The weather has cooled significantly here in Atlanta; autumn has arrived! I love the summertime so much that I've been in a bit of denial about the changing of the seasons... But even I can't avoid it any longer. The days are getting shorter, leaves are falling off trees and crunching beneath my feet whenever I walk the dogs, and the Starbucks barista no longer needs to ask "hot or cold" about my order: hot coffee season is here again!
Today's dress features a strong print, the Ikat scroll, and I just adore it. I like the use of the print in the different color hues, which is offset by the bands in black that have a truly slimming effect. The only negative about this dress is the zipper: It was so hard to zip up! I read some other reviews of the dress and apparently that's a common complaint regarding this particular style. Too bad Chapin always leaves for work before me; I could have used his help this morning!
These sandals have a unique pattern on the heels, which is why I chose to wear them with this dress. You can see the pattern more clearly in the photo below.
Books: I'm actually reading three books simultaneously, via three different methods. I'm enjoying all three!
I recently had to go to Augusta for work, and bought the audio version of this novel for the long car ride. The book follows its two main characters, Rachel and Andy, from childhood into adulthood, after they meet as 8-year-olds in a hospital waiting room and reconnect years later as teenagers. The novel is told from both points of view, and since the characters have completely different backgrounds, it adds an extra layer to what could have been a predictable meet-cute-and-fall-in-love story. I look forward to seeing how it all comes together in the end.
All of Elin Hilderbrand's novels take place on her home of Nantucket, so her books make for perfect summer reading. I've dreamed of going to Nantucket ever since my sister, Gail, and I started binge-watching Wings (before there was such a word) as teenagers. (The reruns aired back-to-back on the USA network during the 90s.) We loved all the characters -- well, maybe not Roy -- and I had a huge crush on Steven Weber, who played Brian Hackett.
Anyway, this novel takes place on Nantucket, where a family comes together to grieve the loss of its patriarch, a celebrity chef named Deacon Thorpe. I love Elin Hilderbrand because she clearly takes time to understand her characters inside and out before she puts pen to paper; they are all fully drawn, endearing, real. This novel has been interesting because each chapter is told from a different point of view, and there are a lot of players: two ex-wives, two adult children, a best friend... Each brings a different perspective of Deacon, and, of course, each person has their own problems beneath their grief. I am truly engrossed.
My friend, Elizabeth, gave me this book years ago, and I don't know why I waited until now to start reading it. I think in the back of my mind I thought it would be sub-par to the TV series and movie, but it's not -- it's been so much fun to be back in Veronica's world. The writing is witty, and the characters are as real to me as if I'm watching the actors on the small screen. The mystery itself has been interesting as well. If you're a fan of Veronica Mars, you will like this book, and I plan to buy the next one as well.
I recently picked up the band's new album -- I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it -- and there are a few tracks I'm just obsessed with. At the top of the list: Somebody Else, which is getting some radio play, so you may have heard it. If not, definitely check it out.
I just finished Fringe, so I'm on the hunt for a new TV show I can stream while I run on the treadmill in the mornings. Stay tuned!