"We are what we believe we are."
C.S. Lewis

Friday, August 17, 2012

Cake

Cake or Death: The Excruciating Choice of Everyday Life
 Lots of wonderful people have had birthdays these last few days: MrBP, Faux Fuchsia, WellFedFred, Kathy, Lane... so maybe it's not a coincidence I've been reading books with cake themes this week.
One is disturbing yet hilarious, the other life-affirming in a way that will let you think gentle thoughts about yourself.  You can probably guess which is which.
Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake


So if we have birthdays on the mind why not play a game?


Kate Spade Silk Roxanne Dress


 I decided this week that what I really wanted was a leopard print silk dress.


J Crew Leopard Chiffon Dress
Can you guess which one I bought?

It's the Friday of Birthday Week, let's have cocktails later on, what do you say?
xoDani

66 comments:

  1. Happy belated birthday to Mr.BP. Of course you bought the J. Crew one, which looks gorgeous! :D

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    1. Rose nope it was the KS! Thanks from MrBP!

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  2. Oh - I can argue this both ways:

    1) it is Kate Spade - the dress is on sale, very traditional leopard print, very flattering (BUT it is final sale and would our dear Dani BP go final sale? I think not...)

    2) the second is in the colour guava, which definitely fits in to the fall colour story and the brora cardigan (my goodness - we are all getting to know each other's clothes) and is slightly sexier with that little cut-out piece in the back.

    Sooo (I am channelling the Prince Bride poison routine here!) I am like Rose and going with the J Crew version...

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    1. WMM that Princess Bride poison routine gets me every time, we just watched it again recently, so hilarious!
      I have an aversion to cut-outs on dresses. J Crew did a couple of jacquard dresses last year that were pretty but had cut-outs, it's a deal-breaker for me, just not me!
      I did buy final sale! Plus I had an extra 15% coupon from KS!
      I know, I'm a daredevil. ;)

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  3. whoops - that is princess bride, not prince bride, although that could have been the same sex version, which would have been awfully canadian!

    p.s. love heather mallick - going to search for this one now!

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    1. WMM, Heather Mallick is funny isn't she, if a bit out there!

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  4. Ah Dani, this is far too easy for me. I did a little research and the JCrew dress is lined in silk. Although the Jcrew would demand a special bra, I do not recollect your objections to same. Further the JCrew is a stunning abstract print evocative of leopard and quite sophisticated in style. I am a bit concerned that the dress might be high waisted, but it is not final sale and shipping is free to thee. Kate's dress, while a classic shirtwaist minus the sleeves, borders on matronly and would not be your style. Kate's dress is not really a special occasion dress and as per
    Frock Philosophy 101 your daily life frocks must allow for all manner of chores. Further and finally Kate's dress is the dreaded Final Sale. However, you do love your KS coat, but lest your forget Kate herself is long gone.
    This is such fun. Next query, please.
    The Aquatic Attorney.

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    1. Aquatic Attorney your reasoning skills are very good! Is the JCrew lined in silk? That would be amazing, I'm pleased to know that considering how they have been cutting corners on fabrics.
      The JC dress is silk chiffon, not my favourite fabric, and the back would show my tattoo (upper back, right side) which would limit its wear severely. Also the special bra is difficult as I am a funny size, oh see bra discussion below!

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  5. And furthermore Kate's dress is lined in polyester and the JC dress is chiffon which is delicious in both cake and dress versions.
    The Aquatic Attorney

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    1. I have one other KS dress and the lining fabric is fairly nice, a higher quality poly, though silk is so much better. I sized up to a 4 for the leopard dress, my other KS dress is a size 2 (I am a 0 or a 2 at J Crew), the KS 2 is quite tight at the hip on me and even through the ribcage.
      So I would say that Kate Spade runs a bit smaller than J Crew, in my experience anyway.

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  6. Hello Dani:
    We find ourselves quite out of our league with the dress discussion, but we always have something to say about cake.

    As a complete aside, the Mitford sisters referred to HM The Queen Mother as Cake......we rather like that!

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    1. Hello Jane and Lance! I've been on a Mitford spree these last few months thanks to recommendations from wellfedfred. I have certainly enjoyed reading Nancy Mitford's novels.
      I did not know about this nickname, they were a rambunctious bunch weren't they!

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  7. Happy Birthday to your Mr. and all the Birthday Bunnies this week. I'd guess the J Crew of course - it looks very pretty!

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    1. Hi Sulky, It is pretty but honestly I have absolutely no occasion to wear such a fancy-ish dress with a cut-out back. Definitely can't mop the floors in that one!

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  8. Dani, you must visit http://www.cakewrecks.com/ to see some hilarious - and some marvelous, cakes.

    Happy belated birthday to your husband. The J.Crew dress looks nicer IMO, but that's just a catalog photo so who knows which is better IRL. Do tell!

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    1. Hi xoxo, I would love to see the dress in person, I have a feeling the "guava" color might have a slight neon tinge which would not be very nice at all. I find the colors on the J Crew website are very tricky to judge this last year.
      Thank you from MrBP!

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  9. Love the book covers, Dani BP in leopard? You are branching out! Hm, I'm guessing number two.

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    1. Tabs I know it is a branch-out for me. Wouldn't the KS be fetching under the Encore trench? That would be a good outfit for Paris, the KS frock is quite conservative really, I'm thinking I'll even wear it with loafers and a Brora cropped cardigan during the day.

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  10. Thinking the Cake or Death might be more me. Read the other and I didn't get it finished for some reason. Maybe I'm just too too cynical. Always love the look of Kate Spade frocks but have only bought her cardies - would love to see it on you, if you bought that one!

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    1. Hi ALw, I haven't finished it yet either. I really like the pieces I have from Kate Spade. I'll do a little picture when I get the dress!

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  11. I agree with AA the two things you taught me is no to poly and final sale. Can't wait to see the Crew on . Speaking of a special bra for this one ... how about a bra post. Does anybody have a favourite to make you look smaller ?

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    1. Hi Marsha, Well I guess my own rules are made to be broken, I hope I don't rue that careless attitude. I adore the KS frock, I'll wear it around the house I swear. I'd better, I don't have much going on this fall besides our trip in October.
      I could do a bra post on top brands, it's worth looking into, I have a hard time finding a good fit and I'm tired of it, though I have an opposite problem.

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  12. Dear Dani-The J Crew of course. The pretty print in your fall color story, the subtle print and the feminine lines. I can't wait to see your review. Happiest Birthday to Mr. BP, etc.

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    1. Hi Julie, I do like the dress though I wouldn't have much opportunity to wear it, I am almost unsure of the color, it could be neon guava for all I know. I'd love to see it in person or better yet a review! If you see it in store will you have a look at it for me?
      Thanks from MrBP! I hope you are healing up and getting around!

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  13. Marsha. Tabs and I are looking for this bra. Serious inquiries only, please and thank you! Anyone who knows how to make a d+ cup appear 1 to 2 sizes smaller will immediately have a statue constructed in their honor..

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    1. Oh that is my quest .It would be like winning a lottery. No matter what I spend on you I still haven't found the ONE. HELP !

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    2. Marsha - I may throw myself at the mercy of a parisian shopgirl and see what I can find!

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    3. Sign me up - I'll contribute to the statue construction.

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    4. Ha ha, we are! I need to look a cup size smaller pronto, I've put on 4lbs and 2 are on my boobs and the other two are on my belly - yet still flat butted! I'm so out of proportion, I've thought about doing a post but it seems too personal to be talking about that sort of thing. I went to M&S the other night and almost wept when they measured me and told me I had gone up another cup size.

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    5. I can't help you ladies. My problem is I am a 32 A and a HALF, which is not a size anyone makes. So I have to buy the B cup and it's too big. I was once a C cup until I did all that breastfeeding. A year for each child, I'm tired just thinking of it.
      There must be one bra maker who specializes in D and up yet still makes attractive stuff. I have admired some of the Elle McPherson line, which was all too big for me, have you tried that?

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    6. Tabs, i don't know - the only one not complaining is my husband - maybe I'll do the post or we just continue to use dani's blog to discuss, heehee!

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  14. I refrain from guessing (since I happen to know the answer) but I will wait no so patiently for you to model it for us, I think it will be stunning on you!

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    1. Thanks ajc, I hope I can get my camera fixed before it arrives!

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  15. I think the J Crew dress looks more like you, the style is elegant and the color looks gorgeous from the photo.

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    1. Hi Sue, I do like a halter style on a dress if it is fully fashioned, the problem for me personally is that it reveals my tattoo which I thought was such a good idea 22 years ago.

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  16. Hi Dani, the consensus seems to be with the J Crew, so I'll go with that.
    I'll join you in a cocktail! I have a bottle of Aperol in the cupboard, or I may just have a Ricard.
    Have a lovely weekend!

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    1. Hi Patricia, Yes it was a lovely cocktail hour wasn't it! We watched episodes of the past weeks The Daily Show, I do love Jon Stewart!

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  17. I hope you bought the second one!

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  18. I can't believe it! It was the Kate Spade! Maybe I made the wrong choice, do you know me better? There's the Delphic Oracle dashed by the perceptive blog world... interesting!
    Oh I have many AND numerous reasons for not buying the J Crew dress, but right now I need to have a massive bubble bath.
    I'll be back to discuss. xo.

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  19. Was that when you visited your Dad ... then it didn`t matter if it was the doomed Final Sale. Good one Dani

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    1. Hi Marsha, No I bought it online, final sale is dreadful but KS mailed me an additional percentage off, that tipped me over the edge. I picked up more of their earrings too, which I adore.

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  20. well, I liked the KS, too. Thank you for the birthday shout-out, and happy birthday to Mister! and the next time you come to NY, get my list of where to buy cake!

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    1. Hi Fred, Yes we'll go out for cake, how would that be!

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  21. I was going to guess #2 also, but I've read your answer. Will be eagerly awaiting your reasons and hope you're enjoying your bubble bath.

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    1. Hi Kathy, See reasons laid out above: tattoo, day-frock as opposed to cocktail frock, love KS, don't trust j Crew colors, JC dress too 'spensive... I love a good bubble bath I have one every day which is very indulgent I know.

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  22. ok I was going to guess the J Crew, but then I remembered you really love Kate Spade now too, so I guessed #1. Good for you, please post a photo soon!

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    1. Hi LR, Yes I will thanks! Might be an iphone photo if I can't get my camera problems sorted though.

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  23. my guess would be the kate spade. it's a trick question right? haha

    and now i want cake. damn you dani!

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    1. Hi Janet, I ate cake on MrBP's birthday: I made a sour cherry upside down cake and it was delicious. I might have to make another one today.

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  24. well, I think it was the final sale on the website that confused us all! I think the KS is lovely!

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    1. Hi WMM, I know I always advise against final sale, it really isn't a good idea at all. Hope I haven't made a dreadful mistake!

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  25. Hi,
    I don't want to play anymore or I want a do over. It's just not fair that I may have hurt your feelings or had you reassess your judgment. Can't wait to see the chosen cat dress. Angelina doesn't let her tats dictate her wardrobe choices. Just sayin'. Yes about the JCrew being lined in silk or so said live chat after leaving the chat to check. Either choice is great and I am wondering if you had a dream about big game that inspired the purchase.
    Waiting to see,
    The Aquatic Attorney

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    1. Aquatic Attorney, No way did you hurt my feelings! I am pleasantly surprised that J Crew is lining a dress with silk again, if I love my KS dress maybe a leopard print for parties is in order?
      I am not sure why I decided on a leopard print, no big-game dreams here, it is a departure for me but I could just visualize it as a sort of neutral dress with my fall color story. I don't have many dresses in a brown shade, I've always avoided it but now that I am trying not to wear much black I have a new appreciation for it.
      I've fixed my camera so I'll do a review of the dress when it arrives, it's on the way now!

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  26. Dani is very forgiving and for that I am very thankful. I remainas ever quite curious about the tattoo.
    AA

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    1. AA I think I've posted on my tattoo, see what happens: I have to search my own blog to remember what I did. Blogs are great tools for people of poor memory. I've had my tattoo since I was 20, one benefit is that I doubt my slightly rebellious son will ever add a tattoo to his repertoire of earrings and chain necklaces. If Mom has one it just somehow loses its cool. ;)

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    2. Yes you did. Found her and she is lovely. I think she would love the new animal prints.

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  27. Dani, I was going to post my guess of the KS dress, but got carried away with other randomness, and missed the boat as usual. :) I just know that you haven't been having great luck with recent J.Crew pieces, and the color seemed off for you on that one anyway. I also don't see you wearing a lot of chiffon. Do you watch Project Runway (Silk Chifonnies/fonzies!)? The KS I bet will be lovely on you. I feel that KS frocks are cut so well. I tried on several dresses today at Nordstrom Rack, and of the many, only the KS items were the obvious winners. No need to second-guess yourself, as you know yourself the best! :) Can't wait to see it on you dear. p.s. your package is still on my counter and I promise it will be out the door on Monday! So sorry for delay! ;)

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    1. Hi M, Thanks so much. You are kind. You are really correct about the silk chiffon: not my best fabric, I tend to avoid it. I've never watched Project Runway, I'm still trying to catch at least one episode of What Not To Wear, my daughter swears it's a great show. Are you as busy as I am these days? End of summer with the kids is sure hective. I hope you are enjoying your weekend!

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    2. Oh I think you'd love both shows! End of summer has been so hectic! I feel like I'm always running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Soon though, blessed school will begin. Ahhhh...

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  28. Hi Dani-Well, since I am late to the game, my guess doesn't count, but just from my personal experiences, my batting average has been much higher with KS over the last couple of years, I would have put my money on you picking KS even though it was final sale. Give Mr BP a big happy birthday wish from me, sour cherry upside down cake sounds yummy! You have a tattoo?

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    1. Hi David, I do, it's an angel, she's helped me through I have to say. I quite like it but I have to be careful with what I wear, some people just don't care for tattoos.
      You and I are on the same page re Kate Spade! Thanks from MrBP.

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  29. I personally love the J Crew better because of the unique lines; I can see why you chose KS though!! Is your tattoo removable or do you still like it?

    My DIL has suggested Soma for size D+ beautiful bras.

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena
    2012 Artists Series Featuring Harrison Howard

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  30. My birthday week is now officially over :(. But my biggest present arrives tonight-- my 21 year old who has not been home for over a few days at a time in a year ( Copenhagen,Tanzania, California). Yay!
    I like the KS best as that cutout appearance at the top of the bodice may be tough to wear. Can't wait to see how you will wear this if it suits you IRL.

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