Nostalgia

My grandparents. Complete opposites as people but combined they were farmers, academics, horse breeders, artists, and antique collectors. Explains a lot about all my hobbies and eccentricities. They are so vital, youthful, and stylish in these photos. I love to think of them this way and I love these vintage pictures.

Treasures in Action

My adventure to Brimfield this year yielded shockingly few items.  I was initially a little morose that I didn't come away with more for all my efforts (like that vintage map of Paris, which was clearly too large for any of the walls in my tiny walk up), but a little time and reflection leave me very satisfied with my new French themed platter, perfect for Bastille day.

I put that find into immediate action for a serving of assorted frommage, some blue cheese stuffed dates wrapped in prosciutto, both consumed with a deliciously crisp French white wine (Joseph Drouhin Chablis 1er cru Secher, about $30/bottle). What a nice first round of food to graze on pre-dinner...because obviously I made dinner on top of all this.

 The dates are shamelessly easy for such a gorgeous and tasty product (a sweet and savory variation on the Giada DeLaurentiis recipe here).

Jailbird

Featured: Forever 21 maxi dress, Elizabeth and James vest, J Crew Sandals, Louis Vuitton tote, Ray Ban sunglasses, Banana Republic belt.

After all my in depth research on striped dresses (as posted here), I wandered into a Forever 21 the very same day and spied my prey! The elusive striped maxi, at a mere $15.00! I debuted this look heading out for date night at O Ya with husband. Probably not the best idea since I planned on (and subsequently did eat myself silly with sushi), but I topped off the look, and hid my post dinner belly, with my hugely utilitarian Elizabeth and James vest. This vest seriously goes with everything. And of course, the Louis Vuitton tote is part of the lot I recently bought from Skinner and posted about here.

Also worth noting, O Ya is definitely one of the best dining experiences to be had in Boston. The location is surprising, hidden within the leather district, but the secrecy makes it all the more intimate. The service was over the top helpful (special thanks to Michael for all his recommendations and delightful conversation). And the food, oh my goodness the food. There is clearly a reason it was rated the top new restaurant in the US (by the Times, click here for article) when it opened. Nothing short of sushi nirvana. Go. Now. Repeat.

Fashion Rules

Fashion rules are usually put into place for good reason.....for example, don't wear horizontal stripes unless you want to look like a jailbird or instantly add 10 lbs. This fashion faux pas has been flaunted lately and I want in. My cart at TopShop currently has about four striped maxi dresses in it. I realize one couldn't possibly require more than "a" striped dress but it is so hard to edit down with so many cute options!

1. TopShop: Striped Jersey Maxi by Rare $70

2. Net-a-Porter: Sandro Riva Striped Jersey Dress $255

3. TopShop: Striped Jersey Maxi Dress $55

4. Les Nouvelles: Kain Striped Tank Dress $100

5. TopShop: Navy Tania Dress by Motel $70

6. Old Navy: Women's Jersey Cover Up $15 

Musical Interlude

Some albums in heavy rotation. Not entirely new, but maybe new to you!

Miike Snow: Miike Snow

Not a single person who spells his name weird, but a band out of Sweden. Synthy, upbeat, catchy as all get out. If Passion Pit and Vampire Weekend are recent picks from your past, give this group a chance (they have done remixes for both). I just bought my tickets for the October show at the House of Blues Boston!

Marina and the Diamonds: The Family Jewels

Haven't heard I am not a Robot yet? Get on it! I featured it here last week, in my Summer Jams playlist. Her music is infectious, a la Katy Perry, but infinitely hipper. I have been waiting months for this to become available in the States. Well worth the wait. If you are a fan of Kate Nash and Florence and the Machine, check Marina out.

The Black Keys: Brothers

The Black Keys is not so much a band but two people who epitomize bluesy rock cool. Give the the album a listen and you think they have deep Southern roots- not true! They surprisingly hail from Ohio. The first track to take off from the album is Tighten up, produced by Dangermouse. It is delightful, complete with whistling, organs, and a great beat. Any song with whistling is cool in my book.

PS: Have you discovered Amazon's 100 albums for $5 each? Gimmicky for sure, but they actually include a good mix of new, classic, and relevant titles that you can snatch up for a steal. This weeks picks include The Broken Bells, Arcade Fire: Funeral, Passion Pit: Manners, MGMT: Oracular Spectacular, and Adele's stunning debut 19. Stay cool!