Welcome to my new site, dear reader! If this is your first time visiting, I am so happy you found me! If you are a long time reader, let me just apologize for making you look at the old version, which was created by me, a person with no discernible tech savvy, via YouTube videos at 11 pm at night!! Not good. But here we are!! I actually feel like I will be more inspired to blog because this site is so pretty! It is still very much a work in progress, but isn't everything in life? Please look around a little bit and any comments or tips you have for me are much appreciated! I am hoping to share with you things that are an important part of my life-- fashion, literature, mommyhood, interior design, fitness and whatever else inspires me (this will probably not include cooking. Not my forte. Baking? Yes! Yes and Yes! Note: I make a batch of chocolate chip cookies every Sunday, rain or shine. Why? Cookies are good for the soul-- and cookie dough is just delish!!) I am so excited for all to come! Wishing you the loveliest of Wednesdays! xx Michelle
I'm Going Green
Who knew going green could be so beautiful? This color is certainly way outside of my comfort zone but it is lovely. The skirt is linen and lined and the top is silk with little snaps that can control the depth of the V neckline. You certainly don't need a big deep V for the office, am I right? This color makes a really nice balance to the florals and whites I've been wearing all summer. I really love Banana Republic for work right now. I made a quick trip to the mall last weekend while they were having their sale and the skirt was 50% off. Let me tell you, if there were more colors, they would all come home with me. I said this before but a pencil skirt is an absolute stable for my professional wardrobe. It's so funny how I just can't wait for summer to get here but even now the stores are starting to carry fall stuff and I am beyond excited to wear sweaters and knee-high boots again. Why are we so fickle? :) Happy day all day to you beauties! Xx Michelle
{America's Birthday} Party in the USA
Okay, I love the Fourth of July. First off, it's summertime, so it's warm and beautiful. And it is a holiday made for spending time with your family and friends-- what could be better? And my neighborhood does it UP! There is a 10k run in the morning, booths of food, parades, live music, bounce houses, rides, food trucks and the best firework show ever! My little culdesac has scavenger hunts and a talent show for the kids and we eat together--it's a magical day!
This year, my daughter Addison and I are going to enter the cupcake making contest- I know a lot about eating them, which I hope will somehow magically translate into some kind of skill in baking them! We shall see!
Anyway, since we are outside most of the day nibbling and relaxing, we need a playlist and I am starting mine now- I thought I would give you some of my favorite songs and maybe you can add some (or all!) to your list. I tend to like songs that everyone is familiar with because it just makes it so fun to sing along! What are your favorite America tunes?
1. Bye Bye Miss American Pie {Don McClean} This is just a goodie that pretty much everyone knows.
2. Born Free {Kid Rock} I don't know if I am a Kid Rock fan per se, but I like this song. It's kinda gritty but it feels American to me.
3. Proud To Be An American {Lee Greenwald} If you don't weep copiously every time this song comes on, you are made of stone or something. It holds a lot significance to me for some reason.
4. American Baby {Dave Matthews} I love DM. He could sing the alphabet and I'd be swaying along happily.
5. American Woman {Lenny Kravitz} Because lets face it, us American women are pretty alright, am I right? :)
6. Brown Eyed Girl {Van Morrison} It doesn't mention America but my bestie is a brown eyed girl and this song is special to me!
7. Tiny Dancer {Elton John} This is possibly my favorite song ever and it was even before Almost Famous, which then sealed the deal. This song is on every playlist I ever make, even my running playlists (which grinds me to halt so I can sing along, but still!!)
8. American Girl {Tom Petty} So, also not a huge Tom Petty fan (I liked Free Falling in Jerry Maguire, I freely admit) but it's a good America song.
9. Miley Cyrus {Party in the USA } I know, I know. But c'mon. You know you kinda like it too!
10. Jack and Diane {John Cougar Mellencamp} I'm not entirely sure what name he goes by-- is he still Mellencamped? (after he divorced Elaine Irwin I stopped keeping track) but this song just feels like America to me.
11. Born in the USA {Bruce Springsteen} Alright, nobody get mad but I'm not the biggest Springsteen fan either. He's just ok to me. But this song is a classic on July 4th.
12. Surfin USA {Beach Boys} This one barely made the cut. My daughter is dancing to this song in her recital that is coming up and it is on at my house a LOT. But every So Cal resident has to love the Beach Boys!
Doesn't it just feel so festive to you right now? Like we are drawing together to celebrate this country of ours, a country we are so blessed to live in? I love it! Happy day, you!β€οΈ
White and Red on Repeat
Okay, do you remember that little white Zara suit I wore a few weeks ago? I posted about it and it was paired with those fabulous blue suede sandals? Well this is the blazer from that little number making another appearance!! And my outfit is fourth of July appropriate because I added my amazing red heels! Yayyy!! I am posing in front of my garage because that works in a pinch. I am CRAZY busy at work. I was in downtown LA yesterday from 9 am until 7:30 last night and I am in another deposition today (but its telephonic, which I appreciate!)! Phew!! It is casual Thursday here at my office, so it is jeans for me today. I am in a baggy jeans phase. If they are literally almost falling off my body, I seem to be in love with them. They are sure comfy, let me tell you! And this arm full of fabulous colorful bracelets? Well those are from the talented, beautiful superstar Vanessa @whatwouldvwear at www.whatwouldvwear.net Can you believe this lovely girl is also a jewelry designer? Incredible! They are GORGEOUS in real life! Go look at her site and check them out for yourself!
You guys! Our holiday is almost here! I am going to try and get home a little early tonight and rush around to get everything ready- are you ready? What fun plans do you have? Whatever you are doing, I hope it is just a perfect, fun filled day! xx Michelle