Benny and Joon

Outfit Details: Dress & Bag: Vintage//Floral Crown: DIY//Necklace: Target//Tights: Modcloth//Shoes: Gift from Mother

I found this dress at a vintage shop the other week in Philly and pretty much knew I was going to snag it up very quickly as I had one very similar as a high schooler in the 90s.  So I guess you could say it was kinda an ode to my teenage self.  Benny and Joon, Empire Records, My So-Called Life, Friends, the Gin Blossoms and Pearl Jam...Meg and Tom and ooh that Johnny Depp. The days of awesome romantic comedies and good radio are long gone, but well this corduroy baby doll dress...I think it's here to stay:)

Love bunches,

Boathouse Row

Outfit Details: Dress: Swapped with The Modest Muse//Hat: UO//Sweater: Vintage//Shoes: Thrifted

Saturday was the warmest winter day I've ever seen so Albert and I took full advantage by taking the longest stroll down Boathouse Row in Philly.  It's way too easy to get carried away with taking photos when the scenery around you is this sublime. I do believe all winter days...except for Christmas, should be just like this:)

Have the most splendid week darlings!

Plane Gazer

Hello Darlings, 

Hope you are having one swell weekend.  This one finds me yet again in Philly and I'm almost feeling as if this heart-filled city is becoming a second home to us as we've been here so often as of late.  Back in the suitcase again, but I really can't complain.  This place holds so many sweet memories for me as it is where Albert and I first really started our relationship with one another.  I'm sure if you look back I've written about it before but this quiet little area known as Plane Spotter's Place that is tucked away down a  beaten path behind the airport, next to the water, is where we spent summer's days laying on top the roof of his old Saturn watching the planes fly overhead and talking for hours.  

Years later, we still come back to this same place.  Do you have any special places that you always go back to with your family or friends?

Love bunches, 

The Swing

Outfit Details: Dress: Vintage//Cardi: Grandfather's//Brooch: Antique Marketplace//Hat & Shoes: UO//Black sweater tights: Hue, gift - thanks Mom for keeping me warm:)

I'm home from the holidays darlings as I'm sure most of you are by now too.  It's kind of sweetastic to be back into the swing of every day life and not be living out of a suitcase.  Though while away, I was lucky enough to score this interesting little 80s tunic jacket thing while out vintage shopping and thought it would be kind of perfect repurposed as a short dress.  Nothing more to say than that the plaid sailor style collar drew me in like nobody's business.

My New Year's resies have gotten off to a swift start as I cooked something new this week - homemade ham & bean soup, mmm mmm good...and got back into my exercise routine.  Fingers crossed it will last.  That's about all for now...my little man is backing up onto my lap and asking me to "read":)  Life has so quickly become about cars, trains, and Dr. Seuss and I wouldn't have it anyone other way.

Love bunches,  

New Year's Cheers

Outfit Details: Coat: Target//Dress, bag, shoes: Vintage//Headband: DIY//Tights: Modcloth

Happy New Year darlings!

Now that the holidays are over and the new year has so quickly arrived, I really want to greet it with wide open arms.  I'm excited for the adventure that lies ahead.  More so than anything this year, I really want to go after everything I do wholeheartedly.  So it seemed fitting to make a list of goals...7 being the lucky number:

Whatever your goals or resolutions may be I wish you the best of them all.  Here's to making 2012 a beautiful one...chasing dreams, living fully, loving completely.  

Sweet dreams and many blessings,

Twenty Eleven

Goodbye 2011 and cheers to a new year!   It's always interesting to see how things evolve over a 12 month span.  It's been a year of ups and downs and twists and turns for me...losing three grandparents, buying a house, leaving my job, moving away from family and making new friends. So I just wanted to say thanks to everyone and all the dear friends I have made along the way here on my little corner of the web.  Thanks for reading, and inspiring me, for encouraging, and for just being you.  New things are on the horizon for Shades of Monet...but I'll save that for another time.  I'm excited for every little thing that lies ahead.   Wishing your New Year's will be bright and joyful as ever!!

Much love and New Year's wishes,

It's a Marshmallow World

Outfit Details: Dress: Asos via eBay//Hat: UO//Brooch & Bag: Antique Marketplace//Shoes: Dolce Vita

Hello darlings,
Hoping you are enjoying the holidays and getting much needed r&r and feasting on plenty of holiday goodies.  I know I surely am.  Christmas Eve was our big family dinner at my grandparent's house, and it was awesome to honor them by carrying this tradition on, even though they are no longer with us. Being that my grandmother was German, the traditional dishes such as rouladen, spaetzels, cabbage, and Christmas soup were present at the dinner table.  The night concluded with plenty of pfefferkuchen and a bat getting into the house and swooping down at our heads.  Pretty funny and kinda of frightening.  Luckily my cousin was able to catch it with the a small trashcan and release it back outside.  Never a dull moment.

This was my Christmas Eve outfit...with some recycled accessories from the last post.  You know how packing goes.  I try to pack only the necessary otherwise I would get carried away and bring my whole closet:)

Wishing you a Merry Holiday and Bright New Year!!
Love bunches,

I'll Be Home for Christmas

Outfit Details: Sweater, blouse, shoes: Thrifted//Hat: UO//Brooch: Antique Marketplace//Bag: Vintage//Shorts: Topshop

That's right darlings, I along with many of you will be heading home for the holidays...first central Pennsylvania, then Philadelphia.  Christmas just wouldn't be complete without the company of family.  So with that, I am off.  Wishing you safe and merry travels and many hours of love and laughter as Christmas draws near and the celebrations begin.

Peace and Happiness,