I was introduced to Pierrepont Hicks last year at NorthernGRADE. Founded by the super-couple Kat and Mac, they produce absolutely gorgeous ties for gentlemen. Based in Minneapolis, all their ties are are produced in New York, by master craftsmen, who practice traditional tie workmanship patterns and can take sixteen steps to create.  Shawn currently has two of their bow ties and I must say I’ve been trying to figure out a way to wear them myself. Lucky for Shawn, his bows are now safe because Pierrepont Hicks has decided to take care of the ladies by introducing their bowtie belts. Aren’t they lovely? I think that they’d be great to tie around a sundress or to accent a pair of chinos or jeans. I’m also thinking you could make a darn cute headband as well. My biggest problem right now is deciding which one to purchase first!


All photos Pierrepont Hicks


All I’ve been wearing lately is scrubby tees and shorts while cleaning and unpacking, so I’m wanting to break out something a little more girly to wear. Luckily, we’ll be going to a wedding in a couple of weeks so I’ll get my chance soon. I thought that this would be a great outfit to wear to one of the day-time events that weekend. It bridges the line between comfy and dressy and has just enough color without being over the top.

Go here, to see the shopping details.

A few days ago, Shawn convinced me to pull the trigger and buy this fantastic purse from the Kate Spade sample sale. It’s name is “Hit the Dock” and the style of the bag is called Stevie. I love its slouchy-but-structured shape and it has nautical stripes, something that I am a bit obsessed with right now. I got a fantastic price on this little guy and I plan on making it my go to bag for the summer.

. . . with my new running shoes!

Last weekend I resumed working out for the first time since being out of the hospital. I’m starting out fairly slow, 30 minutes a day on the elliptical and yoga twice a week. In order to help me keep going, I decided that I should invest in a new pair of running shoes. My current ones have had it, plus they did not feel right. Really heavy and clunky and my feet were kinda sliding around in them. Not good. I went to Dick’s to find a pair and ended up leaving with these Reekbok RealFlex running shoes. I just love them! They are light as a feather and fit perfectly. Here’s to hoping they’ll help me get back in shape!

. . . with this bike! Kate Spade worked her magic on this gorgeously green Adeline Adeline bicycle. Wouldn’t it be so wonderful to tool around on this all summer? Notice that KS also designed a special essex scout satchel and bay street quinn you can clip to the handlebars and rear rack. Sadly, the limited edition, single speed, two-wheeler will be only be available at Kate Spade New York shops and at Adeline Adeline.

I have been a longtime fan of all things Baggu and now I have another item to add to my list. The geniuses at Baggu have collaborated with Brooklyn based artist Shabd Alexander to create these tie-dyed totes and back packs. Now, I am not normally a tie-dye fan, but these have a beautiful look that is more watercolor painting than Grateful Dead. The color palette is full of blues, greys, and a hint of peach, perfect for Spring/Summer. The bags are made from heavy weight 100% recycled cotton 16 oz. duck canvas.

April in Columbus is living up to is rainy reputation, so I’ve been assessing my current rain gear situation and have decided that I “need” to have three different styles. One would be for evening or dressier situations. You know, for those times that you do not want to look like a polished adult. I thought that this navy trench from Woolwich paired with the maroon Tretorn wellies would work perfectly in those situations. This shiny yellow slicker from TopShop and my red Hunter clogs channels my inner 5th grader, while still looking pulled together. Perfect for running errands and walking the dog. My beloved waxed-canvas field coat from Eddie Bauer would look great with some classic LL Bean Duck Boots. They would be just the right combination for weekends and Springtime trips to the farmers markets and estate sales.