Under my Umbrella...

I've been on the lookout lately for an ultra fab umbrella. When I lived in Manhattan, a cool umbrella was so essential...because if you didn't look hot walking down 5th Avenue in the pouring rain, then you might as well go back to wherever you came from.

Then I moved to Chicago, where all of my delicate umbrellas were promptly turned inside out on the first windy day. The only thing that held up was an ultra strong black mini-brella.

And now, I live in small town Louisiana where the only time you get wet is when you walk across the Kroger's parking lot.

But who cares! I still want something fabulous. I've held on to my black mini-brella for too long!

(honestly, I'm the most in love with the first one from Target - only $16.99!)

{ clear done umbrella from Target, Felix Ray LOVE umbrella, Fornasetti Theme and Variations umbrella, Marc Jacobs Standard Supply umbrella, Burberry umbrella, Fornasetti Hot Air Balloons umbrella, 4 umbrellas from Lulu Guinness, Marimekko umbrella, union jack umbrella from umbrellaworld.co.uk }

Mad for Plaid

There's been a plaid movement lately, and all those men's flannel shirts I wouldn't leave the house without in junior high are suddenly back in style...with a twist. 

I love the preppiness of plaid. It can either say yacht club or cowboy trucker. Totally depends on the plaid.

I'm definitely more fond of the yacht club plaid.

{tart paperie preppy plaid invitation and stationery collection, Kelly Monaco via Ethan Miller/Getty Images, boots from Target, throw from Urban Outfitters, Splendid tunic from Neiman Marcus, pumps from Target, plaid upholstered bench from 1st dibs, room via Traditional Home, chair from 1st dibs, wedding pics via Martha Stewart Weddings, Whitney English stationery}

Ring, Ring!

I love rings. Diamond rings, Ring of Fire, my Journey ringtone...

But I'm a design nut, and my favorite rings are the ones used as a design element.

Well, maybe second to diamond rings...=)

Rings are a very OLD design element, being used in celtic designs and medieval chain mail, and probably appearing before that. It's classic, gorgeous, and goes with anything. It looks old and new at the same time. Here are my favorite examples:

{this barstool comes in white and is only $89 from Target!}

{buffet from Layla Grace, Kraftmaid Kitchen courtesy of blog All That Inspires , Pianagonda circles ring at Neimans, Circles barstool and circles fireplace screen from Target, Demby and Soloman personalized labels, watch from Target, David Meister dress, mirror from Lamps Plus, Roberto Coin bracelet and circles sheet sets from Neimans, gold table from Layla Grace, invitations from Crane, unsure of console table and mirror, R & Y Augousti Brownclips tray, Mallory Marks hoop earrings at Barneys, Iomoi personalized coasters}