Red Carpet

Watching ladies arrive at awards shows always inspires me. Their fancy gowns, glittering jewelry and hordes of admirers... what's not to like?!

Of course, their reality is otherwise -- tight shapewear, tape everywhere, and physical discomfort. But for those few moments of attention and fame, most deem it worthwhile.

To play along, I bought a red gown at a thrift-store ($14), paired it with a choker from Target ($14) and wore Payless strappy sandals ($12). I'm a movie-star on a budget.  :-)