Flip for Decorating

Elizabeth Mayhew

House Beautiful special projects editor and Today show contributer Elizabeth Mayhew, is coming to Louisville next week for a book signing. She recently released Flip for Decorating, and will be in her hometown for a wine and cheese event on Oct. 8. And, it's a fundraiser for Junior League. And, I won't be able to attend. But, it's for a good reason because I'll be at The Greenbrier. Yea!

So, if you live in the area and you're a fan of Elizabeth, stop by the store Complements in Holiday Manor, Oct. 8, between 5 - 7 p.m. and have her sign a copy of the book. She's also going to discuss decorating, organization, cooking and other lifestyle topics. Should make for a fun evening!
Photo courtesy of elizabethmayhew.com

Fabulous Frocks

CK Bradley's Apres Dress

CK Bradley herself modeling the Sonoma dress

The Taylor Ruffle Ponte Dress from Bailey's - love it!

First of all, thanks to everyone who offered tips and suggestions on what to wear to this weekend's wedding and dinner party, as well as dining at The Greenbrier. Rather than buy yet another black dress (as much as I want to), I'm going to wear one that I already have and jazz it up with accessories. But, if I were to buy a new dress, I've seen some fabulous fashions online at CK Bradley (love her) and Bailey's that are pretty tempting.

I happened to come across Bailey's blog via Southern Gent (another fun read by a brother blogger). Visit their online store: http://www.shopbaileys.com/. The boutique is located in Annapolis, Maryland, but they also offer some fetching items online. And, I love that Bailey’s features photos of real-life folks donning their fashions. For some reason, that always appeals to me: If you have a cool Web site, featuring cool people wearing your clothes, that’s a plus in my book.

Which brings me to Ms. Camilla, over at CK Bradley. I’ve adored her clothes from afar for years. The finest preppy frocks and now she has a fun blog to accompany her retail Web site. Check it out.

I was very close to buying a dress from Bailey’s the other day, but because I’m a little gun shy about ordering dresses online because of sizing, I held off. But, I may get brave and order one. We’ll see.

In the meantime, check out the latest from these shops and see what tickles your fancy. You may just score a fabulous find!
Images from CK Bradley blog and shopbailey's.com.

Countdown to Next Week

The Allegheny Mountains in West Virginia, where the Greenbrier Resort resides.

Hubby is out of town on business until Thursday, so I’m playing single mom this week and it’s already wearing me out. The kids have gotten into this habit of climbing into bed with us in the middle of the night, so our sleep is constantly interrupted with little ones trying to vie for space and then one of us carrying them back to their own rooms. So, last night, I just let them snooze with me because I was too tired and there was enough room for the three of us. Oh, well.

So, as I deal with lack of sleep this week, it just makes thoughts of next week even sweeter, because we’re going to The Greenbrier for our wedding anniversary. Yea! I’m going to sleep late, take a nap each day and take it as easy as I can. The only thing on the agenda right now is a spa session for me, hunting clays for Hubby and high tea each day at 4 p.m. I may do more, but what we have planned so far sounds like heaven right now.

I’m going to miss my kiddos very much, but Mommy needs some R&R. And, it’s our 10th anniversary – a big one to celebrate. So, I’m looking forward to having Hubby to myself for a few days. I can’t wait!
Image courtesy of The Greenbrier

Outlet Shopping: Is it Really a Good Deal?

On Saturday, my mother, daughter and I drove an hour north to hit the outlet mall in hopes of scoring some great deals on fall clothes. The kids desparately need new clothes for the fall and winter and I was in the market for a few good finds myself. And, while I did come home with shopping bags galore, I probably could have purchased so much more for the kids locally at Kohl's or Old Navy. Remember when outlet shopping really offered great deals? Anymore it must be just the convenience of having all of these stores in one giant location, because, I saw many of the same prices I encounter at the regular retail stores close to home.

I did find some deals at J. Crew and I did find the riding boots (above) that for which I had been longing. Again, though, I didn't walk away feeling like I had come upon the deal of the century.

If I want a great deal, maybe I need to head up to northern Kentucky where there's a Gap outlet - now, that's a great deal. Granted, some items may be ripped, marked or feature other flaws, but often times you can come across a gem of a find. Maybe that will be my next venture. Or, I could just sit on my bottom and order online, which I much prefer. :)
Photo courtesy of Anne Klein

Ballet, Hives and Football - Such is Life

Thursday was Visitors' Day at my daughter's ballet class. These little girls are too cute (Miss E. is in the black leotard). I am so proud of her and how well she listens to her teacher. Hubby and my mother came too, and we all took turns walking with Little Guy in the hall, because, well, he insisted on being very much a 2-year-old that day.

Little Guy went to the doctor this morning to have his hives checked out. He's had three break-outs in the last week so they suggested he be examined. Of course, his skin was fine this morning, and it's very hard to tell what could be triggering the outbreaks. The doctor wrote a prescription for Zyrtec and we'll just continue to monitor it. Sigh.

Have a great weekend everyone. My Kentucky Wildcats take on the Florida Gators tomorrow night. That's going to be a tough one. Although, I hear some of the Florida players have the Swine Flu, so if Tim Tebow gets it, we may have a fighting chance. Calm down, I'm just kidding. ;)

Style Icon: Coco Chanel

Oh, how I love Coco Chanel. Her iconic style lives on as the design house she built continues to create gorgeous clothing, with Coco’s aesthetic still very much present in today’s designs (thanks to Karl Lagerfeld).

Unfortunately, I don’t have a budget for Chanel, but I love to look at the clothes. Lately there’s been great focus on the life and times of Ms. Chanel, most notably with the film “Coco Before Chanel,” starring Audrey Tautou, the book The Gospel According to Coco Chanel, by Karen Korbo and an article in today’s New York Times Style section.

Chic and elegant, that is Coco Chanel.
Images courtesy of NPR and Amazon.

What Would Audrey Do?

I'm having a devil-of-a-time finding a cute dress for some upcoming events this fall. To be honest, I haven't hit too many stores, because, well, I just don't have much time. I have been scouring the Internet, though, and I have to say, I'm a bit disappointed in my old reliables, Ann Taylor and J. Crew. I'm just not digging the styles of dresses this season.

So, I have to pose the question: What Would Audrey Do?

Here's my dilemma: I have a wedding in early October followed by a birthday celebration at a restaurant the same night. The following week we're celebrating our anniversary at the Greenbrier, where dressing up for dinner is the norm. (I'm set for Keeneland - will be donning boots for that daytime event). I have black cocktail dresses, but I'm looking for something a little different; not too trendy, though. Classic, but unique. Which tends to always bring me back to black. I guess Audrey knew what she was doing.

I realize ordering online can be tricky, but I don't often have the time to scour the shops. Perhaps I just need to sliver out a few hours this weekend. So, Ladies (and, any gentlemen who may be readers - feel free to chime in), any luck with ordering dresses online and if so, what would you recommend?

Image courtesy of Sotheby's.