Summer is a Verb

And The Late Nominees Are...

2012-01-26T00:01:00.000-05:00

Announcing a couple late additions to the Academy's list of nominees for this year...

For Best Actor in a Leading Role...Pilgie, for his brilliant performance giving the cold shoulder...

For Best Actress in a Supporting Role...Lolly, for her star making turn as the betrayed ingénue...

Overlooked by the Academy but, recognized as being largely responsible for pulling the award winning performances out of his co-stars, was Monty Morris...

His portrayal as the other man Mummy spent her afternoon with was so raw, that his scent lingered on her hands and cashmere sweater for hours after their scene. Unfortunately, the Academy rarely acknowledges method actors like Monty but, the Screen Actor's Guild loves them, so don't be surprised if he ends up walking home with a SAG award this weekend...

Kindness of Monty Morris for his method acting French kiss hello. Forget the Oscars hardware, I think someone may be angling for People's Sexiest Man Alive cover...XXOO

Health And Beauty Finds

2012-01-25T00:01:00.000-05:00

Health and beauty; there are two words that don't oft get bandied about 'round here. Wealth and booty, yes. Health and beauty, notsomuch...

Measure Up Bowls for all us OCD types that measure out our cereal and yogurt portions in the morn totally omitting the need to dirty a measuring cup...

Babe will be thrilled that I've just added 5 minutes to my bathroom hogging, ritualistic cleaning routine...

Apparently, coating your eyelashes in Vaseline before bed helps them grow and, since I maybe wear mascara once per month, I'll take all the organic help I can get. But, puhleeeze be careful not to get in your eyes. I'd prefer to not become notorious as the Blinding Blogger...

Laugh all you want but, Brook Burke ssswears her Baboosh Body Exercise Wrap worn during workouts will whittle your waist. And, my due diligence has uncovered an US Mag pic of her putting her belly wrap where her pilates is. I'll be laughing all the way to my Brook Burke mid-section...

Kindness of Babe who will start to work on his eyelashes coated in Vaseline skit pronto. Thus far I get the mock blasting of buckshot when I emerge, face all dotted in pink zit drying lotion and Dog the Bounty Hunter impressions, with Pilge playing the part of Leland, after I brush my hair back into a post face washing mullet. I can haaardly wait to see what Dr. Funnyman comes up with for my goopy eyes...XXOO

Speaking Of Copycat...

2012-01-24T00:01:00.000-05:00

I'm totally stealing a page out of the EAS/QBS/Hopsy playbooks and doing a post on 5 Things I'm digging at the moment...

Starting with my iomoi iPhone case which just arrived. I looove it so much, I shamefully want another. Like the good Mr. Burns said, Ah, yes, but I'd give it all up for just a little bit more...

The BBC's hysterical Uptown Downstairs Abbey spoofs to tide me over between Downton Sundays...

Like the site itself, my interest in Pinterest has experienced a bit of a hockey stick effect. After initially posting about it, my visits slightly waned til last week when my obsession turned the corner, took off, and I watched 2 whole whatsaweekends disappear. I place the majority of blame on the boards of one Hilary Fox. I could spend hoursss raiding and looting her pins, like the one pic'd above, which I'm officially requesting to have as my epitaph...

Sally, all poised, professional and conservatively pretty in peach, making her national debut with an out of camera shot Emma offering moral support in her sweaty gym clothes. It was really exciting to see all of Sally's sacrifices, hard work annnd prowess with a straightening iron begin paying out...

Can I tell you how much use the Ti-Babe's have gotten from their 3-in-1 Yummy Bowl during our recent travels? Not even the roads around the GW Bridge were a match for the no-spill water bowl and I knooow my Dad appreciates no longer having to share his cereal bowls with four legged guests. Whoever designed this bowl is a genius. Geeeniuuus!

Kindness of Lisa Musgrave for sending along the Downton Abbey spoof and Sleepypod who will please put their engineering genius to work on a travel litter box. Also, anyone who thinks the above video is an invitation for dialogue on political views for understanding that, 'tis not. I won't bore you with my opinion of whether Mrs. Danvers was rightly or wrongly cast, and I beg of you not to bore me with yours, she said with a mischievous twinkle in her eye...XXOO

Needlepoint Project Du Jour

2012-01-23T00:01:00.000-05:00

I had my needlepoint scissors confiscated by the TSA, again, last year and finally got around to replacing them...

And, I can not tell you how happy I am with my new Sajou Petits Monstres, little monsters, after a year of having to rely on my ginormous kitchen shears and fingernail clippers to snip thread...

Noooow...on to which needlepoint glass case pattern I'd like to christen with my swanky new scissors...favorite couple, the fox and hound...

Or, the Gucciesque red and green bits...

I have sentimental attachment to the horses with blankets, being my first ever pattern but, been there, done that...

The fluer de lis are such a classic but, boooring to stitch...

And, my summer's 'round the bend heartstrings are being tugged on by the tennis theme but, then again, how will I feel come fall? Hmmm...okay, so which TWO needlepoint glass case patterns would I like to go with my new swanky scissors???

Kindness of Patsy Wiswell for sending me the link to the fox and hound pattern. I hate to be a copycat Patsy buuut, my love of that duo just may override any semblance of graciousness I can muster. Promise to only use the other pattern I settle on if ever in your neck o' the woods regardless of the season...XXOO

Foxy Gals

2012-01-19T00:01:00.000-05:00

When I emailed KELLY MARKET a pic of the swanky fox buttons I found for our shared Schoolboy Blazer habit her response was, Stop it!! I am obsessed...OBSESSED!!! My grandmother's maiden name is Fox and we all love anything with a fox on it!

Well, my fellow lover of all things vulpine, then you're really gonna love these...

And, this. OMG...stop it!!! Dying over the necklace!

I guess it's a good thing Top Shop's sold out of this painted fox jumper cuz it doesn't sound like your rapidly beating heart could take anymore...

Personally, my heart's still aflutter for the Christopher Ross...

And, sterling Chuck Pinnell fox buckles. Babe's is aflutter over the looming dent they'll put in his wallet. In fact, I'm expecting a third stop it!!! email, and not with Kelly's IP address this time either, annnny minute now...

Kindness of Aly Sanderford, my fellow C'villian and lover of all things Hermès, for if I had not been stalking her great taste on Pinterest, I'd have never spied and repined her horseshoe bracelet which circuitously led me to the Fox & Thistle gems. Poor Babe. With this caliper of cyber intel, he may as well throw in the ~~Hermès beach~~ towel now...XXOO

Funnies

2012-01-18T00:01:00.000-05:00

My sister Mandy turned me on to the the Talking Animals videos and they kept us entertained all weekend...

I'm still laughing...

In fact, when it took us 2 hours to move just a measly two miles in GW Bridge traffic en route home from the beach, and our, let's make the most of it and enjoy this time together attitude slowly shifted to, I told you we should have left earlier! and, why didn't you take the truck route! I whipped out my iPhone, queued 'em up again, and all looming thoughts of mariticide and uxoricide magically disappeared...

Kindness of Pilgie and Lolly who I hope were taking copious notes from the backseat cuz this stage Mummy needs some good footage for submission...XXOO

The Price Of Salt Air

2012-01-17T00:01:00.000-05:00

We left the beach at noon yesterday and didn't roll into G'wich til well after 7pm. And, lemme tell ya, it was a looooong car ride that was particularly hard on Lolly...

Our li'l Leels prefers not to stray too far from her creature comforts like her shared arugula salad with Mummy every night...

Mobile litter facilities and a sloshing water bowl don't quite cut the mustard with her Highness. But, we made it home safe, even if a smidge less sound, and more importantly, we have arugula...

Kindness of Pilgie and Lolly for being brave li'l troopers under such duress. Ahhh, the price we're willing to pay just for a whiff of that salt air, right Ti-Babes? XXOO

All-Points Fashion Bulletin

2012-01-16T00:01:00.000-05:00

An all-points fashion bulletin is in effect for the navy Moncler puffer spied on Princess Caroline of Monaco...

Be on the look-out for this elusive Connecticut winter worthy down jacket...

Last not seen in NYC, Greenwich, Darien or anywhere online...

Considered armed for warmth and dangerous to Babe's wallet...

Kindness of anyone who knows the whereabouts of this navy Moncler puffer annnd the bff who will not call to scold me when she realizes this search means I did not end up getting the navy down Gimo's coat she approved for moi at Richards. I saaahwear I went back all
well-spending-intentioned til the salesgirl let me know I would be in need of something a wee bit heftier for weathering a G'wich winter. Ahhh, heftier as in, a scale tipping suitcase full o' Mel O bikinis and a one way ticket to Mexico if I don't find my Moncler? Yeah, pretty sure that's what she meant...XXOO

The Turning Of The Corner

2012-01-12T00:01:00.000-05:00

Outside of thee, couldn't pass on a 50% off sale Elizabeth McKay Scotland dress purchase and, my under frigid Northern duress search for just the right Moncler puffer, I have ceased all winter clothes shopping and informally begun creating my summer '12 wish list...

And, in keeping with tradition, I've got my eye on a couple pair of Canfora sandals right out o' the gate...

The Megan in gold...

Annnd, the Jenna in gold...

Sighhhh...flight's booked for 12 glorious days of sun worship on la playa and two pair of Canforas battling it out for the pole position. Things are looking up...

Kindness of everyone for, in my fantasy, being completely understanding yet, utterly heartbroken that I'm no longer going to post on Fridays. Per my attempt at resolutions, I need to spend a li'l less time in front of the computer and bit more time being active. As a creature of habit myself, I know this will disrupt a few routines soooo, may I suggest still stopping by per usual those days and perusing my blog roll? Outside of the usually mentioned suspects, my recent fav discoveries include the smart and witty Bourbon & Pearls, a much younger and prettier version of moi, Particularity, the swanky Firestone Sisters and my secret find, Keep It Chic. Just don't forget about li'l ole moi sniffle sniffle...XXOO

New Year's Resolutions

2012-01-11T00:01:00.000-05:00

Jenny B from Boston generously offered to host a giveaway for this pretty in pink 2012 Sarah Pinto Weekly Planner to whom ever I deem worthy...

I thought it très apropos considering it's that New Year's Resolution time o' year when every one's trying to organize their thoughts and goals...

For as long as I've known him, in the days leading up to New Years Eve, Babe starts working on his resolutions. He takes it all vuuury seriously...creating yearly themes...subsections to the theme...oodles of fancy bullet points...and lofty, yet obtainable goals. Meanwhile, I devote about two minutes during my shower to run through a few thisyearI'mgonna!'s in my head which all pretty much circle back around to me being thin, tan and rich...

Probably explains why eeevery December, Babe can whip out the previous year's goals and reflect back on how he hit every stinkin' mark and I STILL don't have long hair or teeter on the verge of anorexia garnering concern from all my ~~jealous~~ well meaning friends...

Okay, thiiis yeeeaaar...I resolve to be more like Babe. I'm going to time box my work, I'm going prioritize even if it means a few things fall by the wayside, I'm going to be, gulp, nicer, annnnd I'm going to spend more conservatively GASP! Well, let's try and take this one month at a time shall we...

Now this is a random tuffie buuut...this first person to correctly guess the writer/actor/funnyman Babe and I sighted walking in the Village last weekend, which, btw, I did not tweet, will walk away with this Sarah Pinto Weekly Planner. I'll give you a hint; he's rolling in it :)

*Every one, including family and bff's, is eligible to play with the exception of Alexandra, who was with us, and Amy, whom I ~~bragged to~~ told...

Kindness of Jenny B from the Bean for hosting this giveaway out of the goodness of her li'l ole preppy heart. Wishing you the very best 2012! XXOO

Fire Safety

2012-01-10T00:01:00.001-05:00

Over Christmas I was, and still am, very haunted by the tragic fire that happened in the next town over. At first I wouldn't allow Babe to relay the unfolding details and, eventually, he wouldn't allow me to read them myself. But, it wasn't long before the ex Volunteer Firefighter in me went into prevention mode. That is correct, chances are I owned one of thee only pair of Gucci loafers ever to reside part-time in a Firehouse locker...

Sadly, claustrophobia put an end to my active duty but, I can still dole out some learned wisdom like a gal who can rock Hermès just as easily as she can an oxygen tank...

Have your fireplace or wood stove cleaned professionally each year
Rule of thumb is 2-3 days before ashes can be safely removed and NEVER put them in plastic trashcans or bags. Metal bins ONLY and those are to be kept at a safe distance from anything combustible
Have working Fire/Carbon Monoxide detectors throughout the home and test them monthly

We had Child Locater stickers on all the kid's room windows growing up and I highly suggest getting some from your local Fire Dept and doing the same because every second counts. Ask one of the guys, or Gucci clad girls, on duty for their optimum placement recs
Of course, lest we forget the Pet Finder stickers found at your local ASPCA that alerts rescue that there are precious Ti-Babes in the home

Keep a fire extinguisher accessible and know ahead of need how to use it. If there's one thing I want to get across more than anything, it's that time is of the utmost essence cuz you won't have any!
Practice, practice, practice. Practice your escape, practice putting out a small kitchen fire, practice every one's roll in the event of an emergency. Practice til you feel like you can do it in your sleep cuz there's a possibility you will be doing it in your sleep

And, even this old dog is adding some new tricks to her fire safety routine. The Kidde Three-Story Fire Escape Ladder I ordered from G'wich Hardware should be in tomorrow. My plan was to outfit every room with one til I saw the $100 price tag. Pilgie and Lolly are just gonna have to be stuffed into their Sleepypod and travel in steerage; on Mama and Daddy's backs. Once they prove they're responsible enough use one on their own I'll consider forking over the dough for another...

I also bought a couple of the Nebo Redline Tactical Flashlights to keep on our nightstands. What most people don't realize, is that quite unlike the movies, smoke is black. Not white, BLACK. Black like you can't see your hand in front of your face. The best visibility, along with the best oxygen, is as close to the floor as possible. I'll be crawling with the US's most powerful flashlight clenched b/t my teeth. Annnd, the Ti-Babes on my back...

ps...Also got one of those snazzy flashlights for the whip's glove box cuz next on the escape/rescue planning docket is a whooole plethora of paranoia including what to do if driving in the Lincoln tunnel and it implodes and driving off a bridge. Ya can never be too prepared in my book...

Kindness of Babe for indulging my hyper anxiety and at least doing a bang up job of pretending to defer to my expertise. He did not, however, go for my "in case we're attacked by an intruder while sleeping" plan. I explained to him how, just like with fire drills, each person was to have a role and stick with it. One of us, moi, would have the job of keeping and handling the firearm while the other person, him, would have have the role of calling 911 or getting help even if it meant leaving me alone in our home with the intruder to do so. After I had laid out 'the plan' in bed one night he said, "Nooow let me get this straight. pause pause pause I leave you here wrestling a rapist with your gun while I run out in the street squealing, HEEELLLP...??? IDON'TTHINKSO! I tell ya Babe, YOOOUUU are SUMPTHIN else". Tee hee...XXOO

Tender Button

2012-01-09T00:01:00.000-05:00

Babe and I pursued several guilty pleasures in NYC along with Amy over the Christmas holiday. His being long, late dinners at 21, Gramercy Tavern and The Spotted Pig and mine, of course, being shopping. And, of all the places I went during our three days there, whether under my Hermès steam or Amy's Prada, Tender Button was hands down my favorite stop...

My mission was to find replacement buttons for my J. Crew black watch Schoolboy blazer and, mission accomplished...

I knew I wanted something with a fox and it took Babe all of 30 seconds to ferret out these navy enamel beauties once we were pointed in the right direction...

I kid you not when I say I jumped up and down with glee and skipped all the way back to Madison Avenue. Which actually served me well cuz Babe just let me in on a li'l secret, which he can't stop me from sharing seeing as he's out of pocket on a plane at the moment but, on the whole, men are happy and utterly content as long as their wife and family are...

Well, my happiness performance landed me another set of swanky buttons which I earmarked to replace the antique English fox hunt buttons on my navy Schoolboy since I can wear that well into spring...

Wonder how many cartwheels I'll need to turn for thee additional flannel Schoolboy blazer where I've decided my discarded fox hunt buttons really belong?

ps...the J. Crew black watch Schoolboy blazer appears to be sold out online so if anyone's interested I suggest calling 800.586.5819 and asking them to do a store search. Also, those gorgeous fox buttons also came in red or black enamel. TDF...

Kindness of PVE for directing me towards Tender Button and truly one of my best ever NYC finds. Merci beaucoup my friend! I was more excited carting home that mini brown bag of buttons than the big orange bag with the tell-tale ponies. Thank you for both bags Babe. cartwheel cartwheel cartwheel land in a split...XXOO

A Christmas Break Break

2012-01-03T00:01:00.000-05:00

Well my li'l chickadees, I've decided to extend my vacation through this week. Christmas was an absolute blur of packing, unpacking, repacking, going, coming, going again; G'wich to the beach to Baltimore to NYC baaack to the beach to Salisbury to the beach again annnd final stop G'wich. I over ate, over drank and over packed. I did not send out Christmas cards, workout, get a full night's sleep, crack any one of the 15 magazines I packed or watch a single Christmas movie. I need this time to recalibrate...

Buuut...since my largest concentration of readers happens to be in Manhattan, I would feel remiss if I didn't mention the Daphne Guinness exhibit at the Museum at FIT which ends this coming Saturday. Def a must see...

Brief pit stop at Amazon pour moi to load this into my cart and then I'm off to plot my week of long runs in my new tights, a massage appointment, The Family Stone on Demand, needlepointing, a hot chocolate date with May December, PVE and The Zhush, a marathon of Downton Abbey, strolling 'round the blogging hood, hunting down the sold out navy and gold Hermès click clack and that stinking nightstand, finding a church, a dermatologist and proper winter jackets, not having salad for dinz, sleeping in, switching from this lousy cable to FIOS annnd booking a flight to Mexico. Cue the sweatpants!

Kindness of Babe for encouraging this small break and everyone else for indulging it...XXOO

Christmas Brunch

2011-12-22T00:01:00.000-05:00

Even though we'll be guests of my parents at the beach this year I'm still planning to carry on the tradition of hosting my Christmas morning brunch...

Babe is gonna be thrilled to find out that I'm planning on carting a few extra holiday accoutremonts and a cooler full of specialty food items in an already sure to be packed to the hilt whip...

Williams-Sonoma's scrumptious Mini Croissants have been shipped ahead...

And, the Easy Sticky Buns I could make in my sleep...

But, just in case, I've got my Barefoot Contessa's FAMILY STYLE, at home and back to basics cookbooks with the Slow-Cooked Scrambled Eggs, Maple-Roasted Bacon annnd Sticky Buns recipes ready to travel...

What I dooon't have, is a solid plan for bribing Emma, Hilbils and Genevieve into peeling a couple dozen oranges for juicing and cracking and hand whipping several dozen large eggs on Christmas Eve like they did for me last year. Hmmmm she said, rubbing her hands together like Dick Dastardly....

Looks like I may have to don my Christmas morn fox buckle on the Eve of too since a li'l outfoxing will be called for with a certain trio that surely banded together with their citrusy paws on their way out last year to never EVER get roped into doing that again...

Babe, Pligie, Lolly and I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah and a joyous New Year! Please be safe in all your holiday travels and we look forward to seeing y'all in 2012...XXOO

Christmas Groove On

2011-12-21T00:01:00.000-05:00

Time for a little down shifting...

Oh, there's still a never ending to-do list hanging over me but, I'm going to adjust my focus so that I may start enjoying the true meaning of Christmas with my loved ones...

Lolly and I have the Christmas playlist queued up on the iPod and are about to get our Pomander making on with some clementines and cloves...

I've a brand new needlepoint ornament just begging for a pot of tea, a millionth viewing and dissecting of The Family Stone, trying to see what makes my family say Meredith is ME, and some stitchin'...

There are some senses that need stimulating...

And, a kumquat and bay leaf garland in need of finishing...

Yeeeaaah that one maaay turn out to be a solo project...

Kindness of Lolly for being my beeest girlfriend who's always game for my whims. Sorry Kimba, but I don't think you'd be nearly as pleasant if it were you I woke from a toasty, deep slumber to string fruit...XXOO

Naughty AND Nice: Ti-Babes

2011-12-20T00:01:00.000-05:00

The Ti-Babes are gonna have more under the tree this year than their Mama...

At the tipee top of their joint Christmas list were lotsa Sleepypod products...

As soon as they read that the Sleepypod earned LIFE + DOG Best in Show Product, and heard Mummy refer to it as the Cadillac of pet carriers, they just had to have one. White to match the whip please Santa...

And, since Mummy and Daddy are nutz if they think they're jetting off to Breckenridge without them in February, the Sleepypod Air better be on that sleigh too. Black would coordinate best with both Mummy's red and and Daddy's black T. Anthonys...

Might as well round out the collection with the Sleepypod Atom since our peeps over at Cat Fancy gave it the Editor's Choice Award. We're choosing to ignore the fact that Dog Fancy bestowed it with the same honor...

The Yummy Bowl really should count as one as Mama's gifts since it will allow her to store, transport and serve our food and water simultaneously without mixing or spillage in the whip. Frankly, we're just trying not to toss our cookies on these road trips...

We just KNOW Mummy's hiding something special for our stocking behind that attic door cuz we caught a whiff of catnip as she hustled the bag in there. Oh puhleeeze let it be the fox, pink flamingo, mallard, squirrel and mouse Skinneeez we asked for...

Now, we heard the vet tell her that t/d Dental Health were the best treats for our teeth but, we'll be the judge of that. Santa better be prepared with some soft Pounce backups...

Mummy gave us one of our Christmas presents early and we looove it! Now, instead of the three of us sharing her glass of water through the night we have our very own C. Wonder red enamel lined heart shaped dish that sits right next to her Simon Pearce glass. We sure hope Santa brings her that matching nightstand so we can all stop slummin' it on the floor...

*Unfortunately, C. Wonder doesn't show this cool bowl on their website but, you could call the NYC store at 202.219.3500 and inquire about charge sending. I think it was a steal somewhere in the neighborhood of $20...

But, more than anything Santa could bring us, we wish everyone would visit Freekibble and play the pet related trivia question to earn free kibble for Animal Shelters. It would mean the world to us if you helped our less fortunate friends. We want everyone to feel as blessed and loved as we do everyday..

Kindness of the Ti-Babes for taking time out of their très busy day of napping, Cyclamen destroying, shedding and more napping to help me with a post. Santa will reward you handsomely...XXOO

All In The Name Of Skinny

2011-12-19T00:01:00.000-05:00

Added a couple new items to the lineup this weekend...

First was an expedited pair of the Under Armour ColdGear Frost Compression Tights...

Sorry Santa but, I didn't think I could tolerate one more early morning, long run with that bitter wind whipping off the Sound while I waited on your chance delivery...

And, the second was the insert angels breaking out in glorious song Run Tracker -GPS app...

After recently selling the unused Garmin I strong armed Babe into giving me several Christmases ago at a $300 loss on eBay, I was on the verge of losing all credibility AND purchasing privileges by buying another one...

This li'l $1.99 app saved me TWO decimal points in cost compared to the new watch I was eying, was sooo simple to use and, no deAmExing by Babe...

Kindness of the bff's husband Bryan for the heads up on the Run Tracker - GPS app. Can I just tell you how mentally skinnier I felt on Saturday once I discovered that our Tod's Point running route was actually 8.6 and not just 8 miles? We're talking a Versailles croissant. A Starbucks Mint Mocha with whip. And, if it's not, don't tell me cuz Idon'twannaknow. That's my story and I'm running with it...XXOO

Naughty AND Nice:The Minnies

2011-12-16T00:01:00.000-05:00

As of this morn, ole Maxminimus has two new monikers pour moi; AllieVonAintNevahSeenaBudget and AllieVonChaChinger. Let's just say, that if I had minnies of my own, it'd be more like AllieVonPostinBail and AllieVonDivorcée cuz I'd have less than zero discipline and less than zero husband. But, for y'alls sake, I'll show a little restraint and keep it a smidge more in the cerebral, less in the dressed to kill, vein...

I'm going to have insist upon the bff getting the Mysterious Benedict Society Collection for Will and Ella so that I may borrow them as beach reads when they're through...

I coulda used the imaginative Rory's Story "generator" Cubes growing up. Wherewereyou whowereyouwith and whatwereyoudoing last night Missy?! Just a sec Daddy, shake shake shake...

Perf for adding to their future bag o' Irish party pieces. But, may I suggest swapping out the Dollar Origami practice currency with the real stuff. THAT would be family lore worthy...

Jason Lee retro Stereo Vinyl Cruiser...

You just have to trust me with this one. Or is Babe gonna have to play cameraman again while I dust off my frontside 180?

Another book I would have totally gotten lost in...

Annnd, one that may have instilled good habits at the onset and kept me on the right side of the ~~law~~ Butt Police...

This is the second post from the Lego Architect Series this week but, they are just that fab. My nephew Teague is gonna faaahLIP when he opens this on Christmas Eve. Per usual, favorite Uncle Babe will get all the credit queue the confetti and trumpets while poor Aunt Allie does cartwheels trying to redirect the credit where credit's due queue the golf claps...

Babe can take credit for the Math Dice Jr. Nerd...

Kindness of Emma, Hilbils and Rob, who I KNOW are gonna read this then lie in wait for my arrival to the beach next week, for giving me a good 24 hours of practice before being expected to ante up on my rusty skateboarding prowess for their entertainment...XXOO

Naughty AND Nice: A Girl And Her Horse

2011-12-15T00:01:00.000-05:00

The path to a guy's heart is through his stomach. And, although the path to a girl's heart may blocked by her horse, it sure makes them easy to buy for...

Whether they're grownup...

Or little...

Girlie girls...

Or sporty girls...

Fashionable...

Fun...

Orrr, all the above...

They usually have BIG hearts. And, I've just made some room in mine...

Kindness of Babe who will take note that I consider myself girlie and sporty with a BIG heart. Hint hint...XXOO

Naughty AND Nice: Renaissance Man

2011-12-14T00:01:00.000-05:00

Just a few li'l gift suggestions for the...

Thank you note writing...

Cashmere wearin'...

Polo playin'...

Renaissance guy on your Christmas list...

Kindness of Ali Culver for placing the engraved, hunting motif note cards in my crosshairs. Guys, shmuys, I want them in MY stocking! And, Babe, for exponentially increasing his brainpower with excessive Lego building as a child. The view from the first class seat of your smartypants coattails has been better than anything Santa could possibly bring...XXOO

Entrance Table Christmas Face Lift

2011-12-13T00:01:00.000-05:00

Before Kimba left she made me promise to post about the face lift I gave the front table for Christmas...

Ya mean the the face lift Greenwich Orchids gave the front table? All I did was fund the container and amaryllis pairing...

And, dump the cranberries into my Nantucket Hurricanes...

Thank goodness at least one of my holiday tablescapes required minimal execution cuz the round the clock guarding and maintenance of my cyclamen and paperwhites has become a bit much...

Yup. Nothing like rounding the corner after sweeping, swiffering and steam vac'n the joint to see this mess...

I'm like Buford Pusser patrolling the place with a dust pan and broom holstered around my waist...

Looking to catch and break up the criminal element responsible for these heinous acts of destructions...

Mmmmhmmmm...

Kindness of one Miss Lollycakes who will please allow the cyclamen and paperwhites to at least make it through the 25th. Lest she find some coal in that li'l stocking of hers...XXOO

Drive-by Holiday

2011-12-12T00:01:00.000-05:00

The bff is in town for a long weekend and we're ~~2 glasses of savie deep~~ heading out to dinner so, briefly checking in with some holiday eye candy...

We've packed as much as possible into the past couple of days including torturing our husbands by holding them hostage in MacKenzie Childs...

Kimba and I could, and have, spent countless hours in MacK, especially when it's all decked for Christmas...

Babe's threshold began and ended with helping to choose this year's Little Stinker Woodland Ornament...

I saw his and Bryan's eyes start to glaze over right around the time Kimba and I sat for our Victorian silhouette portraits...

They unglazed long enough to roll when I pointed out the Piccadilly Chicken Casserole I'd like Santa to bring me...

But, I knew better then to give him a heads up on the pair of Stocking Hooks I've decided we need...

Pshaw, Bryan only wishes he was getting off so easily. Guess that wemadeitpastVanCleefandArpelswithoutgoingin sigh of relief was a bit premature...

Kindness of Kimba and Bryan for making the trip up to visit us during this very busy Christmas holiday. I hope the Ina Garten and Kathie Lee Gifford sightings made up for the fact that we're sending you home sleep deprived and just a few lbs heavier. Allow me introduce you to detox Monday...XXOO

2 Candles For Ledbury And 20% For You

2011-12-09T00:01:00.000-05:00

I've mentioned on multiple occasions just how much Babe and I love his Ledbury shirts. Every single time I lay one out for him in the morning he says, man this is a nice shirt as he's buttoning up. They truly are one of thee best finds in my three years of blogging...

So, if y'all are contemplating drinking some of the Ledbury kool aid, now's the time to do so...

By the by, Ledbury partnered with the Wiley Brothers to craft the Free Union belt which was also a Garden and Gun Made in the South contest award winner...

Yup, the iiinfamous Wiley Brothers of hoof pick belt fame. It's a requisite accessory when living in C'ville...

And, I've got my fingers crossed they'll be rolling one out in black...

Kindness of Maxminimus who is fooorever singing the youonlypostgirliestuff blues for taking note that I had not one but, TWO posts dedicated to guy loot this week. Two AND a half if ya count the Whiskey Rocks and oyster knife from yesterday. I'll be taking my thank you in Butt Police holiday credits s'il vous plait...XXOO

Naughty AND Nice: In The Kitchen

2011-12-08T00:01:00.000-05:00

Time to start rolling out some gift lists and I'm beginning in the kitchen. Here's where Babe scoffs cuz every night when he calls from his office to ask what's for dinner he hears, salad. Hey, a girl could get fat around here if the kitchen didn't shut down during the week. But, all bets are off come the (what's a???) weekend...

No kidding Williams Knife Co won Garden and Gun's "Made in the South" contest. Take a gander at the Edisto Oyster. I'm hoping Babe and I each find one in our stocking. At the very least, I better...

Lots of hoopla surrounding the new, très preppy C. Wonder store in SoHo and with good reason. Only 24 smackerals for this tortie nut bowl that arrived the next day and was surprisingly more substantial in weight and size than I had expected. Fooor only 24 smackeraaals. Wonders never cease...

Santa just has to bring the Momofuku Milk Bar cookbook to my friend Ellen. Every September when we meet at the St. Regis before heading out to Montauk she loooaaads up on Milk Bar goodies, such as their infamous compost cookies (gurgle), for the road trip and makes me hate myself come Monday...

Ingenious. I'll have a bourbon and ginger on the Whiskey Rocks please...

Just discovered Edward S. Wohl bird's-eye maple boards and beat Santa to the punch with the 10" x 23" bread board to use for cheese and charcuterie. Sorry Santa Baby, we're entertaining again this weekend...

Only caught the words liquid gold on NPR this evening so the intel's too fresh to have any firsthand experience but, I will be hunting down a bottle of the Leeuwin Estate Chardonnay for ~~moi~~ my parents come sun up...

Kindness of Santa for taking note of how baaadly I want that oyster knife for myself AND Babe. Don't want to find myself backed into some forcedtoshare corner at an oyster roast cuz I'm all biz when it comes to shucking and I don't slow down for no one, no how...XXOO

Nancy Drew And The Ivy Mystery

2011-12-07T00:01:00.000-05:00

Last weekend, Babe was on the verge of self combustion as he tried in vain to corral Amy and me in the Yale bookstore for we were well behind schedule leaving New Haven and, had a dinner to host. As Amy went in one direction in search of a book, I went in another on the hunt for the perfect sweat pant leg opening...

So, when I spied this jacket from the checkout line I'd been escorted to there was nooo WAY ~~the border collie~~ Babe was gonna allow me to break free from the herd to inquire...

The best I could do was furiously snap pics and hope I could find it online for Babe. It had to be Barbour, right?

Wrong. Nary a Barbour with that shoulder stitching...

'Twas time to launch a full Nancy Drew and the Ivy Mystery investigation. Yeeeaaars of being obsessed with the girl detective has paid off in spades. I am a sleuthing wonder. A ferreter extraordinaire. A dog with a bone...

Et voilà! It was Ralph Lauren...

In the Yale bookstore...

With the side tabs and back vents. Case solved...

*Ralph Lauren is having another 40% off Fall sale that started yesterday. The case on the docket for tomorrow: does it include my jacket find?

Kindness of everyone for understanding that I have finally reached a point where I can no longer respond to most of the emails I receive. I can promise you that they will all still get read and, that I am extremely appreciative for and love receiving every single one. But, alas, I have discovered that I can not do it all and, with the help of my dedicated team of therapists, Dr. Fancypants, Pilgie and Lolly, I'm learning that the world will not end if I don't cross every "t" and dot every "i". So, please, keep writing, tweeting, sending messages and Words With Friends requests but, forgive me if you don't hear back. I've got some past neglects that need tending...XXOO

Richard Glässer Pyramids

2011-12-06T00:01:00.000-05:00

Last month I skipped all the way home when I struck Homegoods pay dirt with my Richard Glässer nativity pyramid find only to be greeted with, maaaan Babe, you usually have great taste but, that is uuuhhhgly. How many minutes did I work today to pay for that junk?

Deflated, yet resolute in my infatuation, I returned my hand carved pyramid but, only cuz I finally figured out "as is" referred to the missing fan part...

Latter than night over dinner with my cousin Melissa, she mentioned a multi-level wooden tier thingy her grandparents had out every Christmas that spun on a carousel as the heat of the candles fed the fan. Did anyone know what that was and where, oh where, could she find one?

Oh yeah, said her husband Chris, our family had one too...

Well...well...well...BABE. Happen to know what that "really cool" thing was?

Not only are we getting another one to replace the broken one I returned but, it ain't gonna have a Homegoods price tag mister...

At least you can thank your lucky stars even I have limits...

For a laugh swing by here for the worst nativity sets ever. And, in fitting with the spirit, the first person to correctly guess mine and Meg Cater's vote for the absolute worst AND the one I find thee most clever will be rewarded with a pair of Alice's Holiday dangles...

Congratulations to winner Amber S! Be sure to email me at pinkandgreen@gmail.com with your address and Alice's Holiday color preference Amber. And, merci beaucoup to everyone for playing!

Kindness of Meg Carter for the funny link AND the generous giveaway. Also, for allaying my fears of pitch fork wielding Scrooges by assuring me that even her minister found the awful nativities hilarious. Ahhh, good to know that at least the loosey goosey Episcopalians won't be after me...XXOO

Downton Fever

2011-12-05T00:01:00.000-05:00

Christmas tree shhhmistmas tree, it's t-minus 34 days til season 2 of Downton Abbey starts on PBS and I have yet to finish Season 1...

And, I'd say the tree will have to wait til the weekend while I catch up on my remaining episodes but, the Dowager Countess may give me a withering, What is a weekend?

Kindness of the Dowager Countess for her endless pearls of wisdom. Which reminds me, I'll have to let Emma and Hilbils know for future reference that "only parlor maids have long engagements. Ladies say yes and get on with it." Got that girlies? XXOO

*Speaking of wisdom, swing by QBS's for some shared by this soon to be Dowager if I keep Counting Hermès scarves...

Birthday Boy

2011-12-02T00:01:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday li'l Prince...

It's been 4 years of putting your family above all else...

Of endless entertainment...

And, a whooole lotta tolerance...

We Love You

Mommy, Daddy and Lolly

Kindness of my sister Genevieve who will not call me immediately upon reading this to ask if she is included in the "family he puts above all else". Yesssss, Genny, Pilgie loves you too. Yessssss, he misses you. And, yesssss, I think he was sad to leave you when we left the beach. Said the first chair to the second fiddle...XXOO

Queue The First Stocking Suggestion...

2011-12-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

I have searched high and low for my CKB credit card wallet to organize my *B list (not wallet worthy) cards housed in the whip console but, it appears to have vaporized. And by vaporized I mean, more than likely sitting at the bottom of either Emma or Hilbilly's purse...

I lost interest in that li'l Nancy Drew project the minute I spied Smathers and Branson's needlepoint credit card wallets and redirected all energies into choosing which one was most whip worthy. My initial instinct was for my fav, the red fox...

But, the lobster would be in keeping with the whip's red, white and blue colors...

While the crab would cover both it's colors and watershed theme. This is where Babe says, are you sure you want people to know you're crazy? Because, you knooow assigning 'colors' and 'themes' to cars isn't normal...

Pshaw! I don't care. Why do you think I wanted the Goyard tote in white and why I'm holding out for the vintage blue and white Connecticut plates? Which leads me to the center monogram option in these custom colors, natch...

Maybe, I should default to good ole camo and, you wouldn't even know it was there breaking color rank...

*Blockbuster, car wash, gym, Staples/CVS/Dick's Rewards cards, coupons, ect. Although, the thought of having a stable of credit cards like one reader assumed does make me feel kinda warm and fuzzy all over...

Kindness of everyone for not judging my obsessive compulsive, color themed self. Also, whichever blog I originally spied the Smathers and Branson credit card wallets on. That memory ran off with my CKB wallet but, I'm gonna guess it was either here, here or here. Let's see how those odds pay out...XXOO

*Welp, they didn't. Merci beaucoup Sweet Southern Prep for the reminder and idea ♥

Unleashed

2011-11-30T00:01:00.000-05:00

One Christmas mood, cooomin' right up...

Hmmm...wonder which department Pilgie and Lolls would head to if unleashed in Bergdorf to Christmas shop pour moi? I'm putting my microchips down on Goyard. They know their très devoted Mummy needs a tote...

*Why, lookie here, Bergdorf has a blog...

Kindness of my friend and fellow doggie lover Joanie DiNardo for directing me toward this heartwarming flick co-staring her sister's black and white, MarieBelle buying, English Cocker Spaniel. As for the stand alone star, Salty, word on the street is he may still be available for adoption from the Humane Society of New York. Wonder what'll happen first? Will my inquiry call be returned...will my readers beat me to the punch like they did with the sold out Devon Baer plaid ruffle top...or will Babe read this post and throw the brakes on my doggie fantasy train. Whaaat shall I put my chips oooon this time??? XXOO

Still Carrying The Fiorentini + Baker Torch

2011-11-29T00:01:00.000-05:00

It looks as though Babe's schedule is putting a damper on our Christmas in Rome plans sniffle sniffle soooob and, while I hate to burst his good intentions balloon as he covertly (he thinks) considers consolations jaunts to Palm Beach or the Greenbrier, a swing by the Fiorentini + Baker store in Soho would do the trick...

I had grandi plans to snag a pair in Italy but, since there'll be no when in Roma per me, may I finally extinguish my Emma torch in NYC per favore?

A torch which was recently given this healthy dose of oxygen...

Althooo...the Epi have started tugging at my reminiscent of Laura Ashley heart strings...

As have the li'l less Laura Ashley, li'l more Laura Ingalls Eta. I know, I know...crazy to think I could pull these off...

Until youknowwho rocked her F + B shorties...

Kindness of Amy for getting the ball rolling on the NEXT Christmas in Venice trip NOW. Late in the game planning 'twas a hard lesson for us to learn and I couldn't agree more that a li'l trinket from VC&A should help to soften your no Rome for Christmas blow. THAAAT'S RIGHT AMYYY, A VC&A TRINKET WOULD MOOOST DEFINITELY HELP TO SOFTEN THE BLOWWW...XXOO

Sunday Stacks

2011-11-28T00:01:00.000-05:00

I had hoped to spend my Sunday leisurely perusing stacks like this...

And, this...

But, after a long weekend of holiday travel, the only stacks on my immediate horizon seem to be of the ironing...

And, to-do list nature. Looks like I may have to call for reinforcements...

Anyone? Pilgie? Lolly? chirp chirp chirp...

Kindness of any other gluttons for Beachbody's Insanity torture in the G'wich area who'd like some early morn company for their workout misery. Seems I've also got a li'l stack of unwanted pounds accumulating that needs immediate attention. Anyone? Anyone? XXOO

GobbleGobble!

2011-11-23T00:01:00.000-05:00

I've got my li'l cooler of Chincoteague oysters packed and we're beach bound for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend...

Besides a trip to Sea Shell City, to replace a $200 piece of coral that Lolly decided looked better in 50¢ piec-es, the only Black Friday action I plan on seeing is the running of many a Coastal Highway mile in an attempt to combat the the previous night's feasting...

I may, however, reward my long run, or drown my caloric sorrows, in a Black Friday traipse around the ole cyber hood...

An 8 miler combined with the 20% discount just may earn me the KEP green agate earrings...

An 8 miler would also give me plenty o' think time for narrowing down my Devon Baer choices cuz right now I'm torn between the Charlotte Tunic Dress...

The Plaid Ruffle Blouse...

And, the Caroline Ruffle Dress in navy. Hmmm...wonder what a 9 miler would get me?

*Enter "Friday" at checkout on Devon Baer Designs and receive 20% off your order. This bit of Black Friday intel courtesy of TCSK...

Kindness of all my faithful readers. Babe, Pilge, Lolly and I are extremely thankful for all y'all. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving and we'll see you back here on Penance Monday...XXOO

Annual Oyster Dressing Roll Out

2011-11-22T00:01:00.000-05:00

My parents are just now making their way home from Mexico so yet again it became my job to track down the holiday supply of Chincoteague oysters. Handicap being, I ain't near Chincateague no more. Fortunately, the nice man at Bon Ton Fish Market here in Greenwich had some shipped in just pour moi...

Like I said last year, and the year before that, if I were on death row, and requesting my last meal, at theee very top on the menu would be my family's oyster dressing. And, since we're mere days away from Thanksgiving, I thought I'd reshare the recipe in hopes of giving ya'll enough time to develop a game plan for acquiring your own top notch oysters...

*1 pint Chincoteague oysters, drained and chopped

3/4 cup finely chopped onion

1 1/2 cup chopped celery with leaves

1 cup butter

8-9 cups hand cubed soft bread crumbs (cheap loaves white bread works best)

2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 1/2 teaspoons dried sage leaves (I am very generous with the sage)

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves (and, equally as generous with the thyme)

In a large stock pot, cook and stir onion and celery in butter until onion is translucent and tender.

Turn off heat and stir in about half the amount of hand cubed bread crumbs. Turn into a deep bowl. Add remaining ingredients and toss.

Amount of bread cubes used will depend on how moist the oysters are so, add in stages.

Cook in a covered dish At 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

*Be sure to use quality, salty oysters (preferably Chincoteague) otherwise it's just not as delish.

Kindness of Lolly, my forever helper, for never thinking any job, including stray celery catcher, too lowly for her...XXOO

Why Oh Why Did I Fire The Maid?

2011-11-21T00:01:00.000-05:00

A long week of late night tapings and a jam packed weekend of fun with overnight guests, and we're pooped...

I'm actually feigning complete exhaustion cuz Mummy's looking for volunteers since the cleaning lady cancelled at the eleventh hour...

Let Lolly do it since she enjoys cleaning so much. Besides, (whispers behind paw) maybe it'll help them work off all the pain au chocolat they inhaled this weekend...

Kindness of Lolly for not only always being Mama's helper but, for also suggesting it only fair that I get to put my unused cleaning lady money towards a massage. That's my li'l pain au chocolate sharing girlfriend...XXOO

Shark Scarf Week: Duh Duh DUH...The Hermès Shawl

2011-11-18T00:01:00.000-05:00

If ever a crime was worth the punishment, 'twas my ratted out by Amy covert Hermès shawl purchase of September...

I have hardly left the house without being draped in that thing. And, I'm pretty sure even the warden at the Big House has changed his tune after escorting it around NYC to many an admiring stare..
.
And, merci to all the readers, the first out of the gate being Meg of Pigtown Design, who sent me this great video with 25 ways to tie a scarf. Peeersonallyyy, I learned how badly I want that Louis Vuitton Stephen Sprouse leopard stole...

Kindness of an old friend who once told me, one should learn to live with beautiful things. Who cares if they get snagged, slightly torn, or even worse for the wear, for that is what gives them character and enjoying them brings such joy. It was my hope to encourage y'all to do the same with these vlogs and, from all the emails, tweets and messages I received, I think ~~Shark~~ Scarf Week managed to do just that. Merci beaucoup for all the feedback. And, maybe, juuust maybe, I'll be back with a few more next week. I said maaaybeee...XXOO

Shark Scarf Week: The Shawl Of Kings

2011-11-17T00:01:00.000-05:00

How lucky for me, unlucky for youknowwho, that our new neighbor and friend, Suzana, brought a suitcase full of pashtoosh and shahtoosh shawls with her from Turkey...

Shahtoosh, which literally means shawl of kings, were first hand woven for Shahs from the delicate hair of Tibetan antelope living 5000 meters up in the Himalayas. Their fur became in such high demand that the antelope are now stringently protected on the endangered species list and killing them for their wool, or buying a real pashtoosh, likened to the trafficking of drugs and highly illegal worldwide. Nevermind the criminal act, who would want to walk around draped in that karma?!

Thankfully, all of Suzana's shahtoosh and pashtoosh are made from very fine cashmere gathered from specially bred, still living to tell their tale, legal antelope. Read, all good karma. Look closely at the navy pashtoosh I started with and you can see the fine downy feathers woven throughout. Swoon...

Babe's still stuck on the started with portion of that last paragraph. Sooo many pretty colors to choose from and the truth is I WANT THEM ALL! Hmmm...maybe I should educate the Chilean born Suzana about the American lawaway plan...

Then after ~~Babe~~ I pay off my pashtoosh pile, I could start chipping away at thee slightly less expensive although, forgive me Ti-Babes, still softer than anything you've felt on this side of the world, shahtoosh pile...

Of course, I'll have to add a few new shawl tying tricks to my bag of for showcasing both sides of the reversible shahtoosh...

Til then, here are a couple to get you nimble...

*If anyone is seriously interested in buying a pashtoosh ($700) or shahtoosh ($500) from Suzana,, before they're gobbled up by the G'wich ladies in queue, please email me for deets at pinkandgreen@gmail.com

Kindness of Suzana for giving me first dibbies before she allowed anyone else to see them and the in depth education, which I hardly did justice. Also, my father-in-law, for not killing me when I introduce my mother-in-law to Suzana and her gorgeous wares this weekend when they visit. Between all all pashtoosh, shahtoosh and Stamford Antiquing I have planned, ya may need to pack a suitcase full of something other than clooothesss...XXOO

Shark Scarf Week: The Pochette Three Trick Pony

2011-11-16T00:01:00.000-05:00

Everyone should have at least one pochette in their Hermès scarf arsenal. The pochette may play JV to the 90cm's Varsity but, they are a smidge less threatening while still managing to peg you as stylish...

If you're really clever, you'll find a way to parlay all three moves into one outing. You're friends and admirers will be très impressed...

And, for those of you curious as to how I store my scarves, I don't. I keep mine folded and stacked, front and center, on a shelf in my closet cuz, out of sight leads to out of mind. Not just my mind but, also the mind of any potential gift giver who may be sharing the same closet...

Kindness of everyone for turning a blind eye and ear to my jammie bottoms and half asleep self . My cameraman didn't return home for taping til well past my bedtime. Seriously considering docking him a pochette scarf purchase...XXOO

Shark Scarf Week: The Hermès 90cm

2011-11-15T00:01:00.000-05:00

I know too many people with gorgeous Hermès scarves collecting dust in drawers and closets cuz they don't know how to wear them. Quelle horreur! No body puts ~~Baby~~ Hermès in the corner!

The trick for any scarf wielding neophyte, is to first get familiar with a basic knot or two, like these. Once you're comfortable tossing this look on with just about anything, button downs, dresses, sweaters, tees..., then you can worry about adding more knots to your arsenal. And, more Hermès scarves to your closet...

*Disclaimer: please excuse the quality of video as my cameraman didn't return from his day job til 10pm and musta left his A game at the office. As to the quality of my star power, this is post evening 5 miler, jammies on, jammies off, dirty clothes back on, let's make this fast cuz I'm missing Real Housewives annnd ACTION...

Kindness of my dear friend Joanie DiNardo who was thee very first person I knew to throw an Hermès scarf on as casually as she would a necklace. Introducer to Belgies AND effortless scarf wearing makes for one mighty impressive CV in my book Joanie Balonie...XXOO

Shark Scarf Week: Love Quote Knot

2011-11-14T00:01:00.000-05:00

Since I'm not currently cavorting in the shark infested warm Pacific water as planned, I'm redirecting my energies and declaring this ~~Shark~~ Scarf Week here in Summerland...

Five years ago, the manager of the East Hampton Calypso generously taught me how to tie this Love Quote scarf knot the way that Calvin Klein had taught her. It's a particularly good looking knot peeking out from your Barbour jacket or worn just with a big wrap sweater in the fall. Noooot so much with dirty, wrinkly khakis and one's competing popped collar...

Kindness of Babe, for manning the camera and wisely steering clear of any closeups of my makeup less face, Lolly, for always being a natural in the spotlight and, General Hahnahninnahnad Pilgie, for juggling the overseeing and underwriting of the whole production and being my lone studio audience...XXOO

Mohammad Had To Postpone Her Trip To The Mountain La Playa...

2011-11-11T00:01:00.000-05:00

By noon today, I was supposed to be lathered up and sipping on a Coke Lite con limons while baking in the Mexican sun. But, Babe ~~and I~~ decided that, if we're planning to head abroad for Christmas, it was probably best I postpone my trip for now. Sooo, let ~~the mountain~~ la playa come to Mohammad...

Via this gorgeous Melissa Odabash nautical Jamie dress...

And, Petit Bateau's marine blue and navy stripe tee. There. Now I feel better...

Kindness of Babe who will heed this warning from the Verbiage Police; it was, "looks like we're definitely going to try and do Europe for Christmas" pre canceling of trip and, "we're thinking of doing Europe for Christmas" post. You're thiiiiis close to being issued a MAJOR citation Sir...XXOO

Joy Joy Joy...

2011-11-10T00:01:00.000-05:00

I have been carrying around this US magazine tear out desperately looking for these J Brand Skinny cords to act as a methadone for my summer colored Haute Hues addiction...

I'd all but given them up for dead, finger poised to dial Dr. Drew, when, like ~~angels~~ dealers from on high, the Shopafrolic sisters delivered them to me on a ~~silver~~ Black Cherry platter...

And, in an instant, one addiction was swapped for another. The Black Cherries aren't even out of tracking limbo and I've already got my next fix cooling their Peridot Green heels on deck..

Just like a legit script, I've got Bright Royal refill...

After Aubergine refill and those days of loitering on the Saks denim department corner are over...

Kindness of the Shopafrolic sisters for finding me the much coveted Black Cherry J Brand Skinny cords. You guys don't happen to have any connections at HomeGoods do ya? See, there's this table...XXOO

No Shoe Horn Needed

2011-11-09T00:01:00.000-05:00

Well, last weekend's excursion to Barney's Denim Counter was a bust. Too many skin tight options and I just didn't even know where to begin. I defaulted to hanging close to my beloved J. Brand Haute Hues and queuing up which color to get next. Then I tortured Babe on the elevator ride back down with threats of bringing back the Levi 501. Now there's a jean ya don't need a shoe horn to get on...

And, just when I had started to embrace the whole 501 resurrection, a swing by Atlantic-Pacific's blog had me thrilled to find Bee still rockin' the Current/Elliot Boyfriend Jean...

You mean I can still wear this style even though it's several years old? Sold! Fat day, skinny day, who cares, those loosie goosies could hide a multitude of ~~chocolate~~ sins...

And, as it happens, I recently got my hot li'l mitts on last year's sold out J. Crew tartan shirt which will get me as close to Bee's pulled together look as I'll ever come...

I may even be able to fake her second boyfriend jeans ensemble a smidge...

Already have Crews black gingham shirt in the lineup so, all that's left to do is sweet talk Emma out of that charcoal rugby striped car coat of hers over Thanksgiving. Surely it's novelty has worn off after four years. Come on Em, throw a hard to find jeans that flatter an athletic badonkadunk gal a legs up to here bone...

Kindness of EAS for the head's up when J. Crew relaunched the tartan shirt that got away and Atlantic-Pacific for letting me know the boyfriend jeans wagon had circled back around. Lastly Amy, (hangs head in shame) for not being disappointed in me when Babe inevitably reports to her of my Barney's faux pas. After all her training I still asked the salesgirl if this was indeed the "jeans" bar. 'Twas NOT quite the Eliza Doolittle moment we had hoped for...XXOO

Clothes On Monkeys On Phones

2011-11-08T00:01:00.000-05:00

Loved waking to this bit of breaking news feed on my Facebook last week...

Iomoi rolled out a slew of swanky case opts for the 4S, 4, 3GS and 3G iPhones. Glory be!

So many tempting styles...

How ever will I narrow my choice to just one?

Do I picture myself bikini clad playing Words With Friends on my parrot cay clad mobile while baking on la playa in Mexico this winter?

Or dispatching tweets from abroad while, fingers crossed, celebrating Christmas in Rome?

I can't, however, picture having to hide this fun contender...

Orrr this one from the bff Kimba who has a fear of monkeys dressed in human clothing...

May have to go with these li'l fellas in the skinny...

And, double check that daper fox haven't made their way onto her willies list. Ya never know, the genus vulpes donning toile pants and crested slippers could quite possibly be terrorizing North Carolina like their brethren the ill dressed monkey...

Kindness of the bff for noting my generous consideration of her feelings however INSANE they may be. Sorry, sorry...guess there's a wee touch of residual bitterness left for having to edit my wardrobe of a beautiful yellow Steven Stolman skirt cuz it had MONKEYS WITH CLOTHES ON IT. Okay, okay I'm composed now. Anything for a bff she said definitely NOT rolling her eyes at yesterday's birthday girl...XXOO

Chicks With Guns

2011-11-07T00:01:00.000-05:00

This is the time of the year when I'm most nostalgic for the Eastern Shore...

That's why I will most definitely be adding Lindsay McCrum's Chicks With Guns to my Holiday wish list...

It may help fill the void left by the lack of gunshot ringing across the bay to wake me in the morn...

The lack of guys in head to toe camo grabbing sodas and Tastykakes in convenience stores...

And, where are all the pickup trucks with gun racks and Hitch-Hauls?

Yeppers. Shoulda known I was in trouble when the movers refused to load our shotgun shells and bullets on the truck...

I'll just have to fill my li'l Igloo with some Chincoteague oysters and venison next trip home...

And, curl up with Chicks With Guns whenever I'm feeling that ole familiar tug...

Cuz the only camo I'd likely get away with in the new hood is of the sequined variety...

*Last two pics are of yours truly, sadly, but understandably, not featured in the book...

Kindness of Keep it Chic for the heads up on Chicks With Guns book and Tomboy Style for the Alexis Bittar camo sequined clutch find. Those prepneck gods work in mysterious but, fashionable ways...XXOO

Quick Cheap Change Artist

2011-11-04T00:01:00.000-04:00

Since Halloween has come and gone, 'twas time to redress the entrance table's holiday decor...

True to my ~~laziness~~ word, I kept October's look and gave it a new face by adding some scented pine cones from Whole Foods and a few pheasant feathers...

Et, voilà! November...

The life expectancy of those pheasant feathers wholly dependent upon a couple of eyes; Babe's critical one...

And, the opening on you know who's other one post nap. Yup, that'd be the sound of a timer starting...

Kindness of Babe for taking note of my ability to recycle. Taking NOTE annnd possibly taking advantage of Ralph Lauren's current 40% off sale ooone last time. Nothing says positive reinforcement like fuschia pink or purple cashmere cable knit...XXOO

Ralph's Private Sale

2011-11-03T00:01:00.000-04:00

After a lovely Sunday brunch at Versailles with Babe and Amy we all popped into Ralph's on the Avenue for a peek at his private sale. Continuing in the tradition of what Babe refers to as our cashmere "Arms Race", Amy and I beelined it to the sweater nook...

I went into the dressing room with three, and came out with my allotted one. A Mitered V-Neck Cable Knit in navy made the difficult cut...

While I had to leave the Slim-Fit Cables in fuchsia...

And, royal lilac behind. But, not before whispering vows to be back...

While Babe footed the bill I searched furiously for the gorgeous Darwin Silk Top in navy I had whispered the same vow to several weeks ago...

And, that's when I heard it; the Hand-Knit Blanket Coat that was whispering to me...

Apparently Babe and Amy don't speak the secret language of Blanket Coat and deemed it, not my style. Well, not only do I speak Blanket Coat but, happens I'm also fluent in not my style. Translates to, GASP! I see four figures on that price tag and how would that affect my lead in the Arms Race? respectively...

*40% off at Ralph Lauren stores and ralphrauren.com now through Monday, November 7. Receive and additional 15% off upon checkout at ralphlauren.com with the code NOV0307. Not sure how you parlay that extra discount in the stores without the actual card I received in the mail but, it's certainly worth a sob story shot...

Kindness of Babe for buying my navy v-neck thus, allowing me to grow my cashmere army. Never mind that Amy left with grey, cabernet AND Range Rover green. She may be the cashmere military super power but, I believe I have the pole position when it comes to Ralph's silks...XXOO

The Awrets

2011-11-02T00:01:00.000-04:00

At the lunch following Grandpa Flynn's interment, I had the great fortune of being seated next to the Flynn's dear friend and artist, Irene Awret, after yearsss of trying to finagle an introduction...

Irene and her late husband Azriel, a sculptor, meet and fell in love while in a Nazi internment camp. Mrs. Awret told me, over a lunch I barely touched, when they moved to the states they were introduced to a small group including Mr. and Mrs. Flynn...

She fondly spoke of the Flynn's open mindedness and how, at her very first stateside show, Babe's grandfather was the only one out of that group to buy a piece of her work. Giggling she said, and it was a nude! I could tell, by the way she spoke, how much that support had meant to her and that it was more than likely the precise moment a lifelong friendship had been forged...

Babe and I drove Mrs. Awret home after lunch and were rewarded with a private tour of both her and Azriel's studios. I fell in love with this life size sculpture by Mr. Awret but, unfortunately I would have had to leave the whip in exchange...

After another 45 minutes of generous free reign in Mrs. Awret's studio I settled on this large oil painting. Once again, my talent for ferreting out something outta my financial league proved not be waning with age...

Naturally, Babe's gifted eye and sixth sense unearthed this watercolor in a giant file drawer. Turns out it's thee very same model used in Mr. Flynn's 40 year old purchase. How about them apples? And, a third generation patron of the Awrets was born...

While I save up my ~~pennies~~ Benjamins for the oil, or a more modest sculpture, I'll keep myself both distracted and focused by curling up with Mrs. Awret's book chronicling her time in a Nazi concentration camp and how her gift saved her life. Meanwhile, mine'll be the death of me...

Kindness of Mrs. Awret for inviting us into her home and her studio and Mr. Flynn for guiding Babe to the piece that was meant for him in so many ways. Also, LFF for the fantastic R. Van Loan Custom Framing rec where my saved up Benjamins will initially be funneled once the hand moon-gold leafed frame ransom note arrives in a month...XXOO

C'ville Haul

2011-11-01T00:01:00.000-04:00

We hit up all the usual suspects while in the old C'ville hood a couple of weekends ago and managed to haul back a few additional trinkets and lbs...

There was our traditional first night in town Christian's Pizza, were it was slim pickin's after the ice hockey kids beat us to all the avocado and feta slices...Bodo's on the Corner for a bacon (moi), sausage (Babe), egg and cheddar on sesame bagel breakfast...and my beloved Montpelier (extra rare on the roast beef s'il vous plait) to go from the Gourmet Exxon for the next leg in our journey...

We mostly shopped for antiques but, I managed to squeeze in just a few personal gits including the all important sweats of Winter '12...

And, disappointed to find And George wiped clean of any Chuck Pinnell key rings in navy, I consoled myself with a new desk calendar with easel for the coming year...

Found this cute lidded fish dish at Artifacts which is ideal for storing my stove side Kosher salt...

The lid is key for foiling Lolly's nightly urge to create her renowned salt works of art; her brushes being her paws, her medium, about a tablespoon worth of salt, and her canvas, kitchen counter top and floor...

Best find of all, was the mink bolero Babe bought me from the Vintage Vixen off the downtown mall...

Broke the seal on that puppy at our King Family Vineyard's wedding mere hours after the purchase...

It took every ounce of self control I had to reign in my greedy self from also tossing this vintage Hermès polo on the counter as Babe was generously paying for my mink. Just my size too, gosh darn it...

Kindness of Babe for buying everything my li'l heart desired during our day of Hooville shopping. Although, now you know my li'l heart was really a greedy wolf in grateful mink clothing. And, G'wich follower Kenny for the Vintage Vixen tweet alert. sighhh Poor Babe, he's now doing battle against a virtual team effort...XXOO

Hot Flicks

2011-10-31T00:01:00.000-04:00

Babe and I risked life and ~~limb~~ whip driving to White Plains, NY through Saturday's snow storm just to see the movie Margin Call. And, it waaas WORTH it...

The big disappointment ended up being my date who doesn't beeelieve in making a PEEP once the lights go down;
(in a very reasonable whisper) Haaave you ever been in board room situations as tense as thaaat? (in a whisper only audible to dogs) Yes, when we were working on a big deal shhhhh... Is he like the CEOhhh of ___? (very clipped) yes shhh... Whyyy are banker's suits always so shinyyy? No answer. Where dooo you get shiny suits like thaaat? Armani, Brioni shhhhh... Hooow much do thooose cost? (quite terse) thousands SHHH!

Good to know I can always turn to the Internet to fill in any lingering banking vs consulting questions I may have...

And, remind me to see the December release of Carnage with either Kimba or Amy. I can just tell from how funny the trailer was that it would not be in my best interest to be seated next to General Shhh for 90 minutes of suppressed cackling...

Kindness of Babe who does not put a crimp into my spending by insisting upon shiny Armani and Brioni suits for himself...XXOO

Eeny Meeny Minie Tunic...

2011-10-28T00:01:00.000-04:00

This year I'm not getting caught with my white AG jeans down again by arriving too late to the Sheridan French tunic party...

Nope. This time I've got the Adelaide Tunic in Turquoise all queued up for October's limited preorder...

Or, do I want the Petra Tunic in Raspberry to assuage the residual bitterness from missing out on any left in my size last May? Hmmm...think this is exactly how I got tripped up last year. Welp, I've got til Monday to decide before Sheridan's October pre-order/free shipping boat sails leaving me and my white jeans at the dock. Again...

Kindness of BLC for last month's heads up on the Sheridan French 2012 roll out. This time I'm prepared; I'm going in with my shesellsoutfast eyes wide open and I've broken the news to my swimmers shoulders that they can give up on the size small dream...XXOO

Grandpa Flynn's Day Of Honor

2011-10-27T00:01:00.000-04:00

On Monday, Babe and I attended his Grandfather Flynn's interment at Arlington National Cemetery...

A Naval Officer, and graduate of MIT, Mr. Flynn's early electrical engineering work helped to develop electronic countermeasure (a radar jammer for us laymen) thus, saving the lives of countless soldiers, seamen and airmen during World War II and beyond...

This honor is an incredibly moving ceremony to witness and I feel privileged to have to have been a part...

Maurice E. Flynn, Jr., LCDR

November 6, 1918 - May 10, 2011

Kindness of Grandpa Flynn for keeping us safe. Annnd, for passing along some of those brainiac genes to my commanding officer...XXOO

Back From The 'Ville

2011-10-26T00:01:00.000-04:00

Besides thee rather large speeding ticket, broken pearl bracelet and, courtesy of a George Washington Bridge pothole, misaligned whip casualties, our weekend in C'ville was glorious...

We joyfully watched as Babe's med school chum Liz Thompson added the initials Mrs. to the front end of her name, helping to balance out the hefty M.D., Ph.D. which will soon be weighing down the back end...

And, loved every minute of catching up with all our fancy surgical resident friends...

Yup. Faaancy lot they are...

Fancy pantsy...

Buttoned-up lot...

Even if I hadn't seen the smear of shaving cream on the left cheek of the esteemed Dr. Keller, I'd have pegged that heart detailing on Liz and John's car as the work of fancy surgically trained hands a mile away...

Kindness of Mr. and Mrs. John Beasley for including us in their happy day. It was so much fun to see everyone and we can't wait to do it again come April for the Dr.'s Rude and Bumpass nuptials. Til then, Babe'll be working on his worm dance moves and I'll be boning up on my old school raps...XXOO

Two Birds With One J. Crew Stone

2011-10-21T00:01:00.000-04:00

Since I no longer have my li'l sister in my employ for ironing duties, I cringe every time Babe pulls out a button-down to kick around in on the weekends; Ohhh. You're putting on khakis, Belgies AND A SOLID 15 MINUTES OF MY DAY ARE YA?! followed by a martyr sighhh...

So, riding piggy back on my J. Crew cashmere t-neck order will be a couple men's long sleeve Repp Pique Polos. I'm adding surf blue...

And, welsh purple into his already existing black and navy rotation. Those outta buy me back at least a half an hour per week...

Kindness of everyone for allowing me a few days off at the beginning of next week since we'll be on the road for a wedding and a funeral (with zero hope of even reeemotely looking like either Andie MacDowell or Kristin Scott Thomas). I'm planning on lugging my laptop along in hopes of getting a post up buuut, there's a good chance it'll see about as much daylight as all the workout clothes I'm dragging along will. Nil...XXOO

Dodging A Cashmere Bullet

2011-10-20T00:01:00.000-04:00

Since I'm in need a black cashmere turtleneck sweater, I broke the self imposed seal on the Avenue's Ralph Lauren...

Cut to me in a 400 sq ft gold gilded dressing room pulling Mr. Lauren's gorgeous black cashmere turtleneck sweater over my head as the kind sales lady says through the closed door, just to let you know dear, that sweater is over $900. Now, cut to me pulling said sweater back over my head before the flashback of solitary doghouse confinement sweat I broke out in sealed the $900 deal AND my fate...

My time in the clink over spreadsheetgate made for one long summer. And, even with early release for my Hermès wrap due to good behavior, the time inside was unbearable. J. Crew will do just fine thank you. And, who says rehabilitation doesn't work?

And is it considered quadruple jeopardy if I also get it in heather blush...

Navy...

And heather hyacinth? Yeah, pretty sure I can't be tried four times for the same sweater in multiple colors...

Kindness of Moi for remembering that second floor means "Collection" at the G'wich Ralph Lauren and written permission from my probation officer is required in order to leave the "Black Label" grounds...XXOO

A Collection Is Born

2011-10-19T00:01:00.000-04:00

Whenever I'm in a Williams-Sonoma with Babe, like clockwork I point to all the shiney copper pots lining the wall and whistfully say, some day I'm gettin' aaaaaall those...

Then I picture myself waltzing in, dripping in Alhambra and fur and saying, I'll take that whole wall please. My driver will pull around back for you to load thankyouverymuch...

Then I had an aha moment courtesy of a Christina Ferrare promo spot on OWN; After touting copper as theee BEST pots for conducting heat when cooking, she suggested growing your collection one pot at a time...

Now, why hadn't I thought of that? I can start with one weensie ole butter warmer...

And, pot by pot by fry pan...

I can grow my collection. Although, I think I'll don my Nana's mink stole and drive the whip around to the service entry every time I make a purchase just to keep the fantasy somewhat intact...

Kindness of Christina Ferrare for the epiphany juuust as the whatdoyouwantforChristmas season approaches...XXOO

The Gigi Tassel Bracelet

2011-10-18T00:01:00.000-04:00

I was alllllll OVER that shwanky Lorraine Schwartz pink tassel bracelet Oprah sported during her final episode...

And, it looks as though Meg Carter may have heard my non Lorraine Schwatz budgeted telepathic prayers...

Now...the burning question is, which color do I want first in the Gigi tassel bracelet? Indigo, which would go with everything in my heavy on the blacks and navies winter wardrobe?

Or, the soft blue green to play against the tan I plan on jetting off to reclaim come November?

But then again, the ivy goes great with black and navy AND Coppertone brown...

To be fair, the pearl would pair well with everything in my wardrobe, every skin shade from August's tanorexic to February's sock white, not to mention, whatever color click-clack I snatch once Babe gives the green light...

Guess I'll leave the chocolate pickins' for the bff, being that it goes with her tigers eye Alhambra and all. Besides, it'd likely disappear against my back from sizzlin' south of the border tan...

Kindness of Meg Carter for reading my covetous mind. And, here I thought that was a talent only Babe possessed and utilized for thwarting purposes...XXOO

The StyleMint Plunge

2011-10-17T00:01:00.000-04:00

I've been eying the marykateandashleyolsen StyleMint tee's ever since Belle on Heels was kind enough to leave her rec in a comment thread and, theee minute Tomboy Style gave them her good taste seal of approval, I took the plunge...

My Petit Bateau creature of habit self still needs to take these kind of changes s l o o o w so, I'm getting my StyleMint toe wet with the Prince in white...

Likely to see a li'l more Hermès scarf, and a li'l less jammie bottom action than my PB tee's...

But, now that I'm back from our Lolita dinz with a bit of margarita bravado, I'm toying with an additional Magnolia purchase in black. Maybe a quick perusal of this marykateandashleyolsen guilty pleasure will aid my fashion pedestrian self in pulling the trigger...

ps...Tomboy Style blog is offering a 10% discount code towards any StlyeMint purchase. And, once you join the site, you'll have coupon codes comin' out the wazoo. Also, be sure to "like" them on fb for additional promos...

Kindness of Belle on Heels for walking me to the edge of the StyleMint tee cliff, and Tomboy Style for holding my hand while I jumped. Babe gets the credit for buying me my margarita bravado. Annnd, the blame as I head off to see what else it thinks I need...XXOO

Gwyneth And Alice, BFF's...

2011-10-14T00:01:00.000-04:00

So far, Babe and I have had Kim Kardashian and Tommy Hilfiger sightings in the new hood but, those shall pale in comparison to the Gwynnie sighting that's about to occur...

Yup, just as soon as my Jules Reid Gwyneth dress arrives and I strut myself down the Avenue. Head down, Jackie O worthy shades on, sippin' from my Starbucks cup and coyly pretending not to want the attention I'm certain to draw...

No pictures, pleeeaseee. I'm just heading to Mediterraneo to meet my new bff, the Alice for an early dinner and some girl chat. Hope Tracey Anderson approves of the Parmesan Crusted West Coast Halibut in a Tomato Chive Buerre Blanc we plan on ordering...

Kindness of the generous Jules Reid for not only naming a dress after li'l ole moi but, doing so alongside my idol. I can forevermore say I travel in the same "fashionable" circle as my beloved Gwyneth...XXOO

HomeGoodn'

2011-10-13T00:01:00.000-04:00

I've become quite thee fixture on the HomeGoods scene. But, so far, no luck with the hunt for my table's mate...

I did, however, score some very swanky bar stools made from reclaimed wood weighing in at about 30 lbs per to exchange for the très uncomfortable flimsy pair of last weeks haul...

While making my HomeGoods New York rounds today, with plenty o' time to think, I decided it was time to let go of my holding on to summer look on the front table...

So, along the way I gathered a few of my favs; mini ghost pumpkins, gourds, Indian/horse corn (that's what I call it and I don't want any lip), and a bundle of bittersweet from Greenwich Orchid (since I'm too new to town to know where to pilfer some)...

And, although not Carolyne Roehm worthy, Lolly and I feel it's definitely Babe and Pilgie worthy...

Good enough to get us through Halloween at least. After that, we'll stick a few pheasant feathers in the mix et voilà, we'll have the Thanksgiving theme in the bag...

Kindness of my li'l helper who will please respect the work we did this evening. Mummy doesn't want to wake up to bittersweet berries strewn about the place like Hansel and Gretel passed through during the night...XXOO

The Bow Blouse

2011-10-12T00:01:00.000-04:00

From the Bigeye Tuna Tartare appetizer at Black Salt in DC, to the Hermès shawl, I have learned that Amy's recs are always right on ~~Babe's~~ the money. Sometimes my pedestrian palate and eye are slow to trust but, she hasn't steered me wrong yet...

email from sept 5...
So I spent much of the weekend shopping/checking out fall fashion and I think the one big takeaway is that the silk blouse is back, particularly if it has a tie or bow. You already wrote about Equipment's Signature blouse (one of my purchases this weekend in a beautiful bright blue!) but, the bow blouse is everywhere and I love it! Tory Burch is making some of the best and I got the tiller TOP in sweet rose and will be going back for others...

There's even a tutorial on Tory's blog on how to wear hers. DVF, Nanette, J. Crew all had options as well, as did some more designer labels like D&G and Gucci.

Amy

thanks amy! will def put in the pipeline. funny thing is, literally the night after i rcvd this one of the real housewives (the blond richards sister from escape to witch mountain) of beverly hills had a goooorgeousss bow blouse on. i was like, oooooo...XXOO

Natch, I immediately started seeing them eeeverywhereee. In Gucci's Mad Ave window...

On Kelly Ripa...

And, in the Holy Grail that is US magazine...

Sooo, one month and six days later, after I'm fashionably late aboard Amy's bow blouse wagon, I go to take the plunge with Tory's waverly BLOUSE in navy and it's sold out of nearly every size online. SOB! Guess I can add all the Tory Burch stores to my existing part-time job of calling and driving around to all the surrounding HomeGoods stores...

Kindness of Amy who has to hold my hand through some of these fashion decisions. The jury may still be out on the True Religion jeans, and I still don't have the Prada/Louis Vuitton bug but, my beautiful Hermès shawl is champing at the bit just awaitin' for the first cool day...XXOO

ps...the jig is up on this weekend's operation click-clack. Babe intercepted last night's texting thus, the radio silence in the middle of our color debating. My energies shifting to pouting...

Can't Believe We Used To Wear Mom Jeans

2011-10-11T00:01:00.000-04:00

Still haven't listed my old, too small for me now, B² alligator belt strap on eBay yet and that's mostly due to the fact that nearly every day I try it on certain that I can make it fit. I just don't understand. I haven't gotten THAT big. Then the revelation...

When Emma posted this old pic of her and Hilbils on fb it hit me. It's cuz I used to wear it with shudder Mom jeans that came up to my ribcage...

texting that followed seeing Hilbil's "our pants" comment under pic...

Moi: i am laughing so hard at those mom jeans u n em have on in that pic!

Hilbils: Oh yeah we were quiteeee the fashionistas

Moi: they look like they're on BACKWARDS there's so much room in the front lol!

Hilbils: Hahahahah I know!

Fortunately, we've all come a looong way since the era of the Mom jean. The belt's gettin' listed tomorrow. I don't WANT it to fit!

Kindness of Emma for giving me a good laugh, a revelation and an easy post. I'll leave the bangs teasing untouched since I'm sportin' some unattractive ones myself at the moment. Shoulda left those in the early 90's where they belong too...XXOO

One Lamp Off The Floor

2011-10-10T00:01:00.000-04:00

Saturday was gloooriousss...

We headed out to Long Island and squeezed in one last feast at Lunch before they closed for the season...

One last margarita at the Blue Parrot before they closed for the season...

And, finally stumbled upon Ina's familiar cedar shingles tucked behind a très high hedge, obviously meant to keep the prying eyes of drive by stalkers, like moi, out...

On the way home I convinced Babe to pull into the Pelham HomeGoods where we found the perfect nightstand to substitute for the pair of driftwood commissions that were put on indefinite hold by the artist...

Unfortunately, we only found one. Six additional HomeGoods visits within a 30 mile radius later and still, just one...

Between Sunday's HomeGoods hopping, a vuuuryyy unattractive meltdown with my Mercedes mbrace concierge service and my seasonal allergies hitting a nadir, me and the Ti-Bipps decided it was as good an afternoon as any to break the seal on the Avalon blanket...

Welp, at least Babe and I can end our debate about whether or not to terminate our subscription with the unreliable mbrace service. I have a feeling we may be the ones being "let go" after this morning's unpleasant scene. Summer used some unladylike verbs...

Kindness of anyone in the surrounding CT and NYC area for please emailing me if they spy the mate to this "24 x 24 Wood & Metallamp table (Dept 46, Style 106115)" nightstand at a HomeGoods. I'm already a tank of gas deep in my quest. What's one more...XXOO

What's Good For Yesterday's Goose...

2011-10-07T00:01:00.000-04:00

...is good for the also in need of nice shirts Gander. Especially when that Gander lives in an off season uniform of button downs and Petit Bateau tees with cashmere so repeatedly that the Goose refers to them as her sweat~~pants~~sweaters...

It just so happens, Claridge + King are offering 20% off all purchases in celebration of their birthday which means this li'l goosie's cartin' up the Great White Shirt she's had on her wish list...

May also be in her winged best interest to sign up to be notified when these EmersonMade ciggie pants hit the store. Might be needing some camo when intercepting the above delivery. I suspect hunting season for shopaholic Ganders is about to open 'round here...

*Claridge + King's offering 20% off all purchases through October 19 with the code BDAYSALE at checkout...

Kindness of my old Talbot County Y swim teammate Sarah for the heads up on the spiffy camo pants. Takes one Eastern Sho' gal to know what only another Eastern Sho' gal would appreciate. Now, let's break the seal on those leopard Belgies already would ya! Just think of them as the Realtree of the jungle and you'll be just fine...XXOO

Ledbury Love

2011-10-06T00:01:00.000-04:00

Babe getting dressed for work the other morn in the clothes I had laid out for him...

Babe: Is this a new Ledbury shirt?

Moi: Yup. Got it for you last week

Babe: I think this might be my favorite Ledbury shirt

Babe: Man, this is a nice. shirt...You know what it is? It's the cuffs...there's just something about their cuffs

Moi: Well, I love how they moved that second button so you don't have to choose between looking like Vinnie Barbarino and Lloyd Christmas

Moi: I was actually gonna get you last weeks Short Run Shirt too but, they sold out of your size by the time I got on the site

Babe: That's okay Babe. I just got a bunch of new shirts

Moi: Want me to order that shirt you have on now in white?

Babe: (firm, stop bleeding me voice) No. (reverting back to sweet tone) But, thank you. (again with the stop spendinggg tone) I have enough shirts right now

Moi: (thinking) rats, there goes any hope of future purchasing leverage (but, saying) Are you sure? Cuz you could use another white dress shirt

Babe: I'm sure

Moi: (thinking/mumbling) ohhh, you're getting another shirt alright mister

And, it's getting deposited right into my Bank of Hermès Double Tour youoweme savings account...

Kindness of the duo at Ledbury for considering rolling out a women's shirt line tout de suite! I am deees-per-ATE for nice button-downs. Not to mention, the possibility of the whole under the cloak of HIS order guise potential...XXOO

That'll Teach Me

2011-10-05T00:01:00.000-04:00

Mere seconds after I sent this pic text to Babe of General Hah-nah-nin-nah-non (term of endearment du jour) ~~giving his best salesman pose~~ perched on one of the garden stools that accompanied me home from a li'l shopping excursion to Westport earlier today, there came a loud POP from the street and then blackness...

Guess that was the Universe letting me the General know it didn't appreciate my his attempt to hustle a distracted Daddy at his business dinz. Welp, at least with the lights out he won't be able to inspect the price tags upon his arrival home...

Kindness of Daddy for buying the Ti-Babes their perches so they can see out the windows and stop using Mummy's desk as a daybed. And, everyone else for excusing the low quality pic in this last minute post due to the outage. That, and my priority shift to making sure Rachel Zoe still gets DVR'd...XXOO

Maxminimus To The Beefroll Rescue

2011-10-04T00:01:00.000-04:00

I've been coveting Maxminimus' navy blue Weejuns for Babe for as long as Max's been torturing us with post pics of his feet...

So, when Babe spied a B² pair of knockoffs in the current catalogue, I elatedly texted Maxminimus with the good news. His response; don't you dare get Mister Doctor Baby those beefrolls!

Then a text came over bright an early Saturday morn, before neither Mister Doctor Baby nor I even had the crusties outta our eyes:

Just found a site for 75th Anniversary navy blue Bass Weejuns. 120 bucks. They will sell out fast. I'll send you the link.

I'm about to hit "complete purchase"

Navy blue. No bulls*** beefroll.

What!!! Send the link immed pls! N do u think they run true to size?

Just did and yes, I think they'll run zackly true-size wise. I ordered my usual ... 8 extry charming.

Well, needless to say, those babies were carted up and en route before I still had a chance to rub the crusties outta my eyes. Although, why I feel compelled to follow a yellow tux wearing podophiliac like the Pied Piper of Piperlime remains a mystery...

Kindness of Maxminimus for his très valuable pre dawn intelligence. And, for always being a good sport, no matter how big the yellow bow tie...XXOO

Daily Simon Pearce Fix

2011-10-03T00:01:00.000-04:00

I haven't had much time to peruse the shops along the Avenue for all the unpacking and organizing but, I've somehow managed to already instill myself as a "regular" at Simon Pearce. They not only know my name but, the State I moved from, why my legs are tan, and what I'll probably be back in for the following day...

It started when I went in for the pair of Nantucket Hurricanes. I spied a sweet li'l dish for housing our silk knots and cuff links in the closet. So, I went home, scouted the real estate...

And, was back at SP bright and early the next morn getting the Highgate Heart Dish...

During that trip, I discovered that I could bring in my large Woodbury Pitcher with the stress crack to exchange for a new one...

Figuring I'd kill two Woodburies with one stone, I also snagged the Woodbury Photo Block I had eyed juuust the spot for...

I shoulda been recycling my Simon Pearce bag cuz sure enough, 'twas back again the next day for a basket I'd logged during my last sweep of the store...

The perfect Goldilocks size needed to house the never ending to-do pile on my desk like, listing my too small sooob B² alligator belt strip on eBay and paying shameful parking in front of a hydrant Avenue ticket...

But, sensing Babe's Simon Pearce how much did that cost me? was beginning to wear a lit-tal thin I switched spending gears and reeled in counter stools at Home Goods and TV trays at Walmart this weekend. Bargains, I feel, more than deserve a credit or three towards my next SP visit...

Kindness of reader Katie who recognized me in Home Goods and gave the rec for Mario Batelli's Tarry Lodge around the corner in Port Chester, NY. It was outstaaanding Katie. Babe most especially thanks you for saving him from visit number six to Pizza Post this week...XXOO

What Goes Around, Comes Back Around...

2011-09-30T00:01:00.000-04:00

During the move I found this pic of me, circa maaany years/pounds ago, in the uniform du jour at the time and my very first pair of Belgies...

It just so happens, I have that exact pair of camel leopards currently doing 6 months time and counting in Belgie order purgatory...

And, recently snagged myself a new pair of the same J. Crew black Minnies...

Would you believe I spied the same black stretch perfect shirt at Crew this weekend to boot? Talk about outfit karma. Unfortunately, it's doubled edged outfit karma as I literally just mailed my mom the silk Gucci scarf I'm sportin' in the pic. Good thing I've accumulated a few Hermès stand ins since then. Now, off to light an offering candle in hopes of releasing my leopard Belgies from purgatory...

Kindness of this coming Monday where I get BACK on the ole workout/starvation routine wagon and attempt to resurrect the pic'd bod...XXOO

In House Call

2011-09-29T00:01:00.000-04:00

I don't know if it's due to sinuses, chocolate withdrawal or ole Maxminimus harassing me to constantly make my move on Words With Friends but, I have one wooorld class headache...

Pilgie, M.D. had me take one of my big gun Advil 800's...

And, Lolly, R.N. is sending me to my our new bed and issuing stern warnings to Maxminimus and Daddy that her patient is NOT to be disturbed by demands for Scrabble moves ooor a too loud Dave Chappelle show. Only chocolate and massage interruptions allowed pleaseee...

Kindness of my medical team for knowing when I feel bad and tending to me so well. Now, if they could learn to rub my temples we'd really be in business...XXOO

My Gwynnie Bed Has Cometh...

2011-09-28T00:01:00.000-04:00

Gwynnie P's bed in her Nashville digs...

Annnd, after weeks of sleeping on the floor, Gwynnie P's stalker's newly arrived bed in G'wich...

Now, moving on to getting the lamps off the floor...

Kindness of Aide-de-Camp Lizzie from The House Downtown for all her help and patience (emphasis on the patience) with my Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Yates/Gwynnie P bed. And, Babe for the LARGEST birthday present I've ever received. Thank you for buying me my bed Dilly...XXOO

Boooringgg...

2011-09-27T00:01:00.000-04:00

I know I'm being a total bore these days but, these are the things that have been consuming my time of late. Not stalking the Hermès double tour withthegoldHface watch at Richards, not gallivanting around town in my finest G'wich worthy duds, and def not meeting up with and doing fun things with my local blogger gal pals...

More like shhhleping 'round town in khaki shorts, the same two Lacoste polos, and end of summer lifeless hair doing getting settled tasks like finding someone to spray enamel my old bergere cane chairs a dark navy, which apparently is gonna take a month...

And finding, then lining up, an upholsterer to do the cushions and arms once they're done. But, that's only after I destroy a few more brain cells deciding which of the two fabrics my other Boo at Polo sent I prefer and ordering the yardage needed. See, total throw on the same old khakis, polos, hair in a pony kinda stuff. Babe may think he's spending out the wazoo pulling the place together but, little does he know he's saving a small FOR-toon in clothes and Hermès trinkets...

Kindness of everyone for allowing me another week or so of boring. Hard to write anything exciting when your day consisted of waaay too much time spent in the light bulb isle at Home Depot debating wattage's for each light fixture like you were constructing a model...XXOO

Lolly In The Dog Cat House

2011-09-26T00:01:00.000-04:00

Lolly's in the ~~dog~~ cat house with Daddy...

He said the minute she left to "run errands" and didn't ask him to tag along, his radar went up...

But, Daddy, we neeeeded those Simon Pearce Nantucket Hurricanes for our new demi-lune table in the electrical outletless entry...

Leeeelssss...

Kindness of Lollycakes for taking one for the team...XXOO

Save The Date

2011-09-23T00:01:00.000-04:00

Time to face the no beach music. Yesterday was officially the last day of summer. Sob...

So, I've packed up my summer Lilly jammies...

And, unpacked my shudder winter ones...

I think it's time to seriously consider this invite to Lilly Pulitzer's 80th Birthday Brunch in Delray, Florida benefiting the Museum of Lifestyle & Fashion History...

And, I've got juuust the dress in mind for this li'l shindig. The Florida sun kissed skin will be courtesy of my fashionably early by a few days arrival. Summer Lilly jammies in tow...

Kindness of the Birthday Brunch Committee for sending the invitation my way annnd for the kind personal message about my blog. Now, anyone there got any pull locating me that darn Seamus Multi Dripping in Jewels dress in a size 6 from last season??? XXOO

Hermès Take Me Away...

2011-09-22T00:01:00.000-04:00

I've spent all day hunched over in a crawl space trying to organize storage bins on all fours and I've got another full day of it on deck for tomorrow...

I think hobbit labor like that deserves a li'l recognition. A li'l medium size, black with gold recognition s'il vous plait...

Kindness of the weekend that can't get here soon enough. I may even suggest a train ride into the city for something juicy at Peter Luger. Something juicy could lead to something click-clacky...XXOO

Mr. Rogers Goes Cashmere

2011-09-21T00:01:00.008-04:00

Last weekend Babe and I hit up the Patagonia store in Westport to replace his much worn Better Sweater which he'd left in a cab/rental/black car, one of those modes of BMOC transportation, in Boston...

Annnd, since he was in a rare mood to shop for himself, we also snagged him the Araveto Fleece Pants in black...

The Cashmere quater Zip, which is the first of it's kind I've approved after many years of his attempts at getting this style...

And, the très Mr. Rogers looking Cashmere Cardigan, if Mr. Rogers cardigans had been made from some of the nicest, softest cashmere I've seen in a loooong time...

Now, in my Neighborhood of Make-Believe, not only does Mr. Rogers wear cashmere cardis but, I didn't just leave with this Re-Tool Snap-T Pullover, which will gets tons of wear in that drafty castle...

But, Trolley goes back to fetch me that R2 Vest...

And, Hi-Loft Down Sweater I was also eying. And, King Friday doesn't get mad one bit...

Kindness of Lady Elaine Fairchild for taking the heat should Trolley's package be intercepted...XXOO

Singed By The Hermès Sun

2011-09-20T00:01:00.003-04:00

Like Icarus, I flew too close to the Hermès sun and got singed by Babe's hot lamps...

Musta been a false sense of bravado I was feeling from the Avalon blanket Babe just bought me that led to my covert shawl purchase in NYC. Thanks to Amy, who is now doing heavy penance, 'tis covert no longer since she spilled the shawl beans about two orders deep into Friday night's salty cocktail therapy...

The good news is, now I can wear my beautiful shawl to hide my hot lamp burns. The bad news is, I can stop hoping for that Double Tour orange box to appear under my pillow anytime in the near future...

Kindness of Babe who forgives easily. And Moi, who will remember that a debriefing is requisite before Amy and I cocktail together anywhere in the vicinity of Detective First Grade Babe...XXOO

Big Girl Lipstick

2011-09-19T00:01:00.004-04:00

When I met Amy at the Saks Chanel counter on Saturday morn, me - shlumpin' in khaki shorts, sandals, wet hair, chin covered in moving zits, she - Burberry barn jacketed, coiffed, flawless skinned, I knew I wasn't in Kansas anymore Toto...

So when the Pied Piper of Saks said, you must try my new fav Chanel lipstick I said, okayI'lltakethatoneplease. My first big girl lipstick. Babe should count his lucky stars I put the brakes on the big girl Moschino coat and big girl Chanel evening bag Amy also picked for me. I would've been in big time trouble girl...

Kindness of Amy for the Chanel Rouge Coco Shine lipstick in Bonheur rec. I looove it. It's found a place of prominence right next to my zit drying lotion on the vanity. Also, for her Barney's Denim Bar suggestion which I later referred to, and was politely corrected, as the jean counter. Like I said, loooong way from Kansas...XXOO

Salt Therapy Needed

2011-09-16T00:01:00.004-04:00

Babe loooves to compare me with the world's largest particle accelerator in Switzerland. Like the infamous LHC, I am capable of performing at the highest-energy intensity but, if ooooone weensie bolt, or magnet is disrupted the entire system shuts down. Just the mere threat of change to my routine and I fold like a house o' cards...

I came thiiis close to holding it together through the move but, right now this house o' cards looks more like 52 pick up. And, since there are no immediate trips to the beach planned, and I haven't worked out all week, I think my salt therapy's gonna come in the form of my 7:30pm margarita date with Amy. Mucho salt por favor! I'll save the tears for Babe. He's been expecting them...

Kindness of anyone around the new hood for not judging the half bottle of Mario Badescu Drying Lotion I have on my face every time I walk out the door. And, the Butt Police for allowing me this extended week of probation. I prooomise come Monday it's back ON the workout wagon and back OFF the Tate's Chocolate Chip Cookies...XXOO

My Pet Rock

2011-09-15T00:01:00.004-04:00

Several months ago Ali from the mid-west sent me pics of her daughters beach rock art collection...

My creative copycat light bulb immediately went off...

In desperate need of a door stop for the screen door leading up to the rooftop deck to keep the Ti-Babes from following me up and trying to horn in on my PTH's...

I lifted the first good size rock I spied. And, I mean lifted. We don't get many rocks washing up on our beaches so, when I saw a keeper by the pool of my cousin's vacation rental, I sliiiiped it into my trusty Bean tote...

Then it was off to Michael's, Babe's least fav store in the whole entire world, where I chose my acrylic paints and brushes in record time in a race against his Majesty's visceral reaction clock...

Rock, paints, brushes and Lilly pattern in hand...

It was time for Lolls and I to make like PVE...

Babe, still high off his fantasy of toppling Michael's shelves, had little tolerance for our project, especially when it infringed on time he deemed better spent playing tennis in 100° heat, and started referring to it as my pet rock...

Week after week, stroke inducing tennis match after stroke inducing tennis match of interference, we painted on...

Til tropical storm Irene became perfect storm Irene trapping us in the beach house with nary a chance of coach making us play tennis. And, I kid you not, he tried. Ever increasing 30 mph winds and a mandatory evacuation and I was the killjoy...

Through all the pet rock taunts...

Through all the, by the time you finish we'll be moving out of this beach house! we toiled away...

And, now I have my pretty from a distance door stop and the last laugh. My task is finished but yours, my darling Michael's vandalizer, has just begun...

Eight months and counting down til me and my pet rock will need a new beach house screen door...

Kindness of Ali, Gracie and Holland for sharing their beach rock art with Lolly and me. I already have my Montauk rock find queued up for next year's summer project. And, for everyone else for not pointing out the obvious. It's quite evident that my squashed dream of being a Lilly Pulitzer fit model is now keeping company with the one of my being a Lilly Pulitzer illustrator...XXOO