Earthies

My local newspaper recently announced that a little shoestore nearby was throwing a party to celebrate these shoes. After checking out the website, I can certainly think of no better reason to party. Aren't these the sweetest, sassiest, summeriest sandals you've seen in a while?Are those red ones for real? Actually, the whole collection is on my not-so-secret wish list. Can anyone vouch?

Ruby Slippers

Ever since I stumbled upon a little store that was selling three pairs of these fantastic shoes for the price of one, One Ruby Lane has become my new shoe obsession for Snook. Check out the optional, interchangeable sweater collars on the boots. Have you ever? Make that six pairs for the price of one!

My New Happy Place

Last week, I needed to shop for a special gift for my mom (Happy Retirement, Mom!). So I decided to check out a newish boutique in town called Rosamariposa. While there, my heart did about twenty backflips because I found my mom a perfectly whimsical gift, AND I found some of the most unique and stylish jewelry I've seen in a while at seriously rock bottom prices. We're talking $5 earrings and $10 necklaces aplenty. For imported, all natural, and sustainable pieces that beg to be worn. When I asked the owner about her prices, she just said, "I like to keep things simple." That's my kind of simplicity. I let Snook have my camera to keep her occupied while I shopped. Here are some of her images, but I urge you to take a look at the website for a slightly less abstract take on why I'm so enamored. There are also cute shoes, bags, tunics, scarves and hats, sans the sticker shock you'll experience at most boutiques. It really is a very happy place that I pretty much am looking for any excuse to go back to.

Serving Pretty

My ho-hum collection of serving trays just got a hot spring injection courtesy of two new trays from Target's Isabelle Party line. It's all so pretty!

How Do You Like Your Stripes?

I pretty much like them any which way the Aqua collection at Bloomies sees fit to serve them.Which one is your favorite?

P.S. #1 and #5 please.

Wrap it Up

Wouldn't this convertible(!) ecoSkin Holly Wrap be just the thing to tie together just about any ensemble in the most delightful way? I like it in heather grey for spring.

More Melina

Here are some more inspired creations from my glorious cousin Melina's new Etsy shop. Doubtful that you'd find anything remotely close to these items in a mall. Which is exactly what I love about them. And that they're pretty and my cousin made them, of course.

Crème Brulee

Forget about ties, power drills and aftershave. Your guy would probably prefer a helping of Brulee this holiday season. From what I can see, Kiki and Perla have nothing on these newcomer trifles, direct from NYC. Not that those oldies wouldn't be goodies too . . . And in that much-loved category of gifts that keep on giving.

Toob Crazy

These Toobs from Safari Ltd. are my new kids' toy obsession. Both S 'n' B gravitate toward small figurines, for some reason. I hear this about my friends' kids too, come to think of it. Easy enough for Snook, but poor Bubs has been playing with mini-princesses long enough. Last week, I finally found something called the Dino Toob, and now I'm out to collect all of them. There are pirates, zoo animals, steam trains, cars . . . all non-toxic, all super fun, all under $10. Even the caps are fun with their rotating globes. Great gift idea too!

For Fall

It looks to me like For Joseph has some really lovely and comparatively reasonable looks for fall.Voulez vous? Don't mind if I do.

Melina's New Shop

My impossibly creative, sunburst of a cousin, Melina, just opened up her own Etsy shop. I am in awe! When she turned to neuroscience, I thought she had left her fashion-designer days behind. Apparently not. Talk about combining your passions. Aren't her cuts and patterns amazing? And she can certainly add modeling to her long list of talents as well. Please think of Melina when you're shopping for the fascienista in your life. Congratulations, cuz!