::major girl crush::

"I felt like I'd walked into an American teen movie. I picked up the red cups. I was like, Wow, they really do drink from these."  â€“ Emma Watson, on attending her first frat party at Brown University, to Vanity Fair
Normally I don't fall for Brits this easily, but I'm adding a new girl crush to my list (in addition to Kate Middleton): Emma Watson.

I haven't even seen the Harry Potter movies, but after reading the December issue of Marie Claire, I'm smitten. She seems so down to earth and is absolutely stunning. I think we could definitely be friends.

In fact, I think Kate, Emma and I would all have a lovely time together.
After reading the article, I have also fallen for the Minnie Mortimer shorts she wore for the cover shoot. I don't normally  go for winter shorts, but I haven't been able to stop thinking about them since I saw them.
And, as if I didn't have enough reasons to keep this issue of Marie Claire forever, it also introduced me to People Tree, which was my complete, 100 percent inspiration for this week's Freshly Rooted post.

If all of those reasons don't constitute a tried and true girl crush, I don't know what else would...

PS: I can't mention Emma Watson without noting that Duke totally saw her first.  So, if it comes down to one of use really having a chance, I'd have to bow out (gracefully, like Emma would, of course).

From Ralph with love

My tree is up, my balcony is decorated, I listened to Christmas music all day long, and I've watched the Kate Spade Christmas Slide Show more than a few times.

And today, I began a Christmas tradition that accidentally became mine a few years ago...

Putting together my family's Christmas card.  How I earned this project, I'm not entirely sure, but Snapfish has become my very dear friend in recent years.

I thought I might get creative this year and switch up the site for card generating.

In the process, I've fallen for Ralph's Grocery.  The cards are so cute! Although, in the time I spent picking which ones to post on my blog, I think could have put an entire card together on Snapfish...

But I really can't blame Ralph for that.

For the candy caner....
For the caroler...
 And for Little J....
Ralph's Grocery via apartment 34

whimsical wednesday {shall we vest?}

"Gretchen: Regina, you're wearing sweatpants. It's Monday. 
Regina: So...? 
Karen: So that's against the rules, and you can't sit with us. 
Regina: Whatever. Those rules aren't real.
Karen: They were real that day I wore a vest!" - Mean Girls

I have a real problem. I constantly want to buy cocktail dresses.

It takes an inordinate amount of self control to abstain from buying them, and usually results in me asking myself: why, on earth, would I need another cocktail dress? I don't go to enough cocktail parties to warrant yet another LBD, sparkly shift, or red strapless...

I feel the same way about faux fur vests.  My lifestyle doesn't warrant fur. I rarely wear vests. And yet, I find faux fur vests to be completely irresistable.  If I were the type of girl that had a closet that beckoned a faux fur vest, I'd indulge in the following...

When feeling preppy, I'd opt for the Aqua Faux Leopard Fur Vest from Bloomingdale's. The bow adds an element of sweetness to the animal print.

 
When feeling fabulous, I'd opt for the Michael Kors Faux Fur Button Front Vest from Macy's. You really can't not wear Ray Bans with it.
When feeling trendy, I'd opt for the Faux Fur Midnight Vest from Ann Taylor + shorts. Combining two trends, flawlessly...
When feeling less bold, I'd opt for the Sanctuary Natalie Faux Fur Vest from Piperlime. It's understated.
 And when feeling outdoorsy (shall we hike?), I'd opt for the Faux Fur Vest, from Eddie Bauer.
The fact that I just thought of five occasions for vests makes me think this whim might be worth indulging in.

...It makes me wonder how I ever say no to a cocktail dress.