Life Lessons

Teaching manners to a four year old is no easy task. This book is such a nice reminder (mainly for myself) to find the joy in it. Now that I've taken a completely different approach, "Set the table, the Queen is coming to dinner!!" we're both better off. I love the explanations and illustrations throughout the book and there's even a few blank pages at the end for doodling...

Manners Can Be Fun by Muro Leaf

"Navy & Yellow"

by Clare Elsaesser

Available on her Etsy shop, tastesorangey

Wardrobe Essential: Black Pumps

I'm trying to get better about building a wardrobe with classic pieces that work well for every kind of occasion, season after season. A pair of shoes like the pointed-toe black pump that makes a simple outfit look 'put together' and current. I can't pull them off for my typical everyday look (a little much for pre-school drop-off) but I can think of a million ways I'd wear them. With a pair of black skinny trousers and a cashmere sweater, a silk blouse tucked into a leather skirt, a long-sleeved lace dress for holiday parties, toothpick jeans and a white oxford shirt...the possibilities are endless. Everyone from Audrey Hepburn to Carolyn Bessette has worn them and they still look modern. The search is on for the perfect pair of black pumps!!!

Boutique 9 'Justine' Pump $120

Manolo Blahnik 'BB' Pump $595

Like Mother Like Daughter

Crewcuts Sequin Collar Dress

J.Crew Crystal-Collar Sweater via Girlsack

Fall Favorite:

Gap Suede Belt $24.95

Home Away From Home!

Whenever Will and I travel, with or without kids, we like to rent a place rather than stay in a hotel. It's such a luxury to have the extra space and come and go as we please. It usually costs less than what a small hotel room would, and you're able to avoid the crowds of a lobby and parking garage. Before you book a hotel room, I highly recommend checking out websites like HomeAway and airbnb to see if there's anything available! My friend Landrie lives in a great neighborhood in New York City and is now renting her apartment out. You might remember these tassel pillows I made for her using embroidered placemats...

I love her gallery wall in the living room (reminds me of this one by Bella Foster) so I asked her to share sources. She found some of the art on 20x200 which is a fantastic website for affordable art, like the beach photograph by Christian Chaize. Other pieces are by Jennifer James Wright and the one in the hallway is by Judy Blotnick.

 

You can view the full listing on airbnb!

This past weekend we went to Austin (just the two of us!) and found a terrific place to stay on Home Away. It was a small studio tucked away in one of our favorite neighborhoods downtown. I loved being able to sleep with the windows open and wake up to our own private garden!!

Our secluded patio...

The kids and I are spending a few days with my in-laws so regular posting will resume on Monday. Have a great week!

xoxo

African Horn Bracelets

Jade Stone Wire Wrapped

Custom Order: choose your color, stones, and size

Purple Coral Wire Wrapped

My sister-in-law sells the most amazing African Horn Bracelets in all different sizes, colors, and stones. You can even contact her for a custom order to get exactly what you want! I wear them with everything, either piled on together (above) or mixed with other bracelets. Katherine donates a portion of the proceeds to a non-profit organization supporting vulnerable African children that you can read more about here. My other sister-in-law Libby works with these incredible kids so we've had the pleasure of getting to know them. Did I mention how lucky I am to have such great sister-in-laws???