Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

I hope all of you enjoy your fun-filled holiday weekends. Hooray for summer and a long weekend! Here are my big plans for the weekend:
Today is lunch at the Cheesecake factory followed by fabulous shopping at the South Side Works. I cannot wait to check out Ann Taylor because I have heard they have such pretty things in!
Then tomorrow night, SATC 2 with the girls! I cannot wait to be together with good friends and see a movie I've been dying to see!
Then for the weekend it's country club time! Finally the pool area will be open and the porch for dining will also be opening. I cannot wait to spend time lounging by the pool, and getting a great tan with good friends and family. My family has belonged there for generations so it is so much fun to head to the CC for a relaxing day at the pool or lunch or dinner because we are always surrounded by such great company. I also cannot wait to finally wear white dresses (I may have cheated with the white pants.. just once though!) What are your plans for this wonderful holiday weekend? Have a great weekend!
Yours,
sCe

It's up to you, New York, New York!

I could not be more excited about an upcoming NYC/Beach trip in late June with my family! Of course the beach is exciting as always, but I absolutely LOVE NYC and I haven't been in about 3 years; it's been too long! Here are several things on my to do list; but I would LOVE dinner suggestions or anything else exciting that you know of. I've been to the statue of liberty and the empire state building and all of usual "touristy spots" many times so I think I'll be sitting those out for this trip..

-Lilly Pulitzer on Madison Avenue (and all of the other stores on Mad)
- Gant.. LOVE their clothing and the only time I ever buy anything is when I'm in the city!
- Louis Vuitton of course.. I want the Speedy30! (and all of the other fabulous stores on 5th &57th)
- The MET, Blaire Waldorf's stomping grounds
- Eloise's residence and a NYC Landmark and home to the Oak Room: The Plaza Hotel
- FAO Schwartz, I'm still a child at heart!
-Grand Central Station-- I've only been once and am dying to see the gorgeous architecture once again!
-Times square-- the last time I was there, I got to hold a giant snake, it was scary but so neat!
- American Museum of Natural History
- Waldorf Astoria-- a NYC icon, can't miss it!

What are your favorite places in NYC? I know cCm and I are just dying to go and cannot wait to be there in a month!

Built In Bunk Beds

When I was a child I was lucky enough to have my own room in a pretty shade of pink. I had a queen bed with a beautiful floral duvet and lots of furniture to match. I loved my old room (we added on to our house when I was about 10 and got a larger room!) and I like to think that I was one lucky child...but after looking at built in bunk beds, I don't think sharing a room would be half bad! Several weeks ago while I was still at school, roomie/bff mSc and I were watching a show on the Travel Channel that highlighted several lake homes and in one of the lake homes they had gorgeous built in bunk beds. My curiosity wandered and I found so many gorgeous built ins! At our family lake house we have 2 sets of wooden bunk beds that are just perfect for one of the extra rooms, but I think built in bunk beds give a room a unique atmosphere. Here are some that I found through Google images that I just love:Built in Bunks are so great for extra storage space. In this picture there is storage above and below the beds. I also love how there is a desk in between with an adorable little chair!I can't help but love this room. I love love love the nautical feel of the room. You'd think red walls would be too loud for a child's room but it looks great! This room would be just perfect for a beach home.What little girl wouldn't like this absolutely stunning bedroom. The bed is cozily tucked away with beautiful pink drapery and the storage is abundant!I especially love the little step stool to get up to the bed; it's not your average ladder!This is by far one of my favorites! I love that this is for 2 people and the window makes everything look so big. This would be great for any room with an alcove and with a beautiful view!I love that these 4 beds have curtains like an old fashion train, how cozy!I love this room because it's not too childish so a child has plenty of room to grow with this design. I love that each bunk has their own lamp and shelves, and again, the ladder is so creative!
Did you have built in bunk beds when you were a child? Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

International Concepts

First off let me preface this post by saying I'm not a huge department store shopper. I don't really like shopping at large department stores, and it may sound a bit snobby but I barely ever even set foot in a Macy's unless I want to shop in the kids section at Ralph Lauren (I can still fit in their sizes and sometimes they have the cutest things!). I'd have to say the only department store I really go to much at all is Nordstrom...well and "Tarjay", but I would consider that more of a "superstore". I usually buy my clothing either on the internet (such as Lands End & L.L. Bean & Lilly Pulitzer) or at the actual store. For example, whenever I am in Washington, D.C., I buy Vineyard Vines and Ralph Lauren Rugby because they have their own stores. I also like purchasing my denim at boutiques rather than department stores (unless Nordstrom is having a good sale!).

Sorry for the rant.. Anyways, I was out shopping with my mom and we went into Macy's because my grammie's birthday is coming up and she loves Macy's. Her true love was Lazarus (remember that dept. store?) but they of course closed several years ago. I went into the womens section and I immediately spotted the cutest dress. I mean, I fell in love. The brand was INC (International Concepts). I had never heard of the brand, but this dress almost had a Lilly-like vibe to it. I tried it on and it fit perfectly! Here is a picture of the dress from Macys.com:
INC Floral Print Beaded Halter- $99

Here are some pictures I took with my Blackberry:Doesn't the pearl beading somewhat remind you of the top of the LP Mila gown? Here is another snapshot of the whole dress:

I also love that this dress can be dressed down easily if you don't wear jewelry and wear flat sandals. It can also be dressed up with heels and the right bag! Have you seen this dress in Macy's? Check out the rest of the INC brand at Macy's; they have some adorable tunics, and clothing in the pretty lemon shade that the above dress is in! Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

**EDIT: I've received a bunch of e-mails about this dress, so for all of you that are wondering how it fits... it's pretty true to size. In dresses I can wear anywhere from a 2 to a 6, but I am usually a 4. In Lilly I am a 2 or a 4 and I'd say this is how the dress fit as well. I went with a 4 because the dress is short. It looks longer on the model in the pictures but it really is shorter than your average Lilly shift! I hope this helps all of you!

Summer Reading List

I have my reading cut out for me this summer! First up: How to Teach Filthy Rich Girls by Zoe Dean. I'm about half way through and so far it's a very easy read. I read half of the book within a few hours and I love it so far. I didn't know this before I got the book but it is what the show "Privileged" on the CW was based off of. If you have any book recommendations, let me know! I will be doing book posts whenever I finish each one of these so look out for them, I'm a fast reader and I like easy, girly reads during the summer! Have a fabulous weekend!
Yours,
sCe

I am as constant as the northern star

Several days ago I was flipping through the channels and I saw a Diana Krall Live in Paris concert. I love love love Diana Krall; her voice is so beautiful and she is so musically talented. For the longest time, my phone ring tone has been "Let's Fall in Love". I knew I had to record it, and I just watched it and it was fabulous. Her Paris show was recorded in the Olympia Theatre in 2001. I so wish I could have seen it live; I guess the fact that I was only 11 at the time was a large reason why I wasn't in attendance. I had never heard her cover of Joni Mitchell's "A Case of You", but she played it during the Paris concert and I fell in love. I actually don't care for the Joni Mitchell version at all, but Krall's version has become one of my new favorite songs. The piano creates a beautiful melody with chords that make you actually feel the emotion in her music. Another reason I absolutely love this song is because the lyrics are so beautifully written. I love the line "I am as constant as the north star". What a fabulous song this would be for lyrical dance; I could definitely see this song being used on SYTYCD. So for all of you that missed the chance to catch Diana Krall Live in Paris, here is a clip of "A Case of You" from YouTube.

Have you heard of this song or have you ever attended one of her concerts? If you are a Krall fan, what is your favorite song? I also did a polyvore for this.. it's if I were able to attend the Diana Krall live in Paris concert! Ohh a girl can dream...

A Case of You by summerwind41490 featuring Christian Louboutin shoes

Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

Polyvore

I know a lot of readers use polyvore but I have just jumped on the boat! So feel free to find me on polyvore! I love love love my first set called "nautical weekend getaway". I love all of the pieces I used in the set. I thought of a weekend spent on Nantucket: Fashionable yet classic and subdued nautical.

Nautical Weekend Getaway by summerwind41490 featuring David Yurman jewelry

What are your favorite polyvore sets? I can't wait to create more! Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

Talbots Summer Style

This is what I wore to a ladies luncheon recently!

Talbot's Tunic, Anne Taylor Loft white denimLongchamp Special edition bag from several years ago--I just love this bag because whenever you are wearing black or navy or any dark shade in the summer months, the bag really adds a pop of color to the dark outfit!
Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

True Prep

Check out this great clip with Lisa Birnbach & Chip Kidd about the sequel to TOPH, True Prep. I cannot wait for this book to come out!

Summer Must Eats

Here are some of my favorite foods of the season! What are your favorites?

-Grilled Veggies (think asparagus, yellow squash, zucchini, red peppers, onions all marinated in a balsamic vinaigrette)
-Watermelon--and lots of it!
-Frozen grapes- so great for a hot day
-Burgers with grilled pineapple slices or avocado slices-Grilled salmon salad over mixed greens with a lemon-y dressing
- Pulled pork with coleslaw!
- Grilled chicken (can you tell our grill gets lots of use in the summer!)
- Pasta salad
-Red Pepper hummus and carrots
- King crab legs--my absolute favorite!
All of the above should be eaten outside with good company! Add a dash of Diana Krall, white wine (or a good mojito), and it's a party! Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

I'm headed to the beach...

Not really! But if I was, I'd have this beauty secured on my wrist and watch it glimmer in the sun! The gold would go so great with a tan too!VV By the Sea Charm Bracelet $98
Have a preppy day!
Yours,
sCe

Suncare!

As a lifeguard and a former swimmer, I am all about sun protection. When I was in early high school I never liked to use sunscreen, but as I got older and a bit wiser, I have realized that it is an absolute must to always wear sunscreen when outside! Here are a few things I keep in my pool tote so I'm sure to always have them!

La Roche-Posay is a french sunscreen and it not only protects you from the UVA and UVB rays, but it is also a daily moisturizer. I think it is the absolute best sunscreen out there. My friend introduced me to it my senior year of high school and I've been using it ever since.Warning, this is addictive. I have been using this since I was in middle school. But brunettes be warned, this is NOT for you.. it will turn your hair orange. Sun In, with the help of the sun is a gentle hair lightener. It is so great for me because I just spray some on my roots during the summer months and I literally can go 4 months without having to spend $200 to get my hair done every six weeks like I usually do. The only thing is that just like highlighting or coloring, it can take a toll on your hair. With that said, the next time I go to the salon to get my hair highlighted apres summer, I get a gloss added to my hair to improved the texture, and make it look shinier and healthier.Chap Stick brand Moisturizer. It's the best and has spf 15 to keep your lips nice and soft! I usually buy them in packs of three and just store them all over the place: in jacket pockets, totes, and purses so I always have one handy!A wet bathing suit bag is so great to have. That way, You don't need to put your bathing suit in an ugly plastic bag or wrap it up in your towel. You can find them online in tons of adorable designs. It's basically a lined bag. Mine is so cute, it is pink seersucker and zips with a cute little green martini.I ALWAYS have a pair of sunglasses in my beach tote. I am crazy when it comes to sunglasses. I buy several designer pairs because I think some styles only go with certain outfits. The pair that I always keep in my bag are LP Jane sunglasses which are pretty versatile. Since I change sunglasses so often, I unfortunately forget sunglasses so it's great to know I always have a pair at the country club or beach.

Some more items that are necessities in my beach bag:
- Travel size soaps, shampoos, etc.-- At my country club we have a very nice ladies room with all of the amenities, but I always like to have my own, favored products on hand.
- I always carry around a casual outfit such as a sun dress or khaki shorts and a polo just in case spontaneous plans come up, or we decide to dine at the CC.
- I also always have a book, my ipod, and a magazine for entertainment.
-I have a koozie at all times as well-- my faves are Vineyard Vines, monogrammed, or a fraternity koozie
-Bathing suit cover up
-Towel

What are your beach/pool tote necessities? Do you have any favorite fun in the sun products? I'd love to know! Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

Goodbye Seniors!

So with another school year ending I had to say goodbye to the senior of my sorority family. It was hard, but I am so proud of her. She is off to grad school and will make an amazing teacher! Here is a picture of us from the wonderful Senior Dinner we had to honor each senior!My little, my gbig, my big, and I!

I'm so glad to be home for the summer, but I am missing my school friends already! It is really nice to be able to relax and not have to stress about grades and school work for 4 months though! Have a fabulous day! Cheers to the start of summer!
Yours,
sCe

Celebrate Me Home 2010

Back to Pittsburgh for the summer!

Just a side note: today until May 16, Starbucks is having frappuccino happy hour from 3-5pm at any Starbucks. You can get your frappuccino any way you like it for half price. How exciting! I personally love a tall, non-fat, coffee frappuccino; such a delicious way to get your daily dose of caffeine and cool you off on hot days!
Yours,
sCe

OOTD

Sorry for the terrible picture quality. Who knew blackberrys would have such terrible picture quality. My enV touch had better picture quality than this! I would have used my camera but unfortunately it has now moved on to camera heaven; time for a new one.. any suggestions? Anyways, my outfit is RL white oxford, RL madras plaid wrap skirt, JR's, pearls, Invicta watch. Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

Live with intention.

Walk to the edge.

Listen hard.
Practice wellness.
Play with abandon.
Laugh.
Choose with no regret.
Continue to learn.
Appreciate your friends.
Do what you love.
Live as if this is all there is.
— Mary Anne Radmacher

Wedding Wishes

Like most girls, ever since I was young, I have dreamed about my wedding day. Of course I have everything all planned out and so many ideas, now all I need is to be about 7 years older and find a fiance! I really want a navy blue and white wedding with subtle touches of gold. I also want to have a June or July wedding, when all of the flowers and trees are in bloom and the sun is shining! The "theme" is nautical, but I don't want to dwell on really having a theme. I just want subtle nautical touches here and there. The only issue with the nautical theme is that at times it can come off too casual. I hope in the next 7 years, I can form my taste into elegance with a twist of nautical, because I often times feel like my ideas are far too casual for a wedding. Here are some ideas I've that I have! (all pictures have been found through google image search)I love love love the drama that this dress creates. It's elegant and princess like, but not in a tacky way.I am in LOVE with Portia DeRossi's wedding gown. I don't love the tu-tu like bottom, but the top is just so elegant; I love the open back.

I love the thin band on this ring.So pretty!

I am not big on flowers; I don't get too excited when I'm given flowers. Luckily most people know that about me, so I don't get flowers too often; although it is always the thought that counts. So for my wedding, I've dreamed of flowers in all whites. Mostly hydrangeas, but I think peonies are nice too. I want the centerpieces to be understated, with a large navy grosgrain ribbon tied in a bow around the vase. The centerpiece above is something I wouldn't mind too. It's pretty but it doesn't overwhelm the table.

I love this simple bouquet with the navy and white grosgrain. Instead of the starfish, I would put a gold pin with my monogram cut out.

I love Chiavari chairs. These will be perfect for the reception.

What was your favorite part of your wedding? Or what are your wedding dreams? Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

Finals Week

This is the last week of my sophomore year of college, so this is my apology in advance for sporadic posting this week. I am headed back to Pittsburgh on Friday; it's so crazy how the time flies! With copious amounts of coffee, lots and lots of studying, a little bit of prayer, and lots of Lilly to brighten up the dark library, I hope to ace all of my finals and come out of this week with my best GPA yet! Here is a song that is just amazing, but also reminds me to pray every night for the wonderful life God has given me and the strength he gives me to stay up all night and study for finals.

"Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart is to bring You praise
From the inside out, O my soul cries out"
-Hillsong

Yours,
sCe