I am soooo excited!

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Originally Posted by jeffnme

no...it's not wrong :colbert: i do too :P LOL!

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Hahaha, a woman after my own heart! There were soooo many wedges out there today that I just wanted to snatch up :D

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Originally Posted by SarahMB

And they are hot boots:

http://sarah.digeratihost.com/images/boot1.jpg

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These are definitely hot boots. But, I am not sure of the message that they will send under a pant suit.

I do however think that you might get away with some stylish Women's Western boots with a plain leather upper. Be tasteful with the pattern and color.

Western wear is making a HUGE comeback now, so a high-heel "cowboy" boot might go a long way for you.

If you were going to a party, the boots above would be super-fine, but not quite appropriate for a political/religious gathering.

Haha, yeah, I know you are right. The only way I would wear those boots in downtown Austin is if I were on 6th street. That's where all the clubs are, for those unfamiliar with Austin.

I know, I've gotta get out there again today and actually find some shoes. I may have to go with the conservative pump at this point, though, there was seriously nothing good like what you described.

Western boots never went out of style in Dallas. You can wear them with absolutely anything here and no one will think anything of it. My problem is that I don't want any cheap western boots, and I don't want to spend $3-400 dollars for the ones I want.

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Originally Posted by SarahMB

Hahaha, a woman after my own heart! There were soooo many wedges out there today that I just wanted to snatch up :D

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ahhh! I love wedges! O my...now I have an urge to go to the mall! :D

The prices in NYC for western wear is ABSOLUTELY rediculous! That is for anything that is quality.


Maybe you can get a pair by Durango in plain black. That would be better than pumps!

http://www.bizrate.com/womensshoes/oid374826259.html

or

http://www.scruggsfarm.com/Twisted-X...s-Whh0002.html

Personally, I'd love to see you in these:

http://www.discountwesternwear.com/p...oducts_id=2088

We need a new TV show/Webcast: "What Not To Wear: With Akiva Smith" :D For a guy, you're pretty fashion-forward. I like it.

Edit: The boots in that last link are -gorgeous-.

Meme, come on down, girl, we'll shop! :D

AKiva...I used to have some just like those Durangos, but they were called ropers. I lived in those! Oh, and would you believe, I *did* have a pair like that last one, I wore them until they fell apart. My stepmom said they were the ugliest boots she'd ever seen, but I LOVED them.

Kim, I like that idea!

Ok well, Akiva, you're gonna want to kick my butt, after 2 full days of shopping I could *not* find anything like what you suggested that was even remotely comfortable enough to walk around downtown in.

What I found is a nice pair of boots that will look very plain under my pants, but they are supremely comfortable, and I can even wear them to go dancing in, with skirts, pants....very versatile! I absolutely love them!

http://sarah.digeratihost.com/images/boots2.jpg

Two more hours until I can pick up my blazer from the tailor, and I'll get some pics of the whole outfit, hairstyle included.

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Originally Posted by SarahMB

Ok well, Akiva, you're gonna want to kick my butt, after 2 full days of shopping I could *not* find anything like what you suggested that was even remotely comfortable enough to walk around downtown in.

What I found is a nice pair of boots that will look very plain under my pants, but they are supremely comfortable, and I can even wear them to go dancing in, with skirts, pants....very versatile! I absolutely love them!

http://sarah.digeratihost.com/images/boots2.jpg

Two more hours until I can pick up my blazer from the tailor, and I'll get some pics of the whole outfit, hairstyle included.

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Great boots!!! :gj: I am so jealous :sigh2:

Thanks, Meme! I might have to go dancing this weekend just to wear them :cool:

hey let me know how comfy they are! I may have to get me a pair like those ;)

Ok, here's the final outcome of this group effort:

http://sarah.digeratihost.com/images/suit.jpg

Yes, I already pressed the pants after this pic was taken, ignore the wrinkles :cool:
Sorry, no face shot, makeup is already off and I don't want to scare the youngins!

Here's the hair, but it's a bit sloppy because it's still damp from my shower. It will look way better styled dry! lol

http://sarah.digeratihost.com/images/hair1.jpg

I think it all pulled together nicely, and if it didn't, too late now! :8:

Ok ya'll, do I look *that* hideous? Should I stay home tomorrow and hide under the covers?

You look great:) Go get em girl:D

Whew, thank you! Four days of shopping, but it's going to be so worth it. By this time tomorrow, I will officially be a lobbyist!

Very Nice. Although, the total package is very conservative -- Very "Red State"! When you go to DC, wear a Pink or Blue blouse. They are definitely not RED there.

You do not have to worry about your appearance now.

Spend all you energy on getting your message down pat. You should be ready for any absurd question. And remember its ok to say "I don't know." or "I have not thought about that yet."

OH, it's not ok to "dis" people you don't like -- just don't answer their questions -- "I'll have to get back to you on that."

Have a great time!

good look, now go show them who's boss

Well, I just have to say thanks for all your help! I definitely looked good, got tons of compliments. The very first lady (another lobbyist) I talked to said I looked very professional, which is the look I was going for! Later, another lobbysit said I looked like one of the women in Robert Palmer's "Addicted to Love" video, and that I looked like I stepped out of Knots Landing. Ok, that lady was a bit crazy, but it was good for a laugh, anyway!
The boots were comfortable for the first 4 hours or so, then they started hurting the wide part of my feet. But I have wide feet, so that happens a lot with wedges for me. I'll still wear them out dancing or whatever, just maybe not for a 16 hour day, haha.

As for how the day went, politically...
Man, it was WILD. There were so many lobbyists there, for so many different organizations, companies, and issues! And the way our day was scheduled, we all had meetings set up about an hour and a half apart, and the meetings generally lasted 20 minutes. So we were all left with a lot of standing around and talking time. I was wearing a "Prevention First" button, and a lot of other lobbyists asked me about my issues. Most people were very interested and surprised to learn some of the things on the table, and I was fascinated to hear what they had to say as well.
Nobody I talked to actually got to meet with any senators, as they were all on the floor. We were all meeting with aides and chiefs of staff. Most of the aides I talked to were very open to my issues, but they all worked for republicans.
One guy was very rude and disinterested, he was trying to get me and a couple of other ladies out of the office as quickly as possible. We insisted that he listen to us, but we were very calm and polite about it. One lady did get in his face a little, but in a "I don't want my tax dollars wasted" kind of way, not personally insulting. I should also mention that in that office, there was a huge sword leaning against a wall that had "Defense of Life" engraved on the hilt. Isn't it ironic, doncha think?
I did hear of one lobbyist who insulted a senator to his chief of staff and she was proud she got tossed out of the office. I thought that was ridiculous, she should have handled herself better, in my opinion.

The whole day was just chaotic, and so much FUN! There were moments that I was angry, moments that were hilarious....oh and I sat in the gallery for a while and watched the action on the floor. Man, there are some passionate people in Austin! Those people are absolutely crazy, and now I understand why very little actually gets accomplished in session.


One picture taken from the gallery:

http://sarah.digeratihost.com/images/gallery.jpg

And one of some war protestors in front of the Capitol! The sign says "WOMEN IN BLACK Standing for Peace"

http://sarah.digeratihost.com/images/war.jpg

So now I am officially a lobbyist! There just aren't enough words to descibe the day, although I keep trying! haha
I am definitely doing this again.

I am very glad you got out there!!!!!


I can't tell you how many people talk a good game, but don't do anything. Its all about the doing. :gj:

IT sounds like you had a great day! :sunny:

I am so happy for you :carrot:

and those pics are cool ;)

I'm glad I did it, too! Couldn't have pulled it off without ya!

Man, even if people don't want to get involved, I highly recommend that everyone go to their state capitol and watch a session. It's very eye-opening!

I can see how it gets addicting, though.


Thanks, MeMe! It really was a terrific day, one of those rare "most memorables".

ya you!!!!!