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Spring fever is in full swing at our house! Here’s our lovely magnolia tree in full bloom in the front garden. Now that we’ve done most of the gardening work out there, we’ve been focusing on the backyard. The lilacs we planted last summer are flowering for the first time, even though they’re only thigh-high. I can’t wait to show you what it looks like when it’s all finished!

Yesterday I was out there like a madwoman for hours in my Pure Barre workout clothes, even despite a late afternoon drizzle (to be honest it was welcome, as I was sweating up a storm from all the manual labor), mowing and re-mowing the lawn, which had kind of overgrown while we figured out what sort of mower to get. (Answer: Push mower, which I find oddly soothing to operate.) I raked huge piles of mowed grass off to the sides and went a little nuts pruning some of our smaller trees and holly bushes. No idea what got into me, but it’s looking rather smart back here (from where I’m typing this up at our table, in fact).

This was a breezy late April Saturday outfit for a bit of shopping around on Newbury Street. It’s a super lightweight Gap chambray over an H&M dress, belted with a patent and rhinestone bow number from J. Crew, and a pair of easy nude suede platform sandals from Zara. The raffia necklace from Anthropologie really makes it, though. And my OPI Liquid Sand mani – I’m so loving the gritty, matte texture!

Despite their chunkiness, these shoes are actually feather light and pretty comfortable. I made the potentially foolish mistake of wearing them for the first time with the knowledge that I’d be on my feet for over four hours nonstop, and didn’t regret it at all. Nicely done, Zara! The satchel is Kate Spade, the Irving Place Little Nadine and it’s a great mid-sized bag in the coolest neutral French grey.

What a lovely Mother’s Day I had! It was just full of sweetness and languor. We had a mix of wet and dry weather, and I got both my lazy outdoor reading in the sunshine and to see The Great Gatsby. I think because the story is what it is it couldn’t ever be my favorite Baz film, but it was nice to look at and I might even see it a second time just to be sure. I’ve dug into the new James Salter novel, All That Is, and so far find it to be fantastic.

Last night we were supposed to meet up with our JP pals after work to take a stroll through the arboretum, where their lilac trees and bushes are in riotous full bloom, too! They have hundreds and it’s a big Mother’s Day event, so even though we missed it Sunday we thought we’d all enjoy it on a calm Wednesday early evening before a BBQ dinner.

Well, it went and rained on our parade! We ended up having a nice, casual supper indoors instead, and chatted the night away catching up on the past week and a half. Hopefully the blooms haven’t diminished too much when we try again over the weekend, which is supposed to stay nice and pleasant. Fingers crossed!

XOXO,

FFAF

M snuck the photo above last year when we were taking a little break during the sitting for our first official family portrait. Such a sweet moment, and that was such a fun day!

Strange to think how different this Mother’s Day will be from our last - we had a four-generation brunch atop a well-kept secret of a hilltop in San Francisco, near my Grandmother’s Cole Valley house, and had a four-generation brunch! I’m not sure what my sneaky girls have up their little sleeves for tomorrow, but I’ll honestly be deliriously happy with a good bit of sunshine so that we can all spend it out in the newly furnished backyard. And if the weather lets me down, Great Gatsby’s on deck. The petite just finished reading it earlier tonight (all on her own – she really loved the writing) and we’re big Baz Luhrmann fans, so the excitement’s been buzzing around here non-stop.

Either way, I’m just grateful across the board – for my own incredible and unwaveringly sweet mom, the fact that M is the most outstanding, answer-to-all-my-prayers parent on the planet, and that our petite is as lovely and clever and kind and hilarious and responsible as she is. (Teenaged mood swings and all, bless her heart.)

I know this isn’t a mommy blog, but here are some of my favorite recent parenting-related moments:

1. Finding the kiddo studying barefoot on the porch in the afternoon now that the weather’s nice – wish I’d thought of that when I was her age!
2. I love surprising her with fun little unplanned treats, like a Boston Strong t-shirt from Rue La La or a new bottle of Ciaté nail polish
3. Listening to her VERY strong (and amusing) opinions on English class reading, most recently Romeo and Juliet and The Catcher in the Rye, or her VERY strong (and amusing) opinions on her classmates, especially certain unnamed characters in Physics and History
4. The way she is overprotective of the dogs ever since we brought Gunny home; she wants to make sure the “new baby” doesn’t get all the attention!
5. Finding out that she has more Tumblr followers than I do

There you have it! Enjoy the rest of your weekends, everyone. It’s MAY. 

XOXO,
FFAF

…and they’re off! 

I love the Kentucky Derby. Obviously, it’s the horses. Perhaps one day in this lifetime I will actually attend the derby, but in the meantime the handful of times I’ve been to the races back home at Golden Gate Fields will have to do. (Dollar Day, anyone!?) Plus, there’s always The Jumper Classic, which I have to get to this July  since I just missed it last year.

Anyway, we were invited to a derby day party, of course we said yes, and the mad dash for outfit planning began. I had a strapless, gorgeous vintage Milly dress all picked out. The print is leafy and oversized, just lime green and chalky chocolate-brown against a soft white background. As it turns out lime green hats and fascinators are rather difficult to find (and yes, I looked through every green hat on Etsy and eBay), and most brown ones are oriented toward cooler weather.

Still, I had bookmarked a ton of very outlandish and very expensive options I was going to attempt to DIY on the cheap, especially since a brand new Michael’s has opened up nearby. The one above from Hats by Cressida in London, for example, is $280, which I suppose is reasonable for actually attending the derby as a one-time splurge, but for an annual house party, as fabulous as it was? Negatory.

It’s still a freaking incredible hat, though, isn’t it? One day!

Where was I? Oh, right. The hat. My hat. Clearly, I ended up with an altogether different dress and hat, because you know what I learned? You don’t match the hat to the dress, my friends, you match the dress to the hat.

That’s what happened when I saw this hat at Bobby from Boston, and tried it on. It was amazing and meant to be and – BONUS TIME – so reasonably priced.

And out came this ancient Libertine for Target dress in its smartly draped black crepe, with its perfect little cream collar and belt. I knew it would suit the hat nicely with its vintage shape and feel. I could have gone with a more classic shoe, but I can’t get enough of these B. Makowsky suede platform sandals, and I knew the wedge heel would make it comfortable for traipsing all around Jamaica Plain, where our pre-parties and party-parties and after-parties all were.

Oh! And I found this lovely crane rhinestone crane pin loaded with lots of black, cream and gold at a Newbury St. boutique called Lou Lou, and snapped it up even though I wasn’t sure if it would end up on me or the hat or a corsage or what. I chose me, and couldn’t pass up layering on the oversized pearl and black lace necklace, either.

The enamel bracelet is from Betsey Johnson, the perfect and very sweet perforated gloves are from SoWa Vintage Market, and y’all recognize that cutie pie Madewell bag by now, I think. There was a vintage shawl I dyed myself with black tea from stark white to a nice, vintage-looking cream, but it’s not here.

M looked very dapper, don’t you think? I take zero credit for her outfit, she came downstairs as I was curling my hair and I was very impressed! She paired an H&M blazer, vintage sweater vest, and Banana Republic shirt with a pair of Express trousers and Asos brogues. I believe the hat is actually from our trip to Puerto Rico, and that was back in 2008. Before she proposed, even! Good heavens.

It was a great day with plentiful sunshine, lots of good food, bottomless mint juleps and wonderful company. The races were exciting and muddy and over in a flash, but we had some casual, friendly bets going amongst the group and a winner amongst our pals! M & I spent the morning learning all about the horses and going over our favorites. Such a good time.

Can’t wait to do it all over again next year!

Hey, girl. Sometimes you just have to slap on whatever denim is on the floor still clean laying around, pull on a white t-shirt and some no-nonsense boots, and call it a day, am I right? And if you’re femme, there’s a good chance you’ll still be fussing over hair and makeup despite a low maintenance look – which is how this outfit ended up with some serious hair and a shimmery teal eye.

Two years later and this Galibardy necklace is still one of my favorite buys in London!

I’ve been exclusively using this “pearl ceramic elliptical styling wand” by Remington to get these waves in my hair lately. It’s easy because the more imprecise you are, the better they turn out. They are perfect 2nd day, actually. Here’s a link to it if you’re interested!

Sweet little polka dot bag from Madewell, courtesy of M. Extra perfect now that I’m carrying around a trim little Jack Spade wallet!

Going back to hair for a second, I’ve also come to the conclusion that beachy waves are 84,000% easier with hair that is more or less all one length, instead of layered. For me, anyway. I’m not sure what kind of magical hair science explains that, you would think the opposite true, but there you go. I can finally, finally just use some excellent product on my damp hair, scrunch and let it air dry itself into looking like I snuck off to the Cape for the day.

I like using Kim Vo’s Curling Balm, Redken’s Wool Shake 08, or for something you can spray on, Oribe’s Après Beach Wave and Shine Spray.

OK, this outfit:

Asos jeans
Everlane cropped t-shirt
Thrifted denim shirt
Zara boots
Madewell bag
Galibardy necklace
Bracelets from Madewell, Brandy Melville
Bulova watch
Bow ring from Madewell
Vintage ring (green)

The shadow is called Neptune. Smashbox makes it in nine gorgeous shades, and the product is called Limitless 15-Hour Wear Cream Shadow. I used one of the limited edition Sephora + Pantone Universe Color of the Year liquid liners in – what else? – emerald. I guess it’s sold out because I’m not seeing it anymore, but they still have lots of the other goodies. It was fun to try out, and I dialed back the rest of the look by keeping things a soft, pale pink on the lips and cheeks.

That’s it for now, it’s been a long day (lovely, but chock-a-block with stuff) and we’re falling down! I’ve got posts from our Maine trip and our New England spring in living color coming up, so come back soon, sweet readers.

XOXO,
FFAF

Slowly but surely, glorious spring temps have begun to pepper our days out here in Boston. The season seemed to lurch forward, ready or not, just after the Boston Marathon bombings two weeks ago.

It definitely came in hotter and sooner last year, when we were here house-hunting and the runners sweated through brutal temps in the 80s. I think everyone was glad of the push, though. After the winter we’ve had, the blue skies and bright sun are hard to resist, even with hearts still a bit heavy. (I’ll talk about all that at some point, but not quite yet.)

So, two years ago we were in town for a dear friend’s wedding at the deCordova Sculpture Park & Museum, and staying at the Fairmont Copley, but extended our stay a bit by crashing with our other lovely friends’ place in Jamaica Plain for an extra day or two. We were just hanging out, enjoying the warm weather and cocktails and walks to the Arnold Arboretum, and decided to snap a photo of the four of us hanging out on their stoop.

Fast-forward to the same exact date this year, and of course, we live here now! We had to have a “Stoopiversary” and up the ante by having a cookout, mixing up more delicious libations, and marveling at all the events that’ve transpired since.

And of course, we HAD to take an identical photo:

It was a blast. (It was such a blast, in fact, that we didn’t get home until 2AM, and we all lamented the next day about how we’re not allowed to get together like that during the week anymore as we are NOT in our 20s anymore!) It’s really nice to have friends like these goodies, though, where the hours zip by and it’s impossible to only spend one or two catching up – we need at least four to six, and that’s a bare minimum!

They’re true blue, and everyone should be so lucky to have a few like these.

I passed this top up the first time I saw it, but the second time I thought, “Why not?”

It’s just a lot of fun, has great pops of green and orange in the print, and a bit of interest in the cut of the neckline and flirty ruffle. Tied at the waist with a pair of super high-rise skinnies and cool suede platform sandals, and it’s a perfect midweek get-up for a casual night out (or in!) with pals.

Sleeveless blouse, H&M
Necklace, SoWa Vintage Market
Beaded bracelet, vintage
Knotted rope bracelet, Kiel James Patrick
Skull friendship bracelet, Brandy Melville
Chunky gold bracelet, JewelMint
Bow ring, Madewell
Canary yellow ring, InPink

Denim, Cheap Monday
Suede sandals, B. Makowsky
Rose Gold & Diamond watch, Bulova

What with the lovely weather, we’ve done a ton of gardening already and wake up every day delighted to find new hyacinth, tulips and daffodils in the yard, and my wee lilac trees have made it through the winter and are thriving and green! We planted lilies and dahlias and peonies and a dizzying array of wildflowers as well, and I can’t wait to see them grow up healthy and strong.

Our magnolia tree hit full bloom last week and we’re still enjoying some fragrance and blossoms from that, but our Japanese weeping cherry tree lit up like a firework and fizzled out just as quick. In the spirit of cookouts and many lazy afternoons and evenings enjoying our backyard patio, we’re gearing up to set it up like an outdoor living space this week – just in time for next week’s glorious stretch of 70-degree weather!

Is it feeling like spring/summer where you are yet? I’ve heard tell of the soaring temps back home, which I think is pretty unusual for such a long stretch so early in the year!

XOXO,

FFAF

Let’s have one last look at the grand old Woodstock Inn & Resort, because I don’t think I shared it in the previous post. Such a beaut, and I bet even prettier in the full bloom of spring, in the fall with the branches just bursting with fiery leaves, or blanketed in snow! Turns out our good friends love Woodstock as well, so I think we might have to make a return trip within the year!

Speaking of snow, two weeks ago there was still plenty to be found on the ground throughout New Hampshire and Vermont. On river banks, strewn through little patches of forest like this one, and many ponds and lakes still fully or partially frozen over! It was surprising because all traces of ours have melted away, even if our temps aren’t quite spring-like yet.

It was nice enough out to get away with layering a leather over a maxi dress and platform sandals, despite how it looks. Honest!

Look at that beautiful green! Like a cool, soothing sea or Persian green. It’s the Ottauquechee River just past the dam and under the covered bridge, which sounds horribly, unbelievably picturesque, and absolutely is, and so striking against the stark grey tones of big river rock. We couldn’t believe our luck stumbling across it. If you ever are in the area, you must have a meal overlooking the damn, perched above the river at the Parker House Inn & Bistro. Heck, try staying there a night!

I am in love with this eyeshadow from the surprisingly fantastic Geek Chic Cosmetics, who make cruelty-free, gluten-free, paraben-free, vegan, totally original, totally nerdy, totally pretty makeup products. This shadow is called Sexy in Suspenders, and is aptly described as a “pale, fawny satin with a bright, unlikely blue highlight and choc full of blue and purple sparkles.” It’s really quite stunning, actually, and I love how complex their shadows are.

Trust me when I say this is a very conservative color – check out Daemoniac and Yes, Sir, for instance:

They offer generous samples for next to nothing and it’s a wonderful way to play around with what they’ve got to offer – which is a lot! At $5.99 a pop for their full-sized shadows, it’s definitely a steal.

My favorite new cuffs from Madewell – had to grab ‘em both in silver and gold, maybe it’s because I used to be a girl scout. The little dainty bow ring is Madewell also, skulls from Brandy Melville (which I only learned of through my kid, who knew?) and a few other vintage rings. My necklaces are both from local artists – Oakland and London, respectively – Mariele Ivy and Galibardy.

This maxi dress from The Addison Story is so special, I think. I fell in love with the deep indigo blue and was so pleasantly surprised by the contrasting lining underneath (and on the straps) in a rich brown. It moves beautifully, it’s comfortable, and can easily go from relaxed day to a more glamorous nighttime look as it warms up. I can’t wait to pair it with a pretty flower crown and sparkles!

The Seychelles sandals, Duro Olowu from JCP tote, and Zara leather jacket were easy pieces to pull together for a fun weekend look.

And there you have it. This is how we do woodsy, folks. On that note, I’m trying to talk a small group of us into renting a rustic waterfront cabin in Vermont sometime; it’s definitely going on the list! Our current vacation conundrum (and yes, I realize it’s a very nice problem to have) is whether or not an island getaway is preferable to a nice long sojourn at Cape Cod this summer. And god help us, but the tomboy was back to her old tricks, eyeballing Portugal sabbaticals.

We still need road trips to DC, Providence, Philly, NYC and Connecticut! (New England, you are beautiful and overwhelming; it’ll take us years to fully explore your every nook and cranny). Nice problems to have, indeed.

Last but not least – the Quechee Gorge!

Pretty stunning! This’ll be our first official Patriots’ Day + Marathon Monday together here in New England. I was here for it last year but was so immersed in house-hunting I scarcely noticed.

More to come soon, sweet readers. ‘Til then.

XOXO,

FFAF

Heading to the picturesque, quaint town of Woodstock, VT for Easter weekend was the perfect way to kick winter to the curb. Despite its tiny size (population 3,048), it has three little distinct villages, and that actual population number hasn’t changed much since 1859, which is fascinating!

The glorious Ottauquechee River runs through it, and this covered bridge is one of a few in the area. They are very charming, covered bridges.

The Ladies Home Journal called it The Prettiest Small Town in America, and we stayed at the lovely Woodstock Inn & Resort, apparently built long ago by the Rockefellers. Who knew?!

We were giddy as we drove into town, quickly checked in and oohed and ahed at our darling room and the grand lobby with its massive fireplace (“a small forest dies every day in this fireplace” is how M put it), and then set out to explore the little boutiques, antique shops and markets dotted along the main street.

It was warm enough out for just a light blazer and tights, and we admired the river views from the bridge, as well as a little path down the side of another tiny bridge with a big wide rushing creek underneath. So peaceful and serene!

I almost immediately stumbled upon a brand new, bright red coat from BB Dakota for $25, and we found an enormous vintage framed fox hunt print for a song as well. It’s going up in the office and will be outstanding above the chesterfield sofa! Score! M couldn’t pass up some quintessential Vermont flannel, and then we called it an afternoon after finding some snacks and beverages for the rest of our stay.

This is the first and last dress from Forever 21 I’ll ever buy. It’s cute, but I don’t shop there on principle and had to burn a gift certificate. I loved the cut and stripes, and then scooped up some basic tanks in black and white for layering. The dress is soft and easy to wear, and paired well with my vintage navy schoolboy blazer, the ridiculously sunny Kensie tights and a pair of red suede penny loafers by Dana Davis.

The Duro Olowu for JCP tote was an easy choice because of its bright colors and I could dunk my camera, a couple of books, and other road trip items into it and still have room for more. The hat is a vintage treasure I picked up at a consignment store near home!

The rest of our stay was filled with lots of lazying about, dinner and drinks at the Red Rooster, an Easter trip to the spa to treat the petite with a bright new mani, more walks around town and a leisurely drive with lots of stops to see the sights – but that’s for the next post! Here are some snapshots from lunch on the road, heavy on the nails and accessories:

Tiny gold bow ring, Madewell
Nude leather and gold cuff, Lori’s Shoes
Watch, Kate Spade Saturday
Skull bracelet, Brandy Melville
Ray-Ban Clubmasters

Plus, Chiclets and the kiddo’s orange sherbet nails popping against a pink lemonade background. So fun! Hope everyone’s been having a blast welcoming spring back. We have a few brave flowers blooming in the front and back yards, have dusted off the front porch furniture and re-christened it tonight with Pimm’s Cups at sundown. It’s going to be 70°F tomorrow and I’m in a femme panic over which dress to wear! They’re all dying to get out there in the warm sun!

More soon,

FFAF