Got the Blues

To be the standard color of cold and depression, blue is one of the most lively, playful colors in the spectrum. Its hues are also assigned to the two key factors of life as we know it: air and water. Granted, the shades of blue are technically just a combination of reflections of light against the dark, untamed abyss that yawns infinitely above us. But when a cloudless sky is THAT blue - the kind of blue that stops you in your tracks and makes you completely forget what you were thinking about - the reasons for the color seem irrelevant to the reaction it involuntarily commands. Blue has an endless principle to it, an utter lack of beginning or end that perhaps is why our minds, so interested in things unseen and unkown, can't help but ponder the great beyond.

Boutique Girl: Carter (styled by Casey)

On Carter:

Cardigan: St John - $53

Jeans: Citizens of Humanity - $44

Top: Kimchi Blue - $17

Heels: Enzo $43

Clutch: Finesse La Model - $250

Necklace - $18

p.s.

We took these pictures in the new dessert shop - Suno - that just opened yesterday in our shopping center. They had a grand opening last night and tons of people braved the serious storm brewing overhead for free samples of what Suno calls "the asian dessert of atlanta." The buzz is big... can't wait to try it out for myself!

I Walk the Line

We use music to take us away - to put words and tones to feelings that we can't describe on our own. There's an escape in a melody, inspiration in a harmony, and a tender cut in well crafted lyrics. I'm a firm believer in giving credit where credit is due - and I have no problem admitting when someone else's words find the soul of something better than mine.

I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
I keep my eyes wide open all the time
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
Because you're mine, I walk the line
I find it very, very easy to be true
I find myself alone when each day is through
Yes, I'll admit that I'm a fool for you
Because you're mine, I walk the line
As sure as night is dark and day is light
I keep you on my mind both day and night
And happiness I've known proves that it's right
Because you're mine, I walk the line
You've got a way to keep me on your side
You give me cause for love that I can't hide
For you I know I'd even try to turn the tide
Because you're mine, I walk the line
I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
I keep my eyes wide open all the time
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
Because you're mine, I walk the line
~ Johnny Cash
 

On Carter

Dress: Pucci - $168
Headband: (belt for dress) - n/a (priced with dress)
Booties: Just Cavalli - $55
Handbag: Bottega Veneta - $856
Necklace - $12

Let the Light In

I googled quotes about sunshine and waded through hundreds of song lyrics, poems, definitions, and metaphors. They were all nice or cute or clever, but none of them rang true to what sunshine DOES for a person. It's a life-force... like our own microwave - speeding up the movement of the molecules (if my memory of high school biology serves me correctly) that make us who we are. Everything seems to hum under sunshine's crafty fingers. Bright mornings have an immediate effect on my winter blahs. My husband always breathes a sigh of relief when the calender rolls into longer days. Be it vitamin D, warmer temperatures, or that colorful way the rest of the earth responds to daylight - what I know about sunshine is this: I never feel as perfectly content than when I'm standing, arms open, eyes shut, under a brilliant, burning, searing blue sky.

Boutique Girl: Ivana (styled by Carter)

On Ivana

Top: Antonio Berardi $21

Jeans: J Brand $53

Heels: Colin Stuart $25

Handbag: Gucci $695

The Texture of the Matter

I won't lie to you - there's not a whole lot I wouldn't do to walk around with Carter's hair flowing behind my own shoulders in that freakishly ethereal way. It's not the color - I mean it's pretty, but I'd look weird with blond hair. It's not the length - I'm approaching 30, and long hair has an expiration date in my book. It's the texture. The light, airy, softness that practically floats in gently-coiled tendrils. But the best part: she's one of the kindest, coolest people I know. So I can't HATE her - but I can use her for pictures! And that fair, blond crown made for a great balancing point to counter with the structured, sequined, high-waisted skirt and studded top. Mixing textures is just as artistic as blending patterns or colors. Some textures play together well and some flat-out argue. The key with texture is to find another commonality between the pieces to thread them together and let the different structures find a way to harmonize. The key might be as simple as a similar line, color, piping, or detail element. I have to go back to our standard rule of thumb around here at the Boutique - don't be afraid to make mistakes. If at first you don't succeed, sky-diving probably shouldn't be on your to-do list. But fashion, my dear friends, is chock full of trial and error.

Boutique Girl: Carter (styled by Ivana)

On Carter:

Heels: Boutique 9 - $20

Earrings: $10

Bracelet: $9

Handbag: CigarBox - $29

Skirt: Tory Burch - $89

Top: $5

Vest: Byer - $19

P.I.N.K.

Pink is my favorite color... not really, but when ever I say "pink" the aerosmith song lyric flows right behind the first word like an automatic, necessary extension. We didn't do any styling today - to say that it "poured" would be an understatement. Much like to call this Louis Vuitton bag "pink," "fabulous," or "freakin' awesome" would all be understatements. The pictures don't do it justice, but take a gander anyway. And then come in and play with it. Unless I am playing with it, and then generously, politely let me have my moment. And then I'll let you have yours.

Louis Vuitton Handbag Currently Available!

Some like it Hot...

... outside! In my book, there's no such thing as too hot. I like the opportunities to layer that cooler temperatures bring, but I am a Georgia girl through and through - red clay, wet air, and fireflies - it wouldn't be home without them. And while layering is this bohemian's favorite past time, warmer weather brings a light simplicity to my wardrobe that I'm always ready for. Sundresses and boots, mini-shorts and heels, bright colors, and florals - I wouldn't feel like me without them.

On Ivana:

Shorts: Poleci NWT - $33

Top: Marc Jacobs - $43

Heels: Corso Como - $59

Handbag: Fendi - $293

Necklaces: $16 & $17

Sex & The City - Carrie

We saved dear Carrie for last (of course that means she shows up first in the chronological order of posts, but that suits me just fine.) As the premier date nears the whole staff is a flutter with coordinating plans and outfits. I even bought a fantastic Dolce & Gabbana dress during our dress sale this past weekend to wear to the movie... and then probably to make a splash at my husband's graduation next month. It hugs every inch of skin that it touches (hey, it's knee length - that's plenty conservative in my book... and in Carrie's too, I feel certain.) The silver fabric shimmers in a subtle floral pattern. It's one of those dresses that I refer to as a Mullet: business in the front with the higher collar, and all party in the back: the effect that dress has on my rear-view-situation is practically magic. And each time I take that dress somewhere special I will make a silent nod to Carrie - the curly-haired journalist and open-hearted relationship soldier that revolutionized a generation; that instilled swanky words like "cosmos" and "manolos" into this working gal's vocabulary. Here's to you, Carrie. May your mark on what it is to be a woman last my lifetime.

Boutique Girl: Carter (styled by Sandra)

On Carter:

Dress: Laundry $49

Necklace: $39

Shoes: Nine West $22

Clutch: Banana Republic $16

Sex & the City - Samantha

Samantha... oh my! How do you sum up the description of such a force of nature? She's practically an adjective all by herself...s he's just so... Samantha! Fierce is a good first word. Fiercely independent, fiercely protective, fiercely loyal, and oh-so-certainly fiercely fashionable. Whether you agree with her wild side or not, I think it's safe to say that most of us have a touch of Samantha in us.

On Carter:

Dress: MNG $73
Shoes: Dolce & Gabbana $240
Handbag: Miu Miu $269
Necklace: $26
Earrings: $16
Sunglasses: Prada $128

Sex & the City - Miranda

Astute and articulate, Miranda is a take-no-prisoners kind of gal, a favorite trait of mine. Still, that fierce intelligence sometimes falls under the shadow of her self-critical microscope. So she sometimes drapes her fierce, lean body with the most subtle touch of hesitancy. But don't let her careful mix of bold and understated exterior fool you. She may harbor a shred of doubt about her outfit choice, but she'll call your bluff in a heartbeat if you test her intellect, another favorite trait of mine.

Boutique Girl: Carter (styled by Sandra)

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On Carter

Dress: Maggy London $34

Oversized Clutch/Portfolio: Fendi $128

Heels: Nine West $22

Choker: $12

Sex & the City meets Boutique Style - Charlotte

It's Carter's first day back at Boutique - home for the summer from her first year at Tulane - so naturally I had to grab her for the blog! Sandra styled four looks, each a nod to a character from the soon-premiering (hurry up already!) Sex & the City 2 movie. We already have plans to get all glammed out and make it a night on the town! But for now, we'll just experiment with possible ensembles...

Charlotte: Classically prim and proper, Charlotte York's just-so look always smoothly blends with a splash of sass. She keeps her self cool and collected in any storm, treading cautiously through rough waters in the finest of footwear...

On Carter:
Dress - BCBG $73
Shoes - Kate Spade $57
Handbag - Kate Spade $43
Necklace - Escada (vintage) $63