if you must...

The past few years I've felt kind of silly asking for anything for Christmas. I'm 23 and I have more than I could ever dream of. But still, year after year, December rolls around and my grandmother turns into Mrs. Claus, my siblings complain that they don't know what to get the girl who has everything, and I'm pretty sure my mom is just looking for an excuse to shop (I'm on to you, woman) So here it is... a list, of sorts. I think shopping for me is pretty simple... If it's gold, a little luxurious, or in any way related to coffee or wine, you're set.

1. Starbucks mugs (Taylor gave me a pretty white mug with a dainty gold handle a few Christmases ago, and I'm thinking it't the perfect start to a lovely collection, no?)
2. a plush stole with the perfect pop of red
3. kate spade iPad sleeve, for the girl who "works from home" (and you can put a new iPad in there, while you're at it.)
 4. fair isle leggings, to mix it up from last year's pajama sets. I like the idea of pairing these with an equally eye-catching, cozy sweater for opening presents and drinking mimosas on Christmas morning.
5. Sugar's berry merriment set, for obvious reasons. 
6. this print would be perfect in a kitchen
7. fancy French tea, overpriced and moderately indulgent
8. this jeweled barrette, because it's glitzy enough to make black leggings and a broken-in, men's v-neck tee feel fabulous.
9. the best wine glasses. Confession: I'd rather drink mediocre wine out of a nice glass than a fabulous vintage out of a dixie cup. Maybe it's a little pretentious, but I think the glass truly makes the experience. These by Schott Zweisel are my abs fave, bar none.  They are break/chip/scratch-resistant, and shockingly lightweight considering how remarkably durable they are. 
10. kinfolk vol. 6, to read by the fire of course

Fuchsia

I wear a lot of earthy neutrals, but when I want to mix it up with bright colors I most often gravitate toward orangey shades of coral. As far as vibrant colors go, I typically prefer (and look better in) warm tones, which seem so much more appropriate in the summer. But lately, a cool fuchsia has caught my eye...

It all started last week when I spotted this Kate Spade bag at... wait for it... TJ MAXX. I couldn't justify purchasing it, but I haven't been able to get it off my mind since. It is such a chic alternative to a bulky briefcase or otherwise sensible carryall.

Dying over this Pim + Larkin top. The peter pan collar gives a soft touch to an otherwise bold blouse. 

And for a more casual look, you can never go wrong with gingham. 

This post from {a glamorous little side project} combined my current color of choice with my longstanding, perennial favorite, gold. I'd say it's a match made in heaven. (links to these adorable valentines can be found in the original post)


I must admit, I do this every season. Come autumn, I'm head over heels for shades of cranberry, burnt orange, and mustard. And Christmas? I'm all about punchy reds and loads of sparkle. What colors have you been eyeing lately? I'd love to hear!


[p.s. for more bright inspiration to get you through the winter blues, check out this pretty post from Eliza's blog!]

Guilt-free Friday!

Hi cats... Happy weekend! I'm off to Salisbury to do Christmas with the Thomas family and then tomorrow Taylor and I will head to Raleigh to ring in the New Year with family and friends. Confession: I've never been a big fan of NYE. I think it's because I tend to focus on the year ending rather than the one starting, and you know I'm overly sentimental. Similarly, it signifies the end of Christmas, which makes me want to just cry. But this year, in the company of all the best, it's going to be hard not to love it. I'll be back later with a toast, but just for you... 

Hey! It's ok... 

... To love traveling but hate packing 

... If your New Year's resolutions are self-serving... More wine, more fun, better wardrobe 

... Or if you have a longstanding resolution to not resolve anything 

...If you're still listening to Christmas music. And plan to continue doing so until March. 

[my new bebe will be perfect for the werkend's festivities! Kate Spade knows festive.]

Guilt-free Friday!

Happy Friday, little tomatoes! Any exciting weekend plans? Mine are still up in the air, but the prospects of sunshine and relaxation are promising. That's one thing I'm really going to miss about college... 4 day weekends every weekend. But then again, unemployment is like a perpetual weekend, so life after graduation might not be so bad after all. In the mean time,


Hey! It's ok...


... to whine a  little when you don't get your way. (Or wine a little when things are particularly upsetting)


... if the biggest decision you feel like making today is which earrings to wear (p.s. when in doubt, pearls.)


... if laying out in the sunshine has come to replace trips to the gym, all that matters is that you're sweating it out. (Just don't forget the SPF!)

[I simply adore this straw hat by kate spade (duh) and am willing to beg, borrow(permanently), or steal]

in review

After this, I promise not to talk about Valentine's Day for a very long time... but unfortunately I woke up feeling exhausted and uninspired so let's just discuss yesterday, shall we?

Ok, here goes.... Valentine's Day... according to Caitlin's iPhone (which I am in love with, btw)

 [8:30- woke up and picked up some greasy, southern fast food (gotta love eastern North Carolina) because they are notorious for their heart-shaped biscuits on V-day. Note: that biscuit in not a heart. To say I was disappointed would be a little bit of an understatement. Later I almost died on the treadmill, I guess my arteries have started clogging already.]

 [3:15- ran in T.J. Maxx to pick up resistance bands and out of the corner of my eye I spotted a plethora of Kate Spade wallets. Say whaaaa? Also, please note the iced grande nonfat mocha (it was that warm outside!) And as for the wallets, I chose the patent red one and picked up the metallic one for momma bear because she has the matching purse... Score!]

 [5:41- cute little text from my #1 Valentine... Dad!]

 [Taylor gave me a few options for dinner (in total third-grade-check-yes-or-no-style) but informed me that "cook to order" means I cook to his orders haha (I chose Riverboat Landing at 7) Jumbo lump crab linguine and watching the awkward and overly-affectionate couples around us made for an enjoyable evening.]

[9:15- sweat pants, one oreo milkshake, two spoons, and Roman Holiday (which was a Valentine's Day present) Unfortunately, I fell asleep within the first 10 minutes of the movie (not because it was boring, I cannot stay awake during movies for the life of me) My company couldn't complain too much because he was busy with lesson plans, and in reality it was probably easier for him to work without me chatting away]

All in all, a magnificent day. Managed to not take a single picture with my big girl camera. Photog fail. 

What did your Valentine's Day look like?

touches of Valentine's day

[Received this cute care package in the mail from my grandparents' church in Kentucky]

[It was filled to the brim with sweets and treats... lots of them homemade! Photo absolutely not staged...]

 [Annalees always remind me of my (other) grandma, and this adorable mouse was actually a gift from her!]

[Drinking coffee out of this cute Valentine mug which I may or may not use year-round...]

 [currently carrying this cheery, red purse]

[a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers in shades of pink adorns my bedside table]

How is Valentine's Day looking where you are?

twirl

I got an early Valentine this past weekend...

Twirl by Kate Spade. Doesn't it just look like the perfect little Valentine? (Confession: I haven't been able to part with the box yet! Ahh somebody sign me up for Hoarding: Buried Alive!) But seriously, I am loving it. I am not usually the type of girl who wears perfume every day, but I have been wearing this stuff nonstop since I opened it! Here's part of the description from Sephora.com:

Created to evoke a flirty feeling of "joie de vivre," Twirl by Kate Spade encapsulates the floral fragrance of a garden in bloom, finished with a twist of fresh fruit. 

Infused with a dash of happiness and embodying that final twirl a girl does before she heads out for the day, this fragrance's fruity top notes sparkle with pink watermelon, blackberry, and red currant. Heart notes of fresh flowers take the next dance, including orange blossom, jasmine, and magnolia. The fragrance dries down to a base of luminous musks and a touch of a French macaroon—straight from the patisserie, of course.

And of course I wouldn't be me if I didn't mention OPI at least twice a month. Lately I have been wearing this hue...

it is perfect for Valentine's Day and it earned the approval of one of the little boys I babysat yesterday morning. He put down the airplane he was playing with to grab my hand and say, "You have pretty nails."  Adorable. Question: at what age do boys learn that this behavior is unacceptable? And who is teaching them this nonsense?

she is...

It's not secret that I am a Kate Spade fan evangelist. From impeccable design to ingenious marketing strategies, Kate Spade has created more than just a brand, but a lifestyle. The adorable quotes included in each product are the perfect illustration of this. 

[be dazzled earrings]

[bubbly short necklace]

[nathalia]

[twirl karolina]

[storm king neda]

Every time I read one of these I think "SHE is ME!" (disclaimer: with the exception of the ones about dancing because, let's face it, I'm a terrible dancer.) 


Timeless, classic style, the highest quality materials, and the perfect touch of whimsical romanticism. What's not to love?


p.s. about the whole "evangelist" business... After relentlessly talking preaching about how wonderful Kate Spade is, I corrupted converted Jordan into a Kate fan too... read more here. :)


[All quote images via pretty stuff]