Mission-Driven

Last night I found myself feeling deeply saddened by the scandal going on with Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Planned Parenthood. A brief synopsis, in case you're unfamiliar: Last week Komen announced that they would no longer provide grants for Planned Parenthood's breast cancer screening program. Public outrage ensued, and several days later Komen reversed the decision. The argument was deeply polarized and politicized. Pro-choice supporters of Komen jumped ship quickly, offering contributions to Planned Parenthood totaling $3 million in just four days. Pro-lifers felt they had been duped by Komen, who made a quick change in the face of opposition. Planned Parenthood was quick to cast blame, pointing fingers at conservatives for "bullying" Komen into the initial decision. This morning, Komen's Vice President of Public Policy, Karen Handel, resigned.  

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!

Hello hello and a happy weekend to you! The temperatures are supposed to drop just a bit, so I'm hoping to spend some time cuddled up by the fire this weekend. I'm looking forward to watching the Super Bowl (commercials) and eating spicy chili. I hope your weekend is delightfully cozy, too! Until Monday...


Hey! It's ok...


... to start shopping for bikinis in February. Or to banish the harrowing thought from your mind until mid-March.


... to wish Taylor Swift was doing the halftime show instead of Madonna [yep, I said it. sue me.]


...if you're still rooting for Tebow. [and if you just might have a giant crush on him... but seriously, who doesn't?!?]

Bordeaux

It seems I'm always on the hunt for the most perfect shade of red nail polish. Last February, I was head over heels for OPI's A Oui Bit of Red... très magnifique. 

And then in September I stumbled upon The Thirll of Brazil, also by OPI, and it is quite lovely indeed. 

[Thrill is not quite as pink as Oui]

Lately though, I've been a big fan Essie's Bordeaux. I think it is just prefect for Valentine's Day... deep and true, just like red- and love- should be. 

[note: it looks significantly darker in the bottle. the website calls it a deep red wine, and on my toes it definitely looks more red than wine. But while we're on the subject, do you mind pouring me a glass? Kidding, duh it's 9am... Make it a mimosa! ]

Do you have a signature shade of polish? Do you prefer pink over red?

February, February...

Happy February, my loves! You know what February first means here in SoliloquyLand... the official Valentine's kickoff! 


I'll let you in on a little secret (that's really no secret at all) I have always loved Valentine's Day. Want to know why? Valentine's Day is really just "Christmas's  leftovers." It's as if someone boxed up the extra love from Christmas, stowed it away, and we get to reheat it and enjoy on a random icy day in February. Typically I'm not the biggest fan of leftovers, but one of the greatest joys of college was having a stash of my mom's spaghetti sauce saved in my freezer. It was made with love and each bite brought comfort, nourishment, and joy. I know not everyone is a fan of Valentine's Day, but if you tap into that abundance of love and joy you stored up at Christmas, it's hard not to enjoy.


I'm so looking forward to sharing lots of love-ly things with you over these next 2 weeks (in addition to the regular chatter, of course.) Xo

[1,2,3,4,5]

Ring Leader

The amount of time I spent looking at vintage rings* this weekend is borderline embarrassing. I say borderline because my behavior is on the verge of obsessive, but considering how pretty these little baubles are, I think it is totally excusable. 

Vintage Rose Cut Diamond Ring

Vintage Citrine Ring

Vintage Lapis Ring (isn't this one ba-na-nas?)

Vintage Persian Turquoise and Diamond Platinum Ring

*Rings meaning cocktail rings. Doyle & Doyle has a large selection of engagement rings/wedding bands... one that I certainly avoided. I'm pretty old fashioned when it comes to this. When I was in college, I had friends who would spend hours on the Tacori website selecting their "dream rings" and in no uncertain terms relaying the message to their boyfriends! It was (and still is) a totally foreign concept to me. Isn't that's the boy's job?!?

Guilt-free Friday!

Happy rainy Friday, friends! It is a very special Friday, because today my little brother turns 21! He is headed home for the night to celebrate with the family and I couldn't be happier. Here's hoping you've got something fun to celebrate this weekend. Until next time, cheers and the warmest of wishes. 


Hey, it's ok...


... if you haven't purchased your 2012 planner/calendar yet


... if your best ideas come to you in the shower, and since you have no way of writing them down, they promptly get washed down the drain.


... to have more pride for your parents' alma mater than your own

[momma and I will be wearing our matching sweatshirts on game day tomorrow! go big blue!]