My (fashionable) Love Affair with Billy Reid

i first discovered billy reid a couple of years ago on a trip to new york.  we were staying at the bowery hotel and my hubby and i headed out on foot to do what i love to do in the city - SHOP.  dear husband has little patience for how i like to shop so we were focused on him.  just around the corner from the hotel we discovered a little slice of design heaven in the billy reid shop.  how fitting that a couple of southerners in the city end up in a shop with a southern based (alabama) designer.  hardwood floors, antique furniture, crystal chandelier and mounted deer head give it a ralph lauren meets anthropologie with a handful of whimsy thrown in.  we checked out with several jackets, pants, shirts and ties.  the shoes are amazing, but alas we did have a budget.  lovely bar in the corner by the dressing rooms if you are really feeling the atmosphere and wish to sip a bit of kentucky bourbon as you shop:)  

GQ and Vogue darling Billy Reid now has a limited line at JCrew.  Be sure to check out his original line as well.

Billy Reid via JCrew

Billy Reid via JCrew

via Billy Reid

via Billy Reid

Designer Collaborations

Again sorry I have gotten a bit behind lately!  I have started a new job (!) and have been a busy hostess lately:)  I am always thinking about my blog and have a list in my head of a bunch of postings.  I wanted to take a moment to touch on designer collaborations.  This is a concept that is becoming much more common and I am thrilled.  There are so many up and coming and very established designers that are not necessarily accessible to everyone and the collaboration brings fresh new styles at affordable price points to customers and much deserved attention to the designer.  My first designer today is Calypso St. Bart.  They have lovely stores in New York that are the perfect spot to pick up beautiful resort wear, but I think even if you aren't going to a resort anytime soon when it gets hot and humid here in the south in the summer it is the ultimate chic everyday wear.  And don't even get me started on the rugs!  Thank you to Target for bringing us a limited edition line just in time for summer.  See these great pieces online and run to your local target (fast) before other great items sell out!

If you haven't noticed already, pink is a hot color for this season.  Love this luscious shade of raspberry that is listed as sleepwear, but I think would work as a great cover up at the beach or pool

If you know me, you know I love a hat.  Want to keep my face young, beautiful and wrinkle free as long as possible!  This hat is great for sun protection and right on trend with the 70s chic fashion as well.

I am also a confirmed scarfaholic.  LOVE the little tassels instead of fringe:) Such a quick way to add color and interest to a little scoop neck tee and jeans or shorts!  And even though it's hot outside air conditioned restaurants and offices can leave you chilly so you can use to wrap around for warmth as well.

You can't open a House Beautiful or Elle Decor without seeing some Moroccan poufs strewn around a room.  I have one in brown and can attest to the versatility - extra seating, ottoman, side table with a little tray on it.  This silver adds an element of drama - sadly sold out online, but check your local store!

Look out for my next designer posting on an up and coming menswear designer!  Now I am going to take my delicious hot coffee out on the patio and take a moment to enjoy this beautiful morning before I head out to pilates class:)