(Cool girls and their hats)

I have always wanted to be a girl who wore hats. It's such a sexy, confident statement that only a few can successfully pull off. I had been told it was all about "face shape", but I really think it has more to do with confidence and swagger. I lack swagger. I have a few hats in my closet that now are covered in a film of dust after trying them on and not being able to leave the house without feeling like a fraud. I feel like I am a big, walking hat and nothing else. I always feel silly, and not cool enough to walk down the sidewalk with something fabulous perched atop my head. Fearing that people would walk by and snicker "Did you see that girl and her ridiculous hat?"

This winter I finally caved and bought a chunky knit beret at Urban Outfitters, figuring if I fell prey to my wavering self-esteem and decided I could not wear it without feeling ultimately stupid, there would not be much money lost. But I did wear it. And I got compliments from complete strangers on it. Could I be a hat girl? How I would love to have stacks of pretty hat boxes in my bedroom radiating the chic worldliness that hats just innately have. A fantastic hat shop, Salmagundi, even opened down the street from me in JP (below)! Is the universe trying to convert me into a hat girl?



Last week while reading Courtney's blog, I admired her new hat purchase(see above). A fabulous hat by Lola Millinery that just screams "cool". Courtney is one of those girls who looks like she was born to wear hats, and she certainly is cool enough (again, see above). So I felt inspired and peek around for some toppers for myself- should the stars align and bless me with some extra swagger.

Hats below found on Neiman Marcus, Proper Topper, Barneys.

Get a load of these spectacularly designed plastic utencils from the ever cool Vivre. Reusable and sturdy, this whimsical take on flourished silverware is just the thing to punch up an summertime outdoor dinner party!

I am now completely obsessed with going to The Cottages at Cabot Cove in Kennebunkport, Maine. I saw this adorable little cottage hideaway in Cottage Living this month and flipped for the individually decorated, adorable water front cottages as opposed to staying in a hotel (although, if you want to experience unparalleled luxury-and an empty wallet- in Kennebunkport, you can stay at The White Barn Inn- holy smokes, we were treated like royalty). Anyways, go through the "Accommodations" page on the site to see each cottage and it's seaside inspired decor (I am loving the one modern cottage though!) You can have breakfast brought to your cottage door and eat it in the sun on a private patio! Now doesn't that sound delicious?

Fringe Studio creates glass vases layered with images and lettering, reminiscent of John Derian's decoupage work. Filled with a single color and type of bloom (think just one color tulips) these would make a great little surprise for Mother's Day- but would also add a little unexpected punch to any area of your home. Boring vases, be gone! You can find them at Heliotrope and Wrappables online (amongst others) and in Boston at Shake the Tree (I so need to go here, but the North End is such a pain!)

How great is this little number from perennial favorite, Z Gallerie? (Note to them: open one in Boston already!!!!) For under $500 you can create your own luxe backyard cabana reminiscent of something found poolside at the the Viceroy! I love it! And while your at it, pick up some of these adorable cane textured plastic glasses from Cynthia Rowley at Target. They also come in clear and will only set you back $23.99 for a set of 12. Palm Springs in your backyard on the cheap!

Please take some time out of your day to look at Jen's set of polaroids from her trip to Paris. Andrew and I were hoping to go in September for our 3rd anniversary, but with the way the dollar is pathetically plummeting, it may not be an option. Jen's pictures make me oh-so wistful for the clearly dreamy city...

My newest attempt at perfecting the painting I started (which my husband has dubbed "Sad Cloud"). I think I'm liking it. Especially with the grass green/chocolate/white/ hints of turquoise palette plan for my newer living room. Critique anyone?

You may recall my complete adoration and worshipping of lifestyle guru Erinn Valencich from a few months ago. Well, I just found out she is launching her own furniture line with J. Alexander at this years Highpoint Furniture Market! I hope to be able to go and see it in person before it hits stores!

Fantastic bedroom with gorgeously treated walls and hide rugs and accents.

Howdy All! I'm back from a wonderful family weekend in Idaho at the ranch with Andrew's fantastic cousins and their kids. Talk about rustic luxe! We got to relax, ride ATVs and fish all in the perfectly appointed house. Some great images to inspire your own rustic vacation?

The view

On our way down to the Fishing Cabin

Exterior and amazing railings inside the Fishing Cabin (work still in progress).

Patio and living area (complete with hanging canoe!)

More views

Dining area

Another bedroom and living area.


I need to unpack and get myself back on a normal schedule- so until tomorrow, adios!

Sorry for the delay in posting today, I was in CT dropping Baxter off before our trip to Idaho tomorrow! We're off to do all sorts of ranch-y things at Andrew's uncle's vacation home out there. Am excited at the prospect of perhaps shooting at empty beer cans and riding an ATV. Or perhaps just hanging with my favorite new family members with lots of wine in the hot tub!
Anyways, I was tagged by the exquisitely gifted Patricia at pve design to partake in a little blogger game of "6 quirky things about me". Just 6? But there are so many...

1) I like to read magazines backwards. I don't know why, but I always want to see the end first and work my way back.
2) I absolutely will not eat oranges with seeds. Seeds completely gross me out and even if I've made all the effort to peel one and bite into it and there is a seed- in the trash. I know, weird.
3) I talk to my dog all day as if he is going to respond and fully understands.
4) I have intense wander lust, but when push comes to shove, I want to stay in New England.
5) I totally believe in and follow my horoscope.
6)I like ketchup, tomato sauce, salsa and just about any other tomato byproduct, but I HATE tomatoes.

I tag Inside the Loop, Turquoise Chic and Annechovie!

See you guys on Monday!