Makes Me Feel Fine

The most horrible thing about growing up has got to be the lack of summer vacations.   It's so easy to get caught up in work and life and not take time to do the little things that make summer, summer.   But this past weekend was spent at my parents house and between barbecues, lemonades on the pier, and evening at our favorite lakeside bars, it was finally starting to feel like summer.  And it felt wonderful.   Here are some more ways I'm going to incorporate summer into my everyday routine, so it doesn't slip by this year.  

Ultra bright makeup that compliments a tan.

Soaking sun and mindless reading all next to or on water.

A Summer PlaylistLike my music tastes it is completely random, but below are my favorites that get me in the mood for sunshine.
Madcon, Beggin'Dave Matthews Band, CrushPassion Pit, The ReelingPaul Simon, Obvious ChildMIA, SunshowersBlink 182, Roller CoasterBassnectar, Magical World feat. Nelly FurtadoZac Brown Band, Knee DeepMickey Avalon, So Rich So PrettyThe Outfield, Your LoveRod Stewart, Forever YoungVampire Weekend, (really, all songs)Zion I, Coastin'Deana Carter, Strawberry WineJimmy Buffett,  A Pirate Looks at 40Crosby, Stills & Nash, Southern CrossBruce Springsteen, Glory DaysKenny Loggins, I'm AlrightThe Brazilian Girls, Good Time
(and I mean, really, there are millions more.)

Only packing bikinis and sundresses for weekend getaways.

How are you celebrating summer?

Miss Moss for Mango

Just cause Kate Moss is still (as far as I'm concerned) the prettiest ever.

Living Doll

Yesterday's post featured a beauty I had almost forgotten about.  Miss Gemma Ward completely captivated me sometime during my college years.  I remember the first time I saw her (or at least really noticed her).  I was getting my hair highlighted (as I did every 4 weeks back then) and was sipping my fresh squeezed limeade and flipping through Harper's Bazaar.  It was then that my jaw dropped.  This other-worldly beauty was acutally a real person?  This wasn't a doll?  Someone's eyes can be that huge?  A face that symmetrical?  And flawless?  I asked my hairdresser Matthew if he's heard of this Gemma Ward character?  He giggled and scolded me for not knowing, "And I thought you read Vogue monthly..."   From then on I took note.  I adored her.  When Heath Ledger passed, and Gemma left the modeling world I cursed her name.  Silly, girl, giving up her amazing career to mourn! (How could she!?)  She did return earlier this year, and I'm hoping we'll be seeing much more of her in the future.  Below is the spread that introduced me this amazingly beautiful model.

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.

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

Hello, Glamour

I don't want to make money, I just want to be wonderful.

Marilyn Monroe

The world of journalism is changing rapidly.  I could talk for hours on such matters, but my latest obsession to come from this change are the beautiful fashion videos designers and magazines are now producing.  It's an amazing way to translate fashion.  I relate it to the way that music videos tell stories for songs - it's the most obvious way to get a point across. For instance, the less than a minute video  above was made during a shoot for Vogue Italia.  Add some quick edits, cool lighting effects, and set it to a sultry tune and it's  easy to see the glamourous vibe that was achieved in this shoot.

Prepared For Sunshowers

Days spent under a blazing sun are, to me, quintessential summer. I grew up spending my summers poolside and have always valued a good tan and sun streaked hair. But in order to enjoy the sun (and stay safe) it's beyond impotent to prepare your body for a day in the heat. This past weekend I traveled south to Lake of the Ozarks for a few days spent on the boat with my boyfriend and his family. The temps soared above 90, and without a cloud in the sky, I realized just how many beauty products I was using to stay comfortable. Below are my essentials for a day in the sun.

...L'Eau...

In a past life I might have been a mermaid.  Sitting by the lake instantly puts me at ease. Snorkeling through a crystal clear ocean is the best feeling in the world.  And my favorite walks are those that involve creeks and skipping rocks.  Water is my element and these pictures have me daydreaming about swimming and are *so* putting me in the mood for summer.