Flat Chance

I'm the type of girl who prefers to wear heels every day to work and for every special occasion. However it seems my footwear choice is being challenged this wedding season. My boyfriend's brother is getting married in June and plans to have his reception outdoors at his parents' country home. I'd rather not run the risk of puncturing their lawn with stiletto heels (a bit of a concern after too many celebratory cocktails), leaving me with two options: wedges or flats.

I'm not keen on wedges (I've tried, but I just can't fully embrace them), so I've begun searching for pretty flats. And it's not an easy task. (The Cynthia Vincent flats I purchased are gorgeous, but they're a bit heavy for the flirty summer dress I plan to wear.)

Here are some of the prettiest flats I've stumbled upon:


(Starting from top.)

Nine West, Noadiah Flat, $69.95
Lilly Pulitzer, Lady Mary Flat, $235
Kenneth Cole, Clean Cut, $69.95 (sale!)
Target, Sheryl Floral Print Ballet Flat, $19.99
Ettore Masotti, Ballet Flat, $149
Tory Burch, Kelly Patent Flat, $295

Garden of Eden

Foliage is aching to burst from tree branches and May flowers are just beginning to peek through the ground. If you're too anxious to wait for spring blossoms, pick up a bejeweled bouquet.


(Pictured clockwise, starting from upper left.)

Liz Claiborne, Rhinestone Floral Earring, $20
Dogeared, Cherish Pendant in Gold Dipped, $55
Kate Spade, Triple Row Necklace, $325
Juicy Couture, Flower Stud Earrings, $48
Liz Claiborne, Boxed Floral Bracelet, $22
Miriam Haskell, Floral Cluster Earrings, $175
Erickson Beamon for Target, Black Flower Pendant Necklace, $29.99
Forever21, Jewel Petals Flower Ring, $4.80
Liz Claiborne, Pave Flower Pin, $22

Make a Statement

The easiest way to transform your spring wardrobe is with a bib necklace. Investing in this key piece can elevate everything from your go-to little black dress to a simple v-neck tee shirt and jeans; or wear it with a suit jacket to add an unexpected embellishment to your work ensemble.

Here are four of my favorites:


(Pictured clockwise, starting with upper left.)

Banana Republic, Glam Bib Necklace, $69
Forever21, Faceted Floral Pendant Necklace, $17.80
Kenneth Jay Lane, Multi-Stone Bib Necklace, $600
Target, Blue Beaded Bib Necklace, $39.99

Countdown to Halloween

photo via Halloween Photo Cards

It's the first of October and the countdown to Halloween can officially begin!

This also means it's the only time of year dust-collecting cobwebs are considered appropriate ambiance. But there are more tasteful (and less disgusting) ways to incorporate morbid touches into your home decor.

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)

Williams-Sonoma, Halloween Pancake Molds, $19.95
Target, Porcelain Haunted House Cocktail Plates, $24.99
Crate and Barrel, Witch Hat Dishtowels, $12.95
Target, Bone Collector Place Card Holders, $16.99
Target, Skeletal Hand Servers, $9.99
Pottery Barn, Skull Tray, $24
Target, Feather Wreath, $19.99
Heritage Lace, Spider Web Round Table Topper, $8.50 (I purchased this last weekend. It's much prettier and more delicate in person.)

Next on my shopping list: the skull tray, feather wreath, and another pound of candy corn.