Zara Lookbook

Current items on my ZARA wishlist. I always just want to bop into the Wisconsin Avenue location when I'm driving home from work.

I've been craving leopard.

Camel is always classic.

This just looks warm and fuzzy.

Continuing the adoration of skinny pants.

Christmas List

Already scheeming for Christmas. Per usual, my wish list is full of outrageous and silly things. I never ask for anything normal...

Beluga Whale

Baby Elephant * Must stay baby forever

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Blenheim. Named Napoleon.

Mink Fur Coat (Most reasonable request) Jane at Sea of Shoes has lovely taste if i do say so myself.

Penguin. *Also, must stay a baby forever

Mark Shaw Photography

I fashion photography, particularly from the late 50s, and early 60s. Richard Avedon and Henri Clarke are two favorites. I've recently discovered some lovely Mark Shaw pictures taken in Paris in the late 50s. The clothes are divine, as are the interiors (naturally). Not only did Mark Shaw photograph famous models and socialites, he is also responsible for many of the famous shots from Camelot (JFK and JBK).

All images via Mark Shaw Photographic Archive

Fall in Glover Park

Took these today after work... enjoying the last few days of fall leaves before winter comes up us, again...

Tuxedo Details

Classic Camelot. JFK and JBK on Inauguration Day. JFK looks so handsome in his tux. For me, a man in a tuxedo is a deal sealer! Nothing is more polished and refined. After all, I did go to a college where the men wear white dinner jackets and and the girls wear white dresses and carry red roses for graduation! (A very important and time honored tradition at The College of Charleston!) While our everyday lives may not require tuxedos, there are still many many options to tie in the tux look with workwear and accessories. J. Crew does a great job of tying in little tuxedo details in their shirts and dresses. Almost every week I find myself wearing a top that has mini pleats or ruffles a la tux. I also own 2 white J. Crew tux shirts that I think add an extra something beyond the everyday white oxford.

Gold Knot Earrings (Like the silk knots of french cuff tux shirts!)

Diane Von Furstenburg Tuxedo Dress

J. Crew Women's Tuxedo Shirt

J. Crew Women's Tuxedo Tuck Top

The Lost Art of Letter Writing

I love letters. I love cards. I love stationary.

As much as I do appreciate 20/21st century innovation (couldn't live without my Mac or Blackberry!) I truly do enjoy writing letters as well as receiving handwritten cards and letters in the mail. I also enjoy buying stamps. I'm very saddened by the fact that this once commonplace practice has now been replaced by email and ecards/evites. I've been building my stationary "wardrobe" since I was in grade school starting with Hello Kitty Stationary. My taste might have changed over the years, but I still dream of one day having an entire chest filled with my favorite stationary! Below, a few of my favorites.

Always Classic via Crane & Co

From Dabney Lee at Home

From iomoi

Francophile: Part Un

After watching Gossip Girl last night it reminded me of my looooove for Macarons. I've made macaroons with mother before and they turned out quite nice, and I've also purchased some from a Patisserie in DC as well.... I'm still dying to try the originally (and probably the best) Macarons from Laduree. A trip to Laduree will be a must must must when I finally take my trip to Paris!!

*Also, do note, the Macarons I speak of are the delightfully light and airy confections composed of Almond Flour... not coconut Macaroons. There is a large difference!*

How fun would a Macaron tower be for a wedding?! (or birthday!)

Salted Carmel... Raspberry...Pistachio... yes, yes, yes!

Pumpkin Pickers

A few weeks ago I ventured out to Butler's orchard to go Pumpkin Picking. Butler's is a huge orchard outside of DC in what I refer to as "the middle of nowhere" also known as Germantown, Maryland. It was a gorgeous fall day, and despite the fact that I had been up since 6:30 am (work early on a saturday!) I actually did have a good time. We had to take a hayride out to the pumpkin patch (keep in mind hay/the outdoors = not my thing) and then we ventured along looking for the perfect pumpkin. I had trouble settling on one, being a bit indecisive but I settled on a small one that fits nicely into the (small!) apartment. Edward was rather decisive and quickly found one that appealed to him. It was a nice break from the city to get out into the country and see some trees and rolling hills! I think I'd go again, it really put me into a festive mood!

Sarah and I with our pumpkins (note the ridiculous footwear... I almost wore ballet Flats until Edward politely reminded me that we were trekking out into the "woods". Hence, Tory Burch Duck Shoes!)

Boys being boys

When Tuesday Feels like Monday

Another day of eating flavorless food ... tasteless Sandwich today, tasteless salad tomorrow! I really need to work on the whole not waking up 30 minutes before I need to leave for work thing so that I can pack a proper lunch (read: proper lunch does not include the random assortment of junk in my kitchen, ex: a luna bar and chips do NOT a lunch make!)

I'll have to think about that tomorrow...

The Holy City

I spent a most wonderful weekend with old friends in my most favorite city in the world (sorry DC). Obviously I was in Charleston!

I got to eat at a few of my favorite spots including:

• Jimmy Johns (not exactly gourmet, but a college favorite, and exactly what I wanted when I arrived in CHS at 930 at night!)
• 5 Loaves (cant.get.enough.)
• East Bay Deli (Honey Turkey Croissant, please please please!)
• Chais (Shrimp and Grits!)
• Marina Variety Store (more grits, and biscuits with a lovely harbor view)

While its quite well known how much I do love the food in Charleston, mostly importantly, I love my dear dear friends SAT and KBV who I got to spend the weekend with! (Thanks girls! Now its your turn to take a trip up to the barren, cold north!)

How was everyone's halloween? Mine was filled with eating candy corn and prosecco in addition to constantly explaining my costume! (no, i was not Risky Business nor was I the walk of shame!) I was Holly Golightly!

Porter's Lodge at C of C
South Battery

*Photos from my archive of my much loved college era, which I peruse often to remind me of my former life which I miss so much!*