Since I've Been Gone

I apologize that it's been so long since my last post. I've been dealing with that thing called "life" lately and some additional stress added by parenting. I'll likely write a "Keeping it Real" post in the future, but for now I'll just say, "adulting is hard" and "parenting is really F***ing hard."

To get back into blogging I thought I'd share a few of the things I've been reading, wearing (or dreaming of wearing), and dreaming of in general.

READING
1. The Last Conversation You’ll Ever Need to Have About Eating Right- This pretty much sums up my philosophy on food.

2. Stop Asking About My Kid’s College Plans- An article for all parents to read

WEARING
This dress is adorable!

Bardot Ibiza Check Dress $109

I need these sunglasses...in back and tortoise. 

Quay After Hours $55

This is the perfect summer clutch. I'm seriously contemplating ordering one. 

Mark and Graham Palm Leaf Rounded Clutch $59

I got this suit for our upcoming Mexico trip, and it's fabulous! And it's on sale! (wish I got mine at this big of a price reduction...) 

DREAMING

I'm obsessed with this house. It's extremely similar to my house...but a lot bigger and a lot more $$$. A girl can dream. 

Carry On

In October I introduced you to designer Danielle DiFerdinando and her incredible line of handbags - Danielle Nicole. Right before Christmas she hosted an event at Cusp in Georgetown and it was the perfect opportunity to do some self-gifting...you know you do it around Christmas time. Don't lie. I've been on the hunt for a great crossbody bag - I'm usually a clutch kind of girl. Enter the Diane. Not only is it a crossbody, but it's a clutch too! It was my go-to purse in Sun Valley and left my hands free for important things like picking up the mini and my coffee!

I bought it in grey - which I can't seem to track down online, but it's also available in this gorgeous berry color (very similar to the pantone color of the year, radiant orchid) and in black. At the incredible price of $58 dollars, you could splurge and buy both! 

I also came home with the Adeline Satchel which I'd been lusting after since I was first introduced to her line. It's the perfect bag. Not only does it go with EVERYTHING, but it has just the right pockets and amount of space - without being too big. I've been known to get a little Marry Poppins and carry a suitcase-sized purse. 

You really can't go wrong with Danielle's bags! I'm loving the Peyton Satchel for spring - especially with the subtle edgy side zipper detailing! The blue is a bold neutral that would really make an outfit pop. 

Want to learn more about the brains and beauty behind the bags, check out this interview on The Girls of Lincoln Park. 

K.Slademade

One of the items on my Christmas Wish List  was a K.slademade crossbody bag. I have been coveting this bag for a while now and am hoping Santa delivers...(maybe I should send him this blog post?).

For those of you not familiar with K.slademade, let me introduce you. "Kelsea, owner and originator of K.slademade, has an ongoing love for all things American; which is a big part of why back in 2010 she jumped at the opportunity to become an entrepreneur, designing and selling handbags. While her taste has refined over the years, she continues to derive much inspiration from classical American heritage using only the finest and most durable leather, zippers, and hardware to create a classically straightforward, sophisticated yet simple line of handbags."

Really, you can't go wrong with any of these bags. They are all to die for!

Two Words: Shop HERE 

Things That Caught My Eye

With my magazines I like to rip. If I see something I like, I tear it out. The other day I was reading both the July and August issues of People Style Watch (I'm a little behind) and I thought I'd share with you a few items that made my magazine pages fall victim to my little habit.  

Brave Leather "Devon" leather clutch - Love these! I think the lilac and tan is my favorite.

JC Penny "Audrina" straw tote - This tote is on sale right now for $21.99 in 3 colors! You can't beat that! 

LuLu's "Bon Bon Voyage" dress - This dress is so nautical and cute.  I'm not sure I could wear it, but I thought it was darling.

Shoshanna Fall 2011 - Always a favorite. Her Fall line is amazing. Make sure to click the link to check it out..

Me Too "Lysette" flat - These were shown in the magazine in a leopard print calf-hair, which I ADORE. I'm going to keep checking back on the Nordstrom site to see if they show up. Would be an amazing staple for Fall.

Feature Friday - I Suwannee

Raleigh, NC resident Jamie Meares brings us the fabulous blog, I Suwannee-wonderful musings of interior design, fashion, and, from time to time, her darling dog, Rowdy. Not only does Jamie have a great blog, but she also has an amazing store, Furbish Studio, with treasures ranging from hostess gifts, custom dog beds and collars, to furniture. Here are a few items I'm currently lusting after. I encourage you to check out her blog and her store. I assure you, you won't be disappointed.

(1) Bright Bouquet Coasters (2) Elephant Safari Earrings (3) Malachite Jewelry Box (4) Katy Clutch

Book of the Month

Kate Spade has launched a new collection of handbags called The Book of the Month Clutch. Currently there are 3 versions in the collection (all $325). This bag would be a fantastic conversation starter, fashion leading to the discussion of Fiction! I Love it!

Feed the World

Funds raised through the purchase* of the FEED Guatemala 1 bag will help the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) provide daily nutrient powder for one child in Guatemala for 1 year.

Feed Guatemala Bag $19

Going Kotur

The Morley Patent Clutch $399

Bink and Boo

I am loving this Bink and Boo Pocketbook. It is cute, practical and well priced at $48.

Rainbow Bright

Everyone needs a bright handbag for the Summer. This Clutch from Mar Y Sol is perfect for any occasion...and a girl can never have too many handbags!

Beegee Bags

Every girl needs a cute clutch to accessorize an outfit for a night on the town, a sundress for a Summer wedding, or for a quick trip downtown. These Beegee Bags are cute and affordable. They would make an especially great bridesmaid gift! The hard part would be deciding which one to order...

Totally Tempted

After reading about SML Bags on Cheap Chica's, I couldn't help but share these fabulous bags. I am really tempted to order one...

In the Navy

Check out all the clothing and accessories at Spool N0. 72 Clothing Company

Kisslock Clutch in Navy $46

AO3 Designs

It's the holiday season which means parties, parties, and more parties. These clutches from AO3 Designs are perfect for an evening out on the town.

Neon Be Gone

I was a big fan of neon in the late 80s and early 90s. That said, I am positive neon will be gone before we know it (phew)...just like hyper color t-shirts, snap bracelets, leg warmers, and scrunchies. Assuming it is a passing fad, who would spend $595 on this Michael Kors patent clutch?