4x4: keds will be keds.

For those one or two of you that can remember way back to when I first started this little blog, you may recall that I would occasionally do these little 4x4 posts. Four collections of four items each, with a common theme. (These were the pre-Pinterest days, for any youngsters out there.) Well, I think I'm gonna bring 'em back. Or at least, I'm doing one today! The last 4x4 was actually posted in February of 2011, so... consider this my first post-30 4x4. Basically the same, but with a little more expendable income.

Recently (yesterday), I purchased a fresh pair of Keds. I wanted white, but this dirty city (and my sister) convinced me that coral was the way to go. My sister and I wore white leather Keds almost exclusively growing up. (Remember when they only cost $11?) I realized this morning that my footwear now consists of my "mom" sandals, my "dad" sperrys, and now my "stef-and-stace-growing-up" keds. I am nothing if not nostalgic. So, in honor of my relapse into childhood footwear, and our upcoming sunny vacation, I bring you the return of the 4x4. Just add shorts + t-shirt.

Forever Young

 Shoes: Champion Ikat by Keds - $50 Shades: Wrapped Aviators 58 by Ray Ban - $185
Jewels: Stone and Crystal Arrow by J. Crew Factory - $44.50
Bag: Knapsack by Baggu - $64

Prepster

 Shoes: Boyfriend Chambray Stripe by Keds - $60 Shades: Wayfarer 50 by Ray-Ban - $160
Jewels: Stone Square by J. Crew Factory - $34.50
Bag: Boat Tote by Baggu - $68

Summer Brights

Shoes: Crash-Back Chevron by Keds - $45 Shades: Boyfriend 60 by Ray-Ban - $150
Jewels: Neon Floral Burst by J. Crew Factory - $44.50
Bag: Backpack by Baggu - $98

For Realsies

Shoes: Champion Canvas by Keds - $45 Shades: Erika by Ray-Ban - $115
Jewels: Layered Crystal Pendant by J. Crew Factory - $34.50
Bag: Duck Bag by Baggu - $48

I am in no way affiliated with Keds, Ray-Ban, J.Crew or Baggu. They are just some of my fave brands, and things that I actually buy.

the luckiest.

One year ago, I was in full pre-wedding-stress-mode. The dress had to be picked up from the seamstress, the menus and programs had to be picked up from the printer (the first batch was ALL WRONG, I tell you!), I had to check into the hotel, I didn't have a bra for my rehearsal dinner dress (that I just picked out THAT WEEK! Because NOTHING WAS RIGHT!), my original make-up artist cancelled at the last minute, it was unseasonably cold (and WE ARE GETTING MARRIED IN THE GARDEN DAMMIT)... FULL ON PANIC MODE!

Thankfully, I have the best friends/family/husband in the whole world. Everything was perfect, even the parts that weren't. We partied forever. And I would do it all over again every year. I will say it forever: May 11, 2013 was the happiest day of my life. It was an incredible day, filled with the most special people from every special moment of my life so far. I know that as time goes on, you lose touch with people. It's the natural way of things. But I feel so fortunate to have had so many people from so many places come to celebrate and send us off on this new adventure. It was especially important to me because of the absence of one most important guest. Who was there every time the clouds parted and the sun shined into the courtyard. Which it did at the most wonderful times.

this ring is part of my mom's wedding set. she had three bands, too.

some may remember this as the second best moment of the night.

Full Disclosure: Marriage isn't easy. The first year of marriage has been tough, but that could be said about any year of any relationship ever. You work hard for love and happiness. And when you are in love and happy, even the hard work feels easy in the end. We are still so happy. So in love. So hilarious. So lucky. But I'm the luckiest. (Don't tell Todd!)