daily heirlooms

Kitchen Display: Mirror, Mirror

2012-01-11T17:29:00.000-08:00

It's been ages since my last kitchen display post. After seeing this kitchen today I knew I had to start this up again. I think I like the idea of an oversized mirror in the kitchen. It definitely makes this space seem larger and reflects the lovely open shelfs.

Source: thekitchn.com via Taylor on Pinterest

something to look forward to

2012-01-10T17:32:00.000-08:00

I used to be all about some special Target designers. Lately, I've hardly paid attention. I totally missed the Missoni madness. However, the Jason Wu for Target lookbook definitely caught my attention.
Here are some early favorites:

Source: blogs.babble.com

Merry and New

2012-01-05T18:47:00.000-08:00

Christmas and New Years were so lovely this year! My school system did not get out until the 23rd so only having one day to prepare for all the Christmas festivities was not grand but it was the best break despite that. In 11 days I managed to visit with everyone dear to me and have a few days to just be lazy. Here is a short version of my holiday.

Christmas Eve Eve-Secret Santa Party with my best friends! Not Christmas without this event. Miss Emma Louise attended this year too :)

My cousin, Amy, breaking in her new watercolor pencils at MawMaw's Christmas Eve afternoon.

Cats love Christmas too!

What makes Christmas dinner at Betty Mom and DaDa's even better?!?! A puppy! Mom and Tyler were smitten.

No family get together is complete without going through some photos. How stylish is my grandmother? And DaDa's skinny tie! My mom is the youngest in the middle.

My dad cooking Christmas breakfast on his new "Man Patio".

Cooking in the new kitchen at my dad's. MawMaw is always in charge of grits.

Good Christmas Breakfast

We always get a gigantic tree at my dad's but he was late on the tree game this year. This little tree is so perfectly cute in the newly renovated study.

After Christmas I went down to South Carolina to spend a few days with Jon and his family.

Wilda Kate has grown so much since August!

"Again!"

I'm not sure if Isabelle was happier to see me when I got home or my new quilt made by Jon's mom.

New Year's shoes! Update to my old suede heels with my grandmother's shoe clips. Fancy!

I made him wear the hat for a photo and he made me hold out my pinky while holding my drink. Compromise.

On New Year's Day we went and saw The Artist (so good!) and then cooked our first official New Year's dinner the next day. And Jon couldn't spell apocalypse but I still love him.

So that's it! A great end to a wonderful year and a great beginning to an even better year. Happy 2012.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T14:33:00.000-08:00

Source: google.com via Taylor on Pinterest

Wishing you the best of the best this holiday!

Black Friday-Sparkly Deal of the Year

2011-11-25T17:02:00.001-08:00

I had no real intention of a lot of crazy Black Friday shopping. For one thing, none of the real Black Friday deals appeal to me or anyone else I'm really shopping for. Maybe if there had been a major deal on iPads but there was not (sorry Jon). So, I went to bed last night and did not set my alarm to any crazy hour and was only woken up at 8 am by my cat who saw an empty spot in her food bowl.

But a 50% all sale items at Anthropologie is hard to pass up. There was one item in particular I was thinking of getting someone that was a crazy good deal (less than $10, nothing at Anthropologie is ever less than $10!) So, since I thought it would be silly to pay more $ on the shipping than the actual item I decided to venture out. The sale was only til 11 and when I got there it was almost 10. So imagine my surprise when I found this dress in the sale section marked down twice and in my size. It was the only one! So with 50% off it was only $25. Even the girl at the checkout was amazed. No idea where I'm wearing it but who can pass on a $180 dress for $25. And sequins, it has lots of sequins!

Source: anthropologie.com via Taylor on Pinterest

To: You From: Etsy

2011-11-17T17:05:00.001-08:00

My favorite online thing of the holiday season? Gift Guides!
Almost every shopping site has them now. The more specific you can get the better. Need to know what to get your preppy yet outdoorsy mother? Search no more! Anthropologie's is pretty good (that really isn't a description of my mother I was just being silly). But this morning I found this: The Etsy Gift Guide.
Go on, link up to your Facebook account and it gives you ideas for every friend! As if I need to know what to get the girl from my

Here are some perfect examples of why you should use this great, great invention.

For my brother Tyler, based on that he has Jackass listed as a favorite TV show (ugh, I know).

He'll love this adorable vintage nativity donkey! An instant family heirloom.

For a best friend's ex-boyfriend who for some reason is still on my friend list?
Well based on his love of video games, he'll love this Legends of Zelda necklace. A little bittersweet don't you think?

Why am I still Facebook friends with an ex's roommate that I spoke maybe 3 sentences to?
To get him this sweet Charleston sweatshirt of course!

My mom loves reading. This Powerful Tarot Love Spell will be perfect! Also, how can you buy a love spell over Etsy?!?

And, last but not least, my boyfriend. Here is what Etsy has recommended:

No Recommendations Available.

Seriously! This is one that actually could have worked. Thanks for nothing (except lots of good laughs) Etsy!

Tis the Season

2011-10-31T18:46:00.000-07:00

Now that Halloween is over, I'm happy to announce I can now start saving up for my holiday party dress of the season. It may be a slim Christmas for some of you out there.

Source: anthropologie.com via Taylor on Pinterest

Fall Wish List Pt. 1

2011-10-16T13:28:00.000-07:00

Something happened to my closet over the spring/summer. All my fall/winter clothes have vanished. Not, completely but I have purged my closet and drawers of some worn out looks and now feel like I have nothing to wear. I've bought a few new things but not nearly enough to last me throughout the winter months. Here are a few things I'm loving today.
Lady Blouses:

Source: anthropologie.com via Taylor on Pinterest

Touches of Emerald:

Source: anthropologie.com via Taylor on Pinterest

Source: satomikawakita.com via Taylor on Pinterest

Source: shopruche.com via Taylor on Pinterest

100 Years of Style

2011-09-02T13:29:00.000-07:00

Hello! I've not been on here in ages it seems. That is what moving to a new classroom and school starting can do to a girl. But the first full week is over and a lovely three day weekend is ahead. This is my new favorite youtube video:

My favorites are the 20's and 40's looks. I'm not sure they really showed the best (and by best I mean worst) of the 90's though.

Last Day of Summer, Portlandia, etc.

2011-08-17T12:00:00.001-07:00

Today is my last day of summer break, how did that happen? I feel there are a hundred things I didn't get around to doing this summer that I meant to but it was a lovely summer all the same.

Since we got back from Portland I've been stressing over moving into my new classroom. It's finally starting to come together but I still have lots to do. I decided to take a little break this afternoon though to enjoy my last afternoon of freedom. I'll probably still work on school stuff but catch up on Project Runway while doing it.

Our Portland trip was lovely. Here are some highlights:

Happy Birthday Lucy

2011-08-06T12:50:00.000-07:00

Source: google.com

Also, Happy 100th Birthday Lucy! I can't imagine my childhood without you! No one will ever be that funny again.

Source: theberry.com

1 August 5

2011-08-05T10:08:00.000-07:00

What a fast and busy week this has been! Lots of birthday celebrating, a nice shopping/pampering day spent with Mom, and packing for Portland. We leave tomorrow!

Here is what I have been loving this week. Hope everyone has a lovely weekend!

Source: etsy.com

Source: akindoflove.blogspot.com

Different posters from my favorite movie.

Source: anthropologie.com

I've never once wore the color orange, but this could make me want to start!

Source: weheartit.com

A kitten ring!

Source: bumbleandbumble.com

Pretty haircut.

Source: thecraftsdept.marthastewart.com

DIY Cupcake Flowers

Source: etsy.com

In case we get bored...

24 July 29

2011-07-29T06:48:00.000-07:00

It's the weekend before my birthday! Also, known as the beginning of the end of summer. Once my birthday comes around it just seems like summer is over. At least I have our Portland trip to look forward to. We are leaving next Saturday and I can hardly wait! I've got to study up this next week on what to pack (Portland street style is just way too good) and where to eat/shop.

THIS weekend however, Jon and I are taking a pre-birthday mini-roadtrip to Raleigh to see Bon Iver tonight and then to my new favorite restaurant, Sweet Potatoes, in Winston-Salem for a pre-birthday dinner tomorrow night.

While we are on the subject on Bon Iver:

As soon as I saw his latest video I thought, wasn't that girl from America's Next Top Model? Apparently that is how my brain works.

Here are some things that caught my interest this week:

Source: designsponge.com

Trolley Depot Before and After Renovation-I'll be thinking about this for every abandoned building I see now.

Source: notetosarah.tumblr.com

Audrey and Givenchy AND Paris.

Source: modcloth.com

Lovely.

Source: urbanoutfitters.com

I could always use more wall art.

Source: portlanddomesticity.blogspot.com

Now this is a map of Paris used as wall art! Also, I stole their sheet over the couch idea.

Kitchen Display: Summer Stripes

2011-07-07T19:24:00.001-07:00

Source: maryruffle.tumblr.com via Taylor on Pinterest

Caveat Emptor

2011-06-24T08:46:00.000-07:00

I just got this dress in the mail. I was a little nervous how it would turn out.

Source:via Taylor on Pinterest

I've been on a bit of a watercolor kick lately and so is the rest of the world too apparently...

Source: ohhappyday.com via Taylor on Pinterest

Source: blogs.babble.com via Taylor on Pinterest

Source: erineverafter.blogspot.com via Taylor on Pinterest

Source: garancedore.fr via Taylor on Pinterest

Back to the dress though, it's definitely a little different than most of my closet (besides being a dress and from Anthropologie). I'm usually more of a solid color, smaller print floral, geometric print, stripes...kinda girl. This dress however, appeared at Anthropologie some time ago and I was very intrigued. I'm used to wearing lots of blue and red but orange, yellow, green and purple too?! I'm not sure if I ever even saw it in the store so I totally took a risk by buying it online when it went on sale.

Which leads me to my next topic-the wonder and danger of shopping apps. After getting my iPhone a few months back I downloaded the Shop Style app. On here, you can browse clothes, shoes, and accessories from any store you can name. You can also favorite items you like which is nice but my favorite part is the sale alert. The sale alert is perhaps the best/worst invention on my iPhone right now. If there is a certain item you like you may hit the $ sign and it will alert you by text when the item goes on sale. Dangerous right? As long as you don't tag too many items you should be good. On Monday morning my phone woke me up with an alert that this dress had just gone on sale. $148 to $79. Needless to say I hopped out of bed much faster than I ever have to my alarm clock. I couldn't decide right away if I should buy it or not having never seen in in person or tried it on but after reading the reviews I made up my mind. Luckily I did it before this color sold out. That's the thing about Anthropologie sales, you better act fast!

So how did it turn out? It was a great purchase. Fits perfect, very soft and the colors are beautiful. It should travel well too which is always a plus for summer trips. Of course sadly it's sold out now but they still had the blue color online last I looked.

Maybe sale alerts are a little bit like tatoos- you know how they say to draw out what you want, then hide it away for a month or two, and then if when you come back to it you still like it you should get the tatoo? I'm not sure if it's the same level of commitment but it worked in the case of this dress.

This would be lovely

2011-06-20T09:08:00.000-07:00

I'm not one for blog contests, mainly because I'm too lazy to keep up with all the rules and so forth but this one is way to lovely to pass up...

You can see all the details at Oh Happy Day. But don't enter because I want to win!

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T07:49:00.001-07:00

I've always been able to admit that I am a complete Daddy's girl. I mean, you even drove a pink race car just for me. And even though I've explained what a blog is to you before, it's okay if you don't have any idea what I'm talking about. Love you!

When I look back at photos of my dad when I was little I now notice 2 things. 1. My dad would be a total hipster today. Dads are the Original Hipsters. 2. My brother Tyler looks so much like him! Crazy.

On a Roll

2011-06-08T14:22:00.000-07:00

I've been in love with this print forever. I think I saw it at Ruche first but it was out of stock. Usually my rule is if they have it at Ruche they probably have it at Modcloth or vice-versa. Of course it was out of stock there too. Then today, I got my little notification that it was back in stock and they had only 1 small left! I've never made an online purchase so fast in my life. This will be my last online impulse purchase this week...I think.

Source: modcloth.com via Taylor on Pinterest

Oh, and I got this dress just because it was already in my shopping cart and it's pretty much a perfect dress.

Source: modcloth.com via Taylor on Pinterest

Summer Heels

2011-06-07T16:25:00.000-07:00

I'm a little tired of wearing flat sandals all summer long. I've already invested in one good pair of summer heels and after seeing these on sale today I'm happy to add another pair to the shelf. And right after I got them they ran out of my size, talk about good timing.

Source: anthropologie.com via Taylor on Pinterest

You can never really go wrong with a pair of Seychelles. I sure did (and still) wear out these little flats last summer. Next on my list: red!

16 May 20

2011-05-20T16:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Weekend! I'm excited about another weekend road trip to the mountains for a wedding.

Here are some favorites from this week:

Source: jordanferney.blogspot.com

Source: None via Emily on Pinterest

Source: weddingchicks.com via Taylor on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Taylor on Pinterest

1st summer road trip!

2011-05-13T14:09:00.000-07:00

My favorite part of summer: road trips! Or plane trips, or train trips...any kind will do. This weekend will be the first summer road trip. Atlanta. Fleet Foxes. Jon. Me. Yay.

19 days is close enough to summer to count.

Old Favorite:

New Favorite:

a bit resentful

2011-05-11T17:35:00.000-07:00

No American Girl Doll
Your parents wouldn’t buy you an American Girl doll because $80 is a ridiculous price to pay for a toy, which would then inevitably lead to the purchase of multiple accessories ranging from the overpriced ($18 for “Winter Accessories,” consisting of tiny doll mittens and a hat), to the exorbitant ($56 for an “Ice Cream Set,” consisting of tiny plastic scoops of ice cream), to the highway robbery ($349 for a “doll’s chest,” a.k.a. tiny wooden box).

You grew up to be financially independent, level-headed, unspoiled, and still just a little bit resentful whenever you walk by American Girl Place.

(Hairpin post)

I used to look through the American girl catalogues all the time but I never remember asking for one. I'm pretty sure if it was on my Christmas list I probably would have gotten one at some point but I lusted in secret. Really none of the dolls fit my personality/look. I think I wanted Samantha since she had brown hair but enjoyed the Felicity books the best. In fact I stole a Felicity book from the library. That's right, I checked it out and never returned it. I'm not sure which American Girl would have done that.

Really, what I wanted more than the doll was the costumes you could buy so you could match their clothes. I mean who wouldn't want to wear Kirsten's St. Lucia Christmas getup. My best childhood friend had Kirsten and I was so jealous that she had a doll that (I thought at the time) looked just like her. But she had a Molly too so guess who I got to be?!?

Didn't every girl in the early to mid nineties want an American Girl doll?

*During a short visit to the American Girls website I see that Felicity, Samantha, and Kirsten have been discontinued :( How will girls today ever learn of the American Revolution, growing up a rich orphan during the Victorian era, or being a Swedish immigrant in Minnesota. Bad move American Girl!

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T07:58:00.001-07:00

Thank you for my curly hair,

good fashion sense :) (and posing in photos with me when I cried),

good birthday cakes,

swimming lessons at a very early age,

love of animals,

and letting me believe I really was a princess for all those years!

Love you Mom!

2 May 6

2011-05-06T17:35:00.000-07:00

Here are some things I've been loving this week.

Source: akindoflove.blogspot.com via Taylor

Almost makes me want long hair again. Almost.

Source: flickr.com via Taylor

Source: norskeinteriorblogger.blogspot.com via Taylor

Pretty teal things.

Source: people.com via Taylor

My favorite Royal Wedding hat. It reminds me of Georgia O'Keeffe.

And lastly, this video which unexpectedly left me in tears.

Book>Movie

2011-03-30T17:13:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Jon and I were visiting his family and found ourselves wandering around Barnes and Noble while waiting on a very hard to come by table at a nearby restaurant. I never read Jane Eyre in high school or college and it's been on my reading list for quite some time. Especially now that a new movie version is about to come out. Must read before movie. Must.

So we (Art director + lover of girly classic novels) were both excited to find this on Saturday :

Source: search.barnesandnoble.com via Taylor on Pinterest

It's so lovely. Can't wait to read it...after I read Water for Elephants. Book before movie!

Elizabeth Taylor

2011-03-23T14:08:00.000-07:00

Source: qsdaydream.tumblr.com via Taylor on Pinterest

Source: mrsamberapple.tumblr.com via Taylor on Pinterest

1932-2011

Very Pleated Skirt

2011-03-15T17:33:00.000-07:00

I saw this in the store and it's so much more impressive in person.

Source: anthropologie.com via Taylor on Pinterest

yay!

2011-02-27T16:08:00.000-08:00

When I blogged about this dress I never knew it could look this good! Love her.

Best Dressed

2011-02-26T09:17:00.000-08:00

Here are some gowns from various Fall RTW 2011 collections that I would love to see walk down the red carpet tomorrow night.

Jason Wu

Monique Lhullier

Lela Rose

Marchesa - How gorgeous is this?!?

Of course some Spring Couture would always be appreciated as well.

Chanel

Elie Saab

Christian Dior...amazing!

kitchen displays: sunny side up

2011-02-23T18:06:00.001-08:00

Amanda's Boston DIY apt.

Language

2011-02-22T15:39:00.000-08:00

Jon said that if I learn French we'll go to Paris.

I think all I need to know can be found in this very lovely video.

I'm pretty sure he'll say this doesn't count!

heart

2011-02-14T17:51:00.000-08:00

It's Valentine's Day. Luckily, I got to celebrate all weekend. Dinner with Jon on Saturday night, Sunday brunch, Creme Brulee and the Grammy's last night (yay Arcade Fire!) and then to top it off I got roses delivered to my classroom today! He surprised me :) My kids were crazy excited. "Her husband...NOOO...her BOYFRIEND!" I think to them me having a boyfriend is a lot more interesting than a husband.

Isabelle has even been in an extra loving mood today. Maybe because I keep telling her Happy Valentine's. She of course understands what that means. I never shared this pic of my new rug. She always rolls around on it when I come home from work (or anywhere) and sits on it sadly when I leave. So it's message was very befitting:

Happy Valentine's :)

Imaginary Decorating:Living Room

2011-01-21T17:06:00.000-08:00

Do you ever go on an imaginary shopping trip? For me they are always unplanned and seeing one thing can set them off. Tonight it was this photograph:

It's all my favorite colors! And the yellow even goes with my newly painted bathroom. So I planned a little living room update. I'd keep most things that I already have in the room since I already have the teal color scheme going on. I've been trying to think of how to bring in another color. My great-grandmother's floral tv-trays have bright colors in them and I think yellow would work well. My She and Him print and coffee table would still work as well as my curtains and tv table/dresser. It's sorta like a mini-dresser.

Anyhow, I'm so in love with this yellow settee. The little feet! All of these came from Urban Outfitters. I know, I couldn't believe it either. So bright and fresh! I could probably find a similar bookshelf in town and paint it. And the vintage looking metal stacking baskets! I'm in love. Maybe I'll have to start stashing some of my paycheck away for this look.

Daydreamer Settee $579
4x6 Mod Flowers Printed Rug, $48
Old House Bookshelf, $179
Brimfield Stacking Basket - Set of 2, $89
Flower Flourish Mirror, $38

Drumroll please...

2011-01-14T14:08:00.000-08:00

The moment you have been waiting for (at least my mom and Jon have been waiting for) is finally here. The bathroom is done!

I love it. The before and after says it all really. Huge difference!

376 days ago...

2011-01-13T14:36:00.000-08:00

I started a project. Today I (mostly) finished it. Remember this..

Ack, I'd almost forgotten how ugly shower doors, wall paper and rusty curtains can be.

I've done some work along the way:

Replaced the doors with a lovely curtain from Anthropologie.

Removed the rusty blinds and put up a custom vinyl curtain.

After 4 snow/ice days off from work, I finally decided to end this long chapter of my apartment life and paint my bathroom. It's been ready to paint since the summer but I've not had the time/resources to get it done. I'm happy to say it is now painted a lovely shade of Creamy Oat and I couldn't be happier to have it done and over with.

More to come tomorrow. It's still drying and it's too dark outside to take good photos.

Cabin Fever=Celeb Makeover

2011-01-11T23:45:00.000-08:00

Somehow tonight I linked over to InStyle Magazine's site and then discovered this:

Hollywood Makeover. I love a good makeover show and since I'm preparing for Snow Day #3 I had little else to do. I used a photo that I took over a year and a half ago before my college roommate Kelsey's wedding. It worked well since my hair was longer at the time and I had it pulled back.

Here were my favorite celeb hairstyles on myself, I just realized my favorite hairstyles happened to come from 4 of my favorite actresses, coincidence?

Jennifer Connelly's braided updo.

I love braided updos but since my hair is shorter (though it was long in this photo but pulled back) and curly I've never tried it. So here is the only time it will happen. This looks like it actually could be my hair though.

Ginnifer Goodwin's pixie cut.

I've always wanted to cut my hair this short. No clue as to what my curls would do but I really love this style. Of course my hair color would be different too which I think is the only thing I dislike about this photo.

Carey Mulligan's short pixie cut.

Similar to Ginnifers but with more bangs and a cute headband. I like this one a lot too.

Natalie Portman updo.

This one is more realistic if my hair was straight for a day and highlighted and longer...

Hmm...now I want to get my hair cut off. I am not one to shy away from the scissors. I've gone from long to a short bob several times over the years. It drives me crazy when girls are afraid of a haircut. At worst, it grows back ladies!

This one's for you Jon:

The Zooey Deschanel look. Sigh, is it weird that we both have a crush on her?

Here is one I will have to pass up on:

Lady Gaga's platinum bow.

Snow Day

2011-01-10T13:17:00.001-08:00

Isabelle and I shared mostly the same schedule today. Eat, sleep, look at the snow. As I am sure tomorrow will be another day off I just decided to be lazy today. Tomorrow I'll take on some baking and cleaning projects. Probably.

Black and Gold

2011-01-07T17:02:00.000-08:00

I'm really into the black and gold color combination lately. Too bad I'm 4 years late since those were my college colors. Appalachian! Anyhow, how gorgeous is this cocktail ring?

Clear it Out

2011-01-06T15:35:00.000-08:00

Today when I got home I petted the cat, unloaded my teacher bags and sat down to read some blogs. It's my little moment after a long day with 4th graders. I read Kendi's entry about her clean closet and glanced to the right into mine...

I love a good closet clear out.

I got up and got to work. Forget about how my legs can hardly move from doing the "Sexy Leg" 10 minute workout on demand the other night in my living room. Before I started though I decided to survey the scene. My house is a lot messier than usual after being here and there for the holidays and never really getting things back in their place. Evidence here:

This is my second bedroom/office.

My bed becomes a catch all for my work clothes when I get home and also my laundry that I'm too lazy to put up.

It also doubles for a cat bed/playground.

Here is the other side of the room. The chair becomes a coat hook and there is my New Year's Eve dress still hanging on the door.

I have the best closet ever. It's huge. Notice the wooden hangers. That was last winter's closet project.

See. It gives me shivers to look back at those plastic hangers.

And look at how many more dresses I have now. Whoa!

But back to my current closets issues. Missing shoes.

The top shelf is supposed to be for sweaters. Yeah, those are sweaters.

I had to stop to document my cute outfit today. That's my closet mirror,

Isabelle likes to hide behind the mirror. She waits for me to leave so she can...

tear up my old wicker hamper :(

Oh, yeah, the clothes piled everywhere were supposed to be dry cleaned.

My own bedroom wasn't looking so hot itself. Obviously I like sleeping with a lot of quilts.

The top of my dresser becomes a site for Jon's glasses of water and my tights. Unrelated.

After taking these photos I got to work. I've now removed everything from the floor of my closet. Clothes on the floor have been separated from clothes to clean and clothes to donate to my teenage cousins. Here it was in the middle of everything. More to come...

Dear Diary

2011-01-04T16:35:00.000-08:00

The past few years one of my new year resolutions has been to journal more. Not everyday because it's impossible but most nights I write a little something. The most disappointing thing to me is having something exciting happen and then waiting a few days to write when the excitement is not as strong and the writing is just so so. I've kept an ongoing journal since my senior year of college. It's hilarious and enlightening to look back on. I wasted so much time on this?!? Live and learn, but it's now in it's 3rd edition as I've outgrown 3 journals.

I love unconventional journaling ideas.

My first journal was actually a sketch book that I had in my possession for some reason or another (I am not a sketcher) and ended up doing lots of random doodles to describe my days. The next two journals I've bought have been hard back, blank sheet. Very bad for travel though, cute, but bad for travel. Lately I do more writing than doodling. When I look back at my first sketch book from college it was so much more creative! Drawings, collages, etc. Oh, and lists. I'm crazy about making a list. I'm now inspired to write a lot more so I can get a new journal when I fill this one up. Maybe I'll go back to the sketch book.

Here are some other good ideas:

Vintage Postcard Calendar Journal

Wreck This Journal

Simple Diary

(excellent for beginners, or lazy people, or busy people, or all of the above)

Listography- I love lists so I believe I've love this as a side project

New Camera. New Year.

2011-01-01T21:03:00.000-08:00

I've barely broken it in but here are a few random shots.

Remember this?!? I got it for Christmas! Thank you Santa (Jonathan)!

Jon got reservations for dinner New Year's Eve at one of our favorite brunch spots. I was a lot happier than this but this was just a test shot and the only one that shows off my cute New Year's dress. Dinner was excellent. My favorite was the truffle mac and cheese. Oh, and creme brulee cheesecake. Yum.

Happy 2011!

two thousand eleven

2010-12-31T13:29:00.001-08:00

2011?!

I've yet to make a resolution I think I can stick to. Last year I kept my promise of only wearing skirts/dresses to work so I think I'll have to make something quirky like that so I can keep to it. 2010 was so good that I don't really know how to improve on it. Oh, but I did a new camera for Christmas so maybe something do do with more photos. In the mean time I'm excited to wear my New Year's dress tonight!

Gift Guide: Girls of all Ages

2010-12-08T16:18:00.001-08:00

I am lucky that I get to shop for a lot of girls. I have 6 teen or soon to be teenage girl cousins! These may or may not be some of the gifts they will be getting this Christmas. I'm pretty sure I'd enjoy these as much as they would!

girls of all ages by taylorelise featuring a tee tunic

Girl's skirts - knit & sweater skirts - Girls' tulle skirt - J.Crew, $33
The Wind In The Willows - Anthropologie.com, $17
Audrey Hepburn - Dress Poster Print by Artist Unknown, $134
Watercolour Peony Silk Scarf, $75
SNEAKER CUSTOMIZATION KIT | Sneaker Painting Kit, Coloring Kit |..., $45
Anne Of Green Gables (DONATION), $17
COLORED SMENCILS - SET OF 10 | Color Smencil Pencils, Scented Pencils..., $14
UrbanOutfitters.com > Cooperative Beaded Coin Purse, $10
My Wonderful World of Fashion: A Book for Drawing, Creating and...
bijou kaleidoscope: December 2009
The Secret Garden | Anthropologie.eu
keep calm and have a cupcake

Gift Guide: A Ladylike Christmas

2010-12-06T17:07:00.000-08:00

ladylike christmas by taylorelise featuring a slip dress

Well-Mannered Minx Dress, $190
Whirly-Twirly Clutch, $28
Quinn Gloves
Chanel - Coco Mademoiselle Eau De Parfum Spray 50ml/1.7oz, $125
Amazon.com: PARIS IN SNOW FRANCE EIFFEL TOWER POSTER FINE ART PRINT:..., $20
UrbanOutfitters.com > Kimchi Blue Perforated Suede Heel, $58
Artist's Imagination Necklace | Anthropologie.eu
wide open spaces - wide open spaces - Janet Hill Studio
wide open spaces - wide open spaces - Janet Hill Studio
It's a Wonderful Lofe

Gift Guide:Good On Paper

2010-11-30T15:32:00.000-08:00

This year when I am browsing online for gift ideas I've really been drawn to prints, books, and other paper creations. Relatively inexpensive and lovely, I think these all make good gifts for friends.

Paper Gifts by taylorelise featuring tops

Prospero Journal - Anthropologie.com, $18
The Non-Planner Datebook: A Collection Of Days, Lists, Ideas And..., $15
Russian Doll - Turquoise | New! | Keep Calm Gallery, 45 GBP
Fine Dining Placemats, $24
Rifle Paper Co. - Floral Heart Print
red paper suitcases : pink loves brown

Amelie v. Carrie

2010-11-13T12:18:00.000-08:00

I've been loving this series, Paris versus New York. Of course, this is one of my favorites.

Slipper Time

2010-11-11T18:13:00.001-08:00

I'm not a sock wearing kind of girl. Only if I'm going for a run or wearing boots, other than that I'm sock-less or in tights. However, two years ago I made a life changing purchase. Vera Wang cashmere slippers. My feet stayed in them all winter long. Then spring came, it warmed up, the sun came out and I noticed the cat hair all over them for the first time. So I threw them out. Next winter came and I made a new purchase of Vera Wang cashmere slippers. Well this time they were a little different and I thought more resilient to Isabelle fur but I still ended up throwing them out come spring. It's time again for slippers and last this time I want these: J.Crew knit ballet slippers.

I would swiffer my wood floor everyday to keep cat hair off of them!

Ms. November

2010-10-28T18:40:00.000-07:00

It's almost November and this is the perfect November dress. If only there were really fancy Thanksgiving parties...

Bonjour!

2010-10-26T17:08:00.001-07:00

Meow-la-la Cat Beret. Too much!

Kitchen Display: Wallpaper

2010-10-13T16:42:00.001-07:00

I'm not always a wallpaper fan in kitchens but this is fresh and lovely. I like how the shelving and items almost blend in. For more examples visit thekitchn.

Ms. Lankford wears skinny jeans!

2010-10-07T17:43:00.000-07:00

That's what one of my students announced in the hallway one day recently where us teachers had the treat of wearing jeans. She was way too excited about it. But in the world of "teacher jeans" it could be rare sight (teacher jeans-sometimes almost as bad as mom jeans). Really I don't wear skinny jeans to school. They were my 2 year old (or older?) pair of Gap straight leg jeans but close enough. Until Monday I only owned 2 pairs of jeans. That pair and an even older (say college era even?) pair of Gap skinny jeans. I have to give the Gap some props for durable clothing since I have worn and washed these jeans who knows how many times by now. But really it was time for a new pair.

Gap jeans have always been the only pairs that worked for me. I used to try other stores, now I don't bother. I had seen a few pairs of the jean leggings on some other blogs and was thinking about those as well as some similar to my last pair. Then I found some with a zipper and despite them being way skinnier than my usual comfort level it was love at first try on.

And also the fact they were on sale and then on sale again at checkout made it even better. I didn't even see the legging pair til I was walking out of the store. I'm pretty sure I'll go back and try on a few more styles/pairs for another puchase as well. I need at least one more pair to last me the next 4 years or so.

Kitchen Display: Pretty Floral Thermoses

2010-09-28T16:41:00.001-07:00

I've been saving up good kitchen display photos but neglecting to share them! I love everything in this photo.

This makes the Honor Roll

2010-09-24T16:56:00.001-07:00

I love a makeover. Pretty much any makeover themed show I can watch at least once. That is one reason I'm in love with this. The other is because it's a makeover for teachers! Not only a makeover but a really good decor makeover.

Now, in reality I rarely visit our teacher's lounge at school. Ours isn't even called a lounge, it's a workroom. There is no lounging going on in there. It's on the opposite side of the building, it's usually taken up by teacher assistants laminating, and why would I ever have time to hang out in the teacher's lounge?

This is a teacher's lounge I could make time for, this is the before (ours is much more modern but still rocking the white concrete slab walls and coke machine):

Here is the after...

wait for it...

Now also in reality I realize a workroom like this would never work. Someone would steal the Eame's reproduction rockers to sneak into their kindergarten reading center and I don't really know how to decide who cleans all the dishes. But the idea is nice and I wish Staples would donate money, designers, and wall murals to my school as well. Maybe my mobile unit instead? That'd be a real makeover!

For my overflowing bookshelf...

2010-09-20T19:58:00.000-07:00

this would be a good idea. I have too many books and even at school my classroom library is overflowing. Love these invisible floating shelves.

Fashion Week: Vintage Inspired Badgley Mischka Show

2010-09-15T14:02:00.000-07:00

Badgley Mischka meets Ali MacGraw Headwraps- The pants already are a nod to the 70's and the head wrap and flowy top bring it all together. Also, thank you for styling the models with curly hair!

Also, a little bit Jodie Foster in Taxi Driver (hair, hat, midriff, hot pants, platform sandals!) :

Fashion Week: Monday

2010-09-13T19:39:00.001-07:00

Finally something else to think about other than 4th grade lesson plans and such, it's Fashion Week!

I just briefly browsed today's shows but here was my favorite: Lela Rose

Jewel tones, ladylike small details, and side braids. Sadly my hair could never really rock the side braid.

finally

2010-09-11T17:28:00.000-07:00

After a few cool mornings, having to find a sweater, and this photo I'm really ready for fall.

photo via design*sponge

kitchen displays:simple

2010-09-01T18:16:00.001-07:00

Because most days I just want to remove my cabinet doors, grab a few cans of paint and do this:

Oh!!! And a back to school dress!

2010-08-25T16:52:00.000-07:00

Okay. I can't stop with just the shoes.

This is a back to school dress to match. *And it even has a school themed name!

Learning Curve Dress

Back to School Shoes

2010-08-25T16:45:00.000-07:00

My lack of blogging can be blamed on getting things ready for my new 4th grade class. Not that I haven't managed to waste time in other ways here or there but most of my computer time has been spent looking at other teacher's really organized classrooms or making classroom job applications.

So after surviving my first day with my 17 (maybe, two did not show up) 4th graders, I just want to look at shoes for a few minutes.

Here are my favorites:

Wingspan Heels at Anthropologie

Now, come on first paycheck!

Nashville Road Trip

2010-08-07T10:20:00.001-07:00

I'm way excited about the final road trip of the summer. I've always wanted to go to Nashville. What can I say I had to listen to a lot of country music as a child and I don't mean that as a bad thing.

Oh, and we're seeing Arcade Fire at the Ryman, on Jon's birthday. Too exciting.

image via Rhiannon and her day in Nashville

Isabelle and Photo Booth

2010-08-05T20:53:00.000-07:00

There are some times when I realize I start to wonder if I take too many pictures of my cat. Tonight I randomly opened Photo Booth and realized most of the saved pics were of me trying to capture her cuteness when she (and the computer) were on my lap. She doesn't get on my lap too often and stay there for long so I try to capture it if I'm on the computer anyhow. I'm sure this won't be the last of the Isabelle/Photo Booth attempts.

Oh, and one of her sleeping on my pillow. Extra cute.

Kitchen Displays: Organization

2010-08-05T09:34:00.000-07:00

Ever since last week's cake making session my kitchen has been a mess. I still have cake tools everywhere and can't seem to get the desire to have them organized. Then I saw this kitchen and had complete kitchen envy (open shelving, bright, pretty glasses and dishes, touch of pink).

I know what I'll be doing the rest of the day.

(via decor8 and see more of Samantha's lovely designs here)

Birthday Wishlist

2010-07-29T14:48:00.001-07:00

I've been saving up these pretty things for a long time. I believe that turning 25 is a good excuse to show them off!

1. Vintage Floral Dress from DearGoldenVintage

2. Countdown Heels from Seychelles

3. A Trip to the French Riveria inspired by pretty.little.world

4. "I'll Swim to You" cute balloon diver card

5. Return Address Stamp-so pretty!- by Primele

6. Pretty Pretty Garland from Confetti System

7. St. Vincent Visual Mixtape Poster seen here

Cuteness Alert: Mila's Daydreams

2010-07-27T07:15:00.000-07:00

Adele has to be one of the most adorable moms ever. While here baby Mila naps, she trys to imagine what she is dreaming and captures it in her way too adorable photographs. See them all at Mila's Daydreams.

Here are my favorites:

Up!

Surfer Girl

Nirvana

A Space Odyssey 2010

A Rain of Roses

Her SuperPinkiness

Mad Men Premiere Night!

2010-07-25T06:56:00.000-07:00

In case you need to be caught up:

A few things I'm wondering about season 4:

Will Sally be forced any more into adulthood thanks to Don and Betty's lack of parenting skills?

(Remember when Grandpa Gene let her drive? ha!)

Will Sal come back and join the new company? They neeeed an art director! Plus, he needs to come back to deal with the confusion of his sexual orientation. And also, he's kinda my favorite.

Will Joan beat up on her husband some more? I have a feeling something will happen to him now that he's joined the army.

Will Peggy ever find a worthy enough mate? I love her but her choice in men is not the best. Her constant search for male approval kills me. Personally, I was always holding out for her and Father Gill. She's not one to be intimidated so it could have worked out. Well, if only her love child with Pete hadn't complicated matters.

This is sure to be an interesting season and I haven't even begin to think about how fabulous all of the clothes are going to be yet!

My Favorites:Las Vegas

2010-07-21T18:53:00.001-07:00

Las Vegas was pretty amazing. I mean, it is what it is and you gotta embrace that! So instead of doing a play by play of the trip's events I'll share with you my Las Vegas favorites.

Favorite Las Vegas Hotel and Casino- The Mirage

It's like the Garden of Eden inside. Not too over the top or themed out like many others. Also, they have LOVE. Any place that loves the Beatles wins in my book

Favorite Cheesy Las Vegas Attraction- Gondola rides at the Venetian

It was originally Jon's idea. He may deny this now, but it totally was. Who doesn't want a complete stranger faking an Italian accent singing "That's Amore" to you in front of hundred of strangers while paddling around a pool of colored water with a Floridian couple you just met? Now that's what I call amore.

Favorite Las Vegas Wax Figure- Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth from her 2nd marriage to Richard Burton days. She's always my favorite(this coming from a girl named Taylor Elise). Also, I don't think she's this tall.

My Favorite Las Vegas Beverage: Eiffel Tower Strawberry Margarita from Paris

Rachel and I were determined to finish this. We almost made it. As it turns out nearly no one sales Diet Coke on the strip so this massive drink was a clear winner.

Favorite Las Vegas Show: The Beatles LOVE|Cirque de Soleil

The best thing I've ever seen. Ever.

Best Las Vegas Slot Machine: Somewhere in the middle of the Golden Nugget

I put in $1 and in one pull of the lever I got $9. I then immediately cashed out. It's tempting not to keep going but I didn't want to ruin my one good gambling experience.

Favorite Las Vegas Wedding Beauty Crew: Amy-hair, Rachel-nails, Me-makeup

Favorite Las Vegas Wedding Couple: Heather and Robert (of course!)

Favorite Fellow Las Vegas Bridesmaids: Amy and Rachel

I can't really imagine attending a wedding without these ladies!

Favorite Las Vegas Wedding Date: Jon

Any boy that doesn't run far away when their girlfriend is forced to catch the wedding bouquet in the middle of Fremont Street because she is the only single girl in the group definitely deserves this title.

Signs your cat lives in Salisbury

2010-07-20T17:12:00.000-07:00

So I'm watching Ace of Cakes on the couch when Isabelle pops up and drops something down next to me. I'm expecting one of her red milk tabs that I recently retrieved from the heat vent for her but I look over and discover she has been carrying this around in her mouth to play fetch with:

I'm okay with the milktabs but feel pretty guilty that she's had to resort to my other beverage trash to use as a toy. She on the other hand doesn't seem to care too much.

Las Vegas Wedding

2010-07-14T18:15:00.001-07:00

By the time you read this I'll be here...

With my best friends...

Hopefully by the pool...

It's where all the cool people go...

For my best friend's wedding!!! In VEGAS!!!

Fun Things to Do on a Hot Day in Las Vegas

2010-07-11T07:44:00.000-07:00

Needless to say I'll be packing very light for my trip to Las Vegas for Heather's wedding later this week. Light as in, very light clothing. Luckily in Vegas I can get away with less clothing apparently. And hotel pool? Yes, please.

Notice the suggestion underneath Saturday's heat index. What can possibly be fun when it's 108 degrees?!?!?

Wed
Jul 14

Sunny

106°
85°

106°F

This Week's Ask the Weatherman

Thu
Jul 15

Sunny

109°
87°

109°F

Fri
Jul 16

Sunny

111°
86°

111°F

Sat
Jul 17

Sunny

108°
82°

108°F

Fun Things To Do on a Hot Day

Sun
Jul 18

Partly Cloudy

106°
81°

20%

all the meadows white

2010-07-10T08:15:00.000-07:00

When I was little I had this little poetry book and since Queen Anne's Lace grew everywhere in the country around my house this was my favorite:

Queen Anne, Queen Anne, has washed her lace

(She chose a summer's day)
And hung it in a grassy place
To whiten, if it may.

Queen Anne, Queen Anne, has left it there,

And slept the dewy night;
Then waked, to find the sunshine fair,
And all the meadows white.

Queen Anne, Queen Anne, is dead and gone

(She died a summer's day),
But left her lace to whiten in
Each weed-entangled way!

Yesterday I was at my dad's house and just had to pull over in the driveway to pick some flowers. They are maybe my other favorite summer flower besides hydrangeas and peonies. I wish I could have a bouquet of them all together but I think Queen Anne's Lace is simple and pretty enough on it's own.

Apparently there are many different versions of how this flower got it's name. I like this one: The origin of the name is reputed to be based upon an English legend. Supposedly, when the future Queen Anne arrived from Denmark to became the queen of King James I of England, wild carrot was still a novelty in the royal gardens. The legend states that Queen Anne challenged the ladies in waiting to a contest to see who could produce a pattern of lace as fine and lovely as the flower of the wild carrot. The ladies knew that no one could rival the queen's handiwork so it became a triumph for Anne.

summer's lease hath all too short a date

2010-07-08T19:00:00.001-07:00

It's only July 8th but this has been such a great summer already. Trips to the pool, lunch with friends, summer concerts, and sleeping in have all been accomplished. I've been trying to take more pictures and should probably share them now before the big trip to Las Vegas for Heather's wedding. Soooo excited about Las Vegas and Heather's wedding! Here is a very consdensed version of my summer so far...

My brother and cousins were way excited for jumping in the pool photos. No self diving photos in here, my swim-team-dive isn't as exciting.

July means it's corn season and time to spend time in my grandmother's backyard playing with stray cats and running in between rows of sunflowers.

Oh, and Krispy Kreme created the Cheerwine doughnut. I live in Salisbury and this is kind of a big deal.

Isabelle and I are pretty content with not doing much during the day. We blame this on the heat.

Isabelle is also helping me pack for Las Vegas. I'm pretty sure she only wants me to pack her.

Kitchen Displays: Staying Cool

2010-07-07T17:45:00.000-07:00

I've hardly turned on my oven all summer because it becomes so insanely hot in the kitchen. There is a ceiling fan above the eating area but that's not enough. Baking and decorating cakes in the summertime are not a good combination. That's why this week I'm thinking I need to be on the lookout for vintage fans to help me keep cool.

Apartment Therapy

How to upgrade the ugliest bathroom window ever

2010-07-01T15:10:00.000-07:00

Remember my bathroom re-do? You know the random morning where I had had enough of my ugly bathroom wallpaper and ripped it down without permission from my landlord? Well I am just now finally finishing what I started- one of the benefits of teaching and having summers off.

I'll get to the wallpaper cleanup later but while I was in the middle of cleaning the walls I finally had enough of this: the ugliest bathroom window EVER.

I took my elbow and knocked down the rusted curtain rod knocking it down beige, unevenly cut shower curtain and all. It didn't take much effort, believe me.

Then I did a little dance and threw it in the trash.

Then I promptly found a screwdriver and removed the rusty blinds. Oh my goodness how I hated these blinds.

I didn't think too much about what I was going to do with the window at the time. That thought started the next morning when I went to take a shower and realized "Oh, shit, everyone can see me naked." Later when I was outside I noticed that during the day it's basically impossible to see in the window from the outside due to it's height, the screen, and fact that it's in the shade. Still, I needed a window plan because it still feels weird being able to watch baby bunnies in your backyard while you're showering. Cute, but weird.

At first I thought window film but that's too much for this antique window so I went to Target for a sheer yet no nakedness plastic curtain. I wasn't that impressed with any of their white options but then found this which happens to match the green in my shower curtain. And it was one of the cheapest options! That never happens with me.

The plan was cafe curtain for the bathroom. I wanted some light but privacy as well. The curtain is perfectly opaque so it works for cafe length. I took it in the bathroom to determine the length I needed. ThenI laid it out on the living room floor (which Isabelle went crazy over) and cut the excess off. Easy. I knew

I wouldn't use the entire width of the curtain but saved cutting that until I hung it up. I used a little tension rod and metal curtain hooks, also cheap and cheap. I cut off the other half of shower curtain (anyone need one?) and it was perfect. How much cuter is that?

I mean really:

Total Cost:

Shower Curtain- $10

Metal Hooks-$4

Tension Rod-$3

Final Cost: $17 and a huge sigh of relief :)

Kitchen Displays: Kitchen Love

2010-06-30T21:01:00.000-07:00

Etsy Love: Hot Dates

2010-06-29T10:10:00.000-07:00

I'm really liking Etsy's latest blog idea: Hot summer dates

My favorite date ideas and purchases:

A day of Gallery Hopping

Carnival Joy Ride

Plus One at the Wedding

Picnic Time

Maybe I like the picnic idea the best of all after seeing those shorts!

Then and Now-Nautical

2010-06-27T18:49:00.000-07:00

Then: 1950's dress on Etsy

Now: blouse by Ruche

Eva from Florence

2010-06-25T10:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had my hair cut but it's a good thing I didn't see this post from the Sartorialist beforehand. I'm a little in love with her ruffles and ruffled hair.

cruel minor change

2010-06-24T14:36:00.000-07:00

The only reason I went outside today was for new summer haircuts, raspberry lemonade and a little bit of shade.

Currently listening to: Gravity's Bringing Us Down-Beulah

Work of Art-Book Covers

2010-06-24T07:17:00.000-07:00

Okay, I was really skeptical of this show and still am to some extent. However, I loved last night's challenge: create cover art for 6 Penguin Classic Novels. As someone who goes to used book stores and selects books based on cover art this was perfect. I know, I know, don't judge a book by it's cover but if I'm going to buy a book and leave it on my bookshelf I want it to look good! And no Kindle, Nook, etc. for me! I'll take a good used book with someone else's notes and doodles over electronic convenience any day.

Oh, and I wanted to hit the girl who misspelled Jane Austen.

Here are some of my bookshelf favorites (and favorite reads!):

As if I needed another reason to have a girl crush on Marion Cotillard...

2010-06-18T10:36:00.000-07:00

Since enduring the heat at the Phoenix show last Saturday night I've been thinking about getting my hair cut. Just a good trim is all I need but I hate having hot summer hair. I suppose my hair was long last summer but long enough to pull up. It's too short to pull up now so the only solution is to go slightly shorter. Marion Cotillard and Vogue have convinced me even further.

Kitchen Display: Lots of Bowls

2010-06-17T13:30:00.000-07:00

A day late! 3 days into summer break and I'm already forgetting what day it is. This kitchen combines my favorite kitchen elements: open shelving and lots of pretty dishes. Oh, and color sorting! I'll have to share how I color sorted my bookshelf soon.

found atstephmodo by way of Martha Stewart

Gypsy Song

2010-06-15T18:08:00.000-07:00

I heard this today. This was my favorite song when I was little. I remember asking my mom about it in the car one day and saying "you know which song mom, you know, the GYPSY song..." I didn't really have too much knowledge of gypsies but I was pretty sure they sounded like this.

then and now

2010-06-14T17:23:00.000-07:00

DearGoldenVintage and Anthropologie

Kitchen Displays: Chalkboards

2010-06-09T19:17:00.001-07:00

Since tomorrow is the last day of the school for me and my 3rd graders (!!!) I had classroom on the brain for my kitchen displays today. And it just so happens I love the idea of chalkboard paint in the kitchen. Lots of good stuff here:

mostly from apartment therapy & the kichn

Field Day Dress

2010-06-08T18:22:00.000-07:00

Today was Field Day at my school. The long awaited day was even more long awaited since 3rd-5th grade did not go out until 12:10. Try keeping 16 (2 kids absent on field day!?) focused while they can hear screaming little kids and see the bouncy house from the classroom window. Not happening.

Anyhow, of course I wore a dress. I was really thinking yesterday about wearing some gym shorts and a tank top but then was inspired to go to Old Navy after work yesterday to see if they had any cute (and school appropriate) shorts. Instead I found a gauzy field day dress. It turned out to be a good pick and combined with my flouncy straw hat I stayed relatively cool. My third graders however, complained every other minute...

Oh, and a few of my girls told me my hat looked like an old lady. I kinda took that as a compliment.

Dress-old navy $30, Hat-(similar to this)$18

Kitchen Displays: Painted Palette

2010-06-02T19:21:00.001-07:00

design*sponge

Romper Day: Inside and Out

2010-05-26T19:48:00.000-07:00

Each morning I hit snooze at least three times. I drift in and out of sleep (depending how much my cat wakes me up in those 9 minutes) and the only thing I really think that hard on is what I'm going to wear to work. For some reason I decided in January to only wear skirts/dresses to work and it's worked out well. I've only worn pants a few times on Fridays to raise money for Relay for Life. Though lately it's been too hot to wear jeans even then and I've still worn a dress. Plus, I can just move around the classroom better in dresses. I'm constantly having to run across the room for one reason or another...

What I'm getting at is, this morning I laid in bed thinking that I really wanted to wear this romper today. I've had it for nearly 2 weeks now and haven't worn it yet. That's crazy! It's been rather rainy lately though and not as warm as the weeks before. But rompers are so not teacher appropriate so I threw on my pencil skirt over it. At first I tried a printed skirt which looked fine but I not quite what I wanted today. Really, I can't believe this is all I think about first thing in the morning.

It was a good work outfit. A few kids told me "I like your dress!" and my sweetest little girl said "It makes me happy when you wear different things." Really, she said that! I could have eaten her up!

One problem. Going to the bathroom. The romper zips down the front. The skirt zips down the back. Quite the process. Then you end up basically naked which just feels weird at work.

Then I got home and almost instantly (after deciding to photograph this work to home transition) took the skirt off. So easy.

I'm a little too in love with this romper. Oh, and look at my cute hydrangeas!

romper-urban outfitters, skirt-Ann Taylor loft, shoes-modcloth, necklace- great-grandmother's

Kitchen Displays: Bright Simple Art

2010-05-26T19:36:00.001-07:00

Found at Apartment Therapy, Better Homes & Garden, Oh Happy Day

Vegas Shoes

2010-05-23T18:23:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned that my friend Heather is getting married in Las Vegas this summer? Very exciting! The wedding is going to be at night at an outdoor chapel. For the bridesmaids, we are all picking out our own navy dress. Any style, just navy. After looking online and in stores for months I finally found mine at BCBG Max Azria. It's simple and yet a little retro (sweetheart halter neckline). The best part was that it was $80 marked down from $380!

I've decided that for this look I need some fancy shoes. Because (1.) the dress is very non fuss and (2.) it's Las Vegas!

Here's my dream choice. How Las Vegas is that? And Kate Spade! Sigh...a girl can dream I guess.

Kate Spade 'Carly' pump

Heather already has her shoes picked out (they are pink!). I always love cute bride shoes.

I soooo have that red pair in my closet. The teal ribbon shoes I would wear everyday.