hello, gorgeous!

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How stunning are these dresses?! They're from Oscar de la Renta's RTW for spring 2012.

garden roundup.

I love plants, but we don't have much room in our yard for a garden. Room isn't the only problem. Two rowdy dogs run back and fourth through our tiny yard most days and don't have the courtesy to run around the plants. Most of our plants are potted and away from the dogs.

Also, it seems like the closer you get to the city, the smaller or less frequent yards become. Here are some creative ideas for having a garden when you don't exactly have the space for one.

[You can find these pictures, their sources, and more gardening ideas on this Pinterest board.]

summer hair.

I'm probably the last person that should be sharing hair advice. However, that's what might make these styles even better. If I can do these, you can do it too.

Joanna Goddard posts great hair tutorials that anyone can do. I thought that these are great ideas for spring and summer. They would work great for a day at the beach, a sunny bike ride, or just lounging around in a cute dress.

[Click on the links for each style to find a full picture tutorial.]

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When I was working at Starbucks, I had to wear my hair out of my face. When I woke up early enough to do my hair and makeup, I usually rocked this pony tail. It's very easy to do and I always got lots of compliments.

Accessory tip: wear a big bow right above the pony tail to cover up the bobby pins.

I love a messy bun. This style is perfect for when you're running out the door and need to do something quick and cute.

Accessory tip: You can wear an oversized bow on the back of your head right below the bun (like the bun is sitting on top of the bow). Another idea is to pin a smaller bow or flower on the side of the bun.

Maiden braids are really fun and they keep your hair out of your face. My experience is that when you braid your hair, pull apart the braid a little, making it slightly loose. If you have thick hair, you probably don't have to worry about that.

Accessory tip: Try braiding a pretty strip of fabric or piece of yarn with your hair to add a little extra something.

Shop Update

I added some spring inspired headbands into the shop.

new items in the shop.

Added these new items to the shop today. All of my fabrics that I've been using lately have been pinks, cream, champagne, glittery, and lacy. Pretty colors for spring and summer time.

Ruche Spring Lookbook

I absolutely LOVE Ruche's spring lookbook! I like that the spring part is in the clothes and photography (not the palce where it was shot). It's beautiful, just see for yourself.

The answer is yes.

When I hear ready-to-wear collection, I hear it as a question: "Ready to wear collection?" If Gilles Mendell was asking me this, I would reply, "Of course I am!"...The same answer would be given to most other designers as well.

J Mendel Spring 2011 Ready-toWear found via style.com

J. Crew's Spring 2011

Love. Found at style.com