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