Piperlime Pick of the Week!

Omygosh by Nine West - $99

This week's pick is a little edgier than normal... but, I chose it because I want the opinion of my lovely readers!

Also available in "Paris Mushroom"... aka .... Grey

The oxford-style shoe seems to be everywhere these days... at all price points, colors, and heel heights.

When I first saw an oxford heel used in a fashion editorial, I really liked the look it created, but I was convinced that I would never be able to work it into my wardrobe. Then I happened to stumble across darling Camille at Childhood Flames, who has become a great source of fashion inspiration to me. She definitely knows how to rock this look (although her oxford of choice happens to be a pair of 4 1/2 inch YSL platforms).




She has the confidence of someone FAR beyond her years, and speaks of wearing what you like, and not worrying about the criticism of others. That said, I don't want to be the laughing stock of Kansas City (which happens to more fashion forward than you might think, but possibly not far along enough to truly embrace such a shoe).

What do we think? I really like the way Camille has styled them, and would end up pairing them with similar things (more of a Fall look), but my fear is that if I wore these, I would come off as disgustingly trendy. That is something I Do. Not. Want. Also, could I pair these with something a little more summery? Would a dress and bare legs be too stark?

Feel free to be honest and share your opinions with me... I always look so forward to hearing your thoughts!

*** James, you HAVE to comment on this one... I need your fashion advice! Also, I am seriously on the hunt for a great line for men (especially for you, my only male reader besides Dad) and hopefully I will be posting soon!

Your Eyes are Getting Sleeeeeeeeepyyyyy...

I was browsing on Etsy today in preparation for my summer adventure to France, and I found exactly what I have been searching all over Kansas City for. (Go figure.)

Trees are Good Eye Mask by Etsy seller Bib Bon

I went to at least three different stores looking for one of these last weekend, and after no success, I ALMOST resorted to trying Claire's like the nice lady at Target suggested.

(*shudder*)

Anyways, I think these will be just right for our red eye from NYC to Paris, and I plan on hunkering down in my seat and snoozing for as long as I can (Tylenol PM - don't fail me now!).

I ordered them immediately and I can't wait for their arrival!

(Completely relieved that I didn't have to get a metallic purple one that said "Princess" on it in glitter and faux feathers.)

Swippity Suwannee Swap

Hola Mis Amigos!

I have to share something that I am very excited to be a part of this summer (although I know that most of my readers are probably participants, themselves)!

Jamie from I Suwannee (one of my favorite dailies - check it out) has organized a Summer Solstice Swap, and yesterday we received our partner's information. I have been paired with a girl named Natalie, and seeing a sweet email from her in my inbox last night made my whole day.

It sounds like we have quite a bit in common, and I can't wait to pack up a bunch of goodies to send to her in a few weeks. Her favorite things about summer are sangria (oh my gosh, yes please), being in the water as much as possible (duh!), getting tan (bring on the sun damage, my friend!), and sundresses with shiny sandals (hello! soul sistahs!)!!!

Jamie - cheers on the super match up!





Natalie is also a proud puppy-mother, and is planning on starting her own blog sometime soon, so I am sure you can imagine that I am anxiously awaiting her big debut!


It was great to meet you through email, Natalie, and I can't wait to be friends!


*** All three gorgeous images shown are part of the photography collection of Kari Herer (found by way of Design*Sponge). More information about Kari's work is here and her Etsy shop is here.

Labor of Love

This past weekend, I FINALLY finished a little project I have been working on.

A good friend of mine is having a baby this summer and I can't wait to send this cuddly quilt to her, so that it will be all ready for the arrival of her brand new little bambino!

(I don't think you read this blog, K, but if so... then I guess you get a little sneak peek! Love you & J!)

A Letter to my Daddio

(written on Father's Day 2008)

Daddy,

I was sitting in church this morning and I could not tear my eyes away from the little family in front of me. It was a husband and wife, both incredibly smitten with their adorable little baby boy. Their son was probably 18 months old, and he was in his Dad's arms the whole time. His little tiny hands were clutching the sleeve of his Dad's shirt so tightly, and his little moon-shaped face was constantly tilting up to look at his father with bright and already adoring eyes.


I couldn't help but think about you and Mom and how many times I have held on to both of you so tightly, not wanting to have to leave the presence of my precious parents.

I know I have told you so many times how much you mean to me and how much I love you, but you have to understand that you are such a rock in my life that I just can't help but continually express my thanks to you.


My 23 years of life have been shaped and formed by your constant and unconditional love. I have learned so much of what I know just by watching you live and following your example. By being the best at your career, you have taught me how to succeed. By writing and publishing numerous books, you have taught me how to express myself through words. By being a sensitive man with a tender heart, you have taught me the importance of being gracious and kind. By always putting others first, you have taught me that God blesses those who honor Him.

Perhaps the most notable, is the way you wholeheartedly love and care for your beautiful bride. I have learned so much about marriage by watching you and Mom, and I can only hope that G and I will be able to love each other as long and as fully as you two have loved each other.



You are generous and selfless when it comes to providing for your family, and I am so blessed by all of the amazing memories that we have made together. The special father and daughter trips that we have taken will always be at the top of my list of favorites. Last Father's Day, you took an entire weekend to come to California so that we could be together.

We were supposed to be celebrating the holiday to honor you, but instead you treated me like a princess. Staying at the Montage in Laguna Beach, was a more beautiful weekend than I can describe. Time flew by as we went to the shops in town, ate fancy dinners, laid by the beach and the pool, took tons of pictures, and walked along the water in the early morning.

I got you a measly book and a framed picture of our family as Father's Day gifts, and YOU gave me some of the most beautiful things I will ever have. It was our last trip as father and single daughter, and we talked and laughed and cried and dreamed of our futures ALL weekend long. We both knew that those days spent together were the biggest treasures we could ever give to each other.

You made me floaty and smiley and the happiest, on that trip, when you told me that you will continue to love me the best that you can for the rest of your life, but that you were honored to be giving me away to a son-in-law that you "couldn't have chosen better yourself". The thing is, Dad... the only reason I knew how to pick someone so great, was because I had someone really amazing to compare him to. I know how to love G with all my might, because you and Mom have shown me how.

It has warmed my heart the way that you have come to love G and the rest of the Brown family like they were your own. By marrying into their family, I have gained yet another amazing Dad and the two of you constantly loving us and praying for us make us feel like the luckiest "kids" around.


I know that I can come to you with any joy or sorrow, praise or problem, surprise or struggle, and that you and Mom will love me no matter what. I am not exaggerating when I say that I think about you every single day, and it brings tears to my eyes that I can't see you as often as I'd like.

I want to be just like you, Dad.... and today is one of those days where I would do anything to be able to grasp the sleeve of your shirt and look at your always-smiling face with the adoring eyes that I have for you. You are a champion of life, and I am so blessed to be your daughter.



Wishing you the most glowingly wonderful Father's Day ever,

XOXOXOXO

- Jessie Lynne

Jessie's Piperlime Pick of the Week

Amidst the torrential rains, tornado threats, and terrible destruction that has ripped through the Midwest this week, I can't help but wish I were somewhere else. Preferably a beach in Costa Rica?


Ahhhhh, yes. I can just picture it.

My handsome tanned husband, a glamourous black bathing suit, an icy cold mojito, and this weeks Piperlime Pick...

Eagle by Franco Sarto - SALE $65.99

Bright. Elegant. Chic. Fantastic.

I'm all about a bright wedge with an ankle strap and gold hardware! (Although I admit I was tempted to post yet another t-strap... I'm hooked.)

This is a great brand for such a good price, and I only wish the plane tickets to Costa Rica were as afforable!

I hope you all stay dry and happy this weekend... I've got lots of fun planned, so hopefully there will be plenty of posts with fabulous pictures next week.

XOXO!

Strawberries and Love

Today, I would like to share with you the recipe for what is quite possibly one of the most simple and tasty summer desserts ever:

You need a big fat bowl of these...

Fresh and Ruby Red

A nice little bowl of this...

It's tougher than you think to find a picture of sour cream
that is not smeared all over nachos or a baked potato.

And several heaping spoofuls of this...

Golden brown goodness

Dip 'em, mix 'em, blend 'em... no matter how you eat them together, they will be sure to bring you a little summer-happy-high!

(Genius combination passed on from me to you, courtesy of my Mama, circa 1989.)