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Birthday Gift

We were in a bit of a bind this weekend when it came to celebrating my birthday and New Year's Eve. We've been waiting to find out about a final offer on a house, and if our offer was accepted we were going to stay close to home and celebrate with friends. If we didn't get the house we were going to take a three-day weekend somewhere warm and cry.

Friday—my birthday–came and we still didn't have an answer on the house. Since my husband already had the day off we decided to go to the local mall and spend some gift cards. That was a terrible idea. People, it was a grouchy afternoon.

I fared a little better when I stopped at the thrift and picked up this vintage dress. It has a weird combination of Edwardian silhouette meets late 80's print, but I promise it looks cute on with black ankle boots.

For dinner I chose my favorite hole in the wall Cuban restaurant, where everything is slathered in butter, garlic, and lime. It's become a tradition, and how can you go wrong?

And then we got the 11th hour phone call letting us know our final offer was accepted on the house. Do you know how hard it is to get good news somewhere that you can't jump up and down? Best birthday present ever.

Oh, and that isn't my house.  I've blogged about it before, as it belongs to designer Miles Redd. I'm still very much in love with the grey, silver, and turquoise color scheme.

 

New Year's Eve Style: SJP in Marc Jacobs on SATC

I've always loved this Marc Jacobs Spring 2004 dress that Carrie wore in an episode of Sex and the City (the one where Kristen Johnston's character falls out of the window). Actually, I would happily wear any of the ethereal creations that came down that runway.

Screencaps by Moodboard

New Year's Eve Style: Go for the Gold

I'm ingesting vitamin C like crazy in hopes that I feel better in time for my birthday and New Year's Eve. For a little help pushing through I thought I would post some New Year's Eve inspiration this week.

The sequined wig is over-the-top wonderful for editorial, but I think a few sparkles in the hair would be pretty for a party.

Image created by Moodboard from Vogue Best Dressed/Photography: Patrick Demarchelier

The Kentucky Derby

We are heading to the Kentucky Derby, where the fun isn't limited to just one day. Since we have a lot to juggle the blog might not get updated until Monday. I'll be checking in on Twitter and hopefully will have some fun things to report!

I know these images of Kate Bosworth have been flying around the internet, but I thought she looked Derby perfect with her darling hats.

 

Easter Pink

1. Robert Indiana LOVE Paper Weight, Colette $109 2. Lanvin Bow Tie, $310 3. Crewcuts Cashmere Popover, $118 4. Miu Miu Handbag, $1095

Based on my recent Polyvore clips, I can see that my love affair with bright pink is becoming a long term commitment. I own a vintage Robert Indiana LOVE ring, but I could easily find room in my home for the paper weight version. I'm a bit in love with Lanvin's Alber Elbaz, and his bow ties are like the cherry on top. I need the one named Shocking Pink, which gives a nod to Elsa Schiaparelli.

I still want every piece of bright pink in the Miu Miu Spring 2011 collection, and this bag is pretty much perfect. I'm trying to figure out if I can fit the largest size in J.Crew girls, because I love  this little cashmere sweatshirt. 

 

Halloween Style (Editorial): The Witch of Blackbird Pond

Hair escaping from a bun, a long black dress and a cape of feathers, as oily black as a raven's wings.

Oh, and how I love 1990's Kate Moss.

Images: Moodboard Photography: Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin Magazine: Harper's Bazaar December 1999
 

Halloween Style (Editorial): Romeo + Juliet

An empire waist dress in soft white. Long hair and wings that alight on your shoulders like a butterfly.

Images: Moodboard Photography: Peter Lindberg Magazine: Marie Claire 

Halloween Style (Editorial): Woodland Fairy

 

An ethereal dress-whether it be chiffon, lace or sequins-and a crown of flowers to rest upon your rosy tresses.

Images: Moodboard Photography: Daniel Jackson Magazine: Harper's Bazaar 2007

Spirit Day: Rock Your Purple

1970's purple paisley bodysuit-Thrifted
vintage necklace & boxing glove charm-Flea Market
J.Brand Lovestory jeans-Gilt.com

Wearing purple in support of no more bullying, for everyone.

Happy Independence Day Weekend!

 

We are going to take a three day weekend and visit my family that lives by a lake. I'm wanting to sit cross legged on the deck swing, eating cheesy grilled corn and watching fireflies sparking as the night falls. I'm also hoping to see sweet babies splashing in a wade pool & spelling out their names with sparklers.

When the day comes to throw my own Fourth of July party it looks something like this one. I love the cool & relaxing palette of fresh lilac as a respite from the traditional red, white & blue.

First is to pick up some rattan mats and cushions accented by satiny soft cushions. Don't forget the fairy lights to make the backyard enchanted.

 

and a mosquito net tied to a branch to let those sleepy from the sun nap the afternoon way. Maybe some books nestled in a basket close by.

 

The perfect swing to twirl & dream away in.

 

Love this idea, though it would probably take me 6 hours to erect what looks like a simple sun canopy.

 
Images created by Moodboard from UK Elle Decoration July 2002/Photography: Tim Evan-Cook