Mrs. Astor's Starter Home

Here is an interesting article about one of our favorite ladies, Mrs. Astor. This was in the New York Times last week. Just a little something to read over your afternoon tea.

Kate Spade

Just a quick note this morning, Kate Spade redesigned her website. I love it. It looks great and all ready for Fall. Please check out the Bon Vivant collection. Bon Vivant means a person devoted to refined sensuous enjoyment. Patent leather galore. Pink and Black. Bows. Amazing! I adore patent leather. I always always have at least one pair of patent leather heels and patent leather loafers in my closet at all times. I have worn patent leather loafers since I was three. I will definitely need one (or more) of these bags for Fall.
Perhaps this one first:

The Bon Vivant Mini Simone in Pink.

Sunday Funday

This Sunday was the Rock & Roll Half Marathon here in Chicago. Several friends were running (amazing, I know) and another group of use decided to go cheer them on. This meant rising at 5:30 AM!!! and being downtown and in position by 6:45. My word, it was early. We are having an amazing day of weather and it is always fun to race to certain checkpoints to see friends. We made it to the finish line in time to see most of our friends cross. I am so proud of them. Afterward, JC's parents took us to Roy's Hawaiian Fusion on State. The Passion Fruit Mimosa was divine as was the al fresco seating. (P.S. Al fresco is my favorite way to dine.) I had the Sunrise Burrito. It was delicious. After brunch, I headed home for an official nap. What is an official nap you ask? It's a nap where you are in your bed, room darkened and under the covers. It's the best way to nap. Now, JLM is coming over for a light supper and reading on the lanai. (I'm channeling the Golden Girls).

Must Read

Today in my inbox, was a suggestion from amazon.com for How to Be a Hepburn in a Hilton World: The Art of Living with Style, Class, and Grace by Jordan Christy. At amazon, the book is only $11.55. Total steal. Synopsis from amazon.com: In a society driven by celebutante news and myspace profiles, women of class, style and charm are hard to come by. The Audrey and Katharines of the world continue to lose their lustre as thongs, rehab and outrageous behaviour burn up the daily headlines. But, despite appearances, guys still want a girl they can take home to their mother, employers still like to see a tailored suit and peers still respect classy conduct. So is it possible to maintain old fashioned virtues in a modern world without looking like a starchy Amish grandma? Christy shows women how in this guide to glamorous style, professional success and true love...the classy way. Full of fun assignments, notable names and real-life examples, Christy offers a new look at seemingly 'old fashioned' advice. She covers diet, speech, work ethic, friends, relationships, manners, makeup and fashionable yet modest clothing, showing modern ladies how they can be beautiful, intelligent and fun while retaining values and morals.

Consider it ordered.

About Time Valentino

Finally, finally, finally, Valentino: The Last Emperor is coming to Chicago on August 21st. I have been waiting for-ev-er to see it. It is coming to the Gene Siskel Film Center in the loop. I will be in Indy that weekend, so I have grand plans to see it on Sunday night when I come back. I am so excited.
The Trailer:

Lovely Autumn

Here in Chicago, we have had a very mild summer. It also seems as if summer is/has not happened. Autumn is my favorite season and with the fall Lilly catalog coming out, it has me thinking and planning my fall wardrobe.

Growing up, I only wore navy blue (my mother's signature color) as my dark color. I didn't wear black or brown. Mostly, because my mother preferred navy. After I graduated from college and was preparing to work in the 'real world' I embraced black. It made me feel like an adult. Well, over the past year, I find myself moving back towards navy. The more I look at the pieces I do have the more I am considering going back towards navy as my dark color staple. I just really love the color. Alot. With that in mind, here are a few of my favorite pieces from LP Fall '09:

I would wear this with a chunky light colored necklace and some type of nude shoe.

This cardigan with a navy skirt.

With navy tights and even a navy turtleneck underneath.



With a navy cashmere cardigan.

Ciao!

Anchors Away

One of my favorite shoppes in NYC is Fishs Eddy. I have so many great pieces of tableware from this store. These sailor glasses are a great new addition to their product line. I like the navy blue and the anchor on the side.


These glasses are also very cute. Anchors and ropes:

Cute and inexpensive treat for our Nautical Preppies.