Booting Season

It was 53 degrees in Chicago this morning, can we say brrrr?  I've been holding onto to summer for a little longer than I should, unwilling to give up hope.  Today was a huge reality shock and made me realize it’s time to welcome and accept fall.  Honestly, I adore fall, I love the foliage and the cool crisp air, apple picking, scarves, boots and cozy sweaters are my thing.  I can confidently say autumn is my favorite season.  But, this summer just went by too quickly. 

As my official welcome to fall, let’s take a look at some of the boots I've been coveting…

1) Naturalizer Jersey Leather Riding Boot

2) Frye- Melissa Button Boot Wide Calf 

3) Diane Von Furstenberg- Ashton Genuine Shearling Lined Boot

4) Tory Burch- Marlene Leather Riding Boot

5) Tory Burch- Hilary Suede Chukka Bootie 

6) L.L. Bean- Bean Boot

Happy Booting Season All!

XX,

LT 

Crushed Blush? A DIY Fix!

Is there anything more disappointing than realizing that your never-been-used before blush/powder/bronzer has arrived home broken?  Well this happened to me a few months ago when my Korres blush showed up on my doorstep destroyed.   Luckily for me the amazing people at HauteLook refunded me my money and let me keep the blush.  

Since I had this broken blush I decided to give fixing this a shot (obviously thanks to YouTube). Check it out here.


Items Needed:

1. Rubbing Alcohol 
2. Your crushed blush
3. Gallon size freezer bag
4. Rolling pin 
5. Paper plate
6. Teaspoon 

Step 1

Step 2

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 4

Step 6 and 7

Steps:

1. Empty your broken blush (or any powdered make-up) onto the paper plate and place inside gallon size storage bag and seal 
2. Take the rolling pin and crush the blush into a fine powder.
3. Gently remove paper plate and pour powder back into the compact. 
4. Slowly start to add the rubbing alcohol and mix with spoon or coffee stirrer. Make sure you add the rubbing alcohol a little bit at a time until you get a paste like consistency.  
5. Slam your compact down on the counter a couple of times to remove any air bubbles that may have developed.  
6. With the teaspoon, smooth out your blush/powder/bronzer (this will not be perfect but, it's okay).  
7. Leave open and let it dry overnight or for 24 hours.  
8. Ready for use! 

Wasn't that easy?  Next week we'll look into how to fix that $18 lipstick that broke in half.  

Until then, Happy Monday Lovelies! 

XX

LT

Happy National Dog Day!

Here is to my little mischievous maker, my little buddy shadow, my sweet little “monkey”! 

I never realized how complete my life would feel once I adopted Scrappy.  He was the little itty bitty pup at the pound pawing at his kennel door trying to get to me.  We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into bring this mischievous terrier pup into our home, many destroyed remotes and shoes later Scott and I could never imagine life with a different dog. 

So, let’s raise a glass of champagne to all the pups in the world and give them extra treats today and take a moment to think about all the homeless pups in shelters that could use a good home! 

Just look at this face! 

High Five for Friday!

Happy Friday All!  It's been one of those weeks and I'm so happy we're at the end of it!  Sadly, I have to make an appearance in the office tomorrow morning, it's only for a few hours so it's okay.  

Here's the highlight of my week: 

1) I took my very first CorePower Sculpt Yoga class with one of my favorite friends on Wednesday, it kicked my behind and I'm still incredibly sore, like can't laugh or sit sore.  

2) Today marks 3 months until "I DO"!!!  It's crazy how time flies. 

3) This little guy has been so snuggley in the mornings before work.  Terriers are naturally not cuddle bugs, so I take it every chance I get.  

4)  Okay, my Lilly Pulitzer After the Party Sale purchases .... enough said?  

5) WE GOT OUR WEDDING INVITATIONS IN!!  My dear friend Julia of JYB Jewels (Check out her blog here, she has great tips on how to protect your jewelry from the summer sun and how to style those pearls) designed our invitations for us and had them printed!  I couldn't be happier about them and cannot wait for all my friends and family to see them.  They're so so perfect!  Things are really starting to feel real!  

Chin Chin to the end of another work week!  

XX-

LT 

30 to 30

I don’t have too many readers of my blogs, let alone really any followers.  So, I’m always skeptical about writing posts like this.  I’ve been having a major “what am I doing with my life” moment.  I don’t want to come off as a complainer or unfocused, but as I see so many successful entrepreneurs, I’m starting to wonder, what am I doing wrong, why haven’t I been able to find my niche?  I’m hopeful that I’m not the only one that has these mini life crises.  Thoughts of, I’m in the wrong industry, I wish I loved my job, maybe I should get my MBA, maybe I should look into purchasing a sewing machine, maybe I should open an etsy store,  maybe I should just be more focused...  I just want to be real here with you all and look for some solidarity… surely someone must feel this way, sometimes.

With 30 not too far away, 16 months to be exact.  I would love to set some goals to achieve by the time I’m 30.  We’ll call it 30 to 30. 

Guidelines for Goal Setting:

• Goals shall range from a variety of personal goals to professional development goals
• Goals shall be evaluated monthly with full status updates
• Goals shall not be dismissed or eliminated, but simply revised
• As goals are completed, new goals may be added

Goals:

• Attend work-out classes at least 3 times per workweek and at least one weekend day; total of 4 classes per calendar week for a minimum of 3 three consecutive months
• Brown Bag lunches to work at least 4 times per workweek
• Cook dinner at least 5 times per calendar week
• Manage finances more closely to eliminate any lingering credit card debt
• Make an offer on a condo
• Purchase a Sewing machine
• Learn to sew
• Open an etsy shop
• Learn to cook traditional Chinese and Vietnamese recipes
• Obtain any needed licenses for a small business
• Learn to ballroom dance
• Attend 2 Chicago Junior League events
• Learn Calligraphy
• Wake-up at 5am M-F for two weeks straight
• Go to bed at 10pm M-F for two weeks straight
• Write 4 blog posts per week
• Purchase a good DSLR camera and learn to use it
• Read a minimum of 5 books per month for one year; two of which must be business related books
• Reread the American classic books by authors like Ernest Hemmingway
• Attend a fashion show
• Spend the day at the Field Museum
• Spend the day at the Art Institute
• Visit the History Museum   
• Study for the GMATs and take the GMATs
• Give up all soft drinks
• Visit Washington, D.C
• Take a wine tasting class
• Take a painting class
• Get monthly facials
• Take 15 minutes to myself daily, without any interruptions from technology.  

What are some goals you've set for yourself?  Leave them in the comments below! 

Remember to follow along on twitter and bloglovin

XX,

LT

Styling my New Lilly Purchase

Like many of you, I swooned over the Lilly Pulitzer #AfterPartySale this Monday.   I've started mentally styling outfits for dinners Scott and I will have during Honeymoon.   My first dream outfit is below.  What do you think?

Styling my New Lilly Purchase by laceandgraceblog featuring a kate spade bangle

Who else made some Lilly Purchases this week?

XX,

LT

How To: Gracefully Pen Thank You Letters

I took the week after my shower to pen thank you letters to all my gracious guests and hostess.    As I began writing and reading each card to Scott he made a comment on how I really have a knack for this.  I, naturally, thought he was just being a sweet doting Fiancé but as I continued I realized how easy this was for me.  To be honest, I've also been writing thank you cards my entire life, so I've had a little bit of practice.  I also understand that this can be a pretty daunting process, so I’m hoping you’ll find this post helpful.

Examples of eloquent Thank You Cards

Thank-You for a Bridal Shower Gift | Guest Attended

Dear Aunt Kathy,

It was so lovely being able to spend time with you at my shower, thank you for coming and celebrating my upcoming wedding.  I absolutely adore the Lenox dining sets you gave me, Scott and I cannot wait to start hosting dinner parties and your gift will come in very handy.  You and Uncle Michael must attend some of these dinners.  Thank you again for your gracious gift, Scott and I look forward to seeing you at the wedding! 

Thank-You for a Bridal Shower Gift | Guest Did Not Attended

Dear Aunt Linda, 

I was so sorry to hear that you couldn't make the bridal shower.  I had such a lovely time, my bridesmaids really went above and beyond to make the day special for me.  You would have really enjoyed some of the games we played.  I want to thank you thinking of Scott and me and sending the lovely Kate Spade wine glasses.  We cannot wait to have a relaxing evening where we can lounge around and have a glass of wine. Thank you again for your generosity, we look forward to seeing you at the wedding. 

Thank-You for a Bridal Shower Gift | Many Pieces 

Dear Michelle,

Thank you so much for thinking of me and sending so much love my way.  I am incredibly grateful for all the new thoughtful additions to our home you included in your gift.  I've already given the garlic press a good workout.  With all these new toys and gadgets, I've actually been looking forward to staying home and cooking a nice meal.  Thank you again for your generosity, we cannot wait to see you at the wedding.

Thank-You for a Bridal Shower Gift | Money

Dear Aunt Betty,

Thank you so much for coming to my bridal shower, it wouldn't have been the same without you.  Also, thank you for your generous gift, Scott and I are saving for a new home and thanks to you we are that much closer to buying the home of our dreams.  Again, thank you for thinking of us and celebrating such a special day with me.  We look forward to seeing you at the wedding.

Thank-You for a Bridal Shower Gift | Gift Cards

Dear Megan,

I was so happy to see at my bridal shower, it was such a beautiful surprise.  Thank you for your very thoughtful and generous gift.  Scott and I just moved into a new apartment and we will be using your gift to purchase some new picture frames for our engagement photos.  Thank you again for thinking of us and sharing this beautiful day with me.  We look forward to seeing you at the wedding.

Let me know that you all think?  Do you find these helpful? Would you like to see more options?

XX,

LT 

Showered with Love... My Bridal Shower

Hello Lovelies,

I'm back!  After a hectic month of moving, traveling and work I am now back and setting aside time to blog.

I'm back in action.  For my first post back, I wanted to share some of my favorite pictures from my ultra girly pink and gold shower.   I started the day with the best blow out from drybar Back Bay, if you're ever in Boston you must go see Ashlee for a blowout!

I wore Lilly Pulitzer and he wore Vineyard Vines.   (He didn't stay for the shower, only for a few photo ops).

Fiance: Shirt- Vineyard Vines, Shorts- Vineyard Vines (similar and on sale!), Sunglasses (similar)

Me: Dress- Lilly Pulitzer (sold out), Necklace- BaubleBar (similar), Lips- YSL, Bracelet- Kate Spade

Pink and Gold

Champagne Mimosa Bar

#Family

Bar

I want to thank all my beautiful friends and family for the most lovely Bridal Shower a girl could ask for.

Chin, Chin,

LT

Radio Silent

Please forgive me for the radio silence!  We're in the midst of packing for our big move on Saturday and the procrastination reared it's ugly head and I am now paying for it.

We picked up our keys Tuesday night and rolled over a few suitcases.  I cleaned the closet and started hanging some of our more important things (Lilly dresses and suits).  Scott took some measurements around the apartment and played with Scrappy.

We're taking a lot of time to bring Scraps over nightly for him to get used to the space and the smells of the new apartment.  Hopefully this will eliminate some of the anxiety he'll feel when we move in on Saturday.

So, until then, I unfortunately will be posting when I have time.  Please forgive me and check back often to read about the moving madness!

Cheers and lots of love,

LT  

My Favorite Type of Sale....

A Kate Spade Surprise sale!  Be.Still.My.Heart!

I woke up this morning to the most fantastic email that put me straight over the moon, Kate Spade Surprise Sale!.  I actually skipped breakfast to browse the items of the sale!  Check it out here!  Oh did I mention the very best part?  Fellow Brides, buckle up because this surprise sale is the Wedding Edition.

Now excuse me while I day dream about these items...

All images via Kate Spade NY

Sparkler Gia

Sparkler Bee

Metropolitan Pearl Studs- Sold Out (just as cute)

Moon River Short Pearl and Bow Necklace

Flambe Flats

Kate Spade Drop Earings in Flo Pink

I did pick up a few things... but I'm keeping hush hush about them since they potentially could be gifts for my lovely bridesmaids! 

XX,

LT 

#HighFiveforFriday

Hello Lovelies! 

I'm tickled with excitement to be participating in my very first #H54F post (and it's my first linkup post)!  Thanks Lauren Elizabeth for putting this together.  

1)  I scored this adorable maxi from Old Navy this week.  I've been pretty much obsessed with it and I've actually worn it as both a dress and a skirt.  Who doesn't love a versatile piece!

Photo Via Old Navy

2)  This week I've been super focused with working out and eating healthier.  For the first time in a very long time, I'm actually so proud of what I've been able to do.  The cravings for junk have subsided, I would be lying if I said they were 100% gone, but I have been so much more cautious of what I'm putting into my body.  

3) I ordered Eiffel Tower shaped salt and pepper shakers and some adorable lobster printed dinner plates and blue crab printed sandwich plates from Gilt.com  They were such a great deal, I had to do it!  (A phrase the fiancé hears all too often) #shopaholicproblems

4) I placed an order for fun paper straws and personalized ribbon for my wedding.  The ribbon will be used to accompany our wedding favors! Oh did I mention I got it all on sale? 

5)  One of my dearest friends offered to design our wedding invitations for us. She surprised me this week with the greatest design that I simply can't stop thinking about.  I can't wait for all my guests to see it!  

How was your post holiday weekend week?  Read about Lauren Elizabeth and the other lovely bloggers that participate in #H54F here.  

Have the most lovely weekend ladies and gentleman!  I hope it's filled with lots of good friends, family and champagne.  

XX,

LT 

All the Moving Parts

I mentioned a number of times that we're moving in a few weeks.  The last time we moved, we were moving from Boston to Chicago and it required close to no work.  We had boxes shipped to us and we purchased all new Ikea furniture.  This time around, oh my, I really don't even know where to begin... the boxes, the moving van and the procrastination.  Honestly, we've done everything but pack, I've ordered new plates, a new couch (no more futon for us!) and a kitchen table.  So, now we're down to crunch time and I'm dreaming of paint colors, dinnerware and rugs.

Can I have all these items?  

Furniture Lust by laceandgraceblog featuring Serena & Lily

Tips for Being a Graceful Modern Woman

I'm a firm believer that good manners matter.  That sounds like it could be a hashtag, #goodmannersmatter.  I came across this perfect list that gives advice on how to be a modern lady.  Go here to read the full article.  

Some of my very favorites are below: 

1. Follow Through  – Nobody likes a flaky person. Regardless of how busy your life has become with commitments to your Husband and Children, you should never agree to take on more than you can handle i.e.… rsvp-ing to events, lunches with friends or other engagements.

3. Dressing Like a Lady – A lady always leaves something to the imagination, which is why one should choose to show a little leg or instead decide to accentuate your décolletage.

4. It’s The Little Things – When a guest enters your home, do you offer them a glass of water or beverage of their choice? When arranging for a dinner party, do you remember if one of your dinner guests has a gluten allergy? When selecting a gift, is it something your friend mentioned they wanted? Just as a gentlemen would offer his coat if you were showing signs of being cold is how you should pay attention to small details. It’s a great way to show the people around you how much you care and are listening. Go the distance to make the people in your life feel incredibly special.

5. Always The Gracious Guest – Whether you have been invited over to a someone’s home for a dinner party, movie screening or cocktails, Never show up without a hostess gift.

8. A Lady at The Table – As a lady the first action one should take when sitting down to the table is to put your napkin in your lap; when you’re finished your napkin gets placed next to your plate, never on top.

9. Merci– A lady always writes thoughtful handwritten thank you notes for gifts received and other kind acts of generosity

Content belongs to thedailylove.com 

Live gracefully lovelies,

XX,

LT

Tulle-day fail...

Y'all, I'm so terribly sorry for the late post tonight.  Last week I had mentioned that I was going to do something super fun with tulle skirts, but I come baring bad news.... It's not ready.  This weekend got a little crazy and I missed my opportunity to get out Jo-Ann's Fabrics.  You read that right!  Jo-Ann's Fabrics! This girl is going to show y'all how to DIY a no-sew tulle skirt.  I promise, it will happen, so check back!

In the mean time, check out the lovely hosts of Trend Spin Linkup, Walking in Memphis in High Heels (there's a give away too!), The Fashion Canvas, and their darling co-host of the week The Style Storm.   They're styling styling tulle skirts today!

XX,

LT

Gallery Wall Inspiration

I've very briefly mentioned on the blog that Scott and I will be moving in the middle of the month!  I'm so giddy about our move it's borderline obnoxious.  Let's get real here, this is my first "adult" apartment since I was a Junior in college and rented a condo in Boston's South End neighborhood.

One of the most exciting things about the new place is, it will be our first apartment as a married couple and our last apartment before we purchase a condo.  It will hold a lot of special memories for us, and my heart swells just thinking about it.

I'm excited to decorate the new place and to test my creativity as it relates to interior design.  I've stalked polyvore for some inspiration for my Gallery Wall and this is what I have come up with!

Gallery Wall Inspiration by laceandgraceblog featuring a wall picture

What do you think?  Don't you think this will look gorge as a Gallery Wall?


XX,

LT