Must Haves: Pixie Pant

Do you have that one thing in your closet that you just can't seem to part with? And no matter the mood or occasion, you can always incorporate into your outfit. Well, mine is leggings. I freaking love 'em, and I fear the day when they go out of style. I usually opt for the $12.99 brand at Target, but they usually end in tears and a ill fit after a few months.

Anthro Love

To make the following happen, I need a fifty percent salary increase and numerous holiday parties to attend in order to justify such purchases. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Anthropologie, you swoon me. The November catalog is dreamy to say the least. Wouldn't you agree?

Out of Twig

I stumbled (via the interwebs) upon the up and coming shop, Out of Twig,  in Lynchburg, VA the other day, and I am head over heals for their vintage finds and prices. I so admire new business owners and covet their courage to take on such a risky venture of having a storefront; the ladies (and gents?) seemed to do it right with both store and online. As a religious online shopper, I know I should peruse more local shops, but a few clicks and a Paypal swipe is always so tempting. How about you? Would you rather shop online or in the actual store?

To the lake, we go.

Only one week until glorious days at the lake, and I am so looking forward to . . .

Summer Must Haves (4)

I stumbled into an Anthropologie this past weekend and beelined towards the back of the store; you ladies know what I’m talking about- the sale section! Oh Anthropologie, I do swoon over you, but not your prices. As I raced to the back with blinders on, I spotted this hat out of the corner of my eye- I die.

New Specs

(these are not my glasses; I wouldn't subject you to that)

I am in DESPERATE need of new glasses. My current specs date back to 2008, and as much as I thought the teal blue tint was cool then, it's just not cutting it in 2012. I'm considering some frames from Warby Parker; have you heard of them? For every one pair they sell, they give one pair to someone in need. I can't imagine a life of not clearly seeing the world. I have vivid memories of squinting at the blackboard in 5th grade, and as unhappy as I was to become a 'four eyes', I did not have to worry about access to eyeware and vision care.

 Here are some of the lenses I'm thinking of . . .

*Monroe

*Begley  

*Sinclair

*Percey

P.S. You can choose five pairs, try them for a few days at home, and then keep the pair you like. Genius! 

A Long Island Weekend

Philip and I are heading to Long Island tonight for a long weekend at a family beach house. I am so looking forward to getting away and to a new place, no less. Here are some things I'm packing and looking forward to over the weekend . . .

(1) My guilty pleasure reading on flights and beach getaways is always Vogue; how about you? (2) I just picked up a 70's inspired crochet beach cover-up similar to the above from TopShop (3) I've said it before, but I'll say it again, I love Bobbi Brown's beach body oil; it's perfect for a weekend on the shore. (4) I was unable to find a photo that exemplified gumption, because that's what I need to pull off my new suit via Haute Look (5) Are Long Island Iced Teas hip to drink in Long Island? I hope so. 

P.S. Summer Must (1), (2) and (3). 

Mirror Mirror

(via, artist unknown) 

I’m getting in the down-n-dirty today: talking self-image. So, ironically and fortunately, my opinions on my body become less and less critical every year, while my perception of my innermost self becomes more and more scrutinizing. I think this is called ‘growing up.’  Now don’t get me wrong, I still try to get to the gym regularly, eat a somewhat balanced diet, and probably spend too much time in front of the mirror each morning, but as I slowly (note: slowly) approach 30, I have become more comfortable in my own skin as the time passes.  From about the age of 15 to 20, I rarely wore shorts; I just didn’t like the way my legs looked. In my mind, the years of ballet had made my calf muscles resemble that of a linebacker, and my Norwegian tan (or lack thereof) didn’t help matters. Now, boy mocks how my cutoff jean shorts resemble the size of undergarments; looks like I’ve come a long way! It is truly a great feeling to embrace your curves. As my friend Leah always says, ‘this is as good as it’s going to get,  so work it out!’ Though, I hope I always feel that way with every passing year of age.

Summer Must Haves (3)

I'm on the hunt for new summer reading as all my current books have landed on the nightstand gathering dust with only a few chapters read. The English major in me is saying to persist on, but I'm yearning for something new. How about The Makioka Sisters? It's been compared to a Japaneses version of the English show Upstairs, Downstairs and as an avid fan of Downton Abbey, this book sounds rather clever.

My {tried and true} friend Court posted photos of freshly cut hydrangeas the other day, and it reminded me that I have relaxed on having fresh flowers in my home as of late. I really do not think you can say summer more dramatically than with hydrangeas. Don't you agree?

(photo via Style Me Pretty) 

Summer Must Haves (2)

I am a huge fan of audacious, dangling earrings, but I'm not a fan of the wind whipping my earrings around on blustery days at the beach. I adore these geometric studs by Moonlight for Violet.

This top is slightly elementary- rhinos! But, I think it would look rad with a semi sheer, black maxi. Don't you? 

Summer Must Haves (1)

The weather here in Washington D.C. has been rather, shall we say, temperamental, but I think summer is right on our heels. And I love summer just as much as anyone- grillin' out, lazy pool days, impromptu beach trips. And with that, here's a roundup of a few things I'll be acquiring as "summer essentials."

Summer is on our heels, and so is the wedding season.  Every time I turn around, someone in my life is preparing to walk down the aisle. And what a better way to congratulate the happy couple than with a  "Just Married" bottle o' vino! I'll definitely be toting this to all the summer weddings, via Swanson Vineyards. 

Everybody is doing it- bright and bold pouts! Whether it's haute pink, cotton candy or rose, I have to get my hands on the perfect vibrant pink for the summer months. Don't you agree?