Keeping it Real Cosby Style

Top: Wet Seal
Skirt: So, Kohl's
Shoes: Worthington, JCPenney
Bag: Nahui Ollin
Scarf: A.C. Moore

Top: Wet Seal (again!)

Skirt: H&M
Shoes: Ami Clubwear

Bag: Nahui Ollin (again!)
Scarf: Wet Seal

 Fabulous Felt Art Club Necklace

Fabulous Felt Desert Dreams Necklace

Dress: Kohl's

Shoes: Frederick's of Hollywood

Bag: Bisou Bisou, JCPenney

 Fabulous Felt Radical Rocks Necklace

Dress: Rampage, Amazon

Shoes: Betseyville, Macy's

Bag: Worthington, JCPenney

Jacket: Abbey Dawn, Kohl's

Belt: Everything's $10, Tournier

Sunglasses: Cloud Nine, Ocean City 

 Sea Creatures Comb

Sparkly Squares Necklace

Tee: Mossimo, Target

Skirt: H&M

Shoes: Nine West, DSW

Bag: DSW, embellished by The Tote Trove

Scarf: Wet Seal

Rockin' Record Necklace

Sweatshirt: Kohl's

Skirt: Boscov's

Shoes: Bucco, Kohl's

Bag: Chinese Laundry

In the wild west wasteland that is summer TV (Lifetime's "Devious Maids" excluded), I find myself seeking refuge with reruns.  A recent episode of "The Cosby Show" struck a crafty chord as Claire and daughter Denise bantered over a disfigured pot that Claire had created.  Claire conceded that Denise's pot was indeed beautiful but went on to say that it was limited because everyone knew what it was immediately.  Her own mangled mess, on the other hand, challenged the beholder to bring something of himself or herself to the experience.  She was being funny.  But as with all jokes, hers harbored a grain of truth.  I can't tell you how many times I've looked at something I made, lamenting how it could have been more symmetrical, more balanced, more precise, or otherwise perfect.  I hit just such a snafu while working on the Fabulous Felt Radical Rocks Necklace.  It was too long.  I pouted, staring at it in the mirror and trying to convince myself that it looked okay.  But such deception wasn't to be and there was nothing for it but to fill in the gap with another strand of beads and a daisy pendant.  I ended up with something odd but interesting and remembered that making stuff isn't about perfection; it's about expression, as Claire so cleverly pointed out.  And in a world fraught with unforgiving absolutes, the freedom to play is downright refreshing.  

Which I'll do well to remember the next time I find myself fretting over an off-center pendant or crooked wire wrapping as the Huxtables (or some other sage sitcom family) hum in the background.  

TV Tuesday: Drop Dead Diva Descends

Lifetime's "Drop Dead Diva" is the quintessential guilty pleasure summer soap.  As frothily frivolous as the season itself, the courtroom dramedy about the reincarnation of aspiring model Deb Dobkins as overweight lawyer-with-a-heart Jane Bingham (Brooke Elliot) demands a certain suspension of disbelief.  Jane just happens to work for the same law firm as Deb's fiance, the kind and handsome Grayson (Jackson Hurst).  But is he kind enough to look past Jane's less-than-model appearance to find the soulmate within?  That's what Deb must determine.  In the meantime, she revs up Jane's life and wardrobe, bringing - and yes, I must say this - style to trial.  Sassy secretary Teri (Margaret Cho) and cutthroat counselor Kim (Kate Levering) are along for the ride, furnishing corporate stereotypes that lend normalcy to an otherwise cosmic conundrum.

Now that the show is in its fourth season, Grayson is finally starting to put the pieces of Jane's identity together.  Meanwhile, Jane's guardian angel, Fred (Ben Feldman), reveals his identity to his girlfriend (and Jane's BFF) Stacy (April Bowlby), a no-no so huge that it sends him hurtling back to heaven.  I couldn't help but be struck by how easily Grayson and Stacy accept the otherworldly nature of their (in Grayson's case, would-be) significant others.  I know it's a TV show, but a little healthy fear would have been convincing!

Sunday's surprises weren't limited to the supernatural.  Kim Kardashian appeared in the nominal role of barista-slash-relationship guru, ostensibly for the sole purpose of dispensing initially questionable but ultimately sage advice to Stacy.  None of Diva's signature Ally McBeal-meets-Scrubs-style dream sequences debuted this time, but then there was already a lot going on, and you can't show all your cards too early.  Overall, this was a fun and satisfying season premiere, reminding us, as ever, that the universe has a sense of humor.

Make and Tell Challenge, Day 75: Totes in Bloom Continued

I was my own assembly line today. I completed the first coats of my violet, goldenrod, and tangerine Fierce Flowers totes. I think I want to do dark pink, ruby, and hot pink backgrounds next before doing the second coats en masse. I was so excited about my progress that I took this shot of the whole series so far. Then I went ahead and took one of my brush rag because I thought it looked cool, all multi-colored and faded.

Today's background music movies included Practical Magic, Uptown Girls, and Something to Talk About, all on Lifetime (Turner and Hooch was playing on my standby, TBS, and much as I like Tom Hanks, I just couldn't abide by that.) Apparently, Lifetime has come a long way from those dreary made-for-TV movies. Good to know.

Now it's out with the bf for dinner and Couples Retreat. As always, I'll be sure to deliver my most discerning review tomorrow. :)