Fathers Day Gift Ideas

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It’s Father’s Day this weekend, 5 days left to snag something for Dad.  We have been so crazed with end of the school year activities, I have yet to take my girls out to find something special for Daddy.  If you are like me and you are in the market for a last minute gift, here are some ideas:

I love this monogrammed tie case from Mark & Graham.  The the case itself is sleek and distinguished with the subtle monogram placement, it’s a fantastic gift choice.

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My husband LOVES hot sauce.  The Collection from Senor Lechuga, would be a great gift for any dad who likes it hot.  This small batch hot sauce, handmade with the best ingredients in Brooklyn, NY, promises to knock his socks off without losing the delicious flavor.

 

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These light weight polarized sunglasses by Goodr are great looking and made for the active guys, specifically runners.  And for under $50, they are a steal!!

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Every guy needs a catchall, this camo leather version also from Mark & Graham would make a great Father’s day gift.

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Talk about doing the work for you.  This Tie-bar + Mark & Graham gift set is so sharp and comes in a bunch of color stories.  I am loving the red and blue, the set goes perfectly together without being matchy matchy.

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The perfect tee!  I love to buy my husband staples, he would wear the same t-shirt for the rest of his life if it were up to him.  Everlane has an awesome selection of clothing essentials.   This tee comes in 18 different colors and is only $18, get a bunch for dad for a gift he’ll definitely use.

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My hubby loves Jack Black products, although he rarely splurges on them.  A standard stocking stuffer in our house, this Jack Black grooming kit would make a great Father’s Day gift. dc39ba55706eff8cdbb400b5dc2edf29

All the guys I know love lawn games, get him these unfinished cornhole boards and let him pick a cool decal to personalize them.  Corn-hole board’s decals

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Good luck shopping.

xo

D

 

The Rainbow Connection

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“Why are there so many songs about rainbows…and what’s on the other side?”

I think it’s because they represent something magical, they give us hope and conjure the most positive of vibes, something we are all grasping for in the current climate of our world.  I have a particularly personal affinity for rainbows, they have appeared, spectacularly, in the sky, when I needed them most.

There is a clear scientific explanation for rainbows, yet they seem mystical, not to mention, they are beautiful.  In fashion, they represent a time when things were less complicated, that revolved around peace, love and inclusion.  Rainbows are everywhere right now, I am taking it as a moment of optimism in an otherwise jaded culture.

Here are some rainbow pieces I am loving this season

Tops

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  1. This OTS bodysuit is back in stock on Revolve.com after being sold out for a little while, hurry if you want to snag one, my guess is it will sell out again
Bebel Bodysuit
BEBEL BODYSUIT TM RIO DE JANEIRO

2. I love “sets” and this one from “Lover’s and Friends” is no exception.  Makes me think:  “Must work on abs.”

BELIEVE SWEATER
BELIEVE SWEATER LOVERS + FRIENDS

3. This sprinkle dot rainbow print blouse is so pretty and playful, perfect for adding color to your work attire.

Topshop Blouse
Sprinkle Spot Print Blouson Blouse

4. Last in “tops” and certainly not lease is this Caroline Constas OTS blouse, with rainbow stripes…LOVE!

Caroline Constas Top
Caroline Constas Lou Crop Top

Bottoms

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  1. Ok, so I am a sucker for cute sweatpants with high pricetags…it’s sort of a problem.  I love these by Lauren Moshi!
Lauren Moshi Peace Pants
KIZZY CLASSIC SWEATPANT Lauren Moshi

2. Spiritual Ganster brand is described as Yoga inspired clothing, swimwear & apparel for high vibration living.  These rainbow sweatpants are giving me good vibrations.

Spiritual Gangster Rainbow Sweats
Spiritual Gangster x Madeleine Thompson Rainbow Sweatpants

3. Le Fave and a recent purchase, the Chaser pastel screen print rainbow sweat-pants are delish!

Chaser Rainbow Sweatpant
RAINBOW STRIPE SWEATPANT Chaser

Swimwear

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  1. I love love this Beach Riot for xRevolve suit, not sure how much coverage it would provide the heinie?

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2.  Also from Beach Riot, I love this subtle tone, one-shoulder rainbow suit!

Beach Riot One Shoulder
Beach Riot Jen Swimsuit

3.  I feel like I owned this suit when I was in my 20s, Jcrew’s seersucker rainbow bikini is making me nostalgic and in my shopping cart!

Jcrew Seersucker Bikini
Jcrew Rainbow Seersucker Bikini

Kicks

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  1. The Alice and Olivia brand is “all in” on the rainbow trend for SS’18.  These shoes are cute look very comfortable to boot.
Alice and Olivia Block heeled Shoe
Lori Heel, Alice and Olivia

2.  YES, PLEASE!!!  I am drooling over these amazing Loubitons

Christian Louboutin Rainbow heels
Christian Louboutin Nasseba Ankle-Strap Rainbow Pump

3.  For the kiddos, however, I would definitely wear these!!!  Jcrew has these adorable Girls’ glitter embellished rainbow slip-on sneakers!!

Jcrew Rainbow Slip-ons
Jcrew Rainbow Slip-ons

Dressy

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  1.  Can be worn as a coverup or a dress, this airy, playful 9seed cover-up mini was made for beachy breezes and sunny days.
9seed Rainbow Coverup dress
9seed St. Tropez Ruffle Mini Cover Up

2.  This eye catching, OTS, rainbow striped dress is whimsical and summer ready.

Asos Bardot Dress
Boohoo Bardot Rainbow Stripe Dress

3.  This adorable metallic rainbow striped dress from Crewcuts, is beyond cute for the littles!   An adorable dress that’s perfect for parties (and the playground), in shimmery rainbow colored stripes.

Jcrew - Crewcuts OTS Dress
Girls’ off-the-shoulder tiered-ruffle dress in rainbow stripe

Accessories

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Mini Memorial Day Selects: Day 2

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Memorial Day kicks off summer and is the first of the 3 big patriotic holidays of summer,  we are super excited.   Our sweet little town, with a main street that looks like something out of a Norman Rockwell painting, holds an awesome Memorial Day parade.    Unfortunately, for the past couple of years mother nature has not cooperated and the parade has been cancelled, making the focus of the holiday more about ushering in summer than commemorating our veterans.   Especially for the kids who need the visual cues of the vintage army vehicles to understand the true gravity of the day.  It’s important to me that my girls understand why we wear red, white and blue; that there are people who have fought and are fighting for our country and we are honoring them, not just scarfing down delicious hot dogs and hamburgers poolside;)

On a less serious note and getting back to my week long Memorial Day Selects, as promised.  Today I am sharing my Mini selects with you.   I have three little girls, therefore my “Mini posts” automatically skew “girly”, however, there are few things cuter than a well dressed little boy, looking ever so pumped about what the celebration has to offer.  I will try to incorporate “boy looks” where I can in my Mini posts.  Patriotic pieces are not difficult to find right now, most online shopping destinations have a curated sections of red, white and blue pieces, here are some of my faves:

Rompers and jumpsuits

Janie and Jack almost never disappoints, although I’d much prefer to buy their clothes on sale than full price.  When ever I scroll through their collections, I almost always say to myself “I wish this came in my size”.  Clearly I am not alone in that sentiment as the brand launched a “Mommy and Me” collection last spring.  Ok, on to my selects:  1. The vibrant hue and gingham bows of this ponte romper from J&J make it a stand out!    2. My girls are super active so this soft knit, roll sleeved, striped romper would be perfect with navy sneaks. 3.   This J&J windowpane romper with a single shoulder bow is tres chic and is one of those I wish they made it in my size.  4.  How cute is this striped jumpsuit for the littler minis, seen here on Amber Venz’s, of LiketoKnow.it, daughter Birdie.    5. MiniBoden how I love thee,  this strappy frill romper screams summer and 6. I’m gaga for this denim, star print Jumpsuit.

Tops and Shorts

This oh so French, striped, ruffled top again from J&J (do you notice a theme yet;)) with white denim cut-offs and red Zara bow sneaks would be such playful and chic outfit.   I’d pair this J&J tiered, peplum top with any one of the four pairs of shorts pictured below.  Actually, come to think of it, you could put your cutie in any one of these three tops with any one of these four shorts and they would look darling.  For your reference: (clockwise from left) 1. J&J Striped Ruffle top 2. Crewcuts white jean shorts 3. J&J royal shorts with crochet embellished pockets 4. J&J navy twill shorts with button front pockets 5. J&J red scalloped twill shorts 5. Crewcuts slightly retro royal smocked top 6. J&J All American striped tiered top

Kicks

There are so many good shoe options for the Mini’s to add to their Memorial day attire.   I selected a few that I love:  1. My girls would die for these scalloped edge red wedges from the Gap, they love anything with the slightest heel  2. Simple H&M Red sandals with floral appliqué 3. Adorable Navy with white polka dot H&M elastic lace slip on sneaks 4. My fave, Red espadrilles with adjustable laces from Zara 6. for the boys (or girls) Navy Adidas collegiate sneakers 7. Red New Balance 24/7 sneakers

Pool Pieces

I am slightly obsessed with navy and white striped anything, a touch nautical and a touch French.   Which is why more than half of the next group of selects are navy and white striped prints.  There are loads of read white and blue options in the swim wear category.  I have to admit my favorite of this section is the Boys star swim trunks, I think it’s the background color that has me swooning.  From left to right and around clockwise 1. I love a cute flouncy one shoulder suit, this one from Crewcuts Factory is adorable 2. H&M hits the mark with this equally cute navy and white striped one piece, not to mention you can’t beat H&M’s prices 3. Cat and Jack’s rash guard – one piece combo with a peplum skirt, adorbs 4. this red and navy rash guard for the Mr. minis, is simple and classic 5. Here is another J&J winner 6. My favorite the J&J Star Swim trunks 7. J&J Gingham and eyelet one piece suit.

Boy oh Boy

Let’s hear it for the boys.  I try not to lament the fact that I don’t have a little dude to dress everyday.  My husband would say that he bares the burden of that missing piece in our puzzle, as I offer my opinion on his outfit choices more often than he would like;)  If I did have a Mr mini, I would have pulled the trigger on these pieces for the weekend.

1. I’m loving the tone red in this Short-sleeved shirt in cotton pique with a ribbed collar from H&M 2. nostalgic and cute this top gun graphic tee is rad 3. J&J has so many cute button down options for boys, I am loving this perfectly patriotic rolled cuff version  4. Jcrew Factory Boys’ Gramercy short in sunwashed oxford blue, pair of chambray shorts is a must for little boys and would go with all three of the tops,  5. these cotton-linen combo are a classic, comfy pull-on short from Crewcuts that’s built for all-day play.

You’re So Fancy

What would a Mini’s post from moi be without a handful of dresses.  Ever the “Fancy Nancys” my girls are gluttons for girly frocks.  1. this easy drop-waist cotton dress from Boden is great for everyday wear or ideal for your Memorial Day BBQs, it has the most precious bubble edging and pin-tucked detailing simple and sweet.  2. Also from Mini Boden, but a bit more formal this white dress with royal embroidery adorned with the sweetest bow detail 3. This Tucker and Tate racer-back tank dress from Nordstrom is the perfect playful dress for a party especially if you are celebrating MD somewhere nautical, p.s. if you haven’t checked out Tucker and Tate on Nordstrom.com…you are missing out 4. J&J makes this striped frock in “firework red” and navy…  5. I am admittedly not a fan of the “cold shoulder” trend, for some reason though, I find it perfectly cute on minis…this blue and white gingham open shoulder dress from H&M is $18…WHAAAT!!

Ok, that’s all for now folks…

xoxo

D

Memorial Day Selects: Day 1

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Lily Aldridge

Here’s the plan:  everyday this week I am going to share my selects for Memorial Day in reference to the topic I chose for that day.  Whether it be, Memorial Day fashion, parties/bbqs, minis, Mr. looks and gear, I’ll try to touch on it all.  Today, to kick off the themed week, I am going to start with my outfit picks for the weekend

Outfit 1

These Kate Spade gingham bow oversize pearl earrings are so cute with this simple scalloped edged one shoulder top, I’d wear with high waist navy sailor shorts, these amazing red, white and blue Gucci espadrille wedges and this perfect summer tote with bamboo handles.

 

Outfit 2

I am dying to buy a Petersyn top this summer, they are a little pricey at just under $300, but I love the detailing.  Low square neckline, smocking, peplum skirting and puffy sleeves, can you say vacation ready…  If I were to score this navy and white Petersyn top for the weekend, I’d wear with white cutoffs, red block heel sandals,  a royal Cult Gaia acrylic Ark bag,  how pretty is this David Yurman bracelet

 

Outfit 3

Who doesn’t love the perfect white tee, I’m convinced Petite Bateau makes the most perfect t-shirt.  One of my best friends gave me a turquoise PB t-shirt when we were in high-school.   I was surprised every time I put it on how much I loved the way it fit.   I now have many many white Petite Bateau t-shirtsThis MinkPink red, white and blue maxi skirt with buttons and a flounce, red block heels, red statement earrings and a Cult Gaia tortuous shell acrylic bag.

 

Outfit 4

Jcrew swimwear has long been a go to for flattering, affordable yet adorable suits.  This ’18 Spring Summer collection does not disappoint.  This tipped seersucker underwire(a must for me) shoulder-tie one-piece is so cute, with this effortless semi-sheer cotton Loup Charmant’s navy midi wrap skirt and Marc Jacobs gold flat slides from Zappos Luxury (I had no idea that Zappos carried high end footwear, score one for the online shoppers:)) add a touch of red with these super reasonable statement earrings and I see the perfect pool party outfit.  After a dip in the pool, cover-up in this lightweight navy embroidered beach cover-up…it’s on sale!!

 

Outfit 5

I am a huge fan of Perfect Moment Sports, I love my retro ski gear from the brand.   The brand has been creating ski gear for more than 20 years and is now offering high functioning active wear, with a retro flare.  Their clothing is similar to Aviator Nation, another one of my favorite brands.  This red, white and blue striped one-piece is calling my name, the grey marled sweat shirt with retro striped arm bands is a new item in my active wear wardrobe, with white cut-offs and summer staple sneaks navy Superga with my RWB adidas hat from PacSun!

 

Love Thy Lilacs

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A true harbinger of spring in full swing are the sights and scents of lilacs in bloom.  I’ve always been fond of the shade of purple, as I am of most colors in their pastel form.   The color and smell of lilacs conjure a nostalgic feeling transporting me to the springs of my childhood.  Smells often do.  I was a flower girl in my aunt Kit’s wedding when I was 8, her “wedding color” was lilac, I remember the dresses my mother and aunts wore, my cousin Kathryn and I walked down the aisle dropping purple petals in matching Laura Ashley Lilac floral dresses with flutter shoulders and flouncy skirts.  The bride and her maids pictured below, (sorry the picture quality is so terrible you can barely tell that they are wearing Lilac) were so very beautiful in different silhouettes of the same hue.

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Back to present day, it’s been pouring rain in the northeast for the past few days, everything is so green, the bright side of all of this precipitation is that the blooms are producing incredible colors which are popping against the grey sky and deep greens of the leaves and grass.  This morning I looked out my kitchen window and was memorized by the blooms on our lilac tree.   I was inspired to share some lilac items I am loving:

The Wedding Guest 

Lovers and Friends makes my list as always, this neckline is one of my faves because it works well on me.  I’ve been eyeing the off the shoulder ruffled mini from Endless Rose for about a month, I would have pulled the trigger on it this am had it not been sold out…le sigh.   I am loving Julie Engel’s new collection named after her blog “Gal Meets Glam”, the flirty and ultra feminine dresses are sold at Nordstrom.com.  This one reminds me of the bridesmaid dresses from my Aunt’s wedding.  This lace mermaid silhouette would be so pretty and so flattering.  For a casual beach wedding or rehearsal dinner,  I love this tiered midi Jcrew skirt in cotton poplin,  I’d wear it with this one sleeved bodysuit and Jeffery Campbell ankle strap sandals.

 

Accessorize 

As I’ve mentioned, I’ll take anything rattan, how cute is this Urban Expressions crossbody, for under $40 at DSW.  How cool are these Meghan Teardrop Post Earrings from Anthropologie, they can be worn three different ways.  Bows have always been my thing, Ted Baker’s handbags adorned with sweet little bows have always caught my eye, this cute lilac clutch is the look for less, such a bargain at under $30. Kendra Scott’s current collection is so pretty, I just gave my mom a pair of the smaller earrings for mothers day.  These opal-esque lilac slabs will be the perfect statement earring for summer.     For dressier occasions snag this pretty lilac print clutch from ANNA RACHELE, it would pop perfectly off a LWD.   The lilac gradient Le Spec shades from Revolve are super inexpensive and a fun accessory!

Get Comfy

This H&M mohair sweater for cooler nights with, the perfect white t-shirt, white skinny jeans and these Dr. Scholl’s perforated sneaks with memory foam soles my idea of the perfect comfy outfit.   I also happen to love these florescent bow sneakers from H&M, they are fun and very affordable.  I’d say I’ve got 2 weeks to do a years worth of working out to get in shape for bikini season, but if I were in the perfect shape, this metallic lilac Tularosa bikini with asymmetric ruffles would be my go to.  Note the high wasted bottom, a very flattering trend!  And now to my favorite article of clothing stitched into existence…le sweatpants.  Bandier is a hotbed for all things active-wear and fashionable fitness wear.  These Cotton Citizen Milan Joggers with zippers come in six colors and are comfy enough for bed and cool enough for street wear.  You can also snag these and these at Carbon 38 another great site for fashionable active-wear.

Pretty thing for the home

My girls are always asking for a bedroom update. While the color scheme will be up to them, how cute would these lilac home items be in a tween’s room.  One King Lane one of my favorite resources for unique affordable home goods did not disappoint on my hunt for lilac items.  What girl would not love this skirted lilac linen ottoman to sit on in front of a vanity.   This pair of vintage bedside tables are tres chic, I’d place this Anthro Wavery between two beds with these tufted headboards from Ballard Designs.  An bench at the end of a bed often ends up a magnet for discarded clothing, that said, these lavender velvet benches would be so pretty at the end of each bed, I love the brass feet.   Finally I would use this lavender agate cheese board on the vanity for perfumes and other vanity accessories.

 

Honorable mentions

+ this beyond adorable lilac seersucker bathing suit from Rufflebutts

+ Always been a fan of Pucci

Thats all

xo

D

 

You Better Werk…

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The power suit is back with a vengeance and I am loving it.  Is there anything more chic than a perfectly tailored all white suit for day or night…this Rachel Zoe sequin tuxedo has me drooling, it looks amazing on the style icon.  I am currently on the hunt for a fabulous new suit, knowing I’ll be taking more meetings for my new venture, my hope is to find a power suit that represents my style and speaks to my aspirations…high expectations, I know, but there are a lot of amazing options out there.  A few suit sets from Rachel Zoe’s current collection would fit the bill.    For example this denim suit, I mean, yes!  Gone are the days where denim on denim is a fashion no-no, in fact, it is très chic to find the perfect double denim look, RZ’s “take” is next level.  And how about this ever-so-pink metallic suit.  Perfect for a day to night look.  Olivia Palermo pictured below, pulls off the all denim suit flawlessly, but let’s be honest what does she not pull off flawlessly?!?

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Alice and Olivia’s pieces, similarly to Rachel Zoe’s are feminine, whimsical and sophisticated.   I’d pair the Dawn High Waisted Flare Pant with the Renee Side Slit Blazer, described as “expertly tailored blazer with a casual shawl neck and sexy side zips takes tradition and turns it on its head”.   This suit from Jcrew, inspired by the designer’s recent trip to Paris, is gorgeous in Oyster Gray.  It’s beautiful and can be dressed up or down, I love the double breasted look.

 

 

 

There are so many ways you can do a suit, they don’t have to be boring and frumpy.  I’m finding amazing color options, leg lengths and widths, it truly depends on your taste, there is something for everyone. Below, Gwyneth is wearing a simple white double breasted suit with strappy flat sandals, perfection.

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I am loving these pretty pink iterations from Revolve.  I am a huge fan of the brand Lovers and Friends.  How cute is this candy pink set with cropped pants.  Amanda Uprichard is another brand I’ve been loving, offering a similar looking pink suit.

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Tibi also has a great pink suiting option that comes in pink or lavender for a more affordable version check out this adorable River Island double breasted blazer and wide legged pants.

XO

D

Peonies Please

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It’s the Friday before Mother’s Day, the 11th of May and I’ve inevitably got peonies on the brain.  The flower is my favorite, with out question, I love the smell, the different stages of it’s bloom, the variance of colors, the time of year we are graced with it’s beauty, there are so many reasons, really.

I’m dedicating this mini-post to all things Peony.   The flower inspires clothing, home goods, beauty, parties, pastries, I could go on and on.

This pleated flare sleeved sweater in the prettiest shade of “peony” from Ann Taylor is so sweet, worn with white jeans and these linen and cork wedges for Mother’s Day brunch, makes the perfect ultra fem, casual and comfy outfit.

OMG this Rebecca Taylor, Peony Pinwheel Dress is beautiful and looks super comfortable.   Add these nude Vince Camuto block heels and accessorize with these Lizzie Fortunato fringe earrings, you are good to go!

For the approaching swimsuit weather days I am drooling over this Marysia Swim – Maillot One Piece in Peony, the price is more than I like to spend on swimwear but I’m still all “hearteyes”.   These Jcrew shades are darn cute.

Honorable mentions

  1. Ann Taylor Pintuck Ruffle Shell 2. Likely Driggs Dress in Peony 3. Coach Crosby Driver Loafer 4. Coach 1941 Rogue Pebble Leather Bag 5. Seven for All Mankind Ankle Skinny in peony

And finally, here are a few other peony items I am swooning over:

1. Bloom de Fleur, 2. Tory Burch, Eau de Parfum Set, from Nordstrom 3. Darphin Intral Redness Relief Soothing Serum 4. Spring Eden’s Reed Diffuser, from Anthro 5. Shelley Hesse Watercolor Flora Wallpaper from Anthro. 6. Mistral Floral Soap Bar from Anthropologie 7. Pottery Barn Faux Peony Wreath in Champagne.

*sorry for the short post today, I am wiped from this week…looking forward to an energizing weekend!!  Happy Mother’s Day Mommas!!

XO

D

 

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

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When asked numerous times over the last couple of weeks, somehow I had it in my head that I didn’t want any “things” for Mother’s Day this year… that a day spent cuddling would suffice.  While, I would thoroughly enjoy a day cuddling, it didn’t take long for me to come up with an extensive list of “things” I would love to receive, who was I kidding.
Every year on Mother’s day, my mother, without fail, says at least once “Mother’s Day should be everyday”, while I get her point, we wouldn’t have this very good excuse to drink mimosas and not have to do the dishes or laundry.   This brings me to my wish list / gift guide.  This year Mother’s Day happens to land on my Anniversary as well so the Mr. has double duty…pray for him;)
BEAUTY
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As I’ve mentioned, I have the hots for Charlotte Tilbury’s beauty collection, if money grew on trees I’d take one of everything.  I have quite a few products from her line at the top of my Mother’s Day wish list.  Pictured below in order from top right to left clockwise, here are my picks, 1. Hollywood Beauty Light Wand, 2. K.I.S.S.I.N.G. Lipstick in Bitch Perfect 3. Unisex Healthy Glow, Summer Tinted Moisturizer 4. Wonderglow, Instant Soft-focus beauty flash 5. Ole Henriksen Truth Serum 6. Tata Harper Purifying Cleanser 7. and for the completely unnecessary indulgence Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo.

SLEEP

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Every momma needs her beauty sleep and while she’s at it she might as well be sleeping pretty.  I love pajama sets, they are so chic and it makes you look a little less disheveled in the morning, it might even give your children the impression you’ve got things under control.  My sleep wish list consists of the following: 1. Three J NYC, Jackie PJ Set, it’s on sale for under $75, such a steal 2. JCrew Gingham Pajama set at Nordstrom 3. How cute are the Honeydew Intimates, Starlight Terry Sweatshirt and shorts for cooler nights this summer 4. I love a silk pillowcase, I’d love to try this Drybar Slumber Party Silk Pillowcase.  5. I have a Slip Pillowcase but need to get a new one, how pretty is this petal pink color.  6. Yes please to the Kiehl’s Sleep Tight Overnight Kit…their nighttime products are tried and true favorites 7. Rejuvenating overnight Tanning Oil…I’m sold, need to try this product from Tan-Luxe

PRETTY THINGS 

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I love love accessories, my taste is fairly simple and classic, I love to bring an outfit together with accessories.  They are also, always a good choice for a gift as there is very little sizing required when buying accessories.   Here are a few that I currently have my eye on:  1. The Tiffany T collection is so beautiful, I love the Cutout White Ceramic and Gold T Cuff  2.  these Deepa Gurnani Sasha Teardrop earrings are so gorgeous 3. Cult Gaia’s bags are without question the it bag of the season, the Ark Mini Amber Clutch is just plain sick. 4.  The Eugenia Kim, sky blue Courtney Fedora is the only hat I need this summer 5. The Chloe Reese Marble Aviator 6. I love the Dorothea bracelet from Oh Joy,  it’s giving my candy bracelet vibes 7. I’ve been eyeing this Bario Neal linear ring for sometime. would be a perfect Mother’s Day / Anniversary combo gift.

HOME GOODS

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Finally, we’ve been working on our house here and there, we had a break through this past month as we prepped for a party at our house last weekend.  I am forever looking for pretty vignette pieces, home scents and lovely table wear.  Aerin Lauder for William Sonoma so perfectly suits my style, I could literally buy every piece.  1. We’be been in search of a great set of sconces for our eat in kitchen area, these Aerin Penz Sconces would be perfect,  2. I am a sucker for a good diffuser, I was given one from Antica Farmacista as a gift once and I am hooked, I would love to try the Cucumber Lotus Flower, 3. the Aerin basket weaved cachepot is so chic, 4. the scalloped edged dinner plates will be mine 5. back to the diffusers, I think Antica Farmacista this gift set would be amazing for a mother in law or a sister 6. we just installed a new custom table and I would love to have these stylish rattan place-mats

 

xo

D

MET and exceeded expectations…

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Kendall Jenner in Off-White

The fashions that done the MET Gala red carpet never ceases to amaze.  This year’s theme, “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,” made for some seriously fierce looks.   I posted my favorites on my instagram feed this am.  Here I’ll attempt to source affordable ready to wear look-a-likes.   99% of the attendees could wear a paper bag and make it look stunning but these pieces are show stoppers!

Kendall Jenner, now considered a veteran of the Met Gala red carpet, looked super cool in an Off-White OTS jumpsuit.   The piece was fairly simple with a couple stand out details, sheer gloved sleeves and pant legs with trains!   Her hair and make-up was flawless.  She accessorized with diamond statement earnings and rings from Tiffany & Co..  In the side by side, I’ve pictured this white off the shoulder number from by the way, it’s so reasonable and adorable for summer, I think I have to have it.

The stunning and always elegant Lily Aldridgeis wearing a Ralph Lauren Collection dress with a metallic belt hand-twisted and hand-knotted and finished with Swarovski crystals. She finished her look with a Jimmy Choo clutch and shoes, and Bulgari jewelry.  The Privacy Please dress from Revolve is a super reasonable take on the stunning Ralph Lauren look:

Other honorable mentions:

It was Talita von Fürstenberg‘s birthday and she looked like the belle of the ball in a beautiful sky blue gown designed by her legendary grandmother.  I’m in love with Amanda Uprichard Amalia Gown for $334, the color is to die for, what a perfect dress for a summer wedding.

Gigi Hadid, always a favorite of mine.  I love her style, california cool with a touch of NYC sophistication.  She wore an incredible Versace with stain glass window-inspired detail, I can’t stop looking at pictures of the dress.  While there aren’t many “real life” versions of this dress…the Michelle Mason dress from Forward.com, bares a resemblance with it’s single sleeve and high slit.  I can see this being fabulous at a summer party in the Hamptons.

Gisele nails this event every year, I’m not sold on her look being on theme, but it was gorgeous none the less.  The eco friendly custom Versace gown was the perfect color yellow, this Likely one shoulder is giving me similar vibes.

Anna Wintour’s diamond rosary and “Cardinal Chanel” dress were show stoppers.  I can’t say that AW is often a muse for my style but in this case I was drooling.   The neckline reminded me a bit of Gigi’s dress from 2016’s Met Gala.  This Alexis Annabella mock neck sheath dress, has similar lines and texture.

Hailee Steinfeld is quickly becoming a fashion darling.  Her style has evolved a great deal over the last couple of years, while maintaining her girly, feminine, youthful core, she has become increasingly more glam and edgy.  Her look for last night’s Met Gala was fit for a fashion Queen, she wore a white Prabal Gurung gown, with crystal embellishments and a simple classic  “popesque” tiara.  This Versace V-neck ruched tulle slip dress on sale for $399 has similar crystal embellishments and lines.

That just about wraps up my red carpet review…What were your favorite looks?

xo

D

Weekend Reflections

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When I slow down and really think about it: each and everyday is made up of small moments that, when compiled,  amount to a pretty happy and fulfilling life.  Recently, I’ve needed to force myself to take the time appreciate these moments as I’ve felt life becoming overwhelming and even more so overbearing.  It’s easy to miss these moments, especially for a busy mom.  Mostly, for me, moments of gratification and happiness come from human interaction, they can, however, come from other experiences, those perfectly peaceful 10 minutes of meditation in the morning, the endorphin rush while running on a warm sunny day, an amazing meal, a good hair day,  music,  a beautifully arranged bunch of flowers from my husband, an “almost” perfectly executed party, just to name a few!

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This weekend was a particularly happy one for our family.  My oldest daughter received her First Holy Communion.   The celebration of this sacrament coincidentally landed on Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby.  The convergence of all of these events made for fabulously fun day.   The weather was perfect, all of the elements came together better than I could have imagined.  The planning started months ago, when I found this beautiful dress from Chasing Fireflies, she wore petal pink ballet slipper flats and a flower crown, she was a vision.   I wore this ivory Amanda Uprichard midi dress with a flounce, with gold strappy heels and simple gold jewelry.  My littlettes wore Oscar de la Renta and Janie and Jack.

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Amanda Uprichard Evalina Dress

 

 

My inspo for the party started with a gorgeous girly Cinco de Mayo celebration from It’s a Sparkly Life, it was love at first sight.  The idea of planning a party that revolved around Mexican food, using the vibrant colors associated with this fun ethnic holiday to create a stunning aesthetic was a pretty good formula for my party planning prowess.

I had my incredible baker create a very similar cake to the one pictured here, ours had a beautiful cross instead of the 3D flower on top of this one.  We served mint juleps in copper mugs like these from William Sonoma and margaritas along side food from one of my very favorite restaurants, Bartaco.

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It’s A Sparkly Life

I ordered this fun balloon garland from Etsy along with this white Mexican wedding banner.   We watched the Derby and had horse on a stick races in the back yard with the kiddos.  To finish off the day we roasted S’mores.   This weekend provided me with many of those moments and people that highlight how wonderful life is when you are taking the time to notice.

xo

D