STARBURST + supernova

As a past purchase, these J. Crew Starburst Earrings are currently nestled in my jewelry box & have made a few special appearances. They would look perfect with this Crystal Supernova Bracelet from J. Crew. Perhaps for the wedding? They are definitely contenders. 

Buckle Your Boot

Mine were purchased last week from Piperlime, but you may get these cute & comfy boots for 30% off at Rocket Dog's site. Just be sure to order a half size up because they run small. 

Perusing their site now for my next purchase.

STELLA + stellanude

My fiance got me this STELLA Gift Set from Sephora last year for my birthday. I've loved this scent ever since & am so pumped to see McCartney's latest release STELLANUDE. Just a little preview to my personal Holiday Wishlist which I am currently building in conjunction with a general 2009 Gift Guide. 

PILGRIMS + indians

Since our New York family has a yearly tradition of an Indian group shot when they gather for Thanksgiving festivities...

we decided to counter with a pilgrim shot this year.

My mom & my sister constructed little bonnets & hats out of scrapbook paper, filled some baskets with bread & fruit, & substituted a chicken costume for our pup in lieu of a turkey outfit. It was pretty windy yesterday in Georgia & best we tried we couldn't get Hazel to face the camera, but maybe next year we will perfect the shot. Perfection was attained, however, in the form of a 26 pound turkey.

We ate & then we rested like this...

Very thankful for a great holiday with my family & weeks of leftover turkey sandwiches in my future.

Rakin' in the RTM!

Yay! A few of my RTM purchases arrived last week.

I've been wearing these studs nonstop since I got 'em. Crazy versatile! Unfortunately it's not cold enough here to wear my coat yet (thus far I'm strictly scarves), but it gives great waist when fully buttoned, so I'm glad to add it to my collection. Plus this green will be an easy way to combat the dark, dreary winter blues (it'll perk hue up! ha!).

1/2 

LOVE + loyalty

In wedding news or lack thereof... we have yet to finalize our budget, so we haven't actively started planning, but that doesn't mean that I haven't been plotting & perusing. Mainly online.

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It doesn't take long to know that J. Crew is most definitely my go-to site (& occasionally store) for classic pieces that I know will impressively last. Therefore I feel a certain sense of loyalty when on the prowl for my bridesmaids dresses & wedding gown. They've always done me right & it just wouldn't be the same without 'em. 

LOVE + loyalty = SILK + chiffon... & lots of it too.

Their Vintage Blue Shade has got me completely hooked in both of these silhouettes which is pretty perfect because we're already set on two attendants each (does that count as planning?). In sticking with that number maybe I could rationalize two dresses -- one long for the ceremony, one short for the reception? Either of these gowns below would do for the hitchin'. Simple, chic, & easy on the wallet. Love love love!

1 /2 /3 /4 

Don't worry, you'll be seeing some potential wedding weekend appropriate J. Crew jewelry on my Christmas List TBP (To Be Posted) soon...

Make Mine a Double Please

Been holding onto this photo I snapped last time I visited IKEA...

I've got two of these babies tucked away, so I will one day be able to copy this genius idea. Cannot wait.

Mini-mergencies

Ever since I've been back from my long stint overseas, I've been feeling overwhelmed with all of the necessary "catching up" business. Even an enjoyable task like thumbing through the stacks of magazines & catalogues that I piled up in my absence seems daunting; not to mention the already un-fun time suckers like bills, work, & cleaning. You know it's bad when even your first (finally delivered) issue of InStyle cannot de-funk you. Plus I've encountered some mini-mergencies as of late (anxiety attack that led to ER visit, lost debit card, & waking up to my dented-in-the-middle-of-the-night car on my way to a 6 AM work meeting). 

All of which have led me to my tried & true cure all: RTM (Retail Therapy Mode); I'm currently in full on RTM. Above is a recent acquisition; got it in the pink -- it's very very soft, oh so comfortable, & adorable with button detailing on the shoulder. Depending on how things progress, I may have it in every other color by the end of the month. A win-win situation -- here's to looking at the closet half full, not half empty.

SUGAR + ice

Finally got a chance to celebrate my birthday this weekend with the fiance and the fam. Pictured above are some of the notable items from my birthday loot. So glad that I stumbled upon the BR Chiffon-Trim Scarf & Gloves when I was constructing my wish list. At the time I was torn between the Sugar Plum & the Dark Charcoal, so I let my little birthday elves solve my dilemma. Thankfully my parents had the sense to stick with the Sugar Plum for both items -- it's absolutely gor-geous in person. John hooked it up with the KS ear candy found on Piperlime; these studs have further fueled my newly developed lust for all things shiny, sparkly, & Spade. Below are the newest items added to my never-ending wish list. Everything that glitters may not always be gold, but if it were... you wouldn't hear me complaining.

4 /5 /6 /7 /8 

Party in the U.S.A!

Just got back from a 2.5 week work trip in China, so glad to be back in home sweet home Georgia. Usually the trips are work, work, work, but this time I was able to explore Tung Chung while we stayed in Hong Kong (highly recommend that you make it over there!). Above are some pictures of a gorgeous monastery we visited (complete with chanting monks). The jet-lag is bringing me down a little bit and I'm feeling pretty rough, but I will post more photos this week & get back on track with my regular scheduled posting.

P.S. -- I'm loving the perfect weather we're having here on the East Coast -- glad to be back in time to enjoy it & I'm back just in time for my Mom's birthday!! Gonna celebrate both of our birthdays together this weekend (here she is below with my bro in the mountains of Tennessee). She's in need and want of a great new purse, so I'm gonna go hunting for one tomorrow.