Legacy of Pearl

For C.: Two tall black boots on sale under $50

LegacyOfPearl — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:31:34 -0800

Reader Request: Stylish and Functional Laptop Cases

LegacyOfPearl — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:13:14 -0700

In the past, I've been very happy with work totes with built-in computer sleeves as well. Target especially has very economical and sturdy option. This is an item one can splurge if you have the means. I prefer to have a number of bags and change them often when it comes to carrying my computer. Bright colors are my favorite as I tend to dress in neutral colors and bright colors cheer up my work outfits.

One last tip about computer bags is on getting easy access to your wallet. I generally hang a small handbag through the handles to hold my essentials as I'm running around. In this way, I don't have to dig into my big bag, get easy access to money and keys, and most importantly keep my computer safe from falls and spills.

Jacqueline Courier Hand Bag $99 - Target

Soft-Sided Laptop Case $19 - Container Store

Merona Fashion Work Tote - Red $20 - Target

There is a great selection of laptop sleeves for all budgets right now. I like the simple sleeves from Apple as I'm a Mac user, but it is possible to find sleeves for less. There are as nice options at the container store. The styles that are made out of leather or other fabrics are also very stylish, but I find them less practical as they tend to weigh more and more importantly occupy more space.

Question: I really need trendy notebook case because now I am using an old-fashioned black notebook case, I feel like a man carrying it. I need more colors and a more stylish case. Unfortunately I have no time to look around. Any ideas? Thanks!

This is a question most ladies face daily and the answer depends a lot on your personal style. I generally use a laptop sleeve and stick into different business totes or a backpack depending on where I'm going and what I'm wearing.

Here are some more computer case options for every budget.

Croft & Barrow® Classic Tote - $54.00	Croft and barrow® faux-leather buckle handbag - $54.00
Croft & Barrow® Exotic Tote - $54.00	Croft & Barrow® Linen Tote - $54.00
Merona Exotic Work Tote - Brown - $15.00	Merona Fenton Patent Work Tote - Black - $29.99
Jacqueline Courier Hand Bag - $79.99	Samantha Swing Tote - $79.99
"Slim" Sleeve - $98.00	Soft-Sided Laptop Case - $14.99
Quilted Laptop Sleeve - $9.99	Rebecca Minkoff Virginia Computer Sleeve - $98.00
Faux Croc Laptop Sleeve in Red - $40.00	Varick Nylon Laptop Sleeve - $58.00
Juicy Couture Terry Laptop Sleeve - $128.00	Bisadora Cranberry Furrette Classic Tote - $59.00
Merona® Somerset Work Tote Bag - Brown - $15.00	CLOSEOUT! Kenneth Cole Reaction Laptop Tote, Belvedere Leather - $500.00
Nike Heritage LX Hobo (Discontinued Colors) - $80.00	Kimchi Blue Ikat Bag - $68.00
Jack georges milano collection "madison avenue" business tote - $265.00	Faux Leather Business Professional Tote - $96.00
Chiarugi Handmade Brown Genuine Italian Leather Business Bag - $493.00	Laptop Tote - $165.00

Reader Request: Parenting Books for Pregnancy and Newborn

LegacyOfPearl — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 06:32:29 -0800

Question: Hi! I'm four months pregnant and want to start reading baby books. Can you recommend any books for before and after my baby arrives?

Congratulations on your pregnancy! I hope you'll find this time of your life as amazing and rewarding as I did. After reading some thirty plus baby books, I decided for myself to keep a library of reference books I liked and give away the rest. So although I'm not an expert or a doctor, I can recommend what I bothered to keep and use often for reference.

PREGNANCY: The Mother of All Pregnancy Books: The Ultimate Guide to Conception, Birth, and Everything In Between (U.S. Edition)

NEWBORN: The Happiest Baby on the Block: The New Way to Calm Crying and Help Your Newborn Baby Sleep Longer

SLEEPING: Sleeping Through the Night, Revised Edition: How Infants, Toddlers, and Their Parents Can Get a Good Night's Sleep

NURSING: The Nursing Mother's Companion: Revised Edition AND Mother Food: A Breastfeeding Diet Guide with Lactogenic Foods and Herbs - Build Milk Supply, Boost Immunity, Lift Depression, Detox, Lose Weight, Optimize a Baby's IQ, and Reduce Colic and Allergies

FEEDING: Child of Mine: Feeding with Love and Good Sense

BABY FOOD: So Easy Baby Food Kit: Make It Natural, Make It Fresh.

PLAYING and ACTIVITIES: Wonderplay

BABY GEAR: Girlfriends' Guide to Baby Gear (Girlfriends' Guides)

POTTY TRAINING: Early-Start Potty Training

GENERAL RESOURCE: The Complete Resource Book for Infants: Over 700 Experiences for Children from Birth to 18 Months

EARLY TODDLERHOOD: Still in search of a good book after reading a few. I didn't like the ones I read including happiest toddler. I'm hopeful of Playful Parenting that I'm reading right now.

In addition, I signed up for mailing lists of whattoexpect.com and babycenter.com. These two sites are great resources both before and after your baby arrives.

Reader Request: Interview Outfit

LegacyOfPearl — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 23:11:42 -0800

Assuming you would have black dress pants and a button down shirt, I suggest pairing them with a cardigan and business appropriate accessories. Keeping all of these items on the conservative side is a safer approach. A good alternative to a necklace is a high-quality scarf tied with care.
Whatever you choose to wear, make sure they fit correctly. Prepare them from the night before and polish your shoes. A professional hairstyle and make up (light!!!) is just as important as what you wear. Since it is not appropriate to bring a cell phone to an interview, having a watch on is important. Other things to avoid having in an interview are gum, drink cup or soda, and visible mp3 players.

If you need to bring a portfolio or laptop, it is best to bring them in a briefcase or a laptop carrier bag. I picked some economical business-friendly bags in below. Don't forget to carry a notepad and a pen in your briefcase.

Question: I'm looking for a professional looking outfit to wear to an interview that I can mix and match with more casual clothes. I'm blond, tall, size 14 and 33 years old. The job that I'm interviewing is a business casual environment.

What you're wearing in an interview will be the first impression you make on your potential employer. Your skills are always what counts in the end, but dressing for success is important more than many would like to believe.

If you're going to interview in a business casual work environment, wearing a suit is not always necessary. A good suit wouldn't hurt, but nice black pants with a button down shirt and a cardigan would also make an equally good impression. It might even help as you will feel more natural and fitting in the new environment.

Best of luck in your interview from Legacy of Pearl.
Here are some more options to what you can pick...

Women's Merona Collection Tori Chain Moccasin - Black Patent - $29.99	Dollhouse Pattie Shoe - $54.50
Tuscann Brn Paris - $49.95	Lifestride Women's Million Flat - $39.95
Cezanne pearl illusion necklace - $24.00	So® Silver-Tone Beaded Necklace And Drop Earring Set - $16.00
Flower Cameo Necklace - $18.00	Anne Klein New York Women's Bracelet Watch - $250.00
AK Anne Klein Watch, Women's Black Leather Strap 10-8211MPBK - $55.00	Double Wrap Logo Watch Online Exclusive - $120.00
Isaac Mizrahi for Target® Cashmere Cardigan - Charcoal - $17.49	Ribbed Detail Open Front Cardigan - $39.50
City Style V-Neck Cardigan - $36.95	Stretch poplin shirt - $28.00
Stretch fitted shirt - $39.50	Satin stripe blouse - $89.00
Long Button-Front Shirt - $49.50	City Stretch Twill Shirt - $29.99
StudioStretch Flare Leg Pant - Petite - $29.99	City Style Wide Leg Cuffed Trouser - $34.99
Women's Plus Classic-Rise Wide-Leg Trousers - $36.50	Skinny Patent Belt - $25.00
Calvin Klein black leather skinny belt - $22.00	Thin Faux Leather Belt - $7.50
Merona® Loretta Work Tote Bag - Black - $14.99	Vegetable Leather Large Quarter-Flap Bag - $598.00

Reader Request: Princesses and Princes Birthday Party Outfit

LegacyOfPearl — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 21:30:11 -0800

Fairy Dust - Fairy Princess Kit $28 - Kitson

Gallery design crystal tiara $30 - Dillard's

For yourself, you can pick a nice tiara or a wand to go along with the look. You can also be the star of all the little princesses in the party by using the fairy dust and the pink feather applicator.

Mud Pie Giggles Blue Funny Bibs $11 - Sleepyheads

Jack & Lily Prince Shoe - Brown (18-24 Months) $27 - BabiesRUs

Little Prince Onesie $29 - Posh Tots

Kids Ink Prince Charming Hoody Romper $46 - Tutti Bella

Question: My 1 year old son is invited to a princesses and princes birthday party. He needs a costume and I don't want to buy him a full costume that he won't wear again. Any ideas? Should I be dressed up as well?

Little princesses and princes is a common fun birthday party theme. I'm sure it's going to be a lot of fun. Although it is easier to dress up a girl in this theme, it could be equally fun to dress up your little boy with some creativity. Most boys come in dressed up in medieval prince outfits.

Alternatively, you can dress your little tot up in clothing items with a royal logo or prince theme. Don't forget to complete his look by combing his hair with a little bit of hair gel and a sword you make out of a cardboard box. Have him be equally stylish while eating the cake with the "Handsome Prince seeks Petite Princess" bib.