Put A Bow On It

I am having a major moment with fashions adorned with a bow {i.e. here & here}. There is something so feminine and cheery about a bow, maybe it reminds me of a present or perhaps just being a younger version of myself when everything I wore had to have a bow on it. Regardless of the reason I am totally smitten with everything that is tied up in a pretty bow. 

This Red Valentino Coat is not only on trend with it's blush color but the bow collar gives a nod to styles of the past and a über girly look. 

My recent purchase of a tie neck blouse has gotten some serious wear in my closet. This Michael by Michael Kors version is equally fabulous and dotes an even larger bow.

It's a huge understatement to say I love me a good statement necklace. Combine one with a bow and you have me weak in the knees, especially at this affordable price point!

Tory Burch makes my all time favorite flats for comfort and style. I adore these beauties with their velvet texture, sparkly bows and rich plum hue {25% off till the end of today}. 

This skirt reminds me of the 50's poodle skirt styles but with a modern hem length and bow detail. I would likely twirl all day in this with some cute bow flats.

If you are like me I almost always need to wear a belt {thanks to my big tush} and this little bow belt by Ted Baker might just be the cutest ever made in its shiny patent finish and soft color {more colors available}. It would be perfectly paired over a little black dress.

I am not quite ready for the temps to drop to the point of needing hats and gloves but this adorable Kate Spade knit hat and Target gloves sure do help keeping warm looking good.  

J.Crew kills it when it comes to shoes. These pumps are so feminine and sexy at the same time. I love the classic look from the front and bow perfectly placed on the back of the heal. 

Striped anything is pretty in my style book & this head scarf is no exception. 

Every gal needs a little compact for last minute touch ups and this one not only has a shiny bow on it, it also rocks the classic  Henri Bendel stripe. 

A dainty bow ring is preppy perfection. 

Kate Spade is the queen of putting a bow on it. I love the subtle design of the bow on her famous "beau" bag. Its a total win-win that there is some leopard in there too.

The First Five Years

Anniversaries are a wonderful thing, a benchmark of time that you get to celebrate with your partner in crime but before I was married these annual days would come and go without much thought. That all changed after we said I do. I think the themed years definitely amped up the fun for me on getting the creative juices going on my gift giving.  On our first wedding anniversary we returned to Newport, RI where we tied the knot.  That year I got crafty with the paper theme and I gave my husband a giant piñata in the shape of his iphone filled with gift cards to his favorite stores, favorite candy as well as some vintage papers of inventors he admired growing up. Most recently we celebrated our second wedding anniversary in Nantucket, MA where I gave him a weekend bag that matched his current luggage set. Who knows what will come next year when leather is our theme, one thing I do guarantee is that he will have it easier then me. With anniversaries so recently on my mind, I assembled a little gift guide with the themes I plan on following to provide some inspiration for other couples who are on their way through the first five years of marriage. Happy Gifting!

 one - art is a difficult thing to find for men, this is exactly why I love these handmade gyotaku pieces where an actual fish is painted and rubbed onto paper creating unique pieces for your guy. 
two - a classic weekender bag for all your getaways will have your guy traveling in style 
three - a leather backgammon case or poker set is perfect for your guys easy entertaining
 four - a whimsical printed pocket square and a coordinating blazer will satisfy all silk fashions
five - create an outdoor area for your guy with a fire pit for cozy nights together 

one - stylish stationary is the obvious choice but a set of beautifully covered classics will last a lifetime
two - a cotton dress doesn't have to be boring, especially one in a ladylike silhouette and classic color
three - leather may be the easiest year for men, you can't go wrong with a clutch & coordinating wallet
 four - a timeless silk scarf from the french designer hermes, need I say more?
five - a great piece of furniture that she has had her eye on will do the trick for wood, this vintage louis vuitton trunk would surely make any gal weak in the knees