All about brights

What is making me happy when I open up a magazine of late are all of the brightly colored clothing and jewelry I keep seeing!  So so so fun!  It totally reminds me of my neon phase, circa 1990/1991 I think, when biking pants and splash painted tee shirts were THE thing.  And I, always the slave to fashion, submitted.  I would have to consult old photos, but I think I had a HOT pair of neon green biker shorts I wore A LOT and maybe a pink pair?  Mom, do you remember?  

Anyway...........here are some things that I'd don right now - and if I do, hopefully I don't date myself via my choices like I did back then!

Tory Burch Neon Studded Logo Cuff

Tory Burch Foundation Studded Cuff

Gorjana Thompson Large Wallet

Julie Dillon Strapless Maxi Dress

Yarnz Multicolored Cheetah Scarf

J Crew Vintage V Neck Tee (I have this, looks GREAT with skinnies!)

Need a great everyday bag?

I get asked this a lot by friends and family - 'What is a great everyday bag?'  'Do you have a go-to brand or something you'd recommend?'  My answer is usually - 'I know one when I see one.'

There are so many handbag designers out there but it's shockingly hard to find the perfect bag, right?  I am always on the lookout and trust me, I have amassed quite a collection of handbags.

I came across this little beauty on Shopbop last week and thought I should share.  This bag is season less, would match with anything you're wearing, and looks like it would carry a lot of your wares - without being too heavy, since it's made of nylon.

It's not crazy expensive, but if you read this blog, you know how I calculate the cost per wear.........and at $365 that means it's $1/day.  That's really a steal....  ;-)

Tory Burch Tierney Satchel

Classic Studs

With a 9 month old constantly clawing at my necklaces and earrings, I have grown accustomed to wearing studs in my ears these days in place of my favorite hoops.  Therefore I am always on the lookout for something cute and different than the basic diamond (or CZ) or silver/gold stud.  

Inspired by Melanie from Scout who posted on Kate Spade's new 'Scout' bag a couple of weeks ago, I hopped on KateSpade.com and found some darling earrings I have to share......

Flower Patch Large Studs, $68

Sea Glass Earrings, $58

Metropolitan Pearls Dome Earrings, $125

Pineapple Grove Studs, $75

I found The Find

Driving around running a million errands the other day when I had a sitter, I drove past an antique shop that I couldn't pass up.  There was some amazing pieces in the windows, and once I was inside (yes, I turned the car around and went in!) there were some delectable 'finds.'

If you are a Chicagoan, you must visit The Find.  It's located in Highwood, which is just north of Highland Park.  Highwood is a lovely little town that houses some fantastic restaurants (Gabriels!) and a little bit of boutique shopping as well.

Here are a few things from their website - the store itself has SO much more!  I wish I had had my camera.

I love the fish bookends

a large safety pin? so cute in the mudroom or laundry room.

This is a Swedish Mailman's bag remade into a pillow - would always spark conversation!

Would love these sconces in our bedroom.....

This is a set of two - beautiful mirror!

Joie a La Plage

Obsessed, Apparently....

My title to this post is not so clever as I want to introduce you to a new blog out there you MUST read.  Apparently Obsessed is written and edited beautifully by an old friend of mine who resides in Kansas City. 

She writes about things that she's 'apparently obsessed' with, because that's something that many of her friends say she says A LOT.  I love it. 

For example: 

 "Apparently, I am obsessed with the ballet flats I just tried on."  Cute!

Here's a quick list of reasons I love her blog:

1.  she affectionately refers to her husband as 'The Texan' and her son as 'The Bug.'  I love this, it's like you're reading about fictional characters, but 'apparently' you're not!

2.  her taste is impeccable - from organization items to fashion to food, she's a gal from whom I would definitely take advice.

3.  the way her blog is set up is just gorge (for gorgeous, people).  Take for example the picture she chose under 'Meet Me.'  

Fabulous.

You can also find Apparently Obsessed on Facebook - click HERE. 

My big boy is 3!

I had SO much fun organizing and planning Griffin's party this year.  It was his first 'real' party where we invited his friends, and well, a lot of our friends' kids.  We had it at the Little Gym which turned out GREAT, the kids had a blast.  They have a party room in the back where after an hour of intense play, the kids had pizza & cupcakes (and cake!). 

I wanted to share some pics.........as you can tell from this DARLING Tiny Prints invite, it was a 'Superhero' theme. 

Daddy, Griffin & Me right before the party

I wish I had a better picture of my banners, but hung on a mirror was not ideal......however they were SO CUTE!  Etsy of course!  The vendor is called Party on Digital and she personalized everything for me, emailed me the files, and I printed them and strung them together myself. 

The party has begun.........

Griffin trying out the 'Superhero' roll

My adorable friend Janelle and her even more adorable daughter, Sloan

My fabulous friend Katey who came by herself sans kid - he was sick.  But she's holding my squishy lady Gemma, who with the dark hair and blue eyes could be her own!!

Griffin and his best cousin EVER, sweet Juliana.

Griffin and his BESTIE, Micah.  Not kidding people, his Mom and I think they're having a bro-mance.

My beautiful friend Michelle and her boys, Reed & Conner, sporting the capes and masks I made as the kids' favors. 

Our one of a kind niece Nina, who LOVES to be in front of the camera.  How cute are the girls capes and masks too?  I cannot take credit, my cousin Angie in Kansas City made capes and masks for her son's party a few months ago, and it was too cute not to copy.  Thanks Angie!

Our Superhero cupcakes - the darling Batman, Superman, and Spiderman fondant toppers were again an Etsy purchase.....Kids Cakes did a fabulous job.  They tasted great too! 

My sweet big 3 boy, marveling at his very special cake.

Blowing out the candles like a PRO!  (Daddy helping!)

Party's over! 

XO