Patched

The back to school shopping has been a bit dangerous, because in addition to buying needed items for the daughters, the mommy has been getting items too. Unneeded items. But nice items... I have to say I am a bit proud of myself for resisting temptation at the Neiman Marcus outlet, which had a Nancy Gonzalez black croc tote (GORGEOUS!) straight from Bergdorf Goodman, with a pretty good outlet discount. And I've been looking for a nice croc bag for only like forever. But I said no. Last time this happened I cried months (if not years) for being hit by the stingy moment. (It was the python Gucci at Woodbury Commons last summer.) But this time is different. Maybe. Hopefully. It is time to grow up. Anyway, I got these patched NYDJ jeans, and paired them with my JCrew top, Tory Burch espadrilles, Hermes bag and bangle. My take on the classic blue jeans and a white tee outfit. 

White Jeans

I've been wearing white jeans a lot this summer. Probably more than ever before. Not sure why they felt right now, even though I've been trying to wear white jeans for many summers. This is an outfit from last weekend.

Seven jeans, Calypso top, Fendi bag, Hermes bracelet, Sam Edelman sandals. 

Helsinki II

Helsinki is such a beautiful city from so many different angles, but of course the location by the sea, and the many ports with their cruise ships add so much character, and shape the way the city works, and how people travel. I've always lived on the coast, and can't even imagine not living somewhere fairly close to a large body of water. I couldn't help myself but take a ton of pictures of Helsinki!

Helsinki

My photo diary of the trip to Finland continues here with these photos of the day and a half that we spent in Helsinki. I would actually love to spend more time there as Helsinki has changed so much, both with a new, more cosmopolitan atmosphere, new buildings and whole neighborhoods transformed, and I am curious about everything it has to offer. It's also always great to see my friends who live there, but the one regret I have is that it's just too rushed. I wish I had more time to spend exploring the city and hang out with the people I know...

Good Hair Day

So while we were in Finland the girls got their hair cut at a very nice salon, Hair Garage, which is located close to Stockman, and conveniently just a block from grandma's house. Our lovely hairdresser is of course also a good friend, and a former au pair, who has since graduated as a hairdresser, and also won a competition. A very talented young lady with an amazing eye for taking great photos as evidenced in her beautiful blog. My daughters really enjoyed being pampered. For the little ones this was their first "real" haircut in a salon, and I was really happy with how their hair turned out.

Back to School Shopping

Thank goodness the summer is not completely over yet. We still have one glorious long weekend before it's back to school and the busy fall schedule. My daughters are excited about going back to school though, which makes life much easier. We've been doing some back to school shopping; school supplies and of course some new clothes and shoes.

new booties from dELiA's 

And new jeans from Zara

Jumpsuit

Summer is the time for easy dressing.. and dresses and jumpsuits fit that bill. Just put on one thing and you're done.

New York and Company jumpsuit, Bottega Veneta bag and sandals

Summer Cottage

My parents started going to this summer cottage when I was 3-years old, so I don't really remember a time without it. It's a special place and has had its ups and downs. Recently it's a bit more overgrown, and the garden a bit less tended, but still beautiful in a more natural state.

The Earth Laughs in Flowers

I took all these photos from our summer house in Finland. The Finnish nature is so beautiful, the wild flowers so delicate while also strong, surviving and thriving despite the short summer season.