[top: banana republic // skirt: madewell (similar and on sale here + 30% off) // kicks: rebecca minkoff // baubles: michael kors, david yurman, jcrew // sunnies: rayban // bag: tory burch (similar)]

Remember way back when when crop tops were a thing? I've been ignoring their resurgence for some time now citing my age and the fact that my body isn't the same as when crop tops were originally a thing, but I kept seeing people rock them in very simply and not so in your face kind of ways.  I was intrigued a little more.  Then I came across this guy on BR's site.  It made for an easy add on for a simple sunday morning outfit.

[top: ann taylor (similar) // skirt: madewell (similar) // kicks: franco sarto // baubles: michael kors, loren hope (here & here) c/o, jcrew, max & chloe // sunnies: prada // purse: kate spade]

Part of the fun of being in a new(ish) area is checking out new places to grab a good meal.  Our date night this week included a dinner at a place we've been wanting to try, Copper, with a few new friends in the area.  Date nights sans bebe are so rare these days that I try to break out something other than a pair of skinnies and heels.  I consider August a transition month when I start to incorporate more fall-ish item into my everyday.  Ever since I was in Atlanta with Becky and found some great booties at Zara, I've been on the hunt for some peep toe booties.  I scored these at the Nordstrom sale, but they are still available and still at a really great price point.

This skirt  from Madewell has been a heavy hitter in my closet since I acquired it several years ago and continues to be - it's comfortable and can easily transition between and within seasons.

[dress: madewell // kicks: jcrew (near identical + on sale!) // baubles: kendra scott, michael kors, stella & dot // sunnies: prada]

Today I'm introducing my new favorite dress for the Spring/Summer.  If it were to be awarded a superlative, it would be 'Best All Around'.  It's mostly because it's the type of dress that I plan to throw on with everything from flip flops to sneakers to heels and accessorize with everything from panama hats, to blazers, to big statement jewelry.  The fabric is light and airy and the color combo is just right.

 [coat: gap // sweatshirt: madewell // top: jcrew (near identical) // skirt: corilynn // baubles: michael kors, kate spade, jcrew // kicks: valentino // sunnies: prada]


Did you know that the Eiffel Tower is actually 6 inches shorter in the Winter than it is the rest of the year? I can tell you from anecdotal experience that those 6 inches don't make a difference in Paris in the Winter. And that's where I found myself, 10 years ago, with my then-boyfriend shivering our way up the Eiffel Tower on Valentines Day at night with all of the other tourists because the French hate the Eiffel Tower.  It's worth mentioning here that I was in college, we hadn't been dating but a few months when we took this trip, and though I was wearing a long wool coat, under it, I had thought it was a brilliant idea to wear a cute LBD.


That was 10 years ago, now said-then boyfriend is my now husband and I'd like to say that I've gotten a little wiser in relation to dressing for the weather, but I can't exactly say that (as noted by the Valentinos in the snow), and we have an almost-two-year-old.  It's crazy how time flies and how much though things have changed, a lot of it remains the same.  Tonight, I'm not quite sure what we'll be doing as, well there is like a foot of snow on the ground which is crippling to the state of North Carolina.  But whatever we do, we'll be celebrating 10 valentine's days together.  One that started on the tippy top of the Eiffel Tower, one very cold night in Paris.

One blustery day I finally got to check out a spot in Raleigh that I've been dying to try, Beasley's Chicken + Honey.  The owner happens to also own two other of our favorite places in Raleigh, Poole's Diner & Chuck's.  Beasley's definitely didn't disappoint - everything from their moscow mule (a cocktail favorite of mine) to the chicken and waffles to the dutch apple pie with salted carmel was simply divine.  Plus it doesn't hurt that the barkeep looks like Ryan Gosling...just sayin'.

Have you become addicted to A Piece of Toast yet? If not, you soon will.  Sisters Molly and Sally Ann hit the nail on the head every time with their gorgeous posts on fashion, life, style, design...really nothing is off limits.  They make a spectacular pair and are a constant source of inspiration and daily pretty for me.  Needless to say, I was beyond stoked that they made room in their very busy schedule to  share with me Dream Items for Fall!



Skinny skinny jeans  - these are honestly the most flattering and comfortable skinny jeans I have ever put on my body. The wash is perfect and so is the length. It's like they were made for me!

Schoolboy Blazer - it's not as preppy as it looks! Cuff the sleeves and scrunch them up and it's perfect over dresses, and with jeans and tops.

Bootie Wedges - screaming over these... I want them to wear with jeans and with tights and dresses when it really starts to get colder

White blouse - it's no secret that I obsess over white shirts. To me, I can never have too many! Joie is my favorite for pretty blouses and I love the shape and details of this one... It's a great sleeve length for fall!

Layering Bag - it's a dream bag but why not dream? Burgundy is so in this fall and Stella's Falabella bags are the coolest.

Earrings  - We were lucky enough to be sent a pair of these dreamy earring by Lizzie Fortunato and they are going to be the best for fall - a perfect statement with colors that go with everything

Nail Polish  - It looks like cinnamon and the name is shag. Sort of amazing. And butter is the best formula!

Blush  - I have Tarte's 12 hour blush in the blissful color already but I really want the nude color for fall... My skin is really fair so tawny colors look better on my checks in the winter :)

[Striped Heartnote Cardigan/Lolita Cardigan/Star Print Cardigan/Animal Print Cardigan/Marni Print Cardigan]

[silk cami dress/perfect chambray shirt/stable blazer/mini meerkat pullover/rosette cutout cami dress/skinny skinny colorpop jeans]

I love the Madewell brand.  I am even more in love with them as they are opening a store right down the road from us.  (Streets at SouthPoint for you locals).  Hubs better hide the credit cards.