Guilty Pleasure-The Lo Down

Yes, I am one of those girls that has watched Laguna Beach and Hills from the get go. Sad, I know. Why do I get roped into these things?

Nonetheless, over the years I have always admired Lo (LC's bud) for her maturity, style and grace throughout the years. As we know, some of the Hills graduates weren't so fortunate...

Well, Lo Bosworth now has her own blog, called The Lo Down. Now, my hunch is that it is geared towards a younger crowd. But, I love her beauty, fashion, health and lifestyle tips, regardless of her age! The relationship section is where it gets a little iffy, with stuff like "Becoming friends with your crush". I think you get the point...

She recently wrote about perfecting the red lip. I love the MAC pencil and lipstick she chose, it's the perfect shade of red without being too blue or too orange.

images and info VIA

Why do they tease?

For those of you that live in Kansas City, you may have noticed the HUGE Forever 21 that has been "opening soon" on the Plaza for about the last year and a half. They told us it was going to open this spring, and now it has been pushed back to late August. I am so anxious for it to open, so that I don't have to trek down to the mall to get my Forever 21 fix once in a while.

Rumor is that this store will also carry the kids, maternity and men's lines. Is anyone else as excited as I am?!

Here are some pieces from the Love 21 line that I am dying to try on. Looks like some great transitional items...

Yes, yes, and yes...

It's hot, it's real hot. It's hard to dress everyday because no matter what you put on, you know you are just going to sweat right through it. I don't know about you all, but I would love a day in the 70's...a day where if you wanted to throw on pants, you could! 

speaking of pants, how cute are these pantaloons? 

a budget friendly $68 on Lulu's

and yes, I will take all three items listed below to perfectly accessorize those pantaloons...

Wow, these are really calling my name...Tory Burch platforms 70% off!!!

I love Jade paired back to Navy...by Kenneth Jay Lane

and a girl can dream, right? Gorgeous patent leather clutch by Brian Atwood (half off, for those lucky enough to purchase...) The coral is pretty fab too!

Come on over...

To Cherry Blossoms today, because I am guest blogging about one of my favorite things, HANDBAGS!

I will see you all back here tomorrow!

Pattern and Whimsy

For those of you who have used wallpaper in your homes, I envy you! I absolutely love the idea of it, but at the same time it kind of terrifies me. It seems so PERMANENT. And you must truly love the pattern, because once it is up, it's up. It's not like you can just paint over it...

I think one of my next projects at home would be to paper either a wall in our master bedroom, or if we do have another child, I think it would be great in a nursery too. I got sucked into a whole lot of wallpaper research Friday night, and here were a few of my favorites...

By Walnut Wallpaper

I am OBSESSED with this one...perfect for a little boys room!!! image via Smitten Design

and these SHOES...absolutely adorable!

subtle pattern, but very cute

soft pink elephants

very cheerful yellow and white floral

BY GIVEN CAMPBELL:

I am obsessed with this line. It is very graphic and bright, but if you did it on just one wall, think how adorable?

they also do custom monograms!!!!

Good kids collection by Urban Source Chicago:

and very Kitschy by Ferm Living

How about you? Have you done wallpaper in your home?

Put me on a boat...

I popped over to Lulu's today and was thrilled to see the new design of their website. They now have a "shop your style" section. Broken down into 4 categories, you can shop looks and it includes all the key pieces in the outfit.

When I saw the Set to Sail section, it was like they were speaking to me directly. I would transport every one of these outfits right into my closet. Give me nautical any day of the week! Also, with this heat, what I wouldn't give to be on a yacht in the middle of the breezy ocean right now...

Celebrating Bella

Remember the wedding I went to in Miami for my best friend Jillian? Well, the newlyweds also had a baby to look forward to due at the end of August.

We were all surprised when Jillian went into labor yesterday...5 weeks early! Coming into the world just under 5 lbs, Bella is actually doing wonderful. She is even breathing on her own. It just kills me that I live so far away, I am dying to meet this beautiful girl!

Jillian is an amazing photographer, and I can't wait to see the gorgeous pictures she will take of Bella. And when it comes to little girls, there are a million things you can accessorize them with to create a precious photo. Here are some of my favorite photo props found on Etsy...

crochet hat by Kathy Nielsen $12

Newborn Diaper cover by Newborn Photo Props $12

Le Fleur Pink Headband by Banner Boutique on Etsy $13.95

and a personal fave...

Super Soft Newborn Tutu by Tutu Chic $29.95

Don't fear the jean legging...

We are in the 3rd fall season of the "jegging". I am personally very excited that they are back again, because as a mom chasing after a toddler, these might be the most comfortable item ever made. You may wonder if they are flattering, or if they are easy to wear. My answer to both of those is yes. Now, they might not be for everyone, but if you are having any hesitation you should try them on and see for yourself.

My friend Annie informed me that Gap was selling them this season. I went in there on Sunday and I was so thrilled at not only the price ($69, ladies!) but they had some decent washes. I think for an item like this, if you are slightly unsure, you can't argue with a $69 price tag. Here are 2 of their washes that I think are pretty good...

classic wash

faded dark wash

Some of you may be blessed with skinny hips and thighs. Me, not so much. I like a longer top with my legging jeans. You know my love of cardigans...

linen cardi, perfect for right now, by Patterson J Kincaid

gorgeous by 12th St. by Cynthia Vincent, also comes in IVORY (yes, please!)

great lightweight cardi by Splendid

And right now there are still a lot of longer tanks or drapey tees to choose from...

love the color, love the pockets. By Patterson J Kincaid

still loving florals...by Ella Moss

very cute belted with some gold jewelry by Eight Sixty

and as for shoes? If I didn't have a toddler, I would be sporting these. It's all about the clog this season!

Only $90 By Dolce Vita

but let's be realistic, I will probably be doing something more like this...

I think this is a fab boot for the price, $150 by Nine West

so, what is the verdict? Do you still love the "jegging"?