Top of My List...

At home in the desert this week-- sorry for the lack of posts but I am having too much fun playing hooky from life to do anything productive. I did not pack a hat for my trip, so the 105 degrees of blazing sun have me pining for a fedora, panama or wide-brimmed topper. Any kind will do, but here are a few of my favorites from the web:

Another topic that seems to come up this time of year-- any new and amazing sunscreen finds? The Cetaphil SPF 50 facial sunscreen that I used last year did not cause any breakouts, but it did leave my face shinier than acceptable standards of dewiness allow... in my book anyway. Which is a crazy read-- but I digress. If you know of any sunscreens that leave a matte finish, especially in a humid climate, I am all ears! (And face)!

"Two Tubes of Lipstick"

This post is actually not cosmetic product-related;  my sister's bf says my legs look like "two tubes of lipstick" when I wear these pink skinny jeans, but my inner Man Repeller has decided to run with it. Literally. I was practically running away from him and my sis for part of this impromptu photo session (and being a goof the rest of the time bc I can't stand having my photo taken. There would be many more outfit posts on this blog if I could!!) I forgot I had these photos, they were taken at Christmas time in AZ, but the outfit definitely supports my newly stated dedication to wearing color (as I posted here):

You can tell I am less-than-enthused about having my picture taken, but then the caffeine I am holding kicks in!

Don't make fun of my pants! I will run away from you and not share my delicious beverage! 

I have lots of photos of making this exact face as a kid, btw, I might be crazy from birth.

 Playing nice. Enjoy the sun glinting off my disheveled bun and massive fly-aways.

 The jeans are so soft and stretchy I bet wearing them is like what wearing Pajama Jeans and keeping 

your dignity would feel like if those two things could ever coexist in this universe.

Shopping for magazines for the flight home. To make the cut, it must be large enough issue to distract me for 

4+ hours and small enough that I don't get scoliosis from carrying it in my purse!

 JCrew shirt, thrifted belt (kids section, I believe), Urban Outfitters high-rise skinny jean (purchased my pink pair in Oct so that color is long gone, but the new mint color is awesome), GAP flats, Francesco Biasia bag (few years old, but a great plane carry-on)

 Embracing the bright pants yourself? Or do you try to avoid the "tubes-of-lipstick" effect? hehe

I Don't Know Why, But I Want It....Item of the Week

Like the title suggests, I don't know why I want it, but I do:
This J.Crew collection shibori tie-dye jacket and skirt are totally what I am into right now aesthetically-speaking. Somewhat reminiscent of the skirt I liked on Monday, yes? The pattern is graphic, but not colorful (because that would just give me a headache) and I love how it was styled in the lookbook (check it out here) and I would actually wear the look from head-to-toe instead of breaking it up. Well, it looks like I just need to find $550 in my couch cushions and I'll be set!

Is it too much? Am I crazy? Anything you are pining for this week?

Lavish Layers

I am taking a break from packing to browse the web and I have layers on the brain! I love layering and I think my affinity will come in handy very soon, (here is 80 degrees and sunny, there it is 60 and raining...aka-winter! hehe). I was looking for inspiration and realized that Jenna Lyons (JCrew Creative Director) is one of my layering icons: leopard-print, menswear and heels are just some of what she blends together to create unique looks (some of the actually look like they might be effective in keeping her warm, too).... and anyone who loves sequins-for-day is my hero ;)






Remember Domino?! I wish I had kept all my copies, but I would probably pass out if I re-read this JLyons spread ;)

Images via the web (same photos on many websites, so the original sources = ?)

Any favorite tips for layering that is functional and flattering? Who/what is inspiring you as the seasons change?

One Pou-Shay, Please!

I stumbled across this beauty on JCrew.com and have been thinking about it all day! This Chiffon Pouchette can be worn as a crossbody and a clutch and I love the light texture of the bag and the chain strap. It comes in two colors as well:

How cool would the neutral color look with an all-black outfit? Especially something really minimalist and/or tough:And don't get me started on this bright, watermelon color! This would be the perfect accessory for daytime outfits of jeans (the "new" flare jeans, anyone?!) and flats as well as nighttime party dresses!

Something about the light and fluffy chiffon and the bright colors make me feel like spring really is just around the corner! Is there an item you have fixated on as your piece de resistance for spring?

Are You Done Yet?

If you have waited until the last minute to start your Christmas shopping or if you are done with your Christmas shopping and now get to reward yourself, get thee to your nearest JCrew! They are extending their additional 30% off sale items until tomorrow, but the deal is only in stores, so get your coat on, feed the cat later, and get a move on! I am sure it will be slim pickin's at this time, but if I find anything that I have been oggling online, I will be estatic! And I will be saving Santa the effort of finding me a great gift, right?

I envision this tulip skirt with opaque tights....


Fun bling please, Santa!


Just in case a cocktail party comes up... Or maybe a NYEve dress?


"You love your grandma pants," a coworker tells me. Well, touche! I love a slouchy trouser!

Can't get enough of the school-marm-ish charm of these booties!

I hope everything is decorated, baked, bought, and wrapped in your neck of the woods so that you get to relax. (Or my version of fun: shopping for myself!) Any great finds?

My J.Crew Wishlist

Every time I get my J.Crew catalog in the mail, I am reminded of why I need to win the lottery... Fall is the worst: all the deliciously soft-yet-paper-thin cardis, the sequins and the precise way they layer pieces that looks effortless makes me "die" (to quote a tiny, infamous gal). I want pretty much everything they make, but my favorites range from super versatile to super decadent:

Chambray Tuxedo-Pleat Shirt

There is a reason I adopted the moniker of The Chambray Countess-- I love that the soft, casual fabric can be paired with anything from basic leggings to luxe fabrics (like the sequin skirt in the picture). This is a lighter chambray than I normally go for (I like it darker or with gray undertones) but the pleats and bow-tie made me smile.

Trouper Pant

I love a good skinny pant that can go from day-to-night. This would be great with flats and a striped boatneck tee, heels with a sequined top or even boots and drapey sweater.

Lace Tee

I love this top. It is a versatile day to night piece that could easily be worn with skinnies or tucked into a high-waisted skirt. I think it would also look really cute layered over a slim-fitting turtleneck or other long-sleeved tee.

Sequin Harem Pant

These pants are not remotely practical. Having said that, I still want them, but the $650 price tag will keep them safely out of reach. Remember the fun you had playing dress-up as a kid? I think putting these on for a holiday party would help you relive that excitement...or you could just look super fabulous at the grocery store, your choice ;)

Does anyone else love the color stories and quirky-yet-classically preppy combos that are oh so J.Crew? Is there another catalog that sends you into daydreams of closet overhauls!

Happy Monday!

Holy Hiatus!

It has been WAY too long since my last post, but life has been crazy with work and "wedding season" as I call it. I am back at home now and ignoring the mountain of laundry (it will be there tomorrow, don't worry) with a stack of Sept issues. I am revisiting some of my favorites (Harper's Bazaar was full of stuff I swear I need!) and getting into that fall frame of mind. BUT, it is still 100+ degrees here, so I will have to wait to bust out my boots and scarves for a bit longer. There are a few things that make the warm weather more enjoyable, like this pin from JCrew. This is my favorite color (it will go with my aqua and chartreuse cardis perfectly) but there are others and -delighted gasp!- they are on sale right now.... time to go shopping, more posts soon!

Favorite New Thing!

My favorite new item of the week is the Erica dress from J.Crew-- I love the new "vintage Poppy" print!
This could easily go to work or to a wedding and with heels just as well as the flat sandals pictured. I like the brown belt pictured to make it more casual- try layering a cardigan over the dress before belting when the weather cools down. As always with J.Crew items, the pattern is bright and cheeky without being garish and will be a classic, rather than trend, item in your wardrobe.

Wear Thongs in Public!

...on your feet! (I crack myself up!) I live in a HOT climate, as I have mentioned in an earlier post, and dressing sparingly while maintaining a fashionable appearance is an art. I have taken to wearing flip flops when I am not a work, but I don't want to ruin a great outfit with grungy sandals, (chunky foam=eww). In addition, I am a tall gal, so I like flat sandals for day, but want to capture the more elegant vibe of a heeled sandal. Lots of criteria!, but being picky paid off and I found some fun options to share:

J.Crew leather Capri sandal, $39.50

The go-to sandal. Super thin and basic, this style is not a scene-stealer, but it goes as well with linen shorts as with a floral dress. (And they are on sale right now- yea!)


Vera Wang Lavender Label Nita Sandal, $195 ($136.50 at shopbop)

This is the next generation of the gladiator sandal. Instead of being weighty and chunky, this lil' number balances a sturdy heel with finely sculpted front straps, giving it substance derived from architecture rather than sheer mass. This pair would be great for an adult day-to-night option.


Diane von Furstenberg Jaya sandal, $79

Jelly sandals! These appeal to the grown-up in me, ("greige" color I love in a totally wearable design), as well as the kid in me, (I repeat- jelly sandals!) Also, Zappos has more color options, but they are on sale online at Nordstrom.

Any favorite summer sandals you've spotted? A shoe trend you are dying to try?