Book Worm

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Last week the hubby gifted me with a Kindle. I really appreciated the gesture but have to admit, at first I was a little perplexed...no more new books with the fresh scent of ink, and crisp, perfect pages? I've held off on the e-reading this far, am I really missing out? Then came the what to read dilemma...when the world's at your fingertips what do you choose? I searched the popular section and The Hunger Games caught my eye. Everyone seemed obsessed with it over the last year, might as well give it a shot. What I'd heard about it didn't appeal to me in the least, my only curiosity was to see what the fuss was about. Besides, I was even into the soundtrack over summer, although I'd never seen the movie either. Fast forward a few days: Hunger Games book one complete, movie rented and watched (and loved!), twenty percent into book two.

Suffice it to say, I'm usually late to the book club meeting and I'm ok with that. The movie's usually out by the time I catch up so it's nice to make a quick comparison. (I'm kind of nutso about making myself read the book first.) And while I never thought I'd say it, the Kindle is the greatest thing on earth. How else would I have immediately moved on to Catching Fire without a trip to the bookstore, or a weeks wait from Amazon? Within a few chapters, I had completely forgotten about it. And as for missing a real book, turns out the only thing I'll miss is cute, theme-y little bookmarks.

Hi, my name is Ashleigh. I'm a Hunger Games fanatic, and a Kindle lover. Let's be friends.

So, whatcha reading these days? I'm going to need something to look forward to after I finish this trilogy, which, at this rate, could by next week... Throw out some rec's!

P.S. Do you read on a tablet or Kindle? How do you feel about it?

P.P.S. Did you read The Hunger Games Trilogy? Don't spoil it, but tell me if you loved it. Or not, I guess. I'll try not to judge. ;)

P.P.P.S. I totally want this shirt.

Anna Inspired

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A few years ago as a new year's resolution I decided to read one piece of classic of literature per year. The first book on my list was Leo Tolstoy's "Anna Karenina" and wow, what a way to begin. It's quite lengthy on it's own but I purposely spaced out the reading for nearly a year just to devour every word. (I also made myself complete quizzes at the end of each chapter to drag it out even further, nerd.) To say I'm excited about the latest remake of Anna Karenina doesn't begin to explain my elation. The trailer has been released - the drama, the costumes, the romance! - so hold on to your fur hats because November 16th can't come fast enough!  As if I needed even more to look forward to, Banana Republic is launching an "Anna" inspired collection that will drop at the end of this month. Eeeps!

Click for a sneak peek and to read a little more about "Banana Karenina".  (How much do I love that name?)

Banana's creative director says that fur hat above is actually a shrug and that we can wear it mutiple ways. Sold!

So, who's in for a movie date?? Keira + Jude + period piece, do I really have to twist your arm?

Bridesmaids Party! (Pre-Party Post!)

This weekend I'm hosting a Bridesmaids movie viewing party to celebrate the release of the movie on DVD*. (Have you seen it yet? Hilarious! Available September 20th!) As you may know,  theme parties are my favorite [proof, proof, proof] so I couldn't pass up the opportunity to go over the top on this out as well...Without revealing too much, I did want to share my inspiration board and some plans for the party (because naturally, I'm pretty pumped about it.)

Here's a sneak peek at the invites...

As guests are the most important component, I started with the inviations. Inspired by the wedding invitation format, it was also requested that guests wear the "proper" attire. Make no mistake, those who don't show up in bridesmaid/wedding apparel will be turned away. This is serious people. 

Of course, we'll need to document said attire so I'll create a photo backdrop with patterned wrapping paper. And if you have photo backdrop you must have props.  (People, and by people I mean me, never know what to do with their hands.) Hence, the mustaches and pink lips!

Obviously, there will bouquets, wedding cake, punch (spiked, of course) and plenty of munchies for the movie viewing madness.

I've got a bit more crafting, shopping and final preparations to take care of - can't wait for this to happen. Post party, I'll be sharing some pictures and details from the evening so stay tuned!


*Disclosure: Universal Studios Entertainment is sponsoring this event by providing me with a copy of the dvd as well as party supplies and a gift card. All opinions expressed are my own. Read my full disclosure policy here.

"Bridesmaids" Copycat

Last weekend we saw Bridesmaids. (Hilarious! Sweet! Relatable! Loved it!) Other than laughing my head off {seriously, this was me after the movie}

I fell majorly more in love with Kristen Wiig (did you see Paul??) Can we just say her wardrobe in the film is super adorable, wear-ably fun and I want it like yesterday. My absolute fave was the black and white striped top from the airplane scene - you know what I'm talking about...

"I'm reeeadaaay to paaaartaaay."

Ah, love! I searched high and low for the exact and might even be stalking someone from wardrobe (thanks IMDb!) but have yet to uncover the source. (I'll keep you posted.) However, even if I do track it down, fat chance it's still available since movies are filmed the equivalent of fashion industry eons before we actually see them. Ah well, here a few similars to fulfill the craving. Loose and cool are key elements to replicating this look.

Clockwise from top left: Sweater Tee  (actually it's Navy), Tunic, Mesh Slouch Tee, Embellished

Holla if you come across the original!

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.)

The Gifts That Keep On Giving

It's been a little over a month since Christmas and I thought I'd share some gifts I'm still enjoying and thought you might, too.

I adore wearing this Tennessee necklace...

Home is literally where the heart is. Find yours at Truche.  

While I haven't actually cracked these open yet, I'm excited all the same. 

{War & Peace - The Happiness Project - One Last Dance}

  A wicked awesome spider bracelet from Mom is the perfect

mix of glam & goth.

An everyday tote, it means my little cabbage, a term of endearment in France.

 Story People stories warm my heart. So sweet and true.

A CTA pillow makes our Chicago home complete. 

North and South DVD Set - because I could always use more Patrick Swayze in my life. (1212 minutes more to be exact.)

Sweet Petula soaps - the most divine scents in the most 

adorable packaging.

Any gifts you'd like to share?? I would love to know your loves!

Have a lovely weekend, I'm hoping to jump into North & South!

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!

A Swan Inspired Spring

We finally saw Black Swan and I loved it. I'll admit it was a bit grosser than I anticipated but I do have the weakest stomach on the planet. (I can't even handle my own paper cuts, much less someone else's issues.) Anyway, the point is, seems our beloved Swan is inspiring the fashion industry and we can expect tutu's, feathers and expert flowy layers in Spring 2011 à la these Chanel beauties. I'll take it!

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!

Friday Faves

 Audrey Hepburn with son Luca - 1971

Photo by Henry Clarke for Vogue

Friday already - I'll take it! What a crazy little week it's been...  I'm looking forward to catching up on sleep and some good blog reads.  In fact, I feel so out of the loop lately I would love it if you would post a link to your favorites to get me started!

Our weekend plans include a visit from a Tennessee friend which will likely lead to playing tourist in our city - my favorite! I'm also putting the finishing touches on a party I'm hosting next Sunday, more fun details to come ;)

Here a few favorites from around the web this week:

Oscar Moms 

Weirdly awesome soaps you can buy on Etsy.

Handsome man in a suit, 'nuf said.

Summer Fiesta inspiration with the cutest invitation ever!

Reflections on Mother's Day without Mom

This Carmel Valley wedding has me swooning. The dress, the ring, the flower headband!!

Babies!!! The documentary releases this weekend and it looks fascinating. Watch the high def trailer here. 


I hope you all have a fabulous one. To all the Mom's out there  - Happy Mother's Day!

Wizard of Oz Book Covers

Jessica Hische, the artist behind the Daily Drop Caps I'm using for the Alphabet Series, recently taught a class at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. She assigned the students one project with several components: book cover design and endpapers, title page, and bookplate for a special edition novelization of The Wizard of Oz. Here are a few they came up with, don't you just love creative people?

 By Bobby O'Herlihy

  By Grace Kennedy

By Sara Wood

By Michael Olivo

P.S. The Wizard of Oz is my Mom's favorite movie, Happy Mother's Day weekend Mom!