Hurrah, Mizzou!

Why such fabulous amounts of black and gold to welcome the weekend? 

Well, it's Homecoming Weekend at Mizzou, and this is my way of saying GO TIGERS with some sparkle.

Image Source: Toast Flats via Kate Spade (Who else?)

Wish List Wednesday

For cuteness sake, have you seen Swoozie's latest collaboration with Kate Spade? 

I'll take one of each puh-leez!

Wishlisted!

It's really no secret that I'm spellbound by all things Kate Spade. 

Here are some of my favorites from the latest collection...

• South of the Border Bon Shopper // This has Swell Rio written all over it! It's almost like the lovely folks at KSNY are aware of our impending move to Texas. Surely, they made this with me in mind...
• Small Square Stud Earrings // Green is my signature color. How perfect are these?
• Harrison Street Bee // I can't wait to see this gorgeous shade in person. Baja Rose looks magnificent!
• Popsicle Coin Purse // A whimsical and summery design that will surely make you melt.
• Harrison Stripe USB // It's both functional and adorable. What more could you ask for?
• Travel Journal // Feeling adventurous? Why don't you grab one of these snazzy notebooks.
• Show Your True Colors Bangle // It's the perfect reminder to live color fully (as if you needed one!).
• In Tandem Necklace // I can't get enough of these quirky pendant necklaces.
• Chevron Stripe DJ // I couldn't find a decent image of this cosmetic case, but it's super cute in person. I think I'd repurpose this piece as a clutch instead. The graphic print and bold color are darling!

That Strikes My Fancy!

You knew this post was inevitable, didn't you? I'm talking about Kate Spade's new arrivals. The latest batch of colorful goods literally rocked my argyle socks off! While I've enjoyed this Fall's homage to spots, I felt the color palette was lacking. I get it, Oxblood, Dijon, and Dusty Blue are "in" this autumn, but I find those colors rather dull and dowdy. Where are the vivid colors like Snapdragon, Maraschino, and Celedon? These sorts of bold hues are synonymous with the brand's aesthetic; they're the colors we've grown to love and expect. As the holiday season begins, Kate Spade has brought their A-game with plenty of cheeky and glittery items to choose from. On the downside, my polka-dot lined wallet is no longer safe from another one of their charming collections!

Take a peek at my favorite pieces...

Jewelbar Round Studs // A colorful way to sparkle.

Bow USB // Who knew tech devices could be so darling?

Say Yes Ta Da Studs // Now these are just clever... 

Hit Your Stride Idiom Bangle // Bedecked in colorful squares. Could it get any cuter?

Tequila Is Not My Friend Terry // How did they know? This bag is autobiographical.

Polka Dot Thermos // A festive and playful way to sip your hot cocoa or coffee.

The Glass Is Half Full Bangle // A bracelet for the eternal optimist.

Bobby Pins // Too adorable for words. I think I need these and stat.

Colorblocked Dominick Skirt // This has Ashley written all over it. With a steep price tag, I think I'll scour the sales.

Toodles,

ANF

Art I Heart: Katie Evans

My adoration for illustrator, Katie Evans, is nothing new to you; however, I think I'll use this platform to dote on her cheerful and colorful work just a tad bit more. You see, next to the word "smitten" in the dictionary, you'll find a picture of me with a delightfully silly smile on my face. I get giddy just thinking about her whimsical work! Perhaps you're familiar with her illustrations, which have graced the pages of Matchbook magazine countless times? What about Evans' cheeky designs, used regularly by the clever folks at Kate Spade? Gee, it sounds like two of my favorite worlds have collided yet again! You can only imagine the excitement I felt when I stumbled upon Kate Spade's recent collaboration with travel site, Fathom. I immediately started clicking through the city guides in hopes of finding one of Katie's darling doodles. Just as I'd expected, Ms. Evans creatively illustrated packing lists for each of the cities featured. Which city suits you and your style best? I'm definitely a NYC and London combo.

Packing List: New York City
“there is something in the new york air that makes sleep useless.”
- simone de beauvoir 

Packing List: London

“when a man is tired of london, he is tired of life; for there is in london all that life can afford." 

- samuel johnson 

Packing List: Los Angeles

“tip the world over on its side and everything loose will land in los angeles." 

- frank lloyd wright

Packing List: Tokyo
"what a strange thing! to be alive beneath cherry blossoms.”
- kobayashi issa 

Packing List: Tahiti
“silence! i am learning to know the silence of a tahitian night.”
- paul gauguin

If you're left with a case of wanderlust, take a minute or two and read this Fathom Questionnaire featuring Kate Spade New York's Deborah Lloyd. Do you have any upcoming adventures planned? Do tell. Flyboy and I have decided we're going to start saving for a trip to Europe in July 2013. We've got friends who recently moved across the pond, and it would be the perfect opportunity to cross the Tour de France off our bucket list.

via

If you could just hop on a plane and go anywhere today, where would it be and why?

Happy Tuesday!

Toodles,

ANF

Wish List Wednesday

I'm going to let you in on a valuable lesson my mother has taught me over the years. You may even want to take a few notes, because this here is gold! My mom is the queen of working gifts from my dad, and it's no huge secret. She gets what she wants, there's no disappointments, and all parties are happy. The key is to start laying the groundwork early and express all of the reasons as to why you're deserving. It shouldn't be a hard sell -- because you're fabulous, of course -- but it doesn't hurt to throw out a few subtle reminders. As it gets closer to the special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.), consider leaving a nonchalant Post-it Note in your significant other's wallet or brief case. I've actually witnessed this happen, and it worked like a charm.

A Note to My Parents:

Mom - I hope you're beaming with pride. This is a trade to be shared.
Dad - You've got your chin resting on your hand as you read this, and while you're probably rolling your eyes and shaking your head, you know it's the truth. Happy wife, happy life.

And since Flyboy and I have been married for three years, I've taken cues from my dearest sensei. With our 4th anniversary just two months away, it's time I start preparing. This isn't quite as artful as leaving a handwritten note in his flight suit, but I think it will get the point across. So, what sort of gift am I scheming and dreaming about this time around? Kate Spade's new line of wrist wear has left me squealing with delight. I've actually been looking at various watches to add to my arm party, but I couldn't make a decision. Once I saw Kate Spade's new time pieces, I knew I'd met my match. They're so chic and colorful; however, I can't decide on which one I love the most. Which one do you fancy?

Wish Listed: Kate Spade Watches

a place in the sun / make a day of it / tickled pink / dive in

seaport grand / metro round / metro patterned

A Note to Flyboy:

No pressure, but now all of my readers are aware. 

I promise this is the first and last time I drop such a subtle hint on my blog. 

It was intended to teach a valuable lesson -- this is me passing along my mom's wisdom.

I'll get back to you with those reasons as to why I'm so deserving.

Happy Wednesday!

Toodles,

ANF