Cape-tivating

{Written while watching RHOOC Reunion Part 3 and eating Swedish Fish. It was a good night!}  Hello sweet readers!!  How was your Halloween? I sure hope it was lovely!  Aren't holidays the best? I can't wait for this time of the year to get into full swing! Speaking of swing... Capeity cape cape! This has to be my most favorite accessory of the season.  I live in hot California where we basically just make believe we have different seasons, and it's hard to pretend I'm going to get very much use out of over the knee boots or leather. But a cape? If you buy the right kind, it can be light enough to serve as a sweater {although there are some heavy capes out there--pretty wool and plaid--that I would wear in a heartbeat if we had the weather!} There are so many things I can wear this cape with to the office... And this dress! A little flarey, twirly hemline is all I need to be happy! It's a beautiful texture too! I've been really into dresses lately- maybe because they are so easy.  One piece and voila! You are set! On a side note, I'm telling you-- Banana Republic has been killing it lately! It's one of about 3 or 4 stores that I know without a doubt will have something office appropriate for me to wear, but lately, it's just been divine. And from what we all saw at New York Fashion Week, spring is going to be even better!  Alright, my loves! Thank you for stopping by and as always, I hope your day was just terrific! I just finished a fabulous book and I think next time, I might throw a little book review in here! 😘😘 Sweetly- Michelle

Dress || Cape || Shoes || Purse (similar) ||

Photos: Wendy Kathleen Photography @wendykathleenphotography

Chasing the Cup (East)

 How cute are the elevators at the United Center?

I wish there was volume on this picture...LOUD!

Aren't these buildings just gorgeous? This may be one of my favorite corners in Chicago!

Ummm, is it just me or is a letter missing? "Take a picture of me in front of the Trump building" seemed like a pretty simple request...Nice camera work, right? 😌

Do you remember the Elephant Parade last summer in Dana Point? Well, these painted horses are similar except they are to commemorate fallen Police officers.  😔👮🏻



Yeah? Not soon enough for me! Come RIGHT NOW!

This is an exciting post for me! I did something way way WAY outside of my comfort zone! My husband B and I headed to Chicago (his home town) for a quick little 24 hour trip! Why, you may be quite understandably asking yourself? To see game 4 of the Stanley Cup finals and the Chicago Blackhawks of course !!  B grew up playing hockey and still plays in a men's league a few times a week and the Blackhawks are one of his obsessions (his other obsessions being the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears. Wait, and the Chicago Bulls. Anyone sense a pattern here?)  So we decided to act like we are spontaneous and carefree (he is, I am for sure NOT- I plan the beJesus out of every day!) and we flew into the City with enough time Wednesday to throw our things in a hotel room, grab a cab, and head to the United Center.   I am a sports loving girl and have been to Stanley cup finals games in the past for the Kings and the Ducks but I have never experienced anything like these fans- it is BANANAS!! Everyone is dressed in Blackhawks colors, everyone is on their feet cheering and screaming and high fiving for the WHOLE game!  And it is loud. LOUD. Louder than you would believe. Thank goodness the Blackhawks won...as I was sitting there in our massively overpriced seats (and the game was tied)...I began to worry about the plane ride home if they didn't!

After the game, we walked around the city. All of the buildings were lit up with red lights, and there were Blackhawks banners everywhere! There is something about a city at night that changes everything about it.  The lights and the cars all become softer somehow. Chicago may be known as the Windy City but it should also be known as the late night city. We had dinner at midnight and it felt like it was 9 PM- the restaurants were crowded and the streets were full!  This was an even bigger treat for me because my parents were watching my daughter back in CA and I. Was. Free.  :)

The next morning, we got up early and were out on the street to grab a coffee and just soak it up.  These beautiful streets are enchanting-- Michigan Avenue and Whacker---filled with people on their way to work. Everyone is dressed beautifully and there's so much architecture in and around the buildings for your eyes to take in (by the way, if you have the opportunity to take the architectural boat tour- -do it. I've done it at least 4 times and would do it again in a heartbeat).  We walked all along Michigan Avenue, and then went down to the lower level by the Riverwalk.  It was a beautiful morning and we were able to take some photographs by the river and then across the Michigan Avenue bridge (I have a thing for bridges) and then over by the beautiful Wrigley building.  Oh, this city.  I am a girl that would live in the city if I could. I always say that I must have been a city dweller in another life because I love them.  I feel alive in them.  The noise, the crowds, the hustle-and-bustle.  And there's so much history in Chicago (on that topic-- read The Devil in the White City if you can.  Great great read about Chicago) I am wearing a little Zara sheath that zips up the back. It's adorable and comfy and was easy to pack.  I brought a little fur vest because the weather gets weird here- it changes fast.   And that, my loves, was that!  We already have 2 more trips planned here this summer and I cant wait to get back here and explore! Happy Saturday and thanks so much for taking the time to stop by! Xo Michelle

The Key to My Heart 📚✨✨















Anytime someone asks me to describe my most perfect day, it always involves books. Reading a book, meandering through a bookstore, or the holy grail for all book loving nerds like me- a trip to an actual library! Libraries and bookstores (and Disneyland. And Golden Spoon. Wait, and anywhere on the 3rd floor of South Coast by Nordies) are my happy places.  I love the stillness in bookstores. I love the smell of libraries.  Books and words are just a part of me. My mom said from the time I could walk, I walked carrying a book. I have literally devoured books from as early as I can remember and I still do. I read voraciously and I read everytime I have a second to spare.  Brushing my teeth, blow drying my hair, at night in the bath - I read while I am doing it all! 

My sweet husband knows this and we spent part of our date night before dinner in a book store... And then we came home and lit sparklers! Sparklers are so fun! I always keep a little tube of them from Sugarfina handy for moments just like these! Can you say perfect night? Hope that your night was wonderful too! Thanks for stopping by dear reader!🍭🎀Michelle 

Keeping it Real (Housewives)

We like to keep things real over here at GoldDustandSugarLust. And by real, we are of course talking about the Real Housewives franchise. Yes, I'm a lawyer. And reality TV is sort of mindless. But, I take the smart hat off when I get home (in the car on the way home, to be precise--and I watch House of Cards. That counts for something).  I love Bravo. I love Andy Cohen (and his dog) even more.  Last night was part 2 of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Reunion and what a whooper it was.  Can we talk about this for a minute?   I would love to hear what you all think, but after last night, my thoughts were:

• No one accepts responsibility.  Doesn't it seem like a lot of nonsense could be avoided if someone (anyone?) just said "You're right. I did. I'm sorry." Like Kim. If she just said "I actually DID look drunk and loopy. More than once. I see why you thought I wasn't sober. I get it.  But I'm okay. And thanks for caring."  or maybe Brandi saying " I drink a LOT. It makes me slur and stumble.  And drop F-bombs like confetti. I can see why someone might mention that I can't hold my liquor. I might need to cut down a touch".   I sort of think that tensions just immediately defuse when someone says " You're right." How can you stay mad after that? It takes the fight out of a person (not these ladies. Normal persons)
• The newbies have patience for days.  Prior to this season, all I knew about Rinna was that she had a clothing store in Calabasas, a rocking body from Dancing with the Stars and big lips. Eileen? Never heard of her. I actually like them. Not just in comparison to the others, but as stand alones.  They seem genuine and real and have exercised enormous restraint with these knuckleheads.  I hope they stick around.
• Kim and Brandi are mean. I feel like they say things to hurt, not to be heard or to further the peace. I think it is just unforgiveable for a woman to cut down another woman based on her looks, or weight or age or (perceived lack of) beauty. Opinions, behavior, actions, choices?  Yes. All that superficial stuff? No. I don't like to see women at each other like that  and these two seem to do it with more glee at least than the others.
• Can you picture the next holiday for the Richard sisters. I mean really. What is up there? It is way more than this show. I think the reactions they have to each other are more extreme because of whatever hurts are lingering from long long ago. Its terrible. That rift seems real to me and these two are sisters. Its sad. I have a hard time watching those scenes unfold, actually.  Hopefully, they will put it back together at some point.
• With few exceptions, these ladies are all great mothers.  I like to see that. They all seem to be really trying at least.
• Kyle has great jewelry. You see that armful of bangles she was sporting? Yowza.  Me likey. Me wanty. :)

We will see what next Tuesday has in store for us.  What do you all think? Thanks for stopping by (and come check out our Instagram page at @golddustandsugarlust.) xoxo Michelle