GiGi New York

I had been thinking about ordering a GiGi New York All in One Bag for summer, when the universe sent me a shopping reminder at an event...I spotted this pink All in One Bag on one of the fashionable guests. Next order of business is deciding which color to order...

The sand is a great neutral and would go with everything.

Orange is one of my favorite colors...hence my Graphic Image planner selection each year.

The white would be so crisp and clean not to mention really making the no brainier gold initials pop.

GiGi New York has partnered with the shopping gods and is offering you all 30% for the next 14 days with code GiGi11. You can also enter to win their weekly bag sweepstakes. Happy weekend and let me know if you take the All in One plunge!

Carolyne Roehm Book Signing

Carolyne Roehm was the Honorary Chair for the Garden Festival at Ladew Topiary Gardens. I went to her book signing and lecture.

I had her sign my copy of A Passion for Blue and White right next to the note my mother had written when she gave me the book. I couldn't help but ask her about her westies.

EAS & Carolyne Roehm

Carolyn Roehm was just as graceful, poised and well-spoken as I imagined. It was pretty spectacluar to hear her speak about gardening and decorating while sharing pictures from her books and of her home. She was very down to earth and even talked about how you don't have to have expensive things to create a beautiful tablescape...all you have to have is the point of view. She also shared how much she loved the Hunt Scene topiary at Ladew and how she took tons of pictures.

Special thanks to Carolyn Roehm for coming to Ladew and inspiring me even more than she already did. I had such high expectations and she surpassed them. Her classic and timeless style will always be something I strive to create in my life.  

Ladew Topiary Gardens II

Ladew is described as “The Most Outstanding Topiary Garden In America”

The Gardens opened to the public in 1971.

The most famous of the topiaries is the hunt scene with the horse, rider & hounds.

 Croquet Court

 There are so many gardens and lots of intimate spaces.

 Swan topiaries

If you have never been to Ladew Gardens, I strongly suggest a day trip and can pretty much guarantee a jaw dropping experience.

Ladew Topiary Gardens I

This spring I went to the Garden Festival at Ladew Topiary Gardens.

 There were over 40 different vendors...

with lots of equestrian themed merchandise and...

plenty of foxes and hounds.

The flowers and topiaries for sale were simply gorgeous.

Movie Itch

Moonrise Kingdom


Marley


Rock of Ages

I never see quite as many movies during the summer as I do during winter. Above are a few flicks that I really want to see and what a great way to escape this heat wave by cooling off in the AC, watching a movie. Have you seen any good movies lately?

Just Madras

Just Madras from Connecticut specializes in madras & seersucker clothing, accessories and home goods. They even offer monogramming on most of their items. Uscoop is currently featuring a 50% off Just Madras promotion. You may buy up to three $100 vouchers for $50 each. I have my eye on a monogrammed Isabella Beach Coverup. Here are some of my other favorites...

 Patchwork Toiletry Bag

Mackenzie Top

 Seersucker Cummerbund Bowtie Set, Tennis Racquet Cover

iPad Case

Just Madras-"Where summer lives all year long!"

Summer Solstice

It's officially summer and today is the longest day of the year...which also happens to be my favorite day of the year. What do you have planned this summer?

Warm Weather Wants

Helga Wagner Necklace

Ann Mashburn Popover Shirt

Kayce Hughes Straw Clutch

Kenneth Jay Lane Earclips

Devon Baer Ruffle Dress

137th Preakness Stakes

JCW & EAS

Flags with Preakness winners lined the Clubhouse.

Picking our horses...I had to bet on Creative Cause because I loved the name.

I couldn't get enough of our neighbor's arm candy and even made her show JCW...he gave me the not a chance look. I am pretty familiar with this look so I quickly moved on.

The Pimlico barns were spruced up with flower boxes.

 Lawyer Liz, JCW, EAS

I'll Have Another making it's move down the stretch.

Black-Eyed Susan Day

 I went to Pimlico the day before Preakness.

EAS & BLS

We met Lava Man who was I'll Have Another's escort for Preakness. He retired in 2010 after earning nearly $5.2 million, which makes him the greatest earner among claimers in racing history. He was totally hamming it up for the camera and loved all of the attention.

Doug O'Neill being interviewed outside of  I'll Have Another's stall.

Preakness contender Cozzetti getting a bath.

The Budweiser Clydesdales

New Jacks

I ordered some new Jack Rogers from Zappos and it was pretty close to instant gratification because they arrived the very next day. Another thing I love about Zappos is they offer free shipping and free returns with a 365 day return policy....now to break them in.

I still have my eye on some other styles...

These Cork Navajos would be a great replacement for the worn out bone pair in my closet...

...the new pink & green Aquarius style would certainly add a little color to a plain outfit...

and the Hamptons Wedge would be perfect for a summer wedding.

The winner of the monogrammed pillow giveaway is mFw!