Fashion Fix: What to Buy NOW - Fall/Winter 2013 Must Haves

Top Three: 3.1 Philip Lim Boots, H&M Paris Show Leather Vest (sold out online, got mine on eBay here), XL Oversized Hair on Hide Clutch

VEST: I stumbled across that H&M vest in the September Vogue (yes, I am just now reading that - things have been nuts!) and instantly ripped out the page it was on. Living in Houston plus being aggressively hot natured, vests are my jam when it comes to winter time layering. So, when I found out that it was sold out online I did what any smart girl does and turned to eBay for one to be Fedex'd direct from Budapest. Thank you, internet! 

BOOTS: Those over the knee boots are so fabulous. That cognac leather has my name all over it. That behind the knee strap is the best! Maybe some day... 

CLUTCH: I had lunch with a mentor/friend today and she was carrying this fabulous leopard, hair on hide clutch. I nearly choked on my salad when she said it was from Etsy! So, immediately I got online and ordered myself one. It looks just like the Claire Vivier one only for a fraction of the cost.  

BONUS BUY: Zara Marbled Crop Top - Do you have the body to rock this? Then please do! I love this look and wish that if I was a perfect figured lady. I would totally wear this. Love how Zara styled it with the high wasted, tea length skirt. Not too much skin. Perfect.

How to Style Selections: Zara Angora Striped Sweater, Paige High Wasted Black Jeans

Sweater: Believe it or not, angora sweaters AND turtlenecks are in (See the Stella McCartney show, if you do not believe me). I have not bought in just yet (it's nearly 80 degrees outside here today), but who knows? Maybe someday. Plus, what kind of fashion blogger would I be if I did not keep you in the know? Answer: A crap one. 

Jeans: Black jeans do not need an intro, they are just a staple for me and hopefully for you too. The high wasted makes them flattering and they are perfect for putting under boots and tunics.  

Butters the cat

The Latest

We were home and last weekend was glorious! We unpacked and organized wedding gifts, wrote 34 thank you notes, mowed the lawn, weeded, went to church, went to Rev... And then some. The weather was so crisp and Butters, the mere cat, was really enjoying the view from our second floor, open window. He's the best. 

Very spooky!

We also decorated our house for Halloween. It was so fun! I think we might actually have trick-or-treaters this year! Fingers crossed because I bought five 12 pound bags of candies. Whoopsies. Happy Halloween!

BONUS TRACK: For your drive home with the windows down. Just do it. 

Tegan and Sara - Closer (Official Music Video) from Tegan and Sara on Vimeo.

v

Friday Funny Haha: New P'Trique, Brides Throwing Cats + Miley Cyrus

"Do you like my neck purse?" I am dying. 

I am so glad that P'trique is back with some new web content. His portrayal of the fashion obsessed is spot on. It is a kind of embarrassing foil for what I sound like when I talk about designer things. Only more bearded. 

My favorite videos of P'trique's: Part One, Part Two.

Brides Throwing Cats is pretty much my favorite new Tumblr site. I love cats and by no means endorse the throwing of them, but by replacing the flowers with the cat it makes for some seriously funny shots. The aggressive women in the crowd are definitely my favorite choice. Also, some of their outfit selections as well. See more here. 

PS. I am pretty sure this is the same venue my friend got married at in Austin earlier this year. It was gorgeous!

this is how her stylist actually dresses

Some of you may think that I have lost my mind, but I am really into the two Miley singles that are out right now and am actually toying with downloading the entire album. After watching Miley: the Movement on MTV (yes, I will admit it) I admire her... Her tenacity. This entire thing was a ploy and we took it: hook, line, sinker. From a sheer branding/marketing perspective, I have to say bravo, girl. You played us so hard. 

Before I ever saw the documentary (more like well glossed propaganda piece, but whatever, props none the less) I ran across this article by her stylist on Nymag.com - Ratchet is Dead: Inside the Mind of a Miley Cyrus Stylist.

Via StyleLikeU

Some big changes are coming my way in the next week. Yes, even bigger changes than the wedding and the purchase of a house... My friend, Carolyn, said it best last night, "I thought you had already done all of the most stressful things a person can do in a year - now  you've added more!" Like the image, I am constantly in beta. Always striving, trying, wanting more. It's just who I am.

I will be able to go into more detail about what is going on next week. It it all good, thankfully. In the meantime please send one out to the Universe for me to transition through this smoothly. Thanks, frands.

Musical Musings: Zedd ft. Hayley Williams

This songs on repeat in my brain and in my Rev class (Live in Houston? Like to sweat? Run, don't walk to Define for a Rev class - Houston's Soul Cycle). 

I love the visuals in the video too. Pretty arresting. 

Funny Haha: Happy Friday!

Oh, Instagram! I am so guilty of the cat, cat, cat, nails, nails, nails. I also add a dash of airport, airport, airport, Brad, Brad, Brad. I'll try to spice it up more.

What to Wear This Friday Night: TX OU Edition

Despite just returning from Hawaii on Sunday, Brad and I are booked on the 6pm SWA direct flight for Dallas for his first and my 15th (holy cow!) TX-OU weekend. For those of you unfamiliar with this spectacular event let me show you the ropes. UT and OU play every fall at the Cottonbowl in Dallas on what is considered neutral ground. The event is called the Red River Shoot Out because that is what separates us from the Okies on the north Texas border. Plus the river runs red with the defeated's blood, jk, that is just what they tell the kiddos. The Cottonbowl sits in the middle of the annual Texas State Fair, so you get two amazing things: college football & the fair!!!

Anywho, it is one big party weekend in Dallas and my entire paternal family attends. My dad played football at OU and raised us as Sooners, but the first chance Brooke, my older sister, and I got we went straight down to Austin to the University of Texas. And thus, a family rivalry was born. Fueled by Fletcher's Corn Dogs, beers in wax cups, fried Oreo's, and a solid mid-day drunk. Can't wait to initiate the Notorious B-Rad-G! Kick off is at 11 am at TX is supposed to get killed. Thank God for a solid State Fair to make it all alright.

A fan of either school? Read these two letters sent from the UT university newspaper, the Daily Texan, to the OU Oklahoma Daily. The trash talk is truly hilarious. 

• TX to OU
• OU to TX

The tradition is kicked off with a fancy dinner the Friday before. Above is what I am planning on wearing. But, I need your help: trendy monochromatic purse that matches (intentionally, of course) or the classic quilted Chanel (this is Dallas, after all)?   

Where to Buy: Karl Lagerfeld Blouse, T by Alexander Wang Skirt, Zara Earrings, Hermes Scarf, Zara Boots, Zara Purse, Chanel Purse 

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Musical Musings: Avett Brothers and Lissie + American Horror Story!

via

The Avett Brothers will debut their newest album "Magpie and the Dandelion" on October 15, but lucky you! You can stream it live here courtesy of NPR's First Listen. I stumbled upon this band way back in 2009 at ACL. My friends and I had staked out a primo place in front of one of the main stages for the art punk trio the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. If you have never been privy to a marathon spot stake out at a music festival then let me break it down for you: someone must stay at the space ALL DAY. It's not so bad, but it takes a little strategy meeting with everyone. The Avett Brother's played at that magical point in the day where the heat breaks and the sun goes down (this was back when ACL was in early September and the temp + humidity was roaring). Their intimate, catchy lyrics stole my heart. They resonate with me still to this day. Check them out!

Live Stream Their New Album Here.

via

Lissie is one of my favorite female artists of the last few years. Thank you Jordan Jeffus for the musical intro! Her cover of Pursuit of Happiness is epic, you need to hear this. Any who, she just released her new album, Back to Forever, on September 10th and I will be downloading it promptly. This guitar playing songstress is real life rock and roll.

Hear Lissie's New Single on Her New Album "Shameless" Here. 

This is totally debuting tonight! SO EXCITED!!!! 
{Don't watch this if you scare easily, Kate Thompson}

The Wedding Chronicles: "Bridal Portraits"

The most talented photographer in Houston, Julie Soefer, shot my bridal portraits the weekend before my wedding at the Hotel Derek. Thanks to her great relationship with the folks there we were able to salvage a planned outdoor, rainy day shoot by moving it indoors at this posh hotel. There are about a million more images that I am totally obsessed with. Click here to view them all.  

The incredibly talented Victoria Callaway did my make up and hair and truly made me feel like a princess-alebrity for the day. One more thing, the lovely Hotel Derek people said we could shoot there if they could have the rights to all the images. So, keep your eyes peeled for my face on their wedding page soon. Can you imagine? I love it.

The Wedding Chronicles: Epilogue "Epic Wedded Bliss"

It began last Wednesday, we wrestled a wedding dress through security and onto the plane...

We heard no less than 4 languages at the Las Vegas courthouse marriage Bureau, plus some really excellent fashion choices including pajama-chic and wtf-wear. Marriage apparently is not so serious here. It is for us. We swear!

We day partied large cabana style Friday... 20+ bottles of Veuve were consumed. No small feat. 

The Crunk City Council united and an angel got it's wings.

My older sister made the most amazing rehearsal dinner video ever complete with How Harry Met Sally and Princess Bride clips. Did I mention it was amazing?

Our first picture as husband and wife (thanks, Kathy!). We both cried the majority of the ceremony. 

The escort cards and luggage tag party favors were a hit!

As was the sea bass and filet dinner pairing. This was hashtagged #yumyuminmytumtum.

We cut the most beautiful cake ever. It was more difficult than we thought. That thing was a marvel!

Brad was initiated into the Crunk City Council and his official name is... Censored.

There was a bridal portrait processional through the casino (thanks, Noble!) and the pictures were loved (thank you, Julie Soefer!)

We then completely jumped the shark and late nighted in the casino club, Lily Pad. Nothing quite like being a bride in da club.

The next day we contemplated the magic that is Las Vegas and counted our blessings for such a fantastic wedding weekend, wonderful friends and family.

Now we are off to Maui (yes, this is our third and final selection of honeymoon locations: Santa Fe, Miami Beach, MAUI - sorry for the confusion) See you soon Houston, but not too soon! Follow all the action via my Instagram @aftonybalogna and make sure to recap all 99+ images via the insta hashtag #braftonvegas.

Had enough hash tagging? Make sure to watch this video by J. Timberlake and Jimmy Fallon here. 

The Wedding Chronicles: ACT SIX "Pack Attack: Cocktail Party &Rehearsal Dinner Outfits"

Pack Attack really appealed to me for this wedding post because it is a play on panic attack (I am also up to my eyeballs in items to be packed). All my close friends know that off and on through my life I have struggled with panic attacks and as this big, big day approaches I am feeling some anxiety pangs. However, as it gets closer I am getting more relaxed. I am at that point where if it has not happened then it will not happen. And that is OK. There is only so much one person can do. It's kind of like studying for a big test. You prep and prep and prep and if you do not have it the night before then it's too late to cram. This is my proverbial night before the test and I am ready to start relaxing and enjoying... the test? Maybe that's the wrong analogy. 

Thursday Night Party: DVF Jumper, Zara Heels, Zara Necklace, Chanel Purse. 

Friday Rehearsal Dinner: Anthropologie Blouse, BCBG Maxi Skirt, Nude Gucci Heels (no longer available, similar here), Zara Earrings, Valentino Rockstud Clutch. 

5 more days! I am SO READY to get to Vegas and be with all my loved ones in one place. Let the fun begin!

XO.

The Wedding Chronicles: ACT FIVE "The Gringo Honeymoon Packing Guide"

Can't believe our wedding is just a week away and Maui is just after that!!!

1. In-flight Wear: Proenza Schouler Pants, Equipment Silk Blouse, Acne Loafers, Zara Scarf (big, soft and affordable - just how I like 'em! What?), Ray-ban aviators, Valentino Rockstud Trapeze Bag.
2. Beachwear: Norma Komali bather, J.Crew Straw Bag, Ara Matthews Sarong, ILLESTEVA sunglasses, Sensi Studio Lady Ibiza toquilla straw sunhat, Musa Metallic braided leather sandals
3. Island Hopping Threads: Ray-Ban Aviators, Nike Air Max tennis shoes, J.Crew Shorts, MIH Jeans Safari chambray shirt, Chloe Marcie Mini Shoulder Bag.
4. Fancy Dinner Date: Aurelie Bidermann Earrings, Charlotte Olympia Clutch, Michael Kors Wedges, Issa Silk Dress.
5. Additional Swimwear: Lemlem cover up and Beth Richards Faye mesh-paneled swimsuit.
6. Lingerie (duh, this is your honeymoon after all): L'Agent by Agent Provocateur's teal stretch-satin chemise.
7. MUST HAVES: Goody Bun Coils (easiest up-do ever!), Burt's Bees chap-stick with SPF, Moroccan Hair Oil (helps limit those island frizzies), SPF 70 Neutrogena sunscreen (have you seen how ginger-white Brad is?), iPad (music! books! Candy Crush!), Ear buds (baby proof that flight).  

You Won't Be Able to Unsee This: Zooey Davechappelle

Zooey Davechappelle via Reddit
Now try to unsee that!? Happy New Girl Season 3!

MGMT's newest song

It's dark and I like it. Plus Michael Williams kills, per the usual. I do think they could have put in a little work on the name of the song. NYmag.com writes:

...Michael K. Williams plays a plant-hunting witch doctor who dreams up a psychedelic drug that ends up giving the man a horrifying deformity. It's sad and beautiful and directed by Isaiah Seret (Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros' "Kisses Over Babylon"), with cinematography by Bradford Young (Ain't Them Bodies Saints).

The Cut; photo by YoungJun Koo/I'M KOO
London Fashion Week has been a pleasure to watch from the digital sidelines. This image of Eva Chen's lower half is making me desperately crave cooler temperatures and fall appropriate textures and silhouettes  That fur bag! The leather skirt! the Leopard sweater! Those Alexander Wang heels! I think they are?

Real life traffic metrics, ya'll. 

So, last week on 9/12 to be exact, my blog was on the front page of Reddit. Not for any satorical observations on my part, but from an article I enjoyed enough to re-post from GQ that featured a rather compelling interview with Bill Murray. Some folks on Reddit were arguing about Bill Murray and the Kung Fu Hustle? It was over my head.

Imagine my surprise when I checked my stats and I suddenly have 100k viewers in ONE DAY. [side note: this little blog of mine had previously generated a total 55k pageviews to date since it's inception in 2009 - which mind you, I was proud of.] It was pretty surprising and interesting to see where these people went once they got here? They also commented a lot. Now you have to read the article, clearly. Read it here and feel free to comment. 


Contracts abound right before the wedding.

Interesting thing about planning the big day, there are endless contracts to proof. I have thankfully had a lot of practice red-lining my share of contracts, but this is different. It's emotionally charged and personal in a way that I had heard about, but did not expect. I was finalizing the my wedding floral contract and I actually teared up reading it. It's going to be so pretty! One week from today at almost this exact moment I will be wrestling my way onto a direct SWA flight to Vegas with my wedding dress in hand. I can't wait for  you to see how it all turned out. Hell, I cannot wait to see how it is going to turn out!

Happy Friday from Tyson Beckford

Via
(photo by Diana Eliazov)

Images like this one make scrolling through all the fashion week images worth it. Oh hey, Tyson. You still got it.

Musical Musings: 1975, American Authors, & Lorde for Ya Playlists

BONUS: Jay Z ft. Justin Timberlake's Official Visual for Holy Grail

This Week: Jeff Koons & Dom, Capitalism! & NYFW

Time will not slow down! Every day is one day closer to our wedding and every day I am realizing one more, two more, three more (see how there's a pattern here?) things that need to get done, bought, paid for, organized. My quasi-obsessive self is really loving it, but the rational me is wanting to pump the brakes. Speaking of quasi-obsessive, I think I re-discovered my desire to not eat like crap all the time? (Don't get me wrong, I anticipate I will still be chanting this to some degree.) Half way through day two of the Blue Print Cleanse and I feel both in control and not crappy alive. Perhaps this will kick start my sprint to the white dress finish line. I did describe myself to my walking partner this morning as planning on being a "total psycho" for the next 2.5 weeks with regards to eating and drinking healthily. Here's to no burnout - cause nothing says burnout like the words "total psycho"! 

Here's some items I cannot get enough of this week:

• This Jeff Koons and Dom Perignon collaboration. This box is for their Vintage Rose and is supposed to be a balloon Venus. I love it and hate it. A lot.

• The two street style snaps, one of Anna Wintour glaring in front of construction and the other of a sunshine clad lady with adorable dog with hair better than mine, are probably my most favorite images I've come across all NYFW. They are not staged and that is the best part. See all of them here.

• This Steve Lambert interactive art installation "Capitalism Works for Me!" will be installed next week in Times Square. If  you live there please go by and hit True and then False for me to represent my conflicting opinions. Thanks.  

• Here are my top three outfits from my top three Spring 2014 RTW shows so far: Love the agate-like print on the 3.1 Phillip Lim boxy shirt (home decor inspiring fashion?). Love-love the geometric, black and white print on that really comfortable looking outfit at Marc by Marc Jacobs. And really love the Michael Kors dress because I want to own it and wear it on my honeymoon. Vacation... So close. 

I will have some wedding updates later this week. I am working on a mood board of my wedding parties' dresses and it is coming out pretty great. 

XO.

PS. My heart goes out to everyone effected by what happened on 9/11. We will never forget you. You are not alone.

Happy Friday!

This Week's Goodness: Hair Cuts, Wedding Cakes, Juice Cleanses & AHS!

ST. REGIS DEER VALLEY// BLUE PRINT CLEANSE// ZARA BOOTS // ZARA CLUTCH // SCARY AHS PREVIEW

Here are some quick nods to my must have's-must do's-must watches of this wonderful week a full 24 days until the wedding. That's right, I said it: 24 days, ya'll!

1. The Notorious B-Rad G and I spent a nice Labor Day weekend in Park City, Utah with my parents. We flew up Thursday afternoon and came home on Sunday. The weather was really magical in that clear air, mountain-y sort of way. It rained quite a bit, but with all the fire action around there no one was really complaining. Saturday we had a picturesque evening at the St. Regis stage in Deer Valley. Sarah Bareilles and One Republic played. No matter what your musical tastes these two bands are excellent live performers and put on a great show. I am currently totally obsessed with these two songs: Brave and Counting Stars. I have been to lots of shows here through the years and most people drink a little too much wine. This show was no exception only people got PLASTERED. We saw a grown man being escorted from the after party via giant bouncer hand holding like a baby and a woman vom all over a table. It was in-sane. And kind of gross in a hilarious way.
2. I think I have determined what I want my wedding cake to look like. Ombre anyone? Only with real flowers and less of those sugar beads. Bellagio plays this yes-man game and doesn't tell you prices SO that should be an interesting line item at the end of the night. Long story short, everything is in a package together and no individual prices are given. Therefore hiding their epic margin and making discerning customers GTFO. JK, we already signed the contract. It's happening regardless. Final items for wedding planning include seating charts/cards, programs, outfit selections, packing selections, music selections... Ah the details. It is going to be epic, but right now it feels like a countdown to D-Day. Only with more joy and wedding bliss at the end.
3. I cut my hairs to look like this. The middle party is something I have been  into for a while off and on, but was always afraid to commit because of facial symmetry insecurities (get a real problem, amiright?). I think it actually looks good, if I commit to round brushing that pesky front part.
4. Blue Print Cleanse time! 3 or 4 days? I cannot decide and am honestly waiting to pull the trigger because food is my last crutch for emotional support since I gave up drinking so many days ago in the name of le thin. Ugh, it's hard because drinking and eating are the BEST.
5. ZARA! You devil, you've done it again. Gray is my go to color this fall and as I have mentioned in earlier posts the ankle boot is the wardrobe accouterment this season. Also, the over-sized clutch is making a solid showing despite it's total impracticality for holding anything of substance. I bought it anyway because I could not avoid it's siren call.
6. American Horror Story's 3rd season begins in October and I am SO EXCITED. Coven is going to be so wicked. I cannot wait for more campy horror from show creators Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk. 

Finally, I leave you with this adorable video of these kitties playing patty cake. You know you like it.

This Week's Top Top Top

VOGUE // EARRINGS // TIE DYE PANTS 

1. WOW, does Adam from Girls look hot holding that sheep-er-goat-thing? Perhaps it is because he is caught in a moment when he is not doing that crazy stuff his character is known for? I am into it. Thank Vogue for this one.

2. What do we think about these earring for the wedding? I am 1 week and 1 month out (cannot believe that) and I need to make some decisions about a lot of these little details. I like that they are glamorous, unique, New Mexico-y, thanks to the turquoise - kind of a modern art deco spin - no?

3. My close friends know me as some kind of wacky pants hoarder. These pants are def no different. Ahhhh, grown up tie dye makes my heart flutter.

4. That quote is the true-true (anyone seen the movie I am referencing here? so annoying, but so sticky - I say it all the time despite my best efforts). People that have goodness from their insides to their outsides show their passion and honesty in their work. And that work is basically the best work because of that honesty resonates with other people who are present. I strive to do this.

5. House decor question: how do you feel about me painting my interior doors black? Our old house has some pretty amazing crown molding and the black (like in the pictures above) really highlights the molding details. Brad's dragging his feet, but I am in LOVE.

General Life Updates

• We got a tenant! She moves in this weekend and we are STOKED. I hope she likes us... We busted our butts and our wallets getting that thing ready for full time inhabitants. I have learned more about electrical grids and circuits this week then ever before. How practical, right?
• RSVP cards are rolling in for our big day! Ever day brings it's surprises. It is interesting to see who comes and who does not. The good news: Brad, my bridesmaids, wedding party, family and various close friends will be there if they can. The rest is just semantics. 
• The house is in a good place as far as design is concerned. I like where we are and feel like we can comfortably relax until after the wedding. No more major changes, but definitely some small improvements that will help. For example, why would they not install a light fixture in the stair well? That is just dangerous. Now I have an electrician and will get that situation remedied stat. Grown. Up. Things.
• #kanyesworkoutplan (follow me on Instagram! @aftonybalogna) is going well. I am definitely firmer. Just need to lean out. I am thinking a juice cleanse is in my near future. Sorry in advance, Brad. Blue Print Cleanse for life. Anyone else want to do it?

Over and out.

Going to leave you with this little gem.

My TOP TOP TOP: Boots, Shades, Cuffs, Nighties, Chairs, Etc.

Banana Leaf Wallpaper // Shades // Copper Light Fixture // Giuseppe Zanotti Gold Vertebrae Cuff // Tory Burch Boots // 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target PJ Set // Amazing Vintage Chair

Here is a quick installment of my new weekly blog post "MY TOP TOP TOP" aka Can't Stop, Won't Stop aka High Five (or six, seven, whatever)... For those of you that get the name, forgive me, I could not help myself.

1. How amazing is that Banana Leaf Wallpaper? I am dying to have it in my dining room! Is it going to be out? Or timeless? Discuss.

2. Those shades are either going to look totally awesome or totally insane. Either way they are from ASOS.com and cost me about $12, so who cares, thank you very much fast fashion.

3. That light fixture is making me feel all tingly inside. Do you thing the proportions are as adorable in real life? Also, who'd of thought that you can order a $12,000 copper bathtub? Michael Bloomberg, ya'll. Because the super rich do not have enough ways to distinguish themselves from us plebeians.  

4. Giuseppe Zanotti has hit the nail on the head with this macabre cuff. I love that it is vertebrae! They say  it is spikes, but get real. We all know what it really is. And we love it.

5. The IT shoe of the upcoming fall season are black ankle boots. The majority in high fashion mags are by Celine, at right, and have tremendously tall heels, but these bad boys are both practically heeled and adorable. Plus a quarter of the price, although still not-so-cheap. 

6. 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target is hitting stores everywhere on September 15, 2013! Run, don't walk to your nearest Target at 10 am that morning. Better yet, be safe and go early. I thought this little PJ set was too cute. What a good gift!

7. This amazing vintage chair is one of those fabulous, but totally ridiculous Pinterest finds. You love it. You want it... It exists no where in real life. Thanks a lot. (PS. Follow me on Pinterest here)

PPS. Know of anyone that needs a place to live? We are renting our garage apartment to only the best and the brightest that Houston has to offer. Check out our Craigslist listing here.

Closet, Wedding, & Bachelorette Party Confessions

Hello friends, long time no talk! As always this post will begin with an apology about the extended period of radio silence that this blog has endured. Life has been busy in the best kind of ways and we are loving every minute of it. Finally settling into the new house has made all the difference in our mental health. 

First and foremost, I bought some amazing things on ASOS.com today that need to be shared. The ASOS Collection items are so wonderful and I honestly can say that they are relatively high quality for such affordable prices (as compared to Zara or H&M). PS - Have you heard that H&M is online now? Of course you have. Any-who  I am loving these two blouses for work or going out. Buy them here and here right now and in every color. I also bought two bikinis for ladies with a lot going on up top. These will be absolutely fab on our honeymoon. I am really excited that we changed from Santa Fe to Miami. Neither one of us has ever been there and we thought what the heck? let's try it. Hurricane-shmurricane... Gladly out hotels and flights are refundable, just in case. Has anyone been to South Beach or stayed at the Shore Club? It seemed to have the best reviews online. Please send me any and all recs ASAP. Thx. Buy the bikinis here and here.

Life has been really going in a really great way lately. We welcomed friends into our garage apartment while they renovate their home down the street, we planted lots of flowers, we sodded our yard (ourselves! so.much.work.), we installed a new dining room light fixture (much better - thanks CB2!) and lots more. 

Most notably is the fact that all wedding invites are out and people are audibly excited. It feels SO REAL. For months it has seems so far in the distant future and now it is HERE. We are thrilled to get the celebrations underway. I have a mountain of thank you notes to write and tons of practical new kitchen gadgets to find a home for. I also have been working out really hard because at 90 days out and now at less than 60 days out I realized how serious it is for me to get my skinny hat on. I have been doing the Advocare 24 day challenge and it has been ok. It is very supplement and mystery powder heavy (ever see someone drink a Spark? that is this company). I like it overall, but at day 10 I am kinda sick of it. In my head I alternate between slow chanting "10 MORE POUNDS" and "CUPCAKES. FRENCH FRIES. RED WINE." So, as you can imagine it's going ok.

Wedding wise all we have to do is pick the songs for the band, the Salamanders. And fill out our preacher paperwork. And order gifts for our wedding party. And order party favors. And schedule bridal portraits. And finalize the menu... WOW, we have a lot more to do.

Last but not least my older sister, Brooke, threw the most amazing bachelorette party EVER for me in NOLA last month. We had so much ridiculous fun. There was a horse head, strip clubs, Cajun foods, palm readers, revolting hangovers, Canadian bachelor parties, pool party time, lingerie time, nipple tassels, shopping, naps, love in da club, late night pizza, a trash shark, custom t-shirts... The list really goes on! I loved every single minute. Lets just say the ladies at the Penthouse off of Bourbon are like naked Cirque de Soleil acrobats that smell like sunshine or the car wash and make several dollars a second. It was insanity. K, bye for now.

PPS. Houston people, don't forget about Restaurant Month!