Sky High Sandals

Summer has arrived! And there is no better feeling than putting a freshly pedicured foot into a really amazing shoe. The weather is heating up and so should your footwear. Here are my summertime picks for neutral, go-with-everything, sky-high sandals...(and quite a few on sale!)

Jen Aniston in these lovely Michael Kors ($850)
sandals in New York.   image via

L.A.M.B. Kesha $325 $259 L.A.M.B. on sale!!!!

Calvin Klein Licia $138. The perfect neutral in suede
to take you all the way into fall.

Pelle Moda leather, snakeskin and wood
platform $180 $126

Vera Wang Lavender $395 $196.90
Do you see that stitching?! And on sale!

Maxstudio woven leather $199

J Crew $238 $175

Tory Burch Arlene $350

Aldo Marum $100

Mark & James by Badgley Mischka Malana $225 $129.99

Rachel Zoe Presale

I'm not one to double-post (some weeks I can barely post!), but this is of  extreme sorry-to-interrupt-your-current-programming news.

Starting NOW and for the next 2 weeks you can pre-order Rachel's debut Fall 2011 line here.

Saving For, Stalking & Scooping Up

Belted Trench $495

Wrap-Collar Cape $695

Croc Embossed Mandana Satchel $525

Faux Fur Trim Military Jacket $550

Beaded Cardigan $375, Tie Neck plunge Blouse $295,
Cuffed Tuxedo Shorts $195

Melissa Satchel $475

Beaded Halter $275

Belted Military Jacket $525 and Wide Leg Pants $375

...back to your day, darlings :)

Banana Republic's Mad Men Collection

{via}

Summertime in the Smitten household usually means one thing. Mad Men Mondays. It's sort of our weekly holiday. Mad Men airs Sunday night, we DVR and watch it on Monday where there are old school handcrafted cocktails on the patio,  hors d'oeuvres and an all-out, full-tilt, elaborate dinner, where calories and fat don't count but taste and texture does. Style is a must, so breakout your inner Betty, Joan or Peggy.

Now imagine how heartbroke I was to learn that season 5 was delayed until early 2012 (some reports put it in March)! With contract disputes between the show's creator and AMC and January Jones maternity leave, this has left me lonely on Monday nights. But there will soon be an influx of Mad Men style this August courtesy of Banana Republic to get me through.

This isn't the first go-round with these two. In 2009 they paired up featuring a Mad Men Casting Call contest, ad campaign and style guides asking if you were a Joan or Betty, Peter or Don. In 2010 they were back at with with bigger, better window displays and another casting contest in which viewers could vote for their favorite. For this year's campaign the show's costume designer, Janie Bryant, has collaborated with the store to create a collection of looks to give you that 60's vibe whether it's 9 to 5 or cocktails at 8.

Pre-order August 10th, in-stores and online August 11th. Priced from from $45-$198.

above images via nymag


While I'm not over the moon about everything, (let's face it, we've seen quite a bit of these suits and skinny leopard belts before) There are definitely some pieces I'm loving and looking forward to adding to my collection. I can't wait to see these in person because what could really make these stand out is exceptional fit and proportion. I would have loved to see some houndstooth or plaid in the men's collection particularly the brown that Don wears and maybe a few Peter-inspired country club cable knits.

Fresh Fork - Week 4

WEEK 4

1pkg chicken bratwursts
1 bunch garlic scapes
1.5 lbs tomatoes
1 qt strawberries
1 bunch green onions
1 bunch spinach
2 heads leaf lettuce
zucchini or yellow squash
1 bunch red beets
4oz tub fresh chevre (goat) cheese

I'm thrilled for more garlic scapes!!! I used them in just about everything and I thought they were done for the season. The strawberries are an unexpected treat as this will be the third week we've had them. Strawberry season is so short here but apparently the cooler weather in the last few weeks has helped us out there. I'm looking forward to picking up some rhubarb and making this strawberry rhubarb pie from Smitten Kitchen that the lovely Cleveland Foodie tested out and recommended.

My husband and I have a very unhealthy love of goat cheese. We LOVE goat! (cheese, that is) So I was beyond excited to try this one from Lucky Penny Creamery.

My first idea is to do a pizza on the grill with a little olive oil, spinach, chicken brat & goat cheese. I'll use some of the cornmeal I have left (from week 1) for the crust. I love a cornmeal bottom and it's a necessity for an easy transfer from the pizza board to the grill.

this week's beans

my add on order

Last week I added 3 half pound coffees to my order and picked them up with my share. We tried City Roast's Sumatran Mandheling, Costa Rican Tarrazu and Mexican Blend. All are organic and available for purchase at the West Side Market and at Civilization in Tremont. All week I've been enjoying the best coffee ever. This week I added another Sumatran and an Ethiopian Harrar. I also added a grass-fed flank steak from Green Vista Farm and some egg linguine from Ohio City Pasta. All totaled up to an add'l $20! Great food that's good for you and a wonderful price. It's a good feeling :)

I'll also be making Rachael Ray's Herb Butter and Goat Cheese Pasta using my fresh linguine, tomatoes and goat cheese. I'll most likely top with some thinly sliced grilled flank steak or grilled portabella.
If you've struggled with switching to whole wheat pasta, I highly recommend trying out Ohio City Pasta's version. It's fresh, so it cooks quickly and tastes wonderful. You won't even realize you're eating wheat pasta until you look down - that's how good it is! You can find it at the WSM, Heinens & Whole foods.

Nina Ricci Resort 2012

I'm swooning.
Drooling.
Panting.
I can't help it. I can't look away. The latest collection from Nina Ricci is porn. Fashion Porn.
I want everything from the clothes to the shoes, handbags, even the hair! It's a little twist on the ladylike look but kicked up with a candy coated palette, fun textures and asymmetrical details.
Feast your eyes...

How unbelievably great is this print? Loving those shoes.

The ultimate party dress

I MUST own this bag! (and skirt)

Ladylike perfection.

Hot mini paired with a classic twinset, bright bag
and statement pumps. 

I die!! 

How amazing are those sunnies?!

Sublime.

I'd pair this with a bright purple pump!

all images via style.com

The Maxi Dress

Blumarine Spring RTW 2011

My post on the Rachel Zoe Resort collection is still resonating with me. I'm completely consumed with thoughts of taking a quaint holiday in St Tropez or Lake Cuomo. And since the weather has dipped below 80 degrees I'm all about the maxi. I have a few from the past couple years, but they are simple, one color and a little blah. Since the trend has really taken over in stores there are currently so many wonderful options in all kinds of prints and textures available. Even different sizes, which really helps this 5'3" (if I'm standing on my tippie, tippie toes) girl, since I spend a great deal of time and money altering things to fit. Maxi dresses are universally flattering and offer great options that you can work from spring to fall. I love the look of layering in the cooler weather with scarves, sweaters and boots.

So here's the SMITTEN version of Long & Luxurious:

BCBGeneration $148

Banana Republic silk printed maxi skirt $98

Diane von Furstenberg $525

Hinge $158

Anthropologie $268 $69.95

J Crew $98

Topshop $100

Winter Kate $269

L.A.M.B. coming Fall 2011