Memorial Day weekend has quite a few of my favorite things going on. Not only does it mark the official beginning of summer, which welcomes in summer parties and barbecues with family and friends, wearing white head-to-toe, festivals {music, food and wine} and bonfires, it is also my {1st!} anniversary weekend. The hubs and I are going away for a romantic weekend but I plan to celebrate on Monday with a Memorial Day picnic made up of baguettes, fresh fruit {blueberries and these dishes to incorporate a blue and white theme}, a cheese platter, wine and a sweet dessert.

Baguette sandwiches taste delicious, are easy to make and always make a wonderful presentation with just a bit of paper and twine wrapped around them

A traditional s’mores dessert becomes even more delicious when it is paired with a good bottle of wine

In addition to my love for a wide-legged pant in warmer weather, I also turn to a printed pant in the summer. The fun pattern and ease of this style make it a perennial favorite. Style-wise I prefer tailored cigarette pants with all-over-prints that are well-fitting and finish just above the ankle {or cuff a slightly longer pant} worn with a ballet flat or sandal. For tops I often go with sleek basics such as a blazer with a simple tank or tee, or a draped silk blouse loosely tucked in {the tuck is crucial so the flowing fabric doesn’t overwhelm}. I like to keep my hair simple and make-up fresh and glossy with a softly colored lip.

A neutral colored peplum also works well with this pant style, bringing a delicate flounce to bold prints

A chambray shirt or denim jacket pairs easily with print pants and serve as a calming point against a wilder print

A dark jacket and black heels work together to temper a bright pink top which allows the pants to the be the main focus

Dramatic gladiators pair well with high-impact leopard print when all the same monochromatic shades are used throughout, including the top

Nude shoes disappear so the focus remains on the pants

Keep hair fun and easy, pulled back in a high, bouncy pony {beachy, loose waves are another option}

There are several reasons I love a peplum; it works on all different body types because it creates a great shape at the waist, balancing well against wider hips or creating curves for a straight waist while also adding a fun element to your look {I love something I can twirl in} so I’m glad this look has gone past a trend and become a mainstay in wardrobes.

Love this J Crew version {20% off right now!}

 Wide-legged pants appeal to me in the summertime in so many ways. I like the dramatic look the pants give to an outfit, how the styling is reminiscent of a maxi dress but in a pant version, the easy feel to the pant style and I also love the extreme difference from my typical skinny pants to a wide-legged pant. As with most of my wardrobe, I prefer simple colors and minimal patterns but occasionally like to mix it up with the wide-legged pant in a bold color or pattern.

The bold colored pant is tempered with a loose black tank and the detailed necklace balances well against the pants

Chiffon pants are soft, breezy and delicate for Spring and Summer. The black tank goes well with the light pants and the tough metal on the cross-body bag adds an unexpected element

I like to balance wide-legged pants with fitted tops or even a slight crop top and this fitted tee knotted at the waist gives a teeny sliver of a cropped top that juxtaposes well with the patterned pants, bold necklace and delicate, strappy sandals

{check out my favorite wide-legged pant options – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}

This decorating book is quickly becoming a favorite {along with my go-to Domino book}

Bikini So Teeny brings a fabulous summer shade to my polish choices

I adore overalls {along with rompers and jumpsuits} so I am thrilled there are so many options available and I cannot wait to wear these Free People Overalls I recently got

How incredible does Miley Cyrus {and this Valentino jumpsuit} look at the Maxim Hot 100?!

This op-ed piece by Angelina Jolie has had people buzzing for days. I applaud her bravery and honesty in sharing such a private decision with the public

Breakfast at Tiffany’s is one of my all-time favorite movies so I love this tongue-in-cheek article with how to decorate and live with a Breakfast at Tiffany’s mindset.

The hubs and I have our one year anniversary coming up {May 26!} and we are enjoying our day with a mini weekend away. I can’t wait to celebrate our one year and I am also excited to pack for our trip because I obsessively collect travel accessories. The accessories allure me with their promise of exotic travel spots around the world so I am always looking for new and fabulous ways to travel with my must-have items.

These are what I currently use when traveling:
Tiffany & Co Jewelry Roll, Frends Headphones, Louisa Tote, Silk Eye Mask

These are on my wish list:

Places You’ll Go Luggage Tag or Personalized Luggage Tag

Python Passport Cover or Monogram Passport Cover

Striped Carryall or Longchamp Expandable Bag

Faux Leather Weekender Bag or Clare Vivier Duffle Bag

Kate Spade Saturday Travel Bottles,  Tory Burch Cosmetic Case, and Binchotan Eye Mask

The last few evenings have been so chilly the hubs and I have been stuck indoors and while we have a few favorite shows to watch {including a Celebrity Apprentice addiction} I love settling in for a good movie night. However, I am terrible at watching new movies, sacrificing the new for my must-see favorites. No matter how many times I have seen a favorite movie, I cannot resist watching it over again. My love for the familiar made me curious as to what everyone else prefers, favorites or new? Which movies make your list?

Here are my favorites:
Midnight in Paris
Crazy, Stupid, Love
Steel Magnolias
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Up
Zombieland
Gidget
While You Were Sleeping
When Harry Met Sally
Cat On A Hot Tin Roof
The Notebook
Clueless
Just Friends

The current trend for Lucite accessories in bags and shoes doesn’t appeal to me {I can’t imagine keeping my bag that neat and lucite heels make me shiver in horror} but I would like to integrate the trend into my home decor. This gorgeous tablescape has inspired me to use a lucite tray to display my favorite coffee table books, flowers and candles and I have been searching for the perfect version. However, the prices for some personalized version {around $130} are too much to spend on a tray so I have been searching Etsy instead {my go-to spot for unique, personalized pieces at a reasonable price} and found this version that I must order in the Ikat print.

After finding Mom the perfect gift, it’s time to plan the day. An alfresco tea party is just perfect for Mother’s Day; the weather is gorgeous, a tea party is unabashedly feminine, bright and floral, it celebrates all things delightful and pretty, and it’s fairly simple to create.

Use the Spring season for inspiration to set a girly table with the prettiest place settings you own {or borrow} and create a beautiful, decadent setting filled with fresh flowers, delicious drinks, little treats made with fresh ingredients and delectable desserts {of course!} just for Mom.

My favorite tea party recipes:

Cranberry Orange Scones paired with classic teatime clotted cream and fresh strawberries, Madeleines and Amaretti Biscuits, Chicken Salad Almond Sandwich, Asparagus and Mint Frittata, Mini Victorian Sponge Cakes are all delectable treats to eat. For drinks, I like to make tea {of course} and iced coffee.

Every mom loves flowers so this gorgeous Rose Water and Pistachio Cake is perfect for Mother’s Day.

For a special Mother’s Day drink, the Ritz Carlton Mimosa is fantastic.
Ingredients:
4 ounces champagne
5 ounces orange juice
1 teaspoon Grand Marnier
Squeeze the orange juice into a champagne flute add the Grand Marnier, finish with the champagne and stir.

Enjoy!