Beachwear of my Dreams

I am heading to the beach tonight for a GLORIOUS 4 day weekend!! This will be a much needed refuge from my cubicle, but sadly a hiatus from the computer and Sass Class.

However in the spirit of sun and sand, and to celebrate my new collaging skilllz (pat on back), I decided to throw together some beachy pieces that I would wear in my dreams where I am endlessly wealthy and fabulous. I know this look is more Miami than Outer Banks, but work with me.

Not a total waste of time, I fully intend to use this collage as an inspiration to look for these trends in more affordable items: bandeau bikinis, bright blues and yellows, macrame bags, embellished sandals, and colorful wedges. My next big purchase will be hopefully a caftan like this gorgeous silk paisley one -- cool and practical, but a much more chic cover-up than shorts and a t-shirt...

Have a fun weekend, and I will be back on Wednesday...TAN!

You'll Thank Me Later Thursday: Stanky Shoes

So the other day when I sat down at my desk after lunch, I slipped off my favorite silver ballet flats only to come to a horrifying realization. Along with the 105 degree summer heat, comes sweaty feet, and... stinky shoes. Panic-stricken that surrounding cubicles would catch a whiff, and even more devastated I might have to toss my favorite flats, I did some research online. I was debating between some powder and those little plastic balls that allegedly smell like "sumer breeze" when my boyfriend let me in on a secret:

Put your shoes in a plastic bag, and throw them in the freezer. Leave them in their over night and the sub-zero temperature will kill all the bacteria (gross) and your shoes will be stench free. And just like that, new life for your shoes! Before you get all freaked out by the sanitary aspect, if your shoes are sealed nicely in a ziploc, it's totally safe. Plus, you won't pull a Lindsey Lohan and walk around with "powder" coming out of your shoes.

In the spirit of my jubilee, I've decided to add a favorite tip or trick of mine once a week called, "You'll Thank Me Later Thursday". With any luck these tricks will be new to you, and totally life enhancing! But it's up to you what you do with this information: pass it on, or keep it to yourself - it could be nice to be the only girl around whose feet smell like roses...

Romp On...

Yet another delightful romper I stumbled across today that I wish would magically appear in my wardrobe... and the belt's built in!

by BCBG:

Always Down for a Good Romp

I dont know what it is about summer and rompers but... I'm hooked.

For those of you who are doubting thomases, they are just like dresses in the throw-on-and-go-yet-still-look-polished department. They're unexpected and sassy, with some kind of retro vibe going on. I think most of these look best belted, thick brown leather if it's casual, skinny and metallic if you want to dress it up. Most of these are also cinched or fitted to your actual waist, which makes the legs long mile-long (yesssss!)

By now the trend has run rampant so there is a cut, color, style, price, and print for everyone!! Some of my favorites below:

One of the prettiest colors this spring (looks even better with a tan, and I am crazy about the oragami twisting. The pockets are an exciting bonus as well! Urban Outfitters, $38.

In my Top 5 looks for summer. Love the hat, the hair, the coral color, the scalloped lace cutouts around the leg... wouldn't you walk by this girl and think, "I wish..."

Urban Outfitters, $38.

A chic, and updated alternative to a white summer dress. Made out of eyelet lace with an adorable keyhold back, I'm sure this number is selling like hotcakes on Ruelala

With some silver ballet flats and long draped cardigan, this navy silk romper from TopShop could be worn to Sunday brunch

Some fantastic layering by Madewell that I am eager to try this fall

One shoulder, floral, ruffled, breezy. $19.90 at FV21, it remains unclear to me why I haven't nabbed this already.

Grab a Nautical romper from Topshop, perfect for a summer party with some navy espadrilles and gold bangles

I am DYING to try the jumpsuit -- sleeker, sexier, older sister of the romper. And this corseted black number by Cynthia Vincent would be a phenomenal place to start. Just dream about the endless accessory possibilities....

Throw on some brown strappy wedges, or even some silver gladiator sandals and BOOM - phenomenal outfit.

Tibi romper in "flame", with some lacy back flare. Everyone say Oooohh...

Aaahh...

One of the only ways I would be down with this Tie Dye trend. From a great site called Lulus.com - only $34!

I LOVE this one. So much that I almost don't want to tell you where it's from. For fear I'll die of envy when I see one of you out there wearing it....
ugh ok fine. It's also at Lulus.com, $33.

Grey draped romper by Elizabeth & James sort of has a Grecian vibe...

(Mary Kate & Ashley's line continues to impress me)

Be wary of the fantastic romper only if you are faint hearted or small-bladdered - remember that these bad boys have to come allll the way off before you can pee. Awkward to manage in a bathroom stall? Sure. Worth it? Totally.

Found: Local Gem in Queen City

This past friday night, I went over to Noda, Charlotte's art district, after work to celebrate a very talented friend. A local gallery was having a competition in which two of her paintings were contenders. I went with the intention of slipping a couple extra ballots in the box, but ended up wandering around the Art crawl for almost an hour, stopping to chat with local merchants and artists, enjoying the live music and free wine (woo!)

The art was nice and all (mostly just my friend's), but of course what caught my eye? A particular table of awesome jewelery. Big statement necklaces, chunky rings, and all at prices that made me swoon. I was definitely lingering, and ended up striking up a conversation with the two fascinating women who owned Sparrow Boutique. Local to Charlotte, they decided to start their own retail business because of their love to shop. It was all I could do not to shout SAMESIES!!

Traveling up to NYC several times a year, they buy fabulous and on-trend jewlery in the wholesale district, then bring it down to North Carolina to sell at prices we all can afford -- nothing on their website is over $50!! Their goods have caught the eye of women nationwide, and they have even done some styling for TV personalities.

As I stood there listening to their story, I couldn't stop staring at this fabulous pistachio colored ring. They recognized a poor girl in love with the fashion world and offered me the ring in exchange for a shoutout on my blog... like I needed any more convincing!!

They have a table at the art crawl in Noda the first and third friday of the month, and I would not miss stopping by. It's the jewelery you see in boutiques, without their heinous price tag. For you out of towners, don't sweat it -- they ship nationwide!

http://www.sparrow-boutique.com/

It's so important to support local merchants and entrepreneurs, and these women make it easy. Their warm and genuine nature (so rare in fashion), combined with a killer eye for jewelry trends, makes you want to grab everything on the table - then go catch up over for a drink.

Scout & Molly's Towne and Reese Trunk show

Discovering a new boutique just tickles me pink. Makes me giddy like a schoolgirl. So imagine my utter delight to walk into Scout & Molly's on Sharon Rd, Charlotte NC, and find not only racks and racks of my favorite designers, but also a large table with wine, cupcakes, and champagne. The event featured a trunk show of Towne & Reese's jewlery, and I thoroughly enjoyed chatting with the headlining designers. Their pieces were light and colorful, well-crafted and polished - the perfect accessory for any summer dress (I wore mine to work today!)

There was a sizeable crowd on Wednesday night, and it seemed women in Charlotte were in the mood to shop. All of my friends walked out with a festive pink bag, pleased with their purchase and even more so with the evening of fun. The cherry on top? Each of us scored free Towne & Reese earrings!

Thanks again to Megan, the lovely owner and host for the evening, for having us!

Some photo's from the night:

French Connection dress = huge success!

Savory Summer Cheese Fix

Last night's party at Scout & Molly's was so much fun. There was a great turn out, and I liked just about everything the boutique had to offer. Pictures from the event to be posted later tonight/tomorrow!

So the weekend's coming up, (WOOO) and if you're anywhere near Charlotte, it's going to be HOT. Here is something you can slap together, that was a staple at summer parties I helped cater 2 summers ago. The perfect combination of sweet and salty, with OF COURSE, some cheesy goodness:






Mango Brie Quesadillas.

Buy:

Tortillas - as big as you want them, but I would go for 8 inches
1 mango (could use pear, if you are weird and hate mango)
2 jalapeno chiles, minced
2 scallions, diced
1/2 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
at least 8 oz of BRIE (remove rind before using)
sour cream
lime juice
salt

Make:

1. Heat a 10-inch nonstick saute pan over medium-high heat. Place 1 tortilla in the dry pan for approximately 1 minute per side, or until it just begins to brown. Remove. Repeat with the second tortilla. (If your tortilla expands like a blowfish, poke it with a fork to release the hot air.)
2. After the second tortilla has browned, leave it in the pan and reduce heat to medium-low.
3. Spread half of the sliced mango evenly over the tortilla, then top with half of the peppers, scallions, cilantro, and Brie strips. Top with the first tortilla. Cover the pan with a lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Flip the quesadilla with a spatula, re-cover the pan, and continue cooking for 2 more minutes. Cheese should be oozing at this point. Try to contain excitement.
5. Remove the quesadilla from the pan, let sit for 1 minute, then slice into 8 wedges (like a pizza).

Sour Cream Dipping Sauce:
Blend sour cream, lime juice and salt with a fork until the mixture is smooth. Transfer to a small decorative bowl or teacup and refrigerate.

Rub on some Aloe Vera to seal in that tan, relax in the AC, and Enjoy your 'dilla!!

Alice + Oliva Spread Greatness on Nationwide Summer Tour

One of my FAVORITE just-out-of-my-price-range designers is Alice + Olivia. When scrolling through pages and pages of dresses, theirs always seem to stand out as the most drool-worthy. What makes me fall even harder? The girls behind the LA based label seem COOL. They decided to spend their summer touring across the country in a retro van, stopping in different cities to do styling sessions, photo shoots, and make-overs. As if they could get cooler? The proceeds from their events are going to various charities across the country. A + O are stopping in Atl, Charleston, Raleigh, DC, and NJ, so check out the exact dates here, and their travel blog here. I would NOT miss this. And neither would these girls:

One of my favorite looks EVER. Gwyneth is to die for in this A + O silver trench and black cage booties.

What I would give to attend an A + O fashion show... an arm? possibly. first born? definitely.

The City and The Hills UNITE over their amazing A + O dresses. And I thought you didn't have style Lauren... I stand corrected.

Intricate silver beading makes gives this dress a flapper feel...I might even save this for winter to pair with black tights to really make it pop. netaportner.com, $595

Not sure I would accessorize quite like Annalynne Mccord ('s stylist) did here, but that blush busiter dress is lust-worthy.

Gorgeous color, Killer back flare. netaportner.com, $300.

springy floral A + O for Blair Waldorf

I am starting to save for my first A + O dress... now.

Maddie K goes Jackie O

So to continue on the everyone-else-seems-to-have-more-happenin-and-glamorous-social-lives-than-I-do rant, I got a text from my sister today, telling me she has been asked to be a date to her (sometimes) boyfriend's dad's political fundraser gala in Boston. I didn't hear anything but "gala", and turned gren with envy when she spilled the details: 4 course dinner, wine tasting, dancing and cigars. (Remind me to get into politics...) The text was a bragging/outfit advice two for one, and we soon decided on a fabulous black and mint green H&M dress that has been worn everywhere from a college formal, to the Opera Garnier in Paris. As you can imagine, it's a statement dress, but we decided to go more Jackie than Marilyn, so accessorized with hair up, black flats, and pearls.

Had I the money and time to dress my sister for this amazing evening, I would have gone with one of these numbers below. The key? Start with a LB(or white)D in a different sillhouette, then accessorize with bright jewels and fabulous shoes -- Keeping it covered without feeling too Barbara Bush.

Look #1:

(my absolute favorite)

Lela Rose open back dress

(love)

Anthropologie necklace

Kate Spade Ring

BCBG Watercolor heels

Look #2:

(Jackie would be proud)

Black & white dress, Anthropologie

Triple strand of pearls, vintage Chanel

Badgley Mischka heels

Look #3:

(Would look amazing on Maddie)

Turquoise teardrop earrings, Anthropologie

Black taffeta dress (with pockets!), See by Chloe

Gold bracelets, all J.Crew, worn stacked or divided up between wrists

BCBG gold braided slingbacks (nice and low!)

Have a great night Maddie! And don't worry, I'll fill you in on the Bachelorette.