her kids meal and her sippy cup she couldn’t put  down.  Whoever invented a straw was brilliant! 

These days in Raleigh, I kinda like to have my own style. A few years after the turn of the millennium, I packed my bags and stuff and came to the Triangle. Do you remember the big worry of the computers possibly not adjusting to the ‘00? For that new year’s, I bought a cheesy polyester dress, the kind you find at a boardwalk shop that had “Y2K” all over it! I was just being in the moment!

But normally, I like to really mix and match textures and add colors and accessories. As you get older (and wiser ), you get more bold, and don’t really worry or care too much about what other people think or what ‘clique’ you belong to and those mind consuming activities in your teens and 20’s. That’s how we grow…oh boy, I sound like I’m 80 years old! Anyway, I’m NOT 80…and I hardly ever wear skirts any more. They’re just not very functional and I just the like the look of a tailored boot cut pant (it always so strange saying pant like you’re referring to one leg or half the pants). I like capris too (the modern day highwaters…remember those?). Short pants officiate spring for me. OH, by the way, Happy First Day of Spring! I already got a head start with putting away my heavy sweaters. There were only two of them …but hey, you know it is the warm south here.

Oh, and you can only swap designer jeans of today…brands like Citizens of Humanity, Rock & Republic, and 7 for all Mankind. No designer jeans from when you were a kid (like Jordache, Gloria Vanderbilt…LOL!)

But if you don’t have designer jeans, you can still play. See me all smiles with my Levi’s. 

You can take two pairs of Levi’s and swap them for a designer jean or get $10 each store credit. Most every girl out there has at least one pair of Levi’s in her closet. I love my Levi’s!

So I went digging in my closet and pulled out 4 pairs of my Levi’s boot cut jeans. One pair I put on and wore.  The pair in the photo here.  I was sad that I had to pick out two pairs ‘cause they still all fit pretty good. And U know how difficult it is to find jeans that fit! Oh and my husband had to make it harder on me. Before leaving for the store, he said to me, “…they better not be ones I like”. I’m thinkin’, um, H-e-l-l-o…since when did you become part of my fashion equation? I had made my decision minutes before consulting him and I was gonna move forward with it. So I just bit my tongue and said “no, they’re not. ” Yeah-right! Who would’ve guessed that jeans would stir such emotion! I dare you to try going in your closet and find some pairs to give up. But…only jeans you really like and can still fit into…oh, and that you weren’t planning to donate anyway…uh huh…that changes everything.

Yesterday I indulged on 80’s fashion styles. The 80’s will always have a very special place in my heart…I smile just thinking about it. I sure do miss those MTV and VH1 video days…it’s just not the same with their ah-hem — modern day replacements like ‘MTV Cribs’ and reality shows like ‘Run’s House’ or ‘Keeping up with the Kardashians’ (I don’t even know what channel that’s on?  I should start my own show …’Keeping up with Brandy’…LOL). But it’s true, as an adult isn’t it hard sometimes to keep up with your own life???… so why for sane’s sake do I wanna get sucked into their Hollywood melodramedy? I know…I’m just bein’ sarcastic…I know it’s funny and it makes you appreciate your own life…yeah, in a sick twisted sorta way . But really, whenever I turn the tube on, it seems there’s yelling and it’s the KKK clan… Kim, Khloe and the other sister… is it Kooky? I mean they’re always whining and cat fighting about something …dialogue like, ‘why can’t you buy another car instead???!!!!…I wanted the Bentley!!!! I-III just want to cry (but then I’d mess up my mascara)!!! I’m NE-VVER gonna forgive you…E-VVVER!!!!’ He-LLLllo…well why can’t you all just get a clue??? 3 words — Poor Bruce Jenner.

This is my 2 or 3-part series (we’ll see how it goes!) about looking back at fashion through the decades I actively participated in. Starting with the good ‘ol 80’s.  Whoaa… can you believe that’s around a quarter century ago!

But, while I didn’t grow up in Raleigh, I did grow up at the malls. So I share that in common with a lot of you.  I sure did shop a lot. Gosh, I can’t believe it all started with the 80’s…what happy, fun times!  By the way, that’s me in the photo just a few years ago.

When I was a teen in the ‘burbs (of DC) in the 80’s, there were a handful of places to shop. But the BIG BRAND names were ESPRIT, Benetton, Guess and the Limited. Oh and you wouldn’t be caught without a brand name. That would be so un-cool!

Have a Raleigh date coming up where you really want to impress? Then Primp might be the place for you, women AND men!Imagine yourself in an urban like setting where you’re pampered and can get yourself beautiful for say a V.I.D. (Very Important Date) that night… but wait it doesn’t end there! …You’re also served an indulging martini (and possibly being fanned and fed grapes). Sounds like something in chic Miami, right?

If you like salads, you’re gonna want to keep reading…’cause I’m gonna share with you four Raleigh restaurants with salad options. Two are JUST salad restaurants and the other two are common places you may know about, but may not think about when you have a hankerin’ for a salad!

Get a $25 Raleigh Restaurant Gift Certificates for just $10!  Tavola Rossa is one of my favorite Raleigh Italian restaurants. Right behind Crabtree Valley Mall, it’s very upscale and contemporary. More Northern Italian than the rustic Southern Italian feel.  It’s a great place to take a Saturday night date! …and I just love going there for the atmosphere and food!  There’s also an outdoor patio (…that will be great to enjoy sooner than we all think!). To purchase the discount gift certificate, just click on the Tavola Rossa graphic/logo…

Shopping can be addictive…would you agree? Especially in Raleigh and metro areas where there are so many shopping malls and outlets. Buying things can be an endless cycle. Many of us have to fight to beat the shopping and buying systems.

The best example I know of beating the system is my dog Apollo. He knows exactly how to get the best reaction from me and my husband. He’s learned that for my husband to react to take him for an extra walk or a pet, he has to whine loudly and quickly. For me, he knows he has to test the waters a bit. He starts with a soft half whine, and then progresses to a loud one if he isn’t given a “ssh!”, which by the way does work. He’s a good guy. He just has needs like all of us.