J.Crew = The Devil

Why is it that when I really *need* something from J.Crew, it disappears instantly from my shopping bag, but when I just *want* things, every single one of them remains available in the shopping bag? It's all still sitting there, taunting me, practically begging me to click the "checkout" button.

That $25 reward card is just burning a hole in my pocket.

Speaking of White Pants...

I really want those pants. White sailor trousers, from Boden: Flattering fitted shape through waist and hip, widening to a full slouchy leg shape• Front button opening• Contrast top stitching• Back flap pockets with buttons• Garment washed for softness• 100% cotton• Machine washable• Imported.

Stickler

Women of Chicago,

I know that it is technically the start of Memorial Day weekend. But really, couldn't you wait until after Monday to bust out your white pants and shoes? Especially since the temp today is currently in the mid-50s? I think we would all feel much better. Thanks!

~TCP

Janie and Jack does it again

I am in looooove with this stuff:

And for little girls, how sweet is this??

TCP Rave: Lobster Cheese

Every Tuesday in the summertime, I stop by the Farmers' Market in the federal plaza near my office. It just started, and since the farmers are local, not much is available just yet...some onions, asparagus, and herbs are the only produce right now. But, the cheese people are there. And they sell the most wonderful, sinful, thank-god-there-isn't-nutritional-information-available lobster spread that I have ever tasted. One day, I hope to share it with my husband. But so far, I never seem to have any left by the time I head home...

Summer Reading

I should do a post about real, actual books to read this summer (and perhaps I will), but right now I've got blogs on my mind. Specifically, how much I miss some of my old favorites. I'll admit it--my job is far from demanding. As long as I sit at my desk quietly, no one seems to care what I'm actually doing. What I'm actually doing, often, is reading blogs and websites. But so many have shut down lately, that I just don't know what I'm going to do every day!

The Etiquette Grrls no longer post their weekly Q&A. We lost the granddaddy of them all, The Preppy Cafe awhile ago. Then Suburban Cupcake followed. Lillian Bea? Gone. I Heart Pink and Green? On hiatus. Monogram Momma? At the beach for a while. Petit Tresor apparently has some sort of vile squatter posting random things. People, what I am I supposed to fill my work day with now??? Please don't suggest work. I can't bear it.

Let me take this opportunity to thank those of you who are still out there (see list to the right), chatting and posting away. You have no idea how much more pleasant my day is because I can spend a little bit of time with you.

Preppy at Starbucks and Mothers' Day Recap

As I picked up my increasingly necessary-to-life venti skim latte this morning, I couldn't help but notice an adorable display of preppy items. I think the collection is for Father's Day, but there were navy and green argyle mugs and little bears dressed in madras shorts with sweaters tied around their shoulders. Now, I have no idea why your dad would want a teddy bear, but I know a certain TCP Baby who might need to add one to his collection! (I can't for the life of me find a picture online, although I did discover that apparently lots of people are obsessed with collecting these "bearistas" --oy.)






The surprise Mother's Day trip turned out to be wonderful! We went to the French Country Inn in Lake Geneva, where we got engaged nearly seven (!) years ago. The weather was beautiful, so we strolled around the quaint town center and shopped a little before heading to dinner at The Grandview at The Geneva Inn on the Lake. The food was phenomenal and the view of the lake was beautiful. TCP Baby was very well behaved in his high chair and shamelessly flirted with all the waitresses. The next morning was a fabulous brunch at Kirsch's (bloody mary and eggs benedict for me, of course) and then a few stops at farmers' markets and antique shops on the way home. And, of course, no trip to southern Wisconsin is complete without visiting The Brat Stop. The first time I went here, I felt like an extra in an SNL skit. It's a riot--where else can you buy cheese in the shape of Brett Favre??

TCP Baby and the husband have set the bar very high for future Mothers' Days!!

Happy Mothers' Day!

TCP Baby and his daddy are taking me away for the weekend for a surprise trip in honor of my first Mothers' Day. I can't wait! I have a few theories about our destination, but am patiently waiting to discover tomorrow. In the meantime, I must figure out how to pack...this is always a dilemma for me even when I know what I'm doing every second of a trip.

I hope all the moms, mums, mamans, mommies, mamas, mommas, and mothers have a wonderful weekend!!

Preppy Teether

TCP Baby has just turned seven months old. It's such a fun age, with one exception . . . teething. The poor little guy is drooling everywhere and gnawing on his tiny hands until they are raw. This lobster teether from Infantino is his new favorite--after a few minutes in the freezer, it's just the thing to soothe his gums. It's a necessity for a baby his age, so why not choose one with a preppy motif? It won't be long before he can have the real thing, but for now, TCP Baby gives the plastic version a rave review.

More places to blow your paycheck...

Two of my most favorite preppy bloggers have started new shops! Check out the needlepoint key fobs from Lisagh at The Preppy Petunia, and Monogram Momma's eponymous Monogram Marketplace. I'm swamped with work today, but you know I had to take a tiny break to peruse the supercute things they have available!

Also, I ended up ordering my Bonanno's last night...last weekend was TCP Baby's christening, and with all the excitement I nearly forgot to order! Luckily, I logged on to the computer late last night to order a taxi for TCP Baby's godmama and saw that the sale was still on! Well, we decided it was a Sign, so we each ordered a pair of the Chelseas in navy, hers with a kelly green whipstitch and mine with the pale pink. I can't wait to see them!

TCP Rave - Lands' End Ballet Flat

I don't know about you all, but lately I have been in love with Lands' End. It had been years since I shopped there, and when I did, it was generally to purchase something for my grandmother. But no more!

I was walking down State Street recently and noticed that the first floor of Sears has a big Lands' End inside the store. Well, I can tell you that the last time I was in Sears I was buying a tool of some variety for TCP Dad. It wasn't on my radar as a shopping destination. But I went in and picked up some great staples, including a cute pair of pale blue trousers, and ordered these adorable ballet flats. They arrived last night (the store was out of my size in the navy, so they shipped them for free...and you know how I love the free shipping). I am completely In Love with these shoes.

I've been looking for a navy flat that didn't make me look like a flight attendant, was versatile enough to wear with a skirt or shorts or jeans, wasn't cheap looking but wasn't outrageously expensive, and was substantial. (You know how some ballet flats might as well just be Bloch ballet slippers for all the support they give...I like a thin sole as much as the next girl, but I live in a city and I am constantly Walking.) These shoes are all of those things. The sole is cushy, with a driving moc-esque nubby bottom. Soooo comf.