Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!! I hope you all have a super spooky day! Cheers to all the trick-or-treaters, too!

Wish List of a Jet Setter

Today I am hopping a flight for a weekend getaway to visit DTS and our--formerly his--friends. After four plus years of dating, I feel like I have earned the right to call them my friends too. Regardless, as you can see on the left bar of the screen, I am currently reading the Chronicles of Narnia. This is a rather lengthy volume--as is often my preference with literature. I also need my latest mag issues at the ready, including the latest Elle that you see above! Needless to say, my reading material needs to be housed in its very own carry-on. A little inconvenient to say the least. So, I am thinking I might invest in an E-reader. Although, let me be clear, I will only use it while traveling. I love everything about physical books--the look, the feel, the smell, etc. I could never give that up. But I do find the convenience of a reader undeniable. So, what do you think? Does anyone have one? Recommendations? I am leaning toward the Nook because I like the features and, admittedly, I think it is cuter than the Amazon Kindle. Let me know!
*Image via BarnesandNoble.com

Cape Craze

Remember when I posted about capes last month? WELL! The cape craze is now in full-swing and I am tickled to have so many options to choose from. Elle has a great gallery you should definitely check out. My fave? The 3.1 Phillip Lim (the very same one I posted about earlier). I die. According to Elle, I am a "classicist". Thanks Elle, that's not the first time I have heard that, but no less appreciated! I would be beside myself if you labeled me a "wild child"! Seriously though.

*Image via Elle.com

Frye-ing my Bank Account

It is hard to express how badly I want these boots. They are the sunshine on my rainy day. They are an iced venti nonfat chai tea latte when times are tough. They are the sun and the moon to my otherwise dismal shoe collection. They are...well, I am sure you get the point by now. I have wanted them for years and I think my time has finally come. My new locale basically mandates I have at least one pair of western-style boots. At least, that is what I keep telling myself. Also, if nothing else, they are a conversation piece. Did you know that Frye supplied boots for both the Confederate and Union soldiers in the Civil War? I mean, if that isn't a selling point I don't know what is! 
*Image via NeimanMarcus.com 

I Love the '90s - Does Halloween

So, this Halloween, my Beaux and I had to pull together Halloween costumes in a rather hurried manner. Luckily, my creative sister--and also notably creative cousin--came up with the grand idea that Beaux and I should go as Doug and Patty Mayonnaise. We were both instantly in and have, albeit rather quickly, put together our ensembles. I have a major issue with the all too ubiquitous costumes of my fellow female contemporaries. I just don't think that Halloween warrants wearing underwear--or less, shudder the thought--in public. Not cool. Not classy. Just mostly yuck. I digress. I have to put the finishing touches on my look and then I will be all ready to go! Photos to come!

* Image via MarthaStewart.com

A Preppy Halloween

Because I am an out-of-control prep I suggested to my roommate that we carve initialed pumpkins to get in the Halloween spirit. Luckily, she shares my love for monograms so it didn't take much arm twisting on my part. Above is the finished product. We could not be more pleased with how they turned out. Carving tip: carve the bottom out instead of the top/stem--we thought it looked much cleaner that way. Happy carving!!

*Photo courtesy of EKC

Fall Obsession: Lace Shifts

I am falling in a major way for lace shift dresses this fall. I just can't get enough. I love, love, love this one by 3.1 Phillip Lim. In my dream world I would pair it with a pair of suede Louboutins, a neutral bag such as this Louis Vuitton, and a diamond cocktail watch. I think this is kind of necessary.

Designer du Jour: Judith March

My boyfriend is obsessed with football, literally. It must be noted that I have a really hard time getting pumped about the NFL. I am more of a college football girl. The beaux had a big part in my conversion from a Noles/Bama fan to becoming a happy little Gator. I spent much of my childhood highly confused due to the dynamic of team relations in my family. Rivalries among the Florida schools run high, so much so that my grandmother deemed it necessary to mandate no college team paraphernalia may be gifted on Christmas as to keep the peace. Basically, my conversion was kind of a big deal for me. Now that I have found my niche, I feel like my appreciation for the sport grows every Saturday of college football season. I am happy to say that the aforementioned appreciation developed into a "like" and recently blossomed into a "love". (Boyfriend: I hope you are reading this and understand the significance of what I just wrote.) Alas, fashion will always be greater than football in my book. Luckily, Judith March has made major strides when it comes to the synonymity of fashion and football. I am bored with girls clad in basic jersey dresses with the only qualifier for their look being the right Gator blue, forgetting all about the cut, fabric quality, and the cute factor. Judith March is putting and end to that with her perfected game day style. I can't wait to place my order. Florida vs. Georgia is over a month away but it is never too early to plan my outfit!

I'm moving!!

Yes, that's right! I am packing up my classic closet and moving to a new state. I am going to be working at one of my all-time favorite magazines and could not be more elated! My beaux and I will have to do a bit of a long(er)-distance stint for the time being but we already have plenty of weekend trips penciled in! Not to mention my family--specifically my mama--who has already been daydreaming with me about all of the things we will do when she comes to visit! So, with a week until move day, I am getting really excited/nervous. One of the most exciting parts of this whole move is the need for a fall wardrobe! Life as a Floridian does not really allow much room for that sort of thing. Yay for quilted jackets, boots, and textured tights!!

Also, it needs to be mentioned that I am not venturing to the publishing mecca of NYC. Homegirl can't handle life above the Mason-Dixon and luckily, this magazine just happens to be published in the heart of the South.

Crazy for Capes

I am loving capes in a major way this fall. I have been scouring this season's collections for something that is completely unrealistic for the climate in my neck of the woods but, in no way less necessary for my wardrobe. This number by 3.1 Phillip Lim came out of the gates real strong though it soon lost momentum once I allowed my mind to register the hefty price tag.

J.Crew Sequin Jersey Bloomer

Love, love, love the new J.Crew Sequin Jersey Bloomer. This is how I would wear it. I would not go crazy with additional jewelry aside from the pearls because, as far as I am concerned, the bloomers are where it is at.

J.Crew Sequin Bloomer
Brian Atwood Donna Patent-Leather Pumps
Wolford "Nostalgia" Tights
Balmain Silk Bow-Front Blouse
SR Squared by Sondra Roberts Beach Day Button Clutch
New York Estate Jewelry Double Strand Pearl Necklace

Ham Biscuits, Hostess Gowns, and Other Southern Specialties

As a quick read and intermission from my current literary venture, I read Julia Reed's Ham Biscuits, Hostess Gowns, and Other Southern Specialties. I had been meaning to read it since I first came upon the title while editing a story by the author herself that we ran in Southern Accents. I am so glad I finally got around to it because it has inspired me to gobble up all of her work like the greedy little reader I am. 


 It wasn't until I was at Southern Accents that I really came to identify with my "Southernness". I always thought of myself as a Floridian. I was born in South Florida-the part where people actually had southern accents and had been living in the same house for the past fifty years-and lived there until I was eight. Then we moved to Tallahassee and then Pensacola. I grew up on sweet tea, fried chicken, and mysterious congealed salads. And I loved every minute of it. When I moved to Birmingham for my six month internship with Southern Progress I was surrounded by interns from all over our region. We were from all different walks of life but had one thing in common-we all called the South home. This book had me laughing about the idiosyncrasies of life in the South that I never really thought twice of and some of which I had never heard of. I guess that is what makes the South so interesting. Every state has its own identity but we all make up a region (I would say the best region but I may be a little biased) that has its very own style and grace that can't be found anywhere else. Here is to Ham Biscuits, Hostess Gowns, and Other Southern Specialties because it deserves a big "Oh my gracious, indeed"!


* PLEASE EXCUSE THE TERRIBLE GRAMMAR, SENTENCE STRUCTURE, AND WORD CHOICE (OR LACK THEREOF) IN THIS POST. FOR ANYONE LOOKING TO HIRE ME AS A FREELANCE WRITER: PLEASE DON'T USE THIS AS A CALIBER TO JUDGE MY WRITING SKILL. 


**I thought that was necessary.  

An Introduction

This is Orion (lovingly referred to as "Ori", pronounced: Orr-ee).

He is my family's 2 year-old German Shorthaired Pointer, or as my dad likes to say, "The Hunting Dog". Daddy was a big hunter back in the day and Ori would have been a wonderful companion. Alas, the camo has not been brought out for many years so Ori has adopted other hobbies.

He enjoys biting his nails (yes, he takes after me), playing with large sticks in the backyard, and pulling the fuzz off of tennis balls. He also likes when boyfriend comes to play because that means he can act like a crazy person dog for days after and we will blame DT for Ori's misconduct.

Ori is also training for the London 2012 Summer Olympics where he will be competing in the javelin throw. 

A New Collection and A New Outlook

Southern Proper has updated their Web site with the fall 2010 collection! Exciting times. I think my beau might find himself with a new "beau" tie in the near future!

Also, with so many exciting things going on in my life lately, fashion has surprisingly taken the back burner. You might have noticed with the lack of posts. I am hoping that The Classic Closet will evolve with these new developments and inspire a renewed vigor for posts. Maybe less fashion but, hopefully, more of my take on a well-rounded, "classic" lifestyle. Thank you for continuing on The Classic Closet journey with me!

xoxo

The Return of Femininity: Brought to you by Louis Vuitton

The fifties era and its ladylike silhouettes are back in a major way this fall. I couldn't be more ecstatic. Models in perfectly tailored full skirts, elbow-length gloves, and pumps with beautiful bows sauntered down the runway giving a view of one of my favorite fall/winter 2011 collections, Louis Vuitton. The fifties style is everywhere right now--TV, editorial, runway, the big screen--next stop? My closet! Wishful thinking, perhaps. 

* Image via LouisVuitton.com 

It is Love

I think I need to own this entire ensemble from my designer love, Kate Spade. The dress is TDF. Anyone who has taken a gander inside my closet knows that I own one too many purple dresses already but, why not add one more to the mix? Also, a ruffle collar is always high on my list. As for the textured tights--well,  once October first rolls around I will be in line at my local Kate Spade store with my first fall purchase.
I am thinking this look will be divine paired with my Tory Burch Leopard Revas.

What is on your list of fall must-haves?

"Bananas... I die"

Finally, the season three premiere has arrived. Tomorrow evening at ten o'clock you will find me, gchatting with my long-distance and equally obsessed bff's, sipping from an oversized Starbucks cup (in honor of the goddess of style, of course), and just relishing in all that is the Rachel Zoe Project. I mean, I die. I can't get enough of the fashion, the drama, and the Brad-ness. Once again, I die.

The "bananas" image above via InStyle.com

Dream House(s)

Okay, judging by a previous post (see here and here), you are probably already aware that I love houses. I love the architecture, the interior design, and everything else down to the roof shingles. A recent post at The Company She Keeps got me thinking about my dream house(s) once again. Here is my most recent obsession, the Southern Living Louisiana Idea House. I want to make a pilgrimage to see it... who is in?!

*Image by Laurey W. Glenn via SouthernLiving.com

One Kings Lane: A Love Affair

I love One Kings Lane. I can't get enough of their sale prices and the range of the products they carry. Love love love. In case you are unaware, run on over to their site at your earliest convenience. 

I do declare that the pillow above (sold out unfortunately) deserves a big: Oh my gracious, indeed!

Twinkle Toes

Behold...the greatest nail color ever. Well, I guess that is a personal opinion, but how can you really deny? Even the name Ballet Slippers just screams--I mean, politely declares--girly, loveliness. My mother has worn it since it first debuted and I was subsequently grandfathered into calling it my own. I wear it during all four seasons. Whether I am line dancing in jean cut-offs and flannel or donning a formal dress and updo--you will scarcely find my fingers and toes without my beloved Ballet Slippers.

What is your color??

A Love-ly Kind of Life

Today, my beaux and I are celebrating four years of dated bliss. For fear of sounding too cheesy, I will just sum it up by saying:

he is the best.

Love,
pWa

*Image courtesy of LC

Just What I Needed

I spent the weekend in Amelia Island with my parents and, oh my gracious, was it ever just what I needed! I wish I was back on the beach sipping sweet tea under an umbrella with a book in hand. Here's to looking forward to the rest of summer! 

An Anniversary of Note

I was enlightened by the latest issue of Southern Living that To Kill a Mockingbird was published 50 years ago this month. With the 70th anniversary of Gone with the Wind earlier this year, I have been reminded that I have a lot of Southern literature to be thankful for. I am celebrating by taking an intermission from my current reading fix--War and Peace, halfway through and highly recommended so far--to reread Harper Lee's classic. What is your favorite Southern classic?

The Bee's Knees

For some it is owls, others have an affinity for creatures of the sea, but me? I just love me some bees! Anything that features one of those buzzing little creatures will definitely find me swooning. When I came upon this Slane & Slane ring I just about died. Also, another highly covetable item is this Kate Spade necklace. Oh my gracious, indeed! 

4th of July - First Look

When I began determining my plans for this year's Independence Day, of course, the first thing that entered my mind was what I was going to wear. In honor of my original plan of country clubing with my family, here is my intended look. Since then, my plans have changed and, consequently, so has my ensemble. Stay tuned for a post on that later in the week!

Dress here.
Shoes here.
Bag here.
Pearls here.

Gulf Oil Spill

When I created this blog, I never intended to write about anything more than my favorite designers and latest must-haves. Unfortunately, the Gulf oil spill is our current reality and I can't imagine carrying on with frivolous posts while not mentioning this disaster. As a born and raised Floridian--and a lifetime Gulf coast resident--I can't imagine seeing our beaches in any state other than pristine. While catching up last night with a friend who currently resides in the mid-west I was asked what the latest on the spill was. At that time, I had just recently found out that the oil had made landfall on our beloved white sand beaches of Pensacola. Knowing that she enjoyed a vacation on the Gulf last year, there was no doubt that she had also been touched by our remarkable resource and was feeling much of the same emotions as those in our region and all across the country. As the days pass by and the oil continues to spill, I absolutely loathe the fact that this has become political-especially when it inhibits the cleanup effort. I believe the focus must be kept entirely on the solution. Once this disaster is contained, hopefully then we can begin to understand how and why this happened in an effort to reduce the likelihood of a similar occurrence in the future. 

FYI:

Fox News

National Geographic

CNN

MSNBC

Donate:

Water Keeper Alliance

National Wildlife Federation

*Image via NationalGeographic.com

Please Excuse the Mess

Last night there was an unfortunate blogging accident at The Classic Closet. I am trying to remedy the situation as quickly as possible, so please bear with me! I promise to blog about lots of pretty things when I get back to make up for my current unsightly situation.

xoxo,

pWa

Happy Father's Day...

to the world's best dad. Love you so much!

- And - 

Happy one-year anniversary to the best big sister and the most amazing brother-in-law I could possibly ask for. Love you both! 

The Power of Print

I stumbled upon this ad yesterday while thumbing through the latest issue of Food & Wine. I kid you not when I say it brought a tear to my eye. It can't be denied that the magazine industry--including its writers, as I can attest--have been through a tough time as of late, but I can't see to a day where there is no demand for the glossies and the truly unique experience they gift their readers. Keep buying those mags!!

Hostess with the Mostess

I love entertaining. Before my sister's wedding last summer, I was absolutely beside myself with excitement knowing I would be hosting one of her showers--not to mention all of the other maid of honor hostess duties that I so fortunately was a part of. The party in the photo above was featured in Southern Accents last June and I find it absolutely divine. Most importantly, it has my all-time favorite summertime color scheme: blue and bright green. Everything is absolute perfection. Once I am settled, I hope to be able to host a little soiree every summer. After all, hosting a party to celebrate the best season of the year is completely and undeniably necessary.
*Image via Southern Accents

Garden Therapy

I have had quite the green thumb as of late. Though I love to cook and have been known to release daily frustrations with the help of the vacuum cleaner and/or a scrub brush, I have found that there is nothing like a little gardening to put my mind at ease. Unfortunately, today's flora-related escapades resulted in a little messy puppy. He had a bath and is now as good as new and resting quite contentedly. All is well that ends well! 

*Top image via southernliving.com

One Thing I Know For Sure

I am a writer. 

Like the blue eyes I have used to stare out into this world for twenty-three years, it is a part of me.

There is nothing else I would rather do than spend every one of my fleeting earthly moments with my fingers desperately trying to keep pace with my mind as they dance across the keys. For then, I am truly myself, exposed and unafraid. 

Nothing and everything inspires me. A leaf rattling its way across the pavement triggers a million thoughts that avalanche through my mind. The words buzz across the page, first in utter chaos before settling into a harmonic symphony that delights me to my core. 

I can see the characters I create and I can feel their emotions. I can get caught up in their world and sometimes, there is no place I would rather be. 

I thank God for my gift and I know I will put it to use. 

For now, I will wait and see what He has in store for me. One thing I know for sure? 

It will be great. 

Miss Trish for Target

A pearl, a starfish, and a coral strap?? Target, you and Miss Trish of Capri have certainly outdone yourselves. I can't wait to rock these with my silk jumpsuit. A photo will surely be posted when they make their debut on my pedicured feet. 

Summer Wedding - Best Dressed

I find it very ironic that the first summer of many that I don't have multiple weddings to attend occurs exactly when I find the perfect dress for summer nuptials. Perhaps The Big Guy is looking out for my best financial interest. Alas, I might just buy this adorable Nanette Lepore number anyway and store it for the next wedding season when I am sure to be scouring the recesses of my walk-in in dire need for a frock that hasn't already had its "moment". 

* Image via Nordstrom.com

The Art of Writing

I think a handwritten note is just divine. There are very few things that quite so much satisfaction as receiving good old-fashioned snail mail, especially when what is inside the envelope looks like a little slice of heaven! I think this stationary from Chocolate Butterbean is just the bee's knees, don't you? Happy letter writing!

Yes, Please

Here.

*Image via Lilly Pulitzer

Dream House

Ever since I was asked to do a bit of research on Sea Island for a story at Southern Accents--what a chore, I know--I have been absolutely enamored with this property. I have kept it in my E-mail inbox for over a year as inspiration. I adore Sea Island and this house seems like it was just plucked from my dreams. Maybe one day I will be able to call it my own. For now, I will continue dreaming! Enjoy! 

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to the best mom! Love you sooo much!!