First Trunk Show

Bella Bridesmaid in Richmond is hosting a trunk show Friday July 15th from 5pm-8pm. Designs By Kara Kihm and Kendra Scott Jewelry will be featured. Come by to enjoy some wine and goodies.

Can't wait to see you all there :)

Sailing Adventure on The Caribe

My husband's family grew up in Key West and the majority of them continue to reside down in the keys.  They are a very fun adventurous family who love the water and boating.  This weekend Uncle Mike will sail from Key West to the Bahamas on The Caribe,  his beloved boat.   Mac and I were thrilled to get an invitation and are excited for the adventures to come.   The Exuma's are our destination.  Although I grew up boating it's been a long time since I have actually stayed on a boat for over a week.  I better get my sea legs ready! 

Have a fabulous 4th (it's one of my favorite Holidays) and I'm sure I'll have lots to blog about after our return.

The Perfect Table Setting

I just love beautiful table settings!  Although Mac and I love to entertain, we usually do so informally.  These beautiful books are not only fun to look at, but are also helpful for finding the perfect setting for any event!  The fabulous descriptions are below!

 "No one knows how to dress a table with elegance and flair better than Phyllis Hoffman, publisher of Southern Lady magazine, the quintessential resource for entertaining the gracious Southern way. Now, Hoffman draws upon her years of expertise to create Southern Lady Gracious Tables, the definitive guide to creating gorgeous "tablescapes" for every occasion."

"Perfect Tables" reveals the secrets behind William Yeoward's eye for detail and color, and shows how you can find inspiration in a fabric or item you may already own. William's invaluable hints and tips include reassurance for the nervous hostess and even dealing with dining disasters! The book concludes with myriad ideas for tying napkins, arranging glasses, and laying cutlery."

These are wonderful books to own and I've just loved the beautiful pictures.  They also give great ideas.  When is your next dinner party?

Precious Summer Dresses

I absolutely love these adorable dresses by Judith March.

 The Orange and White Seersucker would look absolutely precious with Navy or Aqua accents.

 And the Red and White Seersucker would be the perfect dress for the 4th, which is right around the corner!  I just LOVE these designs. 

If you can't live without these precious frocks, they can be purchased in Richmond at Monkee's of Richmond or The French Boutique.  For other locations just use the where to buy feature on her web page.

Happy Shopping :)

Sammicakes

A few girls and I recently hosted a Baby Shower for our good friend KW.  Yes we have the same initials!  It was a ton of fun, but one of the best parts were the unbelievable cup cakes!  They were too cute, but also tasted sooooo Yummy!

 When I found out that Sam made them from scratch I was amazed! You must check out her facebook page, Sammicakes.   Look at these Amazing cakes she has made!

I am seriously amazed by her talent.  Not only are the cakes absolutely beautiful, but they taste just as good as they look!!!!  She can make them for any theme or occasion.  If you live locally I would highly recommend trying one of Sam's  delicious cakes!  I can't wait for the next event to come so I can order one!

By The Sea

I just love decorating so I wanted to share.  Garnet Hill  has a summer inspired Collection of Quilts, Bedding, Rugs, and Sheets!  Everything is Precious and "A Shore Thing" for this summer!  The vibrant colors inspired by seaside villages make this collection fun and summery.  I am lusting over the Lobster Print Rug in Red.  It would fit perfectly in our guest bedroom with the blue and white seersucker curtains we have with red bow accents. I was just commenting on how we needed a red rug.  This is definitely the one!

 The Red Lobster Pillow would be the Perfect Accent!

Don't forget to check out the bedding and quilts from this collection!  I love summer and all things inspired by it!

My Latest Vision

So here is the latest outfit I have put together and think is too precious.  I just love Navy and Yellow combos

The Yellow Bow Tank by Kate Spade

The Striped Piper Skirt Kate Spade

Jack Rogers  Personalized Navajo Resort Sandals/Platinum Whip Stitch

The Best part is----The Skirt and Shirt are on sale!  Now you can't beat that!  My latest vision would be precious for outside summer events.

Also don't forget to vote for my friend from college in the Lilly Lovers Contest.  Make sure and show your support!  You can vote once every 24 hours until June 30th.

Cute Affordable Shoes

So a few months ago I ordered some adorable Red Kate Spade wedges!  They were just perfect; however, when they arrived they were the wrong size.  I called KS immediately only to find they had sold out! I was super bummed, BUT I have to say I have found some darling shoes at DSW to replace them. They may not be Kate Spade, but they are just as cute and I can literally order a pair in every color for the price of just the previous red ones!  Look at all the fun colors they come in!!!

I am picturing the Red ones with a Navy Dress-The Fair in Navy to be exact.  They would also be precious with The Erin.

The Aqua would be too cute with a pink, coral or white dress.

The Green would also be perfect with a pink or magenta dress.

                              
                             What doesn't go with Nude

The BEST Part is the Price- Only $50.00!  You can never go wrong with a precious wedge for summer! Maybe it's a good thing my KS shoes came in the wrong size!  I just ordered them in size 11.  I think I was meant to be taller!

Give Away by Pink Preppy Lilly Lover

Pink Preppy Lilly Lover is doing a give away for a beautiful piece of Jewelry by Loren Hope Designs.  You must check out her gorgeous pieces. 

Make sure to enter for a chance to win.

Darling Summer Shorts

I am such a shorts girl during the summer and absolutely LOVE these by Kayce Hughes.

The pink pique is begging to be in my wardrobe.  They are low in stock so don't miss out!

Farmers Market

Over the weekend I went to the St. Steven's Farmers Market with some friends!

Of course the dogs came and decided not to smile for the pic!

The produce was delicious and I brought home some yummy tomatoes and cherries.   Notice the color scheme of Aqua and Red.

Bluegrass played as people browsed.

And Leonard and Lucile decided it was too hot to shop!  Notice Leonard hiding under the table.

Leonard must have parked himself on some blackberries because he came home with a purple stained stomach.

I am definitely going back for more goodies on weekends that I am home!

Happy Father's Day

My Father's Favorite Hobby is Fly Fishing!  What will you be doing to celebrate Father's Day with your DAD today?

Lexi Miller Design

Lexi Miller is a friend from college and she has been soooo wonderful and supportive as I am trying to get my clothing line up and running! She's a fun, sweet, energetic gal who is also extremely talented!

She designs and consults on a freelance basis and is obsessed with color and typography and pattern. Her Goal is to  challenge herself in design and in fashion and to always create exciting and fresh energy with the choices she makes.

She designed the logo for Designs By Kara Kihm and did an incredible job.

You must check out the rest of her portfolio.  Lexi can be reached at cre8v_lex@yahoo.com or at lexi@leximillerdesign.com

The Perfect Gift

Tuesday night some girls hosted a surprise wedding shower for Vitamin Sea!  It was themed Margaritas and Monograms and was a ton of fun!  She was sooooo surprised and had a blast!

                
One of her shower presents was absolutely gorgeous so I have to blog about it!!!!  The invitation platter was just stunning and I definitely want one for our five year anniversary this September. 

They actually engrave your wedding invitation onto the plate!  It was beautiful and would make the perfect gift for someone special!

Lilly Lovers Contest

So one of my closest friends from college who "The Erin" is named after has enter the Lilly Lovers Contest!  Personally I think her pictures are fabulous and I'm not just saying that bc she's my dear friend.

You must check out these precious photos on Lilly's Facebook Page!

Click on the link above and hit vote on Lilly's FB page to cast your vote for these darling pics!

Elaine Turner Sale

Don't miss Elaine Turner's Semi-Annual Shoe Sale Starting Tomorrow

Happy Shopping! I know I have my eyes on a few beauties.   

Dark N' Stormy

The New Lilly Pulitzer Pattern reminds me so much of a Van Gogh Painting.

I have to say I am a big fan of  shorts in the summer so I really do love these.

 For art lovers this print would be up your alley!

SML

Over Memorial Day weekend all my immediate family rented a house at SML.  I have to say that Smith Mountain Lake is my favorite place in the Entire World!  I grew up spending weekends and summers there and it has become a very spiritual place for me.  I could not have asked for a better way to celebrate our church wedding than going to the Lake with my Husband, dogs, and both families.

The First day we rented a pontoon boat and the weather turned out to be perfect after the clouds cleared. Nothing is more fun than a pontoon boat with your favorite people, a cooler of drinks, and a picnic lunch.

My mom and I always seem to have the same color scheme in mind when getting dresses for the day.

                Lucile absolutely loved her first ride on a boat

                 And Leonard enjoyed his first swim in a Lake

We spent hours on the dock relaxing and reading

                        And enjoyed grilling in the evenings

                    Leonard even got a new nautical SML Outfit

It was the perfect way to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend and our renewed Vows