Vote!

Amen, Jane. 

The line for early voting in my neighborhood was three to four hours long on Saturday. 

What a dedicated America we are! I'll be testing my luck today. See you on the flipside!

A Royal Wedding

Monaco's Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene exit the Palace following their religious ceremony on July 2, 2011.

{Félicitations.}

A Royal Wedding

Loved. every. moment.

That is all.



Royal Wedding Fever

         1. teapot  /  2. gloss & sanitizer  /  3. print  /  4. rug  /  5. printables  /  6. replica ring  /  7. tea towel 

It's official. I'm royally obsessed with all things Royal Wedding. Coverage is everywhere and this girly girl is in high tea heaven! I can't explain the fascination but the suspense is thrilling don't you think?? The dress reveal, the pomp and circumstance, the hoopla, ah! it's the ultimate fairytale. In honor of the celebration, here a few of my favorite wedding inspired items.

I'll be waking up early (3:00am eeeeeps!) to watch it with Brooke and am especially excited after still coming down from our Diana dress viewing high in February. Mimosas and chocolate covered strawberries are on the menu and we're sure to squeal, giggle and shed a few happy tears.  I keep thinking of Kate (actually it's Catherine now) and how she must pinch herself every day to make certain it's not a dream. Not only is she marrying her sweetheart, she's accepting a lifetime job. Smashing!!

What are your plans for the big day? Slumber parties, brunches, couldn't care less??
Comment, tweet me, or take the poll on Facebook!


And for those of you that just can't take it anymore...

Cheerio!!

The Beauty Department

Lauren Conrad & Co. launched The Beauty Department yesterday and this vintage wave tutorial is going be my first project. Excited!

P.S. I actually didn't watch Laguna Beach or The Hills and have only seen a few episodes here and there, what about you guys?? Regardless, I'm an LC fan and super excited about the new site!

The Kennedy's Mini-Series

Must see this show! Mom's already confirmed she's a new Reelz subscriber. Trying to decide if I have the patience to wait for the dvd...with the surrounding controversy (several networks dropped or passed on it) you know it's going be good.

Via Reelz

Is it just me or are Katie Holmes and Greg Kinnear spot on for Jackie and John? I've been a Greg fan since his Talk Soup days and I'm excited to see him in the role of JFK.

Set your DVR's! April 3rd & beyond... full schedule here
(You can also preorder the DVD.)

Remembering Elizabeth

source unknown

Of all the photo's floating around of Elizabeth Taylor, this one might be my favorite. 

Those eyes. 

"I never planned to acquire a lot of jewels or a lot of husbands...

For me, life happened, just as it does for everyone else."

Emerald City

Emerald was the color for awards season - first the gowns of the Golden Globes, now the gorgeous jewels of the Oscars. From light and ripe to straight up shamrock, the stars paired their gowns with unexpected grassy gems, creating a fresh, modern look that dazzled on the red carpet.

Amy Adams - Reese Witherspoon - Annette Bening - Celine Dion

Create your own red carpet worthy look with these glorious greens...

Clockwise from top left:

Kendra Scott chandelier earrings - Kenneth Jay Lane starburst earrings - Carolee Lux drop earrings     

Kate Spade bracelet - Target roped earrings - Blu Bijoux bib necklace - B. Rawlings drop necklace

Quick! You're trapped in a glass room loosing oxygen by the second and the only way to survive is to pick one of the above - which do you choose?? (Come on, it's to save your life!)

P.S. My sincerest apologies for being a bad blogger friend lately, things are crazier than expected. I miss you all and can't wait to catch up. Special thanks to Johanna & Diana for the features last week, if you visited via them, welcome and thanks for stopping in! I promise I'll swing by and say hello as soon as I get caught up with life!

Diana: A Celebration

Photo by Mario Testino

On Sunday, Brooke & I drove to Grand Rapids, Michigan to view the Diana: A Celebration exhibit. We knew it would be amazing but we didn't realize how honored we would feel just to witness it.

Viewing THE wedding dress, all 25 feet of it, was surreal. Our eyes darted back and forth from footage to the dress, not believing we were in its presence. It was truly a sight to behold. As you wind through the memento's of her childhood, thank you letters from charities and gallery of gowns, you can't help but be overcome with emotion at such a tragic loss. Suddenly, we were within the funeral portion and bawling like babies. What would she be passionate about today? Who would be her favored designers? Why was such a wonderful person taken so soon?

Reading portions of her diary, listening to snippets from friends, family and favorite designers, you realize how incredibly humble and kind she truly was. A few things I enjoyed learning:

- The wedding gown - with the longest train in royal wedding history, 25 feet - and bridesmaids dresses cost $1,900. The designers, Elizabeth and David Emanuel, left false trails to throw off the snooping media including faux sketches and colored threads.

- She was thoughtful in her wardrobe selection depending on the situation. For visits with children, she wore bright colors with larger adornments or jewelry to keep their attention. For babies, she wore a long chain to entertain them. Her designers were also creative with the functions of garments, such as adding weights into hemlines to keep them from blowing in the wind.

- At one time, Diana worked with over 100 charities and organizations. A letter expressing her decline of benefit offers was so moving and heartfelt, you felt her pain at the desire to help without the proper time to do so.

- Being a handwritten note enthusiast myself, one of the highlights for me was a letter she sent to a benefit director expressing disappointment in herself for not being in 'top form' at a recent function. She mentioned her exhausting travels - it was not uncommon for her to travel over 150 days per year - and apologized for seeming 'off'. I am curious to know if anyone other than herself actually noticed that day and was so struck by her thoughtfulness to reach out in that way.

If you'd like to learn a bit more and experience what we were privileged to view in person take a peek at this video coverage from the Today show.

Post exhibit, I'm inspired by love and understanding. Her dedication to charity work and helping others in addition to her personal persona provide an excellent example of grace and class.  Though tomorrow is the final day at the Grand Rapids Art Museum it will move to Kansas City until June. I absolutely recommend it, our 6 hour road trip was worth every mile. It is a moving and emotional experience you will never forget.

Celebrity Crush Confession

Celebrity Crush Confession: Steven Tyler

Super pumped about our twice weekly dates happening for the next few months. (I really didn't want to get sucked into Idol this year but he left me with little choice.) If I'd climb on a billboard just to be near him, I'll definitely tune into a singing competition.

Tell me, tell me - who's your celebrity crush??
Ever had an encounter or tried something crazy to meet them?

Happy Weekend lovelies and GO BEARS!!

JFK & Jackie

Photo by AP

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the President John F. Kennedy's inaugural address. Regardless of political views, you must admit, that was one stylish couple. Gone are the days of top hats and fur muffs but this image, taken on the walk to the site, is timeless. Lots more to see here.

Gentlemen of the Golden Globes

Certainly you didn't think I'd miss an opportunity to talk about the boy's ;) Do you have any idea how hard it is to find pictures of the guys without their dates? Ladies get all the attention...let's appreciate the gents a little, shall we?

Best dressed goes to...

Robert Downey Jr.

The combo of gray and red was unexpected and flattering. He sass'ed it up without overdoing or losing formality.

Robert Pattinson

The navy slim cut suit with a satin peak lapel and complimentary tie are the perfect balance of classic and interesting.

Justin Bieber

Biebs dressed it up with a vest but kept it young and fresh with sneaks. (Men over the age of 20 need not apply.)

Ryan Gosling

Yes, its velvet in LA. But it's January and in my opinion, acceptable.

And my least favorite...

Johnny Depp

I might forgive the scraggly mane and leftover pirate scruff, but the atrociously scuffed shoes? Fail. We know you're cooler than the average Joe, no need to try so hard.

Who were your golden hotties??

Photos via Esquire & InStyle

I See Gowns of Green, Red Roses Too.

Green is the new Golden. Globes that is....

Mila Kunis

Angelina Jolie

(With Brad, for your viewing pleasure.

Tell me you caught the tie straightening?? Adorable.)

Catherine Zeta-Jones

Elizabeth Moss



And a glowing Natalie Portman

Congrats, bebe!

Between the sea of emerald, river of ruffles and mass of one shoulder smolders, the 2011 Golden Globes provided it's usual fuel for this fashion lover's fire. Awards season is in full swing!

Kardashian Kollection at Sears

Have you heard the news?? The Kardashian sisters are launching a 'Kollection' at Sears. The line will premier in Fall 2011 and channel the varying styles of each of the sisters. Looks like I'm going to have a whole new crop of goodies to pick from my style secret!

Update! Shop the Kollection!

Black Swan

How amazing is this film going to be?? Anyone else chomping at the bit to see it?? We rarely go to theater but once in a while a movie comes along that begs to be viewed on the big screen. The previews look intense!!



I'm pirouetting for the costumes designed by Rodarte...

Sketches via Russian Vogue

Happy Weekend Ballerina's!

Non Diamond Engagement Rings

Photo via People

The news of Prince William proposing to Kate with Diana's gorgeous sapphire engagement ring got me all excited about this potentially becoming a trend. (Jessica just got a ruby!) I love the idea of wearing something other than a diamond. Though they're beautiful, I've never understood why that was the chosen stone to represent love and marriage. (I'm sure there's a reason, I'm just too lazy to Google it.)  Eight years ago I swooned over a sapphire not knowing it would become my engagement ring just a short while later. A few times at the beginning I wondered if it would be alright for the rest of my life, blending with my wardrobe or standing out like a sore thumb. But it quickly became me and not once did I regret that it wasn't a diamond. I still find myself gazing at it and love that it represents Alex's birthstone (though not why we chose it). People often ask if it's my wedding ring and I get to feel like a newlywed again and again when I tell them yes, I can't imagine wearing anything else. Though... I don't think I'd mind an emerald for our 10 year ;)

What about you, do you have a non diamond or would you be up for it? Do you think colored stones will catch on??



Happy Weekend {Movie Edition}

Happy Weekend Dolls! Is it cold where you are? Here in Chicago we had sleet Thursday night, brrrr...which means movie weather is upon us! I hardly watch TV or movies in the summer so I can savor every little bit of sunshine at the beach, on the balcony or dining al fresco. But come chilly weather, call me Mrs. Couch Potato! Last week we watched The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and while lengthy, I fell in love with the story. I also fell head over heels for one miss Cate Blanchett, those cheekbones!

Let's appreciate a little Cate, shall we?

Source Unknown

As featured in W Magazine

From Marie Claire UK

Illustrations by David Downton

Have a lovely weekend, stay warm!

Ashlee Simpson-Wentz

Ashlee's looking gorge on the November cover of Michigan Avenue magazine. I'm in love with her dip-dyed hair and haphazard layers. (I would love "bangs" like that but I fear without a professional daily blowout they would drive me bonkers, you?)

Happy Birthday Patrick Swayze

Today is Patrick's birthday and although he's no longer with us (*tears*) I'm still celebrating. Let's reminisce together, shall we? (This works better if you have "She's Like the Wind" playing in the background.)

  Photos via Google Images and People.com

If you can handle more tears, click through Patrick and Lisa's love story.

I highly recommend reading his book, 'The Time of My Life". Or better yet, listen to it on audiobook so you can hear his voice :) I must admit, I bought them both shortly after he passed and it took me months to finish only because I couldn't bear to get to the end. His strength and pure determination were amazing. 

Next up - I want to devour the full series of North and South.

Happy Birthday in Heaven Patrick!!

What's your favorite Patrick memory?? Do tell!!

Coco Before Chanel

This weekend I watched Coco Before Chanel. What a visual treat! Audrey Tautou is one of my favorites and I've yet to watch a film of hers I didn't love. And what's not to love about this one? It's beautiful, it's fashion and biographies are the best!

Now I'm outfit inspired:

A boat neck stripe tee for day

Fabulous lounging pajama's for night

Simple black with layered necklaces for work 

A little black dress for parties

Simple, basic, beautiful.

Next in my queue, Valentino - The Last  Emperor. Have you seen it?