Tuesday, November 30, 2010

OOTD



Just wanted to share an outfit of the day from a few weeks ago! Pearl Headband: Anthropologie, Striped turtleneck: Forever21, Double breasted blazer: Talbots, Jeans: Hudson, Gold Bow Flats: Talbots

Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Pittsburgh Classics: The Pittsburgh Athletic Association

"Established in 1908 and celebrating 100 years, the Pittsburgh Athletic Association remains a Pittsburgh icon rich in history and renowned for its traditional elegance and premier style. The Club is located in the heart of beautiful Oakland, where it is conveniently nestled within walking distance of some of our nation's top learning institutions, major medical centers, world class museums, and fabulous retail shops.
Reminiscent of the 16th century Grimani Palace in Venice, the PAA is the ultimate alternative to the typical hotel's cookie-cutter meeting rooms and run of the mill banquet halls." - PAA
The Pittsburgh Athletic Association is in my opinion, the best place to have Sunday brunch. It is a club somewhat similar to the Duquesne Club from Monday's post. It is also another great location for a wedding (see picture above). Many of my family members have gotten married here! They also have lots of dining options, from fine dining to a sports bar. My family does not belong to the PAA but it has a reciprocal deal with my club, so I have been many times! It's right in Oakland (which is where the University of Pittsburgh is located).

Just as the name suggests, the PAA has a huge fitness facility. This facility is used often and is perfect for anyone who works in the city because they can get their workout in before or after work. Have a fabulous day and Happy Thanksgiving Eve, tonight we are hosting a cocktail party so it should be lots of fun! Cannot wait to share with you all about the details of the fun night!
Yours,
sCe

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Pittsburgh Classics: The Grand Concourse

 Next up on your very own personal tour of Pittsburgh is my absolute favorite restaurant in Pittsburgh, The Grand Concourse. Whenever my parents ask me where I want to go for dinner, I always reply with The Grand Concourse. The Grand Concourse was originally a train station and now it is a gorgeous restaurant. It is located in Station Square which is an area right on the river with lots of shops and restaurants. Their speciality is seafood but they offer pastas and other dishes as well. I usually get the Atlantic Salmon or the Salmon Rockefeller and we always start off with mussels and oysters!Another great thing that they offer is Sunday Brunch which is incredible!
This is Daddy and I before going to the Grand Concourse for dinner this past summer. In the summer, dress is more casual, however, in the winter, it is a little more dressed up.
The building in the bottom middle of the above picture is the Grand Concourse. This picture was taken by me from Mt. Washington. Just like the Duquesne Club, The Grand Concourse is a historical landmark of Pittsburgh. If you don't feel like getting all dressed up and spending for dinner, you can always eat in the more casual "bar" called the Gandy Dancer. My favorite part about the Gandy Dancer is that on the weekends, they often have a piano player. When they do, I always request he play "Take 5" by Dave Brubek. If someone were to ask me where to eat, this restaurant would be atop my suggestion list. Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

P.S. Check out Kayce Hughe's blog! She is having a whole week of giveaways!!!! I love her clothing; I posted about it here. You can also go to the right of my blog in the sidebar and click her logo to check out all of her great clothing!
 

Monday, November 22, 2010

Pittsburgh Classics: The Duquesne Club

Since I am currently in Pittsburgh (only the best city in the entire world) I thought it seemed only fitting that I did a post on some amazing places around the city. Pittsburgh is a very historical city. When many people think of Pittsburgh, they think of it in its' "steel days". Well, Pittsburgh is so much more than just steel. In the first half of 2010, Pittsburgh was named America's most livable city by Forbes. If you want to learn more about Pittsburgh, you can read the post I did all about Pittsburgh! The reason I bring this up is because Pittsburgh is home to some of the most amazing cites, clubs, and restaurants that have been around forever. I'll first start off with the Duquesne Club. It was created in 1873 and then turned into a social club in 1881. It is located in downtown Pittsburgh and gained landmark status in 1976 and in 1995 it was added to the National Register of Historical Places by the United States Department of Interior. You can read more about its' history here.

The Duquesne Club is a members only club but you are able to bring guests. To gain membership you have to be invited by a current member. Members then have access to all sorts of amenities such as dining accommodations, fitness facilities, spa luxuries, and overnight privileges.
Me walking down one of the hallways in the DC. 
I think my favorite part of the Duquesne Club is the elegance that it possesses. You can most definitely tell that you are in a historical place. The events held at the Duquesne Club are top notch and no detail is left unnoticed.
The first picture was taken in the main dining room by my parents who were attending a ball this past May. The second picture is my parents at the ball. Don't they look stunning! As you can see, no detail is left unnoticed and everything is absolutely gorgeous. This would be an incredible and breathtaking place to have a wedding as well.
I hope you all have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

Friday, November 19, 2010

OOTD


cable cardigan sweater: F21, red polo: Ralph Lauren, navy corduroy skirt: J. Crew, and my beloved cowboy boots!
I am actually loving this F21 sweater. My daddy picked it out for me because the "crest" on the left side has a crown and says "crown". One of the symbols of ZTA is a 5 point crown so it was so great of my daddy to think of me when seeing this sweater!

I'm headed back to Pittsburgh for Thanksgiving break! I am so excited to see all my friends and family who await me! If you are traveling this weekend, I hope you all have a fun and safe trip to wherever your destination may be! Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Take Good Care!

When I was a child, I always wanted "new". A new car, new toys, new jewelry; the hottest, latest accessories. Of course my parents were horrified because they themselves are nothing like that. I would like to place the blame of my thought process on my peers. Now, being an "adult", I fully appreciate the value and treasure of something that is passed down. If you have been following my blog for some time, you may recall a post I wrote back in September about my grandfather who passed away. He was very dear to me and I loved him very much. He had been in the jewelry business his whole life, and my dad worked with my grandfather for a short time before he moved onto his own job. I blame my watch obsession and really all jewelry obsession on my grandfather and father because they both have spoiled my grammie and mother time and time again. There are many things I will always remember my grandfather for. One of which was "his drink": a dry Manhattan. Of course something tangible that I can remember him for is his Patek Philippe watch. It is engraved on the back and is in perfect condition. The watch did not get handed down to me but down to my father. It is such an incredible timepiece not only for the quality and the rarity but because it is something that reminds me of my grandfather so much. I can only one day hope to get the watch passed down to me.
Why you ask do I tell you all this story? In a time where we have endured several years of the poor US economy, it has taught us to value what we do have and value quality over quantity.  This watch is an example. Take good care of your quality items so that you can pass them down. Whoever you pass them down to will feel like they have a part of you that they can keep and cherish for the rest of their lives.
My aunt passed down a Gucci bag that my grandmother brought back to her from Italy. I cherish that bag so much and use it often, but am always extremely careful with it. It is a quality handbag and I hope that someday I can pass it down to my daughter. Do you have things that have been passed down to you that you cherish and will take care of forever?

On a side note, who has tickets for the midnight showing of Harry Potter?! I do not; however, I will be seeing it on Sunday and cannot wait! This was most definitely my favorite book and I have read it at least 10 times. Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Meet me at Tiffany's

"Well, when I get it the only thing that does any good is to jump in a cab and go to Tiffany's. Calms me down right away. The quietness and the proud look of it; nothing very bad could happen to you there. If I could find a real-life place that'd make me feel like Tiffany's, then - then I'd buy some furniture and give the cat a name!" - Holly Golightly, Breakfast at Tiffany's, 1961
When I think of Tiffany & Co. jewelry, to be honest, the first thing that comes to mind is the tacky silver charm bracelets, silver ball earrings, and mesh rings.  For the most part, the brand has become over marketed, and has lost its' true splendor that it once possessed.
I can just think back to middle school when I begged to get the heart tag necklace and matching bracelet. Lucky me, after much pleading, I in fact was the proud owner of the necklace and bracelet and wore them every single day probably all the way through 9th grade. By the time 9th grade hit, I had moved on to Yurman (I'm sure my parents were just thrilled...). While I can't say I've received any gifts from Tiffany in the past several years or purchased anything, I think I am starting to form a new opinion about Tiffany jewelry. Looking back, having Tiffany jewelry as my first "real" jewelry (besides a diamond ring my grandparents gave me on my 10th birthday) taught me some jewelry responsibility and how to take account for special things. Tiffany jewelry taught me how to treat finer things and appreciate them and I now can say that the silver jewelry is a great way to start children off in valuing things. Although Tiffany is accessible for many incomes, it has some pretty incredible pieces that I would love to own. I thought I'd highlight some of my favorite ads that I have seen and some fun YouTube advertisements!
I just got the Oprah's favorite things December issue and this ad is what sparked this post. I loved it so much that I took a picture on my phone and uploaded it! I also ripped it out and saved it. It's such an adorable holiday picture and I really think this ad campaign shows the true Tiffany & Co. 
This ad I stumbled upon through Google and I think it really captures the elegance of jewelry and Tiffany & Co. itself. I think when we started the new millennium, Tiffany was seen as tacky. There were too many knock offs being made available, too many teenyboppers (like myself) running around with the gaudy silver charms and these factors made the brand seem a lot less desirable. This ad embodies the elegance that Tiffany & Co. truly has.
I believe this ad is from 2008 and I just love it. It's simple but still elegant and almost innocent. Just perfect for the holiday season.


This ad was from a past holiday season and again, I think it captures the true elegance that the brand stands for. 


For me, this video is a little bit tacky, but almost too cute to not watch. So take it as it is! 
What are your thoughts about Tiffany's jewelry? Did any of you formulate an opinion similar to mine or have you always been a die hard Tiffany fan? For me, I appreciate Tiffany a little more now that I realize it taught me how to treat my jewelry. I would never say that it would be the first place I'd go to for jewelry, but it most certainly would not be the last! Have a fabulous day!
Yours, 
sCe

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

OOTD

Apologies for the graininess of this picture, it was take with my BB. Cardigan: J. Crew, Gingham Oxford: Ralph Lauren, Jeans: Joe's, Shoes: Bass brown bucks
I am a die hard fan of Bass's brown bucks. They are not only extremely comfortable but they match practically everything, they are super cozy, well made, and they never go out of style. They get an A+ in my book.  Have a fabulous day!
Yours, 
sCe

Monday, November 15, 2010

These boots were made for walkin'


The western shop in Pittsburgh where I found my boots! 
When deciding to travel 5 hours south for college, I thought I was in the 'deep' south. Being the northerner that I am, little did I know, I barely made it past the Mason Dixon line. Of course, I'm no stranger to the south; our family has a lake home in Georgia, and the tiny town it is located in is most definitely the deep south. Not to mention I've traveled all over the south for some fun in the sun. I will always be a northerner at heart and love Pittsburgh with all 5'6" of me. However, I see why everyone says 'the south will rise again'.  My whole point of expressing my somewhat new found love for the south is because I just got my first pair of cowboy boots. I will give all of my southern readers a moment to gasp... yes I am 20 years old and have gone all 20 years without cowboy boots. I'm actually not really sure how I survived all 20 years without boots, to be honest. They just make sense. So without further adieu, here are my beauties:
Sorry for the poor quality of the picture, this was a BlackBerry mobile upload. I love them. I decided to start slow and got the most traditional pair I could find. They are a natural tan color, 100% leather (even the soles!) with the classic stitching. They have a perfect beveled heel, a little bit of a snipped toe, and they are the perfect calf height. I wear them with pants, skirts, dresses, and everything in between. Not to mention, with heavy socks, they keep my feet nice and warm. My next purchase I have decided I'm going to go a little "exotic" and I'm going to get a cool skin or a fun colored pair! Do you have cowboy boots? Do you love them!? Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

Friday, November 12, 2010

Koozies: Solo Cup Edition



Who knew they made koozies for solo cups. Whoever created these = pure genius. Happy Friday y'all! 
Yours, 
sCe

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Tumblr

Ask away!
Happy Thursday y'all! I wanted to announce an exciting little bit of news in the Summer Wind world! I now have a Tumblr account! I am a bit behind on the bandwagon but my roommate just started one and I thought it would be a great way for my followers to ask me questions because sometimes answering tons of e-mails everyday is just not feasible! It will also give me a way to quickly post pictures and small things that I'd like to share! My tumblr address is http://summerwind41490.tumblr.com so head on over and ask away! All you have to do is click the link at the top of the page that says "Ask sCe" and then type your question and submit it and I'll answer it as soon as I can! You can also find the link to my tumblr page to the right, just pick on the picture of me that says "ask sCe"! Happy question asking!
Yours,
sCe

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Spend and Save

Being in my third year of college, I feel as though I have learned some
of the "insider" tips to dressing for class and dressing for night. One
of these tips I feel as though every girl in college should know before
they end up ruining any of their nice things! I have learned to buy
shoes, clothing, handbags, etc. in doubles. It sounds a bit ridiculous,
but I promise you I am not kidding. When I buy doubles, I usually buy a
well made, nice quality item, and then the double I usually buy in
knockoff form or get a really good deal. Why do I do something so silly?
Well, after realizing that friends like to borrow things, I am clumsy
at times and lose things, and that "social gatherings" are not just wine
and cheese, buying in twos has become common sense. Here are things
that I buy in twos:



Spend and Save

Spend and Save by summerwind41490 featuring flats shoes

I have a pair of classic patent black pumps. One pair I bought at Payless and one pair I bought at Aldo and spent a good bit of money on. The Payless pair have a name. They are called my frat shoes because whenever I go to any party, whether it be at a fraternity or any other party, the floor is gross and I certainly do not want to ruin nice shoes. Another thing is pearl studs and diamond studs. I have real pearls and real diamonds and I have never worn them out to any function at school. I reserve them for nice occasions or everyday wear. For nighttime at school, I have an ever present supply of faux pearl studs and faux diamond studs. The same goes for a lot of other jewelry in my collection. I also have a nice, large, leather wallet, but also have a small coach one that I use for everyday while at school. I use the small wallet because I drag it everywhere and it quickly wears out and gets dirty and I wouldn't want that to happen to my nice wallet! I also have several Longchamp bags. One is my "going out" bag and I use it at all times when going out. It definitely looks a bit worn, but it is perfect for that purpose. The other Longchamps I never take out so they stay nice for a lot longer. Same thing goes for boots, it's nice to have a pair of inexpensive boots that you don't mind if something minor happens to them. Then you can also have your nice boots that you appreciate and wouldn't want to ruin. I do this for north face/patagonia/columbia jackets too. I pick my older one and choose that one to bring out on cold nights and reserve the others to keep nice! Does any other college student do this? I don't think I'm alone on this one, a lot of my friends do it too! Have a fabulous day!
Yours, 
sCe

Monday, November 8, 2010

So You Think You Can Dance?

 I have blogged several times about So You Think You Can Dance and I've actually been meaning to blog about my current favorite dances. For some reason, YouTube won't let me embed the video onto my blog but the first one is from last season and it is Travis Wall's choreography done to Collide by Howie Day. Kent and Lauren are dancing. I used to be obsessed with Collide in 9th grade and it still reminds me of being a freshman in high school so this dance makes me nostalgic but the chemistry between Kent and Lauren make the dance so great. 
My next favorite is also choreographed by Travis Wall (he really does have amazing talent). It is danced by Robert and Allison and is to Fix You by Coldplay. This dance is not only beautiful but it is so touching as well.


This one I could embed, but I think that the one I couldn't embed is a better version. Do you have any favorite dances from any of the So You Think You Can Dance seasons? I'd love for you to share! I love watching dances because I danced for 10 years when I was younger. Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

Friday, November 5, 2010

I'm a Barbie Girl!


J (a sorority sister) and I handing out candy to the children! 
 Some sorority sisters and I all dressed up as different Barbies for Halloween! I chose Holiday Barbie! We got big sheets of white paper and created sashes so everyone could easily figure out our costume!
Here I am all dressed up! We had American, Cowgirl, Roller, Fairy, Workout, Professor, Hunter, and Ballet Barbie. It was so much fun dressing up as different Barbies. It's always fun to get dressed up with a bunch of your best friends! I hope you all had a fabulous Halloween weekend! Have a great weekend!
Yours, 
sCe

Thursday, November 4, 2010

The Homestead


This past weekend some sorority sisters and I packed our bags and headed to Hot Springs, Virginia to visit The Homestead! It was a much needed, relaxing getaway because we had all just had midterms! The website says:
Welcome to The Homestead,   Virginia’s finest mountain resort. Surrounded by the four-season splendor of the Allegheny Mountains, this National Historic Landmark welcomed its first guests to the beautiful Virginia countryside a decade before the American Revolution.
Presidents and princes are among the guests who have "taken the waters" in our legendary healing springs. Today, we continue to offer unequalled hospitality, elegant accommodations and distinctive Southern charm in an idyllic Virginia setting. Resort vacations at The Homestead are distinguished by historic ambience, rich traditions, and a seemingly endless array of indoor and outdoor activities.
 The weather was absolutely beautiful--a perfect fall day. The Homestead reminded me of the Greenbrier except a little more "southern" and a little more subdued. The interior was done by a company out of Richmond, VA called Beaty and Brown. I would say that the palette consisted of subdued, thick stripes, calming colors, and lots of floral.

I took this picture of the front hall from my BlackBerry. I loved the columns and all of the striped furniture.
We spent the day at the spa relaxing and chatting and toured all around the resort. The grounds are idyllic and this time of year was no doubt a wonderful time to see all of the gorgeous fall colors. For dinner, we headed to Sam Sneads which was so good! I had the burger and fries and it was delicious. It was so much fun spending time with sorority sisters. If you have not made it to The Homestead, I urge you to go for at least one night! The atmosphere oozed with timeless southern elegance, and the interior design was to die for! Have you ever been to The Homestead?
Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Rose Anne De Pampleone

 I can't remember where I came across Rose Anne De Pampleone but I am so happy I did. Her creations are gorgeous! Her pieces are truly one of kind works of art and I would love to get my hands on one of her creations! Here are some of my favorites:






This is my favorite. Of course it's a bit summery and couldn't be worn now, but I think someone could pull this off with tights or leggings and boots and it would be just fine for right now, especially down here in the south! Her pieces are rather expensive but I would think of it as purchasing artwork!
Brooke Shields wore this Rose Anne De Pampleone blouse on Cougar Town. I LOVE it, and of course it looks stunning on Brooke! Have you ever seen any of her clothing? Are you obsessed like me or do you own any pieces? Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

Monday, November 1, 2010

American West


Two weekends ago, when I was home, I went to a local western store because I was in the market to get authentic cowboy boots. While there, they had the most gorgeous leather handbags. I am a sucker for handbags and this time was no exception. I discovered the brand called American West and I am now its' newest fan. The handbags are more like art and the attention to detail is incredible. The above picture is the handbag that I was most in love with. I am hoping that I get it for Christmas! The above bag is the "Small Mahogany Coach" and is only $158. For an all leather, well made handbag, this is an incredible price! Have any of you seen this brand or do you own one of these gorgeous bags? If so, let me know!! I am also so excited for my cowboy boots to come in! They did not have my size in the store, however they ordered my size and the boots should be here any day! I am patiently awaiting their arrival and I will be sure to blog about them once I get them! Have a fabulous day and happy November!
Yours,
sCe
 

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