In the Pink

It's no secret. I love pink. I think it is sophisticated and very, very underrated. Fortunately, this season has given me many opportunities to see the world through rose-colored glasses. Still not convinced? Then this list of seven standout pink-hued items that I am eying for spring might just change your mind:

1. Alice & Olivia pink sequin minidress, $495: Pink. Sequins. Mini? Yes, and so chic. Check it out. You won't be disappointed. link

2. Miu Miu Bow Ballerina Flats: Miu Miu makes the best flats ever, and these are proof. These will bring life to a wardrobe of neutrals. link

3. Milly Watercolor Paisley Silk Blouse, $295: This blouse proves that pink can be incredibly chic. A standout piece. link

4. David Meister Two Tone Ruched Cocktail Dress, $500: Pink and purple? This would be my 3-year-old's dream dress, but it's surprisingly sophisticated and grown-up.link

5. Temperley London Faberge Evening Lattice Clutch, $1550: Finally, my favorite dress designer does a bag, and it doesn't disappoint. Inspired by a Faberge egg, this metal bag features a gold lattice design over fuchsia silk. I would pass this down to my sister. link

6. Donna Karan Collection Draped Dress,$2495: Nobody does draping like Donna, and this dress is an example of her genius with jersey. Comfortable and ridiculously flattering. link

7. J. Crew Merino Microsequin Cardigan, $99: A long pink sequined cardigan, done in typically laid-back J. Crew style. A stylish spring essential.

Help! I need a bathing suit!

I know, I know... I said I was in a practical mood, but now my husband springs this cruise on me for my upcoming Big Birthday. (I'll finally be 25! I've done a lot in my young life... : )) The cruise is less than one month away, and we are setting sail for three nights and leaving the girls with my mom! Yikes. I have not yet wrapped my brain around the idea, but that doesn't mean that I can't start shopping for it. And so I am making the mental shift from the practical to the playful, and looking for a bathing suit. And just like last year, I need your help! You see - I am in limbo, floating somewhere between string-bikini-ville and Miraclesuit-land. I have, temporarily, at least, abandoned my Rosa Cha string bikinis. The stomach and the breasts are just not cooperating. If my stomach ever regains its skin tone, and the twins ever regain some of their former oomph, then I may be tempted to pull those bikinis out again, but for now, they will stay tucked away. But I am not yet ready for a swimdress (unless it's a supercute Juicy one) or a Miraclesuit. I cringe at the sight of practical maillots with splashy floral prints and not-so-subtle tummy cinching abilities. I don't want it to look like I have something to hide, even though, obviously, I do.
So not yet ready to fully embrace the one piece, and not ready to desert the bikini, I find myself stranded in a sea of monokinis and other, in-between options. And I need to decide. I have a blue/white gingham seersuckerish Juicy swimdress from last year, which despite its cuteness potential, is less than flattering because of the puckered fabric, and a glamorous one-shouldered white maillot with a beautiful print from Trina Turk, also from last year, and I need at least one or two other suits to round out the cruise wardrobe.

En Point Bikini: In a barely there shade of blush, with adorable ruffles, this offers the sexiness of a bikini with the coverage of a one-piece. My concerns? Flattery? Can I pull off a high waist when I am so short waisted? And I know it's going to make my butt look bigger, which is not a problem since I have no butt to begin with, but I want to make sure it won't be ridiculous. Still, I LOVE this suit.link

Bandeau One Piece: This is hot, but too hot? I like that it covers the problem zone of my tummy, and my post-nursing breasts might actually fit in that itty bitty top. And I think my husband would love it. But the real question is - can I pull it off?
link

Bendito Light Monokini: This is a wild one, and I don't think it's going to be a crowdpleaser, but I kind of like it. And I like that it can hide a multitude of sins wihtout looking too conspicuous. link

Aquaria Cut Out One Piece: I never thought I'd pick such wild options, but desperate situations... Again, don't think this will be a crowdpleaser, but it's definitely a headturner! Coincidentally, I look exactly like this model. Same belly button and everything. link

Patent Tie Maillot: Sleek and elegant, but a little boring? link

Hampton Maillot: Black and super-glamorous, and offers a little more coverage than some of the others. link

Emerald Halter Maillot: This also comes in chocolate brown, and it's a safe bet. But boring? link

24k Gold Maillot: Love the glamorous color, but can I pull it off...?
link

Cleopatra Bandeau One Piece: Very elegant, very sophisticated, but may not blow away my husband. :) link

Cut Out One Piece: If you're still with me, you will probably love this one. Chic and very flattering, but I was hoping for something a little cheekier? link

Deligny Bandeau One Piece: Very fashion forward and flattering, but is it hot enough?
link

Print Cut Out One Piece: I love the prints, but is it too funky... link

Harbour Side One Piece: Very vintage and glam, but I don't think I am hot enough to pull off this conservative look. link

Positif Negatif Red Maillot: So chic, so French... link

Very Sexy Ruffle Monokini: Love the color, love the ruffles. So hot. link

Vix Sequined Cut Out One Piece: Black and sparkly and fabulous. link

More Practical Pursuits

Now that I've started down my practical path, I can't seem to stop buying essentials, like beautiful dish towels and gorgeous serveware. Here are a few more of the necessities that are currently calling my name:

1. Three tiered black wire basket, $35.96: A glass bowl currently does the job of holding fresh fruit on my kitchen countertop. This is better suited for the purpose, and looks fabulous too! link

2. Maison Measuring Tape, $34: This tiny, vintage style measuring tape is so cute, I might forgive it if my waist size isn't quite as small as it used to be!link

3. Panda Pan: Pandas were my sorority mascot and I still have a fondness for them. This might tempt me to fry a couple of eggs for the girls in the early morning hours. link

4. Russian Doll Measuring Cups, $16: Finally - plastic measuring cups that are actually cute. These 6 cups nest for easy storage, just like those adorable Russian dolls. link

5. Squeeze Tomato Bottle, about $4.60: My girls put (organic, agave-nectar sweetened) ketchup on everything, and this squat little tomato will make it possible for them to serve themselves. link

Current Obsession: Elevating the Mundane

I seem to move from one shopping-related obsession to another, and while some of you may think I need help, in my opinion, the best therapy is to blog about it. Currently, I am obsessing about the pretty and the practical - items I can use every day that will make the most mundane tasks seem somehow a little more glamorous. And who couldn't use that?

1. Stunning scissors, $98: My whole list could probably come from this one website - they have the most beautiful home accessories ever. I love these Charles X scissors. They recall a time when even the most ordinary items benefitted from an amazing attention to detail. link

2. Retro Cellphone Handset, $65: I spend a lot of time talking on my cell phone during the day. This looks just like a vintage phone receiver, but you hook it up to your cell phone. Not only does it make it safer to speak on your cell phone, but you'll look much cuter doiong it! I want it in hot pink. link

3. Eiffel Tower Salt and Pepper Shakers, $28: Seeing these on the kitchen table is sure to brighten my mood, no matter how early the morning. And they will remind me of our upcoming summer trip to Paris. link

4. Milkmaid Butter Dish, $28: I am ashamed to confess how long I spend on Anthropologie's website eyeing kitchen accessories and adorable aprons. There are a dozen items I want for my kitchen, and this is one of the cutest. link

5. Castle Key Bottle Opener, $12: I was digging around in my utensil drawer for a bottle opener today, and all I found was a disappointing green plastic one from my husband's single days. This is way cuter. link

Update: What I Bought for Lola

Okay, it's 3 days before Lola's Sweetheart Ball with her daddy, and I have bought several dresses for her, and narrowed it down to two:

1. Luna Luna Pirouette Top and Tutu: Love this, but the tutu is still a tiny bit long, so I might save it for next year. The tutu I have is a deep purple color. link
2. Halabaloo Pink Rosette Dress: I can't find a picture of this dress anywhere, but it's a pink tulle dress, empire style, covered wtih pink rosettes. It's sleeveless.

Now I am trying to find accessories, which is very hard to do locally, and since I didn't plan ahead for this part, I am going to need to find shoes, a hair accessory or two, and a wrap or cardigan within driving distance, or possibly overnight shipping distance, if I can find something fabulous online. It's hard to pick accessories when you haven't decided on the dress. So I have two looks that I am trying to pull together:
Luna Luna Look: I think gold shoes or black shoes with the cream-beige of the top, and possibly a golden ribbon in her hair or gold hair accessory of some kind. Her gold shoes are too casual, so I think her Kid Express black patent leather mary janes will have to do unless I find something better.
Halabaloo Look: This dress is over the top, so I think I would like to do a simple pink ribbon as a headband in her hair, but how to attach it to her slippery locks. I've also bought two pairs of sparkly shoes, on impulse, at Target, of all places. I bought them in pink and white. Target isn't usually my first choice for dress shoes, but it is literally the only place I can buy them in this line. Hence, my obsession with online shopping. But they are pretty cute: link