Rant to My Fat Cat

Happy Monday Lovelies! I came across this funny video over the weekend and thought it would be a great start to the week. It's a rant to my fat cat, and had me cracking up. It's applicable to all pet lovers who have watched their beloved pet try to be sneaky about food.

Enjoy!

Hello Lover

You may want to hide your credit cards after I share this news with you. Today, Rebecca Minkoff, handbag designer extraordinaire, announced a shoe collection launching in Spring 2011. And with the very reasonably pricing range of $160 to $395, the gorgeous shoes can't get here soon enough.*

A selection from the Spring 2011 collection. Crushing on the top pair.

Nude booties that are the perfect shade.

*I know. Here I am craving fall wear non stop and, yet, I want spring shoes. But really, can you blame me?

Military Chic

Did you know that I was in ROTC in high school (and I had *brief* hopes of going to West Point?) It's true! Maybe it's that military background that has me craving the military trend this fall. Below are some items I've got my eye on.
The most perfect military coat in the entire world. I tried on this Burberry beauty back in July and immediately fell in love. Had the price tag not made me choke (only $1,500!) it might have been mine. I'm now on the quest for a similar style that won't break my bank.

Spied on Bon Bon Rose Girls, this VERY REASONABLE tunic from Tillys would be awesome paired with some dark jeggings and riding boots.

Are you inspired by the military trend this fall? If so, what are you eyeing?

Shabby Apple Garden Party

Oh my gosh, how do I get to Salt Lake City this weekend? Why, do you ask? Well, my FAVORITE dress store is having a MAJOR sale!

Shabby Apple is hosting their annual Garden Party sale. According to their blog:

This Saturday is the annual Shabby Apple Garden Party dress sale. And that means that your favorite Shabby Apple dresses are going to be available to you, our loyal and much beloved customers, for outrageous prices. Have you heard that some dresses will even be as low as $5? Because it's the truth!

If you happen to be one of the lucky ladies who lives in SLC and want to snatch up the most beautiful dresses for your fall wardrobe, here are the important details (full details here):

What: Shabby Apple Garden Party dress sale
When: THIS SATURDAY, August 28th, from 8a.m. to 12 noon. (The early bird gets the worm and all of that)
Where: 2485 Haven Lane, Salt Lake City, UT

What are you waiting for? Go get 'em!

Fall Desires (More)

Came across these shoes on Zappos and can't wait to purchase them for fall.

Perfect to go with this dress.
Love these tweed boots

Both boots from Gabriella Rocha.

Longing for Texas

Even though we just got back from Texas (where it was a breezy 105 degrees each day we were there) it's August, which is about the time I start longing for Texas.

WHY would I long for Texas in August, when the heat is sweltering, you ask? Well, I guess it's not just Texas I long for in August. What I really long for is the feeling in the South that comes in August.

FOOTBALL!

That's right. In August, Texas is gearing up for holy season, aka football.

For the next four months my Saturdays will be consumed with (among others): my beloved Red Raiders, my beloved Spartans (my honorary team), Lee Corso, player stats, Tuberville's role in taking us to the next level and, of course, trash talking my Aggie friends (one of my favorite past times!)

Fall Dresses

My favorite dress shop just launched their pre-fall dresses, and wow!, they're gorgeous. Here are the ones that are topping my must-have list:

The Cider dress tops my list. I can picture this with both the Dolman cardigan and these sweet purple flats.

I love the simplicity of the Maple dress, but it's the neckline that really makes this special.

The Tanglewood dress is perfect. Between the high-waisted skirt and the dot detailing on the faux blouse, I'm in love!

Those are my top three. Which ones will you be getting?

Carry Your Literature

Loving this new series of clutches from one of my favorite designers, Kate Spade. As someone who loves "the classics" Kate has really nailed a way to take your favorite book wherever you go.

An Open Letter on My Relationship

Is there a relationship law that I don't know about? One that says if you're not married by a certain age and you've been with your boyfriend for a certain number of years your relationship is open for criticism?

Stephen and I deal with questions frequently:

"What's taking so long?"
"How is it that you're so awesome and you're not locked down yet?"
"Stephen, any plans to make her an honest woman?"

I admit, it gets hard at times, and on occasion I begin to ask these questions too. It's not always easy when you and your SO aren't on the same page, but WHEN we get married, we're still not always going to be on the same page; it's the challenge with two strong (and different) personalities.

Where I start to have issues is when my friends start asking questions about whether I'm really happy because I haven't gotten what I've wanted yet. As if my entire happiness with Stephen is tied to when I get married and that the longer we wait, the more he must not love me or want to be with me. I take issue with outside people making judgments on my relationship - especially when those people have far from perfect relationships.

I'm sure for them it comes from wanting to see the best for their friend, but criticizing my boyfriend, my relationship, does not tell me you have my interests at heart. I have watched the missteps in your relationship - I've watched your boyfriends disappoint you (and you disappoint them) and I offer my support of your relationship. I would appreciate the same in return.

Perhaps it's my fault too. I share my thoughts/hopes/fears/frustrations with you. I admit that I tend to keep the amazing things just between Stephen and me. So I recognize that it might seem like I'm unhappy, and that's my fault. But it's far from true. I'm in a healthy, happy relationship, with a partner who supports my goals and my dreams. He is far from perfect, but so am I. But he's good to me and good for me.

So I promise to share both the good times and the bad. And I hope that you'll give our relationship the support it needs from our friends. I promise to do the same for you.

How to Make the "F" Word Better

Now that it's August it's time to start thinking about the "F" word. No, not that "F," the other one.

Fall.

That ugly word is just around the corner, but it doesn't mean I'm not getting excited for the wardrobe. It's the only way I can mentally prepare myself for the inevitable long "W." So here are a few pieces I'm eyeing.

A boyfriend Blazer with 3/4 sleeves to keep you cool on a warm day, but easily layered over a long sleeve tee for a cool day (Shade)

This Dolman cardigan (from Shade) would be perfect over this dress

The perfect belts for fall ensembles (Target fall collection)

Life isn't complete without the perfect shoes. These purple flats have just enough edge to make them sweet and sassy (Target fall collection)

I already own these shoes and I am dreaming of a hundred different outfits to wear with these beauties (Nine West at Nordstrom)

So there you go, a handful of items