White & Pink on Princess Street

Besides the many boutiques and restaurants, one of the great things about living in Old Town is the rich history behind many of the historic homes and streets. Princess Street is one of the few streets that is still paved with cobblestones, and though not friendly to a stroll in heels, is a popular spot for engagement photos with couples from across the metro area. Ted and I enjoy strolling around the streets of Old Town on the weekends, often stopping for lunch or an ice cream cone. We usually vary our route around town because we always notice a historic plaque or cute town home that we haven’t seen before. If you’re ever in the area, I highly recommend heading over to this part of town for brunch at Jackson 20 or Virtue Feed & Grain and shopping on a Sunday afternoon. Bishop Boutique, Duchess M, and The Shoe Hive are a few of my favorites!IMG_2246IMG_2239 IMG_2225 IMG_2228 IMG_2229 IMG_2230 IMG_2233 IMG_2235IMG_2236IMG_2283IMG_2280IMG_2289IMG_2303

Dress / Pumps / Necklace and Earrings from Rocksbox, c/o (try out Rocksbox free with code peoniesandproseccoxoxo)

Thanks for reading!

xo,

Kristen

Sunny Days

I couldn’t be happier that warm weather is here again! Bright colors and florals are de rigueur. I fully embraced spring from head to toe last weekend while running errands and enjoying the start of outdoor dining season. This Ann Taylor dress just begged to be paired with “The Right Bright Lip” (M·A·C Lipstick in “Speed Dial”) trend featured in the Nordstrom Beauty Trend Show last weekend. What are your favorite spring fashion trends?

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Necklace (on sale!) / Shoes (similar style) / Kate Spade Grainy Vinyl Floral Jules Tote (no longer available)

Snow Day Style

I have always been a fan of cable knit, but have to admit that I have completely fallen for the zippered sweater trend. The metallic accents really elevate the look of a plain sweater into something a bit more exciting. I particularly liked this Michael by Michael Kors sweater because it had both a cable knit design and zippered detailing. The little bit longer length in the back was also a bonus so that I feel comfortable wearing it over knit pants as well as jeans. I couldn’t resist pairing it with my cable knit cuffed wellie socks and heading out in the snow! The bright pink wool coat and lip really pop against a blanket of white, freshly fallen snow.IMG_1393

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Sweater (Michael Kors, sold out; similar style here) / J. Crew Bow Coat / J. Crew Gigi Pant / Ray Ban Sunglasses / Kate Spade Bag, no longer available; similar style here / Hunter Boots and Wellie Socks

Valentine’s Gifts for the Glamour Girl

 

 

 

When it comes to Valentine’s Day, I certainly don’t say no to flowers and chocolate, but prefer a feminine gift that makes me feel flirty and pretty. Something sparkly, whether shoes, jewelry, or sparkling wine, always does the trick, but I’ve rounded up a few more practical gift ideas as well. This Julie Vos “Babar” shawl is oh-so-cute and warm for the remaining winter days and let’s not forget to wear sunglasses, even in the winter. Every girl knows that a quick swipe of a favorite lipstick instantly lifts her spirits. What are you getting your valentine? I’m guessing mine would love nothing more than a good old-fashioned love note (maybe tucked into a new wallet or tie box).Slide1

 

The Bouqs BouquetJulie Vos Babar Shawl / Veuve Clicquot Rose / Kate Spade / YSL “Pink in Paris” / Ray Ban Classic Aviators / Pink Peonies Collection Ring

Pretty Pink Weekend Brunch Tablescape

It’s no secret that pink is my favorite color, so it is no surprise that when we were lucky enough to host my family for brunch I rolled out the pink carpet…okay, so really more like the pink napkin rings and roses. Hosting brunch is a fun way to entertain friends and family without leaving you with a sink full of dishes the next morning! I chose fairly neutral basics for our dining room so that it is easy to change the look of the tablescape with different china, linens, and fresh flowers. For brunch I chose to mix a few pieces of my fine china, Femme Fatale by Monqiue Lhuillier, with basic white everyday pieces to keep the pops of pink from becoming overwhelmingly feminine. Ted even treated us to some of his delicious homemade biscuits!

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Kate Spade Larabee Dot Rose Bowl / Monique Lhuillier Femme Fatale China / Gold Flatware (similar)

Shopping Problems: Dress for the life I have, not the life I want

I’m a self-diagnosed delusional shopper. My problem is that I get so excited about shopping for the life I wish I had, not the life I actually have that post-purchase depression creeps in. Nothing gets me more excited than the idea of shopping for a new cocktail dress. Even with the best of intentions to stick to practical perusing, I can’t help but be drawn to anything on the rack flaunting sequins, feather, or fur. My mind immediately starts daydreaming about holiday parties, charity galas, and swanky dinner parties where such fabulous finds might get to live the life they deserve. After a few moments, the unfortunate reality sets in that what I really need is a new cozy sweater and boots for running errands and to the wood-fired grill around the corner for a quick dinner. No matter how chic the sweater, it simply doesn’t conjure up the same excitement as a sparkly dress and silky soft fur stole. So what, exactly, is causing this current bout of internal warfare of fabulous verses function? Nothing more than a simple flyer from Piperlime featuring a flowing soft pink silk skirt from Milly with its layers upon layers of elegant ruffles topped of my a sparkly pink Kate Spade sweater and metallic strappy sandals. Maybe I can find some common ground and settle for just the sweater paired with skinny jeans and metallic pumps, but it still won’t be the same. What glamorous, but impractical outfits are you craving this winter?

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Kate Spade Shimmer Turtleneck/ Tara Skirt by Milly / Stuart Weitzman Nudist Sandal / Wells Grace Feather Skirt

 

 

 

Planning Ahead

I have to admit that I love keeping organized and planning ahead. Keeping a calendar (or a few) is no exception, and I get excited every year when it is time to pick out a new planner. I am especially loving the Sugar Paper collection for Target! How do you keep your affairs in order?

Planning Ahead

 

1. Gallery Leather Desk Planner/2. Kate Spade Ikat Agenda/3. & Top Sugar Paper for Target/4. Lilly Pulitzer Tusk In Sun

 

Step Into Spring

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Top: J. Crew / 1. J Crew/ 2. Kate Spade / 3. Nicholas Kirkwood / 4. Ivanka Trump / 5. Alice & Olivia /6. Jeremy Ho

Coffee Table Collection

Coffee Table Collection

Taking the night to enjoy a little light reading with some of my favorites!