Ta-Ta For Now ...

I am exactly one month away from the bar exam. Oh my ... YIKES!!!

That means it is time to buckle down and study non-stop. As such, I am ...

I hope you soak up the sunshine and thoroughly enjoy summertime. I'll join you come August!!!

Until then, keep Beantown Prepster and I in your prayers as we tackle this BIG feat.
It's just ta-ta for now. Xoxo-BLC

Zooific Flashback

I ...
love,
♥
love,
♥
love,
♥
the zoo.
I always have.
And I always will.
Proof: my oldest sissy and I at the zoo ...
many many many moons ago.
I always visit my favorite ...
PINK ladies
and
hang out with the monkeys.
It's always a zoo-ific time ...
walking on the wild side.
Whether 7 or 27. :)
Xoxo-BLC

Show(room) and Tell

Lilly Pulitzer just released their showroom and I had tell!!!
The monogrammed chair, overstuffed turtle, and mixture of patterns stole my ♥.

If this room wanted to come live at our casa ... I wouldn't gripe, complain, or whine ever again.
Unless someone spilled wine or stomped in avec muddy shoes ... duh!!! :)

This line is now available at Neiman Marcus. I hear the blue floral sofa calling my name ...
Colorful rooms are tough to do well, but I think Lilly did it impeccably well.
Don't you!?! Xoxo-BLC

PS: By the way, Lilly Pulitzer's mansion, the Home Alone casa, and, per Hopsy, the Father of the Bride house are ALL on the market and for sale. If you could pick one, which one would you pick!?!
PSS: My pick: hands down for me, its Lilly's jungle!!! Just another excuse to decorate avec Lilly. :)

Happy ... Happy ... Happy!!!

It's the first official day of summer and National Pink Day and Wear Your Lilly Pulitzer Day ...

I can hardly contain my excitement!!! I live for summering ... don't you!?!

Don't fret: I am wearing PINK and LILLY today to celebrate all three at once. It wasn't too tough!!! Are you joining the celebration too!?! Happy First Day of Summer and National Pink Day and Wear Your Lilly Pulitzer Day!!! That's a lot of happies, isn't it!?! Xoxo-BLC

PS: If you follow me on Twitter (@TCSKxoxo), I will be sure to tweet a picture of my PINK and LILLY outfit!!!
PSS: Ooopsie daisy!!! I thought National Pink Day was today ... but it's actually this Thursday. There is no harm in celebrating early, now is there!?! :)
PPSS: For all of you who are not in the twitterverse ... here is the Lilly-fied snap from today. It's me and my cousin's minnie. We both ♥ Lilly and summertime (and pink too)!!!

Winner, Winner, Winner!!!

On A String and I wish very BIG congratulations to all three giveaway winners: April of A. Liz Adventures, Simply Sara, and Glitterista!!!

April of A. Liz Adventures wins the gold pair, Simply Sara wins the blue pair, and Glitterista wins the pink pair. I know you ladies will wear it well!!! Please email me at thecompanyshekeeps@gmail.com so I can put you in touch with On A String.

Many thanks to all TCSK readers who entered and a VERY big thank-you to On A String for graciously hosting not one, not two, but THREE giveaways on TCSK!!! Remember, if you are in Charlotte, North Carolina you simply must pay On A String a visit --- it's too cute to miss. Chin chin. Xoxo-BLC

Happy Father's Day!!!

Happy Father's Day to you and yours!!!

In lieu of leaving the beach, I thought a father-daughter beach picture was in order:

Above is my stepfather and me building a sandcastle. Last Father's Day I posted my favorite picture of my father and me. This year, more than ever, I feel extremely blessed to have and to have had such amazing father figures in my life. My ♥ goes out to those who miss their father's today. I miss my stepfather more than words. But today, I still celebrate him!!! I celebrate him, Grandad, Daddy, my father-in-law, my brother-in-law, and all my uncles. Such amazing fathers and such amazing men. My life is much more colorful because of them. Wishing you and yours a very special day of celebrating our fathers!!! Xoxo-BLC

Beach Bummed

While we nested in Grayton Beach, Florida, we hopped over to Seaside daily. My husband grew up going to Seaside and this was my first trip ever. From shopping at the Barefoot Princess to eating lobster rolls at the Shrimp Shack to sunning, it did not disappoint and was a must see.

I am going to miss: umbrella covered drinks, beach reads, and loooong strolls beachside. We literally just decided to up and go to the beach Wednesday. And I am sooo glad we did. Sun is good for the soul. We are all beach bummed out ... until next time!!! Au Revior Florida!!! Xoxo-BLC

The Good Husband

OMG!!! OMG!!! OMG!!! I am STILL flipping out. So I watch three shows religiously: Gossip Girl, the Real Housewives of You Name It, and The Good Wife. So you can imagine my delight when I spied ... Matt Czuchry, you know Cary Agos from The Good Wife (and formerly of Gilmore Girls)!!! My friends where talking to his friends, everyone was having a good time, and then all of the sudden it hit me: that's Cary.

Of course, I started spazing and obnoxiously blurted, "OMG! That's Cary!!!" to my husband. I made him ask, Matt confirms, and the flipping out continued. My husband is SUCH a good husband: he pushed all three of us towards Matt and snapped this picture. Matt was beyond kind before I recognized him and even more gracious (and humble) when I did recognize him. See: the best things in life really do happen at the beach!!! Xoxo-BLC

PS: If you don't watch The Good Wife, you should. It's a phenomenal show. Even my good husband agrees. :)

It's A Shore Thing!!!

I just had to make this one black and white because our PINKS clashed. But shhhhhhhhhhh:

please don't tell my husband that his swim trunks are pink. He thinks they are "red." Surely the skull and crossbones make 'em tough enough to be pink ... right!?!

I wore my favorite itsy bitsy Lilly Pulitzer bikini avec a hot pink Walmart coverup. As we all stretched out on the beach, I noticed my friend Sussy's darling ruffled swim bottoms matched my coverup perfectly. We chuckled, agreed, and confessed: we just ♥love♥ the Op swimwear line for Walmart. Off to soak up the sun!!! Xoxo-BLC

Island Time

It was so much fun heading out of the city towards the coast with these two couples:

Being on island time is simply the BEST time!!! Don't you agree!?! Xoxo-BLC

Barbri at the Beach

I found "Barbri at the Beach" on my pink and green ...

Lilly Pulitzer beach towel from The Pink Pelican. Learning evidence was just more fun in the sun!!! 

With this as my view, studying ain't so tough!!! Sending clear blue water,
white sand, and loads of sunshine your way. Xoxo-BLC

Beach Bound!!!

My ah-mazing husband took my "Turks and Caicos" post to ♥!!!
I fully, 100%, absolutely believe that ...

As such, on a whim we decided to join a few favorite friends beachside at Seaside, Florida.

I promise to send some sunshine your way!!! Xoxo-BLC

Fit for a Princess

Undoubtedly, Jenny Packham designs frocks fit for a princess.
Princess Kate wore one of her creations to a recent black-tie charity event ...
While Princess Blair wore a strikingly similar one on Gossip Girl.
I have confessed before:
Princess Kate is definitely one of my style icons.
But then again ... so is Blair!!!
I've been her for the last two Halloweens:
As Blair and as Blair-esque.
... and Leighton Meester herself is totaly style icon it-girl as well!!!
So dish:
Would you rather make a living designing such amazing frocks???
Or ...
Would you rather attend events beckoning such amazing gowns!?!
Either way is a win-win in my book. :)
Chin chin to Princess Kate and Princess Blair wearing it well!!!
Xoxo-BLC

Gone to Turks and Caicos ...

It’s officially summertime (gasp, eeek, omgoodness)!!! As such, I decided a little trip to
Turks and Caicos was in order. Try not to be too jelly!!!

Excuse me while I soak up the sun, plant my feet in the sand, and sip umbrella covered
cocktails while listening to the waves crash the shoreline ...

... oh wait: the only rays I’m catching are from the floruestent lighting while studying for the bar exam in the law library!? Ewwwwww. So, for now, wearing Essie's "Turq and Caicos" nail and toe polish will have to do!!!

Chin chin to a little more parrot-dise in life!!! Xoxo-BLC

On A String {G-I-V-E-A-W-A-Y}

If you have been a longtime reader of TCSK, you know full well that I absolutely adore On A String!!! As such, you can only imagine my delight when On A String graciously offered to host a g-i-v-e-a-w-a-y on TCSK. I remember many moons ago when Christine and Anne first started making jewelry in their parent's furniture shop. That grew into On A String, now nestled in the heart of Myers Park with one knockout storefront. It is a must-see anytime you are in Charlotte: their bead collection, displayed jewelry, and handmade chandeliers are ah-mazing!!! Sometimes I shop at On A String with an idea of what I want (a magazine clipping or a drawing of what I am envisioning or just a dress that needs coordinating jewels), but other times I just go in on a whim and I never ever leave empty handed.  I also must confess, I look for excuses to throw parties at On A String: from bridal showers to birthday parties to girls-nights-out ... you name it. Hosting a party at On A String is just more fun!!!

Isn't the store stunning!?! On A String offers complimentary (yes: FREE) classes teaching YOU how to make jewelry. Charlotte Magazine recently crowned On A String with the award: Best One Of A Kind Gifts.
I totally agree!!! I could go on and on, but on to the g-i-v-e-a-w-a-y details ...

On A String is EXTREMELY generous and is giving away THREE pairs of earrings. THREE lucky
winners will win one pair. All three pairs are to die for --- how will you ever pick which pair!?!

To enter to win, just leave a comment below specifying if you have a preference for the blue pair, pink pair, and gold pair. If you want all three like me, just leave a comment and we will let the girls at On A String pick for you!!! For extra entries: like On A String on Facebook, follow On A String on Twitter, and blog/tweet/facebook about this giveaway. That's up to six entries!!! If you want extra entries, you must leave an extra comment for each entry. No blog? No problem, just leave your email address so I can let you know if you win. The winners will be picked via random.org and announced on June 20th, 2011. Many many many thanks to On A String for graciously hosting this giveaway and to you for reading TCSK!!! Xoxo-BLC

Are You Ready For This Jelly ...

Last summer I ohhh-ed and ahhh-ed over the Jimmy Choo jellies. This year, I have the bug again ...

Top: clear Steve Madden and gold Jack Rogers. Bottom: gold Salvatore Ferragamo and pink minnie Nina. I adore all four, but I felt like Cinderella when I slipped on Steve's pair. Do you have a favorite jelly!?!

I might never ever grow out of jellys … and that is just fine by me!!! Xoxo-BLC

Frill Me!!!

Remember my vintage lust!? I’ve been on the hunt ever since. I am thrilled to announce, three little vintage Lilly Pulitzer frocks have found their way into my closet this Spring.Their dubbed “The Lillys.” A sneak peek:

After alternations, these vintage Lilly’s frill me up and down and all over again!!! More details sooon. Until then, dish: do you adore vintage too!?!? If so, where is the hunting good!? I found my three thrills on Etsy. Vintage frills to you and yous. Xoxo-BLC

All That Sparkles

In my college years, I only had eyes for David. You know, David Yurman. Then my husband introduced me to Alexis Bittar and it was love at first sight. Now I am swooning again ... this time it's over Bounkit. The entire collection is d-i-v-i-n-e. All styles come with options: studs or clips. I prefer studs (wink, wink).

I stumbled upon Bounkit thanks to Lilly Pulitzer's catalog. That's how I also found KEP Designs. J'adore her collection of staple must-haves. Oh, speaking of my must-haves: anything in Devon Baer's line. Ah-mazing!!! And, for all you lucky girls who live in Charlotte, On A String can whip up anything. I use to take a dress and let them surprise me. Oiy! I could go on and on and on and onnn with all that sparkles chit chat.
Dish: who makes your favorite jewels!?! Xoxo-BLC

"It was a dark and stormy night ..."

Edward Bulwer-Lytton began his novel Paul Clifford with, "It was a dark and stormy night; the rain fell in torrents — except at occasional intervals, when it was checked by a violent gust of wind which swept up the streets (for it is in London that our scene lies), rattling along the housetops, and fiercely agitating the scanty flame of the lamps that struggled against the darkness." Isn't that spooky!?! Clearly, Ed hasn't seen Lilly's new Dark 'n Stormy print ... but it sure sounds like he could use a Dark 'n Stormy!!! This is my most favorite print from Summer 2011. Isn't it divine!?! And doesn't the drink sound delish too!!! I simply must order a Dark 'n Stormy while wearing the Dark 'n Stormy Lilly frock. Cheers!!! Xoxo-BLC

PS: Let's play a game!!! Finish this sentence: "It was a dark and stormy night, until ..." Xoxo-BLC

Glamping

Camping + Glamorous = Glamping!!! As a child, I glamped on our deck. The yard had way too many bugs. Plus, on the deck, you could open the french doors and feel the cool breeze from the air condition.

AC, outlets, and running water are all musts when glamping ...

So is a pink sleeping bag and the pink romper. Duh!!! Mamatella use to read me to sleep every night. Best childhood memory!!! The summer after second grade, I graduated from glamping to real camping at Camp Lurecrest. In the fabric of my life, Camp Lurecrest colored my childhood more than ever imaginable. Don't fret, I still squeal like a 5 year old every time I see a bug!!! Ewww. Cheers to glamping ... and camping too!!! Xoxo-BLC

Rabbit, Rabbit!!!

Rabbit, rabbit!!!

As you well know by now, Robert Lynd stirred up a little superstition when he wrote "Solomon In All His Glory," ... it goes a little like this:

"'Why,' the man in the brown hat laughed at him, 'I thought everybody knew 'Rabbit, rabbit, rabbit.' If you say 'Rabbit, rabbit, rabbit'--three times, just like that--first thing in the morning on the first of the month, even before you say your prayers, you'll get a present before the end of the month."

So at the beginning of each and every month, I wish you a little "rabbit, rabbit." I adore June because it brings SUMMERTIME!!! Wishing you loads of junebugs, sun, summer, fun, and, of course, a happy June to you and yours. Xoxo-BLC

PS: TCSK II is back and better than ever ... shop, shop, shop to your ♥s content!!! Visiting are all my favorites: Lilly, Tibi, Ralph Lauren, Alisha Levine, and Tory Burch. Oh, and a first-ever: SHOES!!! Sizes from 4/Small to 10/Large and prices from $10.00-$40.00. Shop away!!!