Just curious.....

This story came out a couple weeks ago and, though I think it has been blown WAY out of proportion and too many people have expended WAY too much energy discussing it, I am curious to see what you all think.... Michelle Obama, arriving home from a family vacation to the Grand Canyon, returned home to the White House in.....shorts. Now, Washington is not exactly a fashion-forward town and people here do dress very conservatively but, I have to confess, I am still really surprised that this has caused such controversy. I discussed it with my grandmother (a staunch Republican) and my mother (a staunch Democrat) and, surprisingly, they both agreed that they found it inappropriate. I suppose I can see where they're coming from but it didn't offend me nearly as much as it did them. Apparently, First Lady Jackie Kennedy faced the same criticism several times for going out in public (including to church) bare-legged. What is your opinion? Does Michelle Obama have the right to wear what she wants while on a family vacation or should she always be conscious of her role as First Lady? Tell me - I'd love to hear your opinions!

Cheater!!!

This is so bizarre....and it happened about a mile from where I live. Apparently, this man cheated on his wife and his wife is punishing him by making him stand at a very busy intersection in Tysons Corner during rush hour every day this week. Classic.

To Whom Much is Given, Much is Expected

Regardless of your political affiliation, you cannot deny that Senator Ted Kennedy sacrificed a great deal for our country. I had the immense privilege of meeting him on several occasions - the first time was at his home in Hyannis Port when I was 15 and that meeting remains one of the greatest moments in my life. Among all of his accomplishments, some of things about Ted Kennedy that I admired most were the following:

He lived his life by the following principle - "To whom much is given, much is expected". He was blessed to have have been born into an extraordinarily wealthy and powerful family yet he dedicated his life to public service. He could have quietly disappeared from the public scene after the assassinations of his two brothers, after the Chappaquiddick scandal, after being diagnosed with brain cancer, but he remained and continued to fight the good fight. He never wavered in his liberal beliefs and he never backed down from what he believed was right, regardless of polling numbers or the opinion of pundits. He was the kind of politician who continually stood his ground in a time when many vacillate in the hopes of being re-elected and, regardless of whether you agreed with him or not, that is something to be admired.

Another source of admiration I have for Senator Kennedy comes from his unwavering optimism. In the face of unspeakable tragedy, he remained optimistic about the future of our country. He did not let the immense tragedy that befell his own family - the untimely deaths of four of his nine siblings - prevent him from living his life to the fullest. For most, the Shakespearean tragedy of the Kennedy family would have been too much to bear, but he weathered the storm - stepping in and assuming the role of guardian and patriarch to a family that has suffered so much.

I realize not all of you will understand or agree with my admiration for Senator Kennedy - some of my admiration comes from my personal experiences with him - but I hope we can all agree that a great American has been lost today. I would appreciate any comments you have, but please be respectful.

I have a confession to make.....

.....I watch The Rachel Zoe Project.


Now, I realize that the show isn't exactly improving my IQ, but I can say with full confidence that none of the shows I watch are helping me gain entry to MENSA. Do I think the over-the-top materialism is a tad, um, over-the-top? Yes. Do I think the stylists take themselves WAY too seriously? Absolutely. Do I think Rachel is disgustingly thin? For sure! But, let's face it, they're all unique characters and they do have what seems like a really fun job. I mean I would LOVE to put together outfits for celebrities like Cameron Diaz, Demi Moore, and Anne Hathaway. Plus, I would LOVE to have exclusive access to their houses! On award days, Rachel and her team of stylists get to go to the celebrity's house and help them get ready! Nerve- racking I'm sure, but still amazing! I highly doubt there are any jobs like that here in DC, unless Michelle Obama needs a stylist....

Colorado!

Here are some pics from my latest trip to Breckenridge, Colorado. My Dad and stepmother live there during the summer and my brother and I go out there every August for about a week. It is my favorite trip of the year. The weather is perfect, the house is amazing, the town is charming, and the people are friendly - what more could you ask for? This year, my nephew John Douglas joined us out there. I had some good girl time with my stepmother (shopping, etc.) but we also hiked, boated, and played golf. Why can't I just live out there and do those kind of activities every day?

Summer Favorites

Again, so sorry for my lack of posts/comments. I just returned from a fabulous trip to Breckenridge, CO where I spent some time with my Dad, stepmother, brother, and nephew. Photos to come.....

Until I get those downloaded, I thought I would share with you some of my favorites for the summer of 09.

Favorite Summer Vacation Spot:

Nantucket, MA


Runner-Up: Breckenridge, CO



Favorite Summer Beauty Product:

Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo


Runner-Up: Kiehl's Lip Balm



Favorite Summer Movie:

Julie and Julia


Runner-Up: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince



Favorite Summer Read:

American Wife


Runner-Up: Loving Frank



Favorite Summer Outfit:

Tunic + Cropped Jeans + Tory Burch silver flats


Runner-Up: J. Crew strapless dress + cardigan + Jack Rogers



Favorite Summer Meal:

Ciao Bella gelato


Runner-Up: Cheeseburgers on the grill



Favorite Summer Drink:

Izze Sparkling Pomegranate Soda


Runner-Up: Sam Adams Summer Ale



Favorite Summer Nail Polish Colors (toes only):

OPI Elephant Pink


Runner-Up: OPI Lunch at the Delhi




Favorite Summer Accessory:

White leather bag


Runner-Up: Ray Ban aviator sunglasses


What have been your favorite things this summer?

Baby Shower!

First of all, I have to apologize for being a terrible blogger - I have had A LOT going on. One major reason I have been MIA is travel! I just got back from a fabulous long weekend in South Carolina. I threw a baby shower for one of my best friends, my roommate freshman year at College of Charleston - the woman who introduced me to pink and monograms - I owe her so much. :) Anyway, she is getting ready to have her first baby at the beginning of October. I, along with two other lovely ladies (including this blogger), had the pleasure of throwing her the first of five baby showers! Yes, I said five. As I'm sure you'll see from the pictures, our shower is clearly going to be the best - great friends, delicious food, and tons of adorable gifts! What more can you ask for?



Lindsay (the mama-to-be), Me, Susan, Jennifer (the hostesses)


A beautiful arrangement made by Susan's very talented mother


Jennifer's sweet baby, Evie


A soon-to-be Mommy and soon-to-be Grandmother!


Look at all those gifts!


One of many monogrammed gifts!

Preppy Style Icon #2

The second recipient of the preppy style icon title is my favorite SATC character, Charlotte York Goldenblatt. One of my favorite things about Charlotte's style was her love of dresses and pink! She always looked classic, put-together, and feminine. I can't wait for the second SATC movie so I can do my best to imitate her timeless style. Here are some of my favorite looks.

Which of Charlotte's looks is your favorite? Is she your favorite SATC character?