I [heart] Symmetry Scarves (and Bobbie!)

Dying over these wool scarves by Symmetry - that yellow is my FAVE

Whew!  What a week!  I have been a little out of pocket (in ATL) traveling for my day-job (pesky sometimes, but alas, it pays the bills. . .) Sometimes, the j-o-b allows me to meet and work with some really wonderful people, I admit it (recently Tim Gunn, and last year the, uh, Real Housewives of NYC - oh yeah.) -  and this week was one of those opportunities.  I had the chance to work with super-stylist to the stars, columnist, and Style Editor (on one of your favorite morning shows, and mine - eh-hem Today Show Friday segs) - and she hosted a fashion show for my company - and what a wonderful girl!  Bobbie is all about women - and she means it - she knows what we go through and how much fashion has an impact on how we feel. It was really fun to get to work with her - and I mean she works - digging in and really pulling clothes, working the models, hanging with store staff, all the while finding out all about each person in the room, giving style tips and sharing stories.  It was a great experience - and since we are totally BFF now, I had to stalk her on her blog where I of course found something that may be my latest object de obsession - Symmetry scarves.  Seriously - these things are so cool.  I love their bulk.  Would really make it with simple leggings, a tee and studded boots. . .

I LOVE the hardware which allows you to position it just perfectly AND add some bling!

With Miss Bobbie, after a long but fun day!

Maggie's 2nd Birthday: Carni-land!

My niece, Miss Maggie Magill, turned 2 a couple of weeks ago in Tyler, Texas.  My Brother and Sister-in-law, Matt and Megan Magill (check 'em out!) asked me to come out and style the party for Miss Maggs, and I was so so happy (and honored!) to oblige.  What we came up with was a colorful ABC and 123's carnival-like celebration to enhance one of Maggie's favorite things - a bounce house!  And with the September timing, the back-to-school element layered nicely on the carnival theme with hand-made chalkboard party favors, signs and an interactive station for the kiddos, all with colorful chalk, of course!  It was so wonderful to be with Matt and Megan, sweet Maggie, her baby-sister Blythe - and meet all of their sweet friends in Tyler.  What a great group of people!  Thanks for letting "Smmidge" style such a special party - I had blast!

Birthday girl and her mom in pretty plaid, pre-party!

See the whole party and even before-and-afters after the jump!

Little Boys & Bow Ties

Don't you love these Momofandango hand-cut felt bow-ties - sometimes finding things for little boys, especially toddler boys, that are not just mini-adult clothes isn't easy.  I LOVE bow-ties for men, too, but I'm not going to put Doss in a suit and real bow-tie at 21 months!  No.  But these, yes, Doss is wearing them with so many things these days, everything really.  From overalls, to play rompers they are just fun.  I had someone treat them like a stylized bow for a little girls bag the other day which was so cute too!  They are fun, a little whimsical, and different, but still little for little kids. These are Hypstamatic pics taken of Doss and his tee shirt and bow-tie - just being a kid.

Boardwalk Empire and Baba

Melba Foy, my darling (and daring) Grandmother, in the late 1920s

Melba West Foy was my grandmother.  We called her Baba. To most she was Mrs. Foy, during my lifetime - but like most, she had a whole life before she was a mother or grandmother as depicted in these pictures.  She was, well, hugely influential to me.  A dynamic, educated, progressive woman born in 1907, died in 1995. . . Sept 29th 1995.  We are coming up on the anniversary of her death and she has really been on my mind lately.  She is always near to my thoughts, but as I watched the premiere of the genius new HBO series Boardwalk Empire, I couldn't help but think of her.  She would have been a teenager in the midst of the timing of the series. . . the roaring 20s.  Though she was far away from New Jersey and the birth of the mafia, she always played the piano with a bit of ragtime rhythm and edge - she could tear it up!  And she added the spice of that period's music, change (women's rights) and even fashion to all her endeavors from children's programs, poetry, music, education and art, and I can't help but wonder what she must have thought and experienced as a young woman in 1920s West Texas.

I never thought she was old though she was already 70 when I was born.  SHE never thought she was old, and I'm so lucky to have been exposed to such a positive outlook on women and age,  And, oh, how she would love that I'm still inspired by, and writing about, her influence, fashion, art, music, zest for life - she was a spit fire, quick-witted and independent.  I miss her dearly. . .  Check out Boardwalk Empire and be inspired by the 1920s, by the amazing period costumes, and a compelling story and Scorsese's direction. . . or just check out Baba right here for the real deal in 20's fashions, hope and zeal.

Baba and a high school friend in Merkel TX, circa 1924

My Grandmother, Melba West Foy, breaking all the rules in the lat 20s

Friday Tune: Good Old War

LOVE this song, and so many other by Good Old War - perfect little Friday tune, and great art direction on the video.  So stinkin' cool.

Exciting posts coming next week including a super cute 2yr old and her b-day party!

Happy weekend and happy autumn!