These boots could change my life. No, really. These are, by far, the most amazing shoes I've seen in at least a year. So, to help me channel my inner frustrations I decided to write an open letter to Mr. Louboutin himself.

Dear Christian Louboutin,
I understand that you're kind of a big deal right now, but to be completely honest with you, you have to stop doing this to me! What are you doing, you ask? Well, it's quite obvious that you're tempting me into making frivolous shoe purchases. It's really stressful when I log onto the Neiman Marcus website (a daily occurrence) and see a new pair of showstopping shoes featured.

Love,
Emily

This morning I got a hilarious e-mail from a reader. It absolutely made my day. And it just goes to prove that the obsession with leotards isn't just limited to me. Here's the e-mail:

When I read this post this morning I knew I had to send you an e-mail! I was helping my mom clean out her closet a a year or so ago and she had a secret cache of leotards. She used to be pretty active in Jazzercise and that called for tons of leotards in a variety of colors. She ended up getting rid of most of them but I kept one because I knew someday, there had to be an occasion for me to wear it.

This leotard is black with brightly colored piping around the edges...and it's a thong. Yes, a thong leotard! With high-cut sides, it pretty much does make you feel like a rock star with legs that can go for miles (even though I'm only 5' 4''). So I'm pretty certain I'm going to debut this lovely piece of Jazzercise memorabilia on Halloween complete with leggings, heels, maybe some leg-warmers and some frizzy hair with brightly colored eyeshadow (aqua, purple??).

I just had to share this with you and hopefully you'll get a good laugh about it.

Oh yes! I got a great laugh from this story. And I absolutely love hearing from readers about everything (but especially thong leotards). If you ever have a great story to share with me, click the "Contact Me" section above to get in touch! I'll always ask for your permission before sharing your stories on the blog!

I used to wear leotards almost everyday…when I was four. I actually had a pretty extensive collection that I’d mix and match with brightly colored tights, over-the-top hair accessories and my mom’s magenta snakeskin stilettos. And my parents used to willingly let me do this…and they’d actually let me leave the house. I actually had professional childhood pictures taken wearing a leotard. It’s like I was destined to be one of today’s most popular pop stars (per usual, I was way ahead of the curve). A quick survey of today’s music scene reveals a few divas that refuse to ditch the leotard. Lady Gaga. Check. Katy Perry. Check. Beyonce. Check. Britney Spears. After the release of her latest single (have a listen below), check.

I’m not going to lie, I’m flat out jealous. The leotard just isn’t the kind of trend that I can pick up and wear to work with a sensible jacket. By many standards, a leotard for every day wear is just flat-out inappropriate…unless you’re under age 10 or a member of the Olympic gymnastics team. But I kind of miss sporting those flashy leotards everyday. I totally know why so many entertainers (who can easily get away with it) are wearing these one-piece gems with pride.

In the meantime, I’ll be fighting for the leotard. And I won’t stop until they’re the most popular item sold next Fall in Macy’s stores across the country. I know that might be asking a bit much—society’s view on the leotard would have to change quite a bit for that to happen. But I will be thinking long and hard about incorporating a leotard into my Halloween costume…or any occasion when I have a sensible excuse to wear one. In fact, if I'm going to help make leotards cool again, I should help you brainstorm the most appropriate times to wear one:

1) Cleaning: Make house work fun again with a sparkly, sequenced number that allows you to move, shake, vacuum and dust like never before.

2) Working Out: I see plenty of people wearing only a sports bra to exercise in. I ask, "why not wear a leotard?" In essence, you'll cover more of your bod, and you'll look like a rock star doing it.

3) Girl's Night In: Invite all your best gal pals over for a BYOL (bring your own leotard) soiree. Sip on cocktails while you view highlights from the Magnificant Seven's performance at the 1996 Olympic games. End the night by watching Flashdance.

And for those of you that think I’m absolutely nuts right now, well, you’ve probably never worn a leotard. And your grandma probably doesn’t have a photography series of you in a blue leotard hanging in her dining room. So really, go find out what you’re missing before you judge me.

Yesterday I was having a horrible day. Horrible. However, this little surprise first thing this morning turned my frown upside down. Britney Spears has a new single out and it's fabulous. It's scandalous and racy yet surprisingly innocent-- everything a Britney song should be. I will be dancing to this for months. Click here to check out the link Perez Hilton has on his website.

Lately, I've been able to find Pretty Proclamations all over the place. It seems that everyone is making statements of style or talking about things the Pretty and Poor girl would love. Last night I was watching The Rachel Zoe Project and heard something that was music to my ears.

“I just don’t part with Chanel. That’s the way it is. It’s a rule.”

~Rachel Zoe, who understands the timeless, feminine appeal of Chanel (not that I ever doubted her for a minute).

My least favorite part of weddings is when the DJ picks up the microphone, queues Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” and asks all the single women to report to the dance floor. I always really dread that moment. Probably because I always find myself out on the dance floor. Do I really want to catch the bouquet? No. I’d rather give some other girl false hope about a future marriage (I’m much to cynical to be superstitious at this point in my life).

You can imagine my excitement at this weekend’s wedding when the DJ picked up the mic and turned on Beyonce. I trudged my way to the dance floor where a sizeable number of girls had gathered. “Perfect,” I thought. “Everyone else will fight for the bouquet and I can just chill in the corner and dance around a little bit.” I was wrong. So wrong.

The bouquet was thrown from a balcony overlooking the dance floor (it was a great venue). I stood still and watched in slow motion as several girls scrambled towards where they thought it would land. The bouquet bounced off of something as hands flew through the air, and before I knew it, nearly two-dozen roses were coming straight towards my delicate little face. Not wanting to lose an eye I reached up and did the only logical thing I knew to do, I grabbed the bouquet. And that was it. I had officially caught the wedding bouquet.

My friends all began laughing and giggling—they know me. And they know how I feel. And they knew I was trying to avoid this very happening.

“Wooooooo-hooooo, someone’s getting’ lucky tonight,” a slightly intoxicated guy howled as he walked by me (the girl holding the roses).

Right. Lucky. Lucky meaning I made it back to my hotel room without puking.

So there I was. Stuck with the roses. And don’t get me wrong, I love me some roses (or any flowers for that matter). So I just embraced it. After all, the bright red roses were the perfect complement to my bright red Diane Von Furstenberg dress. They were a wonderful accessory, and I rocked them proudly for the rest of the evening.

No flower arrangement is going to magically bring love and marriage into my life, but sometimes catching the bouquet isn’t that bad. If it coordinates with what you’re wearing, it actually makes the perfect accessory.

Oh, and PS, the wedding was actually very stylish. The bridesmaids were fitted in adorable dresses from White House Black Market and the venue (The Uptown Theatre) in Kansas City reminded me of Moulin Rouge. Very en vogue!

The Pretty Proclamation for today comes from a billboard that I pass on my way to work. The billboard advertises Mall of America, and even though I'd normally avoid that mall due to the overwhelming number of townies and tourists, I love the thoughtful, fashion-oriented statement.

"The road to economic recovery may be long. You'll need shoes."

~Mall of America billboard, reminding us that great shoes are key to stimulating the economy. And that if you have to a walk a long, rough road you might as well do it in a great pair of kicks.

When two people are best friends, it’s only a matter of time before they start dressing more alike. I mean, in the 90’s my parents had matching snowflake sweaters (adorable…I mean gross). And take my best friend and I, for example. This weekend we both traveled to Kansas City for a good friend’s wedding. On Friday night, we spent the evening at her family’s house. On Saturday morning we woke up with the intention of taking a walk and running errands before the big wedding later that afternoon. Naturally, we both packed active wear for the morning’s activities. The funny part was that we packed the same, exact running shorts (bright blue with white and lime green detailing). And when we both put on our white, zip-up pullovers it was hard to tell us apart.

During our walk we were pretty self-conscious of our matching looks. After each car drove by we’d look at each other and say, “That lady definitely judged us,” or, “Do you think that guy noticed we were matching?” Eventually, we got over our identical looks and headed to Target and Ulta dressed like twins.

Time out. This reminds me of a story. In second grade my best friend and I went to the grocery store with her mom. We were bored, so we decided to make our own fun. And we just so happened to be going through our “Siamese twins are awesome” phase. So, we snuck off to the cereal aisle, put on the same jacket (it was the early 90’s, clothes weren’t as fitted), zipped it up and proceeded to walk around the store. In the soup aisle, a lady started looking at us very intently. We just pretended we were two, innocent little Siamese twins looking at groceries.

“Are you guys Siamese twins?” She finally asked with a curious, concerned tone.

“Yes, we are,” we replied in unison.

“We’re connected at the shoulder,” I added.

The lady began gushing with excitement. “Oh my Lord,” she said. “Real, live Siamese twins! This is amazing.”

That’s when my friend’s mom rounded the corner with her cart (busted). She knew immediately what we were up to (probably because this wasn’t the first time we’d tried it). And she actually played along. She explained to the lady that she’d been looking all over for us—we were always up to trouble. And she also told her that life with Siamese twins was interesting but, on the flip side, totally enjoyable. Maybe my obsession with twins has never really ended...maybe I’ve secretly always wanted one.

Back to my point. You see, I believe that best friends really influence each other’s style. Just think about it—it makes sense. You know and admire your best friend, so it’s natural that you channel her fashion sense. You introduce each other to new designers or encourage each other to take fabulous fashion risks.

At the actual wedding this weekend, my friend wore an adorable, bold animal print sheath dress. One of our friends came up to us while we were standing side-by-side and said, “Wait, shouldn’t this be flipped-flopped? Emily is usually wearing the crazy animal print.” Again, a true testament to the fact we inspire each other to look fashionable.

So while it may not be 100 percent necessary to zip yourself up into the same jacket, you'll undoubtedly pick up style tips from your best pal (whether you know it or not). What about you? Have you and your BFF ever bought the same thing or showed up to an event dressed alike? Leave your experience in the comments section!

I’ve been ridiculously busy traveling around the country during the last two weeks, so I wanted to let you know what’s happening with me. I’m in Kansas City for Wedding number seven and I’m having a blast so far—my best friend and I are about to partake in some Saturday morning shopping before the main event. Today’s the big day I get to debut my new, red DVF dress and I couldn’t be more ecstatic. (Plus, I’m definitely going to post a picture of myself wearing the DVF dress to the DVF fans Facebook page…because I am a certifiable fashion dork.)

I’ve been giddy about this for days now. I buy these things months in advance and bank on wearing them one day in the future. And let’s be honest, weddings are always the best excuse to debut new clothes (especially dresses). Stay tuned for outfit details and information. Everything is ready to go, except for a few strategically placed accessories and my hair (I think I had enough Lady GaGa hair last weekend, I’ll stick to short and sleek today), which I’ll figure out in the next few hours.

Here’s to dancing the night away, and looking good doing it! It’s a Pretty and Poor kinda’ weekend.

There’s a possibility that I’m one of these least graceful people in the USA. I fall down (or up) the steps at least once a week. I bump into doorknobs like nobody’s business. I trip constantly. And then there’s this thing I do when I’m wearing really tall shoes. I’ll be standing completely still, paying attention to someone, lost in conversation and suddenly my ankle buckles and sends me violently jerking to one side (kind of like when you were a kid and you’d run up behind someone and jab them in the back of the knee and watch them stumble…that was so funny). It’s embarrassing, because the person I’m talking to usually grabs me by my shoulder and asks if I’m okay. I explain that this little stunt (among others) is simply a part of my life.

Surprisingly, I’ve never broken any major bones (besides my tail bone, but I was bowling so that doesn’t count). That might be about to change, though, because the shoes I’m seeing this season have platforms that could make even the most confident fashionista’s knees wobble. Let’s have a look at some of these sky-high heels.

These Gucci trendsetters, the Division Platform Pumps, are over four inches, which normally wouldn’t even make me blink. But check out that platform on the base of the shoe—it’s of astronomical proportions! While chic and high-fashion, these suckers seem to taunt me by saying, “Don’t stumble, not even a little bit. Because if you go down, you’re going down hard.”

These shoes from Nine West, the Eclairs, have a high heel and beefed-up bottom. And while the heel base does look more stable than that of the Gucci stunners (above), these could still be dangerously topsy-turvey.

Brian Atwood’s Lana pumps should come with a warning! These are high and haughty! And if you're a fan of Rachel Zoe, you should know that she's a huge supporter of Mr. Atwood and his mile-high heels.

Here’s the thing. If these super-high shoes with intimidating platforms truly end up making a splash on the fashion scene (which I think they will), I’ll be rocking the trend by October (let’s be honest). But I’ll definitely be taking smaller steps and looking out for any possible hazards...and maybe introducing a new accessory into my wardrobe: knee pads.

Sometimes I start rambling little pearls of wisdom that I find surprisingly amusing. Here's a quote from yours truly that I said a couple weeks ago when my friend asked if I wanted ice cubes in my beverage.

"I like a lot of ice in my drinks, and even more on my wrist."

~Me, who always finds a way to mix modern-day snobbery and diamonds into just about any conversation.

I’ll be the first to say it: I am not a fan of the color red. It’s not that I don’t like red—I love red roses, red fingernails and shiny red cars. But when it comes to wearing red I’ve never been too keen on the color. I think I have this secret fear that red makes me look like a round apple, a giant red fire truck or a brick house (all things I’d rather not be compared to). I’ve also never thought that red looked good with my fair skin and blonde hair. Over the course of the last two months, however, I’ve had a stark change of heart. I’ve actually grown quite fond of wearing the color red.

It all started when someone told me they really liked a picture of me wearing a red dress (a rare occasion). I thought to myself, “Hmm…now that they mention it, I do look like quite a babe in that dress.” Then, without thinking, I acquired a new, red Diane Von Furstenberg dress (that I will be wearing this weekend—stay tuned for pictures). And within the last several weeks I’ve been very drawn to red for fall and winter.

You can imagine my surprise and excitement when People Style Watch named “red” as one of their “Must-Have Trends” for Fall. Red is all the rave right now! And it's easy to zest up your wardrobe with this confident color. Here are some of my favorite ways you can incorporate a few splashes of red into your fall and winter wardrobe. All these items are super-accessible (you could plan an after-work shopping trip and buy them today) and relatively affordable!

1) Red Pencil Skirt: I love the very Cruella Deville look of tailored, red clothing, especially when it’s paired with black and white. This versatile pencil skirt from Express can be mixed with a number of combinations—from button downs and booties to jackets and pumps. Incorporating this into your wardrobe will give you all the red razzle-dazzle you need to turn heads!

2) A Little Red Dress: Little black dresses are great. But if you’re anything like me, you have about 20 of them. Instead of buying another LBD, opt for a LRD this season. The little red dress is the way to go. It’s sophisticated with a relaxed raciness--and that’s a fashion “do!” This option (pictured below), from The Limited has a great ruffled collar that looks a lot like my DVF pick for this weekend. It's got personality and pizazz.

3) Smart Red Shoes: Dorothy was a pioneer in the style world. She knew that red shoes go with just about any look—even a blue and white gingham dress. Today’s red shoes are a lot like Dorothy’s in that they go with just about anything. Jeans and shirt? Check. Suit? Check. Black dress? Check. Red shoes are just the flair your outfit needs to go from “okay” to “oh-la-la!” Check out these great red pumps from White House Black Market (pictured below).

So ladies, ramp up your romance factor with some ripe ruby hues. Race to a retailer near you and stock up on red must-haves for fall!

Not too many self-respecting girls would walk into a hair salon on the day of their best friend’s wedding and say, “Make me look like Lady GaGa,” to the stylist. I’m obviously in the minority because that’s exactly what I did this past Saturday. Now, it’s not fair to say I looked exactly like Lady GaGa, after all, I wasn’t allowed to wear my leotard, mask and over-the-knee boots to the wedding. But my hair had GaGa-esque inspiration that was funky, fun and fabulous. And that got me thinking: are there ways to channel Lady Gaga’s unique style without the excess feathers, frills and fishnets? I believe there is! Check out my interpretation of GaGa’s eccentric style.

Lady GaGa wears a lot of lace and a lot of leather (and Lace and Leather is the name of a Britney Spears song on the Circus album…so it’s awesome). And while the average fashionista might not be able to pull off lace and leather together, it’s important to note that both lace and leather are very trendy right now. For example, take the red lace dress (equipped with mask and crown) that Lady GaGa wore at the MTV Video Music Awards. It was over-the-top because of the mask, crown and see-through quality. However, lace dresses (in general) are a hot item for fall.

Take this adorable Theory dress, for example. It’s versatile, classic and channels the lace of Lady GaGa’s red number.

This Milly dress is also a wearable version of Lady GaGa’s red lace dress. It’s adorablely tailored and even complete with some ruffles and frills.

And if you want that badass, leather look that Lady GaGa often rocks, try a pair of over-the-knee boots for fall. Pair them with leggings, tights and sweater dresses for a conservative yet chic look. I like this pair by Candela.

Then we get to hair and make-up. Lady GaGa is generally noticeable by her dark, dramatic eye make-up. If you want a style that’s almost like hers, use a liquid black eyeliner and false lashes. MAC’s liner and lashes are some of my favorites for recreating this look. Check them out for yourself here. And visit your local MAC store for a lash application.

On the other hand, there’s hair. When it comes to Lady GaGa’s hair, platinum blonde reigns supreme. But any style that’s a little over-the-top and full of volume will work. Check out my style from the wedding this weekend. Does it remind you of GaGa’s hair at the VMAs?

And the last element to Lady GaGa's fearless style? Confidence. She needs a ton of it to pull of her looks-- and you will too if you want to appear as in control as she does. While I couldn't dress like Lady GaGa every day, I admire her willingness to take fashion risks and just dance to her own beat.

Carmen SanDiego? No, silly. Me! I've been out east for the past several days making an appearance in my friend's wedding. I haven't forgotten about you, I've just been quite the traveler. I've got lots of fun reads for you this week so please stay tuned!

Here's a Pretty Proclamation to keep your wheels turning today.

“Delete the negative; accentuate the positive!”

~Donna Karan, an iconic fashion designer who reminds us to erase the bad and focus on the good. A quote that's applicable to getting dressed and living a fulfilling life.

PS: I'm posting this from a plane. I'm really, really excited about the fact that my plane has Wi-Fi. Best. Day. Ever.

If you know me, you know that I'm not a fan of knockoffs. I work in an industry where intellectual property is highly valued and I believe that people should be compensated for great ideas. That's probably why I think that if a designer has a wonderful design (be it a cool pattern, a blinged-out logo, a fabulously cut dress or sunglasses with great shape and detailing) they should be paid for that idea. And should people be allowed to copy their idea, half-ass the production and sell it for a lot less? Absolutely not. That's like fashion plagiarism.

I could literally go on for days about this topic. But today, I watched a clip from a professor at Duke University. His case is that when people wear knockoff items, they're actually more apt to cheating and lying in other areas of their life. And he has the studies to back it up.

Click here to watch the video and ponder this topic for yourself. It's an interesting case for buying the real thing.

Welcome to the first ever Pretty Problem on Pretty and Poor. This is a section where I'll be helping readers with their problems-- big or small-- pertaining to the Pretty and Poor lifestyle. I'm always getting lots of questions, comments and suggestions and I think this will be a great way to answer some of those inquiries! That said, if you'd like to ask a question or submit a Pretty Problem, click on the Contact Me link and send me an email. Today's question is from a loyal reader and great friend of mine.

Dear Emily,
I’d like to know where to buy nice clothes (even if second hand) that aren't as expensive. For example: Where does Emily take her clothes she's done with?
Thanks,
Cristen

I actually get asked this a lot (both as feedback from my blog and in real life). Unfortunately, there’s no miracle store you can visit to find all sorts of designer fashions at unbelievable prices. If that existed, it’s the only place I’d talk about. That said, I think it’s important to have a healthy mix of stores where you shop. Here are some suggestions where great deals abound!

1) Department Store Deals: It might sounds boring for me to tell you to shop at Macy’s or Bloomingdales, but some of my best deals on high-end merchandise have come from these stores. Remember, they’re on schedules—they have to change their merchandise with each season to make room for the new stuff. This means they have to get rid of things in a timely fashion. And sometimes slashing prices is the best way to do that. If you’re looking for current fashions, head to a department store in a large city or major metro area and scour the clearance ranks. Tell yourself that you’re only clearance shopping that day and stick to your plan.

Many women buy stuff, “just because it’s on sale” but that’s an unhealthy way of thinking because you won’t save any money if you do that and you’ll end up buying stuff that’s only subpar. Tell yourself that you’ll only buy something if you truly love it. Then you won’t get enamored with everything you see. Plus, watch your mail or email for coupons and extra incentives from these large chain stores. Often, they’ll offer you an additional discount off of their already reduced prices. Some of my best finds scouring department store clearance racks have been a Dolce and Gabbana sweater for $19 (originally a couple hundred), a Tory Burch top for $38 (also a couple hundred) and a pair of amazing Coach wedges for $60. You just have to be patient, accept that you may go shopping one day and end up with nothing and be willing to spend a little time looking.

2) High End Discount Retailers: Not every “discount” store like Marshall’s or TjMaxx offers abounding fashions at amazing prices. In fact, many of these stores carry the same merchandise from location to location and it’s not that distinctive. Next time you’re in the mood for a steal on something nice, save up and head to Nordstrom Rack or Saks Off 5th. Nordstrom Rack is, of course, the store where lots of deeply discounted merchandise from Nordstrom heads when it can’t be sold in stores. Saks is the same, for exclusive retailer Saks 5th Avenue. You’ll find nearly everything at these stores: from watches, to sunglasses to designer denim. In fact, I’ve found exclusive couture designs from Saks Off 5th several times (think Oscar de la Renta, Dior, Versace and Carolina Herrera). My latest Saks Off 5th find was a funky, fierce pair of Betsy Johnson heels for under $60 (and you’re guaranteed to see a pair of Jimmy Choos or two).

3) Garage and Estate Sales: I love knowing what kind of “stuff” other people have. When someone’s having a garage sale, half the fun is being nosey. The real fun starts if you notice they have something you want. I once bought a series of vintage clutches at a garage sale. Each clutch was straight out of the 60’s and 70’s—there were several purses I was sure had been to Studio 54 in their day. And at a quarter a clutch, I snatched all of them up. I bought them seven years ago and I still use them all ‘till this day. A couple weeks ago, my roommate stumbled across some great Juicy Couture finds at a garage sale, as well as a Louis Vuitton wallet. It’s true: one chick’s trash is another girl’s treasure.

4) Antique and Vintage Stores: Many people who own vintage clothing shops have a love for fashion and style through the ages—they know the coveted pieces everyone wants. That’s not to say you can’t find some awesome deals at vintage stores. Other people who run all-purpose antique stores don’t place as big of an emphasis on fashion. I’ve picked up some real steals over the years at antique shops with small clothing sections. Some of my most incredible finds include names like Hermes and Givenchy as well as several pieces of incredibly styled costume jewelry. Sometimes older items require tons of maintenance, and while the right find might be well worth it, consider the age and condition of the item before investing in it.

If you live in Minnesota, I’ve heard great things about Opitz Outlet in St. Louis Park (even though every time I go in there I freak out and leave because it’s just too overwhelmingly disorganized). And I’ve also heard mixed reviews of Second Debut, a Goodwill-operated store for more fashionable merchandise, also in St. Louis Park (but I've never actually been there).

When I do purge my clothes, I donate them to women’s charities, give them to Goodwill or save them for a garage sale.

I view my clothing and accessories as a collection. And if I shop right—buying only high quality merchandise I love—I can have my collection for years to come. Sure, this requires lots of closet space, but at the end of the day, I nearly always have something to wear. So take the time to invest in clothing that you love, you'll have a signature look that you love and closet full of clothes worth wearing!

Hope this helps you get a better idea of where you can find pretty clothing at poor prices!

If you can't make it to the Michael Kors runway show in New York City tomorrow, you can watch it from the comfort of your computer. A show long reserved for the fashion elite can now be viewed live around the globe. Don't miss the clean, classic lines and free-spirited American looks of Michael Kors. Tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. EST on the Michael Kors website. Click here for more details.

I’ve been saying, “Leopard is the new black,” for at least the past four years. It seems like everyone else is just now starting to catch on. Fall fashions are dotted with a number of leopard accessories to spice up your wardrobe. Check out some of my favorites here, and look for leopard when you're adding a couple key pieces to your fall wardrobe.

Christian Louboutin Booties
These are very catlike! From the sleek shape of the arch to the furry texture, they’re feline and fabulous. Spice up your jeans or add oomph to your dresses with these statement shoes.

Leopard for Layering
Instead of buying a fun tank in black, opt for leopard print! This fun top pairs great with jeans and has a hip, bohemian leopard appeal.

The Cat's In The Bag
This Coach bag is spotted and spectacular! It’s not your plain old black or brown bag. Instead, it’s got sass and an edgy appeal. Pack it full of ladylike essentials and carry it with absolutely anything!

Leopard is literally everywhere this fall. Designers from Diane Von Furstenberg (a personal fav) to Roberto Cavalli are incorporating it into dresses, accessories and more! Whether you add a splash of leopard to a traditional look or rock a leopard sheath dress, you'll look like the cat's meow clad in a sophisticated splash of spots!

I love watching any show about the Kardashians because in a weird way they remind me of my own quirky family. Plus, Kourtney, Kim, Khloe and I see eye-to-eye on many matters pertaining to fashion and living large. While watching Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami on Tuesday night, Kim said something that I knew had to be a Pretty Proclamation.

"Being not the life of the party equals boring."

~Kim Kardashian, who knows that if you're not the one inspiring all the fun, you're not really fun at all! With the weekend right around the corner, take this into consideration.

My father is constantly snooping in my love life. And if he’s not snooping, he’s trying to set me up with a number of personally handpicked gentlemen. I know he just wants to see his little girl happy, but I’m convinced he’s overwhelmed with the responsibility of being the main man in my life. All those gifts. All that attention. It has to be a lot for one person to bear.

I knew it was going to be a long Saturday with my parents when my Dad greeted me with the phrase, “I met your future husband.”

This isn’t the first time he’s said this to me. In fact, it happens about once every three to six weeks. He’s constantly trying to set me up. But, I look at it this way: I wouldn’t let my Dad buy my clothes (if I did, I’d be sporting the latest fashions from Orvis with a few Tommy Bahama staples thrown into the mix). Given that mentality, most of Dad’s guys don’t have a chance.

One time, my Dad decided to do some business with one these “future husbands.” It was a Saturday morning. It was the summer after I graduated college and I was living like royalty at home with Mom and Dad. On a random Saturday, my parents told me they were going to do errands for a few hours.

“Pa-ting,” I thought. “House to myself.”

I went for a jog then came back and hopped in the shower. When I got out, my phone started ringing. It was a good friend. I picked up the phone, wrapped a towel around me and walked to the kitchen to grab some water while I caught up on gossip.

At this point in the story, it’s important to tell you about my parent’s house. They live in the forest. You can’t see any neighbors. It’s secluded (the kind of house you feel comfortable walking around in wearing barely nothing), but the backside is predominantly windows. I walked over to the largest of the windows, still yacking on the phone in my towel, and looked down to the patio and the lake. There, directly underneath me, stood a 20-something guy with great muscles and sparkling eyes in a white polo. I was wearing a towel (practically naked), talking on the phone and standing about 20 feet above him. My jaw fell to the floor. Then my body fell to the floor as I proceeded to crawl out of the kitchen. Turns out pops ran his errands in about five minutes and told his new friend to come over to talk business on the patio… bet he had no idea he’d get a mid-morning peep show.

Needless to say, that situation didn’t work out. I refused to leave my bedroom for the latter part of the morning. And after that, I heard from my Dad’s friends that the poor chap was mortified and embarrassed because he was very modest. Guess I hadn’t made the best first impression. Ha, served him right.

This weekend’s guy? I accused him of being a drug trafficker, too chubby, immoral and a raging, extreme liberal (poor guy). There are a few things a Dad should just leave his daughter to decide herself—where she shops and who she dates are at the top of the list.

PS: I love you, Dad—I’m just getting you back for that time you stalked me on a date.

I love these pumps I stumbled upon while shopping! They're metallic, magical and make me say, "MmmHmmm." I love the overall shine and the up-close geometric detailing! What do you think?

I'm feeling a little rebellious this week! Perhaps it's because I'm thinking about wearing white after Labor Day and breaking an age-old fashion rule, or maybe it's just because I'm up to my usual tricks and feeling frisky because of the four-day week. No matter the reason, there's always room for this saying in my life.

"Well-behaved women seldom make history."

~Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, who reminds me that maybe I'd like to make history.

It’s officially after Labor Day. Which means everyone starts asking that dreaded question: is it appropriate to wear white pants? You better believe it’s appropriate, as long as you follow a few guidelines.

Weather: To me, white pants and shoes symbolize warm, clear, sunny days. White is the quintessential color for keeping you cool. Plus, its clean, breezy appearance just says summer. In some climates (ie: Minnesota) the weather takes a drastic turn after Labor Day. But in some areas, the weather stays warm all year round—sunny, clear days are the norm. When you have a sunny, warm day it’s perfectly acceptable to break out your white, even if that hot day is after Labor Day! Ask yourself, “Is my white weather appropriate?” That will lead us to our next guideline.

Fabric: It wouldn’t make sense to wear white, linen pants on a cold day in January. Lightweight, breathable, linen isn’t going to keep you warm (clothes DO serve some purpose besides making us look fierce). However, you could wear white, wool dress slacks on a cold day in January. Pair that with a black cashmere turtleneck and you’ve got yourself one contrastingly cool outfit. See the difference? If you live in a climate where you have all the seasons, throw those lightweight white things to the back of your closet, save them for summer and wear your white in heavier fabrics for winter (like wool and denim).

Pairings: What you decide to wear with your white pants makes all the difference. In January, when styles and colors reflect the environment around you, you don’t expect to see lush lime greens, pink pastels and lively yellows. Instead, people might be more apt to wear darker colors in general. That means your white pants might look great paired with a burgundy, brown, navy or gray top and a coordinating scarf and jacket. And remember, with black your white will always look crisp and classic. Secondly, keep in mind that you should choose heavier fabrics in tailored lines and styles for wearing white in cooler weather. Loose, flowing tops will put off summer vibes and you’ll want to avoid that look in the cold of winter.

Remember, these are just simple rules that I follow to make sure I avoid fashion faux pas involving white pants. When followed, they can help you branch out into the world of white pants after Labor Day. But if you’re a bold fashionista, take a risk and see if it pays off. You never know until you try. “No white pants after labor day,” is a rule that simply isn’t relevant right now! It depends on where you live and how you wear it!

Check out this article on the history of wearing white after Labor Day—a good, historically fashionable read!

I've been in the mood to watch Romy and Michele's High School Reunion lately. I'm hoping that I can put this little task on the top of my to-do list for the weekend. In the meantime, here's one of my favorite quotes from the movie.

"Remember Mrs. Divitz's class, there was like always a word problem. Like, there's a guy in a rowboat going X miles, and the current is going like, you know, some other miles, and how long does it take him to get to town? It's like, 'Who cares? Who wants to go to town with a guy who drives a rowboat?'"

~Michele, from Romy and Michele's High School Reunion, who has some reasonable expectations! Because let's face it, who wants to go to town with a guy who drives a rowboat?

Today I’m wearing my favorite earrings. And despite the trials and tribulations of my day (the bridal shop showdown), not a whole lot can go wrong because these suckers are hanging from my ears.

They’re Chanel, duh. This automatically makes them staples in my jewelry arsenal. These earrings are more than just accessories. They symbolize a time in my life when I had less responsibility, more money from my parents and an amazing tan. These earrings have gotten me many compliments and even a couple free drinks.

That picture was taken on the day I bought my earrings. Clearly, this was before I chopped my hair off. I wore my hair up in a ponytail so no one in the world would miss the latest addition to my jewelry box.

Do you have a favorite, fabulous (and maybe a little frivolous) piece of jewelry? Or maybe it’s something you wear that always makes your day bright! Tell me all about it in the comments section!

I want to share the SHOCKING conclusion of this story with you all!

Today I went back to the The Wedding Shoppe in St. Paul to pick up the extra fabric I had to order for my dress. (Because even though I had to pay $15.00 shipping charge on the fabric, they couldn’t ship it directly to me.) I brought a very carefully worded letter with me in the event I got to speak with the manager. I went in with a smile, treated the clerks nicely, paid for my fabric and then asked to speak to a manager or owner. They told me I should probably talk to their customer service specialist. Then they said her name. Ironically enough, the customer service specialist was the lady who helped me on Tuesday. The one who told me this entire debacle was my fault for gaining weight. Hilarious. She would obviously be no help.

The clerks asked me to explain the situation to them first, before going to a higher authority. I, once again, went through the situation.

The two girls behind the counter said, “It’s very hard to get accurate measurements on people…just so you know.”

“Really?” I asked. “Because my tailor seems to do it right every time.”

They argued with me for what seemed like a good five to seven minutes (although I'm sure it wasn't nearly that long), then I realized this was a huge waste of my time and I left mumbling something about how they were a pathetic excuse for a bridal shop. Which they are. I’ll probably spend a couple hours this weekend sharing my experience on every bridal website known to man.

At the end of the day, I know that if I ever opened any sort of business, I could never treat my customers like that. Bridal shops are in the business of making women feel A-MAZ-ING…and The Wedding Shoppe in St. Paul, MN made me feel worthless, taken advantage of and oh (how could I forget), fat.

I’m always reading these articles about the most romantic cities, smartest cities and cleanest cities. Then there’s coverage of the best cities for singles and the best cities to raise families in. All of that is erroneous. At PrettyandPoor.com, the only thing that matters is living large. So I’m here to share my Top Five Fabulous, Frivolous Cities with you.

2009’s Fabulous, Frivolous Cities

5.) Miami: Every girl needs a yacht (and really that’s not a lot). What better place to cruise it up and down the coast than in a city that can make anyone say Aye Carumba? Miami is a town for big spenders. From the fashion to the food and the nightlife, Miami is our number five frivolous city for more than a few reasons. What’s not frivolous about being within a step from the beach and laying out, day after day, working on your tan? The clothing in Miami is high fashion and colorful—making the shopping scene a fun, lively and energetic one dripping with fabulous dresses, ruffles and playful patterns. The Bal Harbour Shops, one of Miami’s most notable shopping areas, contain stores by Bottega Veneta, Bulgari, Carolina Herrera, Chanel, Chloe, D&G, Fendi, Escada, Ferragamo and Yves Saint Laurent (just to name a few). When you’re living frivolously in Miami, life is all about boating, shopping, sunbathing and dressing up for evenings out. Fun, frivolous Miami is number five.

4. Chicago: The Midwest’s Mecca for big-city living is full of frivolities. With some of the best shopping for hundreds of miles around, Chicago caters to the sophisticated Midwesterner. With restaurants that don’t disappoint, spas that make you feel like a million bucks and hotels that treat you like royalty, Chicago is a gem of a town. Chicago has all the big fashion staples: Barney’s, Prada, Neiman’s, Nordstrom, Chanel and more. Plus, they boast a number of whimsical, unique boutique stores off the Michigan Avenue strip. From lavish automobiles (like a Bentley dealership in the heart of downtown) to high-ticket avant-garde eateries (like Moto), Chicago is a playground for modern day movers and shakers.

3. New York City: Fashion-forward and frivolous, New York City is on our map for a few good reasons. Stores everywhere, entertainment all over the place and a sample sale around every corner means that when you go to New York City, you're bombarded with a message to spend! As the USA’s fashion capital, New York City is all about the hot, the hip and the happening. (And a weekend in the Hampton’s never hurt anyone, either.) The social scene in NYC is all about being seen—and what you’re seen in—so looking your best is priority one. And as a trendsetter for the entire Nation, New York City sees everything first. There’s pressure to set the trend, be the best and get things first! You’ll find designers from A to Z in New York and restaurants with world-class cuisine around every corner. Boutiques and shops are abundant and shiny, glistening things are spotted everywhere. New York City does it right.

2. Las Vegas: Where else can you drink, gamble, shop and cruise the strip in a Rolls Royce during any given 30-minute period? Las Vegas is a one-of-kind city, and one my favorites on my list of Fabulous, Frivolous cities. Viewing the sheer amount of money that flows through casinos every day is enough to make even the biggest tightwad want to drop some G’s. Stores like Chanel and Dior tempt frivolous fashionistas (and the sugar daddies who make them smile) around every corner. Lavish hotels and unbelievable suites that book for thousands per night make the Vegas hotel experience one to be reckoned with. And something about the city makes people lose their inhibitions, temporarily forget their actual life and live vicariously through the rich and the famous. In Vegas, people spend and they spend big. *Note: I have drank, gambled, shopped and cruised the strip in a Rolls Royce during a 30 minute interval in Vegas.

1. Dubai: Dubai is, hands down, the world’s most luxurious city. That also makes it a playground for the frivolous. Whether you invest in your own island or check out the luxury properties going up around the city, you’ll be quick to realize that Dubai is lavishly frivolous in every possible way. Because Dubai is the Middle East’s supply hub for jewelry, finding your bucket of diamonds might be easier than you thought in this city. It’s estimated that 20% of the population in Dubai buys five or more pieces of gold jewelry a year. Plus, people in Dubai don’t pay income taxes…meaning there’s a lot more of your dough to spend. Enjoy a night in the world’s only 7-star hotel, cruise your yacht, invest in real estate or head to the Dubai Mall where you can shop Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Gucci, Emilio Pucci, Missoni, Longchamp or (one of my personal favorites) good ole’ Bloomingdales. Plus, Tiger Woods, The Beckham’s (Dave and Vicky), Brangelina, Armani and a whole slew of swanky celebrities are rumored to have property in Dubai—and that makes neighborhood get-togethers all the more wild.

So that's it: 2009's list of Fabulous, Frivolous cities! Naturally, a Pretty and Poor girl can make a trip anywhere a frivolous excursion, but a little inspiration, indulgence and push in the right direction never hurt anyone.

Think you live in a fab, friv city? Tell me why in the comments section!

I definitely have a new favorite greeting card site. It's called bluntcard.com and it's full of hilarious, snarky and bluntly worded e-cards for your sending pleasure. Several cards really fit my personality. Take this one, for example.

Finally, a greeting card company that understands me. Click here to make your friends laugh! Happy sending.

Some days really challenge my dignity as a human being. Today was one of those days. And I didn’t really measure up to the challenge. Instead I buckled beneath the pressure and did something I hadn’t done in weeks, I cried.

The person that decided bridesmaids dresses needed to be so much different than normal dresses was probably related to Satan. Bridesmaids dresses are hard to buy. Plus, each designer has a different size chart. You can’t just order your size—you have to be carefully measured.

The Background
In early July, I went to The Wedding Shoppe in St. Paul, Minnesota to order a bridesmaid dress for a wedding I’m in during the last week of September. When I ordered the dress, I had to strip down to my skivvies and let a complete stranger wrap a tape measure around the widest parts of my body. Good thing that’s not degrading. As soon as my measurements had been taken, I waited to hear the verdict. Surprisingly, it wasn’t as bad as I thought. I measured true to my size and the clerk suggested I order the bridesmaid dress in the dress size I normally wear. Wanting to be safe, I ordered a size bigger. This would prevent any last-minute “I’m too fat to fit” chaos and provide wiggle room in case the unthinkable happened. Because I wasn’t ordering the size smaller (the “suggested” size) I had to sign a waiver saying that I definitely wanted the bigger size. I’m a reasonable human being, and I’d rather have a dress taken in a little than stop eating for weeks.

The Situation
I received the bridesmaid dress last week. It wouldn’t zip. Not even a little bit. In a panic, I called The Wedding Shoppe and told them about it. They told me to come in so they could check out the dress and see what the problem was. After all, they looked at my paperwork and could plainly see I ordered a size bigger than I was measured for.

So today I went in to the store thinking they would help me solve this problem. Instead they, once again, stripped me down to my skivvies and measured the widest parts of my body. My measurements were different. Inches different. The dress I was told to order was nearly FOUR sizes too small. That’s when they told me the dress didn’t fit because I’d probably gained quite a bit of weight.

First off, I haven’t gained any weight. I weigh exactly the same as I did two months ago…and I probably weigh the same as I did 12 months ago. Secondly, FOUR dress sizes is fairly drastic. If I’d gained four dress sizes I can assure you that there’s a whole lot of people in my life who would say something to me…or offer me a can of Slimfast. And FOUR sizes from now I wouldn’t be able to wear all my nice designer fashions. My mindset is one of, “I stay the same size so I can wear all of my clothes.”

I tried explaining this to the clerks, but they assured me that weight gain was the only way to explain this. I kept saying, “OR I WAS MEASURED INCORRECTLY THE FIRST TIME!” They, once again, explained that they see this weight-gain problem a lot. I, once again, explained that I wouldn’t have gained FOUR DRESS SIZES in a month and a half (that’s actually pretty hard to do).

The Outcome
The best part of the story? They couldn’t help me. They actually had a policy not to help with bridesmaid dresses like this—they were just seeing me as a favor to make sure the dress was made correctly. Id’ have to go see my personal tailor (who I like much better, by the way) to get her to do the work. But when they told me I’d have to pay an extra $200-$250 to reverse this problem, I lost it. Call me a woman, but crying was the only thing I could do at the moment. I threw a fit to top all fits.

Phrases like, “Since you messed up I guess it’s easier for you to call me FAT than to take ownership of your problem,” just ran threw my head. Other things like, “Maybe you should teach your clerks how to read numbers so they don’t measure people incorrectly and ruin their day,” also whizzed through. I left by storming out, telling them how much I appreciated their willingness to waste my time and ruin my self-esteem. Then I cried for about two more hours.

At this point in the game I have two options: lose about four inches from every area of my body in roughly 20 days (I’ve heard the “water diet” works great for situations like this). Or, fork over the money and have my wonderful tailor Marta work her magic.

I’ll be going to visit Marta tomorrow. But when buying bridesmaids dresses, I’ll probably start ordering FOUR sizes up from now on….no matter what the experts advise.

Oh, and PS: I'd just like to point out that last week I wore a dress I wore when I was 21. That means I've been the same size for several years. Duh. Secondly, I've been to the doctor six times this summer for various allergy-related things. Each time I get weighed. Today I had my medical records faxed over so that I could send The Wedding Shoppe my weight records throughout the summer to prove to them I'm the same size as I was a month and a half ago. Suck on that.