Shoes!

I'm always on the lookout for new shoes.  I tend to buy the same styles over and over.  I guess I know what I like, and I like the following.  They are all similar, but that would not stop me from adding all of them to my shoe wardrobe!

Love these two tone flats- the colors are classic and because there is both brown and black, you could pair them with so much!  They come in another color, too.
The Patent Speedway from Madewell

I adore a good loafer.  I have a pair of Cole Haan loafers in my favorite shade of brown leather, and I  wear them all the time.  I got them at Marshall's sometime last year- they are about a size too big for me, but that is all they had left, and I wanted them so badly that I bought them despite the size!
Urban Outfitters Cooperative Canvas Loafer

Here are the same shoes in black and brown.  Again, the color blocking opens them up to all sorts of outfit  combinations.
Cooperative Loafer in black

Mmmm... I'm a sucker for navy blue and prep/nautical.  These look so comfy and perfect to throw on in the summertime!
Fred Perry Larks Linen Canvas Flat Shoes at Asos

Hope you've found a little bit of shoe inspiration here- I know I have!

~Lori

Vintage Tea Party

I found this on the British Urban Outfitters site,
but you can get it at Amazon.

I love tea parties.  My Mom has had a Christmas tea party for her friends every year for quite a few years now.  I love all the little goodies that she makes, and the attention that she pays to details.  My Mom would also throw little tea parties for the kiddos.  She still does, but they don't get to happen as often as they used to, what with the kids being in school and off doing various activities.  It's been a little while since I threw a tea party for my daughter and my niece and nephews, and I think I might need to remedy that soon.  Can you guess what it is that made me think, Hmmm, I need to throw a tea party?  The answer is-- a book.  Of course.  A book on how to throw a vintage tea party.  In fact, the book is called The Vintage Tea Party.  It is from Britain.  Since it is British, I am assuming that it is full of perfect recipes and ideas, because those Brits know how to enjoy their tea.  That was one of mine and Alli's favorite parts of London: enjoying High Tea.  My mouth waters just thinking about it.  All the little sandwiches and pastries, the little cakes and other various hor d'ourves.  Yum.

~Lori