American Idol, and my other guilty pleasures... (okay, fine, I don't feel guilty)

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After tearing up at yet again another American Idol audition, I have decided I am no longer apologizing for such over-the-top displays of emotion (who cares if I'm the only person in my house, I still get embarrassed). But not anymore!

I'm embracing all of the realized/crushed dreams on American Idol, the emotional trauma of Grey's Anatomy, and the relentlessly-inspirational Biggest Loser.  I believe previews for Nicholas Sparks' "Dear John" should come with a warning: "Not Appropriate for All Audiences, a.k.a. Emotional Disaster Zones."

The one thing that completely rips me apart? (As if there weren't enough already!) The National Anthem. The Star-Spangled Banner. I feel sorry for all the other fans near me at games, or anyone in the living room at the start of the Super Bowl.  Please be forewarned-- I will cry. Hard. Just wait until the jets fly over. Oh man. 100% Guaranteed.

So... I cry at stuff. Lots of stuff. I'm not sorry for it or sad about it; it's great. It is those things in particular that make me happy. I absolutely LIVE for something (anything) that makes me feel so much, so strongly, one way or another (see previous Glee post) that I laugh out loud, stand up and cheer, or completely melt down in tears for an hour.  I love it all.

PS: Warning: the Olympics is soon, and it's the worst offender-- produces all of the above symptoms.  It starts with only the NBC theme song.  I'm stocking up on tissues, red wine, and pretzels.

Hello again my lovelies...

First of all... HUGE apologies for my serious lack of posts...  Much drama happened during my over-stressed exam season, followed by weeks of perfectly stress-free holidays. Neither is conducive to the frivolous and fun blogging that I so enjoy.  Bits and pieces of the drama (and all of the crazy-awesome Christmas goodies) will make appearances soon.  For now, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Now that we are a full 13 days into January, it's officially time to begin planning my vacation wardrobe!  I am somehow lucky enough to be traveling to the British Virgin Islands (BVI's) during the 2nd week of March with my très chic cousin, awesome aunt, and my mom (who is getting her own "moms can be cool, just watch" blog post... stay tuned).

We are going to be sailing around on a boat for seven days, and I am searching for a couple unique pieces to add just the right Caribbean vibe to my current wardrobe.  If there's anything I don't really need more of, it's basic summer/vacation attire.  I have a few ideas, and hope to get a second opinion before buying... (PS: my shopping budget has shrunk big-time; after holiday returns I have a nice J. Crew store credit, so I'm sticking to one retailer). 

First off, a new swimsuit - I have some great suits, but haven't bought one in almost two years.  This Biarritz-stripe is perfect for grabbing some rays on the bow of a sailboat, no?

Biarritz-stripe v-wire bandeau top & hipster bottom

Next up, the Straw seaside tote... not only is it screaming at me "SUMMER! VACATION! BEACH! TROPICS! SUNTAN! OCEAN!!!" it also could replace my purse completely, meaning one less bag to fly with, one less item to pack.  Not to mention its size... the perfect carry-on.

Straw Seaside Tote

I am completely split on the decision between these two shirts.  I love them both, but the ruffle one seems more practical (is that weird?)  I think the Sweeping ruffles shirt could be more versatile than the longer, straighter shape of the Chambray tuxedo beach shirt... but at almost twice the price, I may need to wait for this darling to pop into the sale section.  Both looks are similar (and I love them both) - opinions?

Sweeping ruffles shirt

Chambray tuxedo beach shirt

And to top things off (pun intended) I am totally enamored with the Panama hat.  It could really go anywhere... from with just a swimsuit (see above!) to a gauzy cover-up for Painkillers at the Soggy Dollar... to lobster dinner on Anegada in a summery dress. This hat could easily make OR break any look.  Any advice on how to make this work?

Panama hat

Thanks for being patient readers... I promise I'll be posting more soon!  School starts back tomorrow so my need to escape will be much greater, especially with the upcoming vacation on my mind!