to covet

I have this problem. I always love the look of strapless dresses in stores, and therefore purchase them. However, I rarely wear them once I'm home. I don't know what it is about my closet that is a black hole for strapless dresses, but I'm trying to stop buying them. However, I need a release because they're everywhere this season.

A few gems I've found...

The Bright Young Things dress from Mod Cloth. So cute! I'm actually glad they're nearly sold out, because I don't know how much longer I can abstain...

Also from Mod Cloth, I love the Composed in Sunshine Dress. It's so happy!

Since Saturday, I've been dreaming of the Sun Dot Dress from Anthropologie. If I'm being honest, though, I didn't really refrain from buying it. It just didn't fit me right. However, I think I would be having remorse if I'd purchased it Saturday, as it's now almost 50 percent off.

I'm in it for the clothes

“You believe in long hair, peasant skirts and sandals. But you in an open relationship? I don’t think so.” – Blair Waldorf, Gossip Girl

I fell asleep during Back to the Future so I'm iffy on the details of the film. However, I was awake long enough to figure out the movie is about time travel (right??).

While the movie didn't hold my interest, it's been a wish of mine my entire life to live, for even just a day, in every decade of the 1900s.

I just wish I could watch everything develop. In history, I was riveted by Boss Tweed and Tammany Hall. I love learning about Prohibition. For some reason, ever since seventh grade, I've been so intrigued by fallout shelters. And even though free love isn't really my thing, I am captivated by the counterculture of the 1960s.

There is just so much to learn about that history can't show me. I want to watch a traditional man fall in love with a wild flapper girl and struggle as he chooses between the life his father wants and the life she could give him.

I want to watch a perfect little family unit, with a mom and a dad and a boy and a girl, function in a fallout shelter. I want to see the mom put on her apron and use way too much butter and say things like, "happy hands are busy hands".

I want to see the little pieces of Americana in action.

And of course, I want the clothes to be fabulous. I picture the mom in a bright yellow dress with white polka dots (and pearls). Maybe something like the 1950's Sweet Yellow Eyelet Dress from Posh Girl Vintage. Even in a fallout shelter, you'd feel pretty in that gem.

Maybe a decade later, when they've long since abandoned the shelter, her blonde haired daughter, now 16, will rock the 1960's Margaret Smith Mushroom Dress with go-go boots while she swings through the 60s.

If only I could see it all transpire...

Right now, I guess I'll have to settle for what books, movies and vintage online shopping can provide.

I just found this Prep Sweatshirt from Wildfox Couture and the retro feel makes me smile. It looks soft, snuggly and like a track sweatshirt a boy might have given his girlfriend (after he wore it with Ray Bans and shorts that are way too short by today's standards). And in fact, I think the "W" on it might just stand for Whitney. Or wisftul...

sisters

I love everything about sisters.

I love my own. I love watching two sisters interact. I love the relationships they have. I love the way they can be so similar and yet so different. I love looking at them side-by-side and seeing the similarities in their appearances.

If sisters were bad, they would be my vice.

Most of all, I love being able to tell my sisters anything and know that they'll be able to give me the best advice, because they know me so well. They won't give me advice that will benefit them. They won't give me advice based on the way I acted during a certain period of my life. They've seen me grow from the beginning.

And true to form, I love these two sister sites: Twine and Romp. They have so many different products and yet they all have a clean, artsy feel. From necessities to knick knacks, home decor to children's toys, the sites offer so many ways to spend. Ah the temptation!

Of course the sites are so aesthetically appealing that I found myself needing everything. I may not have any gifts to give or crafts to make, but I suddenly really wanted these spools of ribbon. Sure, I work by Michael's, which has an abundance of ribbon, but these are so pretty...
I also have real soft spots for paper products, bows and birthdays, which means this happy birthday bow card is like my Kryptonite. But at least there are three, one for me and each of my sisters. Which means, I'd be mixing my vice and my weakness. That might be asking for trouble...

Under the umbrella tree

It's National Umbrella Month and today's thunderstormy weather is the perfect opportunity to celebrate.

Along with my love for Hunter's is my love for umbrellas*. There are a few keys to successful umbrella-ing.

The first is that the umbrella is sturdy. It's the worst when you're caught in a storm and it flips inside out and breaks. Or, when you pull it out of your tote and it won't open at all.

Davek umbrellas are durable and come with a lifetime guarantee. They're offered in a variety of sizes and colors, too. Who could be grumpy about the rain when carrying a kiwi umbrella?

The second key is that the umbrella doesn't ruin your outfit.

I love the Double Sided Lola Dot from Umbrellas.net. I have a real soft spot for secrets and I'd love to have a different pattern on the inside. You want to know what's under my umbrella? You'll have to share it with me...

And I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I love the Burberry Check Compact Umbrella. Flashy? Maybe. But with a black trench, like the Kenneth Cole New York Trapunto Stitched Coat, there's no denying you'd be fabulous.

*It's time to come clean. I don't just love umbrellas and rain boots. I love all accessories. Rainy day, sunny day, resort wear, office wear, indoor, outdoor - even camping. I love them all. This should be considered as you trust my judgement in the future.