Style Icon: Elaine Benes?

According to this article in the Style section of the New York Times, Julia Louis-Dreyfuss's "floral-and-tough" look from Seinfeld has become a serious late summer fashion trend for the super hip ladies of lower Manhattan.

(Images courtesy The New York Times)

Get out! No. Really.

Did I read this right? I love Elaine as much as the next person, but this look is most unfortunate.

A pretty amazing quote from Gawker below:

"Haven't you been wanting to look like a zealous American gypsy headed off to a casual business meeting lately? Well then put on your long floral print dress, throw a leather jacket over that, make sure your socks are showing over your loafers or boots, and put that hair into a Big Love-ian poof-knot. You'll be the hottest thing on Morton St. (Where this Times reporter went and observed nü-Elaines in their natural habitat.)"

(Images courtesy Etsy)

I know "everything old is new again," and as you might have guessed, 90's style grunge floral dresses will always hold a special place in my heart... and with black tights this look just might be doable...

but folded down socks? That's where I draw the line.

(Images courtesy Liebemarlene Vintage)

I suppose this look's reemergence was inevitable. After all, hipster dudes have been crushing on George Costanza's style for some time now. Examine the evidence for yourself here in a collage cleverly titled "George Costanza: The Original Hipster".

(Image courtesy BuzzFeed)

Seriously Good Stuff

The lovely Miss PeanutJB treated us to a tour of Washington DC last week, and I'm already ready to go back for a visit.

One of our DC destinations was the super scrumptious Good Stuff Eatery on Capitol Hill. All I can say about this experience is...wow.

(Image courtesy of so good)

For those of you who enjoy Top Chef, you might recall Chicago alum Spike Mendelsohn. Good Stuff came from the chef's collaboration with... his Mom (awww).

(Images courtesy Good Stuff Eatery)

While our fantastic hostess and I gobbled up the Good Stuff Melt (with both melted cheddar and muenster cheeses, caramelized onions, mushrooms and Good Stuff Sauce), S scarfed down the Prez Obama Burger (applewood bacon, onion marmalade, Roquefort cheese and horseradish mayo sauce).

Other meal highlights included the Village Fries (topped with fresh thyme, rosemary and sea salt) and

(Image courtesy epicurious)

and the Toasted Marshmallow Milkshake.

(Images courtesy of always hungry ny)

In case the above hasn't blown your mind, don't forget to stop by the restaurant's infused mayonnaise bar. Mango, Old Bay and sriracha varieties await for your dipping pleasure.

(Image courtesy DC Socialite)

Check out Good Stuff's menu of "nostalgic American favorites" here.

Mmmmmm.

Greek Islands

(Image via oh joy!)

How wonderful would a trip to the Greek Islands be? It's been a dream destination of mine for as long as I can remember.

(Image courtesy Travel Destination Photos)

I'll keep dreaming as HBO's endlessly repetitive showings of Mamma Mia continue to taunt me.

At least Pierce Brosnan's rocking rendition of ABBA's "S.O.S." won't be stuck in my head for weeks (sarcasm)....

(Image courtesy Row Three)

Oh, who am I kidding? Mamma Mia rocks.

Thank you very much

THXTHXTHX is a hilarious blog from Leah Dieterich that features nothing but scans of handwritten daily thank you notes to, well, everything. What good manners!

The blog described by its creator as "a daily exercise in gratitude." It reminds me of my dear friend K who always remembers to say "thank you" with a note.

Here are a few that made me smile.

(All images courtesy THXTHXTHX)

Bald Head Island

At long last, here are a few photos from our getaway to Bald Head Island, North Carolina. A long standing favorite location of S's fam, this island, accessible only by ferry, was heavenly.

This steamy little spot (not too far from Wilmington) doesn't allow cars. Everyone zooms around on golf carts and bikes. What a wonderful escape from noisy NYC...

We spent sunny days on breezy beaches, rode bikes under gnarled tree branches draped with Spanish moss, relaxed on porches and enjoyed a few cocktails. We miss the island and the wonderful company already.

East Beach

Dunes at sunset

Old Baldy

Back porch view

The marsh

Wee little crabs

Pretty trees

Sigh.

Happy Birthday, Poppy Seed!

(Image courtesy of WAHM Talk Radio)

Today is a very special day. Sending loads of birthday love to the world's sweetest Daddy.

Enjoy your day, Clark W. Griswold. XOXO

Mad love

(Image courtesy Time)

How intriguing does this book all about Richard Burton and Liz Taylor's tumultuous love affair look? The drama, the passion, the...diamonds!

(Image courtesy Amazon)

The authors reconstruct one of Hollywood's most famous topsy turvy romances through Burton's own love letters (one of which Liz still keeps in her bedside table) as well as interviews with the Grand Dame herself.

(Image courtesy The Telegraph)

Burton's nicknames for Taylor included "Dearest Scrupelshrumpilstilskin," "Twit Twaddle," and my personal favorite "My Lumps."

Check out this Vanity Fair article for more details. Can't wait to read!