This & That: No. 59

A few summer fashion finds, my new favorite herb, a beautiful detail at a wonderful price and a bit of inspiration from a name you might recognize . . .

~Blog Post to Read

1. Food Sampling Etiquette from Classy & Fabulous

Karla M. Davis, the founder of the lifestyle blog Classy & Fabulous continues to be a woman with an abundance of ideas on how to be the classy and fabulous woman so many of us aspire to be. With the many wine and food pairing that tempt my palette, I thought I’d take a look at her tips on food sampling etiquette, and after reading, all the while nodding my head in agreement, I wanted to share. 

~Details

2. Diamond Spider Brooch from Humble Chic

Former Secretary of State Madeline Albright has famously used her choice of brooches to express her ideas regarding foreign policy. In fact, in her book Read My Pins: Stories from a Diplomat's Jewel Box, she documents many of her fashion choices dependent upon who she would be meeting with.
Needless to say, what we choose to wear can be very telling. So when I happened upon this diamond spider brooch (only $38!), I thought what a unique and quite intriguing item to wear. Either to secure a scarf, gather a draped neckline or place on a blouse or jacket, the finishing touches are in the details.

~Garden

3. Lemon Verbena herb

I have been devouring the many farmers’ markets in my area and adding new and curious herbs to my herb garden. Last weekend while watching P. Allen Smith’s PBS show, he showed viewers how to make a simple lemon verbena infused honey. To be used in tea, drizzled over cheese or warm scones, I am all the more enticed to grow this fragrant herb.


~Shopping

4. Giambattista Valli leopard ankle pant

Leopard is a classic option, and Giambattista Valli’s silk/wool blend ankle pants are reduced 80% at Barney’s Warehouse. A beautiful pant for the evening when a dress just isn’t calling your name, pair with black heels, a simple black blouse and you will certainly impress.

5. Jane Stripe maxi dress

I can’t help but enjoy the fashion pleasures of summer as maxi dresses are perfect for both comfort and style. This affordable nautical maxi paired with a classic denim jacket, sandals, sunnies and a straw tote is simple and a wonderful choice for travel or strolling.

6. Nanette Lepore striking black and white shorts

No longer are denim and khaki the only options for shorts. From prints to stripes, shorts can make just as much of a fashion statement as an expertly chosen pair of shoes. Nanette Lepore’s black and white striped shorts would be fun to pair with a blouse in a solid color - perhaps with this silk blouse or this short sleeve option?

~Commencement Address to Watch

~Kerry Washington at George Washington University

As the graduation season rolls around each year, I become a commencement address junkie. Always looking for inspiration, I have found that there are always a select few that become worthy of being repeated year after year. Speaking this past weekend at her alma mater George Washington University, actress Kerry Washington’s commencement address is one that may just jump into this category.