Taking Stock

{Blogged over reruns of RHONY #TeamBethenny}  Something occurred to me as I was yet again berating myself for failing to squeeze in a few minutes for a blog post--this is not what I envisioned.  When I first came up with this idea (in collaboration with my friend Jen, now at @crystalsandcrunches), it was to create a space for working women-- with posts about things to wear to the office, things to do on the weekends in Orange County and Los Angeles, especially for families, beauty tips, recipes, book reviews-- just topics that interested me, with the hope that it would interest others too.  Overshadowing all of this was my eagerness to write.  I love to write.  I have written in journals my whole life and even though I write for a living, legal writing is nothing like the writing I enjoy.  Legal writing is where creativity and free flowing prose go to die :)  What I never factored into this grand idea is the time it takes to plan out a post--and then the time it takes to actually sit down and write it.  Lots of time. I usually do my social media browsing at night after the kiddos are in bed- not what I would call my optimal creativity zone.  Actually, I don't even know if I would call it my awake zone.  So while I haven't given up on shaping this blog into that dreamed of space, for now-- when I have a few moments-- I am going to do what I first set out to do.

I'm just going to write.

Tonight, I'm going to give you a quick book review of a book I just finished this morning before work- its called Exit West.  I had read recommendations about it everywhere and I thought I'd try it.  It was a fast read (I think it took me about 3 mornings before work-- I read while I'm getting ready) and I'm not sure how I feel about it.   It was described as an adult The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, but it didn't have any of the magic and whimsy, which might be why I am lukewarm about it.  Its also about war and refugees and what happens to the common person -- not just the loss of daily necessities (like food, electricity and the internet), but things that provide identity and structure (like one's country).  These are heavy topics and ones that are on my mind anyway because of what is happening in our world.  And it stuck with me, each chapter that I read.   The way human being sometimes treat other human beings is horrifying at times.  So while I think this was a good book, and a thought provoking book, I'm not sure I would wholly recommend it.  I might give it a 5 out of 10.  I think you have to be in the mood for a tougher read.   If you do read it, let me know what you think.  I am in a book drought but looking for some recommendations!! Sweetly, Michelle

A Storied Life + Back in (Navy) Blue

{Book Review} So, I have a confession to make. You know how I read? A LOT? Well, I have a weird habit of reading the last chapter of a book first. I know. This horrifies most people. I can't help it.   I need to know and I need to prepare myself for what's coming.  If I don't see a main character referenced in the end? I'm not getting too attached to that person, let me tell you. I think because I am very empathic (my husband will often say " This is a BOOK. It's not REAL") as I am sobbing and hiccupping my way through it, and it just really stays with me, the stories I read.  Maybe I do this because real life is not predictable like this.  We don't know the ending in real life, and so maybe in this small way, I am able to control it a bit. Who knows. ANYWAY! This book "The Storied LIfe of AJ Fikry" by Gabrielle Zevin ruined me. It is sad, but in a wonderfully sad way.  Its the story of a bookstore, on a small island, and of the owner AJ Fikry and his life, the life of his customers and life in general. What I loved the most is that every chapter begins with a little synopsis of a different book, written by AJ.  He is sarcastic and witty and I chuckled quite often at his observations. It's a really good read and if you do read it (or have)- let me know what you think. I thought it was wonderful!

{Fashion} Easy office dressing your thing? Then this little dress is for you. Pull it on, add some heels and a great bag and off you go. I love navy and I can't wait to wear the heck out of this wine/oxblood/burgundy (what are we calling this, anyway?) color for Fall. And you notice this cuff? It is handmade by the fabulous and talented @whatwouldvwear as part of her @vwearcollection.  Isn't it beautiful? All of her designs are just gorgeous. You have to check it out! What are you up to for this long weekend? I am leaving  tonight for Chicago (what a city, right?) to spend the weekend with my in-laws and when I get back...I am going to prepare for NYFW! I am so excited! Can you believe it? Do these people know that they are letting a dorky lawyer in their midst? Apparently not! Yay! Can't wait to share pics with you!! Happy Day you all! Xx Michelle 

Dress: Banana Republic

Cuff: whatwouldvwear.com

Heels: Kate Spade

Michelle Hearts Michael

Hi there you! Its Friday! What a week I've had.  Like everyone else, my life is cyclical and there are times when I seem to be  balanced at work, and I can take a nice lunch, come home at night and unwind, read a book after my daughter goes to sleep (You moms out there know what I mean.  Your "you" time starts after your children are in bed!)  Lately? Work is crazy busy. I eat lunch at my desk and every night, I have been up until after midnight with my lap top on my lap, working (this really interferes with my ability to pay attention to important things on TV. Like the Real Housewives of New York Reunion. Part 1). The trial I was hurling toward has been continued a little, so I have a small reprieve but I am really looking forward to this weekend and catching up a little on errands (and sleep!)

{The Dress} I have to tell you something so funny about this dress!   I bought it at Nordstrom (and like most things I buy, the bags stay in the trunk until I figure out a time to strategically (and furtively) scamper upstairs with them)...and I forgot about it!  How sad of a life do I lead that I can buy this cute little number, hide it in my car (who needs another lecture from the hubs, I ask you? No one!) and completely forget about it? It was maybe 3 MONTHS later that I was looking around my trunk and I was like "Hmm. What's in here?"    So sad!  I love it. Shirt dresses are just a good staple every season, and you can find them with so many updated details. Here, it is the silver military- like accents. This is a perfect transition piece because it has 3/4 length sleeves and is a heavier blend of fabric, which is good for the office. I paired it with these TopShop shoes (similar) that I have from Nordstrom. I love a strappy shoe--T-strap, Mary Janes, some kind of ankle strap- yes yes and yes.  They are a great addition to this dress, don't you think?

{The Book}

Even though my book-reading has been seriously infringed upon by this horrible thing we refer to as a JOB, I still find time to read a little bit everyday.  I need to. It relaxes me, it lets my mind wander and I feel like I am doing a little something for myself.  I finished this book in record time (it's a very easy read) and it's good. Her writing style is breezy and it feels (at least from an American like me) very British.  I enjoyed it. It takes a humorous look at a serious event (a murder) that involves one of the most competitive groups of people known to man-- moms!  It looks at the silly and shallow things we sometimes do as parents when it involves our 5 year old children.  Even though its funny, I thought there was a strong lesson to be learned-- that we (humans) compete against each other, tear each other down and value things that in the whole scheme really don't matter.  As a mom with a career outside of the home, it can be difficult for me to go to school functions because I feel a little self conscious around the moms that stay home.  I think that however life works for a certain family should be supported (and it's none of my business how someone else lives or raises their family--if you are happy and healthy, good for you!). This book will maybe make you think about how we (women especially) need to make each other feel good and accomplished as much as possible because look around you---we are each other's future.  Speaking of the future... I hope you all have amazing things coming your way this weekend! ❤️😘 thank you for stopping by- xx Michelle

Under $40 + The Luckiest Girl Alive {Fashion + Brains}

Hi all! Didn't it feel like it was a really, really short weekend? Why is this? Monday and Tuesday don't fly by especially fast, but Saturday and Sunday sure do.  Maybe because I try to squeeze in so many activities in two short days (and a Friday night)--why? I made this list at the start of the summer of all the things we were going to do (yeah, I know. Don't we all start out with such aspirations? :) and summer is half-over! I need to get on it! Ok, so today I want to tell you all about (1) this dress (2) this bag and more importantly (3) a great book I read! So lets get to it!  

{Fashion Under $40}: You guys will not believe this! So, there is a mall really close to my house and I am there kind of a lot.  Last weekend (the rainy humid one)  I was at the mall to grab something and I walked by Forever 21 and this dress and this bag were right in front and on sale--$19 each. I almost had a heart attack! How can this be?  So crazy cheap! Of course I had to buy them both!  (funny side note:  I had this bag out in that weird rain later that day and I was so worried about keeping it dry because I was convinced the color was going to run right off of it. It was only $20 for crying out loud!! My husband was hysterical over me putting my coat over this little guy and running.  Guess what? It held up just fine!) 

{Brains: The Luckiest  Girl Alive} So for my book club, I suggested The Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll. I didn't know anything about it but it was getting some buzz so I thought we'd give it a whirl.  And then, I hopped on a plane to Denver to take depositions and I got stuck in that wacky United airline glitch a few weeks back and basically, I read this in around 3 hours. And it was a doozy!  It is sharply written and witty and it takes you someplace so unexpected. I don't want to spoil anything but it's basically a story about a woman who on the surface seems to have it all-- everything she believed would make her happy- -the clothes and the job and the fiance- -and yet she is unraveling. And little by little, mainly in flashbacks, you learn why. I read it and was like "Wow. This is what this book is about?" Its shocking and hard to read at times but good. I think if you liked Gone Girl or Girl on the Train, you will like this one too.  Do any of you belong to book clubs? What are you all reading?  Happy Tuesday loves and thank you so much for stopping by! Xx Michelle