worst fashion trend ever

Animal knit hats for women.

Are these real?

Who wears them? I've seen 'em online, in print, and on tv multiple times over the past few weeks (thankfully, not yet in person). They're ridiculous. Even one of my favorite clothier's, Sundance, has gotten on board with this asinine movement.

Tell me: Does an adult woman pull on a kitten hat, gaze into the mirror, and think, "Grrwowwl. Damn. I look good?"

If you're feeling the need to channel your inner beast, via a knit hat, why not opt for some fur-lined boots or an animal-printed clutch instead?

Kitten Ear Cap:

Wild & Whimsical Giraffe Hat (LOOK AT THAT THING!):

Creature Comfort Zebra Hat:

Stop. Just stop.

fleurty girl

Last week in New Orleans I visited the most darling little shop, Fleurty Girl, owned by NOLA native, Lauren Thom. We just happened to be strolling through the French Quarter when Lauren's super comfy (and stylish) display of Feelgoodz flip flops (a company owned by her boyfriend) in the store's front entry caught our eyes. In addition to the saucy sandals, we weren't disappointed by the bounty that awaited us inside: everything from bling to art to tees to bags to shoes ... Fleurty Girl was a veritable cornucopia of all that I love :).

Not only did Lauren take the time to chat with us about her favorite city, she also told us about her grand opening (the shop on St. Peter's Street in the French Quarter [where we stopped] had just opened the prior week), as well as her other two locales in The Big Easy. Fleurty Girl was a fantastically wonderful surprise, nestled in the heart of the French Quarter. Next time you're in the city, definitely check out all of the lime green loveliness the shop has to offer!

neutral in mmxl

That's the supposed trend, anyway. Neutral jeans. Neutral bags. Neutral jackets. Neutral boots. Neutral cargo pants. Neutral jewelry.

I'm not convinced of neutral's overall wow factor; but if all the forthcoming hues are as lovely as Chanel's recently debuted Les Khakis de Chanel nail colors, I could be convinced to get on board.

From left to right: Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Khaki Rose, Khaki Brun and Khaki Vert

go west [end]

Beautiful, brilliant, and industrious Amy Beth Cupp Dragoo (ABCD) has introduced At West End into my life, and I'm tickled about it. This is a store you'll want to check out. You can thank me ... er ... ABCD later.

I had to have this shabby chic bit of whimsy from AWE: recycled pop art / Texas.

While I think it looks perfect resting on a chair in my living room (ha), I'll probably hang it in the guest room. Friends and loved ones always appreciate a metallic rendering of The Great State :).

Go browse At West End. You'll drool. Their Halloween offerings are particularly delightful--the ideal mix of class, character, and authenticity. And their Christmas bounty ... oy.

AWE-struck.

vb {wildwood park}

Not Vera's typical fair, but a lovely collection, nonetheless. I was just telling one of my girls yesterday that I've seen from multiple sources that black and navy blue is apparently the "it" color combination for the fall. It looks like Wildwood Park is navy and chocolate, but the effect is similar, don't you think?

Head over to her website.

She's got a "Welcome to Napa Valley" theme going on, and its a pleasant diversion on a Thursday :).



I'm really liking this tote:

white after labor day

To hell with it.

Ugg Fringe Cardy Boots

Le Creuset White Oval French Oven

Lighteart Cable Scarf - Lands' End

Pottery Barn White Pumpkin Candles

St. John Double-breasted Ruffle Coat - Neiman Marcus

J.Crew Lady Two-strand Pearl Necklace

L.L. Bean thinsulate vest

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow in Snow

august means . . .

. . . a few of my favorite things are right around the corner.

These . . .

and this . . .

. . . and this . . .

. . . and this . . .

. . . and this.

I like you, August, but only because you usher-in September, October, and November. No offense.

the perfect panties

I won undies! Thank you, Cool Gal!


Aren't they the sweetest? Mi amiga, Cool Gal over on her blog, It's The World I Know, hosted a "commando giveaway," and my tushy was the proud beneficiary!

The latest version of paper-thin lingerie promises a seam-free existence similar to wearing nothing at all -- with unfinished edges.

Read more about these barely-there panties at commandointimates.com.

Thank you, Cool "and incredibly generous" Gal! I promise to make you proud and work my new undies like a VPL-free rock star.

photos from It's The World I Know

{ pink }

Any of these would look wonderful inside my pink-doored house.

All images from Houzz