IF $425 WAS A SWEATER...

It would look like this. Her name is Astrid. Isn't she lovely and perfectly unattainable?

PRETTY FROCKS FROM BANANA REPUBLIC

I love all of them!

LOVE AT THE TOP

Love these tops! From Anthro.

TAKE MY BREATH AWAY

Look at these beauties from JCrew. When I saw these items my breath literally sucked out of my chest for a moment. I think it was a two-fold reaction. 1) You feel that way when you are in love. 2) You also feel that way when you are in love with something(s) you want but cannot have.

Sigh.

SALTWATER THAT DOESN'T HURT THE EYES

It's romantic and artistic. I've posted about Saltwater before but now look. It evokes that deep longing I have to be an artist and NOT a corporate rat. I want messy hair and smoky eyes. I want a new MacBook and a standing reservation at a small neighborhood cafe where I watch people and write brilliant short stories. I want to be 22 again.
If you are in London, you should check out Saltwater. They seem to be having a bit of a sale so steady on!

WHAT A WARDROBE IT IS!

Today I worked on a wardrobe outline for my upcoming video/photo shoot. Yes, there are lots of professional and very "typical" clothes at Banana Republic and the like. But I have to admit that the stuff that got me really excited came from Trina Turk. Beautiful colors, feminine shapes and patterns. Yummy.

PRETTY ON TOP

Several years ago, when I lived in Montana, I got a chance to spend a few days on the Blackfoot Indian Reservation and interact with the community. One of the more common sir names was Pretty On Top. I loved the idea of someone named Charlotte Pretty On Top and immediately wished I could make it my name. Unless Conger means "Pretty On Top" and not "he who congs the bell" in some far off land, I'm out of luck.
Even though I can't be called Tonia Pretty On Top, I can certainly wear things that will make me pretty on top, right? Like these.

1. Black Bow Top from Banana Republic



















2. Gold Ruffle Top from Jcrew












3. White Ruffle Top from Jcrew












4. Pink Top from TopShop



















5. Ruffle Top from Vera Wang (at Kohls)

COATS FOR LADIES

j.crew has the best coats for us ladies. The are tailored to perfection, lined, optional Thinsulate for additional warmth...and sooo attractive.
Here are a couple I'd snatch up if I won the lottery.
The Bella Coat: $350


















The Copenhagen Coat: $325

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.

JCREW IN PARIS

You know how I feel about jcrew. All perfect; all the time. So it didn't surprise me to visit jcrew.com today and watch a video that would make even a Parisian fall in love with Paris. You'll want a messy bun, a cute yellow jacket, some pretty black heels and even an unshorn man to pose with. It makes me want to watch Amelie and eat a crepe and listen to Edith Piaf. {turn on your sound}.

A GOOD TIME PIECE

I've been noticing the handsome use of retro clocks in home decor. I think they are a fabulous detail for bookshelves, bedside tables and the office. I did a search on eBay and found some envy-able clocks that make me re-think buying stuff off eBay.

I love this black clock that sits on a tulip pedestal.
This cute pink one on a similar pedestal
I love the shape of this Fossil clock
This mid century Victor Tube clock is hot!
A butter yellow clock is so charming
I like how this aqua clock tilts up for easy viewing
This wall clock with timer is perfect for the kitchen

I WANT TO GO ON VACATION AND I WANT TO WEAR THESE...

All from Anthropologie, of course. {beech tree chemise, travel trousers and birds of paradise dress}.

A CLOSET FULL OF BAD DAYS

Amie is one of those girls you can talk to about anything. And what usually results from a conversation with her is a hair-brained idea or a theory about human behaviors. She is such a creative, intuitive and curious person; according to Amie, everything that happens is significant in some way.
We were having one of these conversations this afternoon about how we both react to bad days and boredom in a similar fashion. If we get a speeding ticket, or if our presentation bombs, or if our favorite jeans are suddenly too tight, we figure we deserve to go shopping and get something new. We are entitled to a new handbag, pair of shoes, sweater, lip gloss, etc. because our office bully, in true form, bullied us. What results is a slew of impulse buys and OCD items {mine used to be feminine tops with flowers, ruffles or special detailing. Now it's anything to treat my adult acne}.
Does anyone else have this problem? Why do we feel like a new purse on our shoulder or new lip gloss will brighten things up? We both have a closet full of bad days to reconcile.

BLACK CHANDELIER

If you are living in Utah, it's high-time you checked out The Black Chandelier featuring designs by Jared Gold {Idaho native}. It's fun, it's funky and quite affordable. Store locations include Trolley Square, Gateway, The Shops at Riverwoods and Fashion Place Mall.
I have a cute t-shirt and some recently purchased BC vegan, patent yellow shoes and Amie got a skateboard. So cool!

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}