My Sisters and Me

Today's dress was a gift from my little sister, Laura, and her family. I am so blessed to have not just one but two amazing sisters in my life. They are my best friends, the people I turn to in times of joy and grief, and they can make me laugh harder than anyone else.

Dress: Catherine Catherine Malandrino Women's Baum Dress

I love colorblock dresses, and this one is no exception. I just wish it had pockets.

Sandals: Kate Spade New York (no longer available)

Charleston Girls Weekend

I spent this past weekend in Charleston, South Carolina, with my younger sister, Gail, and two of my oldest and dearest friends, Katie and Erin.

• I've known Katie since my sophomore year of high school, when she joined The Speculator newspaper staff at Chattahoochee High School. We bonded during the summer of 1994, when we were roommates during the University of Georgia's journalism camp.
• I met Erin back in 8th grade through a mutual friend, Laura. I was in the chorus with Laura, and she and Erin had been friends forever. I had just moved to Atlanta during the previous year, and I remember being so happy to have found new friends that I liked so much.

From left to right: Me, Gail, Erin and Katie.

Our excuse in coming together for a weekend away: Emily Giffin's new book, First Comes Love, and the accompanying Book Launch Party at the Gaillard Center in Charleston. I have been a fan of Emily Giffin's for years, and she actually lives in Atlanta. I've been to almost every one of her book signings, so I could not miss this special event. The first signing I went to, at a Chapter 11 back in 2005, had only a handful of people; this event had hundreds! It's been fun to see Emily's transition into a big-time author, and I'm so inspired by her success I've decided to start a novel of my own.

Here are a few photos from the weekend:

May the Fourth Be With You

This weekend, we celebrated my nephew, Cole. He turns one today, and officially has the coolest birthday: Star Wars Day (May Fourth). My sister, Laura, and her husband, Matt, threw Cole a birthday party at their home in Sugar Hill (Buford), Georgia, this past Saturday. It's about an hour drive for me from West Midtown, but I love getting to see my nephews and the rest of my family. Poor Chapin had to work and missed out on all the fun.

Posing with my sister, Laura, and her son, Cole

As you grow older, you realize the importance of family. My mom has become my best friend as others have drifted out of my life, busy with their own families. She has become a great shopping buddy!

The outfit I chose for Cole's party was a casual dress with an open back - actually a gift from Laura for Christmas!

Dress: Plenty by Tracy Reese Fit and Flare Dress

I love how this print is described: Electric Plaid! It's a perfect description.

Tracy Reese is a leading African American designer, and has a several facets of her label. The Plenty by Tracy Reese line tends to skew a little younger, and is definitely cheaper than her main Tracy Reese designs. (Mrs. Obama is a fan.)

Purse: Rebecca Minkoff Studded Mini Quilted Affair Purse

Sandals: Manolo Blahnik Perpia Strappy Stretch Sandals

Fun Fact: I recently spent a day as an extra, and wore this dress with the purse above. The movie will be out next year, so I will share details as the release date gets closer. I hope I made the final cut!

Sister Time

Sisters are the best. They know you inside and out, you share incredible memories from childhood and beyond, and you can make each other laugh like no one else can. My sister, Laura, lives here in Georgia, but my other sister, Gail, moved to Chicago last year, so outings with the three of us are few and far between. Gail has been in town the last few days for Spring Break, so my mom offered to watch Laura's boys so the three of us could have lunch today.

The sisters at Miller Union in Atlanta, Georgia.

In case you're wondering, I'm the oldest. Gail is three years younger, and Laura is six years younger. Funnily enough, Laura is the only one who has children (right now)!

Today's Outfit Details

Dress: Shoshanna Leslie Jacquard Metallic Mint Green Dress

Shoes: Jimmy Choo Abel Pumps

Purse: Kate Spade New York