Things I Love ... Summer

As much as I complain about how much I hate summer and wish it would be fall already, I really do love parts of summer.  And in the winter you will inevitably here me complain about how I am sick of coats and layers and can't wait to wear sundresses and cute sandals.  The grass is always greener, right?

While summer isn't officially over, it does feel like it's beginning to wind down.  School is around the corner and with Labor Day this weekend, it'll feel like summer is coming to a close.  But I really do enjoy those first few weeks when it warms up enough to sip cocktails on a patio, sit outside and getting a golden tan and wearing white without your skin matching it.  Long days and hot nights, vacations with family and friends.  Here's to next summer...

(image via Pinterest)

Catching Up

Today is my last full day in Dallas before heading back to Atlanta.  I've been filling up this week spending time with friends and am going to the last Cowboys pre-season game with my family tonight!

(image via Femme-Belle)

See you back in Atl!

Kitchen Chic

I'm still visiting friends and family in Dallas so I'm spending less time on my computer finding inspiration.  But I found this image on Pinterest and it's too good not to share.  It includes some of my favorite elements - seating nook, big window, white cabinetry, black and white decor, oh and an amazing little chandelier over the nook! It's flawless.  It's also a great way to utilize what looks like a smaller space.  Yet the colors make it look bright but the pillows, shades, lighting and tiny table next to the nook create a comfortably cozy vibe.

(image via Elle Decor)

Off on the Right Foot

A few weeks ago I was flipping through the latest Nordstrom catalogue when I spotted Rachel Roy's new shoe line.  Rachel Roy is one of my favorite designers because her clothes are very feminine, structured with a slight edginess to them.  So as a growing business, it's only natural that she expand into footwear.  But I was so pleasantly surprised at how beautiful (and affordable!) her shoes are.  Last week while shopping with my mom I decided to try on her brightly colored suede pumps and fell in love.  I'm shocked that a designer shoe is also only $225 especially while sitting next to the other designers in the Salon department that cost upwards of $900.  Here are some of her new styles.  And yes, I did purchase the Gardner pump... in purple suede!

Gardner pump in purple suede

And black leather...(also comes in tan and grey)

And the Gardner in pink pony!

Ana pump in houndstooth

Beeana pump

Bette bootie

(images via Rachel Roy)

Things I Love ... Fashion Illustrations

For some time now I have been seriously obsessed with these illustrations from Emmakisstina's Etsy shop.  The only thing that was really stopping me from getting one was trying to decide what I wanted - an Hermés bag, a bottle of Chanel no. 5, a vignette of items that are quintessentially Jackie O?  The options were too numerous.  Then a few weeks ago, while browsing again, I discovered that Kristina Hultkrantz (the illustrator) does custom work called "What's in my bag" and decided that this is definitely the way to go.  Now the only dilemma is deciding what items I want to be included in my bag.  Oh and picking a print that will go with it.  I'm thinking of putting these on either side of my bed.  Suggestions?

Oh Emmanuelle

One of my all time favorite street style stars and personal style icons is the editor of French Vogue, Emmanuelle Alt.  She's been at the helm of French Vogue since the departure of Carine Roitfeld, who is notorious for her edgy, sexy style.  Emmanuelle's take is slightly different and less sex more fashion.  But aside from her editing skills, Emmanuelle is the definition of effortless chic.  Her style uniform mainly consists of skinny jeans (white or black) with a slightly oversized button-down tucked in and sky high heels or thigh high boots (and the occasional blazer or coat thrown in, due to such practicalities as weather).

Emmanuelle truly exerts that easy style that only French girls seem to master.  While it may only come to those innately French, I'll continue to try and emanate her chic sensibility.

In her office at French Vogue

With Geraldine Saglio

via Tommy Ton

With her daughter... too cute. 

(images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)

Homeward Bound

I'm driving back to Texas today.  I have a plethora of doctor's appointments that I've missed all year and really need to get my car inspected.  Shhh don't tell.

I have a feeling I'm going to greatly be missing the cooler temps in Georgia when it's 100+ in the Big D.  But it feels oh so good to be heading home!!!!

(image via Pinterest)

Reese's Pieces

Of course for all of my complaining about how unbearable August is and how terrible the summer heat is then it rained here in Atlanta almost everyday last week.  Which, has made being outside almost pleasant (if not for the mosquito bites I continue to get because everything is so damp).  And honestly, considering how much I hate August, I can't believe it's flown by so quickly.  I mean, we're already more than half way through!  While I know there will continue to be hot, unbearable days, I am hoping to have a few that are just right.  And wouldn't this be the perfect place to sit and enjoy one?

This is actually an image of Reese Witherspoon's Ojai, California home's terrace.  Here are some more shots of her interiors which are beautiful.  Supposedly her former co-star Rob Pattinson spent a couple of days at this home recuperating from his break up with Kristen Stewart.  I wouldn't mind spending a few days here at all.  Enjoy!

(images via Elle Decor)

Things I Love ... Hermés Avalon Blanket

I have a love for throw blankets.  I think they're a great way to add color or texture to a room.  Plus, no matter the temperature outside, I always like to curl up on the couch with a blanket.  I have a warm and cozy blanket for winter and a lighter one that I've been using all summer.  But no matter the season or the room, the quintessential throw blanket, the one that I am truly in love with, is the Hermés Avalon blanket.  It's cashmere, it comes replete with H's, oh, and it's a few grand.  Hence it's a bit of a dream.

The Avalon blanket makes any room look luxe and pulled together.  It's definitely something I'm coveting for one day.

Here are some Avalon inspirations.

(images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)

Wrap Around

For years now I've been coveting leather Hermés bracelets watches.  I am completely obsessed with the leather Kelly bracelet that utilizes the same lock as a Kelly bag.  There are also versions of this bracelet in watch form, all of which wrap around your wrist twice.  However, the Hermés version is quite pricey.  So I was really excited when I walked into Kate Spade and found that their new watch collection includes a wrap around strap.  The Cooper watch is definitely now on my wish list.  And at $215 (the Hermés version has an extra zero on the end...) it's totally affordable.

Available at Hermés and Kate Spade

Perfectly Peplum

Everywhere for fall all I'm seeing are peplums.  And I love it.  In case you don't already know, a peplum is basically a flounce added to the end of shirt or onto a skirt or dress to add definition to your waist and a ladylike motion around your hips.  It's great for hiding problem areas and is unbelievably feminine.  The peplum made a huge appearance on fall runways for fall (and the trend was spilling over into resort) and I've already seen tons in stores.  It's the perfect addition over a full skirt or slim silhouettes like pencil skirts and skinny pants.

Here's to making fall super ladylike!

Flirty peplum from Atlantic-Pacific

Lindsey Wixon in Jason Wu Spring 2012

Oscar de la Renta Resort 2013

Skirt version via Jessica from Tuula 

Oscar de la Renta Resort 2013

Christian Dior Spring Couture by Raf Simons

Lanvin Fall 2012

Extreme peplum from Bottega Veneta Fall 2012

Large peplum via Tommy Ton

Peter Som Fall 2012

Prabal Gurung Resort 2013

Burberry Prosum Fall 2012

Olivia Palermo

(images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)