Forever Frugal Friday

I was the lucky recipient of a gift card to Forever 21 from my sister Kelsey for my birthday (Thanks Sis!) and have been browsing and trying on trying to spend it. Well guess what my friends...today was the jackpot! I found this adorable T-Back Zipper Sun Dress along with three other items all for $52.00! I think this dress is just perfect for the summer days ahead. I am thinking day drinking at The Whaler, a picnic at The Getty Villa, or just shopping around with the girls. I should receive the goods next week, and will be sure to report back with my findings!

Desperately Seeking Sully ~ Bikini Time

Maybe it's the sun that has finally arrived in LA. Maybe it's the sparkling pool at my apartment calling my name. Maybe it's the fact that last year at this time I had been to Hawaii, Mexico and heading to Miami and I have no trips planned in my near future.

Whatever it is (it for sure isn't the gym that I have been MIA), I am just craving to throw on a bikini, drink a patron silver margarita (fresh lime juice and salted rim - yes please) and relax. However my bikini selection at home is quite pathetic and needs some fresh additions. Any of the below would suit me just fine.

I have always wanted a flashy bikini to wear somewhere like Vegas or Miami. This Sequin Bead Bikini should do the trick I think. Gorgeous color and fun without being OTT.

Another vital piece missing from my collection is an all black bikini. Timeless and classic, no beach goer should be without it. I love this little ruffles on this AE Glamour Ruffle Underwire Bikini.

Usually I can find about a million suits at JCrew that I fancy, however this year not so much. One that I am loving though is this sweet Water Garden Bikini. The colors are bright and sunny and distract from the fact that the suit is white based, which sometimes isn't the most flattering.

I love striped bikinis! I have one very similar to this one that needs to be retired soon, and I would love to replace it with this Tyler Rose Gallows Pole Bandeau. This suit is sporty yet chic.

She wore an itsy bitsy teeny weeny yellow pink polka dot bikini. I love this one! This one is playful and cute and I love that the strap is detachable so that you don't get a funky tan line.

I am 99% sure this suit is going to be mine. I have a thing for bandeau tops and I love the slit in the front. The color would look lovely with a tan (in my case a spray tan), and just sort of relaxes me looking at it. Just what I'm going for.

Sorry for the lack of posts this week. I have been fighting a cold since last Friday that has left me without a voice, a loud hacking cough and lots of yucky phlegm. However, after some delish homemade chicken noodle soup last night, prepared by a very nice fella, I think I am finally on the mend, just in time for the weekend!

Bad lighting, taken with my Blackberry, but the soup was sure tasty!

Congrats!

To my girl Jamie (Of All Trades) for her huge achievement of being crowned best cupcake in Seattle by Metblog. I am so happy for Jamie as she is always our go to girl for all things delish. And just to leave you craving something sweet, may I share some of Jamie's incredible creations....

Darling Baby Shower Cupcakes

Samoa Cupcakes for Marge's birthday.

Key Lime Cupcakes that helped her win the award!

Don't they all look so scrumptious? Be sure to head over to JAOT for any craft or recipe inspirations. Or to drool, like I often do.

Song Of The Week: This Too Shall Pass

Ever since OK GO arrived on the scene with their awesome video for "Here It Goes Again", I have kept this band in my radar. The radar has been quiet for a little bit, but since the release of their new song "This Too Shall Pass" I am proud to say that they are back on heavy rotation on my IPod.

I originally watched the video for this song and it contained a band, and only found out today that there is an even cooler video out there for this song. Just watch the clip above, and you will be amazed. It reminds me of that childhood game I used to play called Mouse Trap. Just straight up AWESOME and impressive!

Happy {Easter} Weekend

{Katie Baum}

I am so excited for Easter weekend for many reasons....

1)church with roomie + new dress

2)brunch at Cache with Aves & Christy

3)potluck dinner complete with games, and possible bonfire in the evening with a fun guy and friends

4) I CAN FINALLY EAT CHOCOLATE, ICE CREAM and BEER (watch out girl scout cookies) !

All is good! Have a lovely Easter weekend with loved ones, hope the Easter Bunny brings you all some goodies in your basket!

XOXO

Forever Frugal Friday

For spring I would like to add a lighter colored bag into my handbag collection and I think this Intrigue Leatherette Tote will do just the trick. Big enough to carry all the essentials, but light enough to wear with just about any spring outfit. Best part, is that if this puppy gets dirty, I won't feel too bad tossing once fall returns. Gotta love that!

Desperately Seeking Sully ~ Easter Best

Easter is one of my favorite holidays for many reasons, one which is the fact that I get to buy a new dress for Easter Sunday at Church. I am running majorly behind this year selecting a new one and am crossing my fingers I have better luck tomorrow. However, if money wasn't an object, Shopbop would easily cover my every desire for bright dresses. Here are a few I am eyeing....

I am sure you have figured out by now that I have a slight (who are we kidding) affection for yellow, and this Nanette Lepore Wind Swept Dress has me crushing hard. I love the bold metal against the pretty yellow. Kind of toughens it up a bit.

A little more casual but still darling is this Rachel Pally Drawstring Dress. I would love to make it a little dressier with some dramatic earrings and fabulous heels or pair it down with some strappy flat sandals and a denim jacket.

I am gaga for this vibrant pink little dress whose name speaks volumes itself. Rebecca Taylor's Versatile Dress is just that....versatile. Throw a cardigan and a belt around the waist and it's totes office appropriate. Once the sun sets and it's time to play, throw on your fanciest black pumps and a little statement jewelry here and there, and you really can go from day to night so easily.

I am still loving ruffles and the asymmetrical look, and think this Rebecca TaylorAsymmetrical Occasion Dress just screams to be seen at a fancy schmancy brunch in Malibu with an always full glass of Veuve in your hand. Big shades and hot man date are optional.

Shoshanna always makes the best fitting dresses (I am wearing one today) in the best colors. I normally shy away from orange or any hue close to it, but with a quick visit to Chocolate Sun I think I could easily sport this orange sherbet colored Strapless Dress to many different events this spring and summer.

The dress I am wishing the Easter Bunny delivers in my basket however is this Banded Strapless Dress from none other than Shoshanna. The color is the perfect shade of pink, and I love all the little pleating and details over the front and the subtle sweetheart neckline. This dress would also make a great wedding guest dress or a date night dress. I would curl my hair, throw on my fave new heels (thanks Mom & Dad) some great bangles and bold cocktail ring. Loves it!

I sadly will not be adding these dresses to my wardrobe anytime soon, but look forward to searching my favorite bargain stores for some close replicas. I think I may have been inspired for all of the dresses above by the gorgeous flowers I won in my work raffle. Nothing says spring like color!

(taken with my blackberry - not the best pic)