Summer Uniform: Greek goddess

My sweets, do you have a favorite summer outfit? I'm excited to announce a new series on Cup of Jo, where I'll feature photos of stylish friends and show how to put together the look (mostly because I want to copy them myself!).

First up: My friend Kendra Smoot always looks gorgeous, but I especially love this ensemble (above) she wore on vacation in Greece. Relaxed, easy and beautiful, don't you think?

Here's how to get the look:
Polka-dot scarf: The Hill-Side, $50.
Round sunglasses: Halogen, $68.
Gray tee: LNA, $48.
Boyfriend shorts: Victoria's Secret, $44.50.
Gladiator sandals: Juicy Couture, $151, or Steve Madden, $42.
Pink nail polish: Essie, $8.

Do you have a summer uniform? xo

(Photo by Akira Ruiz)

Summer love.

The weather in New York is hot and sunny, and it finally feels like summer. Where do you live, and what's the weather like? Have you pulled out your shorts and sunscreen yet? xo

(Photo credits unknown, via Erin Dermody)

Have a sexy weekend.

My lovelies, what are you doing this weekend? Alex and I went out for Japanese food tonight, and tomorrow we're throwing a birthday picnic for Toby! I also *finally* finished the Tina Fey book (yeah! only took me two months) and laughed out loud probably fifty times (when's the last time a book has made you do that?:) Hope you have a wonderful weekend, and meanwhile here are a few fun links from around the web...

Cute outfit.

A DIY chandelier?! Jenny, I bow down.

The raddest bubbles!!!

Raising a genderless baby? Fascinating...

Dating in Brooklyn. :)

Breastfeeding in public.

Mason jar meals.

Loving this blue shirt.

Great Lakes design. (Yeah, Michigan!)

Matchmaking with New York Magazine.

Chalkboard state maps.

How to make your own striped shirt.

Remember these funny thank-you notes? Well, now there's a book!

I just read a glowing review of the new movie Midnight in Paris. Have you seen it?

Plus, three Cup of Jo posts you might have missed:
* Summer love.
* Crumpled maps.
* Floating houses.

Have a great one. xo

Greeting cards

These graphic greeting cards look just like old-school quilts.

(Via Design is Mine)

Summer nail polish

Refinery29 just wrote about the six coolest nail polish trends, and I'd love to try baby blue and very, very pale pink (I actually wore this exact pink at our wedding). Wouldn't they look pretty peeking out of sandals?

Do you have a nail-polish color you swear by?

Annoying words

When Kurt Andersen took over as editor of New York Magazine, he wrote a list of all the words he found annoying and told his staff not to use them during his tenure. They made me laugh out loud.

Do you agree with this list? What other words do you find annoying? (I hate triangulate and moist:)

(Via Swissmiss, via The New York Times)

Kim Kardashian's Engagement Ring Details!

Kim Kardashian's engagement ring is the perfect fit for the uber-reality starlet's personal style. It's bold. It's beautiful. And (good gracious) is it BIG!

New Jersey Nets forward Kris Humphries popped the question after dating Kim for only 6 months with a whopping 20.5-carat Lorraine Schwartz stunner, People reports!  (Schwartz is a longtime friend of the Kardashian clan and is known for her 'bigger means better' bling on all the important red carpet events.)

“It’s the most beautiful thing I have ever seen,” Kardashian told People. “It’s perfect.”

And TMZ is reporting the stone is valued at over $2 million smackers! (someone get me a chair....)

The 16.5-carat emerald-cut center stone is flanked by a pair of 2-carat trapezoids, for a total weight of 20.5 carats! Humphries even managed to work with Schwartz on the design behind Kim's back.

“[Lorraine] always listened to what I would want and the shapes I love. I had said I loved an emerald cut and they were scheming and plotting for a while,” she explained.

No wedding date is set yet, and while Humphries isn't keen on a big celebration he joked with Kim's momager, Kris Jenner, that he'd be "fine if there were mini-horses there."

Careful what you wish for,  sport...

Click here to see the other recently engaged star who's flashing an emerald-cut sparkler on her ring finger! And remember sister Khloe Kardashian's basketball-bought bling? She too dated her basketball beau, Lamar Odom, for a mere six months before gettin' hitched. Way to take your time, ladies.

Remember her carat count? Re-live all the Kardashian diamond details with me here!

Wednesday giveaway!

Glasses are an amazing way to change up your look, but having more than one pair can be crazy expensive. Luckily, today's giveaway is from Spex Club, an amazing and affordable online eyewear boutique. All their glasses are $88 or less--including your prescription. (Seriously!) Wouldn't it be fun to have a cute new pair for the summer?

They're offering THREE lucky readers a pair of glasses of their choice -- sunglasses, readers, or prescription frames. (My favorites are these. I love the nerdy glasses look.)

For a chance to win, please visit Spex Club and leave a comment below. (If you want, virtually try on glasses with Spex Vision.) A winner will be chosen at random tomorrow. Good luck! Update: MacKenna K., Natalie F., and Jessi D. are our lucky winners. Thanks for playing. xo
(Top photo by Style Sightings)

Happy Birthday, Toby!

Happy 1st Birthday, Toby! Today we can do all your favorite things, including walking up stairs, going to the playground, eating hummus and not taking a bath under any circumstances. We absolutely adore you.

P.S. I can't believe this was a year ago today.

Do you heart New York....or not so much?

Some people (read: New Yorkers) often get into a frenzy about how amazing New York is, but this new book takes the middleground. "New York is a pretty okay city!" they say, "Have you ever loved something, but also totally not loved it at the same time? Obviously, we realize that there are some cool elements to the place, like some statues and stuff, but we also recognize that New York just seems like kind of a hassle."
Hilarious.

P.S. Remember this?

Emerald Tiara Smashes Auction Record

LOWER JAW DROP ALERT! Everything's coming up emeralds these days - from the couture at the Cannes Film Festival to fashion frenzy at The Met Gala.

So it comes as no surprise that one heckofa crown jewel - an emerald and diamond tiara - sold at Sotheby's Geneva auction last week for a price-busting $12.76 million - the highest price ever achieved for an emerald jewel.

Model, Bianca Balti, wears emerald jewelry at the Cannes Film Festival

"It is needless to say a world record price at auction for a tiara," said David Bennett, chairman of Sotheby's Europe and Middle East jewelry department.

The bauble originally belonged to German prince Guido Henckel von Donnersmarck, who commissioned it for his second wife Katharina around 1900.  (With a name like that, you better have a budget for bling. Yikes.)

An anonymous bidder from North America is the lucky owner of the royal green gem. Oprah's got some down time coming her way. Maybe she wanted a crown to go with her Queen of Daytime moniker?

Rihanna wears emerald earrings to The Met's Costume Institute Gala

But who needs Oprah (sorry, Gayle) when you've got me to bring you buckets of bling on a budget, right? To that end, I give you one of my favorite emerald styles on the NEW Jewelry.com. I like it because it could be a great fashion piece - OR - an alternative bridal look.

And at just over $200 for real emeralds and 1/4ct of diamond ice? Well, let's just say you don't have to marry a prince to bring one home for your own collection.

Not your style? Check out Jewelry.com's entire emerald jewelry treasure chest here. Go green or go home, jewelry hounds!

Do you have a phobia?

I'm going on 20/20 today to talk about my elevator phobia. Funnily enough, I'm way more nervous about taking the elevator up to the studio than being on TV. Wish me luck!!! :)

P.S. If you don't hear from me later today, it means I'm stuck on the elevator and you must come save me. Update: I made it, whew! The taping was really fun, although I definitely sounded like a bit of a nut. :) The show is slated to air on Friday, June 3rd an upcoming Friday, to be determined; I'll keep you posted!

(Illustration by Garance Dore)

Bicycle wedding

Pam and Joe are teachers in Brooklyn and didn't have a huge budget, but they put together the most gorgeous, heartfelt wedding. First they tied the knot at a neighborhood park, then rode bikes to a Brooklyn bar, where they'd had their first date. (Pam's biking secret? She wore denim cutoffs under her dress! Can you spot them, above?:)
Everyone drank beers and smashed a pinata...
...and they had whoopie pies instead of wedding cake.
Doesn't it look great? Sometimes the simplest weddings look the most relaxed and fun, don't you think? Congratulations, Pam and Joe! (See many more photos here.)

(Photos by Inbal Sivan, via Perfect Bound)

My favorite baby carrier

My sweets, hope you had a wonderful weekend! We're back in New York now, but already missing San Francisco (and shrimp tacos). Photos coming up!

Meanwhile, I'd love to do two Motherhood Monday posts today. First up, have you ever worn a baby carrier? The comfiest one I've found (by far) is the Ergo, $135, which is really easy to put on. It's great to walk around the city (and into stores) while wearing Toby; I wear him on the front, so we can chit-chat, and he's always more mellow than when he's in the stroller.

So I was psyched to see that the Ergo just got a makeover. I have the sea green color (which I like), but they're now offering it in beautiful fabrics, like this lovely one above. Wouldn't it add such a pretty touch to an outfit? I'm trying to rationalize buying one for the summer. :)

P.S. 10 things to wear as a nursing mother.

(Via Stroller Traffic)

Have a fun weekend!

Hope you had a wonderful week, my lovelies! We're heading home from chilly San Francisco tomorrow, and I'm excited to catch up with you on Monday. Have a good one! xoxo

(Photo by James Jean)

Guest Post: Rachel's summer wishlist

Summer is calling. Here's my wishlist...

1. The Flavour Thesaurus (a cookbook).

2. Beverage dispenser.

3. Bright pink flats.

4: An Alexander album.

5: A zigzag bag.

-- By Rachel from Black Eiffel

Guest Post: Chelsea's summer dreams

Bicycle rides + strawberry picking. (Find a farm here.)
Fentimans ginger beer + lawn games.
Tent camping!

These are my dreams for this summer. What are yours?

-- By Chelsea from Frolic!

Thursday giveaway!

Today's giveaway is from Freshly Picked, a Utah-based shop with pillows, shoes, wallets and bags. The designer Susan is offering one lucky reader a pair of children's moccasins. The shoes are handmade and buttery soft. Any child would be comfy (and look rad) walking around in these, and they'd make a wonderful baby shower gift. I LOVE them.

For a chance to win, please visit Freshly Picked and leave a comment below. A winner will be chosen at random tomorrow. Good luck! xo

Update: Stephanie R. is our winner. Thanks for playing.

Guest Post: Tomboy traveler

Sometimes the best part of traveling comes when the plan falls apart. I have a handful of crazy travel stories—from being temporarily trapped on a Swiss ski lift for hours during a wind storm, to being stranded at the Cairo International Airport for days. These experiences have taught me to pack smart while staying true to my style, knowing "adventure" may be lurking. Here are some items you can pack with you on your next one!

1. Lavender Essential Oil. I don't wear perfume, but I am a major fan of essential oils. Lavender is ideal for traveling because it calms, treats minor cuts or bites, helps induce sleep, and can act as a room fragrance. Plus, the bottles are always TSA-friendly.

2. Striped Linen Bandana. Easily packed and exceptionally versatile, bandanas always seem to come in handy when on an adventure.

3. Straw Hat. Practical and fashionable. This hat goes with everything in my closet—from bikinis to cocktail dresses.

4. Swatch Originals "New Gent." This is a great travel watch, because not only is it affordable and inconspicuous, but it's rubber—you don't have to take it off in the security line or the ocean, and I love an men's-sized watch on a woman.

5. Madewell Perfect Chambray Shirt. I know these shirts have been covered every way to Sunday, but they are so great and can be dressed up with a skirt or worn simply as a beach cover-up.

6. Bass Slip-on Saddle Shoes. I wore these in grade school and now I wear them wherever I travel. They're easy on and off, comfortable and really smart looking with shorts, jeans and trousers.

7. The Gentlewoman Magazine. Required tomboy reading!

8. Trussardi iPad Case. Hardcore luxury.

9. Tampico Cotton Tote. This French brand is so simple, functional and chic. The top zipper and detachable shoulder strap are key for travel.

-- By Lizzie Garrett from Tomboy Style

Angelina Jolie's Diamond Disappointment

The most anticipated star to walk the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival this year, hands down, was Angelina Jolie. Always elegant, always gorgeous - and often with nary a jewel to the naked eye - this A-lister has it well within her power to make every jewelry gawker and diamond diva quiver in our boots with a jaw-dropping jewelry choice (Exhibit A: The Oscar emeralds).

However.

She ususally just doesn't go there. And Monday night was no exception. Her chocolate Atelier Versace gown was pure perfection - but instead of a creative couture jewelry choice from festival sponsor, Chopard, for example, she went with the tried and true stud (and I'm not talking about Brad).

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz....

Guest Post: Kate's Parisian wish list

After I read Entre Nous: A Woman's Guide to Finding Her Inner French Girl, my interest in French culture turned from adoration to obsession. One of the many qualities I love about French women is that they slowly collect iconic pieces and keep them forever. So, I'm relentlessly ridding my wardrobe and home of pieces that don't hold much meaning to me. But here are a few objects on my love-for-a-lifetime list...

1. Milly cotton-voile dress. I'm crazy about the bright bold colors and full skirt.

2. Gold lamp and tumblers: I'm on a huge gold kick right now, expecially in sleek, modern forms.

3. The book Parisian Chic, A Style Guide by model Ines de la Fressange.

4. Chloe Ballerina Flats. There's something so timeless about these simple black flats.

-- By Kate from Wit & Delight

Cannes Film Festival Jewelry Update

Aishwarya Rai in Chopard

Good news, jewelry hounds! More crazy carats were spotted on the Croisette at the 64th Annual CannesFilm Festival! We're talking Sarah Jessica Parker, Penelope Cruz, Uma Thurman - even Jane Fonda!

Sarah Jessica Parker in Fred Leighton

Chopard continues to sparkle on all the big names - and while I've seen Ms. Fonda's Chopard 160-carat (!) sapphire stunner before on their Co-President, Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele back in 2009 -  a bauble like that never really gets old, right?

Jane Fonda in Chopard

Uma brought out another pair of Chopard chandeliers for the Pirates of the Caribbean premiere, but IMHO - they're not nearly as jaw-dropping as her opening night emeralds).

Uma Thurman in Chopard

But color was definitely a continuing trend as A-lister Penelope Cruz rocked these rubellite earrings (also by Chopard) for her Pirates of the Caribbean red carpet waltz.

Penelope Cruz in Chopard

Tonight, though, is a big night. Why? Brangelina is making a red carpet appearance for Brad's film, Tree of Life. And while Ms. Jolie is usually a "diamonds on the down low" kindof jewelry celeb, I'm hoping just this ONCE - she rocks out with a statement piece. A jewelry hound can dream....

Stay tuned! In the meantime, here are some more highlights: