Effortless Chic of the day

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And just like that, she's back. And looking awesome.

Just bought the new album. Friends, it's going to be a fabulous fall.

Back to school

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Can you believe it's the end of August?  September is Monday... as in 3 days from now.   Amazing!

Even though I graduated 8 years ago (WOW... if it weren't 7:00am I'd consider having a glass of wine after writing that),  the end of summer always makes me feel ready to refocus.  I may not be hitting the books, but it's time to hit the "to do" list.   Hard.

A few fall resolutions:

1.  Return to blogging

Sorry peeps.  For those of you who read this, I know the last couple months have been pretty, well, blahhh.  I promise a triumphant return to Pink Monkey this September... or at least a better attempt.   And more effortless chic.

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2. Thank You Notes

I have 30+ to write.  You know who you are... and I promise, it's coming.  I just got new stationery, so yes, I'm on it.  Finally.

3.  Saving Money

I know I really like to write about spending, and spend money I do.  Well.  But let's focus this fall on deals and investments, shall we?  And maybe a splurge or two.

4. Working

Ha!  No explanation needed there.

5.  Running

I'm trying to run a marathon in November.  I'd give it 65% odds at this point.  I just bought these shoes.  If you're an overpronator like me, you should definitely try these.  I hate white shoes, but I'm willing to sacrifice my vanity:

Have a wonderful weekend!  See ya next week.

xo

Effortless chic of the day

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I feel like I've seen this dress at Target. Either way, she's keeping it cool.

Stars are just like us

(Image via Jak and Jil)

My college roommate is on Jak and Jil Blog! So awesome! This is totally a gold star on the blog walk of fame!

Reading Jak + Jil always reminds me of three things I need to do:

1) Buy a new camera

2) Allocate more dollar bills to the shoe fund/ find a huge pot of gold

3) Get a pedicure

Recovery Mode

Today = gallons of water. All day.
I am also now officially jealous of anyone who owns a home at Figure 8 Island.

Have a great weekend

(Image via Rikshaw Designs)

Off to Figure 8 Island for a bachelorette weekend. My friends are a pretty shameless group... I'd say we're less of the tiara/ boa type and more of the outrageous goodwill costume variety. I'll probably be made to wear a sweet pair of faux leather pants and 80's windbreaker + updo to dinner. In public.

On the up side, at least the non-stop laughing will offset the non-stop Cristalino* caloric intake.

Have a wonderful weekend friends-- see you Monday.

xo

*Yes, that's Cristal+ino = $8.00 champs. Classy.

Effortless chic of the day x2

(Image via People.com)

I have finally got to buy a pair of nude heels.  And some black things like Cate's.

Insatiable

I’d be totally sunk if I couldn’t listen to music all day at work.   And by sunk, I mean worthless and disgruntled.  And I’d probably file for worker’s comp. 

Usually it’s non-stop Grateful Dead in the office, but since I have the place to myself for a week, I’m taking a little Jerry break.

Minimize and listen.   Awesome version of Take a Minute, btw.

Effortless Chic of the day

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Clearly I have fall on the mind. 

More from the very talented Mimi here.

Transition mode

Fall is absolutely my favorite season, however, the transition phase is always a little... mmm... scorching. Nothing beats jumping the gun with the boots, tights and cashmere tunic and walking outside into a 90 degree late-September oven = Swamptastic.

A few ideas:

The Gap, $39.50.

The dress on model is a little discouraging, but I think I would love this with an ikat scarf, boots and the gladiator sandals. Would also look great with a cardigan. And a belt.

Old Navy, $25.00.

The pockets are a little bust, but I love the scoop neck and 3/4 sleeve. The oatmeal version would look great with the early fall tan. And it's only 25 bones.

J.Crew Pixie Pants, $88.00.

Can't stress these enough. Don't buy one pair, buy three.

J.Crew, Flannel Wool Shorts, $98.00.

Tights or no tights-- I think you can wear these shorts all fall. Plus, the subtle pleating (which I think is in right now?) makes it more wearable for those of us with more of a boo-tay.

Banana Republic, Cowlneck Dress, $89.50.

You know, I don't usually like a cowlneck, but I like this dress. This would look good with some peep-toe booties.

Forever 21, $22.90.

This dress + scarf and boots. Maybe a chunky knit belted cardigan for colder days. And leggings +flats+sweater. Perfect for Saturday morning coffee/ bagel run and errands.

The Outnet, Tessa Tank Dress, $62.50.

I mean, how cute is the heart detail. It's also cashmere with a racerback.

The Outnet, Vanessa Bruno, $96.00.

Cashmere-- cool with the long sleeve underneath. Also has the semi-android shoulder.

Topshop, $100.00.

This makes me think of that highly anticipated first day of real fall weather-- getting all geared out-- and then absurdly sweating my ass off. Short sleeves might save the day here. I'd totally wear this with the pixie pant (clearly I have no problem with mixing black and brown...or silver and gold for that matter).

Countdown

In ten minutes…

The Outnet.com is going to blow up.   So is my credit card.

75% off flash sale starts at 11am EST. 

Effortless chic of the day

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I love her dress and flats.

La la love this

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Perfect for a small army of bridesmaids. 

You can’t make it up

Amazing.  Hilarious.  I can’t believe this is real TV and not the Onion.   

Endless Summer

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Perfect beach weather-- now I have a respectable tan.

Back to Charlottesville, back to reality.

Cast your votes

Friends!

My friend needs help picking out a rehearsal dinner dress.

Criteria: cocktail, short, appropriate, timeless, yet h-o-t for an October beach wedding. Rehearsal is at the yacht club.

A few contenders:

#1. Lela Rose Faux-wrap dress.

#2. Alberta Ferretti, Crystal detailed chiffon dress

#3. Laila Azhar, One Shoulder Cascade Dress

#4. Yigal Azrouel, Silk Scalloped Dress

And for the reception runaway:

J.Crew, Gwen dress.

It's always way more fun to spend someone else's money... soooo... what's your pick?

Back to school

My friend's younger sister brought her adorable College of Charleston/UVA girlfriends to the beach and I thoroughly enjoyed a little vicarious time travel. I loved just listening to them all talk, text, IM, chat, facebook, etc. about the "all white" DJ/ keg party they were planning for their back to school blowout in a couple weeks. How many kegs? Should we do it before rush? We have to get new outfits! Who can pick up the ice luge? Will that boy be there? I swear I just gained 100 pounds since yesterday. Whatever! It's going to be awe-some!

Ahhh, to be young.

I also got the full scoop on what's in (side bags, high waisted skirts, summer scarves, a wrist full of bracelets, gladiator heels) and what's out (everything I wore in college-- ha!). I also got the new music scoop-- Pretty Lights.

BIBLE SEASON IS HERE

What's the best thing about being at the beach in mid-August?? The beginning of Bible Season! Yes! Yes! Yes! Amen!

And yes friends, I am referring to the big, fat, Fall 2009 gospel according to Vogue, Elle Regular, Elle Decor, Bazaar, W, Allure, Lucky, Marie Claire, Glamour and all September fashion/ decor magazines. I am loading on the 30spf (that's right, I'm trying to be less leathered in my older years), throwing on my hater-blocking enormous shades, grabbing an icy, cold Diet Coke and heading out to the beach for a full day of uninterrupted, pure, haute-glossy pleasure.

See ya.

Impulse purchase

I've been eying this Haute Hippie dress for awhile now, and when my sis was running late to leave for the beach last Friday, I decided to "kill some time" by looking around Eloise (aka Charlottesville shopping heaven). The shopbop model looks a little grumpy, but when I found the dress for 60% off, I was anything but. (Eloise has one more, btw.)

Wore it to dinner at the Rice Paddy last night. It looks good with a fresh beach bronze.

ps. Semi-obnoxious "I'm at the beach" posts will end tomorrow. Sniff.

Debordieu

Pardon the hiatus--  I took a very last minute invitation to work on the bronze for a few days in Debordieu.   Fortunately, I work for people who completely think last minute beach trips are totally acceptable.   

It's safe to say I'm currently in South Carolina heaven.   The beach house also has internet, however, I'm not making any promises. 

xo

Once in a Blue Moon...

...I run across a new wedding trend I actually love, and after 6+ years, that's saying a lot. 8mm wedding videos have been getting quite a bit of play in the blogworld recently, but this one takes the cake. And the top.

Megan & Mihir Sunday Wedding 8mm from A Bryan Photo on Vimeo.

(Video via Weddings Unveiled Blog)

I love the mix of taking it all seriously enough and also not taking it all so seriously. And having fun. And being over the top gorgeous and effortlessly stylish at the same time.

In my opinion, it's all quite perfect. It's also all Calder Clark of Blue Moon Events in Charleston. Love.

One more question...

(BB Dakota vest, details here)

I just ran across this vest on Gigi's Gone Shopping via The Look 4 Less (if you haven't checked either blog, you should), and I kind of want one for fall. It's all Mongolian cavewoman, but I kinda like it. ??

Here we are again in August Vogue. Again, I really like it and I like it on mother and daughter.

(Image via Sea of Shoes)

Also, it looks like J. Crew is doing some glammed up fur this fall. Also check out skirt in foreground-- you'd either look like a pet squirrel or really awesome. I'm going to go for awesome.

Thoughts on the vest?

Cute or slutty?

Or both?

And is that a bad thing? Especially for $106 bucks? It also comes in grey.

Thoughts? Dress details here.