White Moon

This week was Spirit Week at the school I work at, as everyone geared up for the high school's homecoming. Today in particular was Whiteout day (everyone had to wear white). I was all kinds of ecstatic as it gave me the perfect excuse to wear this white dress I recently purchased for family beach pictures on our trip down to Hilton Head. I didn't think that I would be getting much wear out of it until the spring, so naturally this day found me much excited to break it out one last time before packing it away for the winter season.

Though I felt a little odd taking photos in a white dress when fall colors are all around, I felt it to be appropriate for today's occasion. The wind was wild today (as were the students) - so picture taking was confined to the indoors as I wasn't in the mood to blow away with the autumn leaves.

I found this lovely necklace in my grandmother's closet. She was so kind to let me borrow it. I just love finding pretty trinkets and treasures such as this.

This has been a long work week for me which included a 12 hour day. I am sort of exhausted but happy as a clam to have a personal day off tomorrow to spend the weekend yet again in Philadelphia. Speaking of homecomings, my husband and I will be spending tomorrow at the college we graduated from as it is homecoming weekend and my husband was chosen as one of the recipients of the Young Alumni Award this year. I am so happy for him and so proud of him. Congrats sweetheart - you know I am your biggest fan:-)

On one final note - I wish everyone a happy Friday and a beautiful weekend to follow. I look forward to catching up on all your lovely blogs.

Outfit Details:

Dress: Victoria's Secret

Flower Clip: Steinmart

Necklace: Vintage - Grandmother's

Socks - Urban Outfitters

Shoes: Seychelles

With the ongoing theme of white here...I leave you with White Moon by Beach House

Not a Cloud in the Way of My Sunny Day

This past weekend Al, Keane, and I went to Philadelphia to visit his parents, relax, and do a little window shopping downtown. I went out of my norm - quite comfy, casual, and plaid as it was very windy and a chill laced the Philly air. It was a lovely little weekend - we filled up on lots of delicious home cooking, cheesesteaks, and brownies. Al and I even took a couple hours away and snuck off into the city where I managed to snag up a darling little goody at Zara:-) But that's for a later post.

I simply love weekends like this where the sweet company of family is so enjoyed, R&R becomes a true thing, and I come back refreshed for the week ahead.

Outfit Details:

Shirt: Heritage (Borrowed from sister)

Hat & Socks: Urban Outfitters

Shoes: Modcloth

Necklace: Vintage - from mom

Friday, Saltwater, and Hello Lyndsey

Happy Friday to all! It's 4:30 am here right now and I can't sleep so I thought I'd just pop in and tell you that I was ever so thrilled to find out that I am featured as the October Spotlight on the gorgeous blog Hello Lyndsey, before I eat my chocolate & banana cheerios, drink my coffee, and start my work day.

If your not following this girl yet, I would definitely encourage you to check her blog out as it is fun, witty, creative, and inspirational. I'm sure you'll love it as much as I do, as it's one of those I fell in love with the moment I stumbled across it and became instantly hooked.

Before I go I'm leaving you with several more photos from my trip to Hilton Head. I promise this is the last of them :-)

Have a beautiful weekend! Any good plans in store? Do tell.

Florals, Fountains, and a Giveaway

As I begin this post I just want to say thanks again to everyone out there who has taken time to read my blog. I started this blog with without any expectation that anyone would want to follow or even just read it. Sounds bleak I guess, but at the time I began blogging I was antsy in my 5th month of pregnancy and wanted some kind of creative outlet as I felt somewhat bored in my busy day to day routine. As some of you know, I love writing music and lyrics but at the time my creativity was just stifled in this department so I looked to something else that I had a passion for - fashion. As I silently read so many lovely blogs for months, I finally felt compelled to start my own - my shy self, pregnant and all. I wasn't consistent for a while - not until this past June. But along the way, I can truly say I have enjoyed learning so much, meeting such lovely bloggers, and feeling inspired once again.

Thanks for being so encouraging with your uplifting comments. Thanks for being inspiring with all your creativity. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

In light of reaching 50 followers (yes I realize this is still very small in the blogger world - but exciting to me), I wanted to do a little giveaway.

I love headbands - so I saw it fitting to put one up for grabs, bought personally for you from me.

Urban Outfitters Leaf Cluster Headband

(I love this and wanted to keep it for myself:-)

Image from Urbanoutfitters.com

How to Enter:

1. Be a follower of Shades of Monet. Leave a comment letting me know how you follow - google friend connect or bloglovin. Then let me know how to contact you - blog url or email address.

2. Enter by 10/24/10 and on 10/25, I'll toss your names into my grandmother's straw hat and pull one out. How easy is that? Anyone who follows can enter.

Long post - I do realize, but I wanted to leave you with some more pics of my surroundings at Hilton Head. I was so taken by the beauty and colors of this lovely little island.

ten.ten.ten

Well I finally made it safe and sound back home to central PA. Today I enjoyed some lovely time relaxing, reorganizing, and hanging with family. Tomorrow I'm back to the daily grind - that which is work. Looks like a good night of sleep is in order for me as I dread waking up at 5:00 once again. (I miss vacation already).

Anyways, tomorrow along with my post I will be doing a small giveaway. Before I hit the hay I just want to say a huge thanks to everyone out there who stops by to read, leaves a comment, or even follows my little blog. I didn't expect much when starting this little venture - but I have had so much fun meeting so many lovely and inspiring people along the way. You really do make my day:-)

More to come...tomorrow. Goodnight all!

Outfit Details:

Dress & Necklace: Borrowed from sister

Blazer: Modcloth

Headband: Topshop

Socks: Urban Outfitters

Shoes: Seychelles

When We Rise it's like Strawberry Fields

The south is so beautiful this time of year. Not to0 hot, not too cold - just right. It feels kind of strange to post blog pics in bright summery dresses and shorts when normally I would be posting deeper fall colors and layers. So for now I was able to get one last wear out of my grandmother's straw hat before going back to Pennsylvania and packing it away.

Outfit Details:

Blouse: Modcloth

Cardigan & Shorts: Urban Outfitters

Hat: Vintage from Grandmother

Ring: Miss Selfridge

Shoes: Seychelles

Asleep on a Sunbeam

To my surprise - one thing about being on vacation is that is has given me a little unexpected free time to blog. I just love when things don't move at such a fast pace. Not such the case in my normal day to day life, but here at the beach I have been enjoying every moment I can at a snail's speed. It's just perfect this week.

In lieu of Gee's guest post yesterday, I too wanted to do a post inspired by a song. Asleep on a Sunbeam by Belle & Sebastian just seem to fit perfect as that song evokes quite of feeling of warmth, beauty, yearning, and passion. It makes me think of the beach - the rhythmic crash of the waves, the warm sand, and the clear blue sky. I long to slow down and take in all this beauty.

"Think about a new destination

If you think you need inspiration

Roll out the map and mark it with a pin

I will follow every direction

Just lace up your shoes while I’m fetching a sleeping bag, a tent...

Another summer’s passing by

All I need is somewhere I feel the grass beneath my feet

A walk on sand, a fire I can warm my hands

My joy will be complete"

Outfit Details:

Top: Borrowed from sister

Dress: Darling by Asos

Headband: Modcloth

Guest Blogger: Sock Monkey & Gee

Prior to Leaving for my weeklong holiday, I asked Megan (Gee) from Sock Monkey & Gee if she would write a guest post for me inspired by one of her favorite songs. She was ever so kind and accepted the task. I absolutely love this girl and swear we could be long lost relatives as it seems we were cut from very similar molds. Her blog just plain rocks (I encourage all to check it out, as it is one of my favs), so without any further ado, I introduce Sock Monkey & Gee:

Hello. I am Gee, from Sock Monkey & Gee.

I was so excited when Marisa contacted me to do a guest post while she was on vacation.

Being my first guest post ever, I was a little nervous & wasn't really sure what I was doing.

But I put my fears aside because I absolutely adore Marisa and her beautiful blog.

Just like Marisa... We are both married and around the same "older" age group in the blogging world & we both have a huge love for dresses, music, and everything beautiful.

While Marisa is having fun in the sun in FL.

I ventured out in the 50 degree weather and drizzling rain to capture my outfit pictures.

I had the perfect inspiration on this dreary, cold day from one of my favorite french songs "Autumn Leaves" or other wise know as "Les Feuilles Mortes"

Many singers have sung this beautiful song. (examples: Nat King Cole, Eva Cassidy, and the Bird and the Bee.) But my absolute favorite is the wonderful and beautiful Edith Piaf. Her voice is out of this world.

"The falling leaves drift by my window.

The autumn leaves all red and gold

I see your lips, the summer kisses.

The sunburned hands, I use to hold.

Since you went away the days grow longer.

And soon I'll hear, old winter songs.

But I miss you most of all

My darling, when autumn leaves start to fall..."

Outfit:

dress: Target for Tucker

tights: Anthro

knee socks: target

boots: Ruche

headband: jcrew

belt: vintage

At the Beach

"Sand beneath our feet, big blue sky above our heads"

Departure

So it's official - I am happily settled at the beach on a week long holiday. It's been a long time coming and I am so looking forward to much time of r & r and lots of sand and sun. I'm not sure how many times I'll be able to check into the blogasphere, but one thing I can guarantee - I am very excited to say that I will be having a guest blogger stopping by in the middle of this week. I can't say who it is yet...hehe, it's a surprise. But what I can tell you is that she is one of my absolute favs and she loves books and dresses. Well gotta run now as the beach is calling me. Until next time, I leave you with a song in the spirit of my travels down the eastern coast.

Departure by Mt. Desolation: