This week...

I am feeling so un-inspired. Ugh. I hate weeks like that! Normally I am bursting with ideas and thinsg to write about, and this week, not so much. So, I leave you with some fun red, white and blue images(via my pinterest) to get you inspired for the 4th of July weekend. We will just be here in hot and steamy K.C. spending quality time with family. I am looking forward to a long, lazy weekend...

Source: marthastewart.com via Melanie on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Melanie on Pinterest

Source: cocokelley.blogspot.com via Melanie on Pinterest

Source: nestegg.typepad.com via Melanie on Pinterest

Source: atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com via Melanie on Pinterest

Bikini Search...another great option!

I found another great bikini for summer and this one is on sale right now for $ 19.99 a piece!!!! I was surprsied to find it at Gap Body, of all places. The bottoms are great (not skimpy at all) and I kind of like the one shoulder top...definitely something different. Not the best tan lines, but maybe if you alternate this with a strapless suit you could eliminate the problem. The color was great too, it's this nice taupe/grey, which I thought was very sophisticated. If you want to make this suit yours, click HERE

I am adding to my reading list...

Beauty Junkies unite, because there is another great beauty blog to add to your reading list. My friend Heather (same name, different person) introduced me to Heather Does Makeup...a fabulous all things beauty blogger coming to us from Dublin, Ireland.

Heather does FABULOUS step by step tutorials that will make you want to go out and buy all the products and duplicate the look. I also love her product reviews. She will give you the inside scoop before you make the purchase! Even though she is from Ireland, most products she uses can also be purchased in the U.S..

This is Heather...stunning, isn't she?

She has only been blogging for a few months! I am excited to see what other fun makeup looks she will create!

OBSESSED...those damn yellow lamps!

I follow the blog of a great store in New Orleans called Perch. Today, they posted about these...OH YES... the yellow lamps of Rachel Zoe's that I have been ogling for years. Guess what? They have 4 of them...the only 4 left ANYWHERE! Go forth and shop people, now is your chance!!!

LARGE $575, SMALL $420

FOR THEIR CONTACT INFO, CLICK HERE

Closet Confidential: Dressing up my jorts

Oh yeah, that's right...I said "Jorts". They're back people, and in a BIG way. I used to loathe them, and this year I am searching high and low to find the perfect pair. Remember though, jorts didn't always look that cool. They were high waisted and in a really light blue wash. AWFUL!

In my scouting efforts to find cute jean shorts, I came up empty handed. Everything was way too short, or unflattering. So, I took the problem into my own hands and decided to make some myself. I did it all the time in high school; there is not much too it. It's just finding the right pair that will work as a jort and then cut them off trying your best to keep them even and giving yourself enough room to roll them if you need to.

I used a pair of post-prego jeans that were a little big on me. They are roomier through the hip, which makes them look a bit better. I accidentally cut off a pair of Joe's that were way too tight for jean shorts, so make sure you pick something that has some room.

we all know you can throw a tank and tee with jean shorts, but how about dressing them up? I had some fun in my closet putting together some ensembles to hopefully inspire...

silk tunic from Francesca's (you can't see, but it has great silver embroidery), paisley silk clutch from Banana Republic, Wrap bracelet from H&M, wedges from Gap

ikat blazer (just got this for $15 at the Banana Republic Factory Store!), J.Crew perfect tank, Nine West Shoes, H&M, Forever 21 bracelets, vintage clutch

Benetton Blazer (OOOLD school), J.Crew pefect fit tank, Mark Shale pearls, Nordstrom gold t-straps

and what will I most likely wear with my jorts? This ensemble...

J.Crew buffalo check shirt, Nordstrom beads (super old), H&M Straw bag, Dr.Scholls sandals (most comfortable sandal I have ever owned, I HIGHLY recommend them)

Cuteness for the kiddos: Kelly's Kids

Thanks to Natalie at Everyday Sunshine, because I now have discovered Kelly's Kids. I am kind of obsessed now that I discovered it, and I already have a shopping cart full of items I want to get for Julian. This stuff is CUUUUTE. If you don't like preppy, then this probably insn't going to be your thing. If you do, you have hit the jackpot.

How seriously cute are these swimsuits? I am dying! Ruffles, seersucker, bows...SOLD! Right now these suits are on sale, $18 for the top and $16 for the bottoms. The 1 pieces are $28

 And the boys trunks are adorable too...and affordable! They are on sale for $22!

I never met a bubble I didn't like...this is presh...

And if you are looking for 4th of July getups for your little ones, you can deck out the entire family from Kelly's Kids... 

 After stalking their site, I found out you can host parties or be a rep, I am seriously considering this! Anyone ever been to a Kelly's Kids party?

Wish List

My husband and I are heading to Chicago in a month. I have not been back to Chicago during the summer months since we moved 4 years ago. I am so excited, I can't even tell you! Not to mention, we are meeting our good friends there who lived in Chicago when we did, but have since moved back to California. We have not seen them in almost 5 years, so it will be a very joyous reunion!

I can't wait to hit up some of my favorite stores. Since we will have a few days to enjoy the city, there isn't as much pressure to speed shop. I didn't get to hit up Zara on my last trip this past February, so this is really high on my list. I just perused their website and I found so many gorgeous things...

A new camel color handbag is high on the list. I am thinking something with a crossbody capability. All of their bags are under $150! Gotta love that!

Chopped

Last week, with a little inspiration from these lovelies...

I chopped my hair off. A good 4". And go ahead and laugh at my self portrait...geesh, it's not easy to take a pic of your head, trying to get a good shot of a haircut and not look like a total nerd. Oh well, this is my best attempt...

With this STEAMY hot weather, I have to say, this short haircut has been spectacular!

Thanks to Connie at Primp Salon (westport road for all you KC readers) for a great cut and color.



An Aquatic Affair

I stumbled across this amazing artwork on Etsy and immediately fell in love. I am thinking for Julian's big boy room it would be fun to do a modern "under the sea" theme. The artist is Rococco Co, and each piece is printed on a vintage page of dictionary. I just love how unique they look with the mixture of intricate images on top of all those words! The best part? They are only $12! I am interested to know if they are as pretty in person!

The Ombre collection is my favorite...



TEASERS!

There is a lot of buzz going on in Kansas City right now about whether or not we will get an H&M. Rumors have been flying for months, but nothing is confirmed. Yet, they still air commercials on EVERY station, just teasing me with their easy, breezy, summer style. I am having serious H&M withdrawal...these pictures pretty much sum up exactly how I like to dress int he summer...

I have my girlfriends who live close to an H&M on the hunt for this navy/white skirt for me...anyone seen it in person? Is it cute?

this is outfit is so my husband...

so, for all of you who are lucky to have an H&M, am I totally missing out right now? Nevermind, I already know the answer. I bet it is yes!

I'll have what she's having

Seriously, I about stopped in my tracks at Target when I saw this on the magazine rack. Heather Morris from Glee is redonk. Did you see the episode where she did all of Britney Spears songs? It was then I noticed what an amazing figure she has!

 I am definitely going to buy this to see what her routine is; I guarantee she is not eating homemade chocolate chip cookies and biscuits and gravy on Sundays.

Boring Black? I think not!

I had a few people asking me for suggestions for a great black handbag that can be used from one season to the next without looking outdated. I think that a good black handbag is without a doubt one of the best investments you can make. If you buy something classic enough, it will never go out of style and you will love it year after year.

I always say choose a silhouette that is timeless, but don't be afraid of a little detail. It's the small details that make the bag. Just be wary of something with big tassels, fringe or large hardware...the more simple the design, the better. Here are just a few of my suggestions for investment worthy black bags...

This one is by Alexander Wang. Love the bowler shape and the small handles and the details are simple, but fantastic.

This Botkier has a little bit more going on than I typically like but I do still think it's classic enough. It's also nice to have the long strap for a cross-body option

The Tallis tote by Tory Burch is a fabulous carryall.  It has extremely soft leather and simple styling that keeps it very classic. $525

If I had to choose one of all these, it would have to be the Edye Satchel by Tory Burch $575. I LOVE this bag. It definitely reminds me of a Birkin by Hermes...similar shape and handle. This would be a bag you could love for years.

This would be the best work bag. It's 12" high and 15"long which makes it big enough to carry anything. It's also well priced at $375. By Gryson 

I own this Foley + Corinna and it has been a fantastic bag. I got the largest size and I am glad I did. It holds EVERYTHING. It is also incredibly durable $485

The Natasha Bag by Marc by Marc Jacobs is super classic, without many bells and whistles. I like that the strap is long enough to carry over your shoulder and the big gold buckles at the front give it a nice touch. $398

and if you want to REALLY splurge? The Marcie Calfskin small satchel by Chloe is GORG! I adore the fold over flap and the short handles as well as the long strap. This would be perfect back to your favorite jeans or dressed up for work.