LILLY ALERT!

Yes, a huge amount of Lilly Pulitzer's adorable items have hit a few of my local TJ Maxx stores (Orange County,CA). This included the sandals below.


They were ALL $39.99 and under. Unfortunately, none looked great on me :( However, if you have a local store, you might want to drop in. They also now carry a select few J.Crew items.




*In coral.

Addicted to J. Crew and Tiffany's? Things Could Be Worse!

On Wednesday, I was home ill. In fact, nearly every day this week I have been sick, both physically, and a bit emotionally. I am just drained.

Anyway, Mike stayed with me on Wednesday, and when I was feeling better, we thought we would tackle the closet! Out with the old, in with the new (then again, that doesn't go well with my New Year's Resolution, nor my pledge to give up J.Crew for Lent-yes I am a cradle Catholic that at least tries!).

When Mike opened a drawer, he went dead silent, then said "we should tally these up". I had no idea what he was talking about, until I realized it was all my J.Crew receipts from the past year. A HUGE PILE. The damage was bad---very bad for an educator like myself.




Then I put myself in a corner by following up with "well that is the only place I like to shop". He then proceeded to pull out a basket in my closet with a bunch of boxes and receipts of a very pretty blue hue...yes, it was my stash. My Tiffany's stash*.



Oh well, addictions to all things preppy and blue isn't all that bad, right? At least I have a little fun when shopping, which is more than I can say for other parts of my very stressful, somewhat boring life right now. Although tonight I did have a good glass of wine and steak at my parents. THANK GOD IT IS FRIDAY.

Below are pictures of my newly organized (at least somewhat!) closet.






*minus the top receipt that I just crammed there from CVS (clearly, I am not all that organized and I am too lazy to re-take a pic for you, despite my love for any readers!)

Early to Bed, Early to Rise

Ah, the motto I should adhere to. Lately, I have been very busy (hence the serious lack of posts). I am in the middle-to-end of the admissions cycle. It is just awful. But tonight, I got to South Coast a bit late, hit Wolfgang Puck's Cafe (for a good Rose wine, and glazed Salmon---) and then went shopping for my little brother's b-day present (consisting of a t-shirt from Saks and John Varvatos cologne ). Then, I hit J.Crew. I couldn't help it :) and got a steal on a strand of pearls someone must have returned :) :) :) At least tonight, I accomplished most of everything I needed, and am in-bed, with SATC on, and ready to drift asleep---before 10PM. Early to bed, early to rise! Just my pearls of wisdom.

Bad Experiment

I embarked on a bad experiment yesterday when washing my hair. In an effort to save money (really, I really am trying!), I thought I would follow advice I read in one of my countless style magazines: Johnson & Johnson Baby Shampoo
It was the biggest mistake ever (sure, I love the smell!) because not only does it make my hair dried-out, and almost sticky (yes, I rinsed it all out!) but it (believe it or not) faded my hair color dramatically. I was shocked, as it is known to be such a gentle shampoo. I nearly cried. So much for a shampoo that claims "No more tears". What a terrible idea I (and I believe it was InStyle) had. I think that a few celebrities also swear by the usage of baby shampoo...

So I guess I will have to go back to my safety: Ted Gibson Shampoo and Conditioner (both the regular, and the bronzer)...as well as Aveda products. Too bad.

Don't Let Yesterday Use Up Too Much of Today...

"Don't let yesterday use up too much of today"-Will Rogers, a quote I have to have visible in my home, otherwise I would continue to dwell in the past (it is good that you remember your past, but those that know me understand that I sometimes wish too much to live in it). Well, my Mom said the other day that my home had simply TOO many pics/memorabilia of my past on display..so in an effort to "clean and clear" both my mind and home, I decide to spend the day doing a little remodeling. First, I added a little greenery, Mike added some fresh roses, I bought my first new "initial" candle (love them from Pottery Barn, mine is Vanilla Amber) and cleared out some frames with family pictures, and added new ones without any meaning ;) (except for a few!).












Finally, here is a totally unrelated picture of our dog Lula Mae "Lulu" in her Valentine's day dress :) She is the cutest Westie.




Hope everyone has a great week! Mine will be busy :( At least I have new decor and flowers...oh and that cute pup!

Cold Pizza, Diet Coke, TV and the Rain=Perfect Morning

It sounds bad, pizza in the morning (especially the morning after finding out one of my best friends was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes)...but I really enjoyed it cold. And I paired it with a diet coke, and an open window to enjoy the rain (I love rain, just love it, and because it is rare in Southern California, I relish every moment). There is nothing better than a morning like this (okay, I guess if I was waking up at a resort, on vacation, it may be better). A relaxing day after a good weekend.

Unlike a lot of people I know (and often envy), Mike and I do not go all-out on Valentine's Day. Ever. It was an exchange of cards (although, they were cute!). I cannot complain though, he spoils me everyday of the year (including this month's Tiffany & Co diamond studs! Yummy!). But we went to dinner at the very glamorous Wingnuts :) with my parents, after going to South Coast (where they treated me to a new pair of J.Crew ballet flats) and then seeing Confessions of a Shopaholic.

The movie was cute, surprisingly nearly empty (it was Valentine's Day and I assumed it would be packed). I really enjoyed the movie, and my parents and Mike all thought of me, although my debt is considerably less for retail and about 3x the amount for my Ivy League loans. Pat Fields is a style icon, but I am 100% honest when I say that nearly everything Isla Fisher's character wore would NOT be in my closet. I am more Charlotte York than Rebecca Bloomwood or Carrie Bradshaw...hence why my parents treated me to these adorable black ballet flats:

Happy Valentine's Day

Wishing everyone a wonderful day filled with peonies, pink champagne, yummy cupcakes (from Magnolia's), Tiffany's and of course love!

Sunset Blvd on Wed Night?

There is nothing like an evening Sunset Blvd on a Wednesday night...and not for a night at a club. Yes, the more quiet weekday evenings I typically enjoy were replaced with a concert. He is a family friend. And, believe it or not, he rocked and I had a good time. We had dinner on the strip and then enjoyed the set. I asked him earlier if he could play a song I loved from a few albums back, and was excited when he gave me a shout out, and played the song...I felt like a groupie in Almost Famous. It was nice.

For those of you who do not know, my brother also is a musician.

Anyway, that's all for now.



Finally, a heads up that JCrew is having a good sale right now...they added a few new items, and have a code to save 20% orders over $175---that would include this classic pearl set I have been dying for---what do you think?

A Sign of the Economy? Or Over-Indulgence?

I cannot decide if it is a sign of the economy, or a slight over-indulgence on our part, but tonight we ate at the Wolfgang Puck's Cafe on our way home. We go there often, as it is right of the 405 before we hit the 73 to go to Aliso Viejo/Laguna Beach (and I hate to admit, also next to the Tiffany's).

Tonight, like always, we strolled in to find the manager offering us our table, then asked if we wanted our usual drinks (which is a wonderful blush wine). At the end of our fabulous meal (and wine), he comped our creme brulee and said he will see us next week...

When Mike and I got into our car, we realized we literally eat there every week (we are not adventurous when it comes to food, even when living in NYC, we kept it to a Chinese place on 117th and Manhattan as well as Deluxe Cafe on the UWS). At Wolfgang Puck's Cafe nearly every time it is empty. We pondered whether or not the manager remembers us because we over-indulge and eat there every week, or because the cafe isn't doing well, and faces are much easier to remember? It doesn't matter, but made us wonder...at least a little.

In other un-related news, I am really looking forward to April 1st. That is the day I am counting down till. Not because I expect to be fooled, but because that is the day my boss announced things at work will calm down. Never in my life have I ever been so busy (and that includes wrapping up my thesis at Columbia's Teachers College, or doing comps at UPenn for my second masters in education!). Even with remote-desktop and doing my work on the weekends, do I ever catch up...who would have guessed admissions would be so time-consuming (although, the fact that it is just me doing most of it, probably has a lot to do with it).

Anyway, I may be a little MIA the coming weeks until our open houses are over, and our yield is determined.

Finally, I am almost finished with the Cary Grant book I have been reading and highly recommend it. Even if you are not a fan, it is almost as interesting as my last few reads which included a book on
JBKO and One Fifth Avenue as well as my favorite, Helen of Troy by Margaret George (amazing, if you haven't read her yet!). I am just waiting for a new Plum Sykes book...her books can be read in a day (personally speaking of course, as they are very fun reads).

NEW BLOG MAKEOVER!

Thank you so much to Shauna for a classic, stylish and very Tiffany-inspired blog design! I would write more, but am very busy at work! Check her out: http://seemydesignsbyshauna.com/

Yoga para mi?

No se. I am attempting to determine whether or not starting Yoga is a good idea. After watching a movie today at my local Edwards in AV, I saw a sign for the newly opened Corepower Yoga. 1 week free! First, I need to drag Mike to go (which isn't going to be easy) simply because I do not want to go by myself. Then I have to determine whether or not I will make it through the hour long class (health issues aside, I am not one to be very comfortable in a room full of people doing funky poses). However, I really need a work out, and I just cannot get into a schedule at my local gym (aka our complex gym literally 20 steps from my front door, pathetic, I know). And with my stress, perhaps a little namaste would be good? Once again, no se.

Progress on my Hoarding-

A few blog posts have discussed my recent urge to hoard sale items due to the dramatic economic collapse and the forcing of many of my stores to either offer sales, or adjust prices (such as J Crew who sold off many items at over 60% off or Tiffany's, who lowered some of their diamond prices---).

Saturday, I re-evaluated this notion that this was a good thing, when I looked at my very full, pieced-together closet (with items I love, like, and loath...). Even my very small jewelry box has become a bit fuller (with the addition of Tiffany pearl studs, diamond studs, and another item I refuse to mention...and am unsure if I should keep). The problem with my hoarding result was that I purchased items WITHOUT a focus on my personal style. For example, today I bought a pair of J Crew shoes simply because they were a great deal ($14.99 at my local TJ Maxx---yes, J Crew's leftovers made it to the surplus stores!). They are not me at all...they are a bit high, bright yellow and open-toe. I returned them this evening.

Am I really a prep? Or a PJ (plain Jane)? Would people consider me trendy? These are the questions I pondered when looking at my closet and trying to find something to wear to this evenings showing of He's Just Not that Into you (which I may pass on, as my parents can no longer join in on the fun). I ended out picking my "A-pocket" Seven Jeans (trendy!) and paired it with a white gap t-shirt and my grey merino wool J Crew Ruffle Cardigan. This is very plain, but comfy.

So, before committing to any more purchases (which includes a lust for a Louis Vuitton Damier tote, very ANTI-PREPPY!), I am going to spend time finding, or re-discovering a theme for my wardrobe. Regardless, I do have a few style icons to guide me back to preppy California chic....

Nothing's Going to Stop Us?

Right before putting in this evening's movie, I watched a commercial with the song "Nothings Going to Stop Us". I loved that song growing up. My Mom used to take me for long drives to talk about my latest crushes, and for some reason that song almost always played.

It is a motivating song. And I have a lot to motivate me, and help relax during this very stressful admissions cycle. First, I have an adorable condo which no SPARKLING clean thanks to my AMAZING mom who managed to clean it top-to-bottom(no, she isn't a cleaning lady, just a totally selfless mom!). Second, I am taking action to ensure a brighter future. Third, I have really classic Tiffany studs on (yes, they are new!). A little reward for a busy, stressful job.

But really, despite this, I am still in my blah mood...and fear it will be a little while until I have a peppy blog (with substance). But for now, I am bumming (at least with beautiful new studs!).

Anything Yours Can Do, Mine Can Do Better!

Mike is really the best. I am sure that many wives say that, but in my case, it is so true. I am a handful (somewhat selfish, often depressed, always stressed, and in my overworked job, I am just loosing it...) but somehow manages to deal with me, and more importantly, love me still. He does everything (cooks, cleans, drives, does my returns, gets my wine and pills before bed ;) He is so helpful. And cute. So this is a blog shout-out to my current lifeline Mike.