Baby Come Back

Right now I'm ready for J to get back on this side of the globe. He's been traveling since Saturday and Burks and I are getting kinda lonely. Only 48 more hours to go...

Give A Little Bit

Know someone who'd love to wake up to a Maroon 5 signed guitar on Christmas morning? How about custom screen-printed invitations for your friend's housewarming gift or a Petite Bateau onesie for that new Mom?

If none of these fit your bill, rest assured you will find something in the 300+ opportunities that bloggers have organized to benefit the lovely Stephanie Nielson and her husband, Christian. A recent plane crash left them severely burned and proceeds from all auction sales will go to the Nie Nie Recovery Fund.


Most importantly, please pray for Stephanie and Christian, their family, gorgeous children and their hopeful recovery.

Paper Cut

I'm loving Anita Calero's Still Life photos, which certainly give off a Paulina Reyes and Abby Clawson Low vibe.

Danger Zone

Not only is my wallet going to be in serious trouble this season, but so is my willpower.

Two to Tango

The energy of Bill Gentle and Fanny Bostrom is infectious. Hooray for love...and being in love!

Right on the Button

These pieces from Anthropologie will keep you well stocked for Fall with the ideal weekend tee and the must-have blazer. I also love this majorette-inspired cardigan to layer over the perfect plaid top.

From The Desk Of...

Based in New York, Kathryn Bentley hand-makes gold, silver, and gem stone jewelry using a lost wax technique. While her jewelry is definitely noteworthy, I'm currently smitten with her workspace and feeling inspired to give my own desk a face lift.

Topless

Surely driving to work in a classic Porsche with the top down makes for a great day. And an even better Monday!

It's All Fun and Games

Like my husband, these darling kiddos are ready and rootin' for LSU Football. Game on!

Un-Korked

The original handmade Kork-Ease was first introduced in the 50s as a comfort shoe, but it wasn't until the 70s that the Brooklyn-based brand had it's heyday with its cork wedges and hippie appeal. Kork-Ease is still alive today and I haven't been able to tear my feet out of the silver Triad Thong. Hands down, the most comfortable sandal I own and I'd put its construction up against any designer footwear. I've literally walked for hours on end and my feet have yet to ache or cramp.

The fact that they're still handmade is pretty darn sweet and because living in Texas means nearly year-round summer, I'm quite tempted to snatch up the gold as well. If the shoe fits, buy it in every color right?


And if you're quick on your toes, you can scoop up a pair from Shopbop for only $46.50 with free shipping!

Let's Get Physical

For the third [or fourth, fifth or sixth] day in a row, it's raining and the humidity is out of control. This kind of weather makes me drowsy, so today I'm being inspired—and motivated—by this active and adorable girl. And in my little daydream, I'm also fully clad in the newest Stella McCartney for Adidas collection.

Out to Lunch

I'm pretty boring when it comes to what I fix for lunch and usually end up with the standard sandwich or oh, so gourmet option of Mac and Cheese. Today I was craving something different, so I pulled out a frozen salmon fillet and threw it in the oven with a brush of olive oil, lime pepper, salt and pepper. 12 minutes later I laid it over a bed of spinach, cucumbers, red bell peppers, avocado and sugar snap peas.


Now, if only I could top it off with an afternoon nap...

Cleanliness Is Next To Godliness

A while back I began a gradual shift from my old, harsh cleaners to more resposible [and prettier packaging!] brands like Mrs. Meyers and Method. Not only does my house sparkle afterwards, but it smells incredible. Even laundry has become an exciting chore thanks to my new favorite Geranium detergent.

Now if I only had these spiffy utilitarian goods, I could morph into a modern day, pre-ball Cinderella. Have you ever seen a toilet brush look so swanky?

Available through Labour and Wait and Baileys.

Pull My Chain

Loving this Lulu Frost bracelet constructed from vintage Victorian drawer pulls and brass chain. Plus it's 60% off and will look gorgeous with silky winter dresses and crochet tights.

Eating Good in the Neighborhood

Last week was Houston's Restaurant Week and I managed to do my fair share of dining damage. In case you missed out, a few of the restaurants have decided to extend their $35 three-course specials through Sunday, August 24th.

Julie and I kicked the week off at The Grove, the much talked about eco-friendly restaurant overlooking Discovery Green. The food—and service—left little to be desired, but the 10,000 square-foot glass, wood, and steel building was worth the trip. I wouldn't mind revisiting for a cocktail atop the second floor “Treehouse” deck.

Del Frisco's on Wednesday with a dear high school friend. We felt a little out of place amongst the briefcases and stiff suits, but the food was so very good we didn't mind. She ordered the steak, I the fish, and we shared everything else...not leaving a single morsel behind. Next time we're itching for steak, I'd love to try the Strip House, which apparently has a younger, less corporate crowd.

I ended the week at So Vino and after starting with a truffled Taleggio and mushroom pizza, we were in for a treat! I can't say enough wonderful things about the food and we never felt rushed. We were all a bit bummed when they ran out of their famous braised short ribs, so we each opted for Plan B [mine being Shrimp and Grits]. Another happy plate was made and I am currently in restaurant detox.


It was fun to support End Hunger while spending long nights dining at new places with sweet friends. If you're a serious Houston foodie, Teresa Byrne Dodge just launched The Ultimate Food Lover’s Guide to Houston that highlights restaurants, bakeries, ethnic grocers, coffeehouses, farmers' markets, cooking schools, wine bars, sweet shops and much more.

Scoot Around

Well, I've never seen such cute scoots in all my life...

A sidecar AND a picnic basket! Perfection.

This Vespa seems fit for a King and sort of screams Elvis. I love it!

Adorable vintage Heinkel that was featured in the August issue of Teen Vogue. It's a German make that's quite rare in the US.

I spotted this prepster in the window of Antik and immediately whipped out my camera. I don't know which detail grabbed me first: the plaid tire cover, chrome airplane "hood" ornament, substantial helmet/bag hook, or the slew of headlights.

The most perfect shade of cheery yellow ever.

And these old commercials are hilarious! One mentions Vespa being British made, I wonder if they once had a factory there?

So Long

It's been a sad month for fashion. At the beginning of August, Milla Jovovich announced in Lucky magazine the close of Jovovich-Hawk, the bohemian-perfect line established in 2003 with fellow model Carmen Hawk.

And today, WWD reports that after 10 years Jane Mayle will also be shutting the doors on her contemporary line, Mayle. The November Resort collection will be her last shipment and the NoLIta boutique is slated to close February 2009. I am truly sorry the industry is losing such stylish designers, and I will certainly miss both line's vintage air and girlish worldliness.

Let's Pretend

...that we're randonneurs for a day or perhaps we've taken off on a mid-morning jaunt to the Shaker Square Farmer's Market. Afterwards we'll absorb the last bit of summer and partake in a late night game of Scrabble, but rising early to read the Sunday paper.


I've become obsessed playing make-believe with Even*Clevland's stylish and explorative outfit themes, and I'm thrilled to have been her most recent muse as a scooterist.


Right now I'm pretending I lived near Cleveland, where we'd meet up with riding pals Stephanie and her husband Sean, along with Burkly Deluxe and Nora-bean in sidecars, of course. We'd eat too much gelato, laugh till our stomachs hurt, and get home well past our bedtimes. What fun!

Lights Out

What I wouldn't give to exchange my standard light switches for these lookers from Baileys. Practical details that are well-designed and well-made, such as these toggles, really pack a punch.


The Dolly Switch was a style used from the end of the First World War until the Second and is suitable for one or two way applications. Bailey's brass dolly comes fluted [as shown] or plain and would make a knockout statement in any house!


And finally, this porcelain press switch would be a luxe addition to any house. Simple and unexpected.

Got Blues?

Barney's Co-Op is holding their annual denim recycling promotion through August 25th. Donate an old pair of blues and receive a 20% discount on new pair—recycling never had you look so good!

And if you've been scouring the shops in search of the newest Current/Elliott denim craze, then look no further. Barney's carries the bellbottom boyfriend style here in Houston, but various styles at other locations...and they're happy to ship!