summer's harmony & melody

White outfits with market baskets. 

In a nutshell, this is how a perfect summer looks to me. 

It's hard to believe we are already in July! Summer is just flying by and I am still trying to get in the grove of the warmer weather. For the most part, summer is a challenge for me. As much as I like the idea of it (shift dress, espadrilles, golden glows) - the heat is the worst, it gets me all out of sorts! I have no problem transitioning to fall or winter, but summer is another story! So, as we enter the crux of the warmer weather months, I just need to remember how effortless the summer should be - easy schedules, easy styles, easy days. 

So while I try and welcome the rest of summer with open arms, I can at least take some inspiration from these women who do summer so well...

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the umbrella shop

While flipping through the New York Times Style Magazine during the holidays, I discovered the prestigious Umbrella Shop. I was charmed almost to the point that spending $350 on rain-gear seemed reasonable. I mean, a taffeta umbrella?? It's like a cocktail attire to dress-up the most miserable days. It sounds just marvelous. 

Read the magazine's recap below and explore the company website to umbrella shop! 

"For those who think an umbrella is just a piece of future detritus to be picked up outside a subway, abused and then sent to its grave in a trash bin, Michel Heurtault begs to differ. The pieces in his bespoke umbrella and parasol atelier in the Viaduc des Arts are like jewelry and are made to last. Entry level models, starting at about $350, are hand-stitched out of waterproof silk taffeta, each seam backed up with an additional strip of fabric for total impermeability. The range of handles includes vintage Bakelite, antique carved ivory, cocobolo, and lacquered wood. One model, made from black and white silk panels, tops a Macassar ebony trumpet handle with a sterling silver medallion studded with black diamonds. Heurtault goes all-out on parasols, and his handiwork will soon shade the milky skin of Mia Wasikowska in an adaptation of "Madame Bovary." 

Each piece is as much a pleasure to hold as to behold."

Visit the site

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New York snowfall

I am off to New York City for a long weekend with friends. I am so excited to see friends and celebrate with other OWU alumnae tonight at the Holiday party. My dad is going to be at the event as well, the Whitaker's crash the East Coast :) As wonderful as it will be to spend time with college friends, I can't wait to explore the city in all its holiday grandeur. I plan to play tourist tomorrow and travel with my friend Liza around the city taking in all the beauty of one of the greatest cities in the world, during the most magical time of the year. Even though snow isn't in the forecast, I thought these images were perfect to kick-off my trip. 

Have a fabulous weekend, toodles!

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