handmade screenprinted scarves

i've written before about my love for scarves. and although i will be sitting on a beach in south carolina all week AND it's 99 degrees in austin on a daily basis lately, i can't resist the urge to curl up in one of these babies ($55 from prettypenny's etsy shop). it'd be perfect to leave on the back of my chair for over-air conditioned days in the office, or for cuddling on the beach at the end of a long day in the sun.

pretty penny, as she's called in her etsy shop, lovingly handcrafts each piece and uses upcycled, bamboo or organic fabrics wherever she can. plus everything comes in a reusable screen printed muslin bag. she now also screen prints leggings. i heart her!

20% off for my readers from peggy li jewelry!

what better way to start off a tuesday than with a 20% off coupon code from peggy li jewelry - especially for paid up top readers? coupon code "put20" expires in two weeks (7/13). let me know what you buy!!!

peggy left her job in chemical engineering a few years ago because she wanted to create feminine jewelry that makes women feel beautiful - only to end up with designs on private practice, grey's anatomy, and without a trace! i have a soft spot for anyone who lives in my old home of san francisco, and i plan to use the coupon code for one of the pieces below...but there are so many more to choose from. decisions, decisions.

below: little leaf necklace, available in silver or gold-fill (+$5), $49 ($39.20 after discount)

below: gold leaf earrings, available in gold vermeil or silver, $39 ($31.20 after discount)

below: nested wire ring, available in gold fill (+$10) or silver with or without a stone (for an extra cost), $42 ($33.60 after discount)

recipes: an organic margarita

i'm not one to stick to an all-organic diet, but i do appreciate easy ways to incorporate more organic foods into my diet...errr...liquid diet. a friend of mine recently introduced me to modmix, a line of organic cocktail mixers.

i remembered to take a photo of a margarita (rocks with salt...mmm) i made with the last of the bottle in my fridge so i could share with you before enjoying every last drop, and i plan to drink plenty more during this week's vacation in charleston. the flavor is so fresh and way better than regular old margarita mix made with godknowswhat. be sure to make your margarita with a good tequila so as not to ruin the flavor of the modmix. not a drinker? it's also awesome with club soda for a fresh, fizzy virgin version.


shown: citrus margarita. also available in wasabi bloody mary, lavender lemon drop, pomegranate cosmopolitan, mojito and french martini. average about $10 per bottle. available at stores like whole foods, food emporium, d'agostino and costco or their website's online store.

vacation week: dedicated to the little guy

hi! i'll be sitting on my @ss this week while on vacation in charleston so thought i'd make up for my laziness by writing about those who are not. i've decided to dedicate all of my posts this week to the "little guy" - the start-ups, the crafters, the purveyors of handmade goods. i also have a special coupon code up my sleeve especially for paid up top readers...wait for it...wait for it...

revamping the skort with chiffon scallop shorts

T
G
I
F.

right? i think i'm extra excited this friday because...i'll be on vacation next week! nick and i are leaving emilio with a dogsitter and we're heading to charleston to visit my parents at their new condo. don't worry, i have a few posts up my sleeve for while i'm away so you won't miss me while i'm gone.

one thing i wish i had in my wardrobe for the trip? these lucca couture chiffon scallop shorts from urban outfitters for $48. i'm loving the trend of "fancy shorts" that could pass for a skirt and the scalloped edges of these are so precious. plus they'd look really cute with my new oxfords. might have to stop at urban for a pair before i pack this weekend...

outfit in action: summery ruffles, shorts and oxfords

this is probably my favorite new outfit. comfy shirt + comfy shorts + comfy shoes = love. these DVF shorts were an amazing find on sale at saks about 5 years ago and they're still going strong. i love that woman.

ann taylor loft top ($55), dvf shorts (major sale $60), nine west ronnie 2 oxfords ($70)

chicago souvenirs from ann taylor loft

although most of our time in chicago last weekend was spent doing chicago-y things, i definitely squeezed in an hour or two of shopping with jenni of louise loves it. the last shop was ann taylor loft where we ended up buying the same exact blouse. the girly, summery feel of it was too hard to pass up even though it's still full price ($54.50). i also picked up a pair of silky khaki shorts on sale for $20. the best news? they gave me an extra $15 off for spending $75. hit up the website or your local loft to see what's in store for you - their new arrivals are super cute.

summer denim days

i accidentally went on a denim shopping spree on gap.com yesterday. i treated myself to a pair of boyfriend jeans, cropped skinny jeans and my soon-to-be-favorite-new-shorts, denim cutoffs. gap is having a huge summer sale right now and every piece of denim i ordered was under $40. hurry, sizes are running low...

below: patch and repair cutoff jeans, $49.50 marked down to $24.99

below: cropped skinny jeans, $69.50 marked down to $39.99

below: distressed boyfriend jeans, $69.50 marked down to $24.99

outfit in action: blushing tiers

happy monday ladies! this outfit is SO comfortable and is perfect after a weekend of binging on deep dish and beer with friends in chicago. this shirt was one of my fun finds at h&m in maryland last week and it's quickly becoming a summer staple.

h&m top ($18), ny&co shorts ($20), ralph lauren shoes ($69), forever 21 necklace ($5), bracelets (free at a swap party)

my windy city packing list

i'm so excited to visit my friend jenni (author of favorite blog louise loves it) in chicago this weekend...SO excited that i thought i'd share my packing list for a fun weekend in the sun in the windy city. june is the best time to visit, if you ask me.

friday at work, flight to chicago, a few bevs upon arrival
h&m top ($13), forever 21 skirt ($8), classified sandals ($30), banana republic earrings ($28), forever 21 ring ($5)

saturday at the cubs game

urban outfitters kimchi & blue dress ($70), old gringo cowboy boots ($430), ray-ban wayfarers ($80), cotton headband (can't remember), gorjana key necklace ($60)

saturday night dinner and drinks

victoria's secret romper ($68), nine west rusty heels ($55), banana republic earrings ($28)

sunday brunch, hanging out on the roof deck, shopping and flying home

club monaco silk tank (can't remember), forever 21 necklace (can't remember), havaiana slim flip flops ($24), h&m shorts ($20ish), marc jacobs stam ($1,350), vintage scarf ($20)

i'm no dancer, but i do love pilates

i'm not a member of a gym and i've always been scared and shy when it comes to group exercise (my exercise of choice is running solo around town lake here in austin)...until now. a colleague of mine is also an incredible pilates instructor and convinced me to take her group mat class at the local ballet center.

and i love it.

and it's not scary.

and it's cheap.

and it's working.

if you've never tried a pilates mat class, check out your local ballet or dance center for group classes. the one i'm enrolled in at ballet austin is six sessions for $65 and there are only eight people in the class...it's great motivation and a solid toning workout. i had a class just before i sat down to write this and my arms are shaking a little as a type!


for those of you in austin, check out my friend/colleague/instructor's private studio - somaspace pilates. anyone up for a dual session?

outfit in action: jailhouse stripes

i decided to take these photos outside on our balcony and realized the wire railing is the perfect jail-esque backdrop for my striped dress. fate. i got this t-shirt dress while visiting maryland this past weekend - no h&m's in all of texas, what!? - and couldn't wait to wear it. so comfy, lightweight and only thirteen bucks.

ps. emilio is becoming a diva (divo?) and wants to be in all the photos.

h&m dress ($13), charlotte russe pink necklace ($8), dolce vita able sandals ($110), ray-ban new wayfarers ($80)

oxfords: out or in?

i decided a while back that i wouldn't buy in to the oxford craze because i'm obsessed with open toed shoes. having lived in the northeast for my entire life until now, open toed shoes weather was way too short - but now that it's open toed shoes weather almost year-round, i'm changing my tune. do i do it? do i pull the trigger? are they already out of style? are my piggies going to be too hot? either way, these price points are enough to make me want to do it...

below: ronnie 2, nine west, $99 on piperlime but they sent me a 15% off coupon code for my birthday

below: kimchi blue teardrop oxford, urban outfitters, $48