3.1 Phillip Lim for Target!

I do love these designer collaborations with Target.  They may be one of the smartest marketing strategies the company has done in a long time.  I still miss Isaac Mizrahi for anyone who cares or remembers.

So, who's up next?  3.1 Phillip Lim comes September 15th!  And I must say, some of the full priced line can be a bit quirky, but I do enjoy the classic fabrics (especially the use of leather- that is EVERYWHERE this fall) and rich, supple colors.  So here's a few highlights of what's to come!

Amazing Trapeze Bags

(Real) leather sleeve detail is perfect!

Orange and blue leopard- heck yeah!

Ready to put away my summer gear and pull out fall...Here's to post-Labor Day fun!

Back to Scho...

I don't even want to say it...It's almost "back to scho..." time.  You know- those days when the college students swarm back in on Boston and unload U Haul trucks (blocking the one way streets) and buy up everything you can imagine at Target.  This city literally FEELS fuller.

These are rough weeks ahead, folks, and whether you're sending your kiddos back, yourself, or simply part of the education system- here's a few things to get us ready for the days ahead!

*Think cold now.  When it feels like fall, the stores will already be transitioning to winter.  So when you see something for fall you like, buy it!

 Polka dots make me smile. 
I can see this with patterned button downs to layer.

Garnet Hill $98

*Consider doing projects in your home that are FAR better when it's cooler out (and the kids are out of the house).  I'm thinking to repaint my ceilings and back stairwell (finally). 

 I appreciate this tip from Benjamin Moore:

*Plan one last "hurrah!" before summer sets.  My mom and I are going to Nantucket in September (so pumped).  I'm looking forward to the Whaling Museum and shopping at the uber preppy shops.

I'm back to work in a week, so wish me well!

Sand Tropez, here I come!

It's finally vacation time, and this girl is REALLY ready for a little getaway.  My family and I are off this week for a trip down south- pools, sun, shopping and fruity drinks.  Finally!

So, in preparation for my jaunt, I decided I needed a good neutral nail color to get me through the week without obvious chips (and I wasn't up for the shellac manicure this time around).  So, in my weekly Target run, all Essie nail color was on sale this week (score!).  Lo and behold, the perfect summer vacation color: Sand Tropez (I do love their play on words)

Here's to a great week of fun in the sun!

It's a Neat Wave!

I admit I stole this line from a recent Pier One Imports email, but it got me thinking of a great blog post.  Now that I am enjoying the freedom of summer and no work (well, limited work), it's been the PERFECT time to get my life in order.  LOTS of cleaning, sorting, filing, etc.  You get the idea.

So here's some of my favorite organizational products that have helped me along the way.

Shred those documents, people.  And CROSS shred for security.  

Amazon.com $29.88

Store out of season clothes in these handy clear bins.
I also love their boot box.

Jumbo Box, Container Store $13.99

Collect all those clipped recipes in your own 3 ring binder-
the sheet protector is clutch.
(I give full credit to my friend, S, who started this trend.)

Office Depot $15.79 for a box of 100

and lastly, I grew tired of using a paper envelope
to keep my coupons with me when shopping. 

So, I finally invested in a vinyl coupon holder.

Target $4.50

  I think I garner far too much pleasure from organizing! ;)

Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness

Our nation is about to celebrate its 237th birthday (and I love birthdays!).  I don't think there's a standard gift for 237 years, so instead, how about a few gifts that celebrate our freedoms!

Life (is good). 
What's not to adore about a standard tote bag with nautical inspiration?

Star Latitude Tote $40.00

Liberty, sweet Liberty.
These shorts are feminine and sweet!
(Pardon the use of a UK product!)

Liberty board shorts in Phoebe Floral $69.99

Pursuit of Happiness
I loved this book- restored my sense of joy in the everyday!

Amazon.com $11.96

So happy birthday, America...You are aging beautifully!