Birthday Bag.

Only 90 days until my birthday and that means one thing...time to start planning my gift list!  My family does much better in the gift giving department when I actually make it very obvious what I want.  (One year I got a brown polar tech blanket from the hubs...warm, but not exactly an exciting present.)

This year, I think it's time for a new bag and I'm going old school.  Kate Spade.  My very first nice handbag was the classic black nylon bag.  I toted that thing all through college and it's still in great shape. 

I saw a gal carrying this Kate Spade a few weeks ago and loved it so much, I stopped her to get a better look at the bag. 

Kate Spade Mary Ann bag in navy with ostrich embossing.  I think what I love about the bag is the color.  It's a true navy and would be such a refreshing change from all my black and brown bags.  Classic with a twist.  I know it will get better with age and the best part?  It's on sale!

I would also be open to considering the Cobble Hill Leslie (Small) in Storm, which is more of a gray shade.  I like the slouch of the bag and the fact that it has a cross body strap.

What bag do you want?  Do you make birthday lists in advance? Mom, are you reading?!

Favorite (Recent) Purchase.

Introducing...my new favorite top.

This picture does it zero justice.  It's a sweater-y knot dolman t-shirt with a rolled cuff at the arm and a cute patch pocket. 

I've owned if for about 2 weeks now (picked up when I discovered the perfect t-shirt) and I can't stop wearing it!  Skinny jeans and heels for a concert; jeans and boots for running around with The Bug - it's very versatile!

What's your favorite recent purchase?

Emmys.

I always look forward to the start of Awards Season...love curling up on the couch with a snack and the remote (while the hubs is in the man room watching football.)  A few of my faves...

And I know I will take heat for liking Gwynnie's Getup, but I do.  When the girl wears a sack (and she did if you will recall the pink Ralph Lauren debacle), she still looks good doing it.

It was kind of a snoozy night for fashion.  Who were your faves?

Sweater Weather.

Today was especially chilly.  I even cranked the heat on for a few hours just to take the brrrrr out of my bones.  It's days like these that I love to throw on a cozy sweater...make it a Vince sweater and I'm even happier.

I owned an amazing slouchy sweatshirt style cashmere sweater that was my go-to going out outfit.  Then the moths got it.  So clearly I need a replacement, right? 

My picks are above, but if I had to choose just one, I take the first - the "Chunky Sweater."  Available in Natural or Heather Carbon this beauty is making the rounds in the blogosphere, and rightfully so.  Over sized, boat neck wool is the perfect topper to skinny jeans or a frilly skirt. 

Do you own any Vince?

Tommy.

I haven't given Tommy Hilfiger a thought since the series finale of Rich Girls back in 2003.  For those who don't remember, it followed the lives of Ally Hilfiger (Tommy's daughter) and her BFF as they gallivanted through NYC.  It was important stuff people. 

So, imagine my surprise when all over the September issues of most major fashion mags is "The Hilfiger Family Portrait Album," and ode to his fashion family, if your family happened to be filled with models.

I kind of dig it.  The over the top styling, the uber-prep, the rich fall colors.  I really like this look... (can't escape colored pants!)

Anyone else seen these ads?  Or the clothes in person?

Elegant Edie.

The clutch.  I've always had a hard time embracing it as I never quite know what to do with it once I arrive at my destination.  Do I set it down on the table?  Wedge it under my arm?  It's just never been comfortable.

But I might be willing to reconsider the clutch now that I've discovered the Edie Parker line.  I'm especially fond of the "Jean" clutches.  (You know how I love a stripe.)

Created by a former PR gal at Gucci, these line of bags are a throw back to the era of showgirls and socialites.  Something you might find on a good day in a vintage shop.  Acrylic wearable sculpture of art, according to them.  I think they are pretty chic, even though they come with a hefty price tag.

PS - that second bag?  Glows in the dark.  Genius.

To Market, to Market.

The hunt for the perfect t-shirt seems to be a never ending one.  Until now. 

Market t-shirts.  I have been hearing a bit about these in the tabloids, but only recently came across them in person.  Soft as can be (probably because of the supima cotton/modal jersey blend they use), great fits (like the "Milla" and the "Nadia" above), good color choices and an affordable price (about $40 per shirt.) 

The company is all about t-shirt dressing, which is right in line with my style sense.  I love throwing on a pair of jeans, a cute tee, necklace for a little something special and walk out the door.  It's the perfect outfit for a mom on the go. 

Celebrities love them too.  Blake and Rachel (sigh, love her) wear "Milla" and "Patti."

It looks like these are mostly sold in boutiques.  I found mine at In Clover in the Corinth Shops. 

Have you heard of Market?  Don't you think one of these would be great with my new colorful pants?

Pilcro.

We have a new Anthropologie in town that I had a chance to visit this week.  It's HUGE!  And not as jam-packed with clothes as Anthros usually seem to be.

One of the things I discovered while in the store is their new line of jeans and cords called Pilcro.  I seem to recall reading/hearing that this is a line that Anthropologie created themselves, but I could be wrong.

This is the "Stet" fit.  To die for.  Perfect amount of stretch, hits just at the right place on the waist (not too high, not too low) and flattering on the ankle.  I said I wouldn't get in to the colored denim trend, but I may have bought what they call pink and I see as more of a faded red/rose color.  Now I just need to figure out how to wear these....

Those pockets and that button waistband?  Just for look - these pull on!

This is the "Serif" fit.  This is unique. A mid-rise legging style fit with no actual front pockets (just the appearance that they are there).  And the twist?  Super (super) fine-wale corduroy fabric.  I'm not usually a corduroy gal - too much bulk, squeaks when I walk, etc.  But this is heavenly. Pull them on and go.  Just enough texture to bring some interest to your outfit.

To shop the collection, visit Anthropologie.

Have you tried Pilcro?

Zara.

Blog-land is all a-buzz now that Zara is offering online shopping.  I popped into a Zara while in London this Summer and had a hard time - the store is noisy, crowded and messy.  But online, I'm good. 

Here are my picks.  Maybe I will have that extra glass of wine tonight and place and order.  (PS - did you know that's a thing?  People drink and shop?  It even has a name - Buying Under Influence. )

Honestly, I think I could find a lot more things if the website were a little better.  Full body pictures, more description on the items, better fits on the models and more styling ideas.  I'm really not that picky, so not sure how this bare bones site is going to go over with the American consumer. 

Don't you adore that sequin blazer/jacket?  Hello New Year's Eve! 

Have you placed an order yet?

Monogram Me.

Seeing Scout's post of a truly fabulous toddler room reminded me how much I love a monogrammed pillow.  And while I adore the Jonathan Adler pair featured in the room, I found a few on Etsy that are better suited to my price range...

Love the shape and burlap-esque fabric of this one from My Vintage Monkey.  She offers a variety of fabric and thread colors and prices start at $48.  I think this could be cute in a crib (I know, I know, no pillows for a newborn) or as a finishing touch on a sweet chair.

This is a more modern feel from threepeas.  I like how the letters are done in wool and the back of the pillow is finished in a ticking stripe.  Just a few little touches that make it seem special.  This store also offers pillows with years on them (1999, 2010, etc.) - something I've never seen before.  Could be cute to celebrate the birth of a child or the year you were married.  

I think I had a sigh of happiness when I saw this option from Studio Design Lab.  The shield, the color combo, the eco-friendly fabric.  I love it all.  They have several shield shapes to choose from and color swatches and combos to fit any decor.

For those of you who are local, Nell Hills does an insane job with pillows and monograms.  A bit pricey, but lots of shapes, sizes, fabrics to choose from.  If you can dream it, they can make it.

Do you do a monogram?

A Better Block.

After my unexpected bed rest, the family and I took a little vacay to the most perfect place on Earth.  (Even with Tropical Storm Lee crashing our party.)  While there, I was introduced to Tegu Blocks.

A block set is no longer a block set.  Eco-friendly, Honduran made, building blocks with magnets inside.  They are offered in a variety of sets (8-52 blocks) and colors (Natural, Mahogany, Jungle or Tinted) and the packaging is cool. 

While I love the overall mission and social responsibility of the company, I'm fascinated by the magnets inside!  The Bug can build and build without the frustrating factor that regular blocks offer - they fall down with the slightest bump.  Look at the amazing-ness...

I'm a little partial to "The Pocket Pouch" set:  8 blocks in 2 shapes (cubes and short planks) packaged in a cute felt bag.   At $32, it's not super spendy and you can see if your child likes it.  The sets are all interchangeable so it's a great way to test out the toy. 

You can buy these online at Tegu or visit their Facebook page. 

Have you seen Tegu?