Minty Fresh

Days like today are one of the biggest perks of my job. While we really do work hard and put in full work weeks, occasionally we leave at noon and have an afternoon of lunch out and shopping. My mom and sister are pretty much my best friends and baby niece Carolyn is so sweet and fun to haul around with us. She already loves a good girls day.

Window Shopping

Who doesn't love shopping online? I actually don't buy much online but I'm always browsing through my favorite stores and putting things in my cart. I consider it window shopping. Here's what's sitting in my carts these days.

 Stop it right now Zara. I can't even. The Zara Ballerina with Jewel is maybe too good to be true. They're just the right mix of girly, tough, and kooky. 

Brunch Bunch

This morning I went to a bachelorette brunch for my lovely friend Sara. It's a gorgeous day out and they had it outside on the deck of a country bar looking out over the fields. It was so cute with mason jars of daises everywhere, mason jars of mimosas and bloody marys, and mason jars of bath salt favors. Her maids of honor put a lot of thought and time into it and it was a beautiful party. Dusty is in the wedding next month, and he's away for the weekend at the bachelor party. Something tells me the boy's weekend may be somewhat less elegant...

The inspiration for my outfit was -surprise surprise- Emily Maynard. In the final episode of The Bachelorette she wore a maxi dress with a denim shirt tied over it and this same Stella & Dot tassel necklace. I don't have a maxi but I do have this J.Crew dress. It has more of a preppy/americana vibe than Emily's maxi look but I think it works. I haven't worn this dress for years and the shirt kind of gave it a new life. It has a really full skirt which calls for a bit of twirling. I love any reason to put on a dress, some heels and a little makeup. Cheers, Sara!

Right Meow

Gap tank, AE shorts, Candies flats

Leopard flats are such a go-to for me. Add big fake glasses and I'm feeling sassy. I've had three or four variations of these flats over the last few years and worn through the soles on each pair. They're surprisingly versatile. Also can't resist an arm full of bracelets and an orangey red lip. I smudge a bit of the lipstick on my cheeks for a flush of pink that doesn't clash. This one is the Poppy King for J.Crew red. 

As Friday Nights Go...

I generally like mine low key. After a busy week I usually look forward to coming home, most likely eating frozen pizza, and just spending the night in with my husband. Leave the nights out for Saturday. Sometimes, though, it's nice to spice it up. This week I put on a bright coral dress, we had wine in the backyard - candlelight and all - then took a walk to a fun patio bar nearby and had another a few more drinks. It was great fun. 

Good Things

A few good things floating around my head tonight. First, new furniture ordered for our living room! It was a bit unexpected but I'm excited and I think it's going to look great. I swear we went to every furniture store in the tri-state area and hit the jackpot at Macy's. 

Oui, NYC!

I have a bit of an obsession with France. On my list of lifelong dreams, traveling around France - of course Paris but really all over - is near the top. New York City is a love affair of it's own, but it also gives me a taste of France. My favorite restaurants in New York are French: Balthazar, Les Halles, Artisanal, Le Pigalle. I have enjoyed some of the best meals of my life at these places. And now I have a new favorite French patisserie: Maison Laduree. 

New York Snaps

All taken on the fly with my iPhone, for better or worse.

Favorite lunch spot