Ah, the time is almost upon us for AM’s annual birthday celebrations!

Although the plans have not yet been set, I’ve been thinking about it and am looking forward to another fun night with good friends.

But, to make me even more happy, here are the things I’ve been lusting after lately…

1. This credit sized compact from Trish McEvoy. Great colors and super cute.

2. Purse from Ann Taylor Loft…it’s professional, polished, and oh so pretty.

3. I love this set of placemats and dishes from Crate & Barrel (yes, I know they don’t match – I didn’t mean for them to be used together).

4. And you really can’t go wrong with anything asian inspired – plates, bowls, wall hangings…especially with cherry blossoms. I also love this entire set. Beautiful!

5. I love clothes. And these shirts from FCUK…so hot. I sweat them.


Ah, but aside from my wishful thinking, I’m looking forward to seeing Nick Lachey in concert with my bff/life partner, and to a fabulous birthday dinner (possibly at Maggiano’s?) and then a night (or two) out on the town. Hopefully it will be just as good as last year. I’m contemplating holding the festivities at either Felix, Chloe, Play, or K Street. Mostly because I have hook ups at those places and I want to dance! A nice lounge/sitting area is key as well.

So here’s to birthdays and all the fun that comes with them!

Popularity: 3% [?]

I’ve always had an eye for expensive things, and I have pretty good taste in clothing. So, while shopping today at the Leesburg outlets, I found myself increasingly critical of the clothing options, even if it was a “good deal.”
(Although I did pick up a few basics – like $10 t-shirts at J. Crew)

I have lots of friends (mostly men) who can’t tell the difference between say, a polo shirt bought at Target and one bought at Nordstrom. Can you really not tell? I mean, the material is thinner and cheaper, the stitching isn’t as good, the color may be off dyed… it’s not that hard!

For example I went into the Lacoste outlet, and I was excited about maybe getting something there. However, most of the choices I saw were either blatantly NOT real Lacoste, or they were just…wrong. Sparkly threads in the stripes, thin material for the polos, odd shapes and colors, etc… I guess when you shop at the real store enough and know the designer, you know what it’s supposed to look like!

I have a weakness for Lacoste polos (I like the material and crispness), and I like designers like fun Michael Kors, funky Diane von Furstenberg (not that I can ever afford it, I just look), cool Dolce & Gabbana, the brightness of Lilly Pulitzer and the classic look of Ralph Lauren. I would love a Coach bag, Chanel sunglasses, a David Yurman bracelet, and Jimmy Choo shoes. Call me a label whore or a fashionista, or even snotty and high maintenance – but I like to know I’m getting something good!

I guess I’m old enough where I just can’t see spending the money on clothes just because they’re “cheap” and may or may not have a brand name. I’d rather spend $100 on a real BCBG shirt than $60 on the knock off that will fall apart.

Maybe there is something to be said for expensive clothes made right.

Popularity: 30% [?]