Illustration by Sharon Watts

Earlier this month, a favorite blogger of mine got me to thinking about my “lipstick purchases.” You know the little luxuries that we buy to make ourselves feel special, such as a $20 tube of lipstick.

In this unsteady economy, I’ve forgone the weekly manicures and the occasional designer shoe splurge in exchange for the less expensive treats for myself and for my home. A recent lipstick purchase of mine was a set of four whimsical dessert plates from Anthropologie that were only $10. They’re colorful and stylish dishes that I can’t wait to serve a fresh summer dessert on!

I asked some fellow Southern Accents staff what their lipstick purchases are and here’s what they said...

My geometric dessert plates from Anthroplogie.

Yesterday, Amber posted a few photographs from beautiful weddings we've featured in past issues of Southern Accents. Who doesn't love a summer wedding? Alas, I'm currently of that "in-between" age, where most of my friends are married and few have children old enough to get married. So the number of wedding invitations my husband and I receive has definitely dwindled as of late.

photo by Loomis Dean, courtesy of Life.com

We have, however, attended a couple of weddings recently and I've noticed an emerging trend–one I certainly don't remember from our own ceremony or the many that I have participated in as a bridesmaid (I'm not quite up to Katherine Heigl's 27 Dresses speed, though there was a period there where I felt I was giving her a run for her money). The trend I'm speaking of is clapping for the new Mr. and Mrs. when they are presented to the congregation by the minister or priest. Perhaps I'm a bit old-fashioned, but I always thought that one never applauded in church–and I grew up attending a church that had a steady stream of musical performances that ranked right up there with professional Broadway productions. Am I just being a sanctuary Scrooge? Of course we are happy for the newlyweds–we've bought the china pattern and given up a Saturday, haven't we? I guess I prefer to sit reverently in the pews and exhibit my overwhelming enthusiasm by dancing and downing a cocktail or glass of punch or two at the reception.

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photo by Nina Leen, courtesy of Life.com

On another note (and this I must confess is a ritual I participated in on my own day), can we just dispense with the throwing of the garter? Oh with age comes wisdom . . . and crankiness!

It's that time of year again, with bridal showers and weddings almost every weekend, and I'm heading to the beach this week for my brother-in-law's wedding. My own anniversary was last week, and I enjoy reminiscing about my own wedding. While it seems a little too hot to have an outdoor wedding here in Birmingham, I came across some lovely outdoor weddings, one in Atlanta and one in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, in past issues.

19th-century French damask napkins and tablecloth; photographed by Monica Buck

an 1890s damask set from Provence

And don't worry about inevitable spills and drips on a pristine white cloth. The summer sun can be your best asset in that regard. Gay Wirth of the Magazine Street shop Wirthmore Antiques says to pat the stain with lemon and salt or soak the cloth for a few days in a bucket of water with mild soap. Rinse gently without wringing, pressing to expel the water. Lay the cloth over a bush or grass and let the sun's rays naturally bleach it. 

I don't know about you, but when the temperature is in the 90s, I find myself wanting to run as few errands outside as possible. So my options are to make do without, or shop online. Greeting cards are something I prefer to buy online anyway. Unless I store-hop around town (in the heat), it's hard to find an extensive selection of cute cards that aren't too sappy or silly, and no matter how much I love the recipient, I absolutely hate standing in the store picking up card after card to see what's written inside, holding out for that one that states just what I want to say, or at least one that doesn't say something dumb. Not only that, but there are usually an overwhelming number of cards for birthdays and major holidays, and precious few choices for other occasions—farewell and sympathy in particular.

Etsy is my lifesaver. Many handmade-card makers have an Etsy site in addition to their own Web site, so I feel like I'm seeing everything on the Web at once. That still might seem overwhelming, but I can do it at home, rather than getting out in the heat--and there are so many great options that I don't have to look long to find something I like. And even if I don't, most sellers will customize cards for you. Here are a few examples, and a list of dealers I like—including a few from the South.

Love/Friendship/Just Because card by Seasonal Delights (Dallas, TX)

Happy Birthday card by Card Blanc  (Raleigh, NC)

Father's Day card 

by Perideau Designs 

* Perfect for dads who don't grill, fish, or play golf 

Birthday Card for Him 

by Cards by Emily

Mother's Day card 

by Winifred Studios

Set of 8 multipurpose bridal cards 

by The Craft Pantry

* Works for showers, engagements, weddings, thank-yous, bridesmaids

*Recycled

Sympathy/Thinking of You card 

by Poppies and Petals 

Goodbye card (inside: "Adios") by Bird Droppings

Also, check out:

Carrie's Custom Cards and Crafts 

CVC Designs 

Paisley Greetings 

SilhouetteBlue 

I can't imagine living without e-mail. Well, I guess I can because I'm of the generation that actually did. But you get my point. It's a great way to get the word out about something fast. Neighborhood news, such as who's bringing the baked beans to the 4th of July picnic, is perfectly handled via e-mail, especially when most of us have full-time jobs. But sometimes e-mail can embolden even the most sensitive soul to be ungracious. For example,  I was recently copied on a string of e-mails that escalated into a cyber cat fight between 2 of the 20 recipients. The "REPLY ALLS" were flying.  Ladies, really? Whether cordial or contentious, if a matter can't be handled by an e-mail or two or is sensitive in nature, pick up the phone or better yet, actually meet face to face and not Facebook to Facebook.

An old style ice cream truck. Craigyc/Flickr

Spotting the ice cream truck merrily rolling down your street is a sure sign of summer. As a child, the playful tune piping from the white truck was cause for a piggy bank raid. Over the weekend, the ice cream truck stopped on my street and I bought my old favorite–a strawberry shortcake ice cream bar.

This summer, “why don’t you” just fill your icebox with colorful popsicles and ice cream bars and sandwiches to offer guests on a hot day? Serving frozen desserts from your everyday white serving tray will provide cool relief, a welcome departure from the traditional glass of lemonade, and a little bit of nostalgia. It’s certainly my idea of casual summer entertaining.

What chilly treats are you offering guests this summer and what will you order when the ice cream man stops in front of your house?

One of the latest rounds of "tag" that has been going around the social networking sites asks friends to name 15 books they've read that will always stick with them. I generally avoid these games like the plague, but I readily admit that I have enjoyed perusing others' lists–I'm always looking for something new to read and it's fun to see how many of my friends' favorites that I've already finished. So let's play a condensed version. Below I've named three books that have had an impact on my life–two are classics, one relatively new. I'd love to know one, two, or three of yours!

When my sisters and I were young, my father would read The Happy Prince to us during the holidays. Oscar Wilde's tale of the ultimate gift of love and sacrifice was a meaningful story for the season, and inevitably Dad would be choking back tears by the time he got to the last page. The book left me with two important messages that remain with me to this day: the importance of giving to others in need and that real men do cry.

It was so good to hear about Dawn's experience with some kind strangers the other day. Unfortunately, people aren't always on their best behavior. On another blog I read yesterday, the writer posted about getting in a fender-bender with a woman who made every effort not to be the least bit understanding or even civil. I have to admit, I've been in her position—when I felt like I was in the right and was justified in being rude—and have acted immaturely as well. I like to think I've learned from those experiences if for no other reason than, even if I'm justified, I always feel worse having acted like a spoiled child than I do when I keep my cool.

 

Mounted map: Schumacher wallpaper with custom finish by David Braly. Interior design by Mary Evelyn McKee and photographed by Jeff McNamara.

I love Father’s Day. Not only because I have the kind of Dad who used to put notes in my lunchbox and who still makes strawberry waffles on Saturday mornings, but also because fathers are so easy to shop for. They ask for nothing, yet they love everything. This Sunday my sister and I are going sentimental. New Orleans is one of his favorite cities and where my parents honeymooned more than 30 years ago, so we found an antique wall map of New Orleans and a steel frame to mount it in.

My last post was about finding beauty . . . let's just say this one is about NOT finding it, but finding humor instead. It was a very rainy weekend in Birmingham, so I spent way too much time wandering about the Internet. All was not wasted as I ran across this:

Mama and Babe; Acrylic on Canvas by Sarah Irani, 1995.

 

Matthew White, interior designer

A number of years ago, I had the pleasure of being seated next to designer Matthew White at a dinner party in Suzanne Rheinstein's home in Los Angeles (please forgive the name-dropping, but one of the genuine pleasures of my job is all the interesting people I have the opportunity to meet). He was an utterly charming dinner companion, and we talked of everything from our shared Southern roots to the fact that he was leaving the next weekend to join Sir Elton John at a house party in Venice.

Shortly thereafter, Matthew sent me an essay he had written about finding beauty in the modest environment he grew up in in Amarillo, Texas–seemingly worlds away from the glamorous life he now leads and the circles he often travels in. His words were so poignant, so real, that they brought tears to my eyes. Eventually I tucked the story away in a file, and every now and then during one of my cleaning purges, I would come across it and reread. I never quite knew what to do with it, but I couldn't bear to part with it, so back in the folder the story went.

A couple of years later, a perfect opportunity presented itself. We were putting together our 30th anniversary issue and decided to commission articles written by style setters on the elements of timeless design, including beauty, comfort, tradition, personality, and love of nature. I knew exactly where we should start and out came the folder again. Matthew graciously agreed to let us publish his essay, and afterward, we received a flood of letters and emails telling us how much the story had meant to our readers. One elementary school teacher even made it a project to read the article to her class and have the children write letters to Matthew sharing their stories and pictures of beauty.

If you happen to have a few extra minutes this weekend, click read more to find the entire essay. I hope the story will touch you as it continues to touch me. I believe, as Matthew does, that no matter where life's road takes you, it's important to always remember the people and experiences that brought you there.

photo by Pieter Estersohn; for more on Matthew White, visit whitewebb.com

Belle Alliance, 2001

Belle Alliance, 2003

Card by Roll & Tumble Press; photo courtesy of Bon Vivant Press

In these tough economic times, I feel a twinge of guilt if I buy something I want but don't necessarily need. So imagine my delight when I came across the Green Thumb Gift Bag. It's full of garden essentials that I want and need, and part of the proceeds benefit Abilities!, an organization "that is dedicated to empowering people with disabilities to be active, independent, and self sufficient participants in our society."

The Green Thumb Gift Bag is priced at $30 and contains:

1 pair of natural hemp garden gloves (neutral) made by Top Hands—a Women Owned Busines

1 bar of organic hand-made Gardener's Soap from the Blue Ridge Mountains

1 bag of SeedBallz hand rolled by people with disabilities in Oregon

1 hemp carry-all bag made by the West Bengal Working and Helpless Women's Society

1 recycled jar filled with home-made shea butter lotion made locally with products from around the world

1 tree-free journal from Nepal to record your gardening

I'm going to order one for myself and one for my sister who loves to garden. Shopping with a benefit to others is a concept I can get behind! Top photo by Richard Robinson. GreenBag photo courtesy of LJB Public Relations

Well, I'm no Dorothy Parker, but I did have a fabulous time dropping in as a guest recently at The Skirted Roundtable, a radio show hosted by three of my favorite bloggers: Linda Merrill,  Megan Arquette, and Joni Webb. If you haven't been listening to their podcasts, you simply must. They have lots of interesting things to say on matters of design and the ins and outs of blogging. I had so much fun being a part of the conversation this week. (Do I really talk that slowly and with such a drawl? I guess there's no doubt I'm a true Southerner.)  I hope you'll come and join us at the party. Thank you, ladies, for being such gracious hostesses!

Large pearl oval mesh earrings are sure to make a statement. (Price: $1,350)

After tragically discovering hoop earrings, plastic bangles, and sparkly faux diamonds as a teen, I turned my back on the pearls that my mother had dressed me in from babyhood. In college, I gravitated back to them as they were practically part of the uniform at the Tennessee school I attended. But upon graduation and entrée into the working world, I once again tucked away my pearls and exchanged them for trendy open-heart necklaces and cable bracelets. Luckily, pearls are having a moment in the jewelry world as evidenced by Southern designers Heath and Landon Slane of Slane & Slane, whose new designs have me seriously rethinking the contents of my jewelry box. Ladies, prepare to clutch your pearls.