Wordless Wednesday

Fashion Friday - Nothing says the beach like Lilly!

Today was sunny and warm – a perfect fall day here on the East Coast.  While out shopping, I happened upon a small “vintage” boutique near our local university (the very arty VCU) and found a $14 Lilly Pulitzer skirt.   Score!   It’s even in the classic Lilly pink and lime green.   

For me, nothing says “resort” quite like Lilly, especially when it is bright pink and green.   I love her wild patterns, floral prints and happy colors – they’re quite fun and never take themselves too seriously. 

I’m not sure how accurate the story is about how she founded her clothing line, but according to Wiki it goes something like this . . .” In the course of working at the juice stand, Lilly found that squeezing juice made a mess of her clothes. Seeking to camouflage the juice stains, she designed a sleeveless shift made of bright, colorful printed cotton. Lilly found that customers loved her dress, so she produced more in order to sell them at her juice stand. Eventually, she was selling more dresses than juice, and decided to focus on designing and selling what had become known as her "Lillys".

I love old classic Lillys and new patterns too, like this one with dragonflies.   Sometimes I think about what I would design if I had the chance . . . water lilies, flamingos, conch shells, orchids, or crescent moons . . . the list is endless.   

 

 

Wordless Wednesday

I will be doing a "Wordless Wednesday" for the fall and re-pinning some of my favorite pins from Pinterest.  Enjoy!

Fashion Friday - Sunglasses!

 

With my sunglasses on, I'm Jack Nicholson. Without them, I'm fat and 60.
- Jack Nicholson

No trip to the beach is complete without the perfect pair of sunglasses.   Even Jack Nicholson knows that sunglasses are far more than just protection for the eyes.  Sunglasses show your style; they can instantly add the cool factor or make you look glamorous.  

 

 

For years I preferred the classic Ray-Ban Aviators because my dad, who was a pilot, wore them.   I can’t fly a plane to save my life, but I loved channeling the “Top Gun” dare-devil look. 

I was never able to pull-off the Ray-Ban Wayfarer, but it remains a popular look; thanks in part to Jake and Elwood a/k/a  “The Blues Brothers”.  

 

I could never “rock” the Jackie O look either, but I understand the appeal of an oversized pair of shades.  No make-up is necessary; just don a big pair of designer (or knock-off) sunglasses and you’re good to go.

Lately, I’ve been purchasing cheap sunglasses from a kiosk in the Mall; too many of my good sunglasses have been dropped, scratched, bent, and even run over with my car.  My latest favorites are a pair of Tory Burch look-alikes -- great shape; tortoise frames.   As soon as I put them on, I get an extra spring in my step.  With a great pair of “shades” I am ready to hit the beach and feel warm sunshine on my face and in my eyes.   

    

 

Ahhh . . . another week ended.  I love lazy Saturdays and Sundays.  I hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful fall weather, wherever you are. 



Expanding the Roots, Advanced Workshop for Artists

As some of you know, I occasionally post on the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens blog.  Here is my latest post:  Expanding the Roots, Advanced Workshop for Artists

Fantasy Beach Trip

Well, it's another rainy day in Richmond, so today is Fantasy Beach Trip Day!  Yes, today I'll plan a trip to a beach that I've never visited.  First stop, Hawaii . . .

 

My first few days will be spent lounging in a hammock by the ocean,

while I sip exotic drinks with names like "Blue Hawaii".

 

When I'm good and rested, I'll visit the "Big Island" and tour Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.  I will tour the Kilauea Volcano and see where the lava flows dramatically into the sea.

 

I will also visit a Coffee Plantation and enjoy fresh roasted Kona coffee!  Then I'll visit the island of Maui and maybe even stay at the Marriott Maui, where they have a waterfall in their swimming pool.

 

If I'm lucky, I'll be there during the Lantern Festival!  (Looks a bit like the movie Tangled  :)

 

I'll visit the top beaches on different islands, like Kauai . . .

Maybe someday . . .