Royal Wedding....

How fabulous does Kate--excuse me, Catherine--Middleton look in her wedding gown?

(Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen)

I am usually not a fan of sleeved wedding gowns, however, (and perhaps it is the fabulous romanticism of the whole affair) Kate looks just breathtaking in hers.

Kate's sister, Pippa (you've got to love the British names) looked gorgeous in her gown as well.

(Both images via)

The mermaid style gown, also by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, fit Pippa like a glove.

She nearly gives Kate a run for her money.

Embracing your Obsessions...

Folks, I have an obsession. 

Okay, well, I have several obsessions, but the one I am confessing to here is this:

I am obsessed with all things pink.

I am a genuine sucker for all things pink. Show me a pink clothing item or accessory, and I am genuinely powerless against purchasing it.

While this obsession has been going on for some time, I only recently noticed it when I looked down at my desk in class one day and saw this:

A pink laptop, phone, iPod, and coffee mug.

While I'll admit I blushed a little when I first noticed this (my cheeks turning, of course, pink), upon further reflection, I decided this was nothing to be embarrassed about. 

I love pink. I think it's fun and girly and can swing a number of ways (elegant, classic, bubbly, feminine...). Interestingly enough, I don't love wearing pink as much as I love having it as an accent...pink shoes make me giddy, but a pink blouse does not make me as happy (I cannot, however, resist the allure of a pink sundress). I'd rather have a pink accent than a pink outfit.

My point?

There's no shame in having a favorite color. Even if that favorite color is something usually reserved for toddlers.

Embrace your obsessions. Love blue? Own that. Reach for the blue iPod if that's what you love. It's silly to buy the white item if the yellow one will make you smile. Maybe don't wear that fave color H-to-T, but if you love it, live it.

Indispensable

While magazines try to tell us that women are forever on a quest to find the perfect pair of jeans, I think there is a search that proves even harder. I am always seeking the perfect version of this indispensable item. 

For what do I search so fruitlessly?

The perfect tote.

As a student, I am often hauling around a good amount of "stuff": notebooks, planner, wallet, snacks, magazines, ect. It is always a struggle to find a cute yet sturdy bag in which to schlepp my things about.

Enter Aimee.

My darling sister was recently wed, and fabulous Lands End tote was one of the gifts she gave to her bridal party. 

Each tote was personalized with the bridesmaids monogram, my favorite detail. The monogram and the pin-stitching around the trim and handles make the tote delightfully preppy without crossing over into popped collar territory. 

The tote is the perfect size to haul around my school stuff, but come summer, it will be just as useful. It's the perfect size for all summer activities. I imagine filling it with magazines and heading to the pool, or tossing in a swimsuit and change of clothes for an impromptu trip to the beach. It'll also be perfect for stashing your purchases at the farmers market, or sneaking snacks into the theater for those summer blockbusters.

It would even make a squeal-worthy alternative to an Easter basket.

Get yours here (available in a a variety of sizes and color combinations; be sure to click around a little before making your selection.)

Covet: Seagrass Sleigh Bed

I love this bed.

(Pottery Barn)

I think that if I were to ever become fabulously wealthy, this would be the bed that would be in the master suite of my sprawling Hampton’s estate. It would also fit in quite well in a (slightly more attainable) beach cottage. Or a "summer home". Paired with fluffy white duvets and linens in beachglass-like shades of blue, this bed would would be make for a simply dreamy place for sleeping late and lounging by the seashore.

Springtime Essentials: V

This brings us to the last of my Springtime Essentials. Metallic sandals are the warm-weather equivalent of winter's indispensable leather boots. These babies look good with nearly everything; they will certainly be an excellent accent to any and all of the previously identified Springtime Essentials.

Forever 21 {$7.50!}

When dealing with metallic, there is always the question of gold vs. silver. While I would recommend both (more footwear is never a problem), if you only want to purchase one pair, look at your jewelry to help you decide which metallic to go with. If the majority of your spring/summer jewelry is gold, buy a pair of gold sandals; if you have more silver jewelry, go with silver.

Sam Edelman {$59.95}

Have a mix of both metals? Seek out a bronze or pewter pair of sandals. Bronze and pewter mix well with both silver and gold, so if you tend to mix it up with your jewelry, this wuld be a good choice for you.

The great thing about metallic sandals is that they are becoming quite the staple, and so they're available at every price point.

Target {$15.00}

Springtime Essentials IV

Ace, the newly minted Mrs. Burroughs, has this adorable obsession with white jeans. Every year when the days begin to get a bit longer and warmer, Mrs. B begins her search for the perfect pair. This obsession with white jeans has rubbed off onto me. Now I too am searching for a fab pair to carry me through spring and summer. White jeans are an excellent alternative to your typical blue jeans.

Lately I've been really into a semi-monochromatic look--not necessarily wearing one color head to toe, but donning colors of the same tone. So when I want to wear the softer colors of spring, inky blue jeans are a bit too much of a contrast. White jeans look fantastic with other neutrals like soft grey's and camel's, as well as with muted, washed-out colors.

My favorite cuts for white jeans are bootcut and cropped skinnies. Bootcut is a great option because it is a universally flattering cut. However, and this may just be the shorty in me talking,I worry about the hem getting dirty as they drag along the ground. Cropped skinnies would not have this (possible) issue.

(Paige Premium Denim) (Joe's Jeans)

(The Gap) (The Gap)

Covet: Saltwater Sandals

The only sandals I wore growing up were Saltwaters. Every summer my mom would take me to pick out a new pair. I usually selected purple, though sometimes I wanted white instead.

I have been coveting them since last summer, and I think it's high time I buy a pair.

They are just this side of being gladiator inspired, but they have a nice indie slant to them.

(Hoy via Zappos)

I think I'll buy this navy pair. They will pair perfectly with jeans and fun tops this spring, and sundresses as the days get warmer.