Shopping List: Bold Prints

1. aztec scarf, 2. JCP dress, 3. Clare Vivier clutch, 4. FermLiving cup, 5. Target socks, 6. Oil painting

I do love my prints. Bigger and bolder the better. I used to worry about how to mix prints - will it be a little too "circus meet acid trip"? Au contraire, Mon frère. After I started reading this blog, I realized it's not that scary. And it can look really cute.

Some of my favorite prints right now are leopard. I wear my J.Crew Factory leopard scarf 4-5 days a week. I just bought a snow leopard dress from H&M and might just (maybe) wear a leopard belt with him. Hang on tight, we're going bold over here.

Lastly, I realized last week that JCPenney has some very cute dresses. Who knew?

Shopping List: Vintage Table Fans

replica air circulator / Classic metal fan/ Blue oscillating fan/Westinghouse fan

If you have air conditioning, you can just skip this post. If not, then let's talk fans. We have six going in our house at all times. And if I could get a seventh, I would. It's hot here in Wisconsin. Case in point - it's 103 here and only 80 degrees in Dallas. Our plan to delay installing central air ("It only gets in the 90's for like a week") was woefully flawed, because this happens to be the year of record high heat and record droughts. Rats! So we're surviving, and I'm looking for contenders for my seventh fan.

Shopping List: grapefruit and calf tan

1. Ann Taylor tote, 2. necklace, 3. blush, 4. sandals, 5. scarf

It's summer! Lately, my eye has been drawn to coral pinks and anything that screams "backyard lounging". I'm a little obsessed about our new backyard. And since I'm trying to avoid the lounging type where I stay in my "workout clothes" all day long, I'm also looking for anything that screams "I put on real clothes". So for me, this summer is all about effortless summer chic. Nice sandals, a quick swipe of pink blush, and easy accessories and I'm out the door and onto the patio.

In Progress: Backyard Renovation

01. plant labels 02. dining set 03. plates 04. lanterns 05. charcoal bucket 06. planter 07. sunglasses

The backyard is finished! The sod has rooted nicely and we have even had a few people over for cookouts. Some minor additions remain such as setting up the living space (the lower patio) and getting some outdoor dining materials for the dining area (the upper patio). I've been eyeing up the Aplarro outdoor furniture at IKEA. I've always wanted a chaise - despite not having a pool. And our four person round table is just a tad too small. But all in all, it's looking pretty good. And can I just say - It's so nice to have 'real' grass. I never thought it would be that big of a deal, but it feels like stepping onto a golf course.

take shelter!

mango stripe umbrella, $69. coral/tan umbrella, $35. red umbrella, $45 bubble umbrella, $20. kiwi dot umbrella, $24. red flower umbrella, $40. black stripe umbrella, $40.

The forecast here has been nothing but rain, rain, and rain. Usually, I'd complain, but a) my new sod is really loving it and b) shopping for a new umbrella can be so much fun! Who knew there were so many different colors and patterns out there. I'm especially fond of the the Marimekko patterns. And just Marimekko in general. But really, any bright, fun umbrella would do the job of both keeping you dry and giving a little boost to the rainy day blues. So take shelter, Milwaukee, the sun doesn't look like it's going to shine any time soon.

The $30 Nude Pump

I have been searching for a pair of classic nude patent leather pumps for a while. Thankfully, Target (or as the french say, tarzshay) is always there for me in the clutch. Ever since grad school started, I have been on a pretty strict budget. Therefore, retail shopping has turned into mostly window shopping. So, when I do bite the bullet and swipe my Visa, it's only because I have exhausted a long vetting process. Is it in my budget? Will I keep this item for years? Is it versatile enough to wear across seasons? Will it go on sale? Can I mix and match this? Can I "live" without it? Yikes!

So yes, I am in the girl pacing around the store staring, indecisively at the merchandise, then making another lap so I can think some more. These Mossimo Pearce nude patent leather pumps from Target met all the above criteria. Ringing in at $30, these shoes are incredibly affordable for what you get - a versatile shoe that can be worn with any color. And they're pretty comfortable, too.

Blogger, Kileen from Cute and Little has a pair, too. See how cute they are?



Just a heads up, these shoes are selling out hellafast. I searched three Targets just to find a size 9, so if that's the size you need, cross the Bay View Target off your list.

All the pretty napkins

1. Birch napkins by Oh, Little Rabbit
2. EAT. napkin by Emersonmade
3. Wine ring cocktail napkins by Avril Loreti
4. Ice printed napkin from West Elm
5. Artichoke paper napkins from Anthropologie




I'm off to Michael's right now to attempt the above project from Design Sponge shown on the Martha Stewart Show. Instead of place mats, I'll be doing this project on small appetizer napkins. I'll be bringing my Carrot Soup to Thanksgiving along with a french cheese plate (to go along with the bottles of beaujolais my father-in-law hasn't stop talking about!), so these will be perfect for the snacking and appetizing going on before dinner.

Instructions for inkjet-transfer thanksgiving place mats HERE

Fall Nail Colors

I looked down at my toes in the shower this morning at the summery coral-orange nail polish and decided it was time to say goodbye. The transition of summer nail colors into fall nail colors is really a mental shift. I just haven't been able to let summer go, but with Halloween fast approaching (along with our annual epic costume party/ husband's birthday), I need to get my head in the game.

This fall, I'm seeing a lot of DARK, dark nail polish. And colors not typically seen on nails. To my neutral only tendencies, coral-orange was a big step! Just ask my pedicurist how many minutes of indecisiveness it took for me to pull that trigger.
So, what color will be next?? There are some hot new colors out there.....

Deep greens..........

the beauty of life

Rich burgundys..........

rocklanieve

Flame oranges..........

absent daughters

Slate Greys..........

julie frick

In Like a Lion....

1. Gold Lion necklace 2. Essex scout crossbody 3. Vintage Postcard 4. Dot to Dot studs 5. Jonathan Adler ceramic lion

Grandpa Pete's Favorite Things

1. Red Wing boots, 2. Birds of North America field guide, 3. Klein Tools canvas pouch, 4. Stanley Thermos, 5. Carhartt wool socks, 6. Vintage binoculars


Earlier this week, my grandpa Pete passed away. I have a lot of memories of him working in the garage, bird watching, and road tripping. Looking back, he really understood quality and durability in what he bought. These were some of his favorites above.

I just flew in DC today and am looking at a map of Capitol Hill. The US Navy Shipyard is just a few blocks south of here. Grandpa Pete enlisted in the Navy and served for 6 years and during WWII. Below is a picture of him in San Diego. So, in memory of him, I think I'll go check out the Shipyard and pretend that I'm sitting in a spot he once sat.

Desk Work

I'm dedicating Thursday afternoon to desk work and homework. So I leave you with the latest deskwork-themed stuff I am digging. This is what a week's worth of internet-fueled procrastination gets you.

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Travel Style: Duffel bags

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If I was stranded on a desert island and could only bring 5 things, I would certainly bring a duffel (duffle) bag. I have a Gap duffle from like 10 years ago that I pack "just in case" or use to lug around laundry or stuff from my trunk. Admittedly, some of these duffels are a little too nice for "lugging", but I guarantee they'll last no matter what you carry in them.