As of Late

Well, hello there, friends.  It's been a few minutes.  I've been busy though.  Truly.  May was a beautiful blur of a month that started with the Kentucky Derby, included a trip to Mexico, and ended with me running my 1st 1/2 marathon.  I have been busy with work (it's a good thing!) but have missed good ol' Hush n Wonder.  So here's hoping the dear blog gets a bit more attention in the coming months.

I haven't gotten to do much shopping lately.  Everything I have bought in the past month has had some sort of purpose - like I need that dress for the Kentucky Derby.  Or I need that good facial sunscreen for Mexico.  Or that sports bra is the perfect pink to match my running shoes.  You get the picture.  Below are some little gems I'd like to be buying regardless of trips and simply in honor of summer.  Which is here.  Finally!

The Wantables.

Bath & Shower Oil:  I am needing this.  This oil is perfect to lather on before a shower or add a little to your bath to create a relaxing little haven all your own.  By Aromatherapy Associates, find it here.  

A Printed Tee:   Nothing beats a good printed t-shirt.  This one by Zoe Karssen is perfection.  Fun fact - I ordered it from here.  

Retro Sunnies:  Acetate sunglasses are the thing right now - but something about this pair seems perfectly classic.  Cutler and Gross nailed it with this pair.  

A Wild Necklace:  I'm quite certain shark teeth have replaced snakes as the most exotic form of jewelry.  This necklace by Heather Hawkins is the ultimate summer accessory.  

A Vintage Scarf:   Finishing off an outfit with a colorful scarf is trick that can take outfits from blah to beautiful.  This Dolce & Gabbana printed scarf is great, but find that flea markets and vintage stores have a great selection as well.  

Printed Shorts:  A fun pair of printed shorts are must have for summer.  I love this aztec version from Topshop.  Paired with a peasant top or simple tank, these would/will get a lot of wear.  

Moved

Hope is the thing with feathers.

Emily Dickinson

I pinned this picture last night, and for some reason it really struck a chord with me.  It made me remember why I blog.  Why I love fashion and why I want to travel, wear beautiful clothes, and do things that I find inspiring.   Life is too short not to live out your dreams.  And I feel it's important to remember that.

Food

The little slogan of Hush n Wonder was (and I guess still is) "Fashion, Food, and All Things Fabulous."

The "food" side of this blog is lacking.  And it makes me sad.

I'm a foodie.  Nothing makes me more excited than good meals.  I don't cook nearly as much as I'd like to, which is something I'm going to change.   It's Sunday and I've spent my morning with an ice cold bottle of Diet Coke (does wonders for this little headache - too many saki bombs last night) and reading food blogs.

Good food blogs are so very fun to read.  They are my favorite form of cooking inspiration, because for the most part, the authors aren't professional chefs, they're simply food lovers who are learning as they go.  Below are my favorite food blogs - if you're needing some motivation to get in the kitchen, I highly suggest the reads below...

A Little Safron Would Make This!  I discovered this blog a few weeks ago and have since read every post.  The blog's author Ileana is a beautiful writer, and her passion for food is infectious.  Reading it makes you want to get in your kitchen and start experimenting.

A Cozy Kitchen  This blog simply has theeee best recipes.   Every one of them makes my mouth water.  They are unique and the photos are pretty.

Joy the Baker  I love her.  I know, I know, everyone does.  She's pretty much famous now and has made such a lovely career of her blog.    It's really inspirational.   Also, watch the video of her in her "about me" section.  It's so sweet.

The Wednesday Chef   Reading Luisa's long, drawn out tales of her adventures in the kitchen are so funny and clever.  She loves good food, and I'm anxious to get my hands on her book, "My Berlin Kitchen".

Are there any other must-read food blogs I'm missing out on?  

Happiness

Things I'm loving lots about summer so far.

- Drinking on patios

- Long, lazy boat rides

- Fresh veggies and herbs from the garden

- Seeing old friends

- Comfy sundresses

-  Limeade

- Long dinners that include wine & good conversation

-  Naps in the sun

...Off in a Cabana Somewhere Sunny, Drinking a Pina Colada...

I apologize for the lack of depth in my recent blog posts, I really do.  However, I've found that it's best to not force blogging, and instead simply write about (or show) what inspires.  This way entries are honest, and quite personal.  That being said, are you all now completely aware of how badly I'm craving a beach?  Somewhere sunny to do nothing other than lay out and sip on fruity cocktails?  You've gotten that vibe from me?  You understand that the only things I want to be shopping for are string bikinis and cotton sundresses?  Okay, good.  Well, now that we're on the same page, I love the images below.  They're feeding my most recent craving for all things tropical.

The Rum Diary

I like some movies simply because of location and wardrobe.  It's that simple.  The Talented Mr. Ripley was one of them (see post on it here).  And to be honest The Rum Diary was a film I didn't really care to see.  My fiance turned it on while I was busy blogging or pinning (the two go hand in hand, no?)  and about 15 minutes in I was surprised to have found myself completely consumed with Johnny Depp and Amber Heard.  And it wasn't that it was particularly great - in fact it was kind of odd.  But it did keep me entertained, and I'm pretty sure it all had to do with Amber Heard's character Chenault.  Her retro style, cinnamon tan, and omni-present red lips were so striking.   It really is the perfect summer or getaway inspiration, and my new goal for my own upcoming vacation  is to find some high-waisted shorts and a bra top as amazing as Chenault's (see second photo down.)

She Gets Carrie Fever....

Like most twenty-somethings obsessed with fashion, I grew up watching Sex and the City.   It was one of those shows I discovered right when I got to college, and it only took half of an episode to get me completely hooked.   It was such an amazing concept for me - four friends, living in the big city, wearing amazing clothes, and doing pretty much whatever they wanted.  I've posted in the past about how the show has influenced my fashion, and watching re-runs is still one of my favorite places to go when needing a little couture inspiration.  That all being said, I had to share this amazing article I found on Vogue.com.   I was a little taken aback when I read that these were styles, "Carrie made famous decades ago."... Decades!?  Really?  But in all honesty, the last season of the show was in 2004 and I was still in high-school. Wowza, where does the time go?  But even more astonishing than time's ability to slip away might be Carrie's fashion's staying power.  As the article highlights these are trends that are timeless, and Carrie's keen sense of fashion will probably even be inspirational to our own daughters.  What's your favorite Sex and the City fashion trend and do you still rock it?

I personally think Carrie's style is best in the final season when she takes on her "Russian lova".   Her style is a little more mature and refined. There are lots of girly dresses, tailored jackets, and pretty detailing that is difficult not to drool over.  Also, how funny is that Ms. Bradshaw made the whole ombre hair style popular way back when?  I giggle at how long we all took to catch on!

...Good Thoughts & Goals...

I'm a strong believer in setting goals and doing all that's possible to reach them.  It's what I've done my whole life and when I don't do it, I tend to feel down.   Who says that New Years has to be when goals are set?  It's important we think outside the box, and strive and push ourselves.  And not just when a certain time of year tells us to.  These are the thoughts that have been occupying my brain, and I'm strategically putting together a list of things I want to accomplish.   Time is fleeting, it's important to assess what it is exactly you want to do with it.

Happy Thoughts

"Walk with the dreamers, the believers, the courageous, the cheerful, the planners, the doers, the successful people with their head in the clouds and their feet on the ground.  Let their spirit ignite a fire within you, to leave this world better than when you found it." 

Wilfred Peterson

I'ma Copy You

Quite frankly, one of my pet peeves is straight up copying.  I hate when someone buys whatever the mannequin in the store is wearing, but I must admit, I'm ready to duplicate this look in it's entirety.  So beyond perfect for summer, here are the trends that must be tried asap.

• Long braids
• White on white for a breezy, summer feel.
• That BAG!  Oh, my heavens, that bag, will be dreamt about.
• The abundance of silver jewelry.
• Beaded necklaces that give off a tribal feel.
• A killer tan.

Image found here.

MIA No More

It seems like it's been forever since I've written a good blog!  And for that I apologize.  My good ol' laptop has been slowly dying over the last couple weeks and a couple days ago, he finally bit the dust.    But tonight I purchased my first Mac!  So, far I'm in love.  He's really pretty, fast, and easy to use.   Anyhoo, be expecting more posts!  Summer is underway and I hope you're all enjoying the warmer temperatures and cute summer fashions!  Below are some of my most recent inspirations/loves.

Chandeliers are the most romantic, beautiful things in the world.  I'm currently on the hunt for one for our dining room.

Gemma Ward is the definition of "doll".  And where do I find a beach towel that cute?!

Finally trying my hand at lavender lemonade I've been drooling over.

Is it weird that I'm totally into bloomers?  So fun for lounging.  My new obsession du jour.

No one does sunnies better than Karen Walker.  Such a fresh look, it's what I'm currently saving for.

n

Sun hats have always been so chic, but this photo has inspired me to find one of my own.