Wednesday giveaway!

Today's giveaway is from Ruche, a fabulous California boutique with vintage-inspired pieces. They're offering one lucky winner a $100 gift certificate to perk up her summer wardrobe.

(Ruche has super reasonable prices, so $100 would get a bunch of cute things -- for example, you could get two tops and a skirt, or a dress and sandals.)

For a chance to win, please visit Ruche's shop and leave a comment below. A winner will be chosen at random tomorrow. Good luck!

Update: Kelly from Maine is our lucky winner. xo

Guest Post: Bocce Ball

Recently, I came across two bocce ball sets, and they're the prettiest I've seen. The $2800 Chanel one, of course, is for serious players and would take your bocce ball to a whole other level. Which outdoor games do you enjoy playing?

Restoration Hardware Bocce Ball Set; Chanel Bocce Ball Set

-- By Rachel from Black Eiffel

Guest Post: Mini things for mini people...

...that i'd totally wear in grown-up sizes...

{left to right, top to bottom: roxy little girls romper, smallable striped tee, j.crew girls dress, giga & zaza shoes, j.crew boy's tie, and trumpette metallic mocs}

-- By Joy from Oh Joy and Oh Joy Eats

Guest Post: Magical Bubble Photos

When I came across these photos by Romain Laurent, I let out an audible *gasp." I wonder how he was able to capture such a magical moment? What are your thoughts?

-- By Rachel from Black Eiffel

Guest Post: Picnic Ideas

I love Joanna's idea of having a picnic club. What a blast that would be throughout the warming spring and summer months! I envision delicious food picked up a a local deli or nearby farmer's market and lots of outdoor games like bocce ball and croquet and just having fun hanging out with a group of friends. Here are a few things to bring outside. Happy picnicking, everyone!

From top left: Disposable wooden forks; Portland picnic plates; Weber Smokey Joe Grill; france cheeseboard; Belvoir fruit juice A.P.C. dress; John Lewis picnic hamper Anorak kissing rabbits picnic blanket

-- By Rachel from Black Eiffel

The Kids Are All Right

This movie looks great (as does Mark Ruffalo). It comes out July 9th.

Your summer work wardrobe

It is quite a wardrobe challenge keeping it professional and summery for the working woman.  Depending on the nature of your job, finding that balance between professional look and summer coolness can be tricky especially in a high powered corporate job where image is key.  Then there are those who are always required to be camera ready.

The last few days have been bursting with magical sunshine and heat - perfect beach weather.  But alas not all of us are fortunate enough to be lounging on the beach somewhere.  Keep cool in dresses and skirts in light cottons or linen and ladies ...... great time to shave or wax your legs if you tend to be more on the hairy side as summer does reveal all those ills we have been hiding under coats and tights for months.

Look camera ready in this wrap dress from La Redoute.  If you just cannot be without a suit for work then lighter colours like beige, cream and white suits will certainly make you instantly trendy as you will be blending in with the nude trend.  A top tip is to always keep a versatile jacket in your office to upgrade your look from casual to formal in an instant.

Accessorize your work wardrobe with tasteful unusual jewellery in great summer colours like polkadot rings and copper bracelets.

Don't miss out on the La Redoute sale to add a few key pieces to your capsule wardrobe this summer.

Toby after dinner

A few readers asked for more family photos, so here's one of Toby and me after feeding. He always looks like Wallace Shawn when he's getting burped, which we find adorable and hilarious.

Guest Post: Wedding Inspiration

Since I'm in the midst of planning our wedding which is *gasp* only a few weeks away, I thought I'd leave you with some inspiration for the big day.

Clockwise from top left: Cheese display; cake flags; May 4th tie; butterflies; fieldwork flowers; long guest table; airplants.

Couple in boat; guests.

Thanks again to Joanna for having me here. I've had fun blogging about babies, dresses and weddings. Congratulations to Joanna and Alex, and welcome to the world, Toby!

-- xo, Alyson from Unruly Things

Guest Post: Backless Dresses

I love open back dresses, especially this dress from Eskell's spring collection. Open back dresses are so sexy and perfect for spring/summer nights.

Bottom three from Frances May.

-- By Alyson from Unruly Things

First day of summer

Today is the first official day of summer! Yahoo! Do you have any fun plans for the season? I'm looking forward to taking breezy evening walks, drinking bright pink rose and squeeeezing back into my jean shorts. xo

(Photo by Stephanie Congdon Barnes)

Guest Post: Baby Stuff

Hi, there! This is Alyson from Unruly Things. I'm so happy to be here guest blogging while Joanna is enjoying her new mommy bliss. It seems there are quite a few lovely ladies in my life that are expecting or have just had a little one of their own. So I thought I'd kick off the week with some super cute baby stuff that's made my heart swell.

Clockwise from top left: Vintage sunsuit; organic teddy bear; striped onesie; infant Converse; sara sandals; gingham shirt; bib.

-- By Alyson from Unruly Things

Summer sales online shopping

Back from holiday and rearing to go.  Who am I kidding?  I always find it so incredibly hard to get back into the routine of  work once I've been away.  Having to keep on top on what is happening in the world of fashion is no easy feat I can tell you especially when there are so many summer sales about.  I can't think of a better distraction though.  It's one thing to join the buzz of the high steet but I find that I see so much more variety online than I actually find in the stores when I'm physically there.  I mean I passed through Debenhams on the weekend but I didn't see this black print dress perfect for  this great summer weather we have been having lately.  This print dress will absolutely compliment my latest summer leather sandals.

The thing is I never go through an entire store from department to department and clothes believe it or not are not the only items I shop for online.  Take this leather storage bench for instance  I have been promising myself to get a storage bench for my bedroom for ages.  They are so convenient for putting away those extra blankets and sheets and a must have for putting on your shoes upstairs.  I did have a wooden one in mind but this storage bench is far safer for the children when they are bouncing around in my room - no sharp edges. 

There are some great online bargains to be had, so leave the car in the driveway put your feet up and let your fingers do the walking.  You will be amazed at the bargains you find online. Online shopping have never been better.

What's on your summer wishlist?

That's a pretty big question but I've narrowed it down to the must haves...
**Not in any specific order*

-The "Perfect" Fedora
Not the kind your grandpa wore but the ultra trendy ones you see in the fashion magazines.A straw hat fedora is more appropriate and weather friendly for the hot days of summer.

Now where do you find these hats has always been some type of enigma. Forever 21 and H&M will probably have a couple but check the small boutique that caters to the hipsters in your city.Also online shopping is probably the best bet. Check Alloy.com

-The "Perfect" Summer dress
I hope you know that coral is the "It color" this summer. If you heard it was anything else--THEY LIED.

Forever 21 Satin Shirt Dress;$27.80
Now I think i may have this category covered already. I got a dress (totally different from the above pic). It coral dress with a bustier type and a criss-cross back with a gold zipper. I have no idea when to wear it. My 19th birthday maybe? Omg,I'm going to be 19 in September...*quickly changes topic*

-The "Perfect" Cocktail Shorts
To me,this is one of those trends that always come back once summer arrives.Dress it up or dress it down!I would love black ones...I need to brighten up,eh?


-The "Perfect" Handbag
Leather will stick to my arms.Suede is just...weird.That still leaves plenty of options. And of course it'll all depends where you're going-work,school,beach etc.

Is this a good summer bag? Alloy.com-Shada Bag;$39.90

-The "Perfect" Tank Top
I'm not taking about those lame spaghetti strap things. Tops like this:

Alloy.com;$22.00

-The "Perfect" Sandal
I don't think it's possible but have fun trying.


-The "Perfect" Romper
Denim,Satin(Why would you do that?)...pick your flavor.

If you're blessed with divine legs show them off! A little shimmer and leg makeup = perfect legs

-The "Perfect" Skinny Cargo Pants


And of course -The "Perfect" pair of sunglasses.Whether you're into designers names or not there's a formula for the perfect sunglasses based on your face shape. Good thing to Google.

le ciel d'ete

Afternoons with Toby

Afternoons with Toby are the best. We sing and read, and one of us loves to stare for ages at a red shopping bag. I am totally in love with his mouth, which goes back and forth between a triangle and a circle. Although I want him to grow up, I also want him to stay exactly the same forever.

Guest Post: I can see clearly now...

...through multi-colored glasses...

{left to right, top to bottom: milly gum drops ring, kate
spade gumdrop studs, acquamiki pendant lamp, wine and olive wood jar from moma, and ballet flats from fred flare.}

-- By Joy from Oh Joy and Oh Joy Eats

Guest Post: Sky treats

For pops

and ma

and little buddy.

-- By Melanie from You Are My Fave

Wednesday giveaway!

Today's giveaway is from Snoozer Loser, They're offering this rad vintage 1960's quarter pendant. Get this: The pendants were used to carry exactly $2 in quarters for laundry, vending machines or parking meters. How awesome is that? Would be great to wear around town and on trips.

For a chance to win, please visit Snoozer Loser and leave a comment below. A winner will be chosen at random tomorrow. Good luck!

Update: Fritzi Marie is our lucky winner. Thanks for playing. xo

Guest Post: Woodsy treats

A reminder for dad

something sweet for mom

and something sweeter for baby.

-- By Melanie from You Are My Fave

Guest Post: Bicycle treats

For dad

mom gets two

and baby is styling.

-- By Melanie from You Are My Fave

Guest Post: Nautical treats

For dad

and mom

and don't forget baby. (Mobile in production and coming soon)

-- By Melanie from You Are My Fave