Remember That Girl You Didn't Hire?

She had such a response that I feel you all deserve to hear the latest (y'all were out clicking to read the comments like mad). I'm writing this update despite my anxiety that one local reader will discover who inspired this conversation in the first place. Ooooooo danger.

Okay so you remember this girl that you didn't want to hire? Well, most of you said you wouldn't hire... Because she's a fucking bombshell living in your home as a nanny and your husband isn't blind. Yeah her. I wouldn't have hired her either even though I'm certain that my loving, devoted husband would never have ever even glanced at her ;) Sorry Toots, I guess sometimes the world just isn't always fair to the beautiful. Huh.

Anyway, she (the gorgeous and very real Swedish au pair that sparked this conversation in the first place) went back to Sweden for school and the family has already hired a new woman. This time, drum roll please, she's a woman in her 60's. Just saying. I don't know if this one lives with the family. Just found it interesting.

Good move on the wife's part. Please keep your insults on my insecurities to yourselves :)

Be Mine

I'm not saying that I'm against a bouquet of flowers - I think any bloom is wonderful (alright, I'm not so much a fan of sunflowers). But I do think it's refreshing to consider something more... lasting.

A Lulie Wallace painting. Number one floral on my list for real.

Or how 'bout a floral tank. It just makes sense. To me, at least.

Maybe some flowery earrings? No time like the present to hop on the iridescent trend.

Orrrr maybe some sweet mugs.

Perhaps going bigger and getting some pink and red for your home... Love this rug (or wallhanging) oh so much.

Regardless, this card should most definitely be considered.

The Banquette Is Set! Finally.

It took me a million or so hours to finally find the table for our banquette in the kitchen. We have a large island we've been using in the meantime, so we weren't totally put out during my search. Turns out it's kinda hard to find a table you love that's the right look, size, and price.

It's not exactly what I had in mind, but frankly I was just tired of looking and wanted to be done with it. And I like it. We ordered it from Restoration Hardware during a sale.

I found the Cobble Chairs (and also the napkins that I've had for awhile) at one of my favorite local furniture stores, Celadon. But you can find the chairs online here since I was all selfish and bought the last two at Celadon a few months back. The art is from Black Crow Studios. And the stripy throw can be found in my girl Amber's Shoppe.

I had originally planned to get cushions for the bench but am going to wait until my kids are older and not all "i'm gonna just wipe my hands anywhere" even if it is an accident.

Anyway, I'm happy. It's a nice spot for my family to eat, for kids to color, and for me to sit with my computer, coffee, and read blogs.

Alt Summit - The Good & The Bad. A Recap

Well, I'm back. 5 days is a long time for me to be away. I'm really a 3 - 4 day trip type of girl (unless it's a magical kind of vacation with my husband). I just love being in my home, consider my city to be the best in the world (so does Conde Nast, that's pretty major), and of course enjoy being with my kids (with a few mental breaks, ha!).

BUT it was a trip worth it's weight in time even though there were many moments when I wondered what I was learning there... more on that in a bit. As to be expected, there were a lot of sequins, fur, stripes, polka dots, headdresses, and bright lips. I mean. It was off the hook. I wish I would have taken pictures of everyone I saw that was donning one of these b/c this could have been a funny post. Oh on the note of pictures, not all of these are all that stellar, I only took my iPhone and the lighting was bad in a few.

My goal for the trip was to have a fun time with blog friends and network while learning a few tricks. That is EXACTLY what I did. What is the number one thing I'm coming away with? I feel reenergized and motivated to do some of the things that frankly I needed a kick in the ass to do. I need those from time to time. And if I have to fly out to SLC for said kick in the ass and lots of parties, then that's cool.

(cheesy photo booth picture with Gaby, Courtney, and Kirsten)

(Amanda and Gaby)

(with Courtney before an especially bad speech)

About that especially bad speech. I mean, some of the panels and speakers left a lot to be desired. It's funny to look through my notes and see crickets next to names where useful notes should have been jotted down. At times I felt as though I was listening to a few women just talk about all the cool and great things they've done, blah blah blah blah. I mean, I can go to your press and collab section to see that. I'm cool with hearing about it as long as you bring it back around to how you did it and some legit tips for others. That's why you were asked to speak. I know, there's some rule out there that says you shouldn't share all your tips and secrets. And I believe it. But hell, share some! This was a golden opportunity to make a great impression on your fellow blogging community. Perhaps Alt needs to make it worth the while for speakers to divulge advice and content... Or maybe I have it all wrong? Nah, that couldn't be. ;)

BUT there were also some really kick ass speakers (hey hey Jenny!) who knocked my socks off and left me educated, inspired, and girl crushing. (She really is the best and sweetest girl and deserves every bit of success she's earned.)

Shout Outs:

1. First one goes out to my cheese dip and lobby bar girls Bailey (Peppermint Bliss), Jamie (I Suwannee), and Molly & Sally (A Piece of Toast) - it was the best way to begin (or end) each night.

(Mack, me, Sally, Jamie, Bailey, Gaby)

2. Hey Stefan Sagmeister - your keynote speech was off the chain awesome. I can't wait to see your new movie in full.

(Gaby, Amanda, me and I'm wearing this Looking Glass dress, and Ali)

3. The last two years I've known that I adore my Alt roomie Gaby (The Vault Files), but after this trip I can say that I love love her. We stayed up super late every night crying laughter. Thanks for that Gaby.

4. A few other extra special friends that haven't been mentioned yet, Lauren, Meg, and Trina. You girls are home girls for sure.

(Bailey, Sally, Jamie, Me, Gaby, Molly)

5. Gotta give shouts to Gabrielle and Sara for organizing this well oiled machine. Bravo.

Some tips for other bloggers: (if you no bloggy then just skippy)

- Show your personality. If someone doesn't like you then so be it. You're the only you. 

- Know your audience. 

- Have a media kit. (I've been meaning to do this for awhile but am waiting for my re-design).

- Use an editorial calendar so that your blog doesn't look like the last blog post you just read.

- Don't be sneaky - if you got something for free be upfront about it. It's obvious.

** Thinking about going to Alt in NYC this summer? I say go for it. If you're a new blogger you'll learn tons. If you're more seasoned then you'll learn a few new things, but more importantly will network and have a damn good time :)

**********

I'm glad I had the ability to go and am thankful for that. Most of all, I'm thankful for you. You all keep this blog going and are pretty much my famjam. And I want to learn much, much more about you later this week! I really hope you'll take the time to tell me about yourselves in my survey so that this Look Linger Love community can develop further and see and do some awesome things!! 

Joss & Main Alt Curators Sale LIVE

Hi, Everyone! I'm having such fun here in Salt Lake City at Alt and can't wait to tell you all about it. I'll be meeting some blog friends for a drink here in just a bit before all the mini parties. And tonight I'm breaking out my "I'm not a player I just blog a lot" tee :) A few of you asked, you can buy one here.

My recap of the trip will probably come on Monday. But today I'm excited to tell you that I'm super honored to be a part of the Joss & Main Alt Curators Sale that is currently live now through Sunday evening. There's some really pretty stuff over there so go check out my and my blog friend's picks :)

 You can use this link here :) Happy weekend!

Quest For The Next Squeals Inducing Bag

Every so often I add a new investment bag to my collection. It's been awhile, and I'm thinking (hoping!) my birthday in March would be a great time to make this expansion. (Please don't make the backyard project my birthday present, Josh.) So this means the hunt and research has already begun. I don't take these purchases lightly... :)

I want a big bag. And I want it to be really fly and great quality. A bag that I will carry for many, many years and will be passed along to Lilly many, many, many more years from now. Here's my narrowed down list.

I love the bright red but want a neutral color. And I have enough black bags... So this nude Givenchy Antigona Satchel bag meets my needs/desires. Frankly, it is at the very tippy top of my list. It's perfect.

I can dream of this, right? What's your dream bag? Let me guess... Celine.

SLC Bound

I'm off bright and early this morning for Alt Summit in Salt Lake City. It's my first trip to Utah and I'm so excited to explore. I'm just dying to fit in some skiing but don't see how I'll be able to make that happen with the Alt schedule of events and my short time frame. I can't wait to learn some good stuff, hang with blog friends (including my roomie Gaby!), and have a fun vacation with the girls. I plan to let loose a little. Those who know me well will not be surprised by this :)

Packing was fun - here's hoping my luggage doesn't get lost... Eyes widen with terror.

Follow along on my adventures on instagram, yo (my account is looklingerlove). xoxo

Sorry for poor quality pic, I took this with my phone late last night.

New Neutrals

I went on a favoriting spree yesterday. You know, the imaginary shopping you do online. Obviously you can't buy everything you want. But favoriting them feels really satisfying, too. While looking over my loot I noticed they were all neutral in color. Maybe that's my new thing? With a big bright lip, of course.

I own that pleated maxi and it's worth every bit of the whole $23 it costs. It's fabulous. I could really go on and on about every single piece up there and make a good argument as to why they're closet investment must haves. But neither of us have the time, so let's just give eeeextra special nods to the stripey dress, the rain booties (I wear my rain booties waaaay more than my tall rain boots), the tweed shift dress, and that freaking clutch.

And you and I both know that I totally lied. There was one colorful favorited item. These Coral Snake Embossed booties. I'll take them, too.

In A Valentine's Mood

Blame it on Amelia Bedelia and her Valentine's book I've been reading to Lilly, but I have Valentine's Day on the brain. I wouldn't say I'm a total heart day junkie, but I do love a holiday that celebrates love and all things pink! Maybe you do too...

To Have:

Pink Extensions * Dinah Painting * One Night Stands Journal (ha!) * Sugar Cookies

Bike Print * Planter * Love Me Balloon * Fox & Flower Print 

To Wear:

Swimsuit * Strapless Dress * Peplum Top * Chiffon Skirt

XO Ring * Flat Mules * Suede Heels * Pocket Shirt

New Kicks

It's been a long week over here taking care of my sick children. We've been strolling a lot to get some fresh air and I've also made a few breaks for it thanks to some good sitters :) And I've been practically living in my new Ash wedge sneakers.

I had been contemplating them for a few months now, but finally bit the bullet about 2 weeks ago and got a pair. I LOVE them. I'm a shorty so I love to add some height. They're great for chasing kids, strolling down King Street, and can also totally be dressed up which is a fun. I got them in black but am now completely convinced I need them in a rainbow of colors.

I'm particularly drawn to the creamy white pair and that pastel pair. And if I didn't already have my black pair I'd be all over the snakeskin ones. So many fun ways to dress them.

And I think I might like her outfit the best...

Manifesto's Launch: Evolve

My friend Meg Biram just launched her comfy tee with a meaning line, Manifesto. Each month a different declaration of intention, motive, or view will be chosen. 12 different tops a year. All limited edition.

For Manifesto's launch Meg invited 9 blogger friends to be a part of the lookbook. I'm so honored to be a part of it wearing January's tee, evolve.

I chose to pair it with an oldie but a goodie floral skirt. And my friend Calder snapped the pics for me. After Josh attempted to... Josh's turned out something like this:

Alright they weren't really that crooked, but they were way out of focus. So big ups to Calder for saving this. Anyway, how about some of the other lovely ladies...

Grace:

Caitlin:

Jessie:

Victoria:

So fun, right? Congrats on the line launch, Meg! I can't wait to see next month's.

Oh, and let's just go ahead and address one last thing. I know my left boob looks like it's about to jump out of your screen and punch you in the face. I mean, yeah it is bigger than the right one. But my angle makes it look 3 times bigger! WTF.

Oh well. Evolve. Meg asked me what it means to me... Embrace change. Seek out the opportunity meant for you.

What does it mean to you?

Oh Gary

I have never, I am quite certain, seen a more enchanting fashion blogger. Feminine and fierce. Sorry to use the word fierce, but frankly she is. I've followed Nicole's blog for a long time now. She's one of the best, if not the best.

A true beauty dressed! Go girl.

All images via Gary Pepper.