THE shoe of the season.

I'm human. I've struggled a bit with aging. 

A bit. 

But I'm more or less at terms with who I am and where I am in life. I do, as you know, occasionally wonder whether or not I can pull off a romper or shiny jeans. I fear, however, this is more demonstrative of my well-instilled {possibly misplaced} confidence than of my internal aging struggle. 

I strive to strike the balance between aging gracefully and staying current / relevant. I often say I blog because it keeps me in tune with so much of the world to which I would not otherwise be exposed. 

Until today I thought that a good thing. 

Today, however, my {barely a whisper} internal aging dialog become a booming, cackling laugh in the back of my head. All this was brought to bear by a darling young blogger {who shall remain nameless} who was super jazzed {that's my old word, not her young word which I cannot remember - because I'm old} about her new wedge high tops. 

Say what? 

Isabel Marant via Net-a-Porter

And get this:  They cost $640. 

US Dollars, not Pesos. 

I wrongly assumed this was a designer-gone-wild incident and this blogger a rogue fashionista. 

But oh no, this is the shoe of the season. 

THE SHOE OF THE SEASON!?!?!?

Plenty of options at Piperlime

I'm speechless. 

Well, nearly. 

It is not as if this is the first trend I refuse to embrace. I'm not a trendy girl. I naturally gravitate towards the classics {only occasionally with a twist}.  

This is simply the first trend that made me think someone is playing a cruel, cruel joke on young girls by reinventing the hightop as a wedge and charging outrageous amounts of money for the privilege of looking hip {or ridiculous depending on your point of view}. 

And so today it is resolved: I am old and proud of it. I do not need to ask whether or not I can pull off the wedge high top. No input from my gracious readers is required. I am now quite ready to sit back and giggle at the trends as they pass me by. 

So from my comfy chair far, far away from Fashion Week I say, "Sport your sneakers and rock your heels. Just don't try to do it at the same time." 

Bear Candelier.

The 'candelier' chandelier, by New York based artist Kevin Champeny, is made up of 3,000 hand cast acrylic "gummy" bears . The polychromatic light fills a space with a cool saccharine glow. 

I'm pretty sure Little Miss Thang would love such a focal point in her room. Talk about sugar plums dancing in your head.  Sadly, the $2,400 price tag guarantees it will never find a place in our home. 

Too bad, though, because I'm totally loving it!

source

Any sugar plums dancing in your head this season!  What have you seen that astounded you lately?

Jean pool.

I was told recently, by a much younger and chicer friend, that shiny jeans are the must-have item of the season. And here I thought it was more leopard pieces. I'm always miserably behind. 

And speaking of my miserable behind, I'm not sure drawing attention to it with shiny jeans is really my best choice. But I do think they are super cute for a holiday party or date night with the hubs.  

7 for all Mankind version. 

A bronze version from Joe's Jeans.

A leather-look option from 7 for All Mankind. 

Much akin to my romper debacle this summer {no, I never did find a romper I felt appropriate on my frame}, I seek your honest opinion. Is this fool's errand? Or as Jody would say, would I be a mutton in lamb's clothing?

I need the sage advice of {internet strangers and} friends.  

Because if left to my own devices, I may fall prey to those bronze numbers. 

Geek out.

Are you a technology geek? I am not, though I do keep the company of a few. Despite my high tech shortcomings, here's the latest techy gear that caught my eye. Perfect stocking stuffers, no?!

The cube laser virtual keyboard works with your iPad or iPhone and fits on your keychain. Tee-insy!

via ThinkGeek

This solar power charger attaches to any window and collects solar power to charge your device.  Perfect for your office with a view!

via LikeCool

Please do not ask me how the laser keyboard thingy works.  I'm still impressed by fax machines.  Yes, fax machines!

The odd couple.

Years ago when I worked as an attorney and lived in Houston, I shopped at Neiman Marcus so regularly that I not only had a personal shopper, but had acquired so many "points" that I was frequently invited to private shopping events at which I was served champagne and yummy bits and bites. 

It sounds positively absurd to me now. I currently live a hours from a Neiman Marcus and I have no points. None. Nada. Not a single measly point. If I want to shop and drink champagne I have to pay for the bottle, pour it myself, and sit down at my computer {not a bad idea, come to think of it}.  

Oh, the twists and turns of life! 

I now spend an equal amount of time {and quite possibly nearly as much money} at Target. So  imagine my delight when my favorite past and present retailers announced a collaboration?!  Just in time for the holidays, Neiman Marcus and Target recruited 24 designers to create limited-edition gift items. 

Some of the designers will step out of the product category comfort zone and others are staying with what they know best. Most items will be priced under $60 with prices ranging from $7.99 to $499.99. Neiman Marcus stayed very close to the design process which resulted in products made with real leather and silk, hand beading, hand-blown glass and 18K gold! 

The collection drops into Neiman Marcus stores, Target stores, NeimanMarcus.com and Target.com on December 1st.



I'll pop the top on the champagne! Bring your laptop and let's enjoy our very own private shopping experience on December 1st! No points required.

Family photo.

It's September -- the official beginning of Fall. A month filled with brisk mornings and turning leaves.  Unless, that is, you live in Texas and then, no groundhog required, you are doomed to two more months of Summer. 

And I mean S-U-M-M-E-R!

And while the rest of the country may have put away their linen and white skinnies, wearing breathable, light-colored fabrics is simply a matter of survival when the temps still climb near 100. 

All that said, as soon as Labor Day passes I begin wistfully imagining turning leaves and brisk breezes. With such beautiful imagery filling my mind I immediately, in a very Pavlovian dog sort of way, begin planning our Christmas card photo. 

I know. 

I am that mom. 

Really, are you surprised?!

I painstakingly plan it beginning in September. Pictures are taken in October. Cards designed in November. Posted the second week of December. No, not the first - though they are ready - the second week in December once the halls are decked and stockings hung.

So here's my idea board at the moment: 

Family Photo by eatlivelaugh featuring leopard print flats

This is simply inspiration, friends. Do not click through and look at the price of those earrings. It's insane {no Hubs, this is not a wish list of any sort. you make the money, I spend it - remember?!}.

So do tell:  

Are you compulsive enough to begin planning your holiday cards in September?  

Are you willing to clad your family in wool despite the blazing October heat so you can get a good holiday photo?

join the linky here

Best facial sunscreen.

I believe I've finally found the holy grail of daily facial sunscreens. 

It took time. 

And perseverance. 

I've tried more than my fair share. 

And I'm not talking about a good moisturizer with SPF 15. 

That doesn't count as "sunscreen" in my fair-haired {basal cell carcinoma} world.  

This, however, counts as sunscreen: 

EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 with micronized, and the kicker - transparent, zinc oxide. 

Brilliant. 

I do not have sensitive or particularly acne-prone skin, 

but the consistency of this product is absolutely perfect -- lightweight and quickly absorbed.

My family also uses the EltaMD UV Pure Broad Spectrum SPF 47 for full-body protection. 

It is not so lightweight or quickly absorbed, but it is natural and effective. 

After 14 days in Hawaii we more than tested it's limits. 

Your skin {and dermatologist} will thank me later.  

Beach Trip Packing List.

While it is abundantly clear to me from past travels that I actually need very little, I remain utterly incapable of packing sensibly.

This is all I envision needing:  

• a tunic, 
• my favorite nail polish, 
• a floppy straw hat, 
• a cute maxi dress, 
• versatile earrings, 
• a crisp white tank, 
• a pair of shorts, 
• a practical swimsuit, 
• a straw beach tote, 
• my favorite all-purpose Bernardos in gold, and
• an absurd amount of sunscreen.  

Of course, the current state of my bag is more accurately reflected by the following list:

• 6 tunics {because they also make the perfect cover-up}, 
• 3 floppy hats, 
• 6 maxi dresses {options and my favorite airplane attire}, 
• every pair of earrings I own, 
• 6 t-shirts,
• 3 nicer tops, 
• 8 pairs of shorts, 
• 6 swimsuits {all with coordinating surf shorts and / or cover-ups}, 
• 2 rash guards,
• a 30lb. beach tote / carry-on {because it is holding my iPad and all my other reading materials, not to mention a million other items I'm tasked with carrying}, 
• Bernardos in tan, gold and silver, 
• 2 pair of Haviannas, 
• an amazing pair of wedges, 
• 3 pair of children's googles {and yes, I still have only 2 children}, 
• a first aid kit,
• reusable grocery bags, 
• 2 cameras {big and little}, and
• an absurd amount of sunscreen. 

Does your reality generally fail to match your beautifully organized vision? Please say it's not just me!!

Fresh Produce

If I have not previously made it abundantly clear, let me me settle the score and leave absolutely no room for doubt: I love dresses. 

And believe me, this is not because I'm fancy {as sometimes said in derogatory tone by Little Miss Thang}. No, it may in fact be because I'm somewhat lazy. Personally, I prefer efficient. 

Dressing in dresses is efficient. No matching. No looking around for a top to go with your un-ironed shorts. You put on one piece of clothing and *poof* you instantly look put together. Add an accessory or two if you want to up your game a tad. And honestly, isn't a cute dress and flip flops is just as easy as yoga pants and a t-shirt? 

Game elevated. 

Of course, the dress must match the lifestyle. I certainly have no plans of ironing. Wash and wear is the name of the game with my everyday clothing. I'm generally running all over town, grocery shopping, and schlepping kids to and from tennis and their friends'. Alternatively we've spent a day at the beach or in the pool and I want to shower off and slip into something comfortable but attractive for the rest of the day. 

So when Fresh Produce contacted me to review one of their clothing items I was ecstatic! Their casual beach aesthetic fits my lifestyle perfectly. And their price point is clearly within budget.  

I chose the Fiji Cafe Wrap Dress in Sanibel.

Fiji Cafe Wrap Dress on the model.

The dress arrived promptly and I was even more pleased with it than expected. The cotton knit is extremely soft and comfortable {imagine your favorite t-shirt} and *very important* washes well. 

The Fiji Cafe Wrap is a faux wrap dress which I greatly appreciated given the wind on the coast and the amount of times per day I bend over to pick up ________ {fill in the blank as you wish}.

And *here's the real clincher* it fits perfectly. I ordered an XS {this is a woman's brand - I am not an XS in brands that cater to the 00 set} and was pleased that it covered everything it needed to cover, hung nicely, yet loosely, around my thighs, and fell to a suitable length.

I'm sprouting out of the lantana {which is a shame because I was wearing very cute wedges}.
And I'm clearly looking down noting how badly we need mulch. 

It truly is the perfect summer dress. I've worn it for a girls' day with Little Miss Thang during which we painted pottery and enjoyed lunch and ice cream on the water {the photo above was by snapped by Little Miss Thang on our way out the door} and while relaxing poolside one evening with another family. I plan to pack it for our family travels this summer knowing I can pull it out of an overstuffed suitcase and still wear it to dinner that evening. 

I am now a Fresh Produce fan. And while I will remain loyal to their spring dresses for women, I also love the variety of casual tops, tunics and beach cover-ups.  

If all that were not enough, you should also know Fresh Produce is co-founded and still run by a mom entrepreneur, Mary Ellen Veron, and is primarily made in the USA. You’ll find the clothing sold in Fresh Produce stores and more than 500 specialty retailers throughout the US and Caribbean. Additionally, Fresh Produce now ships to over 200 countries, so women outside the US can enjoy the colorful styles, too.

As the final kicker, many of the styles are 25% off this week only!

Thank you

for sending me such a lovely and versatile dress to review! 

While I was clearly quite pleased to receive the dress, 

all opinions expressed herein are solely my own. 

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Mother's Day is quickly approaching. And sometimes the hubs and kids need a few gift suggestions. 

Who am I to deny them that. 

And if I don't, I'm pretty sure I'll end up with a ping pong table {for the 400th time - we don't have an appropriate place to store it or keep it covered!}.

click the thumbnails below for sources

A {not so private} side-note to the Hubs: No, I do not want everything pictured herein. I was perplexed flattered when you purchased nearly everything from my Christmas idea board {ahem - except the most important part - the trip for two to Paris}. Options, honey. Consider them options, not a shopping list! This is a blog. I make it lavish and pretty for effect. And P.S., I already own the shoes. 


So, what's on your Mother's Day wish list? 

Lesley Evers Giveaway!

This is not the first time I have openly gushed about Lesley Evers's gorgeous dresses. Some of you may remember {and a few of you were present} that fateful October day in 2010 when the words "dress to impress" finally came to fruition in my own life.

If you are not already familiar with my Riley debut, please take a moment to get acquainted with The Dress. 

{We'll wait}.

Yes, Riley has served and continues to serve me quite well. As has Tilda and Grace and a few other friends I've collected over the past few seasons.

Clearly, I'm smitten.

But not without justification! You see, the flattery did not cease after Riley's debut. Riley was not a flash in the proverbial pan. She remains quite effective {as recently as last week, in fact}. As do her friends. Every single time I wear a Lesley Evers piece I receive numerous compliments throughout the day.

Every.

Single.

Time.

"So what exactly is so special about these pieces?" you inquire with a skeptical grin.

First off, Lesley personally designs the vast majority of her textiles. As a result, each and every Candace and Sophie and Elsie is an original work of art. 

Gorgeous, colorful, unique works of art that stand out in a crowd! 

1. Candace in Lilac Links, 2. Elsie in Silk Malibu, 

3. Sophie in Royal Fleurette, and 4. Tilda in Lilac Mendocino.

Additionally, the line is made right here in the USA! By utilizing the skills of local seamstresses Lesley can personally oversee production and manage quality control. The result: amazing construction.

And finally, Lesley's pieces are steeped in "modern nostalgia" as she calls it. The colors and graphics may lend a modern edge, but the silhouettes are absolutely timeless.

Yes, it's really that simple -- exquisite textiles, quality construction and timeless silhouettes; that is what makes a Lesley Evers piece stand out in a crowd!

And now for your opportunity to stand out in a crowd:  

To celebrate the launch of the Spring 2012 line Lesley Evers has offered to give one lucky reader a new {and quite possibly my favorite} piece from the collection:  Marley. 

Oh, isn't she just magnificent?!

Lesley's original art makes this 100% silk charmeuse poncho positively show-stopping. I have no doubt Marley will cause heads to turn and compliments to spill forth.

Absolutely no doubt.

So without further adieu . . .  

Giveaway details: 

Lesley Evers will provide one lucky reader with a free Marley poncho top in your choice of size and color {subject to availability}! 

Mandatory Entry: 

Visit Lesley Evers and leave a comment below telling me which Spring piece is your favorite.

Additional Entries:

Follow Lesley Evers on Facebook {one entry}.

Subscribe to Eat. Live. Laugh. and sometimes shop! {one entry}

Follow me on Twitter {one entry}.

Follow me on Facebook {one entry}.

Tweet or share this post via Twitter or Facebook {one entry each}.

For each action to count as an additional entry you must leave a separate comment below letting me know.

Rules (aka the fine print): You must be 18 years of age and a U.S. citizen to enter. Chances of winning are based upon number of entries received. The contest will run from Tuesday, March 27th through, Thursday, April 5th. A winner will be selected from all eligible entires using Random.org and announced on Friday, April 6th.

Disclosure: I previously purchased my own Lesley Evers pieces and extolled their virtues motivated only by my desire to share a good find. I am obliged to disclose, however, that I was provided a Marley poncho in addition to the Marley poncho provided for this giveaway. {insert picture of me smiling ear to earl!!}

 I wish you all the best of luck!

Dress him up with your love.

 

The Hubs may not always appreciate the amount of time I spend on my computer. But perhaps this find will buoy my standing {and his wardrobe}!  Trunk Club is perfect for the all those men who want to look their best but cannot find the time to curate style-worthy wardrobes. And puh-lease, I have a hard enough time keeping me and the kids looking respectable. I certainly do not help him much beyond an occasional linen shirt and shorts {his summer vacation uniform}. 

Trunk Club is one part New York fashion company and one part Silicon Valley startup and a brilliant way to try a variety of clothes without ever leaving the house. 

This is how it works: You share the deets on your {or your hub's} lifestyle, needs, age, and profession and team of stylists consider carefully what clothing meets that criteria. Days later a new wardrobe in a box arrives on the doorstep. Inside is an assortment of apparel that's custom fitted to meet his personal style as well as his size. 

The best part? You only pay for the pieces he wants {or that you want him to keep} and return the rest - no questions asked.

What a wonderful Valentine's gift for the guy in your life! 

It's a bird! It's a plane!

Every little superhero deserves wings! 

How cute is that?!

These wings and bolts fit any child’s shoe 

{and smaller adults!} by simply attaching to the laces.  

Brilliant!

Find them at Smallfly's Etsy shop!

Getting dressed should be a no brainer!

Darling Hayley from The Tiny Twig recently sent me a copy of her ebook, The No Brainer Wardrobe, to review. 

I was happy to oblige. By no means do I fancy myself a fashion maven of any sorts. Far from it, in fact. But I do love clothes. And I generally love getting dressed. Always have. When I was in high school I kept a clothes calendar.

Yes, seriously. 

{stop mocking me} 

I would mark what I wore every single day. This was partly motivated by my fear of repeating too frequently {2 weeks minimum which required a lot creativity given my limited high school wardrobe}, but also so I would remember what I wore with what. Curating the combo is often initially daunting. I never wanted to forget what worked. And thus, my clothes calendar worked like a charm. 

Sometimes I wonder why I ever stopped. Hayley's book reminded me of the wisdom in that practice. And so much more. 

The No Brainer Wardrobe is for every woman who has ever stood in a full closet and exclaimed: I have nothing to wear! It truly does get to the nuts and bolts of what makes you feel good, and thus, look good. 

I love how Hayley sums it up here:

There is something about a woman’s confidence that makes her more beautiful and more approachable at the same time. . . . As important as confidence is contentment. There are seasons in life, and maybe this season doesn’t afford you a lavish wardrobe budget. . . . Creativity and a bit of time is all you need to put together a bevy of attractive and of the moment outfits.

So true!

Hayley even suggest turning to Pinterest to help you discern your style. We've all pinned a few cute outfits for inspiration. Here are a few of my "style" pins. 

all images via Pinterest

The No Brainer Wardrobe reminded me that "classic" truly is my style.  I need not be worry about every little trend - it simply isn't my look.

From this board, it appears jeans and t-shirts are my look.

Luckily, Hayley has an entire chapter on "How to Make Jeans & T-Shirts an Outfit."  

Truly, it is a lovely little book {80 pages of content} which will make you reexamine your closet, your style, your shape, and your budget.

Hayley says it perfectly:

It really is about realizing that looking perfect everyday isn’t the aim. Looking good and put together, feeling proud and confident–now that is what it’s about. You don’t have to spend a fortune; you don’t have to spend an eternity. You just need to let go of a few preconceived ideas that you’ve probably carried with you without even knowing it. 

The No Brainer Wardrobe is only $7.99 -- a wise investment if you generally take more than five minutes deciding what to wear. As a *BONUS* the first 10 readers to download a copy receive it at 50% off that price!  Just enter the code eatlivelaughshop at checkout!

Enjoy!


*I did receive a free ebook for review, but all opinions are entirely my own.*

Christmas Wish List.

I really do not want anything for Christmas.

No, really.

I have all I need and more.

But, if there were a few thousands {or more likely, tens of thousands} laying around, this would be my ultimate Christmas morning fantasy.

1.  J Crew long sleeve sweater, 2. J.Crew skinny leg jeans, 3. Prada logo bag, 4. Lanvin ballet shoes, 5. Devon Leigh 24k earrings, 6. Amrita singh owl necklace, 7. Rimowa Salsa Air 26" Multiwheel Trolley Suitcase.

Jetting off the day after Christmas to spend a week {including my birthday and New Year's} in Paris - j'adore that idea!!

Une fille peut rêver {a girl can dream}.


The Hubs, of course, has his own list and I'm pretty sure this tops it.




So, I suppose we are both dreamers.

Quite happy and content in reality, but dreamers nonetheless!


I hope you all have a very dreamy Christmas!!

I see London, I see France . . .

What a lovely way to compliment your guests as they arrive.

Well, maybe at the back door.  

via

Swivl me anywhere!

I'm not really a gadget geek. Truly. I upgrade electronics only when warranted, not just because the latest and greatest is available. But this little gadget really caught my eye. Swivl holds your iPhone or Flip camera and moves, or swivels, with you to capture your video hands-free!  

If you are a vlogger this could be quite handy. Or if you are like me, you may just use it so you actually make it in a video from time to time!  

Swivl by Satarii from Satarii on Vimeo.

That's a wrap.

I'm so inspired by this video!  I'll never wear a scarf in the same boring way again!

And truly, a scarf over a simple white t-shirt and jeans is an easy way to look chic with very little effort.  Now that it's {FINALLY} scarf-wearing weather, make it a point to try a new technique this week.

Now I just need to find a way to post this cute tutorial in my closet.

Guess Wu?

Target's plans to top Missoni-mania were released yesterday. They announced that Michelle Obama favorite Jason Wu will be their next designer collaborator. The bullseye brand has already started releasing teasers of the low priced collection of apparel and handbags.

I'm wondering if the collection be Miu Miu-esque?



Wu hoo!

Heel of a sense of humor.

‘chewing gum’ by  kobi levi, 2009 (leather)

Designer Kobi Levi specializes in designing unusual footwear that blurs the line between
fashion and art. Levi graduated from Bezalel Academy of Art & Design, Jerusalem and has worked as a freelance designer since. He describes his personal shoe creations as "artistic footwear" making each pair in his studio by hand. "The shoe is my canvas. The trigger to create a new piece comes when an idea, a concept and/or an image comes to mind. The combination of the image and footwear creates a new hybrid and the design/concept comes to life. The piece is a wearable sculpture." 


Sculpture, yes.  But I think I'd opt to display these on my mantel opposed to on the streets! 


Absolutely amazing!

‘blow’ by  kobi levi, 2010 (leather)


‘tongue’ by  kobi levi, 2005 (leather)


‘dog’ by  kobi levi, 2010 (leather)


‘sling-shot’ by  kobi levi, 2010 (leather and wood)

‘xxx pump’ by  kobi levi, 2010 (leather)


‘tulip’ by  kobi levi, 2003 (leather and textile)


‘rocking chair’ by  kobi levi, 2003 (leather and cork)


‘androgyne’ by kobi levi, 2002 (leather)


‘double boots’ by kobi levi, 2000 (leather)

‘market trolley’ by kobi levi, 1998 (textile and rubber)

‘birds 1 toucan’ by kobi levi, 2011 (leather)

‘blond ambition’ by kobi levi, 2011 (leather)