Photo Friday

This may be cheating since I did not actually take this photo myself (it is actually a merging of two different photos, so that would be im-pos-si-ble), but I figure it's my blog so I can make or break my own rules whenever I see fit. ;) This is what I had waiting for me in my inbox when I got into the office today from Fiancé:

An email advertising a trip to both Paris and London, my two most favorite cities in the whole world. The Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, cappuccino, Harrods, the Orangerie, crepes, Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, (heck, ANY palace), Champs Elysées, Chanel, the Victoria Theatre, Louis Vuitton, I could go on forever. Ah, a man after my own heart. With the honeymoon on the horizon there will be no trip back to these fabulous cities in the near future, so I will have to dream from my cube on this Friday afternoon...

Au revoir! Cheerio!

mJa

Spring has Sprung?

Looking at my email inbox, I am full of hope that Spring is finally here with images of bright colors and pretty prints dancing across my screen. Looking out my window, I see snow lightly falling. NOT FAIR.

Here are some of the items that I am daydreaming about in the meantime...

JCrew:

I go ga-ga over ruffles. This scalloped petal top fits the bill.
Flowers and ruffles make my little heart go pitter-patter.

I have a HUGE crush on statement necklaces right now.

And I will always be in l-o-v-e with diamonds and pearls.

Ballet flats or heels, I love shoes that sparkle.

Lilly:

Gorgeous color, gorgeous details.

Ditto.

Oh-so pink and green!

And finally a few Lilly numbers that I have had my eye on for some time... sigh.

Adore the beadwork on these beauties.

Until warmer days, you beautiful clothes you...

mJa

Cupcake Confession

Confession: the temptation of the cupcakes on the table by my desk was too much to take. I finally gave in and took one. Doesn't everyone know that I have a wedding gown to fit into in 213 days?!?! I justified this by eating just the frosting and immediately throwing the rest into my trash before I could change my mind.

What could be better than cupcakes and diamonds? I have hinted to my mother multiple times that I would adore diamond ring cupcakes at my shower. This beauty is topped with a REAL diamond and is the Mervis Diamond Importers cupcake, ringing in at over $100,000. A bit excessive perhaps?

Speaking of jeweled cupcakes, does anyone recognize this Judith Leiber that adorable Lilly carried in the first Sex and the City movie? I am already counting down the days to SATC2!

mJa

Owwwww...

Disclaimer: I don't intend for this to be a whiny post to turn off all 4 of my readers. After all, I'm not exactly in the position to lose anyone. I'll try to make it as least-whiny and entertaining as possible on your behalf, dear reader.

I am SORE. This is hard for me to admit because I like to think of myself as physically fit, but I cannot deny the ache in my muscles. A little background: I have been a cheerleader since the 3rd grade (hugh pom-poms, sequin scrunchies, and all) and continued this all the way through college (in the spirit of anonymity, I erased the names from our uniforms -I apologize for the big white hole on our chests). Back in my college cheerleading hay-day, I fell from the third level of a pyramid and landed on my back. After back spasms that lasted what seemed like forever (probably closer to a week) and visits to the trainer, I was back in action but I have never completely recovered. Now a few years after the fall, I finally gave in and asked my doctor about my back discomfort. Fast forward to present-day, 3 sessions into physical therapy and me sitting immoblized at my desk. I go to the gym everyday most days during the work week, so why is this evil lady therapist nearly killing me? On the bright side, I'll think of her as my pre-wedding personal trainer.

My first thought when I saw this picture... my French-Canadian skin was TAN in my college days! This MUST have been a game right after Spring Break. Second thought: I miss being up there. (That's me from the back up top!)

mJa

"I'm just CRAZY about Tiffany's!"

I adore Breakfast at Tiffany's. The old-fashioned glamour, the streets of New York City, Audrey Hepburn, the jewelry, the fashion... sigh. I believe it was this movie that defined Audrey Hepburn as a style icon - she exudes such elegance throughout the entire movie which carried over into her true-life demeanor. Reading Audrey's letter to Tiffany's (which she wrote for a book celebrating Tiffany's 150th anniversary) confirms her grace and charm are indeniable. I cannot find a copy of the letter online, but you simply MUST hear it on the Anniversary Edition of the movie. Enjoy the pure eye-candy to follow.

This picture hangs on my wall in my cube... the dress, the diamonds, pure perfection. It also happened to be my Halloween costume this year.

Who could possibly look so chic while asleep?

Playing party hostess. I hope to have a coctail party reminiscient of this before moving out of my single-girl apartment and getting married.

Shopping at the one and only Tiffany & Co. To die. Fiancé and I sipped coffee while browsing the cases at Tiffany's once... is this the same thing?

Large-brimmed hat, statement earrings, LBD, and sunglasses - tres glamorous.

Pink and diamonds - possibly the most perfect duo in the world.

"For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone." - Audrey Hepburn

mJa

Pink Swap

Hopsy over at Monograms and Manicures is hosting her famous Pink Swap, and I could not be more excited to be participating. I'm also so excited to be paired with Princess M - another bride-to-be tying the knot just one week after me! I will not post any pictures until after my package has been received (I would hate to ruin the surprise), but I did my shopping this weekend and had such fun. Buying adorable pink presents is the perfect afternoon activity. ;)


mJa

Photo Friday

I wish I were here strolling along the street, window shopping with a capuccino in hand... Notting Hill, oh how I miss you.




Happy Friday! I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!


mJa

J'Adore Paris

If my love of Paris seems a bit excessive to you, I am completely willing to admit it. After all, I believe I once counted 13 Eiffel Towers in my little beach-cottagey apartment. An obsession one might say? Fine. In my defense, how can you not be absolutely in love with a city with gorgeous architecture, charming outdoor cafés, crepes on every corner, the glimmering light of the Eiffel Tower visible from every spot at night, and the best shopping in the world (Louis, Dior, and Chanel - oh my!).

In case you needed one more reason to fall head over heels in love with Paris, look no further than my Jet Setter (a la Gilt Group) email from yesterday - Le Meurice. The pictures of this to-die hotel speak for themselves.

Did anyone else notice the pink pillow in the mirror? L-O-V-E the regal gold with pink accents.

More fushia accents combined with traditional Parisian decor... sigh.

Imagine sipping champagne and enjoying gormet French cuisine under these chandeliers...

I want this to be the view from my window EVERYDAY.

Oh Paris, how I love thee.

mJa

Dreaming of the Dress

I miss my wedding dress. Have any other brides-to-be ever experienced this longing? I dress shopped at four different bridal boutiques, tried on countless dresses, fell in L-O-V-E with one, and ordered my dress at the beginning of October. Now, I have to wait 6-8 months to try on my gorgeous gown until it comes in and I can begin fittings. The wait is TORTURE. After all, I have been dreaming of this dress since I was a little girl, I finally get to wear it on my wedding day, and after deciding on the ONE it is snatched away from me not to be tried on again for over half a year. Not fair. I often find myself staring at the look book ad campaign for my dress longingly from my desk... sigh.

The dress will not be revealed until after the big day (220 days to go!) just in case Fiancé reads this, but until then here is a glimpse of my dress shopping memories...

(insert me in Dream Dress twirling on the platform)

mJa

Lilly Pulitzer = Home Heaven

I know this post comes late as the Lilly Pulitzer new home collection for Garnet Hill was revealed last week, but I am still drooling.

Treasure Chest Quilt and Sham

Too girly for our newlywed bedroom? Perhaps, but I still love. (And we already registered for a gorgeous monogrammed set from Restoration Hardware...)

Chinoiserie Bath Rug

Maybe a splash of color in the bathroom?

Treasure Chest Silk Pillow Cover

Or some accent pillows? I'm very lucky that I'm marrying a man who can appreciate a little Lilly.

Which are your favorites?

mJa

Mother/Daughter Day

Yesterday, my mother and I spent the day here. Sadly, it was not quite as warm and sunny as this picture shows. This is Bowen's Wharf on Thames Street in Newport, RI. I absolutely adore Newport for the fabulous shops, restaurants, and mansions. The historic feel is charming and I the perfect spot to stroll the streets and window shop. What brought us to the waterfront in the middle of January on a Sunday afternoon? My mother and I both have January birthdays, so this was our annual birthday celebration/girls' day. We started with brunch (creme brulee sweet bread french toast - enough said), went for a walk by the water, and spent the rest of the day shopping - what we do best. I found a few great pieces, but mostly we enjoyed the eye candy and each other's company. We finished the day off with ice cream, a drive by the mansions, dinner, and facials. Perfect.

Some must-sees if you are ever in Newport:

The MANSIONS. Gorgeous architecture, immaculately decorated, and reminiscent of the grandeur of the past (think Great Gatsby). My absolute favorite is Rosecliff - the sprawling gardens, lawn leading to the ocean, and gold ballroom take my breath away.

The Clarke Cooke House: a fav of Fiancé's and mine. Oceanfront, old fireplace, nautical decor, and delish food. What more could you ask for?

Be sure to stop in to the Black Pearl for key lime pie (Fiancé's absolute favorite) - you'll thank me. The SHOPS - Thames Street is the place to be. From home decor, designer boutiques, jewelry, and shoes, you are sure to find exactly what you are looking for. Newport, oh how I love thee.

mJa

Jewelry Giveaway!

What could be better than a new pair of earrings? A FREE pair of beautiful earrings! One of the things I have quickly come to love about the blogging world is the giveaways of pretty, preppy things. Head on over to Starfish and Sundresses to enter to win this pair of darling Amrita Singh earrings.

What is your favorite Amrita Singh piece? As a lover of pearls, I am torn between the Shelter Island Pearl Necklace and the Dune Pearl Necklace. Decisions, decisions...

Shelter Island Pearl Necklace

Dune Pearl Necklace

mJa

Photo Friday

I adore the idea of a themed day each week. WASP Wednesday, Wordless Wednesday, Wedding Wednesday, Thankful Thursday - all so cute, but already taken. Today, PHOTO FRIDAY is born (if anyone else is already doing this, I have not seen it so I am taking credit). You may recognize the photo from the finale of Sex and the City - An American Girl in Paris. This is the one and only Plaza Hotel in Paris, France. Fiancé (how I will refer to him for the next 7 months until our wedding because I am still completely obsessed with saying the word!) and I were in Paris a little over a year ago, and this girl was in hea-ven when we stopped into the Plaza for an afternoon snack. Beef carpaccio, duck confit, and the most divine caramel dessert - all delicious! PS - I highly recommend the raspberry infused champagne.

mJa

Hello World

Bonjoir! After reading blogs and getting my daily fix of fashion for some time now, I finally decided to join the blogging community rather than being a passive reader. Sure, I would comment from time to time, but there is something about having a blog of my own that just seemed more FUN. I'm excited to begin and get to know girls with similar interests and obsessions, and you will learn more about me as we go along. Until then, a few things about me to get started:

-I ADORE Paris. It is the most romantic and magical city in the world.
-Pink and green are my favorite colors, inspired by the one and only Lilly Pulitzer.
-I'm getting MARRIED (O.M.G.) this August to the love of my life. Pink and green happen to be my wedding colors.
-I'm already counting down the days to summer - my Fiancé and I cannot wait to be back on the boat!
-Every day is a special occasion that can be celebrated with champagne! (Mimosas and bellinis are to die too.)

mJa