Friday's Simply Smitten - Blush & Blooms

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“Things have a miraculous way of working out. Trust that.”

-anon

Happy Friday!! My entire personality right now is the Barbie movie and I am not embarrassed to admit that.

I played hooky Monday afternoon to go see Barbie. I couldn’t wait any longer while the internet buzzed with excitement. I LOVED the movie! I thought it was brilliantly done. It lives up to its hype. The movie has so many nuances to it that I am still peeling back the layers of. I do not want spoil what happens because I think part of charm of the movie is feeling connected and seen. I will say that the movie takes you on an emotional rollercoaster. I felt happy, sad, angry, and nostalgic. But most importantly I left feeling even prouder to be a woman. Besides the storyline, the movie is silly and playful. I loved how they acted like dolls. I also loved their costumes and the set of Barbie Land. The music is really great as well. I can’t stop listening to the soundtrack… I’m just Ken….

Seeing Barbie was the highlight of my week, however last weekend I went on a girls trip to the Hamptons. My friend Sarah organized the trip to Bridgehampton to see the Holiday House Hamptons. Showhouses are when a design company rents out a house and assigns each room to a different interior designer. So one interior designer has the game room, another has the children’s room, etc. Showhouses are always interesting to browse through. I love seeing eclectic home decor. It may not always be my personal taste, but I always appreciate creativity in any form. Although I do have some knowledge of the interior design world, I am not fully submersed into it where I know everyone. The majority of the women I was with on the trip work in interior design in some way; writers, designers, interior design content creators, antique dealers. I am just an admirer of interior design. Anyway, I didn’t know the majority of the designers at the showhouse except for Christian Siriano. People are always surprised to hear that he is not only a fashion designer but an interior designer as well. I love his work!

Before the showhouse my friend Christy was gracious enough to host a brunch for all of us ladies. It was so lovely to see Christy again before her big move to Texas! I am really going to miss her! The brunch was lovely and it was a great way for all of us to really get to know each other. I knew some of the ladies prior to the trip, but not all 13. I loved meeting these women– everyone was wonderful! Christy had an assortment of breakfast food and mimosas for us to drink. It was the perfect kickoff to the fun-filled day.

After the showroom a few of us went antiquing, while the rest went home to check on their children or go to do some work. We went to ARF to browse. Some of my friends found cute decor stuff, but I didn’t see anything that I wanted to take home with me. Well I did fall in love with this green cabriole couch, but didn’t want to deal with the hassle. Anyway, antiquing was fun but I am sure it is so much better at the end of the season when everyone gets rid of stuff from their rentals and homes.

We ended the day at an event celebrating Maison Madeleine. Leah, the founder and designer, was showcasing a few new pieces– one of which was a collaboration with Sister Parish. It was a fun party at this gorgeous private home. Owned by a friend of Leah’s. For the party they had lots of delicious food.I was very excited to finally have lobster this season. A clever idea they had was using an old rustic canoe as the bar. I appreciate this element of the party decor. Everyone there was so nice and I met a lot of new people. The entire trip was exactly what I needed. I felt refreshed and inspired. I love going to the Hamptons. I usually try to go once or twice a summer. Hoping to get out East again this summer!

Back in the city I did my usual Tuesday morning dance class with DanceBody. I am still familiarizing myself with the new dances. I have a few down, just need to get my muscle memory going. And then there are a few I am still completely lost doing. I will have to spend this weekend practicing at home!

What I am watching: I started watching the new Real Housewives of New York. When they first announced an entirely new cast I wasn’t too thrilled. I loved the quirky women we have come to love and hate over the years. It felt like it wouldn’t be the same. But I am a huge fan of Jenna Lyons, so I already knew my fate. I have to say I do like the new cast. Jenna is clearly my favorite. I find her to be so fascinating. She seems a lot more reserved than the other ladies so it will be interesting as time goes on to witness that dynamic. I will say that it sometimes feels like the other women are trying too hard, but it is also entertaining so I can’t really complain. I think what I also like about the new cast is that they are around my age. Which at first when I found out Brynn and Erin are both 36 and younger than I am I also fell off my chair. I didn’t realize I was old enough to become a Real Housewife. I am so used to the women being in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. However, it is refreshing to follow along women my age and their successes.

What I bought: I have been into gold jewelry lately. I know it’s always been on trend but I also think it’s having a moment right now. Especially gold chain link necklaces, pendants, and small hoop earrings. I’ve never really been much of a gold jewelry wearer, but I have had pieces here and there in the past. I wish I kept my crystal chain link bracelet that I bought from J.Crew back in 2013 because the exact replica is being sold on their website right now. Anyway, I bought this layered necklace necklace— under $30. And these chain link earrings— under $40.

On The Blog

Sunday Shopping

What Books I Read This Past Spring Part 2

Amazon Home Decor

LTK Spotlight: J.Crew new arrivals

Top Seller: This brunch dress– on sale

This weekend I may just take it easy because of the weather. It is so hot outside! I do want to try and go to the City Girls Who Walk. I tried going a few weeks ago but it was pouring down rain, so I want to attempt to go again this weekend. It’s a large group of women who get together in Central Park every Sunday to walk and mingle. It’s free to join. I think it sounds like a great way to meet new people and to get a little exercise. I also want to finish my book, go for a run at some point, and enjoy the city.

Have a wonderful weekend xo

1. A tour of Jenna Lyons Soho apartment

2. How gorgeous is this dress?!

3. Eyeing this crochet cardigan

4. Must-have ballet flats for summer and early fall

5. AJLT ep7. fashion recap

6. Every vintage Chanel looks in Barbie

7. The hunger fed by Barbie and Taylor Swift

8. How to use plants as decor in every style home

9. These women are hilariously telling the truth

10. All about the permanent jewelry trend

Weekend Sales