Pink and Green Heaven!

I had yet to open my May 2009 Traditional Home until I saw a post on a featured pink and green girl's bedroom on Molly's Mom's blog. She posted a photo of the room by decorator Victoria Neale and since her blog is private I just felt obligated to share this haven with you!

Don't you just adore the large scale pink and green peony wallpaper? It is perfect for a younger girl, but your can grow up with this wall paper too. It also works for a teen and you can even transition it into a guest bedroom. I have also always been a fan of twin beds. I had a tiny, iron antique bed until I was four then I transitioned into a full bed before getting twin beds in 5th grade. Twin beds are fabulous for sleepovers and again, guest bedrooms. If you ever see a wonderful set, buy it! They are something that you can always find a place for! Victoria covered every base in this little room and she even carried the color scheme and fun into the tiny bathroom. Victoria Neale has not only created a preppy haven she has also designed a lovely, timeless room!

I Love You Truly

Yesterday I had the privilege of going to the SMU Kappa Kappa Gamma house for lunch. I had been in the new home last fall for Founder's Day, but had never enjoyed a meal with the SMU Kappas. However, kind E who I work with at Lilly had L and I over and gave us a grand tour. E is so much fun and I am so glad our love for Lilly and Kappa brought us together! Our lunch was wonderful (I even ran into an old friend from Greystone!): the food was delicious, the fellowship was outstanding and the atmosphere was lovely. I love seeing different Kappa houses and after my tour I was inspired to write a Kappa post on some of the houses I have visited. Even if you were not a Kappa I hope you enjoy the photos of some of our houses around the country!

Kappa Kappa Gamma at The University of Minnesota.

This was my chapter house, my mother's chapter house and my aunt's chapter house! The Minnesota chapter house is not as pretty as some of the other Kappa houses I have seen, but it has lots of charm. Kappa was the very first sorority at the UofM (Chi turns 129 this year!) and it was therefore the first house too. Every University of Minnesota president's daughter has been a Kappa and while mother and I were there we were the largest chapter on campus! I like to believe the Minnesota chapter has stood the test of time!

Kappa Kappa Gamma at SMU
I like to consider this house my surrogate chapter since I live in Dallas and have a number of connections to the chapter. The SMU KKG house is SO pretty both inside and out. I would happily move in tomorrow even though I have been done with college for two years!

Kappa Kappa Gamma at the University of Arkansas.

Since I was born in Fayetteville and then we moved back for two years in middle school I drove by this house time and time I again. I loved it and would beg to be driven by (wasn't I cool?)! I was such a good little Kappa in training.

Kappa Kappa Gamma at the University of Kansas

One of my favorite details of this house is the giant key you can see on the outside! Mother and I love it because it reminds us of her childhood home on Edina Boulevard.

Kappa Kappa Gamma at Ole Miss

I do not really remember this house too well as the last time I visited was when I was five and we lived in Memphis and went to an Ole Miss game with friends. However, I do vaguely remember meeting a number of Kappas before the game. They were so well dressed!

Kappa Kappa Gamma at the University of Georgia

I have actually never seen the UGA Kappa house, but when we lived in Americus, GA mother had loads of Kappa friends so I feel as if I have been. Actually, this is a funny story, but we moved to Americus which is your perfect southern town when I was two. Mother and father had never lived in the 'deep' South. Well, being her wonderful self mother started meeting people left and right. They were so kind to us, but then they found out she had been a Kappa and they really went crazy over the new Northern neighbor!

If you were in a sorority I encourage you to post a photo of your house! It is such fun to see what different chapter houses around the country look like. So, take please do take us on a tour!

BLOGROLL

It is that time again!!

If you are a frequent commenter and your are not on my blog roll please leave a comment so I can add you! I also want to make sure you are in my reader so that we can follow one another!

135th DERBY!

The 135th Kentucky Derby is right around the corner, are you getting ready?! Whether you have been hard at work planning or May 2nd fete for weeks (like Mona) or if you have been so busy you are just now considering planning an impromptu event the derby is always a cause for celebration! Kentucky Derby Party is a wonderful source to help you put the final touches on your event or even plan your event from scratch. There is a party store, there are check lists and entertaining ideas, there are games of course there is food!

The derby has partnered with the fabulous Bobby Flay to bring you classic treats and Southern sweets that are sure to make you the post popular lady on the block or in the building!I have had the best time looking at all the recipes and cannot wait to try some out! I love the Southern influence

Toasted Pecan Halves

Brown Sugar Glazed Cream Cheese Spread

Green Onion Slaw

Baked Macaroni and Pimento Cheese

Cheese Biscuits with Boar's Head Ham

Fried Green Tomatoes with Sweet and Sour Dressing

Buttermilk Pie with Raspberry Sauce

Ritz Cracker Pie
Or, if you do not have time to make a dessert order (and overnight) your Derby cake today!

Now, what to use to serve all this DELICIOUS food on??? Well I do have my Wedgewood Hunting Scene china to use for serving and the buffet, but for hors d'ouvres the comemorative napkins and plates are the way to go this derby day!

If you do not have time place an order hit up your local paper goods store and stock up on Lilly or Caspari and you will be as good as gold!

Of course NO derby party is complete without some betting. Print off spreadsheets with all the jockey and horses names (if you are super organized color code the names with the appropriate colors!) and have guests bet on their resulthe outcome. Collects all the sheets and betsa few minutes for race and then after award the winner with crown, prize or additional mint julep plus their cash! Oh, and if you do not want children to get in on the betting print off some derby hat and silks for them to color HERE!

Finally, if you want to make a day out of your derby fete consider playing either of these fun games from Kentucky Derby Party (more games can be found on the site too!):

Derby Pool: Place the number 1 - 20 on individual pieces of paper to represent each Derby contender. Fold each piece and place slips in a hat. Have each guest pull a number out that they will root for during the race. If you have more than 20 guests, just repeat the numbers. You can give each winner a prize or let them cut to the front of drink line!

Frozen Jockey: Use small jockeys on horses, like the size that would be on cupcakes and freeze them to the tops of ice cubes in the freezer. At the start of the race all participants can wager on a horse. Using a flat surface in your house (glass from storm door ) tilt it at a slight angle on a table. Line the ice cube jockeys up, keeping them in place with a yard stick and then let them loose all at once for a fun and crazy race. The ice jockeys melt, turn, spin and slide at the whimsy of the weather and heat. Some zoom by and knock others out of the way. It truly is a game of chance and all can have fun. To repeat simply refreeze the jockeys on new ice cubes and freeze until the down time between the next races.

Well, the menu is now being made, the tables are being set, the betting sheets printed off and the fun and fellowship waiting for all to partke. Now let's put our derby best, head to the races and have a FABULOUS and FUN 135th!!

Rain, Rain Go Away

While I have always been a fan of many of Lands Ends staple products, I tend to always just go for the LL Bean bag or boots. However, ever since I saw their DARLING, fresh, preppy raincoat colors earlier this year I have not been able to get enough!

I had a darling bubble gum pink raincoat in high school, but through the years and the many moves we went our separate ways. Obviously, I am now in need of a new pink raincoat to match all my Lilly and this one clearly fits the bill and the budget.
The Storm Rain Jackets are now on sale for $69.99.
This is just what I need to fight off the Dallas thunderstorms this week!
Oh, aren't the pink and green just darling??

The jacket also comes in a lovely blue, a delightful yellow and your basic black and white. It is the perfect weight (and color!) for all our spring showers too! Now all we need is a free shipping code and we are all set to save and ready for the rain!

It Is a VERY Colorful Cause!

As many of us know Lilly Pulitzer Colorful Cause is now in full swing! I am so thrilled that the company has partnered with such wonderful group of celebrities (you already know I LOVE Gwyneth!!) to help find a cure for EB. Like many of you I had been following the Williams Family blog before I actually knew that Lilly was supporting EB. This family's journey is so touching and even if you hate Lilly reading it will make you want to support this cause! Poor little Jonah is often in pain and much of his body is bandaged all day long. He has a long life ahead of him, but today he is alive and okay. Hopefully ongoing EB research will be successful and help Jonah on this lifelong journey. Seeing any helpless little one in such pain is rather heartbreaking. If you are not already a reader of the Williams blog I highly recommend visiting them and taking a glimpse into the life of a family dealing with EB. It always helps to connect a person with a cause in my opinion!

Here are my two Colorful Cause purchases (when I wear them I will think of Jonah and all the other little blessing suffering from EB):

Marcia Embroidered Tunic

I adore tunics and this one it SUPER flattering as you can emphasis your waist. I hope to be able to wear it with white jeans this week.

Catherine Dress

This dress is my favorite dress of the collection. The fit is just right and the colors are so Hopsy!

Lilly herself taught us “if you haven’t any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble.” So we decided this summer’s JUBILEE focus would be A Colorful Cause! This is how it came to be… amazing cause + generous celebrities + truly Lilly prints + classic trims + cool elevated minnie and mom (or girl!) styles = A Colorful Cause and by happy accident, the PERFECT summer wardrobe starters! We teamed with NINE wonderful celebrity moms… Gwyneth, Debra, Angie, Elisabeth, Garcelle, Catherine, Brooke, Bridget and Marcia. They created INCREDIBLE women’s and children’s Lilly Pulitzer looks to generate awareness and support for an INCREDIBLE group, EBMRF, Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation, in their tireless fight against EB. Now you can look great and give back.

www.lillypulitzer.com

Stock up on you favorite Colorful Cause pieces today!!

A little birdie mentioned that what is out is out (aka unlike other collections there will not be a replenishment) so stimulate the economy and support EB research while your size is still available!

Sun Protection

To be honest in high school and college I only occasionally wore sunscreen. The year before last I started wearing sunscreen on my face daily though. While I love being tan I must put health before the sun! I continue to wear sunscreen, but in Dallas you can always use some extra protection by the pool at this time of year.

When I ran into TJ Maxx on Saturday I immediately spotted a darling pink and green grosgrain hat. I do not have a good sun hat for the pool or beach so I knew I needed to scoop it up for $12.99! This darling, preppy hat will be a perfect extra layer of protection. It will make reading all the much easier and the pink and green matches a number of my suits. TJ Maxx also had a green and blue version and an all black version if you are in the market. For those of you not in Dallas the hat is made by Scala and I noticed a number on eBay too!

LA PLATES!

Aren't La Plates just the best? They are so cute, fresh and fun and easy to clean too! A HUGE thank you to Lara for offering to host so a fabulous giveaway!

The lucky winner (picked by a random number generator) of TWO CUSTOM PLATES is:

Preppy Pink Crocodile!

A HUGE congrats to you PPC! Thank you to all who entered and remember you can still save ten percent on your summer order by using the code BAG10. This code also donates 10% of your order to charity- you cannot beat that!

Swimsuit Season

Now that it is consistently in the 80's and 90's in Dallas it is time to whip out the swimsuits! Thank goodness Skinny Jeans because I am toning up and ready to lay by the pool. In honor of all my hard work (and not having bought even ONE swimsuit last year) I stocked up this past weekend. What better a place to stock up on poolside attire than Lilly!?

Well, those of you that have been reading for a bit know I fell in love with the Fritz Bandeau the first time I saw it. The ruffle and the pink and green are so very me. I am proud to say I am now a very happy owner and ready to lay by the pool in this darling bikini!

I know many people despise tankinis, but I always think it is nice to have a more conservative swimsuit in your closet. You just never know where you might be and what type of suit you are going to need. I decided to buy the Cota Tankini because of this. Plus, the older I get the more coverage I am going to need so better to buy something I like now and have it for years to come. The Cota is wonderful because unlike many tankinis it actually looks like a one piece! It is so very flattering, I love it and so does mother (she bought hers at the new and improved Melly!)!
We also got the Paltrow bikini at Lilly and I am quickly falling in love (I do not think I have ever mentioned that I used to be OBSESSED with Gwyneth in high school. I ordered every single one of her DVDs sophomore year and just loved her. She had the look, she had the man and now she has the Lilly suit!). I used to wear nothing but halter bikinis and have tried hard to switch it up and that is why I did not buy this suit right away. However, if I can bring myself to clean out my swimsuit basket this weekend I might just reward myself with this darling, Colorful Cause suit too.
I do not need to buy another suit for years to come now!!

Finally, what trip to the beach or pool is complete without a towel? As soon as I saw the Sun Goddess Beach Towels I knew I needed one. They are simply too cute to pass up! Stock up now ladies, because like the Vera towels these are sure to fly of the shelves before you know it!

Bubby

Father recently sent me this photo of our Winston Mortimer aka Bubby in India. Bubby is our English Bulldog that we just LOVE him to pieces. Father had wanted an English Bulldog for years and years, but all our moves and time in hot climates did not allow us to get one (we had NO idea the parental unit would someday move to India!). Several years ago when living in Kansas we just happened to live miles from a top breeder so of course we all gave in. We picked Bubby out just two days after he was born and I think we got the best puppy there- he has wonderful coloring! Bubby's grandfather was the National AKC champion a while back and he just has the best personality! If you are looking to buy a bulldog our family highly recommends Danner's Little Bullies. They have a wonderful facilty outside of Kansas City and they are NOT a puppy mill. They usually require that they meet the family purchasing a dog (I am sure all good breeders do this), their facility is ultra clean and they have several champion blood lines. Another wonderful thing about Danner's Little Bullies is that the puppies are practically trained when they come home; this was a HUGE plus to mother! While they look a bit fierce, bulldogs are just the sweetest and most loving dogs! We love Bubby!

Now You Can Have One Too!

Today is you LUCKY day if you emailed me about a shift cookie cutter! I just so happened to be searching for a bulldog cookie cutter when I came across this at Cooper Gifts:

I almost flew out of my chair! I got my first shift cookie cutter as a gift from Melly and then my second in a swap this past December (I know, I know I am lucky and a little selfish to have two...). However, you no longer need to search eBay or scour the internet because you can buy your own shift, copper, cookie cutter for $12.95 HERE. Trust me, this cookie cutter is worth every penny! I suggest buying soon rather than later because who knows how many are left... While you are on the site be sure to check out the other cutters as well as cookie decorations (they have wonderful shades of pink and green sugars!). Here are a few of my favorites:
These dress would be cute for a bridal luncheon or a daughter's birthday.
Are you going to a summer BBQ? You need to make flamingo cookies!You all know I LOVE my elephants!Since a bulldog was not available on this particular site I settled for a chic poodle.

The Quinn

While I already own this Kate Spade, pink, Quinn:

I saw the hot pink this weekend

and I fell in love!

Isn't it just a divine color? Perhaps I can find this color pink leather in India....here is to hoping!

PS- I also heard a TERRIBLE rumor at work this weekend. The Kate Spade Quinn might be discontinued!! I sure hope this is not the case. I mean the Quinn is TEN this year and the bag is a classic piece.

INDIA!

This summer I will be recreating these photos (hopefully I can look just half as good) when I travel to INDIA!!

Jacqueline Kennedy and her sister, Lee Radziwill, during a daytime boat ride on Lake Pichola, Udaipur, India, March 17, 1962Dress (1962) in apricot silk ziberline by Oleg Cassini (b. France 1913)John F. Kennedy Library and Museum
I am SUPER excited! I cannot wait to see mother and father and the pups. Mother is already busy planning our travels around the country and our visits to the top leather workers (Catherine bags and shoes will fill my suitcase on the way home!). I hope she is also researching elephant rides. You are going to think I am super odd, but I have ALWAYS wanted to ride an elephant and Jackie's marvelous photo makes me really yearn to do so. There is no better place for an elephant ride than India! I will not be in my Oleg, but I will most definitely will be sporting a Lilly shift! Gosh, this would make the perfect Christmas card, wouldn't it? I am beyond thrilled to travel to India for the very first time and cannot wait to take you all along. More information to come soon!!

The Ex Mrs. Hedgefund

While flipping through Q magazine this past weekend I saw that Jill Kargman has a new book out! Jill has written some other fabulous titles (The Right Address and Momzillas) and I just love her. The fact that she also attended Taft just boosts her a little higher on my list too.

The Ex Mrs. Hegdefund sounds like a perfect summer read:

In the gilded age of a few months ago, hedge fund managers were the kings of ka-ching. Of course, now they're not, and there's a sparky frisson to Momzilla author Kargman's lively chronicle of a queen of ka-ching who ditches her hedge fund manager hubby. Hedge-fund wife Holly Talbott, 34, has forgone Botox and boob jobs and considers herself more J. Crew than J. Mendel. She also thinks she has a happy marriage despite her ferocious mother-in-law and the cattiness of keeping up with the yummy mummies of her son's schoolmates. But once she and best friend Kiki discover her husband's cheating ways, the knives come out: among other things, the tough pre-nup makes divorcing the ultra-rich hedgie trickier than she expects. Dating isn't much easier, but readers will know to hold out for the glowing happy ever after. Effervescent Holly's romp through wealthy Manhattan is a gleeful little bonbon. (Apr.) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

PS- Speaking of summer I have some EXCITING plans (exciting in my opinion at least)! They include fabulous travel (and I will be sure to go over packing tips since so many have been requesting a post) and amazing giveaways. Be sure to stay tuned!!

La Plates GIVEAWAY!!

I am SO thrilled to announce that the FABULOUS La Plates is debuting their pink and green line just in time for Mother's Day and summer!

I have been a La Plates fan since I was contacted by the owner, L, last summer. She and I share so much in common: she was a Kappa who LOVES Sea Island so much she even got married there! Lara started La Plates and it has just taken off. The plates and accessories are all available online, but also by special order at wonderful stores around the country (Madison in HPV for one!). La Plates are custom made in the USA (support American made!!!), BPA-free and dishwasher safe. There are LOADS and LOADS of combination you can choose from online and just about every design on the site can be created to match your mood and home. However, while I adore the red lobsters and blue zebra I have to say the new pink and green collection holds the key to my heart. Lara has provided us with a sneak peak of the pink and green collection (it should be up on the website later this week) so enjoy all the eye candy mixed in with the ever-so-important 411!

A wonderful thing about La Plates is that they are a company that cares and gives back. La Plates donates a percentage of all sales to charity. If you use the code BAG10 at checkout you will not only receive 10% off your purchase but 10% will also go to Ovarian Cancer ( http://www.ovarian-cancer.org/the-bag-event.htm) Aren't all these options just too, too cute?

If you order by April 24th your Mother's Day order is guaranteed to arrive with time to spare!

La Plates has a wonderful collection of platters too. These would be wonderful for outdoor entertaining and just think you will have class, but no mess at the end of the day. Throw your plates and the platter in the dishwasher and hit the hay!

Now, Lara has so graciously offered a Monograms and Manicures reader the chance to win TWO CUSTOM plates! That means you can win any of the above designs with a name OR monogram, but if pink and green is not your thing you are able to win something that you fancy! Leave a comment letting Lara and I what you very favorite La Plates design is. What pattern would you select and what colors would you order it in? All comments MUST include your La Plate of choice to be entered into the giveaway. Please leave your comment by 1AM EST on Friday, April 24th, 2009.

Remember, if you find anything you MUST own while browsing the site (you are bound to do so!) use the code BAG10 to receive 10% off your order and also donate 10% to charity. Place your order my Friday, April 24th to receive it in time for Mother's Day. Make mother's life easier by buying cute, festive, personalized dishwasher safe plates this year!!

Sugar Cookies!!

My goodness have I been busy, hence the lack of posts and comments and emails. I am finally getting back on track, but there is honestly just NO way I can comment on all your posts from last week. Please know I have been following you as often as I can, but also please understand that I am unable to comment on all your fabulous posts.

Today, I got up and made shift sugar cookies for a meeting. I have received a number of compliments on these cookies and have also been asked for the recipe a number of times so I am going to share it with you all. Please note that it is far from special (the cook time and frosting are what make or break these cookies), but it is easy, the cookies are CUTE and you are certain to have all the ingredients lying around.

The recipe is the basic Martha Stewart sugar cookie recipe. If you are making a large batch of cut outs I suggest doubling it so that you know you have enough dough to get you through. The below recipe makes about 15 to 18 shift cookies depending on how much dough you choose to eat while you bake...

Martha Stewart Ideal Sugar Cookies

Ingredients
Makes about 2 dozen
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons brandy, or milk (I use milk)
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Royal Icing for Sugar Cookies, optional
Directions
Whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar; add dry ingredients, and mix until incorporated. With mixer running, add egg, brandy (or milk), and vanilla; mix until incorporated.

*Hopsy's note: I do NOT use an electric mixer, but rather do all my mixing with a wooden spoon so I personally do not think an electric mixer is absolutely necessary for this recipe to work.
Transfer dough to a work surface. Shape into 2 discs, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

*Hopsy's note: I mold the dough into one large ball and place it in wax paper then in the fridge. I then pick a bit off at a time to work with.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with nonstick baking mats or parchment paper; set aside.
On a lightly floured work surface, roll out dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes, and transfer to prepared baking sheets, leaving an inch in between. Leftover dough can be rolled and cut once more. Bake until lightly golden, about 10 minutes; do not allow to brown. Transfer to wire racks to cool.

*Hopsy's note: I NEVER bake these cookies for more than 10 or 11 minutes. They become rock hard and are terrible. Also, obviously a good baking sheet makes baking cut outs SO much easier. I am a HUGE fan of the Williams Sonoma gold pans. They make cooking easy even for the challenged cook like me!

Royal Icing

I use one pound of powdered sugar (a small bag) and actually buy a carton of egg whites instead of coming up with my own. You mix the egg whites of two eggs (6 tablespoons of the egg whites) with the powdered sugar. You can use an electric mixer here, but the wooden spoon still works too. I then add a little bit of almond extract into the mix to add some flavor to the frosting and this provides a real kick (it makes the ultimate difference in my opinion). I think lemon would also add some lovely zest if you prefer citrus taste. Once you have your frosting made you can decorate away!!

Again, this is easy as can be and incredibly basic, but oh so tasty! Bake away!!

Dallas Gathering!

I thought I would take after many other fabulous bloggers across the country (Muffy Martini and Nautical by Nature) and see if there was any interest in a Dallas blogger gathering!! I am not sure if there is even any interest, but I for one would love to put a face with a name and meet you all. Perhaps we could meet at a central location like the Cheesecake Factory for a 6:30pm/7pm dinner one evening? I figured it would be easy for people that live farther North and those that live in central Dallas to find plus it is kid friendly so if you have little ones you would want/need to bring you are of course welcome to do so. I have come up with a list of dates over the next several works that will hopefully work for a number of us. I think it might be easier to squeeze this in to our busy schedules now rather than wait until summer when people start to travel!

Tuesday, April 28th, 2009

Monday, May 4th, 2009

Tuesday, May 5th, 2009

Wednesday, May 6th, 2009

If you are interested in attending please leave a comment with your date preference and also do not forget to include your email in your comment. With all the recent crime going on in Dallas I think it is safer we work out all the final details via email. If you have any other ideas or suggestions please do not hesitate to voice your opinion!! I am looking forward to hopefully meeting a number of you in the very near future!

Pink and Green Toile

I love pink and green and I LOVE toile so obviously I love the finds below!

Sew Gracious $7

Pure and Honest Kids $27.50 (3 months to 24 months)

The Palm Gifts $14

Ebay $34.99 (placemats by Williams Sonoma)

Boatman Gellar $14 for 10

French Toile wallpaper $22.99 per roll

The Monogrammed Home

I think a good number of us can agree that a wonderful way to personalize your home is by adding your monogram here and there. You do not have to married to have a monogrammed guest room or monogrammed towels everywhere (I remember using some of my mother's pre-wedding towels at the pool when I was a little girl; it is always good to invest in items that will be useful down the road, right?!). Well, monogramming can get expensive when you are redoing rooms and bathrooms, but their are options from numerous wonderful, high quality companies that will allow you to really personalize your home for a little less, but still give you luxury quality!

Schweitzer Linens is a linen staple company (I have been eyeing a FABULOUS blanket cover for a few months and it is very Porthault, but 1/4 of the price!). Their Cambridge collection is simply divine and it is all about your initials too! The Cambridge shams are on sale for just $55 (plus $17 for a monogram) and get this, the blanket covers start at $115 for a twin and only go up to $160 for a king (plus $55 for the monogram)! All these items are such a steal for such great quality, I wish I needed to bedding or had a guest room to decorate! However, would I choose pink or blue!?

Raynuad is such afforable china. I am sure many of you seen their lovely monogrammed china, but did you know you can get a five piece placesetting for just $297 from Gracious Style! That is a wonderful deal for a fine, handpainted monogram in my opinion! I also adore the oval platter ($320) which you could pick up in a color that might match your existing pattern.The Varga stemware is not as inexpensive as the other items, but often we do have to pay a bit more to get wonderful and unique quality. If you want to really personalize your next dinner pick up a few water goblets for $165. Water goblets are perfect because they do not have to match your red and white wine glass and these will be hand etched JUST for you! It is fun to mix things up and these are certain to do exactly that!

So, whether you are in the market for more monograms to add to your home or simply looking to enjoy some lovely eye candy hopefully this post will do!

High Society

Well, we all love the movie so maybe the book is good too!

While at Rizzoli in NYC I came across the book High Society: The History of America's Upper Class. I always find books of this sort to be intriguing. This particular title concentrates soley on New York society through several centuries.

With insight and nostalgia, High Society explores the intrigue of New York s upper-class society and culture. From Greenwich Village and the Sugar House to Stone Street, author Nick Foulkes unravels Manhattan's past, starting in the early seventeenth century and leading up to the prosperous present. With stories of the residents that have made and make up Manhattan's lavish citizenry the Vanderbilt, Frick, Morgan, and Astor families and the restaurants, playhouses, galleries, and night clubs where they socialized Le Grenouille, El Morocco, and Le Cirque the narrative weaves the political, social, and literary moments of the eras, delivering a spectacle of culture beside a poignant selection of photography.

Tops!

UPDATE: I found my tag for the second top. It is called the Glaston top and as far as I know it is not available online. It was exclusive to certain stores. NorthPark and the Madison townhouse definitely have it along with the dress (same thing/style, just longer) and I would assume KoP and maybe Boca do too. The top is $298. Feel free to email me and I will tell you when I work next and we can become friends over the phone if you order if from NP!!!

I am super into my white jeans right now so of course I needed some cute new tops to wear with them. I ran into Lilly late last week while running errands and the Summer Jubilee line (the celebrity line) was being unpacked. Well, I just could not leave with out something. I mean who does not love being the first person to buy something from a store?!

I picked out the above top. I just had to have something in the print since the making of it was featured on Martha. It was meant to be and it looks AMAZING with my white jeans!
This top is my ABSOLUTE favorite Lilly top to date. I fell in love with it the first time I saw it. The pink and green and the lovely beading are just fabulous and the cut is like the top of a shift. I looked for this top online a few weeks ago because I could not find my camera, but had no luck. Last Sunday when I was working I looked in the book and found it was an 'additional offering' so I guess that means it is exclusive to certain stores. Exclusive is so fun! Obviously you can call and order it, but it is more unique than other pieces I supposse. It too looks AMAZING with white jeans and this just might be my summer staple outfit (next to my shifts of course)!
Here is the back. Isn't it fun??

Next week I will share more of Hopsy's new wardrobe additions. Maybe I can even model a few outfits so you can get the full affect!