Did I Wake Up in Mississippi?

London was hotter than Hawaii today. No, really. It was a scorching 87 degrees. 

That's 30 degrees warmer than a typical September day. At least I feel right at home, 

as I am used to these scorching temperatures this time of year back in Oxford, MS. 

Hyde Park has attracted thousands wishing to catch those last bit of rays before the 

dark skies move in... 

The REAL London Look

Let me take you on a trip down Bond Street...

White on white.

Hermes Birkin. Every color, every shape.

Hermes belts and understated statement bags. 

 Color block shoes in neutrals.

Particularly in the likes of Louboutin and inspired by menswear. 

Shrunken blazers.

Jean shorts with black tights - everywhere, everyone, every age!!! 

Chunky metallic sweaters. 

Turbans. Man, can those Brits pull them off. 

Hello Again!

AHHHH this is really happening, I am turning into a Londoner. I MUST apologise (getting used to British grammar) for my absence. I have been settling in and bopping around town like a local (ha I wish). London truly has such an international flair, much more so than I had remembered. I have spent the past week familiarising (again, British grammar) myself with the sophisticated underground system and London as a whole. I also managed to visit a few tourist sites! With less than a week until classes begin, I am enjoying my "Freshers Week."

More to come soon about the fabulous week I spent with my parents in London. But pretty soon, reality is going to hit, while I hit the books.  

Love this view. The old & the new.

Kensington Palace. Long live Diana, Princess of Wales.  

My moment of Royalty within the palace.

I could literally feel the spirits of the 7 Princesses that have lived in the palace, including Diana.

My dad and I enjoying the Orangery at Kensington Palace. 

 Beautiful gardens.

Goodbye Chicago, Hello London!

It's official, I'm en-route to the UK! It is going to be such a hectic, exciting, and riveting week. I have lots planned before classes start, hopefully I can fit all the fun in!! Obviously it's going to be incredibly overwhelming, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Stay tuned for the first post as a new Londoner. For now, tata!  

It Takes Two

I've been keeping something from y'all.

My other half will be joining me in London for the year. Nooo, it's not what you're thinking (I don't have a boyfriend - so no fun!). My older sister Mariel has JUST decided to take a little leap and follow me across the pond to the big City. Now that everything's finalized we've been detailing our future excursions and strategizing our royal outings. Yes, really. So watch out London, here we come!

Let's face it - everything's better in pairs.

A little bit of love

I've been lusting for a pair of leopard loafers for a while now... and what could be better than these Celine beautys?

Well, the price tag. 

So I decided to go with the equally fab Steven by Steve Madden version.

I can't wait to trek all around London in these bad boys.

Jeffrey Campbell, Dolce Vita, Sam Edelman also make similar styles.

Fashion Friday

Now that New York Fashion Week is wrapping up, take a look at some of my favorite looks 

Reddish hues and white were all over the place.

Hurry up, spring!

Victoria by Victoria Beckham

 Alice + Olivia

The Row

 Rachel Zoe

Tory Burch

Rachel Roy

10 Crosby Derek Lam

I also love love LOVED Proenza Schouler & Prabal Gurung

Betches Love This

Has anyone checked out #94 over at Betches Love This? 

I have to admit I do agree with the lovely betches.

Just saying.

Missoni Mayhem

The long awaited Missoni for Target collection arrived in stores Tuesday. Of Target's designer collaborations, this was indeed the most hyped. The 400 piece Missoni collection included everything from sweaters & maxi dresses to plates & bowls and even a bike! I headed to Target Tuesday morning with my sites set on a dress or two, and of course the bike. However when 10am came, the store was wiped clean! To my disbelief (silly enough) customers started lining up at 5am and were "grabbing everything and anything in site" one Target employee sneered (they weren't too happy about the mayhem). Oh and get this, when I last checked there were over 330 pages on EBay listing Missoni for Target. Prices were more than double! I suppose that is capitalism at its finest, but really give the girl a break. Clearly Target Tuesday is the new Black Friday. 

Pure fabulosity.

Love. Love. Love. 

 Miss Missoni modeling her family's finest. The classic Fiat is a winner.

My oh my look at the colors!

Who wouldn't want to be them?

Love Means Nothing in Tennis

The past two weeks I've spent my time playing fantasy tennis. Well sort of. I've been living vicariously through the tennis all-stars that are playing at the US Open. Tennis is one of the oldest sports rooted in tradition, and undeniably the preppiest. What I like best about tennis is that it truly is a universal sport. Young and old, black and white, male and female. Almost anyone can play it. And certainly everyone can enjoy it. 

As I type, I am watching Novak Djokovic (1) play Rafael Nadal (2) in the men's final. It is the first time since 1987/1988 that the same men have played in back-to-back finals at the US Open. This is history in the making.

My money's on this guy:

An Apple a Day

The final adventures continue. 

My mom, sister and I went to a serene Twin Lakes, Wisconsin for a day of apple picking at Harvest Times Orchard. 

A ripe Gala apple compliments my essie tart deco & capri nails.

Success wearing vintage Ralph Lauren denim.

The plentiful orchard. Mistaken for a vineyard in Napa.

The fruits of nature. Yummy.

Mariel found a new profession.

Simple roadside sign. 

The rustic smokehouse.

Some goodies. Who knew all the things apples can make!  

It is more than just an orchard.

A Wisconsin classic - courtesy of the on-site Brat Shop. 

 Mariel and I on the restaurant deck.

 What farm is complete without a red shed?

The treats in the Cider Barn may have been the highlight.

Process of making fresh apple cider. The smell was unbelievable!