Will you marry me?

I've done the girl crush thing a couple of times here, but I thought it was time I told you were my true love lies. Who doesn't love Jon Hamm? Not only is he gorgeous; I mean seriously, it doesn't ever get better looking than that! The epitome of tall, dark, and handsome. Not only is he a living Adonis, but he is also incredibly talented. Do you guys watch Mad Men? The show would not be the same without Jon Hamm leading the helm. At least I don't think so. Sure, there is talent running rampant on that set, but Jon [I'm gonna go first name-style like we're friends] amazes me all the time. His work is subtle yet clearly defined. And he seems like an uncompromising gentleman in real life with his long-term girlfriend, Jennifer Westfeldt. Lest we forget, he was adorable and funny on SNL and the Emmys a couple nights ago. Booty dancing with Betty White? Yes, please. Did you catch that he was whistling to make the noise a truck makes while backing up? I love it. All of this to say that I am undeniably in adoration of Jon Hamm. It's a problem. Now let's hope he doesn't stick a restraining order on me.

All photos: Jeff Lipsky for Parade Magazine, obviously.

Emmy Style.

I love me a good awards show; I laugh, I cry, I clap while all sitting in my apartment by myself. For real. I have very large reactions to speeches and I get so excited for the people who win. AND I love the dresses. Don't you? It's always a full afternoon of pre-show red carpet specials when I can make sharp judgments from my living room. These are my favorites from last night's Emmy awards. Which dresses did you like?

All photos from InStyle

Weekend time!

I hope you guys have a fabulous weekend! Fabulous like these flowers and not just cause I don't have anything else to post about. Or that I'm too tired. I swear that's not it. [I just lied.] Have a great weekend, my friends!! I have a party or two to attend and hope to have some quiet time in between. What do you have planned this weekend?

Sleep with the fishes.

I don't know if this is amazing or terrifying. This underwater suite is usually a restaurant in a hotel, but can be reserved fourteen days in advance for a pretty penny. Sure, it's obviously amazing, but I'm not so sure I'd be able to sleep here. I'm not a fan of spending copious amounts of time underwater. Because let's face it, if you and the water were in a fight -- the water ultimately wins. Every time. Enough said. AND if I were sort of sleeping and opened my eyes to see an eel above my head, I would not have the best of reactions. Though, this must be an ideal getaway for more people than me. Plus, I can look at these pictures every day.

Disclaimer: I know this is kinda similar to yesterday's post, but I simply couldn't get it out of my mind and then couldn't find anything else I wanted to post. Welcome to my head, folks.

First seen on The Bride's Guide.

A campground I can get behind.

I would totally go camping if it always looked like this! Isn't it incredible? I want s'mores and campfires and stars. And the comfort of a beautifully designed tent. Check! I've only been camping once [I think!] and it was when I was a kid. Frankly, I'm afraid I've become too prissy to live in the outside for even a couple of nights. I'm more a spend-the-day-and-evening-outside-then-retire-to-a-warm-and-dry-cabin kind of girl. But I seriously think I'd be able to hang if it were in this campground! I'm really good at roasting marshmallows. Just sayin'.

First seen on The Sweetest Occasion where you can see a couple more pics.

DeSIGN me up.

{via The Brass Petal}

See what I did there [with the title]?? See? See? Now you officially know how lame I truly am. Please forgive me. Moving on...

Did you guys watch Design Star on HGTV? Er, if you didn't -- sorry, it's too late. BUT, it isn't too late to watch Emily Henderson!!

As I've said before I'm a fan of the reality show, but this one is especially great. First of all, you get to see how designers' brains work, even if they are crazily rushed and under pressure with little budget. It's basically Project Runway for interior design. Secondly, the winner gets an actual television show! Holla!! Now THAT'S a prize!

It was announced on Sunday that Emily is the Grand Winner of All Design. That's not really her title, but you know what I'm sayin. I'm super excited because Emily was my favorite even when she almost bit the dust on the first challenge; eep, that was rough to watch. Plus, she has an awesome blog that I've been reading, which only makes you like her more. I laugh, I nod in approval, I sigh with joy. Okay, that might be taking it a little too far, but you know what I mean. Anyway, you should read her blog AND WATCH HER SHOW! She has a special that will be on HGTV this Sunday at 9 pm CST, just a little taste of her show that'll happen sometime in the future.

I should also mention that her show, Secrets From a Stylist, is an incredible idea: the concept is taking someone's style, aka wardrobe, and using it as inspiration for their decor. I think it is grand and I can't wait to see more!

Plus, she's a total babe. Need I say more?

Sequin Central.

{outfit info}

New outfit! I wanted to work in some day sequins. Do you think it works? I had to temper the sequins by grounding the pieces around the skirt. A casual tshirt, laid-back bensimon sneakers, and a structured blazer. I would probably roll the sleeves of the blazer and definitely wear it open, but polyvore wouldn't let me do that. And how about that bag?? Remember when I said I wouldn't carry a pink purse? Well, I guess I would if it were Marc Jacobs! Always changing my mind, I am. And I thought those gold posts were darling and not too twee. All in all, I'm pretty excited about this outfit, but mostly because of the navy and hot pink combination. I could stare at that for hours. What's your favorite part? What would you have done differently?

Cobalt crazy.

Remember how I told you I was obsessed with cobalt blue? And I really like pink, but not enough to carry around a pink purse. Well, well, well. Looks like someone got into my brain! Isn't this clutch gorge?? I made an audible inhalation when I saw it -- it literally took my breath away. So good. So, so good.

I love the idea of a pop of color with any outfit. And I think cobalt blue is chic enough to stand on its own. Paired with LBD? Perfect. Paired with a LWD? Even better! Pair it with kahki, pair it with navy, pair it with orange. See? It's more versatile than you think! I would especially love to see it paired with a jade green dress and gold shoes.

And then there's this guy. What do you think? I have my eye out for a grey hobo bag and this just might fit the bill. I'm really digging how the straps are black and it seems like the most lovely leather. And just enough hardware, I think. But perhaps you think it is too simple? What are your thoughts?

All thanks to unruly things who posted her bag and spoke of the wonderful people/shop of Ellington. If only I lived in Portland. Or, at least visited for a weekend. But who is kidding who, that's what online shops are for!

Ha! I totally forgot to wish you guys a happy weekend. This has been a weird week for me and I can't believe I forgot it was FINALLY Friday. With that said, have a fabulous weekend, my friends!!

Black Swan.

Okay, okay. I know videos are not your favorite, but I HAD to share this, if only so you would understand. This is freaky. And amazing. And beautiful. Now watch!

The official trailer for Black Swan came out yesterday. Starring Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Barbara Hershey, and Vincent Cassel. Whoa. And, let's not forget the most important part: directed by Darren Aronofsky. This is destined for greatness, if I don't say so myself. Uhhh, did I mention that ballet is majorly involved? Swan Lake, no less. Major selling point for this little lady. Yeah, I'll watch that.

Nooowwww I just need to get over the fact that I am majorly creeped out. What w-a-s that at the end?? I am certain I will be watching parts of this between my fingers.

Who wants to get me a ticket to The Venice Film Festival? Because man, December is far away.

Forget me not.

I love this! Remember how they told you to tie a string around your finger in order to remember? Because surely you would've forgotten whatever it was unless you had such a tangible reminder. Surely. Well, now there are the Forget Me Nots! Holla. These rings come in so many color choices, and silver and gold. How can a girl choose?

I also really love this as a sweet gift from one to another. "How can you possibly forget me if I give you this lovely ring?" You can't. Enough said.

Personally I never understood the whole string theory; I thought it would just be annoying after a while. And, I'm not very forgetful. BUT turn anything into charming jewelry and I'm game! Did you ever use a string so usefully?

Paris.

My friend, B, is going to Paris soon [so beyond jealous] and I thought I'd throw together a post of what I think to be Parisian style. I ended up with a lot of trenches, which was totally an accident [also an accident? the three last images being so incredibly similar], but I guess that's the point I'm trying to make. Classically chic always feels to me the most important detail to Parisian fashion. Not that I've ever been, but I have thoughts... and dreams. My advice to dear B is to pack monotone colors and chic separates. Pieces that will mix and match well with each other and are tailored to your frame. I'm sure some stripes and red lipstick wouldn't hurt either!

Do you guys have a go-to red lipstick? I have yet to find the perfect one and I feel like it is my holy grail. What would you wear to Paris?

Images 1 / 2 / 3 / 4: The Sartorialist
Images 5 / 6: Copenhagen Street Style
Image 7: all the pretty birds

VT Interiors.

Ooooo, I just found this blog via Apartment Therapy. VT Interiors is a "library of inspiration" - oh yes, oh yes it is. So many beautiful interiors put together by Viera, an interior designer who resides in Australia. She has an impeccable eye for thoughtful interiors and I appreciate the endless inspiration.

These were just a few of my favorites, or the ones that immediately popped out at me. I am such a fan of the colors and breeziness of the rooms. My favorite is by far the last two, can you imagine living there? The chandelier, the pink, the white, the nature! All so amazing, I want to be there NOW.

Which one is your favorite? Do you have any other blogs of the like to recommend? I could look at pictures like these for hours!

Photo 1: Brian Watford Design
Photos 2 / 3 / 4: Ana Cordeiro
Photos 5 / 6: Alisberg Parker Architects

Finally.

I love this print. I just wish it came in pink. You know, to go in my pink and grey bedroom. I was doing so well with that room redo, but I seemed to have stalled a bit. [I've been trying to find the grey version of the For Like Ever poster, but can't seem to find it anywhere. Boo. Any ideas?] I should probably get back on that. Hmm, maybe I will do that this weekend. What are you lovelies up to this weekend? I hope it's all sorts of fun stuff. Honestly, I'm hoping to stay in air conditioning for most of it because we're having a bit of a heatwave. For reals, we had an Excessive Heat Warning yesterday in Chicago. What is that?? I lived in Georgia for nine years and never heard of any Excessive Heat Warning. Every day is excessive in Georgia. Ba-da-mcha. Okay, I think that's my cue to call it quits for the week. Have a great weekend, friends!!

Troop Beverly Hills.

Ummm. How was I not aware of this?? I just found out yesterday that Jenny Lewis, of Rilo Kiley fame, played Shelley Long's daughter in Troop Beverly Hills! Seriously?! How have I gone through life not knowing this?

I LOVED, I'll say it again, LOVED this movie when I was kid. In fact, I'm gonna take a leap of faith and say that I would still love this movie today. You know, in the way that one loves The Never Ending Story. But seriously, this movie was my jam. [If I were to say things were my jam, things that weren't songs of course.] The outfits, the money, the ridiculousness of it all. I knew it was ridiculous even when I was a kid, but that don't stop a girl from her true love. And my true love is Shelley Long in khaki and gold lame. [I can't seem to get the accent over the 'e' - I'm sure you're aware I'm not calling Shelley Long lame, as in boring. Not possible.]

On a side note, I blame Troop Beverly Hills for my incessant want to go camping in swanky hotel rooms.

[Disclaimer: Not the best video, but I thought it was the most thorough of those provided. Plus I figured most of you won't even watch it anyway.]

New kicks.

If you follow me on Twitter then you already know that my sandal broke on my way home from work the other day. Bummer! I was planning on riding those puppies through the summer. Well, I guess that just means that I need a new pair. Sigh. What do you think of these guys?

ps Inception was AWESOME! Just sayin'.

La la la Lonny.

I am SO PUMPED. The new Lonny magazine is out today. Aren't you excited?! I sure am. You should check it out now! It would be absolutely ridiculous for you not to. And, remember that they have embedded links; if you like what you see on a certain page, click over it and it just may take you straight to the product itself. Genius! I can't wait to get my grubby hands on it. Or eyes. Whatever. You know what I mean.

ps I'm going to see Inception tonight. Yay! I've been wanting to see it, if only to stop annoyingly plugging my ears and yelling when I hear other people mention it. I hate that. For real, I'm one of those annoying people that can't hear ONE THING about a movie before I see it. It just gets my wheels turning and that's no good. Especially movies like Inception, not that I really know much about it, but I've certainly heard enough to put some thoughts together. And pre-movie thoughts are no good. Ha, I'm such a grump. Oh, and, don't even think about talking to me during the movie; I will blatantly ignore you. AND, I do the turn-around-stare-of-death-so-you-stop-talking stare to people behind me. I told you -- GRUMP.

For a cooler day.

I know, I know. This neckwarmer is quite off-season, but I saw it and thought it was lovely. In midst of all this humidity and heat and sweat and air-conditioning it is kind of nice to see a fetching neckwarmer and dream of cooler days. I'm sure I'm going to hate myself for saying that in five months, but I'll stand by it. For now. But really, I'd much rather be cold than hot and that's probably a good thing living in Chicago. And when the time comes I think it would be very nice to see this puppy around my neck.

Lady in white.

{copenhagen street style}

I've been loving soft, white dresses lately. Especially ones that drape. I know I've already posted a stunning lady with a white dress, but I couldn't help but be drawn to it again. I also really love the idea of the dress paired with black tights, so modern and chic. In fact, I have thoughts in my head of a friend of mine [hi, Katie!] who is getting married this Fall. I would love it if she changed into a vintagey, soft, drapey white dress and black tights to hit the town post-reception. And when I say hit the town, I mean go to the bar right next door to the reception venue. And then we could get something super fun in her hair because I just know she won't let me convince her to put the veil back on -- a lovely flower would do wonders!. Anyway, don't you think that would be a lovely post-wedding dress? The modern honeymoon suit, if you will. I think yes.

What are you guys up to this weekend? I hope to lay low, relax, and not do much of anything; it's been a week. I know Buster will surely appreciate it. Have a great weekend and see you on Monday!!

Bag + Outfit = Nirvana.

I love this bag. I love it, I love it, I love it. If it wasn't over $400 I would pop on over to Anthropologie and pick it up fer meself. But. Like I said. It's over $400. That's a certifiable no go in my book. Too bad, cause ain't she pretty? I even dreamed up an outfit to go along with it. [see below] Oh well, it is not meant to be. Until I find my non-weird/ethical sugar daddy, that is.

{outfit info}

In completely random news, I am kind of obsessed with the iphone 4 commercial where the dad forces his daughter to smile so he can see her braces. You know what I'm talking about? That "song" he sings is way too adorable and I want to hear it all the time. All.the.time.

Here's the deal.

{via}

Friends, I have an announcement -- a proclamation, if you will: I've got some stuff going on. Nothing ominous or terrible, even if me proclaiming it makes it seem that way; I'm just busy. And lacking inspiration, or dedication, or hateration. Wait.

But no, seriously, I'm losing hours in the day and I'm afraid I've set myself up for a breakneck speed of blogging. Don't get me wrong, I love blogging, I do! If you know me, you know I talk about it way too much, but I can't really keep up at the moment. Blogging twice a day, five days a week, plus a full-time job, plus a social life, plus those things that pop up equals one tired girl. Since I still want a job and my friends, I'm thinking I need to cool it for a bit.

My god, this is all sounding so serious! It's not that serious. I'm just going to plan on blogging once a day from here on out. Who knows if I will hold to that, I may miss the ridiculous pace, or have more to say than one post a day can afford me, but as of now I am planning on being a one-a-day-kind-of-girl. Cool? I hope y'all understand and don't leave me in the dust. In fact, I think it will be better for all of us. You know -- the whole quality over quantity thing.

Please direct your concerns, complaints, criticisms to my comment section. Thank you.

ps I recently blogged about a dress Demi Moore wore last night on The Rachel Zoe Project. I die!

A shoe after my own heart.

I saw this beaut on the wonderful and whimsical Creature Comforts yesterday and gasped. I love these shoes! They are sexy and demure all at the same time. Don't you agree?

Smitten Kitchen.

{via}

I've just stumbled upon Smitten Kitchen and I might as well have died last night. All the food, all the pictures* -- it was heaven! There are SO many to choose from, but I was stuck on this one, the summer pea and roasted red pepper pasta salad. I love a good pasta salad, especially one with peas. And, I thought it was perfect for this oh so summery weather we're having. If you don't happen to like peas [weirdo], you can find so many more options of delicious eats on the blog. You should check it out just for the pictures alone, but stay for the delightfully honest writing. Bon appetit!

*Ummm. This is not a photo from Smitten Kitchen. I read her FAQ on the blog before posting and realized that I'm not allowed to post her photos. If it wasn't so late as I was writing this, I would've come up with a new post with actual photos, but it was. Late. So, you'll have to go to the site to see her photos for yourself. Sorry, guys!

Yawn.

{via}

This is how I feel today. Well, this is mostly how I felt yesterday while trying to find something to post. If you can tell, I couldn't find anything and this is it for today.

I had so much fun, too much fun in Minnesota this weekend. It's always great to see my family and it was especially great to meet the newest member of the family, my cousin's beautiful new baby girl. [The maryjane socks were a major hit!]

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend and will excuse me from blogging today. I'll be back tomorrow, lovelies!