Look! It’s Walter in glasses!

But, that’s not what this post is about. This is about my favorite season of the year: reading season. Yes, I read all year long…but the majority of my nose-in-bookiness gets accomplished May-September. Currently I’m in the middle of Contagious—a definite thumbs up for anyone interested in information and how it spreads (in person, on the web, etc.). So, here’s my list so far—would love to know what has made it onto yours…

1. Contagious by Jonah Berger ($16.12)- Why do some products get more word of mouth than others? Why does some online content go viral? Word of mouth makes products, ideas, and behaviors catch on. It’s more influential than advertising and far more effective.  Read more…

2. Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell ($27.99)- What makes high-achievers different? His answer is that we pay too much attention to what successful people are like, and too little attention to where they are from: that is, their culture, their family, their generation, and the idiosyncratic experiences of their upbringing. Along the way he explains the secrets of software billionaires, what it takes to be a great soccer player, why Asians are good at math, and what made the Beatles the greatest rock band. Read more…

3. A Discovery of Witches ($19.68)- Discovering a magical manuscript in Oxford’s library, scholar Diana Bishop, a descendant of witches who has rejected her heritage, inadvertently unleashes a fantastical underworld of daemons, witches and vampires whose activities center around an enchanted treasure. Read more….

4. The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer ($15.99)- The summer that Nixon resigns, six teenagers at a summer camp for the arts become inseparable. Decades later the bond remains powerful, but so much else has changed. InThe Interestings, Wolitzer follows these characters from the height of youth through middle age, as their talents, fortunes, and degrees of satisfaction diverge. Read more…

(and in case you just can’t help yourself….you can see more of me torturing my dog here).

Do you roll your eyes when you see crop tops in stores? It has turned into a full-on invasion. Everything is cropped. Chances are pretty good that (no matter how toned your tummy) you have probably tossed an eye-roll or ten out there. Not necessarily because you don’t think you can pull it off…but also because you don’t know where to pull it off. Where, exactly, is it okay to wear these? I don’t know the rules, but I have found a combination that makes the crop top acceptable in nearly every situation: pair it with a high-waisted skirt (fitted or full, both are cute). It minimizes exposed skin but gives that “tucked in tee” look without the bunching fabric of actually tucking one into a mini skirt (I know you know what I’m talking about).BooHoo Sarah Crop Tee ($16.00), Lipsy Tribal Mini ($34.00), Pendant Necklace ($109.00), Kate Spade Cobble Hill Ellen ($238.oo), Ray-Ban Clubmasters ($145.00), Fabio Rusconi Gladiator Sandals ($106.95), ICING Straw Fedora with Grosgrain Trim ($18.00), TOPSHOP Nails in Pillar Box ($7.76), TOPSHOP Lip bullet in Rockabilly ($16.00).

I’ve already been awake for 5 hours and I haven’t even had coffee yet. I’m impressed with myself and also with these new Moxie lipsticks from bareMinerals. They launch in May and will come in 42 different shades (that’s an impressive collection if you ask me).  You’re sure to find at least one (dozen) that you love.  My favorite is Call the Shots—which appears to be the most insta-teeth-whitening shade of red ever. Also a fan of Never Say Never, a hot pink that will be great for summer!

I’m also obsessing over the bettah-than-evah lipstick tube that locks in place and opens with the slide of that silver button. Makes me feel so stealth! And the  lipliner has a rubber grip…a rubber grip….on your lipliner. A simple detail that ensures a steady hand during application.  That is first class, ladies.

The above looks involve the following products which will launch in May! Which one is your favorite? (top to bottom) Look 1: Fly High Moxie ($18.00) + Liberated Moxie Liner ($15.00). Look 2: Never Say Never Moxie ($18.00) + Jazzed Moxie Liner ($15.00). Look 3: Call the Shots Moxie ($18.00) + Amped Moxie Liner ($15.00).

These products were received courtesy of bareMinerals. Although I receive complimentary products, I only review and share those I truly love.

Heck yes to the return of dress season. My closet overfloweth with short, summery dresses, but I’m lacking on the longer lengths. I’m looking to add a few simple maxis and adore this one from Miss Selfridge.

Miss Selfridge Peach Frill Front Maxi Dress ($80.00), BaubleBar Ziegfeld Necklace ($36.00), ASOS Johnny Loves Rosie ZigZag Clutch ($58.19), ASOS River Island Gladiator Sandal ($58.19), NARS Blush in Sin ($29.00), Ilia Lipstick in Humble Me ($24.00), Deborah Lippmann Lacquer in Careless Whisper ($17.00).

Target Striped Peplum Top ($22.99), dEliA*s Floral Denim shorts ($14.99), Hobbs George Trilby Fedora ($60.00), Keds Champion Sneakers ($45.00), Tory Burch Slouchy Tote ($295.00), Essie Polish in Tart Deco ($8.00), Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur couture in Pink Coral ($34.00) Marni Round-frame Sunnies ($199.98).

TOPSHOP Petite Briton Striped Tee ($30.00), Rag & Bone Denim Mila Shorts ($165.00),  Target Floral Scarf ($24.99 ), TOMS Classics ($54.00), Target Fedora ($12.99), Kate Spade Last Straw Bag ($248.00).

If you’re sick of the top-handle or cross-body bag this season presents: the bucket bag. Although I like the shape of these, I just picture myself sweating and swearing while frantically digging for my lipstick. However, orange and all of these fancy Keds are things that I can get hip to.

River Island Black & White Rihanna Bra Top ($75.00), Jack Wills Ellington Chino Short ($59.50), Alexander Wang Diego Bucket Bag ($850.00), Keds Champion Brights ($40.00), Round Frame Sunglasses ($10.00), Isabel Marant Black Prism Necklace ($385.00), Essie Polish in Action ($8.00), Philosophy Lip Shine in Mimosa ($10.00).

Happy first day of Spring! Hopefully things are a bit more ‘springy’ wherever you are, because we have fresh snow and frigid temperatures in Wisconsin and it seems like it will be ages before I can bust out my collection of pointy-toed flats, *really loud sigh*. So, in order to think spring I’m sharing some of my current favorites in a hot, hot shade: Fuchsia (the spelling of which is another hot topic…even google is confused). Details below.

Kate Spade Field Day Necklace ($278.00), Yves Saint Laurent ‘Rouge Volupte’ in Devotion ($34.00), Kate Spade New York Carlyle Strap ($195.00), Dior Vernis Polish in Pink Kimono ($24.00), Kate Spade Cameo Ring ($78.00), GAP Leather Envelope Clutch ($40.00), J.Crew Classic Wide Bangle ($28.00), MM6 Neon Oxfords ($415.00), Kate Spade Locked In Studs ($48.00).

When I think of great jewelry, Banana Republic is not the first place that comes to mind. Until recently I’m not even sure I knew they sold jewelry. I realize I might be late to this party…but dayum, the stuff is good. So good, that this entire outfit is centered on that fabulous B|R Bauble.

Banana Republic Spring Fling Necklace ($69.50), Coral Dress from H & M ($24.95), Zara Ballerina Flat w/ Ankle Strap ($90.00), Zara Day Time Clutch ($49.90), Astley Clarke Enamel Ring ($90.00), Mimco Youra Stud Earrings ($69.95), Scotch Naturlas in Canal Street Daisy ($15.00), TOPSHOP Lips in Ohh La La ($16.00).

Here’s two pieces of exciting news: 1. My hair is finally getting (kind of) long again! Yesterday I was over at Beauty Bets with my 1-year update , which included 12 months worth of before & after shots as well as 3 things that have helped my hair grow faster and stronger (hint: no product gimmicks….just good old fashioned TLC.) 2. Speaking of Beauty Bets, her new skincare line launched last week! I just got my Elizabeth Dehn for One Love Organics in the mail today and I cannot wait for bedtime to roll around so I can pamper my skin!