Birthday Bash.

As you know, I am in the midst of planning The Bug's 4th birthday bash.  The countdown is on as the party is in just a few weeks! 

All my stalking on Pinterest and Etsy is paying off...sneak peak at some of my inspiration.

Cupcake toppers, paper poms, pinwheels, candy bar and animal print?  Surely that's every 4 year olds dream party, right?

 

Gettin' a Fix.

I was so excited when I first read about Stitch Fix over at 9 to 5 Chic.  Personal Styling delivered to my front door?  Sign me up.

Here's the details:
1)  Answer a few questions about your style, your sizes, your life.  Fork over a $20 "down payment."
2)  Your package with 5 items picked just for you arrives!
3)  Try on the goodies on your own time.  Mix and match with what you already own. 
4)  Return (for free!) what you don't want.  Keep what you do.  (Of course, you pay for what you keep minus the $20 you've already sent.)

It's amazing!  And more amazing?  My options arrived over the weekend.

Navy Embroidered Top, $44 from StitchFix

Printed tunic, $60 from StitchFix

Kip Print Top, $52 from StitchFix 

Black faux fur vest, $65 from StitchFix

Cute, right?  I found that everything fit very nicely into my wardrobe and added a cute punch to all my classics (jeans, stripes, blazers, leggings).  My 5 items ranged in price from $44  to $75, which I thought was very reasonable.  Plus, if you keep all 5 items, you receive a 25% discount off your purchase. 

Want your own Fix?  They are in beta-testing now, but sign up here (please use this blog as your referral) and get started. 

(For the record, I ended up keeping the black vest.  Can't resist the "fur".)

(For the record again, photographing yourself is perhaps the most awkward task.  Ever.)

Home for the Holidays.

As The Bug gets bigger and bigger, it becomes harder and harder to NOT decorate for the seasons and holidays.  I've never been one for lots of decorations and STUFF around my house.  But I can't resist my child.  He keeps asking "when will our Halloween decorations go outside"?  I think he's thinking this...

...where I'm drawing inspiration from these...

We managed to get the pumpkins this weekend and the mums last, so we're on our way to having a festive front porch. 

When we lived in Chicago, our neighbors always had great wreaths that tied with the seasons.  I think that's something I can get into.  I finally made an amazing wreath last Christmas, but perhaps it's time to invest in a timeless Halloween/Fall option.  Something that just whispers "boo" instead of jumps out of the darkness at you.

Do you decorate for the holidays?

The Body.

Each year, ESPN The Magazine does a "Body Issue" full of famous athletes and their, well, bodies.  This years has hit the newstands and I can't get enough.

I think the pictures are amazing and I have my fingers crossed that their isn't too much photo-shopping going on.  After all, these peeps make their money from their bods, right?

Blake Griffin (Power Forward, Los Angeles Clippers).

Apolo Anton Ohno (Speed Skater, Short Track).

Steven Jackson (Running Back, St. Louis Rams).

Alicia Sacramone (Gymnast).  By far my favorite image. 

I think I will be hitting the gym tomorrow. 

Good old Gap.

It has been YEARS since I've bought anything for myself from the Gap.  I think spending my high school years working there has left a bad taste in my mouth...

I popped in the other day to pick up some jeans for The Bug during one of their 30% off promos.  Couldn't help but cruise the women's section and came across a couple of really cute things, which of course I took home with me. 

Loving this marled-stripe super soft over sized sweater.  I bought the cream/gray version, but I really loved the navy as well.  Wearing this today with jeans and flats, but think it would be great for my new colored jeans as well. 

Bird Print Shell.  Birds are all the rage right now in blog land and since many of the big blouses and prints don't work for me, I've settled on this darling navy shell.  It doesn't feel great, but I think it's whimsical and I like it.  Planning on pairing this with a cardi for those crisp Fall days.

How great is this simple tee?  Comes in 6 or 7 colors and is so cozy and soft.  Again, something I plan to pair with my colored jeans and since I picked up the navy, think it will be great in the summer with white jeans.

Are you big Gap shoppers?  Did I miss anything cute?

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?