PRETTY THINGS FROM ANTHRO

Love the first dress. I think it would be perfect for the semi-formal dinner Nate and I will attend in Mexico! The sweater in the middle photo is perfect for wearing at work with jeans and a pair of bright colored flats. The last dress I'd wear with a cute short sleeved cardigan and flat sandals when Nate and I take a rock-n-roll tour in London...

PARALLEL UNIVERSE

I know there is another world happening out there - one where women are spending $2,500 for a handbag made of supple calfskin and fancy metal clasps. In my universe, though, I buy copies of these expensive bags from China and pretend I'm one of these dillusionally wealthy women. Here are two of the knock-offs I got in Shenzhen.

Jimmy Choo Riki {mine is metalic}



















Balenciaga Motocycle Le Dix {in seafoam thanks!}





















Add in a couple of Dolce Gabbanas and another couple of Bottega Venetas and I'm all set for...I don't know...a lifetime. I have a pretend idea of what it's like to be Nicole Richie now.

BENEFIT DINNER DRESS

On May 27 I'll be flying to NYC for a benefit dinner. On the to-do list: get plenty of sleep and buy a pretty dress. Love these. Anthro. Of course.

A LILAC FOR SPRING

I love this cardi from Urban Outfitters. I don't go anywhere these days without a second layer; the weather in Utah {especially in air conditioned buildings} is so unpredictable. It's all in the details, and this sweater has such sweet details.

CUTE LITTLE FROCK

Had I seen this dress before Kaua'i it would have been mine. Since we experienced a splendid blizzard last night, I think a cute dress like this would not be practical for several more months.

SUMMER AFTERNOON OUTFIT

This outfit from Anthropologie reminds me of several things; seeing a matinee on a sunny afternoon, eating at an outdoor cafe, browsing used book stores, site seeing on a Greek island, sitting in the park with a magazine and a great sandwich. Does it dream up any images for you?

PERFECT WITH WINTER KISSED CHEEKS

This jacket from Top Shop is the perfect cover for just about anything.

SHE'S MINE. ALL MINE!

I rewarded myself for doing some work during my three-week hiatus by getting this dress. It's so beautiful and fits like a glove. Plus it will be perfect for any upcoming weddings this fall. You know who you are.

WRAP IT UP!

I'm a big fan of the wrap dress; it's feminine, tailored, and extremely versital. Check out some of these dresses sure to spruce up your summer wardrobe.

1. INC wrap dress at Macys



















2. Red and white cotton poplin at the Shabby Apple



















Diane Von Furstenberg, dvf {the queen of the wrap, sigh}

RED + PINK = LOVE {thanks to andy warhol}

"Art is what you can get away with." Andy Warhol

In highschool {circa '85-'89} I recall specific rules about dressing. What was acceptable and what was not. Molly Ringwald was a real trend-setter although I never quite had the guts to pull off some of those genius ensembles. Until now.
In the informal formal 80s and 90s, there were particular rules that, if broken, brought immediate shame; colors that should never be worn together {pink with red}; distinct fashion lines that should never be crossed {hemline of a skirt and the height of a heel}; panty hose vs no panty hose {um, you should never wear panty hose}!
2007 brings total freedom from all these lame restrictions. Expressing yourself meets more applaud then it used to; finally and thank goodness.
Yesterday I wore lavendar and green. Today it's pink and red. I think I'll try and take many of my color cues from Warhol since he seemed to know what he was doing.

CASUAL FRIDAY: TWO THINGS

I love to get dressed up; whether it's a pretty dress, cool jeans, or a feminine top, I'm always on board. But to go along with my extremely duplicitous personality, I also adore casual Friday (and Saturday and Sunday). My cute friend Julie would always wear her Juicy velour suit with uggs on Fridays. Amie thinks jeans qualify as casual.

Two Things: today I'm in lounge pants and Chuck Taylors - and I couldn't be happier!
Tell me two things you are wearing today {at the office or home...casual Friday is casual Friday wherever you happen to be}.

CAN I MAKE THIS?

Amie and I ventured to Nordstrom lastweek to get new eyeliner {for her}. I wandered into the hair accessory section and what I beheld was nothing short of a quiet and subtle miracle. I tried on this pretty "veil wrap with silk flower" and didn't feel at all obligated to limit its purpose to a wedding or special occasion. Why can't I wear it to church? Why can't I wear it out to dinner? AND, do you think I could make one that looks similar by shopping at my local Hancock Fabric rather then fork out the $58 to buy one?
Ali and Maeve included it in their April 25 wedding post at Your Heart Out. Oh, if only I had seen this back in August 2005!

I HEART REESE WITHERSPOON

I read an interview with Reese Witherspoon in Harper's Bazaar. The images of her were stunning; dresses were all so beautiful. I don't mean to brag, but I'm fairly certain Reese would be friends with me if we ran in the same social circle. And then think of all the fun we'd have playing dress up. And sharing crock pot recipes.

IN LIEU OF A NEW EASTER DRESS

I scored this pretty little sweater in place of a full easter dress and I couldn't be happier. It fits well and the details make me feel incredibly feminine. Oh yeah, it also makes my teeth whiter and I look ten pounds thinner. It's actually some kind of miracle sweater well worth the $70 sale price tag at Anthropologie.

PERFECT ACCESSORY FOR SPRING

Pretty and feminine jackets are a perfect way to add a necessary layer to your summer frocks. The best part about these from Forever 21 is that they are each under $25!
I'd pair the yellow or red one with a nice pair of blue and white seersucker trousers and a pretty pair of heels, too.

FABULOUS LOOKS FROM BANANA REPUBLIC

Here are a few pretty things from Banana Republic. I love the coral multi-strand necklace paired with the black silk, eyelet dress.

FRONT PORCH BLOUSE

It's snowy and cold tonight. I was walking to my car, slipped on some black ice and landed hard and old lady-like on my right elbow. I might have even grunted a little when I landed. As I type I'm wincing while the pain spreads through the right side of my body {and let's be honest, when you fall, you wake up with whiplash}. I'd love to leave a kind message on my manager's voice mail that says something to the effect of, "I need the day to recover from a bad fall. And I'm not pressing charges because I did so on work property". But I won't.
What I will do is show you this darling "porch swing blouse" from Anthropologie. Imagine it, 8pm on a summer evening, a distant lawn mower growls, cool breeze blows in off the lake, and I'm sitting on my porch swing with bronze skin and this voile tunic.

PRETTY THINGS AT LE TRAIN BLEU

I could never justify spending the prices at Le Train Bleu - even though they aren't astronomical. I always find myself drawn to the ultra-feminine shapes and fabrics. So coquette.

SPORTSGIRL.COM

I love this cute pinafore at sportsgirl.com.

I AM IN LOVE WITH A DRESS

Ignore the shoes and look at the pretty dress by Mona & Holly. $330. I'd look so cute wearing this dress come spring!