Simply Wanderful

In the bitter end of January I find myself dreaming of all things spring.  Oh how I wish for warm sun, sandals, simple sundresses, and effortless dressing.  Well I came across a site called Wanderlust (you thought I had a typo in the title didn't you?).  It is all these things and more.  The owner, Elizabeth Kiester, left her high power job in New York, moved to Cambodia, and opened an adorable boutique called

This is Elizabeth's story in her own words...
"girl lives in new york. girl loves fashion, color, art, 5 inch heels and travel. oh yes, and grilled cheese sandwiches. girl works at big fashion mags and later, huge global fashion design companies. girl travels around the world in search of the cool and the new....
...girl resolves to open a shop someday in some cool place that carries only clothes that speak a global language, stuff that translates everywhere and anywhere. girl goes to cambodia, and falls in love. falls in love with the country, the beautiful faces, the charming french colonial houses of siem reap; she is head over 5" stiletto heels with the colors of this country, the smell of lemongrass, the sunset warming the verdant rice paddies, the yves-klein-blue shade of the sky. girl goes back to new york, ditches her job, sells her furniture, packs a few inappropriate but necessary heels, and heads back to the allure of siem reap, cambodia...
...and the result is wanderlust, a lifestyle concept dedicated to giving girls gorgeousness, beautiful things handmade by the beautiful people of this beautiful country, beauty that easily translates to budapest, boston, battambang, bolivia, brighton or any beautiful place they call home."

I love her story and am so glad that Elizabeth decided to follow her dreams.  Her products speak of the country and to me they are so simple and so effortlessly stylish.  Here are a few of my favorite dresses from her site.  They are all under $80.  How great is that?

The accessories are a must have too and these prices are unreal.

So check out her site and wander around a bit.

I am positive you will find something you love.   

Hope...

for a cure.   Cancer affects everyone and I think that everyone hopes for a cure.  I know I do.  What if we could do more?  Well that is exactly what breast cancer survivor, Nina Wexler did when she started her company Free Fingers by Nina Wexler.

During her treatments she began knitting and this is how this amazing company came to be.  All her gloves are handmade and no two are alike.  She uses the best yarns such as cashmere, merino, silk, and alpaca.  The most amazing part is that 100%, yes I said 100%, of her proceeds go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  Now that is what I call doing more.

These gloves are so pretty and luxurious and are available online at Blue and Cream.

You can also go directly to her website (www.freefingersbynina.com) for more information and to see all her gorgeous designs.  I cannot think of a better gift to give yourself or someone else. 
I am truly inspired by Nina and her devotion to this cause.  So check her site out and purchase some gorgeous gloves all while giving to breast cancer research.  That's definitely a step above hope.

what's in a block?

 A block is a block is a block is a block is a block....





That's what I thought too until I found the company

These blocks are amazing.  They have magnetic connectors that defy gravity and unleash creativity.  Honestly the company and it's story are pretty amazing too.  Here's a little about the company in one of the founder's own words.

"It all started with an innocent, curiosity-driven question: “Could we create a for-profit company based in Honduras that would foster a positive social impact through its business?” Chris posed that question during a work trip to the Country in May 2006 where he reconnected in Tegucigalpa with friends dedicated to an impactful humanitarian project; seeking an answer to the question sparked the idea that became Tegu—a toy business founded to address unemployment, neglected natural and human resources, and the need for entrepreneurship in Honduras."

Pretty awesome, right?  Ok so I know you are dying to see these blocks.  They are super cool but I have to warn you that due to the awesomeness of these blocks they are sold out at the moment.  I know, I know, why would I tease you with this?  Well while you dream about buying them or even better put your name on the waiting list, there are some other great things that you can do in the meantime.  You can donate trees or schooldays (check out their website for more info).  How great is that? 

 The Starter Set (26 blocks)

The Original Set (52 blocks)

You have got to check out Tegu, and give your kids some pretty stylish blocks all while giving back.  It really doesn't get much better than that.

keeping time

My long hiatus is over....whew that was a nice break but I am back and ready to share with you lots and lots of great style this year.

In 2010 I find myself with many pseudo resolutions.  The first one on the list is that I am going to be better about being on time.  I grew up with a father that was a stickler about this, but since I had a baby I can't seem to make it out the door when I am supposed to.  I believe that being on time shows respect, I believe that it can be easy, and I am going to make it happen.

What does this have to with style you ask?
Well I would like to share one of my favorite christmas gifts that is going to help me keep this simple "resolution".  

How much do you love this watch? The best part is that it is not only fabulous looking but affordable too. 

La Mer Collections has so many unique styles for all your different tastes.  So check them out, be on time, and show some respect.