NEED READ GREED

Today's Need Read Greed, courtesy of the lovely Chelsea Tubbs of Chelsea and the City:

• NEED: We've had the same white Ikea couch since we got a place of our own four years ago, and I'm afraid it's on its last leg. While I'd love to lounge on this modern piece, Mr. Jackson has his heart set on a reclining Laz-E-Boy. Oh, the horror! 
• READ: I love a good book, don't get me wrong, but this momma rarely has time to wash her hair these days (HA! Something to look forward to Ashley). A few minutes spent inside the pages of my favorite magazines can be a totally recharging experience. With a few editorial projects coming up, I'm pulling a ton of inspiration from Kinfolk lately.
• GREED: I may not have anywhere to wear it, but this LBD is begging to come live in my closet! Dressed up with heels and dainty jewels, it would be such an easy breezy piece for the remainder of Summer. 

Thanks for sharing, Chelsea!! Your picks are just as fabulous as you are.

My mom and I were flipping through the latest West Elm catalog, and we're slightly obsessed with the Finn Sofa. Holy swoon!

P.S. Interested in sharing your Need Read Greed? Email me.

NEED READ GREED

Today's Need Read Greed, courtesy of the lovely Lindley Pless:

• NEED: 
  With young daughters, and a business that was launched last year—there isn’t much time left over for my main man. If feels like decades ago that my husband and I had time for a casual double date at a local restaurant once or twice a week! Now we seem to sneak a date in when the stars collide, both kids are healthy, and all other social plans are at a stand still. We are in NEED of a weekend away—just the two of us. I’ve always been dying to check out The Mayflower Grace in Washington, Connecticut. It gets rave reviews. A leisurely breakfast (my favorite meal of the day) with a newspaper and latté in hand, a long hike followed by a few hours at the spa, and then dinner with my husband sounds dreamy. Not to mention sleeping in. Take me away!
• READ: 
  Wonder, by R.J. Palacio rocked my world when I read it last month. The book is that rare breed that appeals to men, women, teens, and even middle schoolers. It’s about courage, confidence, love, and compassion. When young August Pullman, who was born with a severely disfigured face, heads off to school for the first time—trials and tribulations ensue. We follow “Auggie” as he seeks out true friends and finds the strength to face his bullies. The relationships (all unique and powerful) will haunt you and the choices the characters make throughout the story will catch you by surprise and hook your heart into this book forever. I think about the characters often and wonder where they are and what they are doing…
• GREED: 
  And these. Oh these… I have become a real flats-loving-girl since having kids and moving to the suburbs. I never would have splurged on high-quality flats in my 20s. Expensive shoe purchases were reserved for just stilettos back then. But now, I realize that I wear flats a lot and often in the evening and at night. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing as sexy as a super-high skinny heel for special occasions, but a well-made flat can really make you feel pulled together whether you are running to a meeting or to a coffee date! There is something so Jackie O about these Chanels.

Thanks for sharing, Lindley! These are such fabulous picks. I hope you get that weekend away with your husband very soon.

Be sure to check out Lindley's blog here.

NEED READ GREED

Today's Need Read Greed, courtesy of the lovely Katelyn Wood of LOVE. LUCK. KISSES & CAKE:

• NEED: I have always believed that you should surround yourself with beautiful things that inspire and nurture your creative side—and I think that is especially true for a workspace! That is why I designed a lovely notepad to brighten-up any desktop and to make my notes feel extra smart and special! I also love writing with this classic fountain pen! 
• READ: I adore Pride and Prejudice. There is just something about the gumption of Elizabeth Bennet and the timeless love story with Mr. Darcy that makes me swoon. Perfect for the bookcase, this set of Jane Austen Classics is a fan must.
• GREED: Classic and feminine—I am obsessed with this Mansur Gavriel Bag! I like to imagine myself on a spring European jaunt in a cute vintage dress complete with this bag in toe.

Thanks for sharing, Katelyn! 

I think I need to wipe the drool from my face because that bag is so delicious. These are all such fabulous picks!

NEED READ GREED

Today's Need Read Greed, courtesy of the lovely Bethany Curd of Absolutely (Extra)ordinary:

• NEED: I’m a little late to the juicing game, but it has become clear to me that a juicer is something sorely missing from my life. These days I haven't had a ton of time to tinker in the kitchen, so the idea of throwing a bunch of ingredients together for a quick healthy drink sounds very appealing to me!
• READ: Honestly, I’m not typically the biggest Stephen King (read: horror) fan, but this one looks too intriguing to pass up. The idea of people traveling back in time to try and prevent the JFK assassination mixes a little bit of history with Sci-Fi, and this one is at the top of my reading list.
• GREED: I’m tempted to put this under the “need” category because my current pair of blank ankle boots is near death, but these are definitely more of an "in-my-dreams" item. They have a little bit of edge but also feel chic. I’m in love.

Thanks for sharing, Bethany! 

I know you're going to love the juicer, and I think that's one Stephen King novel I could get into (never thought I'd say that!).

NEED READ GREED

Today's Need Read Greed courtesy of the lovely Mariana Hodges of Spark Your Print:

• NEED: My husband and I recently moved from Washington, DC to Los Angeles and the worst thing about the move was that we only brought with us what we could fit in our car. No furniture, no household items. Nothing except our clothes, camping gear and a huge flat screen TV! Now that we have a permanent address in L.A, we are on the hunt for cheep furniture. For those of you that have ever been furniture shopping, you know that those two words do not go hand-in-hand. It's definitely been a challenge to find good deals; however I stumbled upon this dresser while browsing Target's website one day and fell in love with it! I can say that next month this beauty will be living in our bedroom for sure. 
• READ: I am obsessed with Will Taylor (a.k.a Mr. Bazaar). His blog is spectacularly well-designed and his taste for bright colors always makes my heart skip a beat! This week he announced that his very first book is available for pre-order on Amazon and I couldn't be more excited. 
• GREED: I am a lover of all things Kate Spade, and I've had my eyes on these flats for a very long time. Let's be honest, what girl doesn't need a $300 pair of flats, right? I do not know if it's the simple two-tone leather design or the fact that there is rose gold involved. However, one thing's for sure, they make me want to hop on the next metro train and venture downtown for the day.    

Thanks for sharing, Mariana! 

I could spend hours scouring Mr. Bazaar's blog. I can only imagine how fabulous the book will be.

P.S. Yesterday I introduced a new series called Q&A in a special BONUS post. Learn more here!

NEED READ GREED

Today's Need Read Greed courtesy of the lovely Laura Huebner of Dotted Design:

• NEED: With the New Year in swing, I'm motivated to get organized. As an obsessive list maker, I love having something with me at all times to jot down my most brilliant ideas (or the fact that I need to buy cereal). These pocket notebooks are the perfect size for slipping in my purse or keeping right on my desk. They are so pretty - with polka dots, nonetheless - why wouldn't I want to stay organized and use them?
• READ: While this is not a new book, it is a haunting story about a women living as a handmaid in a dystopian society called the Republic of Gilead. She has strict curfew rules, serves a Commander, and has very few choices of her own. She can sometimes vaguely recall a former life where she had a job, a husband, and a daughter, and throughout the book wrestles with whether these memories are real or not. It's a deep story that makes for great discussion about the roles of women in society!
• GREED: Winter in the Midwest lasts many months beyond the white Christmas season, and a beautiful coat is one way to make each day a little more bearable. I'd swoon to wear this striped one while walking around town (with a giant scarf and hat, of course). 

Thanks for sharing, Laura. That coat is just to die for!

Interested in sharing your Need Read Greed picks? Email me.

P.S. It's not too late to enter the 9thandelm.com giveaway!

NEED READ GREED

The Need Read Greed series is one of my favorites; however, she deserved a little facelift. I can't think of a better way to debut the updated design and format than by sharing these fabulous finds by Natalie White of Planning for Paris. Here are her picks:

• NEED: My husband-to-be and I are currently looking for some fabulous dinnerware to add to our wedding registry. We've got less than six months 'til the wedding and have our eye on this amazing Kate Spade set! I've been in love with Kate Spade's home accessories for awhile now. They are colorful and timeless pieces that will go with just about any type of kitchen we dream up. And the polka dots? Yes, please!
• READ: As you can tell from our blog's name — Planning for Paris — my sister and I have quite the obsession with Paris. I originally came across this book at Anthropologie and decided it was a must-have. The book is a collection of essays from different writers, sharing their stories of how they were seduced by Paris and how it changed their lives forever. Doesn't that sound terribly romantic? Hopefully, one of these days my sister and I will be able to add our story of Paris to the collection.  
• GREED: I've been on the hunt for some new boots for awhile now. I usually head to Target and get their latest style, but I've been dreaming of investing in a Tory Burch pair! They are so classic and beautiful. That leather is to die for! I'd be so afraid to wear these beauties outside in the Kansas City weather, but I have a feeling they'd get me through some dreary winter days. They are on sale right now... I might just have to save my pennies and invest!

Thanks for sharing, Natalie! I'm drooling all over the colorful dinnerware.

Interested in sharing your Need Read Greed picks? Email me.

P.S. There's still time to enter the Aimee Sicora giveaway! Click here for more details.

Need Read Greed

 

 

Today's Need Read Greed courtesy of the lovely Lori Christensen of Carde Blanche:

• NEED: While the price tag of this beauty would certainly put it in the Greed category, the time spent using it would qualify for the Need category.  As a pen enthusiast (often called one who pilfers pens along the way), I fiend, crave, and covet fine writing instruments. Don't get me wrong…I've been known to protect an inexpensive Bic Writer because it wrote so well, never skipped, bled or smeared. I don't judge by price or packaging. All points go toward comfort and performance. Currently living a monochromatic life — I'm drawn to all things black and white. In particular, white…as it's pure, clean, sophisticated and timeless. I need this pen. I write more letters than anyone I know. I love all things paper and this would certainly be the icing on my pen collection cake.
• READ: This book will grab you from the first page. You won't want to put it down. You will laugh and cry and have a love-hate relationship with the author. But most importantly, you will cherish every moment reading this book…and many moments after. You will not want it to end. You will recommend it to everyone you know. Go get it now. Right now. Kindle. Hardcover. Library. Don't waste another moment on what you're reading.
• GREED: There is something so incredibly fantastic about these patent leather ankle boots. I can't decide whether they make me want to run away from home for a few days in rebel form, jump on my Harley Davidson, or grab my Derby and head out on the town. They exude style, beg for the perfect Boyfriend Jean and are made with Patent Leather…which I promise to wear all year round. The fact that these designer nuggets don't scream their name brand make me want them all the more. I'm collecting coins, looking for dollars in the dryer and pondering an early winter Lemonade stand to start saving. These have my name all over them!

Thanks for sharing, Lori! I would totally frequent your lemonade stand in an effort to help you get those boots.

Interested in sharing your Need Read Greed? Email me.

Need Read Greed

Today's Need Read Greed courtesy of Olya from the blog, Lunarka's Treasure Box:

• NEED: I’m surprising myself that I’m not writing down a pair of shoes in this “need” section. Honestly, I’m much more excited about buying my first DSLR camera than any pair of shoes (says the shoe lover)! I really need this Nikon D5200 camera for a fun project I have on my blog called Stylish Scientists (yes, scientists can be stylish — find out for yourself).  I got into photography after taking a class my senior year of college, and after that I’ve been taking mental pictures wherever I go, framing the perfect shot in my mind and imagining how I could capture  situations with a camera. I’m so thrilled when I think about holding my new camera. Seriously, I can’t wait! Now I just have to make time to wander around NYC to capture its wonders, just like back in college.
• READ: I’m a scientist (working on my PhD in genetics), and in general, I read tons of scientific articles every day and try to learn all of the smallest details about my area of research (trust me it’s super interesting to me!). It’s actually hard to make time to read something else. But reading about something other than science is my only source of gaining knowledge in a different fields. That’s why I love reading biographies and novels with historical background. Oftentimes, people I read about really inspire me, and novels with a historical component really add a nice description of certain events or era to my fading knowledge of history. I was delighted to read this book about Cleopatra recently. I always had a certain image of her from popular culture, and while it’s certainly true that she was a powerful and smart women ruling Egypt since her early twenties, a lot of mysterious things about Cleopatra (like her death by snakes) became a Hollywood invention.
• GREED: This is a dangerous-to-my-wallet attraction of mine to all things made in France and Italy. Since I discovered this new brand of sunglasses called Illesteva — it’s a miracle that I haven’t splurged yet. While their quality is so amazing, and designs are hip and retro — I’m so afraid to damage a pair of $200 eyewear that this fear keeps me from making the jump. But fear is not a good emotion — maybe I’ll overcome it during my birthday month?

Thanks for sharing, Olya! I'm SO picking up a copy of that book for my upcoming travels, and I adore those sunnies.

Interested in sharing your Need Read Greed? Email me.

Need Read Greed

Today's Need Read Greed courtesy of Laura Marcus from the blog, Inglenook and Book:

• NEED: I prefer running in cooler weather, but last winter I made the mistake of not buying a pair of quality running gloves. Cue frozen fingers (and shortened workouts). I want to go into fall prepared — especially since I have a race in mid-November! These gloves look fantastic because they're lightweight but warm, and best of all, the fingertips actually work on touch screens, so I don't have to take the gloves off to change songs on my iPod!
• READ: As an avid reader, it's always exciting to hear about a new book that sounds totally original. That's the case with this novel, written by Helene Wecker, which is a very different kind of immigrant tale — one revolving around two mystical creatures from Eastern Europe and the Middle East who settle in New York City at the turn of the 20th century. When summarized, the plot seems a little bonkers, but it's getting amazing reviews, and I can't wait to read it.
• GREED: Unattainable price tag aside, this dress would be absolutely perfect for the wedding I'm attending in late fall. I love the ultra-feminine lace and deep jewel tone, and the keyhole back reminds me of my own wedding dress!

Thanks for sharing, Laura! That dress is to die for.

Interested in sharing your Need Read Greed? Email me.

Need Read Greed

Today's Need Read Greed courtesy of the incredibly talented stylist and consultant, Mae Badiyan:

• NEED: The Filofax original planner in fluro pink. I recently ordered this when I opened my new business because I needed a way to stay *extra* organized. I've always, always been a paper planner kinda gal but I needed to take it up a notch. I've tried almost everything out there, and right now I am loving this Filofax system. It's a definite need. Plus the color is amazing!
• READ: I'm just about to start this book, and I'm strangely excited. My background is in law so I'm generally interested in our court/justice/rehabilitation systems, but something about Piper's story really captivated me. I'm looking forward to hearing her perspective.
• GREED: J.Crew jewelry really doesn't need any explanation, but this piece is just phenomenal. I'm trying to refine and simplify my style a bit, especially as we go into fall and winter. I love the idea of basics paired with one statement piece.

Thanks for sharing, Mae! Your picks are fantastic. I'm especially drooling over that amazing planner!

Interested in sharing your Need Read Greed? Email me.

Need Read Greed

Today's Need Read Greed courtesy of Shannon Buckley — one of my favorite Instagrammers:

• NEED: With a few new pen pals up my sleeve (thanks, IG!), of course I want to send them the prettiest snail mail possible! I'm a sucker for anything and everything Rifle Paper Co. puts out, and this stationery is no exception. Anything covered in flowers is fine by me!
• READ: Since being out of college the past couple years, I always try to be in the middle of a book so that my brain doesn't turn to complete mush. I'm a sucker for the bestsellers display at my local book store, so I picked this up recently. I'm only about half way through it, but from the get-go I got such a "Girls", as in the spectacular HBO show, vibe and I was hooked. Who doesn't want to read about dysfunctional twenty-something romances?
• GREED: Up until last year, I was never a big costume jewelry person, but then I introduced myself to the amazingness that is J.Crew's in-store jewelry displays. My new mantra is the gaudier, the better! This stunner manages to be both blingy and subdued, which I'm so drawn to right now. I might as well just sign over my next several paychecks to J.Crew because all their latest necklaces are calling my name!

Thanks for sharing, Shannon! You totally sold me on the book (okay, and the stationery and necklace, too).

Interested in sharing your Need Read Greed? Email me.

Need Read Greed

Today's Need Read Greed courtesy of Kaylee McCullough of Kaylee Daily:

• NEED: Fall is right around the corner and these shoes need to be on my feet. I love a good pointed toe and ankle strap.
• READ: I LOVE Mindy! I have been a fan since The Office. I'm pretty sure everybody wants to be her best friend, including me. This book is hilarious from start to finish. It's definitely a must read!
• GREED: I'm drooling over all the cute new items at Kate Spade right now, and it only felt right to put this as my greed. If the adorable doughnut doesn't win you over then you should see the inside and the cute bow on the bottom of the bag. It's going on my birthday wish list.

You guys, I can't tell you how happy I am to have Kaylee share her NRG picks today. You MUST check out her blog. She's an absolute doll! In fact, you may already recognize her from this adorable holiday photo that went viral on Pinterest. Yep, that's her! Cute as a bug, isn't she?! The way she feels about Mindy, well I feel that way about her.

Thanks for sharing, Kaylee!!!

Interested in sharing your Need Read Greed? Email me.

Need Read Greed

Today's Need Read Greed courtesy of Meghan Anderson from Downtown Daydreams:

• NEED: I am delighted to be checking off a destination from my travel wish list — Niagara Falls. It isn't too far from the Big Apple, so it's hard to believe I haven't been before. We'll be taking a boat ride under the Falls, so I definitely need a raincoat for the adventure.  This classic L.L. Bean rain jacket will do just the trick! It comes in a variety of colors (I'll be opting for the Aegean Blue) and is super convenient — it folds up into a teeny tiny case! 
• READ: Planning parties is a favorite pastime of mine. I love the thrill of organizing the colorful decor, planning a tasty menu and fun cocktails. Living in NYC, I don't have too much space to work with in my small, cozy apartment. When I came across the Tiny Food Party cookbook, I couldn't have been more excited! This book is chock-full of petite party picks, perfect to prepare in a miniature kitchen. All of the recipes are ideal for cocktail parties and girly events! 
• GREED: I have been lusting over a new camera. This summer has been a busy one, and I have consistently thought, 'I wish I could capture this moment properly', especially when working on my blog. Don't get me wrong, I love my iPhone camera, but I have my eyes on the Cannon EOS-M. The lens is similar to that of a Rebel, but the body is compact like a point and shoot — perfect for ladies who are on-the-go!

Thanks for sharing, Meg! These choices are fabulous!

I did a happy dance when I saw that book; it's from the creators of my favorite foodie blog, Spoon Fork Bacon.

P.S. Interested in sharing your Need Read Greed? Email me.

P.P.S. It's not too late to enter the giveaway. Click here for more details!

Need Read Greed

Today's Need Read Greed courtesy of Kelsey Nicole — a twentysomething Annapolitan who's got a knack for style:

• Need: This tea, which is formulated to support a healthy skin care regimen, is slightly sweet and smells wonderful due to the rose petal and hibiscus is contains. Recently, I have gotten in the habit of drinking a cup of this every afternoon. It’s a perfect mid-afternoon pick-me-up and I have even noticed a slight difference in my skin.
• Read: Ok, so I know I am a little late to the game on this one, but I just started reading Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg. While I am only a few chapters in, I feel like I have already learned so many things that I can use not in my career but in my everyday life. By sharing facts, personal stories, and pieces of advice, I have found Sheryl to be encouraging while also being very relatable.
• Greed: I have always loved tibi's silk color block long dress. The colors are gorgeous and the cut is kind of amazing.

Thanks for sharing, Kelsey! I think I'll add that tea to my grocery list.

Be sure to bookmark Kelsey's blog. It's brimming with style inspiration and informative health and beauty tips.

Have a swell Wednesday!

Toodles,

ANF

P.S. Interested in sharing your Need Read Greed? Email me.