Let the Sunshine in

Happy First Day of Summer!

{Image 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9}

Weddings, Weddings, Everywhere!

Let the 2012 Wedding Season begin! If you haven't already been to one, I'm sure there's an RSVP on the horizon for you. We all know how fun it is to find a new dress for any occasion but picking the right one to wear to a wedding can require some decision making.

Anatomy of the Dress

Neck Line: Choose a dress with more of a conservative neck line. A V-Neck is most definitely okay just be sure it's not incredibly plunging. Think, something sweet with a little bit of sass, and you won't go wrong.

Color & Print: It's a good idea to find out what the brides colors are before you shop. It would be a real bummer to get there and be mistaken for a bridesmaid because you're wearing the exact same color dress! When in doubt choose a printed pallet. Yes, you should try to stay away from white and black, especially in solids :)


Hem Line: This is more for your comfort than anything else. There's usually a lot of sitting involved between dances and bouquet tosses so something you don't feel too constricted in will do wonders! 
Tip: Do a sitting and bending over test while you're in the dressing room. You'll know right away how you feel!

Here are my picks from Anthropologie's New Arrivals that should get you started without a hitch!

Casual Outside Wedding

 {Knit Corners Dress $138, Coral Skies Silk Dress $248}

Dressy Outside Wedding

{Ponderosa Shift Dress $148, Bright Cornflower Dress $188} 

Evening Wedding

 {Sangeet Dress $198, Citrus Zing Dress $325}

Beach Wedding 

{Au Fait Day Dress $118, Rhododendron Racer Back $128}

Shoe Tip: Know where you're going!

Grass/Boat/Sand= Wedge or Flat. (sand= open-toe)

Handbag Must Have!

{Kate Spade Flicker Bon Shopper Tote $258}

{Lacey Wallet $198}

{Coin Purse $50}

Some Things Lovely

{Looking up on my daily walk home}

{View off my deck at twilight}

{Run through a quaint neighborhood}

{Sunset Hill in the morning}

{A June gloom rainbow}

For Fathers

I think we all know the way to a man's heart so let's not beat around the bush here! Father's Day is just around the corner and I've learned it doesn't matter if you get him a brand new watch or a wallet... he's gonna want to EAT! I've got ya covered with the 3 B's... Brunch, BBQ, and of course Beer. 

Happy Father's Day everyone!

BRUNCH

Closet Cooking Recipe Here

 BARBECUE 

Radishes and Rhubarb Recipe Here

BEER

Find Him a Hoppy IPA

Light linens for the light days

The sun hasn't been setting until 9pm these days and that means lots more light and lots more heat! So instead of kicking off my heavy sheets and blanket in the middle of the night I change my bedding to the lighter, breezier version I have stored away. I realized this last year so I already have a set ready for the switch. You may also but just in case you don't or do but want something a little different this time around I scoured Pottery Barn's online store for their season's best.

{Darien Stripe}

 {Matine Toile}

{Palm Frond}

The Matine Toile in yellow is probably my favorite... I wouldn't mind those bright beautiful Sunflowers next to my bed either!

Summer Sandals

It's our toe's favorite time of year! Now that they're getting used to daily lotion massages and fresh polish changes, it's time they take that next step. Sandals! Flats or Wedges, Casual or Dressy, let's give our toes exactly what they've been waiting for!

Here are some of my favorites so far this season. Most of them are a natural leather because they go with most everything. You know I love the wedges but I'm trying to give the flats a fair shot too!

1. Tory Burch Casey Flat.................................. $202
2. Conley's Sandale........................................... $110
3. London Rebel Weave Thong ..........................$42
4. Sam Edelman Josie au Natural Wedge ..........$152
5. Sam Edelman Gigi Flat ..................................$139
6. Steve Madden Saahti ........................................$70
7. Tory Burch Miller Thong Flat ........................$225 

Facebook Page!

Golden and Golden is on Facebook too!

I can tend to be a little too plugged in sometimes... I can't help it... it's fun! I created a Facebook page so I can add some quick posts and photos throughout the day. You just never know what's going to inspire you! Click here to check the Facebook page out and give it a like, if you'd like:)

LIKE Golden and Goldens Facebook page for some 'in between posts' Posts! 

Street Style ~ Chic Scarves

{Miranda Kerr, Emily Maynard, Jennifer Aniston}

It's pretty amazing how much wrapping a scarf around your neck can do for you. Patterned, solid, floral or striped a scarf turns any casual outfit into a purposeful style. Here's a look at some classic ensembles turned chic with nothing more than a comfy scarf.

By picking through the wonderful selection Revolve Clothing has to offer I created some summer scarf styles to show how easy it can be!

al la Emily Maynard

{Enza Costa Double Maxi Dress $98 with Michael Stars Pop Paisley Silk Scarf $58}

al la Jennifer Aniston

{AG The Ex-Boyfriend Jean $215 with Gypsy 05 Tribal Scarf $57}

al la Miranda Kerr

{291 Lace Up Crop Sweatpants $98 with Michael Stars Flourish Scarf in Black $58}

Signed, Sealed, Delivered

Hosting small parties and and gatherings is such a rewarding way to spend time. It gets your creative juices flowing while you're planning and brings your favorite people together. The last few times I've planned a soiree I've gone on Etsy to find some cute invitations. I've definitely been inspired to host just by looking through all of the clever ideas and designs. This is the route I love to go because it sets a beautiful tone from the get go, you don't have to worry about being ridiculed for your penmanship, and you get to support a small business! 

Here are some invitations that have won me over in the past and a some tips I've learned from the ordering process.

 {ROSIEDAY DESIGN}

{GIRLS AT PLAY}

{PICKLE DOODLE DESIGNS}

 {PARTY BOX DESIGN}

Here are PICKLE DOODLES printing prices. I love all the options and how concise it is. 

A small tip: When you have the option of ordering a .PDF "print yourself" version of the invites or a printed with envelopes included version of the invites; to go with the printed and with envelopes. I've done this process both ways and realized that getting the .PDF of the invite involves lots of cutting, finding the right size/color envelope and time! 

There's definitely something to say about signed, sealed, delivered!

Some Things Lovely

~A Blooming Bicycle~

~Roses in Paper~

~Pretty Bunches~

~The Sweetest Vine~

Favorite meal of the day

~Belgian Waffle and Fresh Strawberries~

a la Aster Coffee Lounge

Breakfast is absolutely my favorite meal of the day. It's what gets me outta bed on most mornings. That and of course a fresh steeped cup of coffee, or 3 from my beloved french press! Knowing the importance of a well balanced breakfast can also make things a little hard at times too because I LOVE a crispy waffle with syrup and strawberries more than anything! There's no oatmeal or smoothie concoction out there that can change my mind either. So here they are. My 3 all time favorite breakfasts!

~Pancakes and Eggs with Bacon~

a la Moi!

~Cinnamon Waffle with Maple Syrup and Banana~

a la Sweet Iron

Put It On A Shelf

I've been having so much fun organizing little areas of my apartment lately. It's nice to freshen up corners and shelves, making everything look purposeful and in it's place. Although I've come to realize I'm not the most "Type A" personality out there, I think this is where I let my "A" shine through. So here's the small bookshelf I've styled as of late. There's more inspiration that follows which I will definitely be following once I have a little more room. For now, this is what I've got! 

~Poised~

~Cheerful~

~Sophisticated~

The Daily Routine

Most of us have a little morning routine we've created for ourselves over the years. It's nice to have a system down because usually when we find what works we don't want to deviate much, plus following a bit of a regimen can be a super time saver to boot! I'm always a little curious about other ladies routines. We can learn so much about products and uses if we could get a little insider info from real girls! So here are the products that get me through most mornings. I've got it down to about 15 minutes for my simple daily look. Most of these I've been using for over 5 years! Call me a creature of habit but they've never
done me wrong!

1. Laura Mercier Lip Glace in Baby Doll

2. Benefit Cosmetics Get Even Pressed Powder

3. Kiehl's Ultra face Moisturizer

4. Laura Mercier tinted Moisturizer

5. Laura Mercier Cheek Melange

6. Benefit Cosmetics High Beam Highlighter

7. Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzing Powder

8. Maybeline Great Lash Mascara

Happy Memorial Day!

Hope everyone is enjoying the day!

Remember to take some time to reflect and appreciate our Servicemen and women.

In style of course!

~See more of my Memorial Day pinboard~