Memphis

Nate and I traveled to Memphis this past weekend to watch his beloved Chicago Bulls take on the Grizzlies. It was an extra special trip because it was Maddux's first NBA game, and as an avid sports fan, this fact was especially exciting for Nate. 

I think most people would agree that a 4-month-old and an arena full of screaming fans, over-eager announcers and fireworks are not a good mix, so thank God for these Peltor noise canceling earphones. They must have been pretty cozy, because Munchie fell asleep twice while wearing them. 

I, on the other hand, was never fully able to relax and completely enjoy the game. Most of the time I was either changing dirty diapers, wiping up slobber or trying to figure out how to hold onto a squirming baby and eat bbq nachos without dumping hot cheese down the neck of the guy in front of me.

Of utmost concern to me however, was where I was going to nurse. I am not shy about nursing Maddux in public, thanks to this, but there was literally no room in my seat and after circling the arena several times, there was not even a chair for me to sit down in. A friendly ticketing agent said I could use the "family lounge." Well that sounds nice, I thought. Picturing a quiet room with soft lighting and comfy armchairs, I made another lap around the arena until I spotted the door. But instead of a "lounge," I found nothing more than an oversized bathroom with a plastic changing table hanging from the wall. I tried nursing Maddux standing up, but finally gave up and ended up sitting on his changing pad on the floor, trying to ignore the knocks of drunk sports fans who didn't want to walk the extra 25 steps to the restrooms. 

After this experience, I think every major venue should have some sort of room for nursing mothers. Nothing fancy, just a place to sit and feed their children without having to resort to taking up residence on the floor of a bathroom. 

Lela Rose Is A Genius

Just about every little girl dreams about their wedding day. We dream about the colors of the bridesmaids dresses, the magical kiss from our very own Prince Charming, and how we will wear our hair. But mostly, we dream about the dress.

When I was planning my wedding last fall, I had a vision of the exact dress I wanted to wear. My requirements were: vintage feel, not too "bridal," and not too white.

Lela Rose came through with flying colors. This is a dress that I will pull out of my closet when I'm an old woman, run my hands over the fabric, and remember how beautiful and alive I felt on that day. It is gorgeous and timeless and will forever remind me of the happiest day of my life. (Photo Courtesy of Matthew Williams. www.matthewwilliamsphotography.com)

 

Nanette Lepore Night and Day Coat

My new current obsession.

It's been virtually impossible to find since "Jenny" on 'Gossip Girl' wore it on the show. Bluefly, Shopbop, and Bloomingdale's are all sold out, so if anyone gets a heads up on where to score this amazing coat, please let me know!

The Return of Balmain

When Christophe Decarnin took the helm of Balmain in 2005, the once illustrious design house had fallen into financial ruin and stagnancy. But over the past few years, Balmain has had a revival of sorts, becoming the star of the fashion world with everyone from Hollywood celebrities to European society darlings donning Decarnin's edgy creations.

Although I am neither, I have fallen in love with the Spring 2010 collection, specifically the military jackets pictured above. Sadly, I will probably have to just admire the photos for now, as one of these jackets can set you back $9000 or more. (Photos Courtesy of www.nymag.com)     

No, She Doesn't Still Have This Dress

I called my mother up the other day to ask her if this dress was still in my grandmother's possession, and was pretty disappointed when I was told that she had given it away a long time ago. This small let-down made me pause and think about the items in my closet that I would love to pass down to my future daughter or granddaughter. 

Here is my humble yet hopefully ever-growing list:

1. My grandmother's mink wrap and stole

2. my Lela Rose custom wedding dress

3. Yoana Baraschi jeweled mini dress that I wore walking across the Brooklyn Bridge with my soon-to-be husband

4. Vintage black leather motorcycle jacket

5. My crochet Cynthia Steffe dress (amazing, vintage inspired!)

6. A pearl necklace that my grandfather brought back from the South Pacific during WWII

Oh, and by the way....wasn't my mom the cutest little baby?!

Winter

I've never been a big fan of winter. Growing up in California and North Carolina hardly exposed me to blizzards and white-outs. My memories of this time of year consist of rollerblading on the beach on Christmas day and camping in the balmy mountains around Asheville, and most of my childhood was spent without a single "winter" coat in my possession. But with a new man in my life comes a host of new experiences. I've spent a good bit of time this year up in Chicago and Northern Indiana, and any true Northerner would know that only a fool would go outside in December in anything less than full on winter gear. It's been a bit of a challenge, but I do have to say that I am actually embracing this season of hats, gloves, and layering. I think I may even be turning into a scarf person.

(Coat by Old Navy, Bag by Chloe, Dress by Bailey 44, Thrifted Vintage Rabbit Fur Scarf, Thrifted Hat, Tights from Target)

Lucy & Lloyd Boutique

I was fortunate last season to be able to attend a runway show at New York City's Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. It was incredible to watch creation after creation waltz down the runway (albeit on impossibly long legs!), and to be completely transfixed on the cut, the colors, and the materials used for each piece. The dress pictured above was my favorite from the show, designed by an up and coming designer named Johanna Hatzenbueler. Of course, I had to have it, so I e-mailed Johanna asking about purchasing the dress. She was lovely, but unfortunately this piece is priced well out of my price range. So what is a fashion loving, dress coveting girl to do? Head to Lucy & Lloyd Boutique, Nashville's newest resale clothing store. It is tiny, yes, but it packs a punch. Filled with new and gently used designer finds, as well as interesting one of a kind pieces, you are sure to find something that your friends will be jealous of. Some labels featured include Susana Monaco, Wink, Marc Jacobs, BCBG, and Joe's. And the prices are so outrageously low, you almost feel like you're committing a felony. Mapquest the following address: 2203 Bandywood Drive, Nashville, Tennessee 37215, and come by and say hello!