RSVP

Although I don't have reason to use them often, I'm semi-obsessed with cute invitations. I just love a well-designed invite and I'd like to believe that when I start throwing those dreamt-of-dinner-parties all the time, I'll vow to never use an evite.

At the very least, I know I can promise to never use them for the black tie New Year's Eve party I've promised my friends I'll throw every year (when we're grown ups).

Today, Erin and I began preparing for the baby shower we're hosting for Meghan. I used this opportunity to dive deeply into the vast world of baby shower invitations online.

After some very satisfying research, I found an adorable Web site, Storkie. They have the cutest customizable invitations; we were able to change "Meghan's" outfit and hair (she's our favorite red head), and bling out her carriage - among many other options.

We walked away feeling very proud of our creation. Sites like this are just a simple reminder that I really need to start throwing more parties.

designer dipes

I have a problem.

Actually, to call it a problem is a bit ridiculous.

More accurately: I have a quirk.

Oftentimes, when I buy something new, I can't bring myself to wear it. I know that once I wear it, it will never be the same. Even if I don't wash it after the first wear, it will still be a little looser and less crisp.

Therefore, I let things sit in my closet for weeks until I find the perfect first occasion. I have skirts from last summer that I've still only wore a few times because I love them so much that I have a hard time finding an event worthy enough.

It's completely ridiculous. Essentially, I'm afraid to wear my favorite clothing items.

The problem increases exponentially with nicer items of clothing. I have a skirt I bought recently, which I absolutely should have declined to purchase and just prayed it would go on sale. Instead, though, I bought it, and now I can't bring myself to wear it. What sort of evening is worthy of it, in all it's black-and-white-striped-glory?

This makes me wonder what sort of person would be inclined to buy the new Cynthia Rowley diapers for Pampers.

They're nicer/pricier than standard diapers, which means that I, personally, would have a harder time using them (clearly imagining as I have no use for diapers).

If I get anxiety over unnecessary wrinkles in a new skirt, I can't imagine how I'd feel if a baby were to poop all over the beautiful little pastel, striped, madras or ruffled creation. And then, to think, once you use it, it has to be thrown away! It can't even go to the dry cleaners in an attempt to get it back to new.

I'm afraid I'd be tempted to buy them and then they'd end up sitting on the shelf, while I debated: Is there a chance she'll (again the imaginary babe) be running around naked at this party? If not, I think I should just stick with the standard whitey...

But, even if they seem a little over the top, there's no denying they're adorable...

Photos courtesy of Pampers.

uniform required

When I was five, Sara moved in next door. A little peanut, with more hair and personality than body, she busted in to our family cookout one June evening. She drove up in her electric Barbie car and hollered, "Whitneyy I'm heeereee!", beckoning me to hop in the passenger seat.

We were fast friends.

Later in the summer, her parents took both of us to Kings Island. As fun as the trip was, what I remember most was that my mom made me wear a sundress. Even at five, I knew a sundress was not going to be the chosen attire for most Kings Islanders.

It was a navy dress with red tulips that my aunt Carol made for me. Loose and airy, it was my summer uniform. And although my instincts told me to put up a fight, I was happy to be wearing it as I sat on Yogi Bear's lap in the kiddie park.

Upon reflection, I've realized that almost every summer since I have had a sundress that I can't get enough of. My tie-dye dress from when I was six, a floral dress from Gap when I was in eighth grade, a navy sundress for when I first moved to Atlanta. My summers are easily marked by comfortable dresses that I, being uber habitual, unapologetically make my uniform.

Being on a major skirt binge this summer, I thought this year might be an exception.

It took me until July, but I have officially found my favorite summer dress. It's black and white from the Bali Batiks resort line and it honestly could not be more comfortable.

And although I am totally satisfied with the find, I can't help but keep my options open. I am abstaining from buying, but, in case you're still in search of your summer sundress...

If you're feeling retro and nautical: Anthro's Nearby Coast Dress. It screams comfort.
If you're feeling sweet: Going to San Francisco Dress in Stems from Mod Cloth.
If you're feeling hippie, but still vibrant: V-neck halter jersey maxi dress from Victoria's Secret. I've kind of been lusting after it for a few months.