Today's Motto

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Playing Dress-Up With Pleats

My super-stylish friend {who's closet I want to raid!!!} had this dress on the other day...

source $98

...and I fell in love! The color is great. I love that it is light and airy. Big fan that it's not strapless. And most of all, those pleats! Ah-mah-zing. Since falling for this number, I've been on the hunt for acordian/knife/deft pleated pieces. Here are a few good finds to icorporate this look in your closet:




source $23 {what a deal!.. and it's reversible! 2 for 1!}




source $56


Any my favorite find:

source $98

Don't you just love the unexpected deep-v in the back? I sure do!

Friday 5: Funnies

I recently purchased some cute sticky notes at J.Crew that seriously brighten my day on a daily basis.

I tell ya, it's the small joys in life!!!

I did a little research on the brand or these funny little notes and found many products that were right up my alley... in fact I was happy to find out that I already owned one of the products listed below... can you guess which one??? I've had it for years and I'm not afraid to use it!

All of these products {plus lots more} can be found here. Even if you're not in the market for new paper goods, I highly recommend perusing the sight for a good laugh! How can you not love a company who's tag line is "We put the fun in functional!"?

And it if you're still wondering, I've had the Fashion Citation notepad for quite a while... and have issued them for sure! You've been warned!

SOS: Stressed Out Skin

I feel like I'm always saying how crazy and stressful life is. In the grand scheme of things, this week/month/stage of my life is probably no more or no less stressful than other times I've been through in the past, nor will this be the end of stress. I'm just glad to have friends, family and fun {and maybe wine} to help me get through.

But no matter how much I seem to put my stress into perspective, my skin seems to miss the memo. What do I mean by this? I mean my face is broken out like a junior high girl waiting to see N'Sync in concert. It is not fun. And it doesn't feel good. And it definitely doesn't look good.

One of my saving graces when my skin overreacts {ha!} is this little miracle in a bottle:

bobbi brown face tonic $29

Bobbi Brown Hydrating Face Tonic. It's like a refreshing glass of water for your face. It's infused with cucumber, lavender, chamomile and aloe... basically it's heavenly. When you first put it on it immediately gives your face a cooling effect that feels so fresh. It definitely has helped to restore balance to my face, while smoothing and soothing!

So that's that. Heaven for your face in a bottle. The bottle lasts for a long time, so it's well worth the price. I highly recommend you try it. You'll thank me later.

Shop Kate Spade TODAY!

Kate's having another suprise sale! Hurry over... it end tonight!

Here's a few things that have caught my eye:

With all the travel I do for work, and now adding trips to Canada to my regular rotation, carrying my gear in style is a must! This laptop bag, which is a steal, is at the top of my wishlist:

Lindenwood Leopard Chad $85

If all else fails with you outfit for the day, just put a bow on it!.. with this cute bracelet:

Double Bow Hinged Bangle $35

You can never have too many statement necklaces! Especially at such a good sale price:

Cut to the Chase Bib Necklace $49

And lastly, my favorite wallet style of all time:

Astor Court Neda $79

Seriously, I've had my wallet of the same style for over 5 years!!! Just now looking to replace it. I'd say that was money well-spent.

Check and Check

Last week got ca-ray-zay... and this week isn't looking much better! Sorry to leave my lovely readers hanging {I'm talking to you, ANNE!}, but I'll be back as much as possible. In the meantime, at least I've got good shoes and can handle doing my hair. Good old Iris seems to think I'm good to go with those couple of things checked off my list!

Meant to be Monogrammed

Everything is better monogrammed. I truly believe that. Around me right now as I write this, my laptop case, clutch and throw pillow are all adorned with my initials. And I love it. I go by Reese Witherspoon's rule of thumb:

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Here are just a few examples of how everything is better monogrammed:

headboard / long sleeve tee / pillow / gold bangle / silver bracelet / totes

In fact, my favorite housewarming/engagement/shower gift is a monogrammed blanket for the happy couple to cozy up in. Personal and practical. Win and win.

Now I just need a man to cozy up with... ha!