Summer Things

With Memorial Day weekend come and gone and Boston temperatures over 90 degrees for three consecutive days this past week, I think it's fair to say that summer is here.  Some years, I feel like summer comes and goes without me having the chance to acknowledge or even properly appreciate it.  I resolve that this year will be different.  I have grand plans for beach days, delicious summer menus on the grill, and summer fashions.  Here are 5 of the things that I'm already excited about:

Glitter Nail Color
in Candy Shop, $19
by Deborah Lippmann
Available at Nordstrom

Nail care is a crucial part of the summer, and today I finally had the opportunity to get a much-needed mani/pedi.  Now I'm feeling far more summer-ready.  And speaking of summer nails, while I don't yet have this amazing nail lacquer from Deborah Lippmann in my collection, I'll stress the yet because I'm thinking it is a must.  Growing up, I was obsessed with the game Candy Land, particularly with the character Queen Frostine who I felt was my game character doppelganger.  This polish is like Candy Land for grown-ups, a light pink with candy colored glitter flecks throughout.  Let's be real, this is a party for your nails, and after finally seeing The Great Gatsby this weekend, I am ready for parties AND glitter.

Peach Bruschetta with Ricotta and Prosciutto
Recipe thanks to Williams-Sonoma

When I look at the Williams-Sonoma catalog, I genuinely want to be more domestic.  Of course, life always seems to get in the way, and we wind up eating quesadillas or cereal most nights.  Summer resolution?  I will make this peach bruschetta with ricotta and prosciutto.  According to WS, it involves 15 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cook-time.  Now that is a timeline I can commit to!  Plus, doesn't this picture make you want it to eat it, like NOW?  Here's the recipe so you can:

Ingredients:
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
4 slices country-style bread, each about 1/2 inch thick
1/3 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
2 large peaches, pitted and each cut into 12 slices
6 Tbs. ricotta cheese, lightly seasoned with kosher salt
3 oz. thinly sliced prosciutto
1 1/2 oz. arugula
Maldon sea salt for sprinkling

Directions:
-In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring the vinegar to a simmer and simmer until reduced by half, 3 to 4 minutes. Let cool.-Preheat a panini press on the “sear” setting according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Generously brush both sides of the bread slices with the 1/3 cup olive oil. Working in 2 batches, place the bread on the panini press, close the lid and lock the top of the press so the bread is not being compressed. Cook until browned on both sides, 2 to 3 minutes. Set aside.
-Working in 2 batches, arrange the peach slices on the panini press, close the lid and cook until the peaches are nicely marked on both sides, about 2 minutes.
-Spread 1 1/2 Tbs. cheese on each bread slice. Drape the prosciutto on top, dividing evenly, and top with the peach slices. Put the arugula in a small bowl and lightly drizzle with olive oil. Top the bruschetta with the arugula. Drizzle with the reduced vinegar and sprinkle with Maldon sea salt. Serve immediately. Serves 4.

Lounging poolside with my girl

Lounging poolside.  Okay, for us, that means Harper's little pool in our backyard.  On Friday afternoon (day 2 of aforementioned 90 degree temperatures), like most Bostonians, I was beyond hot.  Not even day 2 of ice cream treats offered sufficient cooling, and that's when you know you're in trouble.  So we decided it was time to break ground on our swimming pool--and obviously we went with the top-of-the-line kidney-shaped pool!  That's just how we roll in the Wilson family.  Seriously, sitting inside that tiny pool with my sweet girl was exactly what I needed.  I have a feeling it was perhaps the best summer investment ever made.  Oh, and Harper's watering can to go with it, of course.

Printed Tee-Shirt Dress
in Egyptian Turquoise, $35
by Diane von Furstenberg for babyGap

Wishes really do come true!  One of my favorite fashion icons, Diane von Furstenberg, did another limited collection for babyGap and Gap Kids this year.  Her Explorers Collection features graphic prints in bright, cheerful colors that are fun and youthful.  Obvi, I couldn't resist getting something for little H.  It was hard to pick just one, but Harper just had to have this printed tee-shirt dress.  Is it wrong to want one in my size too?

Lululemon hits the tennis court!  Until today I had NO idea that Lulu did tennis wear.  Fortunately, my super stylish friend, Aimee, filled me in--and how cute is this Hot Hitter Dress?!  I played tennis during my middle school years but haven't been on the tennis court since, and lately I have really been wanting to get back to it.  What appeals to me about tennis is that it is a sport you can play forever.  My grandmother played until she was in her late 70s; how great is that?  Of course, the fashion doesn't hurt either; who doesn't love tennis whites?  Especially from Lulu, with irresistible design coupled with amazing moisture-wicking, breathable fabric.  Now, to get back on the court...  

Hot Hitter Dress in Aquamarine/White, $98
by Lululemon

The first official day of summer isn't until June 21, but it feels like summer is already upon us.  With my newly painted nails and fashion and culinary inspiration, now all I need is a tan!  

I Party With Jay Gatsby

Since I first read it during my formative years, F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby has been my favorite book of all time.  I have read and re-read it countless times since, highlighting poignant and meaningful passages, and it seems to only get better with each read.  That, I feel, is the mark of a truly good story.  Of course, I have also seen the 1974 movie adaptation with Robert Redford and Mia Farrow.  And now, as of two Fridays ago, Baz Luhrmann's  version, starring Leonardo DeCaprio and Carey Mulligan, is a contender.  Unfortunately, haven't had the opportunity to see it--yet!  But I will--and I couldn't be more excited to discover how this version stacks up to the absolute perfection that is the story of Nick, Daisy, and Gatsby.  In the meantime, I'm partying with Jay Gatsby from the sidelines...and here are my inspirations:

He smiled understandingly--much more than understandingly.  It was one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it, that you may come across four or five times in life.  It faced--or seemed to face--the whole external world for an instant, and then concentrated on you with an irresistible prejudice in your favor.  It understood you just so far as you wanted to be understood, believed in you as you would like to believe in yourself and assured you that it had precisely the impression of you that, at your best, you hoped to convey.  Precisely at that point it vanished--


One of the most stunning examples of literature come to life, the iconic Tiffany & Co. created Jazz Age Glamour, a collection of jewelry for the Gatsby film.  As a celebration of the 1920s, featuring amazing diamond necklaces and bracelets, looping strands of pearls, and ornate headpieces, "The collection captures [Fitzgerald's] characters’ privileged lives with modern versions of their Tiffany jewels that glittered through posh parties and summer soirées at grand estates, fueled by jazz and bubbling champagne. "  This dazzling Corsage Necklace (not to mention its price tag) take my breath away.

Corsage Necklace, $485,000
from the Jazz Age Glamour Collection
by Tiffany & Co.

I like large parties.  They're so intimate.  At small parties there isn't any privacy.

I can't take credit for discovering this tank; the lovely Megan shared her fabulous Etsy discovery with me, and I have been obsessing ever since.  While it seemed that no one who came to Gatsby's parties was actually invited, aside from perhaps Nick and Daisy, I wouldn't mind being a Gatsby party-crasher.  The Spring House on Block Island is how I've always pictured Gatsby's house in my mind, but I have a feeling Baz Luhrmann has something a bit more elaborate in mind.  I suppose I'll have to wait and see.  

I Party With Jay Gatsby Tank, $28
by SilksAndScreens
Available on Etsy

"I wouldn't ask too much of her," I ventured.  "You can't repeat the past."

"Can't repeat the past?" he cried incredulously.  "Why of course you can!"

He looked around him wildly, as if the past were lurking here in the shadow of his house, just out of reach of his hand.

This Gatsby clutch is one of a zillion reasons why I love Kate Spade, for keeping geeky English majors like me on trend.  I've had my eye on the Gatsby clutch for some time.  Against the cheerful yellow, I love that the strand of pearls seems to represent the excess of the roaring twenties and the pool of black the dark subtext of the Gatsby tale--and all with an irresistible pinstripe lining that would have been right at home in West Egg.

The Great Gatsby Book Clutch, $265 (on sale)
by Kate Spade

No amount of fire or freshness can challenge what a man will store up in his ghostly heart.

As a teenager reading The Great Gatsby, I was always struck by Gatsby's seeming obsession with the past.  During days when I was beginning to carve my own path, the story of Gatsby and Daisy--and the collateral damage left in their wake--was an almost cautionary tale to me, of lost love, regret, and broken dreams.  All of that, of course, wrapped in a shiny package of lavish parties, amazing clothing, and wealth beyond measure.  To me, this tiny heart ring is a sweet symbol of what should have mattered most for Gatsby and Daisy, of what was ultimately lost.

Wee Heart Ring, $78
from Anthropologie

He must have felt that he had lost the old, warm world, paid a high price for living too long with a single dream.  He must have looked up at an unfamiliar sky through frightening leaves and shivered as he found what a grotesque thing a rose is and how raw the sunlight was upon the scarcely created grass.  A new world, material without being real, where poor ghosts, breathing dreams like air, drifted fortuitously about...

When I spotted this print on Etsy, I was immediately sold.  Representing wealth and recklessness, the image of Gatsby's car is printed, appropriately, in green over an actual page from The Great Gatsby.  For me, Gatsby's "gorgeous car," an object of his material wealth and the source of coveting and admiration in the early Gatsby chapters, becomes sinister in the end--a physical harbinger of death, a vehicle (quite literally) of Gatsby's undoing.  Admittedly, I am a bit obsessed with this story, but I truly love this print for its subtle loveliness and sadness.

Great Gatsby Rolls Royce Print, $9.90
by Story304
Available on Etsy

Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that's no matter--tomorrow we will run faster, stretch our arms farther... And one fine morning-- So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.

Green has long been my favorite color.  I inherited my green eyes from my wonderful mother.  For a little while, while I was growing up, I was slightly covetous of my brother and sister's bright blue eyes--until I learned in science class that green was the most rare...  So, while I may not believe in the green light the way Gatsby did, I absolutely appreciate the symbolism of green in the story, as well as its glorious physical manifestations in the wide world of fashion, like this absolutely stunning trench from Burberry Prorsum.  I mean, a green lace Burberry trench: need I say more, old sport?

Kickback Lace Trench Coat in kelly green, $5,500
by  Burberry Prorsum

I've spoken several who have seen Baz Luhrmann's Gatsby so far, and people either love it or hate it.  I sincerely hope that I am in the former camp, a failed movie adaptation is perhaps one of the biggest disappointments ever.  For me, I've never had issue with artist liberty and interpretation, provided that the integrity of the story and its themes remains.  I suppose I'm just going to have to see for myself and report back! 

Psst... For more information about Tiffany & Co.'s Jazz Age Glamour collection, click here.

Skirting the Issue

I am totally obsessed with maxi skirts right now.  I know it's not a new trend by any means, but as my life has become more chaotic, I have found myself gravitating towards more effortless styles.  Translation: in a maxi skirt, I can bend over to pick up Harper--or the pile of goldfish crackers she has dumped out onto the floor--without a care in the world.  Yet, in addition to being completely easy and versatile, I feel that the maxi skirt has an inherent elegance that the more popular minis or even midis simply lack.  Here are a few of the maxis that I needwanthavetohave right now:

Shannon Floral Maxi Skirt
by Alice + Olivia
Available at Neiman Marcus

Unfortunately for me, I can't afford my taste--or the Shannon Floral Maxi Skirt by Alice + Olivia that I have been coveting since I first laid eyes on it a month or so ago.  The subtle floral print reminds me of a watercolor painting, and the pale yellows and greens are the perfect colors for spring and summer and can be easily matched.  I can't even explain how much I need this skirt.  So I am willing to patiently wait for a sale, or for someone with buyer's remorse to put one on Ebay in my size...  Whichever comes first!  Fingers crossed.

Canyon Skirt by Lilly Pulitzer

I wasn't sure how I felt about the high-low hem at first, but I've given it some thought and really think it works.  As a girl who loves shoes, it's a plus to be able to show off your footwear with a long-skirted look.  Plus, it maintains the easy elegance of a classic maxi, with a bit of a fun twist.  The Canyon Skirt by Lilly Pulitzer is my favorite high-low skirt to date, with its punchy, preppy pattern that's made in soft, beachy jersey.  I think flip-flops are a must here.

FP One Patchwork Maxi
by Free People

I love the bohemian vibe of this Patchwork Maxi from Free People.  The cool blues and aquas remind of the ocean, and the contrasting patterns and textures all work together.  Plus, each section has a raw, frayed edge that gives the skirt a casual, almost vintage feel.  If only I had tickets to Coachella this year. 

Clearly, I have my shopping list made!

Little Things To Love

When I decided that She's Come Unheeled would actually come unheeled last summer, I was excited for real life posts about my new adventures avec mon bebe.  I mean, how Kourtney Kardashian totes her tot around in those Louboutins is beyond me!  Not that I don't still love my Louboutins, but I am writing these long-overdue words from the comfort of my bare feet, which are also overdue--for a pedicure, that is.  While some might interpret this as decidedly un-glamorous, I'm okay with that.  For the past couple of months I have been happily enjoying the little things--and wanted to share five of my favorites:

Tea tastes better in a pretty little teacup!

Tea party for one--and a sweet moment of silence to enjoy it.  I am recovering from my addiction to Tazo Refresh right now, a blend of peppermint, spearmint, and a teensy bit of tarragon.  It tastes better in a pretty little teacup, like this one from my grandmother.

Lolly and Leonora

Found photos.  My grandmother sent this to me last month, an old photo she found in her desk.  The cool kid in the oversized bow is me, posing with my great grandmother, Leonora.  Clearly, we would have made quite the fashion-forward duo.

A text convo with my beloved

My husband, who doesn't fall for anything.  But you can't blame a girl for trying, right?  I mean, my birthday is coming up this summer so I was only trying to help him prepare.

Alicia by Tom Ford

New Sunglasses. I've been wearing my faithful Chloé sunglasses for about six years, which is fair, as sunglasses to me are an investment piece.  Yet, lately I have been feeling that it's time for a change.  While I have always believed that Jackie had it right with basic black, the time had come to go tortoise.  I mean, he won the race, did he not?  Jokes aside, tortoise is equally timeless, and I couldn't help but fall in love with the Alicia by Tom Ford.  I recently learned that Tom Ford names his sunglasses for people that he admires.  There is not a Laura--yet.

Leopard nails

New friends with crazy skills!  Last Friday night, I had the opportunity to join some amazing ladies for fun conversation and amazing nail treatments.  Pink leopard nails!  How did I make it almost 30 years on this earth without it?

Spring has arrived in Boston, and I am thankful for the arrival of warmer weather and time outdoors.  And also spring fashion.  If I don't see a puffy coat or a pair of Uggs until the fall, I will be a happy girl.

Cozying Up

For those of you living under a rock (or not in the great state of Massachusetts), today's Boston weather forecast is for a blizzard that will go down in history.  On the modest side, Boston will see 18 inches of snow...  Worst case scenario is two feet or more, with hurricane winds.  The snow started falling around 10:00 this morning, and all the milk was gone when Dallin, Harper, and I went to the supermarket for a few last minute groceries (including milk).  But perhaps the worst evidence of snowstorm mania was when we went to the neighborhood bakery for donuts, and they were GONE--as in, no donuts whatsoever.   Despite the sad lack of maple frosted donuts in my life, I'm actually enjoying this cozy day indoors with hot chocolate (we managed to find a gallon of organic whole milk hiding amongst the soy milk--sweet relief!), and my sweet little pre-toddler tearing things up.  Cozy clothes are, of course, a necessity for this type of situation, which has got me thinking...  

I've been considering my off-duty wardrobe a lot lately.  As I explained to my husband just the other day, when it comes to the workplace, I have pencil skirts and cute flats in spades, but I am at a total loss when it comes time for lounging at home or even running a quick errand.  Maybe it is anxiety over my impending 30th, or perhaps I'm just bored, but lately I have been wondering if I'm getting too old for college hoodies, tall Uggs, and shapeless sweats?  Don't get me wrong, these are things that I love, but I feel like it might be nice to add some more grown-up coziness into the mix.

So, here are some of the things I would like to cozy up in today as we watch the snow fall outside:

Dreamy Cotton Pant
in stripe vintage champagne, $49.50
by J. Crew

Along with brown hair and green eyes, I have inherited a love of patterns from my mother.  And when it comes to lounge wear, I feel a pattern is far more interesting than your standard grey. I'm especially partial to stripes.  At my former job, a coworker once made fun of me for wearing horizontal stripes; I was pregnant at the time, and I think he meant to suggest that stripes weren't exactly flattering (not that I'm holding a grudge).  Personally, I find stripes lengthening, and I especially like to the Parisian vibe of this "vintage champagne" stripe.  As an added bonus for tall girls like me, J. Crew's Dreamy Cotton Pant is also available in a tall inseam: yay for 35 inches!

Levanoa Encase Tee
in heather grey, $66.50 by Theory

  
I know, it seems a little ridiculous to suggest Theory when it comes to tee-shirts, but I fell in love with Theory tees after scooping up a few at the Theory outlet in Vermont a couple of years ago...and I've never looked back.  The ultra soft feel and figure-flattering fit are unparalleled.  I don't have this particular tee, but I'd like to.  The longer fit and ruched sides do wonders for a silhouette.  I like the heather grey too since, if you're coughing up this much cash for a basic tee (this is the sale price), you should be able to wear it with everything.

Modern Relaxed Velour Hoodie
in Tell Tale, $108 by Juicy Couture

I was so excited to see that Juicy has reinvented their classic track hoodie with a boxier cut and oversized hood.  Finally, a hood that might actually fit on my head!  I mean, do these teeny tiny hoods actually fit someone out there?  They make me feel like a freak of nature.  I also love the broken-in look of this slightly-lighter-than-navy blue. Cozy cozy that works all year round?  Yes, please!

Ansley Slipper in chestnut, $99.95
by UGG Australia

I love my classic tall Uggs, but lately I've been coveting these slippers.  There is something more understated about the moccasin look, but they still pack all that amazing shearling coziness.  I hope you don't take my earlier statement to mean that I'm abandoning the tall style; rather, I'm actually wearing them as I type these very words, but a girl needs options.  And preferably shearling-lined options at that.  

Mathilde Knit Hat in cream, $49.95
from Anthropologie

Okay, I feel warm and cozy just looking at this hat.  There's something about this creamy ivory color that always makes me think of winter in a dreamy and nostalgic sort of way.  The oversized pompom and extra long ties that are youthful, fun, and apres-ski chic all in one.  Yes, I do wear hats inside.  Never sunglasses though (that is one of my number one pet peeves--and a fashion faux pas to boot).

Thigh Hi Loveland Legwarmer in navy, $38
by Free People

I know what you're thinking--legwarmers are so eighties--but I would argue that, when worn just right, they can be comfy, cozy, and even a bit fashionable.  What makes this pair special is that they are graphically bold, but the red, navy, and grey color scheme is actually pretty versatile.  Worn with leggings or my favorite Lulu Wonder Unders and the aforementioned classic tall Uggs, I'm thinking they might just help me get through a blizzard.

And speaking of blizzards, our governor just declared a state of emergency, stating that no cars should be on the road after 4:00, or drivers run the risk--in addition to being careless and putting themselves and any passengers in danger--of a hefty fine.  Looks like things are getting serious around here.  And apparently, so is my off-duty wardrobe.  Bundle up and stay safe, fashionista friends!  

Heart This

I love the nail color trend where just one nail is painted a different color from the rest.  I find that my wedding ring finger is the ideal nail for this look; as the only finger that always has a ring on it, this inherently sets it apart from the rest, and the nail color variation plays on this.  I have seen a lot of different color schemes that work, but I personally like one nail that really pops--like all pink with one gold, or all grey with one red.  Go bold.

My Pin-spiration

Then, while on Pinterest the other day (it's an addiction), I saw this clever variation on the trend, which is so timely with Valentine's Day just around the corner.  The dusty rose color shown really doesn't work for me personally, but I think the concept is the cutest thing ever so obviously I had to try it out for myself.  For my color palette, I went with my trusty Chanel Frenzy for the base color, OPI Red for my heart, and a topcoat of Essie Good to Go for rapid drying.  I heart this!  Literally.

My version

Thirteen Things for 2013

Since my last post, summer turned to fall, which turned to winter...which turned to 2013.  Yikes, how the time flies.  So happy New Year to my long neglected but still greatly beloved friends at She's Come Unheeled!  In honor of the New Year and new resolutions ("blog more" is obviously included on my list), I wanted to share thirteen things  that I am already loving or want/need/havetohave in 2013.

Vinyasa Scarf, $48
by Lululemon

Vinyasa Scarf: My amazing sister got me this scarf for Christmas, and it is pretty much the best thing ever.  Its basic function is like an infinity scarf, but this one snaps together so it can essentially be worn in infinity different ways too!  So far, I have only worn it in two ways: snood-style and hood.  I was in Florida last month, and when the temperature dipped towards chilly, this scarf was my go-to accessory to stay warm.  Plus, for you Lulu-addicts like me, this scarf is made with soft Rulu, Lulu's signature running luon fabric that's moisture-wicking and breathable so you won't overheat.  In my humble opinion, this one is a wardrobe must.

My Vinyasa Scarf in action on the Florida beach!

Thickening Mascara, $30
by Trish McEvoy
Available at Nordstrom

Thickening Mascara: Trish McEvoy's new mascara is my new cosmetic obsession.  It promises a "formal, false lash effect," a marketing sentiment that was pretty much guaranteed to reel me in (as my husband says, I'm a "marketer's dream").  Nevertheless, I've been using it for months now, and I completely love it.  When I originally made my purchase, I was disappointed to learn that this mascara doesn't have the same tubing effect as Trish's other mascaras, which was one of the primary reasons I started using Trish mascara in the first place.  However, the girl at the Trish counter at Nordstrom advised me to layer this one over my faithful Lash Curling mascara so that I could sort of cheat my way to the tubing effect I desired.  Well, my Lash Curling recently ran out, and after a minor panic attack, I just forged ahead and used the Thickening Mascara by itself.  I have to admit that it works a LOT better on its own!  While no mascara on the planet is able to fully achieve the false-lash look, this one really does do a fabulous job of thickening and building my lashes to make them fan out and really pop.  Every girl needs this.

Harper's new pink TOMS

TOMS: It took me a while to jump on the TOMS bandwagon, but when my mother gave me a pair of fuzzy-lined wool TOMS for my birthday last summer, I was sold (see above sunset photo--I'm rocking my Vinyasa Scarf and my TOMS at the same time, holler!).  The cozy lining helped me transition into the cooler fall months, and the TOMS style is both comfortable and versatile.  Of course, their "One for One" mission (with every pair of shoes purchased, TOMS gives a new pair of shoes to a child in need) is amazing too and reason in itself to support TOMS.  Then I also realized that they make BABY TOMS!  They are basically the cutest footwear you will ever see, but I did have trouble committing to a purchase when Harper is at an age where she is growing out of her clothes faster than I can possibly keep up with.  SO...you can imagine how thrilled I was to find a pair of pink baby TOMS at my local kids' consignment shop just this week, and (wonder of all wonders) they were actually in Harper's size.  How can you not just melt when you see itty bitty TOMS?  Really now.

Frenzy, $27
by Chanel

Chanel Frenzy: Yes, while it's true that I am constantly in a state of Chanel frenzy, what I'm actually referring to Frenzy with a capital "F," from Chanel's Fall 2012 nail color line.  My sister gave me a bottle for a hostess gift at Thanksgiving, and it instantly became my favorite neutral.  Move over, Sand Tropez!  While the Essie color formerly occupied by number one spot, Frenzy bumped it down a notch.  The stony khaki color accomplishes a feat that every neutral should: it is visible yet nude.  That is to say, this shade of smokey greyish beige (dare I say, greige?)packs enough punch that it doesn't wash you out, even in the doldrums of winter, but it also won't compete with other colors you might be wearing on a given day.  As a neutral, I personally feel that it can be worn regardless of the season, and if you're going to shell out the big bucks for a Chanel polish, I think that is an important qualifier.

Tumbled Leather Reva Ballet Flat
in party fuschia, $235
by Tory Burch

Reva Flat: As I've already confessed, since having my baby, I have Come Unheeled in more ways than one.  Most often, I mean this literally, as my heels have been sadly neglected for the last 14 months.  It's basically an issue of practicality, since I find it easier to carry Harper and all her gear when I haven't added an extra four inches.  I also took a new job last spring and spend a lot of my work day walking between buildings on an urban campus, which is also a lot easier to do in flats.  All that being said, I have finally discovered for myself why Tory Burch's Reva Flat is so wildly popular.  I could truly wear this shoe everyday.  It is cute yet completely comfortable, not to mention Tory is always coming out with new, irresistible color options.  On that note, I'm loving the Reva in party fuschia, a bold pink patent leather that is just perfect for spring.  And also Valentine's Day (calling all cupids!).

Delightful GM, $1,340
by Louis Vuitton

Louis: I am turning 30 this year (gasp!).  For some time now, it has been my plan to own the Chanel Grand Shopper by the time I turned 30.  In the event that it didn't happen, plan B was to purchase the Chanel Grand Shopper for myself on my 30th birthday.  I mean, birthday at Chanel?  That hardly sounds bad!  Unfortunately, Chanel isn't exactly in the budget right now.  Sigh.  Still, I have my heart set on a fancy new bag for my fancy new decade...  Fortunately, there is no shortage of gorgeous bags in the world, and that is precisely where Louis comes in.  I discovered Louis Vuitton's Delightful GM a couple of years ago, and it definitely made an impression.  First of all, it's HUGE.  Forget Mary Poppins' bag, this one can fit way more stuff--and that's totally key for a girl on the go.  Of course, the monogram canvas is classic, perhaps even a staple in the fashion community, but the I like the way the slouchy hobo style gives this particular bag a more relaxed vibe.  The one tiny downside is that the Delightful GM isn't customizable with Louis' Mon Monogram Collection, but that's so not a deal-breaker.  With eight months to go until my big birthday, I'm now on the search for a fairy godmother, preferably one with an in at Louis Vuitton, but in the meantime, I'll have to start saving.

Sperry Top Sider for J. Crew
in platinum gold, $98

Gold Topsiders: I've been debating the purchase of gold Sperrys for well over two years now.  Clearly, I have problems with indecision, but when I received some J. Crew gift credit over the Christmas holiday, I knew the time to hesitate was through.  I am happy to report that I'm now the proud owner of my very own shiny, metallic Sperrys.  While I won't be able to wear them for several more months, in the meantime, they are sitting happily in my closet, just the golden beacon of light that I need to make it through the long, cold winter.  Like I said, I'm turning 30 this year so I need to make it a golden one.

Say Yes "Yes" Necklace, $78
by Kate Spade 

Kate Spade Wedding: My college bff is getting married this spring so I have lately been obsessing over Kate Spade's Wedding Belles collection with her mind.  Whether for the bride, bridesmaids, or honeymoon, each item is pretty and timeless, with a little bit of whimsy. People say that a woman never looks more beautiful as the day she is married, and I love the way Kate Spade's collection celebrates this very idea of the bride as a beautiful wedding belle.  With pure sentiments like this "Yes" necklace, sacred vows are honored in a fashionably sweet way.  Yay for goin' to the chapel!

Rolled Slim in Lily Dot, $198
from Marc by Marc Jacobs
Available at Bloomingdales

Polka Dot: I inherited my affinity for patterns and prints from my mother, who especially loves polka dots.  Really though, who doesn't?  So I was immediately attracted to these fun jeans from Marc by Marc Jacobs.  Here, the inherent femininity of a pretty little polka dot is turned on its nose with fading and distressing.  I love the resulting casual but girly aesthetic, perfect for spring and summer.  Now I just need them to go on sale!

Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20- Illuminating
in warm radiance, $43
by Laura Mercier
Available at Sephora

Fake Flawless Skin: I received a free sample of Laura Mercier's Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 from Sephora a while back.  I threw it in my make-up bag and didn't think much more about it...until my early sleepless nights with a new baby had me looking a little less than rested.  Without an under-eye concealer handy, I thought I might use it as a stand-in.  Now I am loving it!  Admittedly, it is not supposed to be used as under-eye concealer.  However, I tend to shy away from heavy or more pronounced cosmetic products, which concealers often are, and so this tinted moisturizer is much more my speed.  As a lightweight, sheer foundation with a hint of sheen and color, I've found that it masks any under-eye shadows and instead gives my eyes a fresh, almost dewy look.  Of course, I'm sure it also works fabulously when applied as intended, as a tinted allover facial moisturizer.  I haven't actually tried that yet, but I'll be sure to report back if I do.

Pyramid Stud Silicone Case
in blazer blue, $45
by Tory Burch

Tech Accessories: My beloved Kate Spade iPhone case looks like it has seen better days (it has) so I have recently been on a request to find a replacement.  After recently finding myself on the losing end of a heated Ebay bidding war for the case I really wanted and couldn't find anywhere, I had to accept that maybe there were other fish in the sea.  I'm happy to report that there are!  I came across this Pyramid Silicone Stud case by Tory Burch online the other day, and it might be just the fish I'm looking for.  As I've said before, I'm a sucker for studs and spikes so I'm loving their very practical manifestation here.  This case is available in "blazer blue" and "royal fuschia."  While I'm typically more of an everymustbepink type of girl, I'm actually feeling drawn to the blue.  I feel like the "blazer blue" (navy) gives the studs a more subtle, dignified feel, perfect for the New Year and a more grown-up me.

Keeper Chambray Shirt, $78
by J. Crew

Chambray: My husband loves chambray, which is only further evidence that my born-and-bred California boy is becoming more of a New Englander with each passing day.  He has several chambray shirts, but up until recently, my personal chambray count was 0. So you can imagine how excited I was to unwrap one of his Christmas gifts to me and to discover my very own chambray shirt inside!  I am drawn to casual, effortless feel of chambray, but I also like that it can be dressed up by tucking it into a skirt.  About a month ago, I saw the cutest outfit on display in the J. Crew window, where the chambray shirt was tucked into a red and green plaid skirt and paired with black tights and a statement necklace.  Now I just need to complete the rest of that outfit!

Cultured Pearl Earrings, $925
by Tiffany & Co.

Tiffany Pearls: I received my Tiffany pearl earrings from my mother when I was in college, and I have worn them pretty much everyday since.  Pearls are, of course, timeless and elegant, and there isn't an outfit on the planet that doesn't look better with pearls.  Recently, however, I have begun to feel like my pearls need a new look.  I had been debating going one size bigger than the pearls I already have--that is, until I saw Tiffany's cultured pearl earrings.  A stunning adaptation of the traditional pearl look, these earrings are 18k white gold with cultured pearls and round brilliant diamonds.  They are nothing short of breathtaking, and if I were so lucky as to have these, I feel that I can quite honestly say I would never need another pair of earrings again.  

So there you have it.  As you can see, while I'm making every attempt to be practical these days, I simply can't help but dream big.  However, I would feel remiss if I didn't mention how blessed I feel for all the things I already have.  In fact, just this morning, when I mentioned the handbag on my wishlist, my husband reminded me that I don't need a handbag to feel like I have arrived--that the little girl asleep in the backseat of the car during our conversation was evidence of how far I have come in life.  While I don't like conceding, he was/is undeniably right.  I have so much to be grateful for, and I feel lucky for that everyday.  BUT...I still want my Louis bag.  And on that note, until next time, happy New Year--and happy shopping!