Remember September 11

A few interesting news sources I've been reading lately on stories from September 11th and how much our world has changed since then.

NY Times

Washington Post

I'm alive

So last week was interesting. Tuesday we had an 5.8 magnitude earthquake that caused almost every office in DC (including mine) to evacuate and an "early dismissal" from work. We celebrated surviving by drinking beer on the roof followed by half price wine night at Town Hall. Needless to say, Wednesday was full of what some can call an "earthquake hangover". But not to let one natural disaster take all the excitement we ALSO had a hurricane Saturday!

Needless to say... Earthquakes are scary (really... I can now permanently scratch California off my potential places to live) and Hurricane Irene was not anything more than a big rainstorm with some wind that knocked down trees. I am lucky, I was able to park Bonnie Blue is a garage and avoid a potential date with the insurance adjuster, and also I never lost power. I heard some of Glover Park is still without power! (sorry yall, but don't fret, its tuesday, so come to HPWN at Town Hall) !

Ladurée NYC!!!

From the Ladurée facebook page....

" Ladurée is pleased to inform you of the upcoming opening of its first store in New York on Madison Avenue, 864.

Ladurée brings to New York its highly popular Macarons, displayed in the most beautiful gift boxes, along with its collection of chocolates, ice cream macarons, candies, teas, perfumed candles and fragrances. All which are delicacies that are perfect as a gift or to self-indulge in, every care is given to Ladurée's packaging to reflect perfectly on the brand and make every item that comes out of the house a perfect gift. We firmly believe that a weakness for sweets is a noble approach to everyday living."

I cannot wait!!! So much easier than booking that flight to Paris. I'm adding this to our September trip itinerary immediately!

NYC Adventures

Last weekend I went to visit two of my college friends who now reside in New York City. After a verrrrry long journey from DC via the DC2NY bus which included both a lack of air conditioning, a flat tire, and an additional bus (8+ hour trip which should have taken around 4.5)... I arrived in Manhattan!

We had a great time and ate at some delicious restaurants. I highly recommend Blue Smoke (BBQ and Southern fixins) Pipa (tapas style) and Frank (the cheapest, most delicious brunch ever). Of course, a trip to Greenwich village to nab some Magnolia's was necessary!

Waiting in line for the much beloved cupcakes on Bleeker Street.

Perry Street, Carrie Bradshaw's residence!

The great chandeliers at Pipa!

The restaurant was all lit by candlelight... so elegant!

and lastly, the entrance to my favorite bake shop!

Isn't it so sweet and charming? I think so.

I so much fun visiting NYC and am really looking forward to visiting again over Labor Day weekend with Mother. I know we will have a blast just wandering the city. (and maybe popping into ABC home to lust over the amazing decor!)

A deal indeed

For quite some time I have been on the hunt for the perfect reading chair. I struck gold on wednesday night at Home Goods. $150 dollars, marked down from $400. Don't mind if I do! I will say that I was very lucky to have a sweet friend to help who had an SUV and was willing to drive out to Tyson's Corner to pick my chair up since, le sigh, new reading chair would not fit Bonnie Blue. Worst case, Home Goods could have delivered my chair for $125 dollars (yes....)

I intend on spend a lot of time in this chair reading One Day before it comes out in theaters.

Transport Me here, Please

I want everything in this photograph. The room, the chandelier, the dress, the curtains... ahhhhhh.

I'm very happy its thursday and am looking forward to a quiet weekend spent reading books in a new chair I purchased yesterday. Simple pleasures.

I Adore: Milly

One of my absolutely favorite designers in the world is Michelle Smith, who creates the Milly line. I remember when I got my first Milly dress in 2006 to wear to The Carolina Cup. My mother picked it out at Saks and suggested I try it on, as the fabric reminded her of a dress she had a child. It was a pretty big floral print with a sweetheart neckline that dipped in the front and nipped in at the waist. Very classic, very Milly. The dress is 6 years old and still is perfect for any spring event. Over the years I've slowly added to my collection and consider every dress I own to be a treasure that I always enjoy wearing. Below I've found some of my favorite Milly looks from the New York Magazine's archives.

I love the beading around the neckline!

Spring 2009

LOVE this green floral print.

Spring 2007

I own this dress in a pinky orange and brown combo.

It has a bow on the top of the neckline in the back!

Its perfect for a night out, and even office appropriate with a cardigan and flats.

Spring 2007

Another beautiful fabric in an always timeless cut!

Another favorite, I wore this dress to Carolina Cup in 2007.

The back has a beautiful cutout design.

Spring 2006