Friday's Fancies: Memorial Day Weekend

Well, the weather may not be cooperating so far, but here's to a very happy 

Memorial Day Weekend!

Friday's Fancies: Memorial Day Weekend by smartificial featuring canvas tote bags

My pool opens tomorrow, so assuming it warms up and those clouds clear out, that's where I'll be spending my days.

Cute bikini, a cover-up, Jack Rogers, a tote bag for carrying all my books/magazines/sunscreens/etc, aviators and a hat will make for an easy, casual pool day.

Whatever you're doing, have fun!

Four on Thursday

Tired.  

My bff was in town yesterday for meetings with a client, but decided to stick around for the night so we could hang!

We went to Barcode for happy hour, something she can't get in Boston. You know, other than half off nuggets or whatever.

Then headed home to grab DT and go to dinner at a place right around the corner that we've been dying to try, Ninnella.

Food was delicious, wine was good, and it was a really nice night catching up with her.

But now I'm sleepy.

1

J. Crew Elbow-sleeve Tee in Stripe with Anchor, on sale $29.99

Stripes!  And an anchor!  Nautical to the extreme!  In short, this top is everything that I love about summertime.

2

Dolce Vita Lynnie Stripe Maxi Dress, on sale $78.99

More stripes!  Seeing as I'm wearing a striped maxi dress today, they're kinda my new thing.  I love the cut of this one, the black & white stripes, and the small slit.  

3

Victoria's Secret Cross-front Top, on sale $29.99

I tweeted recently that I was going to completely revamp my closet and go very Emmanuelle Alt aka super simple and classic.  I'l thinking a color palette of black, white, gray, navy, and tan.  And an easy top like this is exactly what I'm looking for.

4

Old Navy Multi-Stripe Straw Tote, on sale $19

But because I can't give up color entirely, this tote is here.  There's no shortage of beach bags in my closet, but I'm always open to adding another.  And at $19, this one may be a nice, new addition.

Currently Reading: Where'd You Go, Bernadette

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A family lives in Seattle.  The father, Elgin, works at Microsoft, while Bernadette, his wife, is a somewhat eccentric stay-at-home mother to 14 year old Bee.

The novel begins with the family planning a trip to Antarctica, a gift to Bee seeing as she did so well on her report card.  From there, things go increasingly downhill, culminating in Bernadette's disappearance.

Told through letters, faxes, FBI reports, and magazine articles, Where'd You Go, Bernadette covers the spectrum of genres.  It is a mystery, a coming of age novel, a tale of the dark side of suburbia, a comedy, and an adventure novel. 

I know I'm not saying much, but I really don't want to give anything away.  I absolutely devoured this book I was enjoying it so much.  It is hilarious and poignant and has a fantastic cast of characters.  Essentially, I can't stress how much I loved it and really wish it wasn't over yet.

Have you read it?  What did you think?  

Green Dots

Button-up: Old Navy; Shorts: Forever 21 (similar); Bag: Kate Spade (similar shape); Shoes: Sperry; Belt: Gift; Necklace: Eastern Market; Shades: Ray Ban

Well that was the worst night's sleep ever.

My upstairs neighbors decided to have a screaming match that lasted all night.

All night as in it woke me up at 11:45pm, 3:40am, and according to DT, started up again around 6:30am.

And I sleep like the dead.

Hence, I'm exhausted today.

Dreaming of naptime. 

Fountain of Youth

Blazer: Anthropologie (similar); Tee: Forever 21; Jeans: Old Navy; Wedges: Target (old); Bag: Longchamp; Necklaces: Gifts; Shades: Ray Ban

Friday night was pizza and Primer (meh, probably needs a 2nd viewing).

Saturday was rainy and gray, so DT and I headed off to have some museum time at the National Gallery, where there was an exhibit on Albrecht Durer that DT really wanted to check out.  And then I dragged him through the Ballet Russes exhibition too.

That night, we celebrated the fact that W is now back from London (and engaged!) with dinner the our old standby, the Argonaut.  

And then came Sunday, which was incredibly lazy.  I watched a few episodes of Hemlock Grove, which is terrible, but I can't stop watching.  Completely hooked.  We caught the 3rd period of the Bruins win, did a quick lap at Eastern Market, and then hunkered down before the rain came back.

And now things start to get busy with Memorial Day weekend, visitors, college reunions, and weddings.  Let the madness begin!

Friday's Fancies: Stripes!

Friday!

Have a great weekend!

Friday's Fancies: Stripes! by smartificial featuring summer tops

Four on Thursday

Augh.

This is why I don't go out on school nights.

Last night, we went to see a friend's brother's band, Youngblood Hawke, at U Street Music Hall.  The show was awesome, the set was great, and a good time was had by all.

But now I'm tiiiiired.

1

The Limited Eyelet Shirtdress, on sale $29.99

This dress woke me right up.  Shirtdresses are your friend.  They are classic, simple, and chic.  I love that this one has an elbow-length sleeve, eyelet, and a buttercup yellow color.

2

Banana Republic Belted Ponte Sheath, on sale $64.99

Very into shades of yellow this week.  I discovered I'm in serious need of professional looking work dresses and this one fits the bill.  Great shape and the belt adds a bit more interest.

3

RL Denim & Supply Ikat Print Maxi Dress, on sale $64.99

Maxi!  The giant ikat print is fun and the simple shape is easy to dress up or down.  Denim & Supply is quickly becoming one of my new favorites.

4

The Limited Drew Classic Ankle Pants in Cobalt, on sale $14.99

Finally, some printed pants for your pleasure.  The geometric pattern is on trend and the bright blue color is more fun than basic black.  Cropped length and a tapered leg mean these will flatter you, so get on it!

I'm off to Taste of Vermont tonight (craft beer!  cheese!  more cheese!) and hope you're doing something just as awesome!

Currently Reading: Saturday

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In the middle of the night, or incredibly early on a February Saturday morning, Henry Perowne wakes up for no reason.  In a strange, but totally lucid state, he finds himself drawn to his bedroom window, where he sees a plane on fire.

Wandering down to the kitchen, he sits with his son, coming in from his night out.  They watch the news, hoping to see something about the plane, but there is nothing conclusive.

Henry goes back upstairs, where he makes love to his wife before falling back asleep for a few hours.  And then his day begins.

Ian McEwan weaves an intense, beautiful story out of one man's Saturday, including a squash game, running errands, and cooking dinner.  These casual, even mundane, activities are made exquisite through McEwan's writing and impeccable details.

There is action, happening when all of Perowne's activities of the day come to a head just before dinner, but the majority of the novel is simply incredibly detailed descriptions.  This is my first McEwan novel and I'm kicking myself for not having read him sooner.  The writing is stunning.  One sentence in particular stood out to me for its simplicity and its brilliance: "It nags at him briefly now, but the half-hearted effort of recall itself fades as he steps into the warmth of the hall and turns on the lights; a mere light bulb can explode a thought".  

Read this immediately. 

Blue & Red (But Feeling Black & Gold)

Dress: Topshop (similar); Jacket: Gap (current version); Bag: Longchamp; Sandals: Jack Rogers; Shades: Ray Ban

Guys, the Bruins?!  

Down 4-1 in the 3rd with ten minutes left, they came back to tie it up and then clinch a win in overtime.

That's why I love playoff hockey.

Although I couldn't watch it so instead was following it on Twitter, which is a terrible way to "watch" a sports game.

Who wants to hook me up with the NHL package?

Pop of Neon

Top, Shorts (similar), and Bag (similar): Old Navy; Sandals: Target; Bracelets: Forever21 (similar); Shades: Ray Ban

I hate when a good weekend comes to a close.  Especially one that's fun and productive.

My apartment is clean, there was an awesome dance party, and Sunday brunch was had, outdoors no less.

Hope yours was just as great.