Tory Burch Playlist Picking Up Emma's Slack

Well, Emma has been M.I.A. for runs the past couple of weeks due to her social shhheduuule and, ahem, "recouping" from said shheduuule which, has left me to dig deep for second helpings of motivation post P90X workouts...

Thank goodness Tory Burch just debuted Volume 2 of her Foundation's CD and I can skedaddle over to iTunes and download a new running play list. I've got a 3 miler that's dangerously close to being bagged and I need something fresh to tip the scales in favor of skinny...

“Hello Bonjour” by Michael Franti and Spearhead
“Come A Little Bit Closer” by Willy DeVille
“Baby” by Devendra Banhart & The Grogs
“From My Heart To Yours” by Laura Izibor
“Give It To Me Right” by Melanie Fiona
“Little Bit” by Lykke Li
“Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Wyclef Jean
“Bigmouth Strikes Again” by The Smiths
“Take A Minute” by K’naan
“Your Voice” by Santigold
“Pata Pata” by Miriam Makeba
“Taking on Water” by Matt White
“Good Night” by Kanye West, Mos Def and Al B Back
“Sideways” by Santana and Citizen Cope
“360°” by Asa
“Rivers of Babylon” by The Neville Brothers

Kindness of Tory for stepping in for Emma and the bff Kimba who both did a smidgie too much "socializing" last night. This play list, plus the promise of a hot bubble bath, are going to help me run off that piggy portion of almond butter I had before dinner...XXOO

Hermes, Nuff Said

Allie,

Figured this was right up your alley - my sister is turning 25 this May and on her perpetual wish list is an Hermes bangle. I want it to be both classic, but personal while not logo driven. I wanted the Carousel bangle, but can't find it. What design do you think is the perfect first Hermes bangle?

Daryl

Well, Southern Gent, looks like you didn't need my help, or what was essentially my Hermes bangle wish list, after all. Channing is one très lucky sister. And, it may be a couple of months away but, consider yourself officially invited to my birthday!

I've got Hermes bangle on the brain now and I'm totally kicking myself for walking away from this baby last August while shopping with the bff Kimba in Charlotte. See what being a good girl gets ya? Nuthin...

Here's my current obsession that I've been stalking. But, with a gold rim. (drops voice an octive) And, BIGGER...

But, if I can get out of the immediate gratification mode, I just may realize how perf this would be when I debut my red velvet and fuzzy leopard Belgians come fall. Of course, I'm sure I could wrangle up enough navy and white in my summer wardrobe to warrant paaahlentyyy of wear this summer too...

Kindness of Southern Gent Daryl for reminding me that I was dropping the ball on one of my Hermes lust lists. How foolish of me to think I couldn't simultaneously juggle my desire for a beach towel AND an enamel bracelet. Meanwhile, if you get a package from Babe marked "knuckle sandwich", I wouldn't open it...XXOO

Goings On 'Round The Blogging Hood

Well, Meg Carter held her random drawing for the four $250 gift certificates and guess who was one of the lucky winners?

The bff Kimba, who had actually put up a small fight when I pulled out my camera at dinner to snag this pic. That's right, who's thanking who now hmmm....

We've been conferring on possible goodies to get with my her shopping spree and we're leaning towards these as possible mates to her Van Cleef and Arpels tigers eye Alhambra bracelet...

Or, these which also would pair nicely with her bracelet annnd the Rolex with the tigers eye face that we are expecting Santa to deposit under her tree this year. This would be a good time to mention the email I received from reader Mary Anne Estes singing the praises of Meg's customer service and asking me to mention it on my blog. My pleasure Mary Anne...

In from Camp Maxminimus are the picture texts of Paul McCartney and his gal pal at the G'town Four Season's bar...

Ole Max kept me entertained last Monday evening with his celeb documenting including Paul, Jack White, Karen Elson and the Jonas Brothers while grabbing drinks and dinner with our mutual friend...

Meanwhile, back in London Ringo was on the receiving end of this picture text from Paul with a, "get a load of this guy's pants in the Four Season's bar" caption...

And, in Belgian Shoe news, looky what is contributing to the Duchess's financial woes. At least I know I'm in good company...

Although, the two of us may soon find ourselves sporting the poor woman's Belgian Shoe currently at Kmart. I guess you could call it the "step down" Belgian. Santa, if you're still tuned in, me no likey. Rubber Belgians = coal...

Kindness of Meg Carter for hosting such a fabulous giveaway, ADG and his GTH panted self for knowing how I so love a good celeb sighting and, reader Lisa Musgrave for keeping me abreast of not only important Hermes sales but, equally imperative Belgian Shoe updates...XXOO

No Food And No Deliveries Do Not A Happy Girl Make

Pardon us but, we have had a physically exhausting week of fasting, daily morning workouts with the bff Kimba, quite a few brutal evening runs, lotsa late night sleepovers for Emma and Hilbils and no UPS deliveries to make up for it all...

Wake us when the eating ban is lifted for the weekend...

Kindness of Emma who will hopefully take her "running partner" responsibilities a little more seriously next week otherwise, the bff is gonna have to suit up and start pulling double duty. Just heard a squeal of panic from a midtown beach house...XXOO

Furry Spiritual Guides

This past weekend Ellen, aka "I Love Lime Green", emailed me about a seven year old female Flame Point Himalayan that was up for adoption at the Bethesda Petsmart. My heart immediately broke for her and after a long conversation with her tender I went weeping to Babe...

Alas, sniffle, sniffle, we can not bring an adult cat into my sister's beach rental. So, if there's anyone in the DC area, who can make a good home for a furry angel that requires regular grooming, please call 240.497.1350

Since my hands are tied in this situation I'm headed over to a place that was near and dear to Templeton's heart, Angel's Gate, to assuage my disappointment by helping some other lovable critters in need...

If you can get past the first 15 seconds of the producer's très scary choice in branding music you'll understand why Angel's Gate meant so much to Tatsie's caring and generous heart...

So, in his honor, Pilgie and I are looking at a few things on their wish list including wee wee pads and baby wipes for Sydney the Lab...

A donation for Bootsie, who was born without lower hind limbs, towards her much needed reevaluation and new hinged orthotics...

Orrr...some diabetic supplies for Babette...

I'll have to wake up nutty butty to confer on what we should give...

Hope his Highness realizes how good he has it lying there on his 600 thread count French linens...

Kindness of Ellen Garrity for all her legwork on behalf of the sweet Himmy up for adoption. I may not be able to become her Mummy but, I'm honored to stand in as fairy Godmummy til she finds a good home...XXOO

No Hoarding Allowed!

Dear Alice

I remember seeing pictures of your closet and it seemed so well edited. Do you buy a few key pieces every season, wear them a ton, and then purge? Do you have any trouble with that process or are you fairly ruthless? Help! My closet is taking over and I don't even like half the clothes. But, then I just see dollar signs when I try to get rid of things. Thanks for any insight into your philosophy on this!

Lauren

Well, fellow usedtobea C'villain Lauren of The Plan, I'll happily re-run my closet post from last year. And, if you thought that was impressive, look at the space I have to work with now in the beach house. Our room, let alone the closet, is sooo tiny that I had to lay back on the bed to get the shot...

I run a tight ship and ruthlessly vet every new item. And, when I don't wear something for a season, I pass it along to sisters, nieces, friends or my mom. When there are no takers, I'll turn to eBay. No matter how much it cost 'tis better that someone gets enjoyment from the item if you no longer do. Of course...there are a few vintage exceptions but, I'm not quite at that Varsity level yet. Babe's got a smidge more time before we start talking Chanel jackets and Birken bags. Enjoy the archived post...

Earlier this week the interior of our closet was featured on the blog Bonanno's or Barefoot! Vivian's post was titled "It's All About the Closet Space" and she invited readers to share pics that hopefully, included one of how they stored (displayed!) their Bonanno's.

Being the true Leo that I am, I jumped at the chance to showcase my summer closet organizational wizardry. Babe is fond of telling people that I'm a "logistics expert" which is a très fancy way of saying my wife has major OCD...

My friends used to hire me to organize their closets and the S.O.S. usually came in at least twice a year. Now, I'm not naming names (Joanie, Mary, Melissa, Kimba...) but some of my past clients/pupils required more frequent overhauls. And, in response to some recent requests I will impart some of my organizational wisdom/disease...

Above is my Hable laundry bushel that endures hefty trips down to the laundry room carrying multiple loads, detergent, fabric softener, stain remover, whitening booster and sometimes a bag of trash. Or two...

Just a cheapo belt hanger from The Container Store but, swanked up a little with a framed signature of Ralph Lauren (a moment of reverence please...), a much appreciated gift from my father-in-law...

One of my favorite tricks of the trade are my Joy Mangano Huggable Hangers from HSN. I have all black (just like the ones Nate Berkus outfitted Katie Lee Joel's NYC closet in) and they have been a godsend in small spaces. And, Joy's right, the clothes don't slip off! I outfitted Emma's dorm closet in all pink ones which look really pretty holding her sorority de rigueur Lilly's...

A little humor injected along with some Benjamin Moore Pink Cloud #887 paint...

Pottery Barn baskets are the best at durability and I use them to contain smaller items such as...

Scarves, small clutches, handkerchiefs, soft belts, my Bonanno leather color swatch...

Travel kits and shoe bags...

And, bathing suits and beach bag sundries, ahhh...

In Babe's little neck of the woods, or what I affectionately call his dogleg portion of the closet, a Bed Bath and Beyond cedar tie and belt rack has gone the distance with us through 4 different homes...

And, even though it's the back of the closet (it's a walk-in, that's my story and I'm sticking with it!) I still feel it's important to make it personal. The fact that it's too dark for him to see any of my special touches is secondary to the thought counting...

And finally, a sentimental photo overlooks a collection a containers to separate the family jewels from the junk and receipts that accumulates in Babe's pockets each week...

Kindness of all my above mentioned friends who know that I mock from the heart. And remember Lauren, you need to make "space" in your life (and closet!) for the universe to bring new things your way...XXOO

If I Can't Eat, I'm Gonna Have To Lift The Shopping Ban

Emma and I are wrapping up the final (Allelujaaahhh...) day of our two day fast and are fading rapidly. We both snoozed pretty hard on the beach today and I also plan on hitting the hay early tonight in anticipation of breakfast. Kashi Heart to Heart with fresh strawberries and skim milk never looked so good...

Fortunately, I had a couple of friends send some distracting goodies my way. From Joanie of Belgian Show fame came My Mother's Clothes. Hmmm...maybe I should start thinking about cataloguing my own duds just in case. Ya never know what could end up in a book or the Met a la Nan Kempner...

And, from my good friend of Ledury Shirt fame, Alexandra Lee, came The Hermès Scarf, History & Mystique...

Did I tell ya'll about my dream you could check out Hermes enamel bangles at the public library? Somehow my subconscious got it's "Hermès" and "book" wires crossed in a most disappointing way...

Kindness of Joanie DiNardo and Alexandra Lee Small for such fabulous distractions from starving myself fasting. And yes, ADG, my butt IS fasting regardless of the fact that the drink has the word "shake" in the title. Water and powder do not a shake make...XXOO