dream in spring

I need a more dresses like a hole in the head, but I can't help but dream about spring dresses.  I'm sick of my coat and wool socks.  Come, spring.

(lilly pulitzer shauna dress)

(red robin dress by emerson made)

(j.crew's crazy back ordered maritime dress)

rebecca minkoff on swirl

There are some crazy cute bags today on Swirl by Rebecca Minkoff.  Swirl is the retail baby of Daily Candy, and it's essentially a new online sample sale every day of great fashion at least 50% off.  I bought a stellar pair of jeans off the site last week.  Now I need to resist a new bag...

desk space savers

Great article in Apartment Therapy today about desk space savers for a small home work station.  Into it.  Read all about it here.

*Images via CB2, Design Public, Ikea, Stacks and Stacks & Unplggd

the art of the handwritten note

Remember when you were a kid and your mother would get the mail and you would eagerly ask, "is there anything for me?"  And she would sigh and say, "no, just bills."  And you thought, well, at least you got mail.  And the few days where she would hand you something you got, your heart would leap with excitement.  Now, as an adult, you sigh when you get bills.  But every now and again, you sift through the envelopes and happen upon one that's handwritten and your heart leaps just like when you were a kid.

I try to send out notes.  My mother taught me to write thank you notes my whole life (thanks Mom!), so now I do it religiously.  And I have a dear friend in Los Angeles whom I only coorespond with via letter (unless we really need to talk about something important) because we like to think we're both people of the written word.  There's just something about sending and receiving a letter.  Did I mention you can do it in style?

(a simple note from my father)

(my grandmother's stationary)

(my old stationary)

(newer stationary from Silhouette Blue)

What do all these pieces of stationary have in common?  Why, they're personalized, of course!  You don't have to break the bank on Crane Stationary (although they do have lovely product) or another paperie store.  I found Silhouette Blue on Etsy.  While searching, I found I liked the seller's aesthetic and she even customized.  I told her I wanted a blue lobster and she sent me a sheet of color and font choices and it included 4 mock ups with one round of editing - all for a very reasonable price!  Here are some other sellers that I like:

(scroll monogram by Posh Girl Boutique)

 (clean stripes by Oh Louise!)

(custom calligraphy by perch papier) 

 (personalized flat notecard by Daily Sip)

(even letterpress if that's your style, like this stylish one by Missive)

Whatever your style, perhaps it's time to invest in some stationary and drop a note to someone you love. 

So You Think You Can Dress?

I can't believe I am writing this post.  My roommate and I often fight over Fox's So You Think You Can Dance? host Cat Deely - he loves her, I can't STAND her.  Oh, she's a nice enough woman (truth - I onced helped her pick out a cashmere sweater at J.Crew during my retail working days), but her television persona bugs me.  Also, her wardrobe is normally a train wreck.  Except, her dress last night (I think it's Roberto Cavalli?) got me thinking how much her wardrobe has improved this season and last.  I must give credit where credit is due and I try to keep my mind open to people being able to change.  Way to turn it around, Cat!

(a cute vintage number)

(looking divine in Zac Posen)

(great color in Pinko; debateable hair)

(smokin' in Elise Overland)

(another classic vintage)

I case you were wondering if I'm a true convert, I am not:

(not a fan of her in this Lanvin)

(boob tassels do not look good on anyone, I don't care if it's Jean Paul Gautier)

Tuesdays with...a hostess

My dear friend Leighann is what we call "the hostess with the mostess."  As Yelp Boston's Community Manager, she plans huge monthly events from red carpet galas to beautiful brunches, boat cruises to garden parties.  She always makes sure to introduce herself to new members and learn a little about them and will always take a moment to catch up with old friends.   Leighann emails the community weekly with themed emails on what's hot in Boston from where to find the best mac and cheese to spots to eat outside when the weather's warm.  And this gal is all over the city, networking, showing up to unofficial events other yelpers plan when she can, going to restaurant openings, always knows what's happening and where to be and writes reviews the whole way (over 700 reviews and counting!).  You'd be hard pressed to find a Bostonian who doesn't know all about Ms. Leighann. 

But much more than a nice gal who knows how to plan a party, Leighann has STYLE.  She was featured in Boldfacers Stylemakers Pop Up Store because Leighann's style is unique and fresh.  Dressed up or dressed down, she always looks like something out of years passed, but still keeps it funky.  And it suits her perfectly and she wears clothes so well because she's just being herself!  Whether it's vintage or a hot new item, the girl can DRESS.

Here's to you Leighann.  You've got style, beauty, brains and class and you keep Boston fun.  Let's order another round of cocktails.

*Images courtesy of Leighann, Tyler Cheung, Tatsu Ikeda, Todd Lee Photography, Lara Callahan & moi.

Lands' End Canvas: where have I been?

I have just become knowledgeable about Lands' End Canvas - where have I been?  The classic style and elegance is everything I love (I am often guilty of buying "weekend" clothes over more suitable work or evening clothes that I would probably get more use out of).  And it's crazy affordable, too!  I also love their blog on where they find all their inspiration and you KNOW I love inspiration - hello, Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman.    This is not your mother's Lands' End.  Move over, J.Crew.