lust list

My family is made up of people who like to do the right thing.  We have strong, omnipresent consciences that ensure we like to please.

This desire to please makes us very definite gift-list-users.  We take the creation of our birthday/Christmas lists very seriously and distribute them in a timely manner.  This way, as gift givers, we are positive that if we're unsure as to what to give one another, we have a back up plan.

With my birthday being 10 days away, my list has long since been distributed.  However, there are a few items that didn't make the list.  They're either too outlandish or too tardy.  I've decided to use these items to create a lust list. 

Until my birthday, I'll present one gift that I'm not really asking for, but that I feel would be a nice gift, just in case you're in the process of making your own list...

The first item was inspired by my dad.  It's the Holly clutch from the new line of Tiffany handbags, to be unveiled on September 1. Every item in the line has Tiffany blue somewhere on it - whether it's the entire bag or just on the clasp.  I love the light blue one.

new love

It's a very rare item in my closet that makes me wish for fall. I typically cling to my favorite sundresses for as long as possible. I often find myself standing in front of my closet in October wondering if I can either (a) stretch my white skirts this far past Labor Day or (b) begin working winter white this early.

However, in New York I bought the Small Gold Lion on Leather Bracelet, in brown, by Alexandra Beth. It's heavier than most of the other bracelets I own and doesn't fit easily in to my jewelry repetoire, especially considering I wear the same two bracelets every day, but I absolutely can't get enough of it. 

I find myself constantly trying to build entire outfits around it, which is challenging since I'm also simultaneously trying to fully embrace the last of my light yellows, seersuckers, and white linens. 

My love for the bracelet is enhanced because the creator, Alexandra Beth, is a recent Emory graduate who is friends with Katie and Emily.  Honestly, what's better than supporting a young artist and busting out of your typical style rutt?

Tuesday newsday

A few things I think you should probably know today...

1. Jimmy Choo and Ugg joined forces to create the "Chugg". Nicky Hilton accidentally released a picture. I am accidentally blogging about it (via stylelist).

2. Millenials are failing to launch, Matthew Mcconaughey style.

3. Katie Holmes and the cast of The Romantics, to be released on September 10, are in the J.Crew September issue, looking almost as fabulous as she looks when dressed as Jackie O.

4. There is a 60 mile traffic jam in China that could last until mid-September. Which means the new issue of J.Crew and The Romantics could come out before the traffic jam is cleared.

5. Today is Alaska's 98th birthday. Shared also with Rupert Grint, who turns 22.

better together

When it comes to traveling, I am both blessed and cursed with rosy retrospection.  I am often ready to get home while I'm on long trips, yet I always look back on them with very positive feelings.

I remember feeling this way about summer camp the first time. By Wednesday, I was ready to go home. By the following Monday, I was ready to go back to camp.

I blame my strong desire to get home on my family. No matter how much fun I'm having away from them, it's inevitable that we'd probably be having more fun together.

Those who suffer from the same problem that I do can rest easy with the new Traveler's Choice Collection. You can purchase authentic accessories from all over the world: bracelets from Kenya, sarongs from Mustique, pillows from India.

And while it may seem a little silly to those who don't experience the same problem (why pretend you've been to Kenya? Just go to Kenya...), once you've experienced a full weekend of my family's festivities, you'll understand why you may opt for Indiana over India, too.

A quick look into just how lovely it is when we're together...