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Joie Dress, Celine Pumps, Alexander Wang Handbag, Tiffany Earrings (similar here), Chanel Watch, Charriol Bracelet

It seems as though the summer is passing much too quickly and I truly cannot believe we’re on the last day of July.  Each year I get older the years by go more quickly, and before you know it, a year has disappeared, and then five.  I plan on sitting down and creating a summer to-do list just to ensure I make the most of these beautiful days.  At the top of it..taking my morning coffee and Baileys out on the patio to welcome the day.

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Another month and another fabulous book club gathering with the wonderful ladies in my life.  This past month we read the book Rules of Civility by Amor Towles, set in 1937.  I initially had visions of elaborate 1930s cocktails and appetizers, with other ’30s details being incorporated.  Alas, life does not always cooperate with entertaining schedules, so with basically no prep time I made a quick decision.  I came up with the idea of a make-your-own sandwich bar, and complimented that with decadent dessert bars from my favorite local cafe and bakery, the Lazy Loaf and Kettle.  We washed the deliciousness down with lemonade and a vodka punch, because bevvies are mandatory at book club, reading the book is optional.

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Joie Blouse, Citizens of Humanity Jeans (dark wash), Rag & Bone Booties, Chloe Handbag, Michael Kors Watch, Stella & Dot Bracelet, Swarovski Bracelet, David Yurman Bracelet, La Vie Parisienne Earrings

There are seasons in fashion when I realize that I just can’t keep up the denim trends.  One month it’s neon twill and the next it’s all about tonal patterns.  So I’ve decided to stay away from cutting edge and invest more in the classics, and what gets more classic than a pair of high-waisted denim?  Now I know that in the past this cut has received its own share of ridicule.  But I’m back on board, sans mom-bum, with the whole high-waisted denim situation.  Not only does it tuck everything in (goodbye muffin tops) but for a vertically challenged individual such as myself, it creates the illusion of longer legs.  Enough said.

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I’m constantly looking for new recipes to knock the socks off my dinner guests.  Last summer it was this Triple Lemon-Blueberry Cake that did the trick and this summer I have a feeling it will be the Lemon-Raspberry Cake with Lemon Buttercream.  While I wouldn’t recommend this cake for the beginner baker, based on the number of steps involved, it was completely worth the hours spent in the kitchen preparing it.  The combination of tart lemons, buttery frosting and fluffy pound cake just about made me fall off my chair after the first bite.  I can’t wait to gloat shamelessly share this sweet treat with friends later this summer.

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Joie Blouse, Rag & Bone Denim, Alice + Olivia Jacket, Chanel Flats (similar here), Chanel Handbag, Hermes Watch, David Yurman Bracelets, Stella & Dot Bracelet, Tiffany Necklace

While some might think that flats, denim and a boxy jacket border on the boring side, I have to strongly disagree.  Cutting edge they may not be, but the three key pieces to getting you through those crisper spring and summer days, definitely yes.  I’ve switched out my black blazers in favor of light colored jackets and flats.  It’s amazing how such a simple act can introduce a whole new world of life into your wardrobe.  Sometimes it’s not about reinventing the wheel, but slightly altering what you have at your disposal.

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