Gold Wedges

Since clothes are hit or miss on me these days, I've taken up a new shopping obsession: shoes!  And I've been on the hunt for the perfect of gold wedges all spring!

I've search website after website (my preferred and primary form of "shopping"), with little success.  Nothing - by style or price - was tickling my fancy.

And then two weeks ago, the perfect pair turned up where I least expected: Target!

Now, it's not that I've never bought shoes from Target before - I bought my first pair of rain boots there, and have a few pairs of "going out heels" that are cute but far from comfy...  

But Target is not a destination place when I think "I need a pair of..."  It's more the aisle you peruse right after you've picked up the toilet paper and shampoo that you originally went to the store for.  And after you browse the clothing.  Because let's be honest, we all have some great finds in the Target women's (and junior's) sections (including my most revered fake leather bomber jacket)!  But now I'm adding the shoe department to my must shop list.

I liked loved them the moment I first saw them. And even more, they were only $25.  Not a huge gamble if they fell apart or hurt my feet after only a few hours of wear...

Women's Mossimo Pam Wedge - $24.99

And then they've passed both the "people at work have complimented them" (a huge fete for me at URBN) and the "they didn't give me blisters" tests.  A complete win in my book.  And why I'm sharing the news with you.

So, if you're in the market, go to Target!  I'll be going back for a pair in black!

Magic Dress

At work, we call the Bailey 44 column dresses sold by Anthropologie every season "magic dresses".  They are super flattering no matter what your shape or size, and they are sooo soft and comfortable you'd think you're wearing a cozy t-shirt and not actually a dress! 

Although it's been recommended to me about 100 times and I've seen style after style on all my pretty coworkers, I only finally hopped on the bandwagon this season.  I ordered this dress:

Cap Sleeve Column Dress - $178

...and wore it for the first time yesterday.  All I can say is WOW!  The dress really does live up to its hype...even with the little baby bump I'm starting to grow!  The diagonal stripes are soooooo slimming! 

While the price tag is definitely more than I'd usually spend on an every day dress (and thank goodness for the 40% employee discount), I'd say this is pretty much the perfect dress for any season.  I wore it like the model above yesterday (ok, i wish!) and probably will all summer, but I envision pairing with some brown boots and a long cardi this fall / winter...

Anyways, they are usually best sellers, so if you're interested I'd recommend heading to your nearest Anthro or ordering online sooner rather than later :)

Are you a fan of Bailey 44?  Or have any recent dress purchases you are raving about?!

P.S. If you're in between two sizes, I'd recommend ordering down!

Can I Keep You?

Last night, I decided I needed a night to be a complete and utter bum. 

(Did I mention I am still recovering from the weekend of Easter festivities?!)

So I came home from work (a little early) and promptly got in bed for a night of tv (and dinner in bed)!  :)

Of course, nothing good / new was on tv...  But after a series of flips through every channel imaginable trying to find something to entertain me, I struck gold!

CASPER, the 1995 hit-movie about the ghost of a boy who is "the friendliest ghost you know" (starring Christina Ricci and Devon Sawa) was on ABC Family.  Oh how it made me reminisce about my childhood, how it brought back those tingly teenage feelings of my first movie star crush!  Devon Sawa...you heart throb you!

I started watching, much to Nate's dismay (he called it a Halloween movie - 'tis not!), but promised we could turn it off as soon as we got to the infamous slow dance scene...  About an hour and 45 minutes later, I remembered it was the last scene of the movie...  Oops!

It was totally worth it.  

Unfortunately this clip leaves of the big kiss scene, and my favorite part when Casper turns back to a ghost and casually says "Boo!" and everyone runs out screaming! They don't make 'em like this anymore, kids!

What movies remind you of your childhood?  Little Giants anyone?  Now & Then? 

And who were your movie star crushes?!  I also lovvvvved JTT, but who didn't?! 

Who used to buy Bop and Tiger Beat magazines?! 

And yes, Casper (12 years old in the movie) / Devon Sawa (~16 years old when he made the movie), you can keep me any day! Great line, great line...

P.S. What Devon Sawa looks like now!

Baby Shower Gift Ideas

Did I mention I am going to be an aunt in two weeks? 

That's right, if you haven't yet heard, my brother (Justin) and his wife (Sara) are expecting their first little bundle of joy on or around March 23!  I am so unbelievable excited for them, for my dad (the first grandchild!) and for this beautiful little girl who is going to have 6 doting aunts (!!!) and 4 uncles!

Two weekends ago, we threw Sara and baby Emma a baby shower at the Water Works restaurant (and wedding venue) in Philadelphia.  If you've never been, I'd highly recommend!  Gorgeous views, great food and dangerously close to the Art Museum and boathouse row, two of the most iconic "attractions" in all of Philly.

Philadelphia Water Works

Now, I'm not typically a huge fan of gift opening at showers - it's dreadfully boring for guests and I literally break out in hives watching the honoree oooh and ahh over items she picked out on her registry in front of a room fill of people - but I think I have 100% changed my opinion for baby showers after this one.  The stuff is just so damn cute I honestly didn't want the presents portion of the party to end!! 

So much so, that I left with a list of great gift ideas for the upcoming (3) baby showers I have this spring that I wanted to share with ya'll!  (And don't worry - this list is the fun non-registry stuff only - I don't know the first thing about strollers or cribs or rectal thermometers!)

Designer baby clothes. I know some of you are probably scoffing right now thinking, why would I spend $100 on designer baby shoes when you could buy 5 at that price?  But the point is, you are going to spend a certain amount on a gift, right?  Well the shower is really the one time to give that person, not only the practical items, but also something they likely would not buy for themselves (or their baby).  Sure, they'll likely be saved for special occasions only...but I personally would be happier knowing my gift didn't go straight to the "play clothes" only file...  And trust me when I say these items will go in their "save forever" box!

Now if this is not the cutest thing you've ever seen...

(By the way, I have never seen so many designer baby duds than at Sara's shower - Emma got her first pair of Stuart Weitzman shoes, baby TOMS, a Juicy Couture track suit, Polo dresses and shirt, baby Uggs!  Emma is going to be the best dressed baby!)

Baby Clothes Line: A number of guests made these adorable baby clothes lines with an assortment of different outfits and sizes.  I thought this was a very fun way for Sara to "open" the outfits (vs. opening one outfit at a time) and display afterwards for everyone to see!

obviously not a picture from Sara's shower, but you get the idea...

Receiving / Stroller Blanket: Of the handmade kind, like this one made by my cousin's very talent fiance, Meggan!!

Or perhaps splurge this cashmere one from J. Crew...

J. Crew cashmere baby blanket

A gorgeous blanket will be forever treasured.  (And you never know which one will turn out to be the child's one true lovey!)

Designer Baby Bag: Sara's sister and mom gave her a beautiful Marc Jacobs diaper bag, and I immediately thought what a great group gift this would make from a bunch of your girl friends. Just because you need to retire your favorite purses doesn't mean you have to start carrying ugly printed Vera Bradley (don't get me wrong, love the weekenders...but wouldn't be caught dead carrying a purse/diaper bag...sorryimnotsorry)!

Marc Jacobs

Finally, here is what my sisters and I gave our sister-in-law and niece-to-be: At the last Lilly Warehouse sale in November, we each bought baby Emma a Lilly outfit - 2 shift dresses and 1 bathing suit - because if she's gonna be a Rowley girl, she's gotta love Lilly! 

Lilly printed bathing suit

baby Lilly shift with lace

Emily made (like actually sewed!) these adorable burp cloths and then we got them monogrammed!

And this is perhaps my favorite gift of all.  We gave Sara a gift certificate for a professional photography session by a photographer that will come to her home and shoot in the baby's actual nursery!  We chose Tina Jay Photography because she recently took pictures for Emily's boyfriend's sister's baby, Stella, (that was a mouthful!) and they were seriously the cutest photos I have ever seen.

case and point.

need i say more

Would love to hear if you have any great non-registry gift ideas!!  

Ocean Treasures

There is a store on the Ocean City boardwalk that sells a variety of pretty (and not-so-pretty...) beach-inspired home decor items.  I think it's called Ocean Treasures?

But anyways, I drag Nate into the store just about every weekend when we're one of our infamous walks because I love to look at the adorable painted wood plaques with catchy little quotes on them.

I have no idea who makes these signs, but I did recently stumbled upon an online boutique that sells them called Patina.  So today I thought I'd bring one of my favorite weekend browsing experiences to ya'll virtually. 

Nate and I actually have one that says "the beach is where my heart is" hanging above our front door.  And I have a funny feeling I'll be making a few more purchases when we "re-do" our house this spring...(more on that next week!).

Which one's your fave?

Keep Calm and Carry On...

We've all seen this poster before...

...in both its orginal and parodied or trivialized versions...

haha yes!

After my own heart...

Disney Princess version

tee hee

...and can all agree is has truly become iconic image of the 21st century!

But ever wonder where it came from?  Check out this short film that tells the true story behind our revered 'Keep Calm and Carry On' poster!

I'm filing this under "you learn something new every day"!

The Wonder Years

My favorite TV show of all time is, without a shadow of a doubt, The Wonder Years. 

(Yes, it trumps Lost, Friends, Saved by the Bell and Full House any day in my book!!  I swear I was born in the wrong generation...)

So, you have no idea how happy I was to hear that the greatest show ever made is now, as of October 2011, available on Netflix Instant!  Maybe we are one step closer to an official The Wonder Years DVD box set, which has yet to be released due to music licensing issues...

My parents actually gave me a bootleg version of all six seasons of The Wonder Years for Christmas in 2004.  The quality was surprisingly superb, and my mom and I got so addicted watching episode after episode that she bought her own box set so she could continue watching when I went back to college!

There really is nothing like watching the teenage angst of the Kevin and Winnie romance as it unfolds...  So if it's been a while since you've seen the show, or if you've never seen it before, I hope you enjoy discovering it or rediscovering it again as well!

xoxo

I would definitely work out more if....

I would definitely work out more if...

...I had a pair of these awesome sneakers!

(Image via Asics, $120)

Twihard

I am 26...and utterly, hopelessly and romantically in love with the Twilight series...and I am not ashamed to admit it! 

For those of you in complete disgust, let me start by saying the series is more of a love story than anything else.  Yes there are vampires, and maybe some warewolves too, and the author is most definitely writing for a juvenile audience...but most of us have seemed to accept that some of the best and most fantastical stories of other worlds (ahem Harry Potter...and even The Hunger Games!) attracts an audience that transcends both age and relative interests.

This is a story of a love so intense, so powerful, that "as long as we both shall live" takes on a whole new meaning.  And Edward Cullen is so wise, but not beyond his years (he is, after all, 17 years old and has been so for over 100 years) and the epitomy of a hopeless romantic.  It's quotes like this that has me swooning...my heart craving for more...

 “I'm from a different era. Things were a lot less complicated. And if I would have met you back then, I would have courted you. Would've taken chaperoned strolls and had iced tea on the porch. I may have stolen a kiss or two, but only after asking your father's permission, I would've got down on one knee and I would've presented you with a ring.

(If you can't tell, I'm obviously Team Edward.  Despite thinking beforehand that I'd be team Jacob b/c Taylor Lautner is such a cutie...)

I'll admit, I only started "reading" (aka listening) because I had already plowed through almost every other option in my mom's audio book library over the past 8 months.  I also actually tried to read the first one a few years ago but couldn't seem to get into it!  I was convinced it could never live up to my dearest Harry Potter!

This time around though, I was immediately drawn in...  So much so, that I read all 4 books in 2 weeks.  And I think Nate is starting to worry!

I'm interested to hear your thoughts on the Twilight series - have you read the books?  Seen the movies? Or does this post make you want to barf? 

Are there any other adult Harry Potter fans out there?!

And what is / will be the next must read series?!

xoxo

Monogram Love

Call it my recent name change (or maybe my love of all things prep), but I can't get enough of monograms lately! 

kTr

KRT

K

T

KT

Torok

Ok I will stop now.  (I sorta feel like a little school girl doodling her first name with her crush's last name to see how well it sounds...except that this is my actual new name!)

But anyways, the sky is the limit on what you can add a name to (apparel, jewelry, home decor, etc.) and adding a touch of personalization turns an ordinary registry item into an amazingly thoughtful gift.  It requires a little extra thought and planning - likely not the type of thing you're buying the week of the shower/wedding/birthday - but that's exactly why I love it!  You know whoever was behind it was really trying to give you something that was made just for you.

Thanks to my dear friend, Pinterest, I've put together a pretty decent wish list of preppy monogrammed gifts in case you're ever in need an idea for me! 

I desperately want this gold ring (or the matching necklace by Jennifer Zuener...love her stuff...or both!)


Kraftshop: Monogrammed Ring



Jessica Zuener z10 Swirly 2 Initial Pendant



How amazing is this monogrammed floppy hat!?!?! (I think it would make an adorable bridal shower gift...perfect for the honeymoon!)

Via Pinterest

I love love love these leather flats!!

Sweet Pete Monogrammed Moccasins

I love stud earrings...and all the pretty colors (especially pink!)

Tootlebugs: Preppy Monogrammed Earrings

To-die-for monogrammed chairs (and gingham wallpaper...and floral curtains) - Ok, I'll just take the whole room!

Lilly Pulitzer

I think these matchboxes would make adorable wedding favors!  Or to put out at a cigar bar?


Monogrammed Goods: Matchbox

Now that's what I call a preppy dessert plate!

Pearls, Whiskey and Frat Boys

The perfect pillow for someone with a beach house!! Wink*

Zhush Nay Linen Throw Pillow

And of course, every girl needs cute stationary (this is so a gift mom would have loved to give...)

Kate Spade Monogram Note Card

What kind of personalized gifts have you given or received?  I'd love to hear some of your ideas!

P.S. A few other monogrammed ideas here!

P.P.S. Free printable custom monograms (for wedding invites, guest bags, menus, etc.) here!

Psst! I have a secret...

You've probably figured out by now that I loooove a good quote (ahem, here and here).  Sooooo I thought I'd let you in on a little secret!!

Every so often, Rebecca from Simple as That turns her favorite quote into a free printable that is available exclusively to her followers!  Just follow her blog, download, print and pop into a frame and you have a gorgeous piece of artwork that should cost you a whole lot of moola at a retail store!  Amazing, right?!

I love this one she created last week for Valentine's day.  And, it's available in five different colors!!

And this one from last year...

From her Simple Things collection...

And a few inspiring quotes...

  

Aren't the beautiful?  I hope you enjoy!  xoxo

P.S. I would love if you followed me, as well, before heading over to Simple as That!  Just click "follow" on the right!  I promise there are more secrets like this to come!! :)

60 Degrees and Sunny

Wow - what a beautiful day outside!!  I can't believe it's only January 31st!! 

I don't know about you, but I'm soooo ready to ditch my heavy sweaters and slip into some spring fashion.  The weather plus all the new catalogs arriving at my house with their fresh, vibrant colors have really been teasing me lately...so I thought I'd share with you some of the the spring styles that are currently "in my cart"!  (Now if only money grew on trees...)

How gorgeous is this coral blouse...

Silk Pintuck Blouse

I actually bought this polka dot top in the fall (on sale!), but it's back in J.Crew's spring collection!  It's a favorite in my closet... 

Natasha top in polka dot

This looks like the perfect lightweight sweater...with lace!

Merino tatted lace sweater



I normally don't wear short sleeved blouses...but I just love the scalloped sleeves on this one! 

Scalloped short sleeve shirt


Confession: I bought a pair of these jeans over Christmas and cannot wait for their "coming out party"!!

Toothpick jean in Neon Persimmon

Wow, these are really awesome pants!

Citizen of Humanity Floral Thomson

I adore the new Spring 2012 prints by Lilly Pulitzer, especially this one...and I can't get enough of the scalloped hemline on this skirt!

Lilly Pulitzer Tate Skirt

 A beautiful and simple backless lace dress from Urban Outfitters!

Pins and Needles Backless Lace Dress



Can't forget shoes!  I'm purging most of my old, beat-up sandals and these would be the perfect new addition to my closet...

Jack Rogers Pauline Stitch

I linked to these a few weeks ago...and I still love:

Tory Burch 'Clines' Ballet Flat

I'm curious, have you already you started spring browsing shopping?  Anything in particular catching your eye?! 

xoxo