Coffee -- Philadelphia style

Today's Agenda: Loving how local Philadelphia coffee shops serve coffee on the bar.

Steps to Replicate at Home (for take away iced coffee):
1. Place cute Parisian small saucer plate on counter.
2. Place plastic cover upside down on plate.
3. Place iced tea spoon on plastic cover.
4. Milk, white sugar, sugar in the raw (!), honey, straws all at the bar.
5. Talk with your neighbors and local barista (at home, friends, husband, pets make good substitutes)

Also loving my friend Miriam’s Philly Anthropologie purchases. Two items that are really all you need to get you through Fall, a little bit updated.

1. Grey sweater, perfect for layering with a tissue thin eggplant turtleneck

2. Grey bolero, perfect for over a black dress with tights and flats or boots.

Setting out to explore Philly for a couple of hours before boarding the train...

L.A. Bound

Today's Agenda: Finish packing for L.A.!

Planning Points: I have never been to L.A. I have a vague picture in my mind of what L.A. is like. But my image is not as developed as images of other places I haven't been to -- Greece, Sicily, Hawaii, Galapagos (yes, this is my list of places to go next...)

So, when it came to packing I focused on bringing things that are (1) casual, (2) comfortable, (3) stylish and (4) can go from fancy pool to rooftop deck to shopping.

Here are some items I came up with to mix and match. We'll see how they work!



Ruffle Jersey Tube Tops (in black and black/white striped)
Long layering tanks (in white, navy, emerald green)
Long dress (in cerrulian blue)
"Boyfriend" cropped jeans
Cardigan
Necklace
Triple Teardrop Earrings
Kimchi Knot Belt
T-Strap Sandal
Converse one star
Flats
Bermuda Shorts (in black)
Oversized Canvas Tote

Throw in a couple summer scarves and vintage jewelry, bathing suits and a small brown leather bag with some gold metalware and I'm done. Now let's hope the carry-on actually fits on the plane...

*Bonus: I am flying out on Virgin America which apparently has Wifi capable planes - perfect activity for a 5+ hour flight.

*Shopping Note: The Urban Outfitters website shows a lot of great ways to wear belts - just search "belts" and it will pull up a ton.

Great Summer Dress

Yesterday's Agenda: As I was returning items to Anthropologie I came across a dress I had been eyeing for awhile. Well, I returned my items and left with two of the dresses -- one in black, the other in green.

These are perfect to throw on while running errands, dress up for night out or wear over a bathing suit. Very flattering. And the green is more kelly green.

*Bonus: Pick one (or two) up at the Georgetown Anthropologie or online!

Get Out the Spring Wardrobe

Today's Agenda: Get into mindset of switching out Winter clothes for Spring/Summer clothes

Plan So Far: I enjoy packing, organizing, etc. I look forward to it. Maybe even in a slightly unhealthy way. BUT switching out each season's clothes is {for whatever reason} not on my list of top 10 things to do. So my Mom is coming up to visit and we'll make a weekend out of it -- mix in some wine and some shopping in a weekend and I can pretty much do anything.

Planning Points: Here are some items I'd like to spruce up the Spring attire. (This time of year I become slightly obsessed with striped shirts and navy -- there is something about the nautical look I love but you can only really pull it off for a few weeks in the year. Or if you live on a yacht. Which, I don't.)

Some stores I'd like to hit this weekend - here, here and here. I think we'll venture into DC, hit up these stores, grab lunch (delicious salmon and ginger iced tea) at Teaism and can pop into a museum to get some cultural time. Or not...

And check out this Design Event. I love things like this and all house tours. Here is one in Georgetown that is coming up.

*Bonus: I tried a sparkling Shiraz from Best Cellars last weekend and it was pretty interesting. Perfect welcome for Spring...or enticement for it to hopefully stick around.