Friday Finds - Blogroll

Have I mentioned how much I love the internet? I am, without a doubt, obsessed with it. Full on love affair. There is no boundary to what can be found on the internet, and I love knowledge. Knowledge is power! I have a google reader full of links to a lot of really wonderful places on the internet....a lot of them are boring old business blogs and websites....but here are a few of my favorite eye candy/mind candy blogs that are always a great place to go to unwind after a long day...

la sirene de boston

Written by a part time jewelry maker and full time lover of fashion and decor, la sirene de boston is simply written in a way my long winded self envies. It doesn't hurt that Anne seems to always find the most intriguing and beautiful photographs to accompany her words. 

Ki Designs

I am insanely jealous of Kimy's artistic talent as well as her gorgeous product pictures and funny little blog posts. She owns a little shop in South Tampa (visit her facebook page here) that is stuffed full of great little gifts for just about anyone and for just about any occasion.

Keiko Lynn

I became obsessed with the "What I Wore Today" blogs a few months back, and Keiko Lynn's is by far the best with the most depth. While I would never dream of wearing 95% of the outfits she puts together, I love her sense of style, her make up tutorials, and how glamorous her life seems to be as an outsider looking in. Hello..she went to NY Fashion Week....how awesome is that? Realistically, I'd probably be bored out of my mind...but I'd like to think I'd find it at least a little interesting.

Dooce

I'm not really sure why I love this blog so much, since it is at times, very mommy bloggerish (not something she would appreciate being called at all, but for someone who has no kids, no matter what, any blog post about kids is going to seem mommy bloggerish). But Dooce (aka Heather Armstrong) is quite possibly the most hilarious human on the planet, without really ever seeming to try. I mean, I would assume there is a bit of embellishment for the sake of hilarity, but honestly, I just think some people have the knack for turning something ordinary into something extraordinary, and if you can do it with words, then I'm doubly in awe. 

Stratejoy

This blog is written by a bunch of different twentysomething women who are confronting the phenomenon of a quarterlife crisis head on. I love this blog for so many different reasons. I think it gives a voice to a plethora of different feelings, issues, and questions that each and every woman has or faces at one point or another in their lives, and yet, we each feel as if we're on an island of sorts and the only woman to ever feel a particular way about a particular event. I really love the last two blog posts Self Awareness: The Anti Adventure and Love & The Single Girl but regardless, this blog is always good as a reminder that you're really not alone and that you are justified in feeling the way you feel.

Happy reading ya'll! Have a wonderful FALL weekend!! (Finally)!!

Friday Finds - Breast Cancer Awareness

Happy Ta-Ta Month!!! Not to get too personal on ya'll, but I will admit that I'm rather lax on the self-examination front. So Breast Cancer Awareness month is a way to re-educate and remind myself about the importance of self examination for early detection. Breast cancer isn't 100% preventable....but it's certainly treatable if detected early.

Still a little fuzzy on exactly how to perform a self breast exam? Fitness Magazine posted step by step instructions on their website here and even provides a link to illustrated instructions if you're like me and do better with visuals....

So don't hide your head in the sand...this month in particular. And don't think because there isn't a history of Breast or Ovarian cancer in your family that it can't happen to you....only about 10% of women that actually get Breast cancer have the genetic predisposition for it. Educate, protect, and prevent.

Have a phenomenal weekend everyone!!!

Friday Finds - Online Designer Deals

Like every other female on the planet, I love to shop. I will also cop to being a bit of a label snob when it comes to certain items....I'm a Coach purse girl all the way and I secretly get a little thrill out of being able to tell people that those shoes they just complemented me on are Michael Kors. Childish, superficial, and immature...yes I know...but I fully realize that and accept it.

Unfortunately, I'm also like a lot of women in that the only thing standing between me and a closet full of designer label clothing is severe lack of funds. More often than not....the designer items in my closet have been the result of very generous Christmas or birthday gifts from my parents.

So what's a girl to do when her bank account doesn't cooperate with her need for those new True Religion jeans or Juicy bag? Get on the internet of course!!! There's been a huge increase in online, exclusive members only shopping websites. Truthfully...the "exclusive" and "members only" titles are a bit of a joke, meant, I would assume, to lend each of these sites some....well exclusive feelings for their members....but honestly...all you really need is an email address...joining each of the sites below is completely free, although sometimes by invitation only...so what are you waiting for? Get joining and start saving!!

Haute Look
This site doesn't limit themselves to just clothing, but holds continuous, 48-hour sale events with the world's top fashion, accessories, beauty, kids and home brands. Each day, HauteLook offers discounts of 50 to 75 percent off to millions of their members.

ideeli
Features the most sought-after brands in fashion, home and beauty–at prices up to 80% off.  New brands are featured each day in sales starting at 12 p.m. EST. Sales last 40 hours, or until items are sold out. They also have weekly giveaways which has a surprise start time and last 7 hours (in most cases).You can also refer friends and receive a $25 shopping credit for each friend that buys. Free Money!!!

Rue La La
Membership at Rue La La is shaped by it's own current members. Membership is free, but is by invite only from a current member. Invite a friend that buys and you'll get a $10 credit. Rue La La's boutiques consist of some of the top fashion brand names in the industry, as well as accessories,  home, health and beauty, AND travel.

Beyond the Rack
Another by invitation only site, Beyond the Rack is a private shopping club for women and men who want designer brand apparel and accessories at prices up to 70% off retail. They obtain authentic designer merchandise and provide it exclusively to their members through limited-time events. Each event starts at a specific time and typically lasts only 48 hours. After each event ends the merchandise is no longer available. Members are notified by email in advance of each upcoming event according to their preferences.

Gilt Groupe
Gilt Groupe provides access, by invitation only, to Men’s, Women’s and Children’s coveted fashion and luxury brands at prices up to 70% off retail. Each sale lasts 36 hours and features hand selected styles from a single designer.

Friday Finds - Skinny Love

I've been on the hunt for a great, flattering pair of skinny jeans now for almost a year. I tried to avoid the trend for as long as possible, I was convinced it wasn't going to stick around plus...frankly....I'm a woman. I gots me some womanly curves and some not so super skinny thighs. To be honest, I was completely petrified of what trying skinny jeans on might do to my self esteem. I just envisioned gathering the nerve to take a pair into a dressing room and then having them get stuck with the waistband around my knees. Bikini season is bad enough thank-you-very-much. 

So....I'm almost afraid to say this in a public forum, but I'll do it anyway....I'm a dedicated shopper of the Target clothing department. I love that place. Granted...pretty much 100% of everything they sell there is made in China, but honestly, I don't make a lot of money, nor do I want to spend a lot of money on trends that are going to go out of style in a few months, but at the same time, I still want to look and feel hip and put together. I was strolling through the clothing department last week looking for black clothing to wear this weekend (long story involving a bachelorette party) and literally tripped over a pair of black, skinny jeans from Mossimo on the floor. 

I figured it was fate. That these jeans had literally been dropped in my path and so I had to try them on.

LOVE. So in love with these jeans. Bought them in black and in a dark wash with some silver studding. 

I wore them this weekend with both heels AND with flats and they were awesome both ways. The best part....they're $25. I'm. Not. Kidding. I'm so enamoured by these jeans, I might go back and buy the gray wash pair they have as well. 

The only thing missing now is the fall weather for me to wear the stitching out of these babies! But for now, I may have to suffer through the heat and wear them anyway!

Have a great weekend ya'll!!

Friday Finds - Awesome Necklaces Under $50

I freely admit that when it comes to my jewelry, I'm a boring traditionalist. Same necklace, same earrings, same rings. Nothing fun or exciting about my jewelry collection what-so-ever. In spite of my boringness, I'm always browsing the jewelry sections in all my favorite shops, looking at all the eye candy in preparation for the day I decide to step outside of my oh so square box and here are a few of my faves.....

Leaf an Impression Necklace by ModCloth - $16.99

Cutenkhamun Necklace by ModCloth - $21.99

Floral Layered Necklace by Forever 21 - $10.80

Fairy Pearl and Copper Necklace by uniquejewelrybygigi on Etsy - $30.00

Chain and Pearl Necklace by cloverbyritasiemion on Etsy - $42.00

Disc and Bauble Chain Mail Necklace by Bebe - $44.00

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!

Friday Finds - Operation Beautiful

I was at the gym the other day, painfully attempting to pass the time by rapidly flipping through magazines and watching lame daytime tv when I stumbled upon a tiny little blurb in...I think...the September issue of Self magazine for this movement/website called Operation Beautiful. The goal of Operation Beautiful is to put an end to all that internal negative "self-talk" us women do, through leaving anonymous notes in public places (public restroom mirrors, the scale at the gym, etc) that are meant to encourage and motivate the reader.

I LOVE this website. Let's be honest....every now and again, we all need a little bit of a pick me up that can only be delivered through a kind word or deed. Here are a few of my recent favorites from the Operation Beautiful website...

Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend!!

Friday Finds - Love and Wine

It's pretty obvious that I have an obsession with all things fashion related. It's also very clear from previous posts on restaurant reviews that I am dedicated to the pursuit of great food and local eateries. However you may or may not know that I am also passionately addicted to wine. OK let's be honest anyone who knows me well knows that I am a complete and total wino. I only regularly consume 3 things on a daily basis. 

Coffee, water and wine! 

Due to my pretty much daily habit I am always on the hunt for great affordable wines. I wanted to share with you my current favorite budget picks. While some people fall into the category of white wine or red wine people, I don't discriminate. I like them all!

Layer Cake, Malbec 2008

This is my number one go to wine these days. It's smooth and silky with notes of blackberry. This wine is elegant with a touch of sultry. It's like your best LBD (little black dress). It's a steal at $15. It really tastes like a $30 bottle. Best place and price to find it, Fresh Market in South Tampa. Watch out folks this one is dangerous, I for one can't get enough.

Louis Martini, Cabernet, Sonoma County 2008

I usually stay away from Cabernet. They tend to be too tannic and full bodied for my palate. But this easy drinking Cab has me singing a different tune. It's soft with flavors of red fruit. I was at a wine tasting recently where they paired this wine with chocolate. Now if that's not a way to wind down the day I don't know what is! I also had the pleasure to visit the Louis Martini winery on my honeymoon to California. If you ever get a chance to visit this vineyard, Go! You will not be disappointed. These people make some fantastic red wine! This one runs about $12 to $20 retail. Sam's Club has it now for $11.78!

Whitehaven, Sauvignon Blanc, 2008

I love, love Sauvignon Blanc wines in the summer. They are light, crisp and refreshing. Every time I serve this wine at an event at the boutique I have women commenting on how delicious it is! Its a fruit forward wine with apples and a little lemon tartness. Perfect with spicy food or at a back yard BBQ. The guys at my favorite local wine spot, Wine Warehouse turned me on to it. They usually have it in stock for around $14. Toast the end of summer with this gem!

"Wine is constant proof that God loves us and loves to see us happy.” 

-Benjamin Franklin

Friday Finds - Off to Market!

We're headed off to the Atlanta Apparel Market in just one week!

Can we tell you how SUPER excited we are to see what's new in the wonderful world of fashion?! We can? Well we are SO excited, we've already got our suitcases packed! We really wish we could take all you ladies on our big buying spree, we mean seriously, how fun would that be?! But since we can't we our offering you something even better. Big discounts and deals on in store merchandise!! Yes that's right, pretty much everything in the boutique has been marked down 20-70%! We gotta clear some space for all the new goodies.  So help us make room!

Was: $63.00

Sale Price: $50.00

Was: $40.00

Sale Price: $30.00

Was: $40.00

Sale Price: $25.00

Was: $50.00

Sale Price: $35.00

Stay tuned for highlights from our Atlanta market trip!

Friday Finds - We all scream for Ice Cream!

We're sure you'll agree with us that nothing beats the summer heat like a big scoop of ice cream! Because we're nice, and generous people, we decided to take one for the team and embark on a taste testing tour of  some local South Tampa ice cream, gelato, and yogurt shops to satisfy our taste buds. Monica really had to twist Jen's arm to participate in this assignment!

Yogurt Naturally

Our first stop was Yogurt Naturally on MacDill Avenue. One of the major perks of this place is the drive through!! Perfect solution to a rainy Florida summer afternoon. We ordered our yogurt, a small cup of peanut butter fudge for Jen and a medium cup of strawberry cheesecake for Monica. We didn't catch the individual prices but the price for one small and one medium was $6.75. Pretty reasonable price for an afternoon treat.

 The chocolate  in Jen's yogurt was of the deep, rich variety with peanut butter chunks or slices as an accent. Overall she thought the two blended together nicely. Her only complaint was that there were a few bites that had that crystalized, icy taste, like it had been sitting in the freezer for too long. Monica's was very flavorful with nice pieces of strawberry and cheesecake. The cheesecake did taste slightly artificial but still satisfied her sweet tooth
Visit them at either on of their two locations

 3906 S Macdill Ave 
Tampa, FL 33611

4004 Henderson Blvd
Tampa, FL 33629
 

Pane' Rustica

Our next stop on our ice cream taste testing adventure was Pane Rustica for their gelato, which we heard they get from the gelato place on Bay Street at International Plaza. We each got a small cup of gelato that was filled to the brim and then some! Monica had strawberry with chocolate chips and Jen ordered the peanut butter. The price for our 2 small cups of  heaven was a somewhat more expensive, $7.50 but the serving size was very generous, so we don't feel that the price was unreasonable. Jen's peanut butter had that great authentic peanut butter taste with real peanuts sprinkled within. Monica loved the crunch and flavor the chocolate chips added to the strawberry gelato.  Both agreed they loved the creaminess of Pane's gelato as well as the serving size, a nice generous scoop.

http://www.panerusticabakery.com/

Berryisms

Our final contender was Berryisms on Dale Mabry Hwy. This frozen yogurt cafe has a limited selection of flavors but their topping bar is by far the largest! Everything from good ole rainbow sprinkles to large fresh blackberries. We had to take advantage and of course each added a topping to our yogurt. In typical chocolate lover fashion Jen chose chocolate with peanut butter chips and Monica got the wildberry with rainbow sprinkles. This treat set us back the furthest as 2 small cups with toppings was $8.50. Still not too bad considering the price of a Starbucks latte!

Unfortunately this was Jen's least favorite. She found the yogurt to have a fake chocolate taste and the texture too grainy. Plus it made her stomach feel a little out of sorts. On a bright note the peanut butter chip topping was super yummy! Monica enjoyed her wildberry yogurt and although it wasn't very "berry" tasting the consistency was light and it had a nice tartness to it.

http://www.berryismyogurt.com/

Overall, we of course totally enjoyed our ice cream taste testing adventure and we're wondering why we didn't think of this idea sooner. Of course....after three days in a row of yogurt and gelato, regardless of how low fat or fat free it is...we're probably going to be paying for our indulgence at the gym all next week....but that's ok...it was SO worth it!!

Happy Eating!!

Friday Finds - Book Worm

I don't know about you all, but I'm starting to feel the lazy summer months drawing to a close and the rush of the holiday season rapidly approaching. And while I absolutely love fall and the holidays, I find, starting in September, I have less and less time to indulge in the little "me time" things that are so essential to my sanity. 

For me, "me time" generally consists of just about anything where I can have a book in my hand. Pool, beach, couch, car (obviously when I'm not driving), coffee shop....it really doesn't matter.  And so, I thought that, as you hopefully embark on those last summer vacations, I'd share with you some great reads that I've come across this summer that you can hopefully lose yourself in as you relax before the the madness begins...

Usually I avoid those "Must Read" books that everyone else is talking about, mainly because I'm contrary and don't like other people telling me what to do....but, nine times out of ten, once I get over my stubbornness and break down and read those "Must Reads" I love them...go figure right? Well The Help by Kathryn Stockett was no different. I sat down and read this book, all 451 pages of it, in three hours one night. 

Set in Mississippi in 1962, this book, narrated by three different women, focuses on what happens when the Civil Rights Movement begins to infiltrate a small Southern town steeped in the tradition of racism and sexism. Alternatively heart breaking and hilarious, it's an extremely interesting fictional look into what it was like to be a woman, black or white, in the South in the 1960's. This was by far, my favorite book I read all summer!

I Was Told There'd Be Cake by Sloane Crosley is a hilarious compilation of essays that explores the challenges of being a twenty-something woman. Crosely covers everything from hiding her childhood toys under the sink to the perils of moving in NYC to the crappiness of entry level jobs to being a bridesmaid for a less-than-good friend. Witty and honest, Cake is totally relateable no matter what age you are.

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah follows two women as they embark on a friendship that spans 30 years and weathers love, loss, and betrayals in only the way true friendship can. The interesting thing about this novel is that neither of the main characters is particularly likeable. Instead of creating a hero and a villain, Hannah instead writes two characters that are startlingly human with their faults and foibles that you will find yourself alternating between wanting to hug or smack upside the head.

Happy reading ya'll!!!

Friday Finds - Raising The Bar - Pane' Rustica's new addition!

Unless you're one of those people that never eats out or has been living under a rock for the past few years, it's probably pretty safe to say that you are familiar with Pane’ Rustica, the scrumptious restaurant and bakery in South Tampa. This wonderful eatery focuses on giving classic dishes that everyone loves, a European flair. If you are a frequent visitor of the restaurant you may have noticed over the past few months the sounds of construction on the adjacent space. Monica for one has been waiting with much anticipation with the unveiling of the restaurant expansion to include a bar, lounge and extra dining room!

Well, it’s finally here and Monica, of course, want to share her delight and experience of the new addition...

This past Saturday night the hubby and I were aching for a little food and fun. After eating a late lunch we decided we really weren’t all that hungry for a full meal but wanted a little snack and a refreshing cocktail without having to drive too far. Good news is, the new Pane' Rustica bar is less than a mile from our house and was exactly what we were in the mood for!

The bar is a large, beautiful U shape leaving lots of space for people to sit without feeling like the person next to you is breathing down your neck and listening into your conversation. They've also added cozy booths alongside the opposite wall and a few cocktail tables scattered throughout for those who would rather have a little more privacy. The decor is dark woods accented with shades of blue and the feel is much more contemporary than the adjacent olde world decor of the original dining room, but it still it blends well and the Saturday night ambiance was very chill with a twist of romantic.

The low lighting and electronica lounge music in the background set a perfect stage for an evening of sipping cocktails, relaxing and chatting. Just what  I was in the mood for! So while I am primarily a wine drinker,  I am always in the search of a perfectly made Cosmo! I like em made with top shelf vodka, light on the cranberry with a few chips of ice and really cold. The bartender that night hit it right on and my favorite summer drink was refreshing an satisfying. Louis' fave signature drink is a Ketel One martini straight up with blue cheese olives. They reproduced this classic cocktail  and we happily sipped our cocktails and discussed the week and our pending kitchen remodel! The stress of of DIY-ing our new kitchen of course had us ordering another round..the second just as great as the first! Besides an extensive liquor selection their wine list and beer selection is excellent offering something for everyones palate.

The full menu is offered at the bar and lounge and in addition they have a small bar menu that consists of small plates and appetizers. We chose the beef tenderloin satays and  asparagus with fondue cheese sauce off the bar menu and the Caprese salad appetizer from the daily specials on the dinner menu. The tenderloin was cooked perfectly and melted in your mouth. Great dish but I could have gone for a few more satays only 3 on this dish wasn't really enough. The Caprese was refreshing with big slices of juicy summer tomatoes.

As always, Pane' Rustica didn't disappoint with their food. They chose quality ingredients, didn't over season or overcook allowing for the natural flavors of the food speak for itself. I had a relaxing evening with my forever favorite dining partner. And definitely see myself enjoying many future evenings there for girl's night and of course my great hubby!

Congrats Pane Rustica on your new addition I know it is a sure success and think a new beautiful hip bar is exactly what Palma Ceia needed!

Right now it seems they are feeling out their customers and waiting to decide what their final hours will be for the bar. Currently it is open until the restaurant closes which is 10 on week nights and 11 on the weekends. The bartender assured us though, that as long as there are patrons,  the bar will stay open to serve up delicious drinks!

Cheers!! Eat well, drink up and be merry!

Friday Finds - Beat the Heat!

So Tampa girls and fellow Floridians, are you sick of the sweltering summer heat yet?

We know we are! So in  honor of (or maybe it's in spite of) the heat, we have put together some ideas on how to stay cool this summer! Enjoy!

Museums:

There's nothing like wandering around an air conditioned museum and letting your mind soak up some incredible art and history.

The beautiful new Tampa Museum of Art has some great things happening this summer in addition to their fantastic exhibits. We think these little events look like a blast...

Inspire Yoga, on Saturday mornings with vinyasa style certified instructor Laura Tillinghast from Yoga Etc. If yoga classes taught in the museum exhibition space isn't chi-chi zen, then we don't know what is.Classes run through the end of August and are $8 for museum members and $12 for non-members.

The museum also offers art classes for every age group from pre-school to adult and everything in between. Summer sessions for adults have already begun, but classes for children, tweens, and teens are ongoing throughout the summer. Check out their class options here.

While your child is learning how to become the next Monet or Degas, you and the hubby can dine at TMA's newly opened, Sono Cafe. It overlooks the Hillsborough River and is operated by the culinary geniuses from Mise en Place. Mise en Place is one of Monica's favorite restaurants in Tampa!

Want to know a little bit more about the great city we call home? Check out The Tampa Bay History Center. 

This newish museum is conveniently located in Tampa's Channelside district and they have a ton of special events, lectures and classes going on all summer long. They also have a great little cafe, Columbia Cafe which is an off shoot of the historic Columbia restaurant, and serves great sandwiches and salads and overlooks the water.

Fitness:

The heat and humidity has made it virtually unbearable to exercise outside! Not only that, but the summer has left both of us with a terrible case of the  BLAHS!!  We think we have the solution though...indoor rock climbing! 

 
We've never had the pleasure of experiencing this indoor gym but we're super excited to check it out! Vertical Ventures has a slew of classes and opportunities for just about everyone on just about every day of the week. Don't know the first thing about indoor rock climbing? Don't worry, they'll teach you everything you need to know on your first visit! We think this is a great way to get your workout in, have some fun, AND stay relatively cool. Grab a group of girlfriends and head out to their Ladies Night on Wednesday night where women enjoy 50% off. 

If your still aching for some sun and sand....Hit the beach! Monica's favorite is Siesta Beach in Sarasota Florida. Just rated by Dr Beach as #2 on his top 10 Beaches of 2010. Sandy white beaches that stretch for as far as the eye can see and the beautiful water is perfect for boating, snorkeling and scuba diving...what more could a water loving Floridian ask for?? 

No matter what you decide to do, don't forget to stay hydrated....and most importantly...to have fun!

Friday Finds - Fresh Eats at The Refinery

The following blog post is written by Monica =)

So every once in awhile I am compelled to venture out of South Tampa and explore the rest of the Bay area restaurants - contrary to what Jen believes....there really is life north of Kennedy! This past Wednesday night I grabbed the hubby and another couple for a double date at the newest Seminole Heights resturant, The Refinery.

At The Refinery, their motto is..."We believe good food and good drink are a necessity...not a privilege." A statement I whole heartedly agree with and appreciate!

 The Refinery prides itself on using produce, meat and seafood that's fresh, in season and purchased from the local farming community. Their small, but creative menu changes every Thursday to reflect whatever the local Farmers have to offer for the week. Last weeks menu was dedicated to all things Americana.  Think innovative twists on American classics like "Mac 'n' Cheese with chevre and bacon, and Corn Dogs with housemade chorizo and Chipotle BBQ sauce .Yum!

The restuarant has a simple unpretenious feel with large wood tables filling up the dining room. It was nicely busy for a Wednesday evening with the happy chatter of diners and I felt like I was spending the evening at a friends house....everyone seemed to linger, enjoying each others company. The staff was attentive, knowledgable, and friendly.

The hubs and I split the 1772 Peanut Soup and followed it up with the Fried Catfish. The peanut soup was rich and creamy and oh soo peanut buttery! The Catfish was perfectly fried and the okra side was crisp and fresh, perfect for a steamy summer night. The guys drank beer from a local brewery and my girlfriend and I shared a great bottle of Cab. Like their dinner menu, The Refinery's wine and beer list changes frequently. Our great bottle of Cabernet was $18! Gotta love that! In fact most bottles are around that price point.

All in all it was a great evening with great food and company. I am firm believer that beauty is in the details and this restaurant has perfected the art of details. Their committment to quality, service and community is comendable.

I know one thing's for sure I will definitely be stepping out of my 'hood more often to see what this little gem is cooking up!

Happy Eating!

Visit their website for more info and events

http://www.thetamparefinery.com/

or

Find them on Facebook (where most of the photos in this blog were shamelessly stolen from)...

Friday Frinds - Patriotic Goes With Everything

Some of the most famous words in American history go a little something like this....

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

And we think there is no better way to pursue happiness this 4th of July then by dressing your fashionable self in some classic and classy patriotic garb...but in moderation. There's patriotic and then there's something akin to rivaling the cheese factor of your grandmother's Christmas sweater collection...

We HIGHLY reccommend sticking to classic, all American prints and fabrics. Nothing screams classic summer like gingham or madras.

This cute little shift dress is so adorable in navy or red.

Olivia Shift Dress by J.Crew

Madras shorts are perfect for a backyard get together.

Theory Bennie Madras Plaid Mini Shorts at Saks

Don't be afraid of stripes this summer. They are so in and done correctly, they can be super flattering. Obviously try the item on before you purchase, but something simple like this wrap dress fits and flatters in all the right places...

Veronica M Striped Wrap Dress

Naut It Top from Mod Cloth

Add a punch of patriotic to your otherwise normal outift with fun accessories! Nautical accessories are so summery. All you need now is a boat to look stylin' on!

Proud Merry Pendant from Mod Cloth

Nautical Tote Bag from The Gap

Have a fabulous 4th Ladies! Remember your sparkling smile is the best accessory you can wear!! We will be closed Saturday July 3rd so stop in before then to get your last minute wardrobe fix!

Friday Finds - Shameless Self Promotion

This week's "Friday Finds" is all about yours truly...Why Not and Sweet Emotion Boutique! If you haven't been in the store lately you're definitely missing out. We have some fantastic summer merchandise in!

Monica's Favorites...

Love + Toast  Handcremes:

These yummy scented creams are like candy for your hands!! Seriously they smell good enough to eat.

In store, we have (Clockwise from left to right)

Sugar Grapefruit, Honey Coconut, Mandarin Tea and Gin Blossom

Monica's personal favorite is Honey Coconut it reminds her of a frozen cocktail and conjures up visions of sunny skies, sandy toes and a sweet libation!  A great pick me up in the middle of a stressful day. Need another reason to love them? We have several- they're Paraben free, Phthalate free, Never animal tested, No animal ingredients, No artificial colors,they fit in your purse, the packaging is oh so cute and they're $11 bucks!!

Well its no secret that Monica's favorite designer in the boutique is Veronica M. Her dresses are fabulously flattering and make a statement with  unforgettable patterns. I promise you will get noticed and complimented when you wear one of her dresses! Monica is crushin' on this rainbow maxi dress.

The pattern is so summery a mix of purples, navy and greens in a fan fern like pattern. It is a must for your next BBQ or beach vaca. There is something so earthy sexy about the maxi dress. Pair it with a great wedge and you are a summer goddess!

Both Monica and Jen  love love love Envirosax bags! They are super functional and fun with an assortment of  colorful patterns. We tote everything from lunch to gym clothes to groceries in it. It folds up to fit in your purse and they're a steal at $8.50...

As for Jen....well she loves everything and couldn't pick just a few items...so she picked a whole category..Summer Dresses! Who doesn't love summer dresses?? And the shop has a bunch of cute ones in stock for just about any occasion...here's a few of her favorites...

 

Jen could totally see herself at the beach, shopping, or at happy hour at Datz in one of these dresses!

Happy Shopping everyone!! Enjoy your weekend!