Happy Weekend!

photo via ffffound

This weekend will include burritos drenched in hot sauce, my first attempt at water skiing, too many servings of deep fried cheese curds, and eating cotton candy at the county fair while rooting for the cutest porker in the pig races.

Wish List: Nanette Lepore Helen of Troy Dress

I've always had a bit of a preoccupation with studded items - especially pyramid studs - but never thought the rocker chic vibe was really for me. Yesterday Candi at Candace Rose posted Tory Burch's new pyramid stud bags, which sent me on an e-browsing mission to find a studded item I could actually lust for - and would wear.

Here's the item topping my list:

Nanette Lepore, Helen of Troy Dress, $350

Now I'm just waiting for it to go on sale.

April, May

I just stumbled across the breezy, irreverent designs of April, May by Diane Goldstein Sitbon. I'd love to own any of these dresses from her Summer 2009 collection - especially the first one.

The Ones That Got Away

I've fixated on these Miu Miu pumps since their debut, but couldn't justify the price. As with all great romances, they still tug at my heartstrings even after all this time. I really must find a pair.

Inspiration Board

Photo by Unknown

I've certainly been MIA lately. I've been gallivanting across the Midwest, attending family weddings and enjoying cocktails in the summer breeze.

This weekend: scanning piles of magazine pages, strolling through the arboretum, trying a new shrimp recipe and drinking margaritas, rearranging my kitchen cabinets to find room for new plates and updating my personal budget.

Inspiration Board

Did you see this photo at The Sartorialist today? I'm smitten.

Photography by The Sartorialist.

Accessories seem to take a backseat in my wardrobe, but this photo reminds me of how important they are. I just love how the bold necklace and armful of bracelets transform this otherwise basic, unremarkable outfit into something inspirational. But what I find particularly compelling is that she communicates her personality and individuality through what she's wearing, which I think is hard with mass-marketed fashion.

So tell me, what are you favorite accessories? How do they transform your look? More importantly, how do they reflect your personal style?

Fall Wish List Item

Coach, Brandie Heel, $218

Please?

Yes, I'm now on an clothing and accessories shopping hiatus, but these are gorgeous. They're definitely up for consideration when I'm ready to shop for cool-weather garb.

Recent Purchase: Milly Floral Lattice Fiesta Dress

I can't believe I just pulled the trigger and finally bought the Milly floral lattice fiesta dress I've stalked for months. It was just marked down from $415 to $124.50 on Shopbop.

And now I'm officially banned for awhile so I can carefully edit my fall list.

In the Jungle

In Crocodile Dundee, the wardrobe for Linda Kozlowski's character consisted of easy khakis, linen and a breezy silk scarf to wrap around her hair. Since watching the movie recently, I've been toying with the safari trend - and if I can't fill up my Passport this summer, I may as well dress like a world traveler.

(pictured clockwise, starting with upper left)

Roberto Cavalli, Oversize Tunic, $494 (sale!)
Catherine Weitzman, Gold Coral Disc Pendant Necklace, $115
Anthropologie, Pyramid-of-Fire Chandelier Earrings, $38
Newport News, Wood-Framed Clutch, $25 (sale!)
Tory Burch, Striped Web Reversible Logo Belt, $225
Kenneth Jay Lane, Large Animal Print Bangle, $36
Jayson Home & Garden, Vintage Trunk, $695
BCBG Max Azria, Khaki Paisley Matte Jersey Halter Dress, $102 (sale!)
Catherine Weitzman, Gold Coral Reef Bangle, $170
Delia's, Jamie Shorts, $29.50

Home Sweet Home

I'm back from the family road trip to Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri.

Here's just one photo from the trip when we stopped in Springfield, Illinois to take part in Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday celebration.

Road Trip: Missouri

Photo via National Geographic

I'm off to Missouri for the next few days to see my brother graduate from basic training. In a few days I'll be back with a memory card full of photos and a conversation-starting souvenir.

Weekend Snapshot: Independence Day Fireworks

My better judgment fell to the wayside last night as I let my boyfriend convince me to bend the rules and sneak past the orange tape to watch the fireworks display much, much closer than the general public was advised. Despite my reluctance, I'm glad I did - it was a powerful experience. The fireworks appeared to be deceptively close (as if we could just reach out and pluck them from the sky) and the booms rumbled, shaking the ground beneath us.

Though, I admit that I watched most of the show through my view finder. Here's one of my favorites:

Independence Day Weekend

Photo via Veer.

Happy 4th of July!

This weekend includes:

• Sipping on iced coffee while compiling my fall fashion wish list
• Celebrating boyfriend's birthday and making a decadent cake from scratch
• Sparklers, fireworks, and the rocket's red glare
  
• Packing for next week's Missouri road trip
  

Underwater Fairytale

Photography by Elena Kalis.
See all of the Underwater Fairytale photos here.

American Girl

(pictured clockwise, starting with upper left)

KC Designs, Yellow Gold Diamond Triple Star Necklace, $613
Old Navy, Striped Crew Neck Sweater, $22.50 (sale!)
Jules Smith, Midnight at the Car Wash Silver Star Earrings, $198
Boden, Breton Bikini Top, $23 and Breton Bikini Bottom, $20 (sale!)
Kate Spade, Sag Harbor Navy Dinnerware, starting at $15
Kate Spade, Chatham Flat Tall Constantine Clutch, $184 (sale!)
Marc by Marc Jacobs, Mixed-Stripe Jersey Dress, $250
Blu Bijoux, Star Ring, $65
Ben Amun, Silver Cuff with Stars, $415
Marc by Marc Jacobs, R Special Percy, $172

Let Them Eat Cake

Few things scare me as much as a beloved china pattern suddenly being discontinued.

I had lusted for Kate Spade's Gwinnett Lane cake plate for almost a year before I learned Lenox filed for Chapter 11. That was more than enough motivation for me to place an order early this spring. Thinking it would arrive well before my May birthday, I eagerly pressed "submit order" to learn it was back ordered and would ship "on or before November 5, 2009." I sure hoped so. Thankfully it arrived late last week.

It's gorgeous.

I immediately calculated the cost of obtaining the full set: eight place settings, salt and pepper shakers, pitcher, creamer, sugar jar...everything. In short, it was more than I could possibly spend at once. I consoled myself believing I would have at least a few years to slowly build my collection.

Maybe not.

I browsed Bloomingdales.com tonight and found the Gwinnett Lane collection banished to the sale section at 50% off. My dreams of serving canapes artfully arranged on the two-tiered serving stand have been unceremoniously shattered.

However, I did settle on eight accent plates - and a price adjustment for the tardy cake plate.

Update: The Gwinnett Lane collection is still full price at Macy's. I sent an e-mail to Lenox to see what the status is on the pattern. The company has no plans to discontinue to it yet, but suggested contacting Kate Spade to determine the plans for the pattern.

Crisis averted. For now.