Lilly Pulitzer Summer 2012

Well, the newest Lilly Pulitzer pieces are in, and I have to say I am impressed and excited by the newest patterns!

The 'Summer by the Sea' collection is very sea-inspired and really, truly beautiful. I am a beach girl at heart so while I do not want everything I do love a lot of the collection featured. I really think they are going to exceed sales goals with these patterns this season! Here are my favorites:

The Delia dress in Multi You Gotta Regatta, $168. Depending on the length, this dress might be perfect for my office in the summer!

The Franco dress in Multi You Gotta Regatta, $178. The little white ruffle detail is almost like an inverted crumb-catcher, which is cute!

The Tinsley dress in Resort White Conched Out, $198. This dress would be perfect for a long weekend at the beach on a date night, or for a horse race with the open back!

The Blossom dress in Resort White Chiquita Bonita, $298. I love the embroidery on this dress - really awesome!

The Adriel dress in Green Bean Light My Fire, $168. I like how fresh this dress is and it reminds me of a whimsical version of a DVF wrap dress.

The Georgie dress in Resort White Chum Bucket, $188. I think this dress may not work on me due to the fitted bodice but I love the shape of this dress, fun for a party at the casa! Photo property of © Bloomingdales.

The Worth shift in Resort White High Tide Toile, $178. This pattern might be my favorite of the Summer 2012 patterns, it is so lovely!

All photos property of © Lilly Pulitzer [except where otherwise noted]




Which are your favorites?

Tiffany's 175th on CBS Sunday Morning

One of my family's big traditions every Sunday morning is to watch CBS News Sunday Morning. This Sunday was no exception as I was home recovering from my 5th wisdom tooth removal and I was delighted to see that Tiffany & Co. was on the broadcast. The story was fascinating: about the history of Tiffany & Co., the legacy of the brand, and how different family members ran the company and prioritized different kinds of artistry in the studios.

[YouTube link to the story here, as embedding was disabled by CBS.]

Something I learned from the story: Why the now-infamous Tiffany blue? CBS News Sunday Morning said:

"[It] was chosen because it was the favorite color of Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III. "She was also considered the most stylish woman in the world," said Loring [John Loring, the company's historian/former design chief]. "She was the supermodel fashion plate - fashion arbiter of the universe."

And since it is the 175th anniversary of the brand, the store has done something special to mark the occasion: a [mostly] new, spectacular showpiece.

Photo Credit: © Tiffany & Co.

A priceless, 128.54 carat yellow diamond, which was bought by Charles Lewis Tiffany for $18,000 in 1878 after it was discovered a year earlier in South Africa as a 287.42-carat raw stone. This diamond has been mounted in a necklace setting with white diamonds totalling more than 120 carats.

Photo Credit: © Tiffany & Co.

The news release from Tiffany and Company states:

The Diamond has been set on four previous occasions, two of which involve original designs by Jean Schlumberger, Tiffany’s renowned jewelry designer. The stone was set in Schlumberger’s Ribbon Rosette necklace to promote the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s; and it was mounted in Schlumberger’s Bird on a Rock setting for the designer’s 1995 retrospective at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris.

Photo Credit: © Tiffany & Co.


Can you imagine what this diamond must feel like around your neck? The pure weight of the object must be incredible.
Video Credit: © Tiffany & Co.

What do you think of this Tiffany & Co. showpiece? Is it too big? Are you a Tiffany's fan, or do you like a different jewelry brand?

Or, maybe you are a Tiffany Studios lamp fan? Then you might enjoy this story from 2007:
Video Credit: © CBS

See more photos of Tiffany's former Long Island estate, Laurelton Hall, here. And Wikipedia here.

Downton Sixbey

Did anyone catch this little fun clip on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon last week? I did not see it - I really do not watch the Late shows unless I am on vacation - but I came across this clip via the NBC website and had to share it with you all! It might fill up some of that void that is missing my Downton Abbey...

Pretty jewelry and do you have Klout?

Are you on Klout?

I remember getting messages about it when it first launched in late 2009 and I just was not impressed. I am a big supporter of waiting until things have their kinks worked out. I know a lot of people signed up early on but I was not entirely sure if this was just another short-term San Francisco internet start up and where it was going to go...

However, since then I occasionally get neat Perks. Different companies send me products and I help promote their businesses. It isn't big stuff persay, because I do not have major Klout, but sometimes it is fun stuff, like helping Geico with a marketing campaign and the like. Another benefit is that I feel like Klout is an anonymous way to tell me if I am communicating with my readers in the right way. Right now I am at 47 and I would love to move up to the 50-60 range in the coming months. One of the things I have noticed is since I have become less anonymous and vague in my blog posts and social media life I have gained more Klout, more followers on Twitter and more people have joined my Facebook page. And it isn't like I make any money off of this blog here on Blogger.com. My main blogging income comes from my Examiner.com columns for Richmond and Charlottesville. And even that isn't enough to live off of on it's own, it is just about something I am passionate about! But that is why I now like Klout. I can figure out how to write things people who follow me will actually enjoy reading, and commenting on.

Here is how Klout breaks it all down:

"Klout scores range from 1 to 100, with higher scores corresponding to a higher assessment by Klout of the breadth and strength of one's online influence. Klout scores are further divided into measures, also ranging from 1 to 100, that Klout calls "True Reach", "Amplification Probability", and "Network Score".

True Reach is based on the size of a person's "engaged audience" of followers and friends who actively listen and react to her or his online messages. Amplification Score relates to the likelihood that one's messages will generate actions (retweets, @messages, likes, and comments). Network Score reflects the computed influence value of a person's engaged audience."

I honestly do not use this social media tool to see if I am popular. I am not a professional social media person. I have a 50+ hour a week job that is already my first priority, but I do like to use this thing to see if I am writing things that other people enjoy and to build my own 'social network' of peers who have the same interests as me! It is fun in that regard.

Here is one of the latest Perks I have gotten. Check out this neat jewelry service - Boticca.com.

"Sultan" ring - $1,650 - prehnite with sterling silver, 14k gold and diamonds - Ista design by Mevesh of NYC

This site came to me through a Klout perk and it actually is one I like - because it involves shopping and supporting small businesses! It has international sellers so you will see a WIDE range of prices but honestly some of the stuff is just plain beautiful (and some of it is crap but a lot of it is lovely).

Gallia hat - $301 - white silk hat with handsewn orchid (white silk petals, navy satin buds, navy feathers) - Bundle MacLaren Millinery of London, UK

I am really impressed and the Klout perk I was given was a big motivating factor ($25 credit is pretty substantial to me, definitely will pique my interest in your website at least!).

Filigree bracelet - $297 - 24k gold overlay cuff features delicate filigree details and a magnetic clasp closure - Julie Tuton jewelry of San Francisco

I do not know how many of you can use this link, but please feel free to try it out or at the very least go to the website to see what they have!

Nan Fusco Comet - $5,980 - 14mm Golden South Sea Pearl with a tassel of fancy Yellow, Peach, Orange and Pink Sapphires (35 carats total!) on heavy 18k cable chain. Wear it two ways- as a lariat, or asymmetric necklace - Nan Fusco of Laguna Beach

Are you on Klout? Let's connect and support each other as 'influencers'!

David Yurman love

In my family, we all wear watches. I know this trend is unusual, most of my friends do not wear watches and depend on their cell phones to tell them the time. But in all honesty, I feel as though an outfit is incomplete unless I have a watch on. My everyday watch is a Coach watch M gave me for my birthday four years ago when we had first started dating - he had asked me for birthday ideas, and I had said, "a watch like this one would be so wonderful" and he got me that exact watch. It was a really wonderful gesture after the horrible relationships I had been in previously (no acknowledgement of birthday whatsoever besides an email or text OR something last minute and immature like a CD).

Coach Carlisle Strap Watch - $258.00 in black

...It does not look exactly like that one but pretty close it does not have that horrid contrasting sitching, thank goodness. My Coach watch is my t-shirt and jeans watch, my errands watch. It looks great and is similar to the Cartier which is only for special occasions or with work suits:

Cartier Tank Francaise watch - $4,200 in black leather

But now that I am engaged, I feel like I need a bit more of a flashy watch. Not tacky-flashy, but something that complements my personal style. Neiman Marcus contacted me recently about their David Yurman collection. I am not a girl with lots of David Yurman product, although that is a big thing here in the South. But since my engagement ring and wedding band are/will be platinum, and my sapphire is still looking loverly, this watch really stood out to me. It would help complement my married life jewelry and I could wear it up or down. I could see this watch given to a daughter down the line, and I am all about investing in quality pieces, not lots of trendy and of-the-moment items. This watch is called the Classic 30mm Quartz.

Details include 0.82 carat diamonds, a man-made blue spinel cabochon crown, stainless-steel with an engraved white mother-of-pearl dial. $5,800.

What do you think? It isn't obscenely expensive, particularly if you are like me and work in an office setting where wearing a watch everyday is essential - over time it really pays for itself. Timepieces are investments as they are worn for forever if you care for them properly. I guess you could reason a watch like some people reason with a big-screen TV with the flashiest stereo system, or maybe even a really fabulous handbag. Jewelry is like that for me.

Do you have a cherished accessory? What is it?

Here we go again...

Well, by the time most of you read this post I will be having a medical procedure done. Normally this sort of procedure would not be a big deal, except for the part where I get to say I have had this procedure before...

...I have a FIFTH wisdom tooth. Yes my friends, a 5th. And it is dangerously close to my sinuses and since it was originally wayyyy up hiding in my jaw bone from my previous four wisdom teeth (removed in 2008) they have no idea where this tooth's roots are and will not know until they get in there.

Apparently this does not happen a lot and YES, I have heard how wise this must make me. Har-dee-har-har.

Fun, right? So I would sincerely appreciate you saying a quick prayer, or good ju-ju, or blessing, etc. for me, as I am not excited whatsoever.

Only in Lex Vegas

This kind of news would only happen in Lex Vegas, thanks to The Advocate, a wonderful monthly paper:

This the chicken died. She was six. This and [her] friend, That, starred in Anne McClung's children's book and video, This, That and the Other Things.

Seriously is my hometown hilarious or what?

Obligated to see this movie

I am fairly certain M and I are obligated to see this movie:


Seeing as our wedding is this October, and we became engaged on June 13, 2010... we certainly know how it feels to having to keep pushing back on the date. And yes, we have thought about how much it would suck if someone old died unexpectedly. We would hate for them to miss out. Sick? Yes. Twisted? Slightly. True? Certainly.

Tom and Violet even have a wonderful wedding website. It also has a blog. I honestly cannot imagine having a blog on our wedding website because that would mean I would have... FIVE blogs/writing obligations to my name. Not happening.

Are you going to see The Five-Year Engagement?


Oh, and here is an oldie that I love so much. Blame my mother, born during WWII, as I love all kinds of random music like this one:


Check out my latest post from Examiner: Spring 2012 trend: over the top shoes

Happy Easter

I know this post is a day early, but I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Easter. Many blessings to you and your family. Isn't this video cute? Are any of my blog friends lottery winners for the White House?

XOXO

Bricks

"A successful person is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at him or her."

-David Brinkley

Fun fashion find at Ann Taylor LOFT

OOTD: April 4, 2012 by worthystyle featuring summer cardigans

LOFT boat neck dress
$70 - loft.com

Jigsaw summer cardigan
£119 - jigsaw-online.com

Nine West peep toe high heels
$89 - ninewest.com

J Crew j crew handbag
$348 - jcrew.com

Tiffany & Co. 18 karat gold earrings
$695 - tiffany.com

Tiffany Co heart jewelry
$250 - tiffany.com

Mulberry Adjustable iPad 2 Sleeve Oak Natural Leather
$465 - mulberry.com

So this week has, once again, been all about the up-down cycle of temperatures. I wore this outfit on a day when I felt like I was in Florida. Incredibly humid and you honestly want to wear as little clothing as possible. Since that does not work in my field of work... I had to compensate. This dress from Ann Taylor LOFT is wonderful. The dress has a wonderful drape and fits my waist snugly, even at the end of the day, thanks to the gathered waist. The weight is a light poly - so light at first feel you would confuse it with silk. I was not disappointed by the dress as I often am with the cheaper brands. This dress did not look or feel cheap. It is a soft peachy-pink. Not quite a salmon pink but reminiscent of the Claire Danes Golden Globes 2012 dress. I plan on wearing this dress to work in the future, and am excited about how it can easily tradition to a drinks with girlfriends or dinner with the family by adding a cropped jacket or adding some dressier/sexier heels to it. It will look even better once I get some summer color!

The ring is not my engagement ring, but it is a pretty close replica even if it does not have the paves on the band... and the bag is from J.Crew, it is great. I borrowed it from a friend to try the size out to see if I could like it and use it for work but it might just not be the best size for my need - I need something I can comfortably carry my iPad 2, legal redwells, and my fashion magazines in (anyone who subscribes to W knows how weird and wonky their size is compared to everyone else!). I hope to find a quality, satchel-style, leather purse in brown soon. SIGHHHHHH

The shoes I got at Nine West in Charlottesville. It is I think the only store in the state besides their Virginia Beach store. Of all the brands that average less than $100, Nine West always leaves me happy. I cannot ever complain on any shoes I buy there as they hold up to nights out with friends, cobblestones, and work. I honestly went to about eight stores at Short Pump Mall and Stony Point Mall last week and had no luck finding this kind of shoe - I wanted a butterscotch colored leather shoe, not patent, and they were the only place that had something slightly conservative with a heel. I'm pretty happy with that purchase.

Any fun fashion finds for you guys lately?

Clueless, A&F and some spring fashion

OOTD: March 29, 2012 by worthystyle featuring jimmy choo shoes

LOFT v neck dress
$90 - loft.com

A P C double breasted trench coat
$500 - lagarconne.com

Coach cross body handbag
$358 - coach.com

Gold chain jewelry
$500 - tiffany.com

CZ by Kenneth Jay Lane cuff jewelry
$325 - mytheresa.com

Hermes scarve
$410 - usa.hermes.com

Jimmy choo shoes
tooklookbook.com

Don't you just love integrating new pieces of your wardrobe into what already exists? That is one of my favorite things to do. You can come up with many different outfits - probably about 3 or 4 new outfits for each major piece you purchase. At least I have noticed that for me, but it really does depend on what staple pieces you own, how classic or trendy your wardrobe steers towards, and other points like that. I am sure it has something to do with my love (obsession?) for Clueless when it came out in the 90s. That movie was super over-the-top but it really did inspire me as well! I started to pay attention to details and picked up on special garments in my Mom's wardrobe. I was too young to shop in the women's sections at stores but my Mom realized that I was starting to develop discerning taste and took me to Neiman-Marcus, Nordstrom, and other stores that did not exist in the Shenandoah Valley (closest ones were three hours away!). I actually got in trouble at school for bringing in an Abercrombie & Fitch catalog (remember their 2" thick magalogs?) that my Mom had given me from one of her events for work. It was a HUGE sensation and teachers freaked out over the guys showing their butts! My Mom had to call the school and insist that they return it to me during lunch. It was a great moment. I think she only let me wear A&F because she knew I had to have something to wear that was not as childish as Limited Too (this was 7th - 9th grades afterall) and not as overly mature for a public school setting like my Benetton wares. The 90s had some great fashion moments and then lots of ridiculous stuff, too, didn't it? For more ridiculous 90s moments, check out this winner from A&F, below: