Summer Essentials

Summer seems to be flying by (August is nearly here!). I've still managed to scoop up some items I consider my summer essentials. Hopefully you can grab some of these, as well!

1. Tucker Panel Mini Dress, $385 Dave loves when I wear Tucker dresses (probably because many are so short! :-)

2. L.L. Bean French Sailor's Shirt. $29.50 This shirt embodies the "it" trend of the moment (nautical stripes) while maintaining a classic silhouette. Perfect for chilly mornings and evening on the water

3. Land's End Classic Open Toe Ballet Flat, $15.19 Dress 'em up or down, a great go-to shoe

4. Sperry Top-Sider Angelfish Boat Shoe, $75 Another classic. So comfortable I could wear them all day, every day

5. Levi's Signature Cut-Offs, $4 I bought a pair of these jeans at Salvation Army, cut them off and cuffed them

6. Smith's Rosebud Salve, $5 The perfect sheer pink for lips (smells good, too)

7. Physicians Formula Organics Mascara, $7 Blacky-black, and without all the nasty chemicals (paired with the rosebud salve, that's my entire make-up routine for summer)

8. Land's End Starfish Roll Sleeve Open Crewneck Top, $10.39 Perfect for bumming around the house, working in the garden, or a quick run to the farmers market

9. Alba Botanica Pure Lavendar SunBlock, $13.59 Keeps me looking pasty and smells good, too!

10. Moroccan Oil Treatment, $33 An investment in hair-care terms, but it works wonders, keeps frizz down on even the most humid days, and a little goes a long way (I have super-thick, relatively long hair, and this lasts me 5 months)

11. Arbonne Baby Care Body Oil, $9 I first came across this product when I had Edith, and I fell in love with it for the summer months when regular lotion is just to thick and sticky

12. Dogeared "Captain Of Your Ship" Necklace, $72 This was a lovely present from Dave and has an even lovelier message behind it

13. Ray-Ban Rounded Wayfarers, $179 I love that these glasses have the timeless Wayfarer shape, but are jazzed up a bit with a slightly rounded lens (I bought mine at Macy's on sale for only $99!)

What are some of your summer essentials? I'd love to hear! PS - most of these items fit one of the Sustainable Living credos: Either it is made from organic, all-natural, and/or sustainable materials; is an American company; is made in America (particularly by individual craftspeople and independent companies) and/or; donates regularly through a charitable giving program.

What Should I Wear to My Dinner Party?

I'm throwing a dinner party soon and I am having a tough time deciding what to wear. Informal attire is typically acceptable at most of the events we have at Silly Goose Farm, but dinner parties seem to just be a bit more effort. I feel like fashions should follow suit (excuse the pun). I'm not expecting my guests to be wearing anything especially-special, but I think the hostess should show appreciation for guest attendance through her wardrobe. So, would you do me the favor of helping choose my outfit?

Option One: Casually Chic (taking the classic jeans and t-shirt up a notch with fun shoes and fancy accesories). 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

Option Two: Springtime Sweetie (since the weather is still a bit chilly, I'm fitting in all the red I can) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.

Option Three: Ritz and Revelry (bringing the air of formality back to dinner parties) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

So, What Should I Wear At My Dinner Party?

Thanks for your help!

Chunky Cream Sweater

Now, I don't really consider myself a clothes horse, but when I see something I like, I have to have it. Like this lovely sweater on the equally lovely Anne Hathaway. That's so me. Thankfully, I only really need to dress up when I have client meetings, so my daily uniform consists of dark denim, tall brown riding boots, and sweaters. Bonus - I have the same hair as Ms. Hathaway's in this photo, though I usually wear it straight. My problem is that with chunky sweaters like this, my "top-heaviness," shall we say, makes me look big all over. Not so flattering; however, I think I would forgo that detail in order to experience the coziness I know a sweater like this could bring. It screams snowflakes and fireside cups of cocoa, doesn't it?

If anyone knows of a place I could a similar sweater, please let me know! I think scouring Goodwill might prove fruitful as well (perhaps with a little doctoring on my trusty Janome). Thanks in advance.

Also, anyone see (or planning to see) Love and Other Drugs? I'm on the fence. I adore both Anne and Jake, but this movie seems a little predictable, no?

Help! I Can't Decide

Hi Friends. I need your help desperately! Typically, I'm an exceptional decision-maker, except when it comes to something very personal - like clothing or what to have for dinner. I can never choose.

A while back, one of my favorite bloggers (Melisa aka The Lil Bee) was offering a give away to APART, an unbelievably stunning fashion line with a piece to suit any taste or style. Wouldn't you know it, I was selected to pick a piece for myself and become an APART style ambassador (uh, yes please!). But now, of course, I can't decide which I like best. Too many great pieces! So, I've narrowed it down to three. Please, please, I'm begging you... help me choose!

Item Number One: Garney Knit Coat

I think this coat would be perfect for a pale-skinned, dark haired girl like me. I could see myself wearing it for client meetings or for cold-weather weekend errands. What do you think?

Item Number Two: Capelet Cardigan



I love this piece and could see it being used so many ways: Movie dates with Dave, lunches with the girls, beer at Mahars with my boys (even as a quick cover-up for those 6am swims). I think it would look equally nice either with my hair down and with its natural curls, or slicked back in a ponytail.

Item Number Three: The Roadster - Limited Edition

What more can I say about this jacket than "Whoa." This jacket is seriously cool. In fact, I'm not sure I'm cool enough to pull it off, but I certainly could try! It's a classic shape that I know I could use year after year. I think I'd pair it with my brown leather riding boots or maybe some cute little lace-up oxfords.

I'm so stuck! Can't I just take all three (I know, I'm a greedy girl! I can't help it). I would love some input, and maybe also ideas for how to wear these pieces? Thanks in advance for any suggestions! Just leave your thoughts in the comments section and I'll check back shortly! (also, thank you wonderful people at APART, you've made me so happy already!)