saving up {skulls}

I'm dying to get my hands on this bag!  I'm the type of gal who has a handful of neutral bags (ie. whiskey leather - hello, they go with everything) and being that I haven't bought a handbag in quite some time (I promise this is a true statement - 2 years to be exact) then I believe it is my duty to give this immaculate creation a home - my home.

*Rebecca Minkoff bag

hue hoo {burgundy}

I have to admit that I haven't even paid one bit of attention to all of the burgundy coming out for the fall collections until I tried on a burgundy cloche this weekend!  The color is to die for!  It is going to be the best neutral of the fall and I can't wait to fill my closet with this rich color (and you won't be able to see red wine stains ... HA!)

1. Topshop sequin tee, $80
2. Patricia Nash handbag, $198
3. Diane von Furstenberg cloche,$205
4. Dorothy Perkins ruffle dress, $50
5. Nally and Milly dolman sleeve top, $68
6. Topshop Skinny pants, $76
7. Topshop loafers, $100

monday {muse}

J Crew Teddie dress, $198

BCBGeneration slip on shoes, $89
Forever21 braided necklace, $9
Reflect, Ann Long Fine Art

cov8t {fall}

1. Born shoes Dot, $105

2. J Crew cardigan, $90

3. Modcloth crumpets and cream dress, $65

4. Diane von Furstenberg tote handbag, $140
5. Forever21 double buckle belt, $9.80
6. Forever21 rhinestone necklace, $11
7. Steve Madden Krisss, $80
8. Tiffany Locks vintage lock, $175

HELLO {MISSONI}

Here are some of the designs from the upcoming collection and collaboration of the design powerhouse Missoni with the beloved Target.  There are 400 pieces in the collection including clothing for the whole fam, home goods, and even a fashionable bicycle.  I can't wait to get my hands on all of it!  What is your favorite piece?

*images from here

highs & {lows}

This past week has been a testament of life for me.  I have gone from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows  of emotions within just a few days.  The joy of Thomas and his amazing survival makes me rejoice and celebrate life while the untimely death of two friends makes me cringe at the thought of how cruel life can be.  News came Saturday evening that two of our dear friends, who were both Navy Seals, had been killed in Afghanistan while on a recovery mission.  Their death makes everything else seem so trivial and our house is filled with a sadness that is indescribable.  They were brave and selfless and we owe our freedom to men like Rob and Jonas.  I know that at times like these our faith has to be strong and I am trying desperately to move on but only time can heal and I know that process will be long.  I am truly thankful for all our friends and family and the support system we are surrounded with.

Thank you

the sound of a miracle {Thomas}

 

The most beautiful sound in the world is a sound I thought I may never hear - Thomas.  You can never tell me that he is not a true miracle laughing in your face with a joy and zest for life that I have never seen before.  Words can't describe the love I have for this amazing little boy.  His smile makes life worth living and one look from those eyes makes my heart melt.  He is absolutely perfect in every way imaginable.  We did a lot when my mother, sister, and Thomas were here - you see, he is the only 2 1/2 year old that doesn't take naps and gets his second wind around 8 at night.  There was a trip to the beach, dinners at fun restaurants, a little shopping, and of course eating some doughnuts.

{savoring the doughnut}

{letting Linus lick the doughnut from his hand}

{studying Uncle Carlton's footwear}

I love you so much Thomas ... more than you will ever know ... and more than I could have ever imagined!

Here is a link the website that my brother-in-law started that chronicles Thomas' first two years of life - it describes all he went through to be here with us and shows us what a strong little man he is.

*Don't worry ... I will post many more pictures of my little miracle.

mustard & ketchup

Mulberry three quarter sleeve shirt, $460
Notify vintage style jeans, $275
ALDO suede pumps, $110
Anya Hindmarch stackable tote, $180
The Yellow Dress, Henri Matisse

the perfect boot{s}

This is it!  I have found my new perfect boot{s} for fall.  Together these boots cover every situation I can see myself getting into this fall - casual, comfy, classy, date night, work, you name it and one of these boots can go there.  I can't wait to add one of these puppies {eventually both - don't tell my husband} to my fall arsenal.

Aldo Ackah boots, $180 

Aldo Kalfa boots, $180

shhhh {fall layering}

I know, I know, I know, you're screaming at the screen right now telling me that it is too hot to be thinking about fall already but I just can't help it.  Every time my birthday rolls around, even though it is always still 100 degrees outside, I can't help but savor all of the new fall clothing that begins appearing in the magazines and trickling onto store shelves - you know I speak the truth.

Jack BB Dakota double breasted dress, $56
J Crew poncho top, $198
J Crew velvet jacket, $168
Nine West loafer heels, $109
Good Stories, Christopher Stott