The Perfect Tee

The Perfect Tee by snoopnattynat featuring an off shoulder tee

On My Nightstand, What I Have Been Reading

I am such a book worm at heart. I love nothing more than to curl up in bed with a good book.  Here is what I have read lately.  What have you been reading?

SAFE HAVEN- I always love Nicholos Sparks books.  They are such good, easy reads.  I read this book in like 3 days.  Kind of want to see the movie now but I know the book is always better.

MRS. KENNEDY AND ME- I absolutely loved this book.  It was such an interesting insight into the Kennedy's private life.  I seriously could not put it down.  Jackie has always been such an inspiration to me and this made me admire her even more.

GRACE CODDINGTON A MEMOIR- This was such a fun behind the scenes look into the fashion world, especially Vogue.  I loved reading about all the famous models and fashion shoots.

GREAT GATSBY- Like most of you I had to read this years ago for school.   I think I liked it but it was so long ago its hard for me to remember.   I just recently picked it up again because I want to read it again before I see the movie- how good does the movie look?

DRINKING AND TWEETING- I am a little ashamed to admit I read this book, But I won't lie I love the housewives.  It was the first book I downloaded for my Kindle.  It was such an easy read.  It feels just like Brandi is talking to you.  It had alot of good gossip on LeeAnn and Hollywood living.  Plus a whole chapter about her vaginal reconstructive surgery which- which I guess people really do???  If you like the Housewives it is a fun read.

THE HONEST LIFE- This book was such an eye opener to me about all the chemicals in our everyday life.  It has really made me rethink what I bathe Sterling with and products I use on my own skin as well.  I really love Jessica Alba and liked her even more after this book.  She is a great mom with a huge passion to start such a successful company.



Next up and cued up now on my Kindle is, But Mama always put Vodka in the Sangria.  The title makes you want to read it, right??  Reed is a columnist for Garden and Gun and this details her culinary experiences and travels plus is filled some pretty delish recipes.  I read 4 chapters last night and I am really enjoying it so far.

Dressing For Weddings (Or any Special Occassion)

In keeping with reader post requests,  I got several requests for Wedding attire. I know Summer time means Wedding time. Everyone loves to get married in the Summer and why not the weather is usually amazing!  As far as wedding dresses go this is something I like to splurge on because I know I will get plenty of wear out of the dress. There is usually always something I need a fun dress for in addition to Weddings and Rehearsal Dinners - holiday parties, graduation events, baptisms, New Years Eve, the list goes on.  I feel like a nice dress you feel comfortable in is something to splurge on. Case and point my Milly Hostess Sari Dress. I paid a pretty penny for this dress but I wear it all the time and I always feel good in it.   

Below I rounded up my favorite picks for Summer Wedding Attire, all are fabulous choices for any event.

ONE BY CONTRARIAN BABS BIBB DRESS | RACHEL ZOE PLEATED MAXI |  PARKER MAXI DRESS | TIBI SHIFT DRESS | RORY BECCA GEMMA T-BACK MAXI |  REBECCA TAYLOR AURORA DRESS | PARKER VERA DRESS |  TIBI KALEIDOSCOPE DRESS | DVF BEONICA DRESS | DVF REAGAN DRESS


And a few ideas for shoes and accessories. If I am wearing a Maxi Dress alot of times I prefer to wear flats. No one can really see your shoes and that way you are comfortable and can dance all night. I included two of my all time favorite flats. With short dresses I always prefer heels.  As far as jewelry goes I like small earrings (I have wanted the House of Harlow ones forever) and I always love a statement necklace!  Most of these accessories are things you could buy and use often not just for Weddings.

TORY BURCH AMALIE SANDALS | RACHEL ZOE GWEN FLATS | BELLE BY SIGERSON MORRISON | REBBECA MINKOFF SANDALS | TORY BURCH EMMY FLATS |  JCREW CRYSTAL DROP NECKLACE | JCREW FAN NECKLACE | BAUBLEBAR TRIPLE STRAND NECKLACE | GOLD PAVE STUDS | HOUSE OF HARLOW STUDS

Lets Talk About Some Shoes.

You guys gave me some great post ideas last week. One idea that someone suggested was for me to write about shoes. I don't buy shoes often and I tend to be pretty practical when it comes to shoes. I tend to gravitate towards blacks and nudes because I know I will wear them all the time and they will go with everything. I do love a pop of color occasionally and I have a few bright colored ballet flats I love. These are my top picks for Spring/Summer, I actually own several of these and the rest I would love to add to my collection!

ONE:  SPLENDID CONGO FLATS- A perfect everyday flat.  Love both the black and neon color!  A real steal
TWO:  TORY BURCH EMMY FLATS-  I actually own these.  I bought them like 4 years and they are my favorite flats.  I have them in the nude color and wear them all the time.
THREE: ELIZABETH AND JAMES TONI SLIM STRAP SANDALS- I don't wear or buy heels often but when I do I love a really nice and simple pair.  I love the simplicity of these. They would look amazing with jeans and fancy dresses
FOUR:  TKEES FLIP FLOPS-  I stand by the fact that these are the best flipflops ever.  I have worn them everyday since I got them.
FIVE: MELISSA CUT OUT FLATS- I am obsessed with the bright candy red color of these and the cut out details.  Such a fun summer flat.  They come in blue and white too.
SIX: SOLUDOS IKAT ESPADRILLES- These are not shoes I would normally pick out but whenever I see someone wearing them I think they look so cute and comfortable.  Love the ikat and the price is great!
SEVEN: YOSI SAMRA ELASTIC BALLET FLATS- I always love snakeskin it goes with everything.  These flats are a great price and look so comfortable.  Comfort is key for daily wear.
EIGHT:  SAM EDLEMAN GIG T-STRAP FLAT- These are the best Summer flats.  I own several pairs.  The price point is great and they look cute with everything.
NINE: DOLCE VITA HATTIE BOOTIES- I for one love booties in the summer.  I think they are adorable with jean shorts and short dresses.   Love the detail on the leather on these.
TEN: SAM EDLEMAN GILDA GLADIATORS- I love gladiator sandals.  They can jazz up any outfit!
ELEVEN: RACHEL ZOE SCARLETT SANDALS - I am convinced I need pair of Rachel Zoe sandals, I never hear anything but great things about her line.  Love the nude/gold detail.
TWELVE: MADEWELL STRIPPED FLATS- I am a sucker for anything stripped. These would look cute with so many outfits summer or fall!


 
 

 

Spring Break Fever

Spring Break is next week and am I doing anything fabulous?  Easy answer, no!  Sterling is out of school all week so we are headed to Charlotte to visit my parents and await the birth of my first nephew!  I am so excited to meet that sweet thang.  Do I wish I were going somewhere tropical, um hell yeah.  I need a vacay bad.  Just some time in the sun to booze, read, and relax.  That is not happening anytime soon but I can still dream about what I would pack, right?  Here is what would be in my suitcase.  Anyone have fun Spring Break plans?  Indulge me:)

JOIE LOUISA WOVEN TOTE ||  TORY BURCH TUNIC ||  RACHEL PALLY IBIZA BIKINI ||  VELVET TIE DYE DRESS||  JOIE SLIDE SANDALS ||  TOM BINNS ELECTRO NOVA NECKLACE ||  RAY BAN AVIATORS ||

Getting Down with Books.

As most of you know I am avid reader. I don't have much time to read during the day but I love to get into bed with a good book.   I also love reading to Sterling.   Since he was little I made it a priority to make sure we read to him each night. I think that is how children learn to love books through their parents taking the time to sit down and read to them.  Every night Matt and I each read Sterling at least one book a piece and he always asks for us to read more when we are done, which makes me smile.

 Don't worry I am not about to get all preachy in this post, although I do think it is important to read to kids and encourage them to read and use their imagination. 

 I thought it would be fun for me to share the last few books I have read and enjoyed also some of Sterling's favorites in hopes that you would recommend some new ones for us. I need a great new book to curl up with at night , and I also would love to give Sterling a few new books for Christmas, so I need ideas!

Here are the last few books I have read.  I loved them in all different ways and would recommend each of them.  Gone Girl and Wild were two surprising favorites of mine out of the bunch because they are not the types of books I typically read.   They were both awesome!   As you can see I am all over the place with my reading choices.   So, please dish what have you read recently that I need to get my hands on??

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Here are a few recent favorites of Sterling's that he insists on reading every night!  Any of these would make great gifts for little boys (or girls).   And yes we are already reading Christmas books round here:)  What other books are must haves for a soon to be three year old?

 

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While we are on the subject of books, oh how I dream of having a library in my house one day!  How amazing are these home libraries?  The book worm in me is swooning over all these beauties.

And because Christmas is right around the corner, here are a few coffee table books on my wishlist  I am hoping to add to my collection (hopefully Santa is reading).

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So please help a sista out and recommend some books for me and my little man!

Happy Monday and almost Halloween!

Shopping For Boys It Ain't Easy!

When I first found out I was having a boy my first thought was what the heck am I going to dress a boy in?  I know a thing or two about dressing girls but boys I didn't even know where to begin.  When Sterling was young I loved to dress him in all things traditional like bubbles and jon-jons.  Now that he is older I feel like he looks silly in that stuff now.  He no longer looks like a baby and has really morphed into a little man the past few months- a very opinionated young man at that, always wanting to choose his clothes for the day and of course it is usually not what I want him to wear!

I always thought I would continue to dress Sterling traditionally but I have actually started to like a more modern/urban look for my sweet boy.  Don't get me wrong I still love some traditional outfits and actually love to mix traditional pieces with edgier fun pieces (think jon-jons with bright green pumas).    I never thought I would gain so much pleasure from shopping for boy stuff but I really do!  I honestly sometimes like shopping for him more than me. 

For all you moms with little boys, you know it is hard to find cute stuff.  The stores are biased and always have way more stuff for girls than boys.   I always walk in stores and there are racks and racks of girl clothes and a tiny section for boys- not fair.   There are always cute clothes up to age two but after that I find it is hard to find a good selection most places.   Boys deserve to look cute too!

My go-to places to shop for cute Boy stuff are JCrew and Gap for basics, and Zappos for shoes/Hatley pieces.  I love that Zappos has free shipping and returns.   Locally,  I love Sugar Snap Pea for Tea Collection and other great play clothes. Any other great sites I am missing out on?


Below are a few things we have purchased Sterling for Fall and I love them all.  You can't go wrong with any of the pieces and they are easy to mix and match.

J Crew Boys French Terry| Gap Button Shawl Pullover| JCrew Long Sleeve Ringer Tee| JCrew Winter Fleece|
Gap Colored Skinny Jeans|  Tea Super Side Stripe Pants| JCrew Camp Sweatpant| Tea Collection Knit Playware Pants


I am kind of a shoe hoarder and love to buy shoes for Sterling which is funny because I rarely buy shoes for myself.  The shoes below are his line-up for fall and they are all in pretty heavy rotation.   Sterling is obsessed with his Minnetonka slippers and wants to wear them to bed everynight!  The Pumas and Converse are daily staples.  The Minnetonka Boots and Wallabees are favorites of mine (Rachel Zoe even likes the Minnetonka boots for her son Skylar).

 Converse High-Tops| Minnetonka Chukka Moccasin Boots| Hunter Rainboots
Puma Whilrwind V| Minnetonka Pile Lined Slippers|  Clarks Wallabee

Below are a few miscellaneous items we love.  Sterling has the Hatley dinosaur raincoat and adores it.  I swear the first drop of rain and he insists he needs his rainboots and raincoat.   I swear by the Hatley pajamas too.    I love all things Patagonia.  Last year Sterling went through a weird phase where he wanted to wear socks on his hands all the time so I bought him the Patagonia Mittens to replace the socks, worked like a charm.  He still loves the mittens.

Hatley Raincoat| Hatley Dinosaur PJs| Hatley Fire Truck PJs| Patagonia Vest | Patagonia mittens

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Oh and because I can't resist,  how adorable is this picture from our Halloween playgroup Friday?  My Spiderman was in full effect!