A Gift for Every Girl on the Go

Aren't we always looking for that sweet little something for a friend's birthday, token of appreciation for an act of selfless friendship or just because...she's a gal who can't be without her vodka fairy for very long. (Isn't that why you're friends in the first place?)

Faux Croc Mini Keychain Flask from Z Gallerie

Pave Mini Keychain Flask from Z Gallerie

Not sure what I find more disturbing - the fact that your options are faux croc or blinged-out or Z Gallerie's description that includes the phrase "...one ounce of freedom."

OR because it's a flask. On a KEYCHAIN.

J. Crew did the same thing two holiday seasons ago and all pieces were promptly removed from retail locations after the company was battered with complaints. (Don't worry I scored two on the interwebs...thinking it would be a collector's item or an excellent way to sneak booze into football games.)

Oh, please. Like you weren't thinking the same thing!

For $6.99 and $9.99 respectively - you can buy one for the spare set too...

Stay tuned. More at 11.

xoxo,

Mrs. News Readin'

Crescent City Recap: Part I

One weekend in June, I headed to New Orleans for a bit of work, some play, retail therapy and plenty of epicurean indulgence. It was gorgeous.

The beauty of a city like New Orleans is that everyone is sweating - even the locals that are fully acclimated to 102 degrees with 87% humidity. Lightly patting your glistening brow takes on an air of sultry - even sexy. At least that what I kept telling myself...

My Friday was chocked-full of work, but upon cocktail hour - everyone remembered we were in New Orleans. We headed to Dickie Brennan's Bourbon House. The bartender convinced me as a Bourbon House virgin (go ahead - get your sixth-grade giggling out of the way) that I must have their famous Frozen Bourbon Milk Punch. Not my first draft pick for cocktail hour - but I enjoyed it very much. Think egg nog's lighter, yummier cousin.

If you are wondering what the N'awlins connection is to the distinctly Kentucky spirit, it's an interesting one. Read about it here.

We enjoyed an authentic Cajun dinner at Cochon. Usually I think of alligator in terms of accessories. But as they say - when in the bayou...devoured delicious fried alligator tenders. The pineapple upside down cake dessert may have been laced with crack cocaine. I almost ordered a second. Good lawd!

On Saturday afternoon I hopped on a street car to take in the Garden District and visit my only two retail destinations: Leontine Linens' flagship store and Hazelnut New Orleans.

With our Wedding Belle's upcoming nuptials, what better excuse to pay a visit to Leontine in search of the perfect wedding gift. Mission accomplished!

Thanks to the sweet Brooke at Leontine, who narrowed my focus and provided a much needed glass of water and a lunch spot recommendation.







My apologies for the poor photography - but I don't have the same photographic flair as Sippycups.

If you think I strolled back to my hotel without picking up a little something for moi - well, you know better.

Hazelnut New Orleans Toile coasters (fabric pictured above)

Love having the reminder of the Crescent City during cocktail hour in City K!



Stay tuned. More at 11.

Well played, Tory.

I am about to go where very few have gone before...Tory Burch just doesn't do it for me.

Let's review all the reasons why I should be brandishing just about everything from TB.

Cute prints: check.
Flattering cuts: check
Darling accessories: check
Generally overpriced unless scored on Outnet, Gilt or the like: check

So - why don't I lurrrv her like (seemingly) everyone else?

Maybe it's because I feel like she raided my grandmother's closet, took copious notes breezing through cocktail party photos from the early '70's, stuck a gold insignia on it and then convinced Oprah she was better than Spanx.

And I'm envious that I didn't beat her to it.

Then I spied these:

Tory Burch "Reva" Suede Python Print Ballet Flat

A sucker for the color, the python print leather/suede combined with the comfort of a flat - I'm considering being that girl and pre-ordering for fear come Fall they will be a retail memory.

Well played, TB. But, consider this a "wanna grab a drink" text from a potential suitor - definitely not a weekend escape to the Seychelles with your sugar daddy. I mean...we just met and hardly know each other.

I'm not that kind of consumer.

Stay tuned. More at 11.

A Tisket, A Tasket

Who doesn't love a picnic? Well, me.

Love the idea of a picnic. Everything perfectly fits in adorable containers and off you go for a meal in the grass. It's the aftermath that makes picnicking - notsomuch.

If it weren't so irresponsible - I probably would prescribe to the Betty Draper guide to picnicking and leave everything behind. (Reference Mad Men Season 2 Episode 7 - brilliant.)

If you have hung out around here long enough, you already know the Breaking News Team is more about the gear than the actual activity.

To picnic - I probably just need the perfect basket. Right?

Voilà! How about a little red basket? Courtesy of Blyton and available at Dean & DeLuca.*

*Barefoot Contessa not included for preparations of perfect picnic fare. Damn.



Stay tuned. More at 11.

Off the Cuff

It's been a little hectic around the News Readin' Household lately.

From the Wedding Belle's glorious engagement party on the coast, a very relaxing weekend in Cashiers, the premiere of So You Think You Can Dance and work - work and yes, more work - it has even been a struggle to assist the News Readin' Husband with the daily selection o' the tie - let alone think of suitable, witty content for consumption. (There is always plenty that is not suitable...)

Sorry, gang. Just trying to keep it real.


Speaking of helping our favorite news reader maintain a snappy appearance...

Spotted these on Barneys.com.


Hobbs & Kent Inlay Cufflinks - on sale for $149.
FYI...they are also offering free shipping on all Barneys.com orders.

Could make for a very nice Father's Day or graduation gift.

Or in our case -
you're not a father and it took you five years to graduate (without a double major) gift.


Stay tuned.

Up next:
Getting around to return some blogging love
Special Report: Size Denial
and a Last Call for Wedding Belle Bridesmaid Accessory Suggestions

Chef's Choice

I'm thinking about this for a chef friend's kitchen shower...




Index Chopping Boards - Damian Evans, 2007

The chopping boards are designed to avoid cross-contamination of food types: red/raw meat, white/cooked foods, blue/fish, green/vegetables. Stored in a sleek filing unit.

It's too cool for my counter top, but will work for hers...


Sous chef to chop and dice - not included. Bummer.


Stay tuned. More at 11.

Magic Words: Discount Designer Duds

Say it with me. Discount Designer.

Oh, do you see the skyrockets...similar to when Bobby Brady was kissed by Millicent on the Brady Bunch...

That's how I feel about Outnet.com.

Hefty price tags abound. Make no mistake. But there are some really good deals in the mix.



Anna Sui Beaded Chevron Dress - Retail: $375 Outnet: $178.50



Kenneth Jay Lane Swarovski Crystal Cuff - Retail: $150 Outnet: $60







Tibi Velodromo Shift Dress - Retail: $355 Outnet: $177.50


Registered members can also opt-in for their 24 hour pop-up sales. The next one is a Bottega Veneta shoulder bag starting on May 29 at 11:00 am EDT.


Don't get me wrong - there is plenty of room in life's shopping cart for Tarjay and Forever21. These days, we (yes, LBM the dread pronoun) find ourselves thinking twice before swiping the card - no matter what the purchase.

So instead of buying the cheapy stuff that will be ditched after one season, shouldn't we invest in quality clothing, accessories and shoes. Sadly - I think my closet is worth more than my 401K these days. With me?

At least that's what I claim to Mr. News Readin' when boxes and bags appear and marriage math - rounding total of all purchases down - is quickly applied.


Stay tuned. More at 11.


Edited to add: My bestie informed me that this came off a bit errr...out of touch. Lord knows there is plenty of Old Navy in this closet. And I am not afraid of a consignment shop. Bottom line - I'd rather have two really wonderful cashmere sweaters that I wear to shreds - than 10 that won't last me three seasons. Discount websites help the cause.

Wedding Belle Update

As some of you may know - Mr. News Readin's sweet sister is tying the knot in October.

She has graciously asked me to be one of her bridesmaids. At first I was just simply honored - but now...now I am over the moon! Check out her bridesmaid dress pick:

Silk Taffeta Lorelei dress from J. Crew in Caspian Blue

It looks navy in the image, but it's really more of a cadet blue. And hellooo...it has pockets!

Every bridesmaid is relieved when the dress choice ends up being something they are not ashamed to wear in public or will be mistaken for a pageant gown or Halloween costume.

An illustration:

Married in a Whorehouse

She would NEVER pick this...but I've seen some doozies lately that have been chosen by perfectly normal girls. For example - a lavender Grecian drape halter dress. Trust me. It is way worse than it sounds. And it sounds pretty bad in my opinion. (My poor friend Jennifer was subjected to such an atrocity.)


Back to our Belle.

Guess who has been charged with shoe and accessory recommendations? OMG. I'm so excited - I can't even take it.

So, let's hear it from those of you who frequent the Breaking News Room. I know you are chocked-full of chic suggestions. I've got a few of my own already...to be posted at a later date.

I'm not kidding. You are officially being solicited for shoe and accessory finds. There may be some swag for my favorites...

Yours in Bridesmaid Bliss,
Mrs. News Readin'


Edited to add:
Contributing reporter Stereos and Souffles raised some good questions. Good woman!
The wedding ceremony is at 6:00 pm. The groomsmen are not wearing tuxes. Not sure if they have decided on khaki suits or tan trousers and navy sport coats. Flowers will be white.


Stay tuned for more Mrs. News Readin' takes over - ummm - I mean helps plan a wedding.

Cookie Monster

Or should I say Monster Cookie?

The News Readin' Husband loves Oreos, but I'm confident this could equal death by double stuffed:

Yum or yuck? Not sure. But very willing to give it a try...

W-S is marketing this for your Mother's Day celebration. Ummm...is that really the best strategy to move these bad boys?

Imagine the scene: mom would end up cleaning the pan and consoling crying children when the big Oreo didn't visually live up to expectations.

There's got to be a better way to thank her for sacrificing hair appointments, her tennis game and life in general - to raise us. Like designer dish washing liquid or scented ironing water...
Just kidding, Mom.

Williams-Sonoma Goldtouch™ Sandwich-Cookie Cake Pan

No matter. I'm a big fan of novelty baking pans that take up precious storage space and are put to use once a year. Something about making a massive cupcake, just warms my heart and makes my body dance along the border of diabetic shock. Mmmm.

Stay tuned. More at 11.

Springtime Surprises Courtesy of L.L. Bean

Never once - ever - have I put cute clothes and L.L. Bean in the same sentence. Don't judge me. You know it's true.

Backpacks - check. Flannel tartan pajamas - check. Outdoor gear - the mecca. Boat totes - accept nothing but the original. Fun summer wear? Keep on looking...

Not so fast. Apparently someone in Freeport took a stand and declared,
"We must free ourselves from the frump!"

While breezing through their latest clothing for women catalog, I was pleasantly surprised by the perfectly preppy gear they are touting - rightfully so. All a little Boden-esque, minus the crazy graphics. I think you will be equally pleased:

Note: All images courtesy of L.L. Bean

Skyway Canvas Button-front Skirt in Sunburst

Haven Skimmers - also in an adorable pink and green print


Lattice Print Handbag - cute, cute with the skimmers and skirt above.




Petal Poplin Shirt, Polka Dot - love the surprise of pink stripe on the cuffs!





Madras Skort - usually skorts are my krytonite, but it's a commendable effort L.L. Bean




Coastal Macintosh Coat in Glen Green lined in pink and green lobster/crab print



Seersucker belt - perfect with jeans




Seersucker Jacket - slim fit, with three-quarter sleeves


If you are in any way impressed with the above, I highly recommend hightailing it over to their website - where plenty more await.

Enjoy this beautiful weekend!

Yours in renewed faith of a classic (with exemplary customer service),

Mrs. News Readin'

Where are all the shoes going?

Just in case Twitter, Facebook and blog reading don't take up enough of your time...there's this:


Zappos.com has a live map module showing where in the U.S. all their shoes are being ordered.

Sound silly? Try addictive. Log on here.

I lost 15 minutes of my day yesterday watching running shoes go to Reno and wedges go to Waterloo.


Stay tuned. More at 11.

Tech Savvy Tailgating

Brilliant! And can be monogrammed...

Ordered one of these last night for a soon-to-be-wed couple's Tailgating Essentials Shower:

Speaker Cooler from Pottery Barn

Hopefully it will be a little more useful beyond a handful of fall weekends in Athens - than red and black coolers, serveware, folding chairs or coozies emblazoned with a big G.

Mr. News Readin' was pleased with the gift decision. Mainly because,
"...waiting 155 days to use it would stink."

Just in case you don't have your 2009 football schedule handy - Georgia takes on South Carolina at home on September 12 or 155 days.

Bet he's keeping a similar count until our wedding anniversary...

Stay tuned. More at 11.

Bad Ass Bunny Gear

Just like my Santa swills scotch, my Easter Bunny is a bad ass.
(But you already knew that...)

This just might be waiting for a certain News Readin' Husband and our star boarder, The Prince on Easter Sunday, courtesy of our B.A.E.B.:


Psycho Bunny Polo Shirt in Kelly Green

A better look at Psycho Bunnies in the Wild

I big puffy heart Psycho Bunny's design mastermind Robert Godley - and not just because he's a nice lad from across the pond. Although, the accent and his former employment at Turnbull and Asser, Jermyn Street, help tremendously. Check him out. Adorable - no?


Keep your fingers crossed that the B.A.E.B remembers little old me:


Large White with Rasberry Bunny Tote from Bunny and Chad
On sale, too!


Or should our Bad Ass Easter Bunny decide to drop off a certain Mr. Godley for a late lunch on Sunday accompanied by a massive basket of Cadbury Creme Eggs - that would be just fine, too.

Stay tuned. More at 11.

Ding-Dong: It's Mom.

My mother made an impromptu trip across the Mason-Dixon this weekend to see the News Readin's and deliver my brother for a 13-week visit. (Don't worry we'll get to that at a later date...)

For her, impromptu means 40 phone calls and a daily weather update. Not to mention - a Xanax refill for yours truly.

As I am not one to veil my impatience or general irritation with the behavior of another - she arrived bearing gifts to smooth over the harassment leading up to her descent...err...I mean - trials and tribulations of trip planning. Oh, and because she knows I desperately miss the retail bliss of New York.

As soon as I saw the Plaza Too bag, all was forgiven.




Mystique Turquoise Flip-Flop
I have two other pairs of Mystique jeweled/embellished flip-flops and l-o-v-e them. They take a casual summer outfit and instantly dress it up. Jewelry for your feet...and really comfortable.



KORS by Michael Kors Andres Moc in Green Patent
Cuter on than depicted. Worship the green color! Am dying to wear them with cropped white jeans and a navy bateau neck tee.


We waxed nostalgic over shoe purchases at Plaza Too in Bronxville, NY...for senior prom - sensible Stuart Weitzmans and my first big girl shoe purchase after landing a gig at Sotheby's- Miu Miu slingbacks...ahhh - memories.

Reminiscing didn't make her completely forget that she has no grandchildren, but it slipped her mind for a moment or two.

Yours in new shoe nirvana,

Mrs. News Readin'

Psst...take advantage of their Style Stimulus through April 15.

Awaiting April Showers

I'm not one of those people that can't get out of a car or leave a building during a drizzle without an umbrella. It may come as a surprise to some - but I will not melt. Thankyouverymuch.

Frankly, I think they are more of a pain to manage while teetering on my 3.5 inch heels and schlepping some massive purse, laptop, bottled water and cell attached to ear.

Gang....Times - they are a changin'.

Maybe my obstinacy to umbrella usage stems from the fact that most are just ugly. Leave it to the retail geniuses at Tar-jay to make me believe that good design and practicality can exist for under $20.

Hayden-Harnett for Target Umbrella

It's on sale for $16.09...slightly more than you should be paying for an umbrella with a plastic handle - but oh, how chic.

Unfortunately, it does not match my wellies.

Yours in preparedness for April showers,

Mrs. News Readin'

Gift Card Rescue

The holidays have left me with gift cards to Bath & Body Works that I will never use.

It's not that I don't appreciate the thoughtful gesture but I have a severe aversion to B&BW. It stems from a suite mate in college that worked there and doused herself in Juniper Breeze and Plumeria. The thought of those scents makes me gag a little. I go as far as to walk at least 50 feet from any entrance to a B&BW. Sorry if you're a fan.

I could pawn those gift cards off on someone else, re-gifting, if you will. But, it makes me feel sort of guilty - especially the next time I see my aunt err...the gift giver. Enter GiftCardRescue, an online service that allows users to exchange their unwanted cards either for different gift cards or for cash. News to me!



GiftCardRescue will then provide the redemption value it's willing to pay - usually between 60 percent and 80 percent of the card's value. You can then elect either to receive cash via PayPal, or select a new gift card from the site, up to the redemption value of their original card.

Happiness is not having to buy from Bath & Body Works - and $$$ in my PayPal account to buy Jo Malone off Ebay. Just what I wanted...

Stay tuned.
More at 11.

New Favorite Catalog Contender

My love of catalogs will someday lead me to a church basement - sitting in a circle, sipping black coffee, talking about "addictive behavior cues." Until that day, I will continue to hurry to my mailbox daily to see what our mailperson has left. On a good day - Wisteria, Anthro or Sotheby's Jewlelry. Bad day - Duluth Trading. On a great day - a brand new catalog which I have never perused. Friday was a great day.

On Friday, Cambria Cove arrived. Here are a few of my favorites from their pages...

They had me at this:

MOR Tea Cup Candle...what a nice hostess gift!



I've never met anything patent that I didn't like...gogovoyage Patent Laptop Sleeve.



Love the old world look of these Cameo Earrings with carved ivory insets...




These Portuguese soaps are amazing...the perfect Claus Porto Deco Collection sampler.


Aren't these pretty for a summer cocktail with your girlfriends? Sunflower Etched Glasses.


And they have stationery.
Be still my heart.



Obsessed with these Berry Cartouche Calling Cards.





Mandarin Sunburst Correspondence Cards. Flat gorgeous...


If you like any of the above, checkout their website. There are plenty more well-chosen gifts, accessories, stationery and candles.


Yours amidst stacks and stacks of retail wants and wishes,

Mrs. News Readin'

Anthropologie: I love you. I love you not.

Does anyone else have a love/hate relationship with Anthropologie?

Seven years ago, I went through a "If it's not from Anthro I don't want to know it..." phase. Even my bedding was from them. Their clothes and accessories made me feel like a keen-eyed, sophisticated, bohemian. And poor. Because it goes without saying that for all its gossamer tank, adorable skirt and embellished sweater gorgeousness, Anthropologie is well...es-pensive.

Are ya' with me on this?

I'm fairly confident I'm on their watch list of habitual returners. Without fail, I'll buy two items and return at least one due to buyer's remorse. Most recently it was a grey blouse that in the husband's most astute observation, "looked like a bunch of napkins" for $178. Thank you, TimGunn.

But, with one skim of a catalog - I am instantly transported back to that pre-Mrs. young woman, who fantasized of skipping across Moorish rooftops in Morocco with tousled Edwardian hair and a $198 skirt from Moth with a $88 mis-matched striped tank from elevens. *sigh*

Then I remember that I do not weigh 90 lbs and would like a damn clown in such an ensemble and if I'm going to don a $200 out-and-about outfit - Morocco ain't the destination. (Been there on our honeymoon - can you say cesspool?...do not bring it up to Mr. NR...it's a sore subject.)

Imagine my shock when I spied this bathing suit, actually picked up the phone and ordered it without any hesitation. Usually a purchase from them includes online deliberations for two-three weeks with multiple phone consults with the BFF, Hilary. And buying a bathing suit - no less!

Had the flame from all those years ago been re-ignited???

Buri Checkered Bikini

It's a little Betty Page-esque, and I'm hoping that's what it will morph this "I've been downing grande hazelnut lattes all winter" body into miraculously. High hopes, no?

If not, here's Plan B:

The Lorelei Halter in Black

Definitely will not be mistaken for picnic buffet table and lends an air of "mystery" with that mid-section ruching.

So I wait with bated breath - hoping that this impetuous purchase of a bathing suit, made while snow falls outside and my treadmill lays idle, will not leave me once again hating Anthropologie (and higher on the habitual returner watch list.)


Stay tuned.
More at 11.

How to be better than Grandma...

...in the eyes of a child. Momentarily.

My first name is fairly common, but my mother had a late-seventies moment (as in the 1970's) and replaced an "i" with a "y" and well - the rest is history. A history riddled with tears on vacations because I couldn't get a license plate for my Strawberry Shortcake bike...or barrettes for my hair...not even a pencil with my misspelled "y" for an "i" name.

Damn. Life was tough. Thankyouverymuch, Mother.

My own life experience is probably the sole reason why I am a fervent believer that gifts should be personalized. Because you just can...

Recently I've started bestowing the ever growing number of minis in my life books from Frecklebox.

What is more fun than an entire birthday book with your name spelled out on cakes every other page or a coloring book complete with fire engines and your name in big letters? The seven year-old in me says, "Nothing better.."


Preview the Birthday Book here.



Preview the Rev It Up coloring book here.



Preview the My Name is Book here.


They have a good selection and even a book for new big brothers and sisters. My guess is if the book has their name in it - it will lessen the blow of a new baby. Good idea.

Which would have been nice to have when my parents told me about the best Christmas present ever...my younger brother born December 27.

Mmmm. Not quite. See I was thinking more along the lines of the Strawberry Shortcake bake shoppe shaped like a strawberry.

And to add insult to injury - his name is totally normal and afforded him all of the personalized tchotchkes imaginable.

It's a miracle that I'm not more medicated...


More at 11.