how to do denim shorts...

The warm weather is almost upon us (sorta...) and that means it's time to pull out the shorts...sigh...here's how we'd do denim shorts if we absolutely had to...

Stay away from the Daisy Duke/Ellie Mae look...however, if you choose to do cut offs then don't allow your pockets to hang out of the bottom...cut offs are even more casual than plain 'ol shorts which makes them acceptable for beach and other uber dressed down locales...Go for a medium to dark wash and roll the semi frayed hem for a modern, undone yet not too trashy look

For all shorts, say NO to heels, for crying out loud, but YES to a wedge or platform sandals if you must have height...otherwise, a leather flip or interesting flat sandal is most appropriate...
The waist (or rise) should hit you right at yours - high waisted is a little too campy for our taste and low rise is to be avoided at all costs...

Give yourself a softer touch up top with a feminine tank then punch the whole shebang up with some colorful bracelets from Kate Spade or a fun necklace from Betsy Johnson (both are brands we love for their fun sense of style)...



Voila! Our modern take on the denim short for this summer!

mother's day...

Who's better than a mother?  They give life, kiss ouchies, read bedtime stories, nurture and encourage...and they happen to love homemade gifts (or so they say).  Some of our favorite picks for Mum below:


A digital picture frame for their desk or kitchen loaded with all her greatest memories (of you, natch)...


Is she into gardening?  Assemble tools and supplies and package it all in a cheerful pot...


Everyone loves jewelry, especially when the piece has a personal touch...


Or, instead of a physical gift offer to run some errands for her, make her (or take her to) a great brunch, book a massage for her.  Get creative and paint her a lovely picture just like you did in kindergarten or write her a song or poem...Mom's love that shit...

Happy (pre) Mother's Day to all the amazing ladies who helped to mold us into the fabulous women we are!!!

royal wedding mania...

The time is drawing near...NWS couldn't be more thrilled with the upcoming ROYAL WEDDING! It doesn't seem too long ago we were up at an odd hour, cuddled with our Mum in her bed, watching the breathtaking beauty and excitement of Princess Diana's wedding...oh, to be a princess (little did we know how un-fairytale-like Diana's life would be).

But, Hark!  Miss Kate Middleton has ushered in a new era of modern Royal Wedding fever - much to our extreme excitement!!!  Below is the NWS guide to THE wedding of the year...

The OFFICIAL shhhed-yule.  Yes, we'll be hosting a viewing party with fellow Anglophile's in the wee hours of the morning...3:15am EST to catch the entirety of the festivities, darlings...

Visit HuffPo Style section to review past articles regarding the Royal Wedding Dress - it's the hot button issue of the year thus far...
A smattering of our favorite Royal Wedding Souvenirs:

Click here to watch the T Mobile viral video...the Camilla impersonator is a dead ringer!

And finally, Behold - the Kate Middleton Jelly Bean!

traditional English brekkie...

It's ROYAL WEDDING WEEK!!! In honor of the bride and groom to be, why not have a traditional English breakfast?

Serve tea and actually use your pretty tea cups...and a toast rack to hold your...toast.



On the plate goes baked beans, sausage and/or bacon, a grilled tomato, home fries/potato cakes, fried or scrambled eggs and mushrooms.  If you're a true Anglophile you'll add some bubble and squeak (we just really like the name).  The original intent of the full breakfast was to prepare a working man for a big day of physical labor ahead (read: these calories should not be consumed daily)!



Click the links below for a more in depth look at the wonder and amazement of the traditional English Breakfast...

British Food

The Classic Full English Breakfast

With a breakfast this hearty we'll be able to plow through all the articles, talk show segments and made for TV movies about Wills and Kate!

throw a party from someone else's kitchen...

{Dinner at Eight...}

The best way to avoid cleaning up after a dinner party is to host it outside your home.  That's right - host a dinner party at your favorite restaurant! Make arrangements ahead of time with the manager, select the menu, wine/beverages and agree to a price per head then create your guest list.  If there is no private room ask for a more intimate corner instead.
* Side note: Inquire with the manager if you can provide your own wine - that would certainly help keep the cost down (which is precisely why the resto might refuse this request...but it's worth asking)...

This is, of course, a more expensive way to go for a dinner party, however it might be just the solution for a truly special evening where you get to be the hostess without the hassle.  Just think of it - you get to socialize with your guests rather than fretting over the stove or cleaning up dishes afterward.  Some restaurants may not have done something like this previously but that doesn't mean they can't be convinced...

{Small details...}

Arrive early to be sure the manager has your payment information beforehand.  Arrange place cards as well as a special centerpiece or bouquet to add a more unique flair to the table.  You may also choose to bring additional finishing details such as napkin holders or pretty cocktail napkins. 

{Another thing to consider...}

Host a brunch instead and have just as much fun but save some coin! Offer a mimosa in addition to loads of coffee and OJ.  Have the resto serve everything family style: a bowl of scrambled eggs, a basket of toast/breads, a platter of breakfast meat, a bowl of yogurt/granola/fruit parfait and a hefty stack of pancakes or waffles with syrup!