Loving Lately

Lately, I’m loving:

My third pair of striped canvas shoes this season. After purchasing this pair from the Gap and block heel pumps from Tory Burch, I welcomed even more stripes into my closet: a pair of loafers from J.Crew. I used a Christmas gift card on them, so I didn’t feel too guilty making the purchase. However, it’s probably time to slow my roll.
Incredibly affordable handmade Greek sandals I just discovered on Etsy. I’m debating between this pair and this pair, or both, considering they’re under $40 each. An absolute steal compared to the Ancient Greek Sandals brand if you’re smitten with simpler designs.
Working on my European packing list, which was an excuse to order this dress from LOFT. It hasn’t arrived yet, but doesn’t it look like the perfect dress to go from sightseeing to dinner? Other than that, I’ve purchased a couple of Baggu bags to tuck in my purse and I’m considering this neck pillow (not the most glam, but I need to sleep on the plane) and sanitizing wipes (lavender is much more appealing than the standard-issue alcohol scent).

Lately, I’m loving:

This breathtaking necklace that Patile from KALAN by Suzanne Kalan sent to me. It’s one of the prettiest pieces in my jewelry box. (Patile is planning to add e-commerce capabilities to her site in the coming months, which is going to be dangerous for jewelry lovers everywhere. Until then, you can get your fix at Nordstrom.)
The official start of Birthday Month, which was the only excuse I needed to buy the Tory Burch scarf that’s been featured in my sidebar for weeks. (Now I need a scarf tutorial more than ever…)
Mint juleps and microbrews. The Kentucky Derby is the only sporting event I can fully get behind. You’ll find me cheering for the Run for the Roses on Saturday with a mint julep in hand. (Served in the silver-plated julep cups we purchased in Louisville, naturally.) It’s also the start of Madison’s Craft Beer Week, so don’t be put off by any hops-related Instagrams over the next few days. Cheers!

Lately, I’m loving:

Finally booking our trip to Belgium! We leave at the end of July for a 10-day stay in Brussels in the cutest hotel imaginable. I can’t wait to explore the EU’s capital and enjoy all of my favorite treats: chocolate, frites, beer, mussels and waffles. We haven’t starting planning too much of our itinerary, so let me know if you have suggestions! We’ll probably do a day trip to The Netherlands or France and a trip to Bruges or Ghent.
This crazy cute pajama set I won from Sleepy Jones. I was able to mix and match a set that included their new Liberty print. Aren’t the shorts adorable with this oversize seersucker top?
Tory Burch’s Friends & Family sale (25% off with code FRIENDLY). You have no idea how badly I want to buy this scarf. The print is so beautiful and now that Dave has a convertible, I obviously need something to tie back my hair, right? I also adore this little iPhone wristlet. (I’d buy it at Saks, though. They also have a 25% Friends and Family promotion now, but with free shipping.)

Lately, I’m loving:

Yet another bouquet of tulips. I can’t help myself.
This trench coat in navy. Before my self-imposed shopping ban went into effect, I placed one more order at Banana Republic. The jacket has a subtle sheen that makes it feel more elevated than your standard-issue beige trench and the striped lining with magenta piping won me over. As some of the reviews mention, it really is tight in the shoulders and bust, so take that into account if you have your eye on it. The white eyelet shift also arrived last week, which was a huge disappointment. I was pining for this since BR’s spring preview last fall and it fell short of expectations. It runs really small and I didn’t love it enough to go up another size or two to get the carefree fit that dress needs. The final item from my order (this dress) is scheduled to arrive today. Fingers crossed for a success!
A batch of lemon bars I made yesterday afternoon. Even though they’re one of my favorite sweets, I rarely make them because I’ll eat the entire pan within the week. Time to cue up a workout with Jillian Michaels to burn off that pound of butter.
A pair of Loeffler Randall sandals for just $62. Will someone please buy all of the size 7s so I’m not tempted anymore?!

Lately, I’m loving:

The promise of warm weather, so I can break out my favorite spring shoes. I’m itching to wear these Kate Spade pumps again.
Iris Apfel’s upcoming sale on One Kings Lane. You know how much I adore this woman (even more so after she referred to herself as a “geriatric starlet”) and I’d love to own a piece that belonged to her. Though, something tells me that the April 5 sale will be priced above my budget.
Finally sending off my passport for renewal. I’m not sure if you’re allowed to smile in your photo, but I’m risking it. (The government site isn’t very clear—they require a “neutral expression,” yet some allowable photo examples show people smiling.) Hopefully it gets approved. My non-smiling expression looks pretty angry.
An interesting article that reinforces the principles behind The French Wardrobe Challenge.