In The Mail

Like the rest of you my mailbox has been infiltrated with magazines.  Loads of them.  There were a few things that stuck out for me, so I thought I'd share.  So here it is, a post titled "In The Mail: Home Edition".

I like this shoe & handbag tower from Ballard.  It's a little pricey, so if you can't splurge I'm sure you could find something similar and then just add some trim pieces from Lowes.

Pottery Barn was brilliant in their recent outdoor spaces magazine.  They showed tons of before and afters of porches and patios using all of their outdoor items.  Brilliant.  Really, it had both my husband and me needlessly looking for reasons to buy stuff (we didn't).

And you should also know that I adore these chaises.

Lastly, really digging these colorful outdoor dishes from West Elm.

 

Thanks for playing along :) 

A Pretty Smitten Party

I'm just looking for a reason to throw a little party so that I can use all of this cuteness from Pretty Smitten shop!

I adore that gumball theme. And Pretty Smitten's owner, Elizabeth, has ideas for days to make a party unique and special.  Look at these stickers she put on bottles of bubbles!  Brilliant for summer.

And how many times have you stood at the food table trying to decipher if that sandwhich is indeed chicken salad or tuna salad.  There's a big difference people.  These little customizable tented signs will be much appreciated by your guests.  Plus, they're just plain cute!

Here's a few of the most popular themes to get you thinking.

So if you're looking to make a party feel special and unique {without all the effort}, visit my awesome sponsor Pretty Smitten.  She's super affordable. 

Kokoon Winner

Congratulations Annie from Exhibit A!  You won the Kokoon giveaway.  And I love your choice, the draped cardi in sage is gorgeous!

For those of you interested in hosting a little trunk show party with your girlfriends, just visit Kokoon's website for info.  If you happen to be in the Charleston, SC area we have a great sales rep here, Jaime Koontz. You can reach her at jamikoontz@gmail.com.



Have a great weekend everyone!

My New Art

Many of you already know that I went to Sally Benedict's art show last week.  You might also know that my fabulous husband bought me a painting (he's the best!).

That's Sally and me posing in front of my new painting!  I absolutely adore it. Now I just need to decide where I want to put it.

Here are some other pictures I took at the show.  Sorry for the poor quality, I was using my phone.

Josh says the only reason I like this next picture is because of my shoes.  That's not true, I like the painting too :)



So much fun.  Congrats on the successful show, Sally!

Bali Intimate Apparel Style Summit

I'm heading back to NYC in a couple of weeks.  Why?  Because the kind folks at Bali Intimates have invited me to their Intimate Apparel Style Summit!

I'll be joined by some other style bloggers too.  The event is designed as an opportunity for us to get to share our ideas and insights on fit, style, patterns, and textures.  

So I ask you all to be thinking -- what would you like to see in your intimate apparel?

We'll also be meeting and having lunch with celebrity stylist, Jennifer Rade.  You know, Angelina Jolie's very own...  We'll get an exclusive preview of upcoming collections, have a professional makeup session, and some other fun things!  Oh and we're also going to see the Broadway show "Anything Goes"!

Did I mention that Bali is so graciously covering all the costs? Yeah, they're flying me up there and putting us all up at the Paramount Hotel!

Needless to say I'm pretty stoked about the opportunity.  Can't wait to share more details as I get them!

Booyah! I Got A Dani Notes IPhone Case

Here she is!

Isn't she pretty?  I'm a major lover of chevron so I knew that I wanted that design.  And I chose silver and bronze/gold because I dig those two colors together.

You can have your own Dani Notes iphone case too!

Just go visit Dani's shop!

Tornados Suck

People don't.

{Photography by Wisneski Tulsa World via KansasCity}

There are a lot of images of the devastation in Joplin, but for some reason this picture just got me.  Thoughts and prayers go out... 

My Summer Essentials

Right now I'm over at my lovely friend Marysia's blog sharing my must haves for summer!  Here's a sneak peek!

{Forty Beads book, Vamoose bangles, and Bobbi Brown buffing grains}

But that was just a peek. There are 8 more of my summer essentials to see over there!

Everything About This

Is perfect.  That pleated dress, those platform heels.  Guh.



And for any of you pregnant gals, I think this dress would be darling on you too!
via Ruby Boutique.

More NYC Fun

So while I was in NYC last week I managed to escape for some shopping and a couple of great meals with my friend Marysia.  There were two places that stick out that I think are worth sharing with you all.

I got a great little dress that I cannot wait to wear from Think Closet on Bleecker St. in the West Village.  Such a fun little boutique.

And if you like pizza (who doesn't?) you must check out Keste on Bleecker.

I'm pretty sure it's been voted some of the best pizza in NYC and I can see why!  Here's a shot of the margherita pizza we got. 



Absolutely delish.  Hope to make it back there when I'm back in New York next month. More details on that coming soon!

Kokoon Introduction + Giveaway

Today I'd LOVE to welcome my new sponsor Kokoon.  Gorgeous, comfortable, flattering style.

A "boutique without borders", Kokoon is re-inventing the home shopping experience.  While it's sold through private appointments and trunk shows, Kokoon has 3 rules that I find to be very refreshing.

No presentation, no sales pitches, and no recruiting tactics. 

Kokoon is made in the US and designed by Laine Sou Weinberg.  Laine has been designing for over 20 years, and the line got it's start in major retailers such as Nordstrom, Saks, and Bloomies by mail.  It's also been featured in Cosmo, Bazaar, and Glamour.

I can see why...

The ladies at Kokoon were sweet enough to even send me a piece of clothing of my choosing so I could see the quality first hand.  I can tell you it's absolutely gorgeous (can't wait to show you my selection next month!). 

And now for even better news

One winner of this giveaway will win the item that you love most!!!  So head over to Kokoon and look around. Come back here and report on which item you want. 

For an extra entry, go "like" Kokoon's facebook page and come back here and leave a separate comment telling us you did so. 

This giveaway will end Friday and I'll announce the winner Saturday.  Good luck to you all!!  Doesn't Kokoon rock?!

Note: All of Kokoon's pieces are limited edition so there is a slight chance that the piece you have your heart set on may be sold out.  In that case you can just choose another favorite Kokoon piece.

Gray Benko Photography - Lilly's Beach Playdate

One of the benefits of being good friends with a wildly talented photographer is that sometimes she'll just show up to a playdate with her camera.  This happened about 2 weeks ago during a beach playdate with Lilly's friends Farris, Caroline, and Sydney (not pictured b/c she was snoozin').  Thanks so much for snapping so many photos Gray!!

Notice Lilly's Marysia Swim Bumby swimsuit!  Isn't she stylin'??

 {Sharing goldfish crackers.}

Gray Benko Photography is right here in Charleston!  Give her a shout if you need some photos.  She takes all of Lilly's and I couldn't be happier.