What I’m Reading Now

Amanda Luttrell Garrigus Robinne Lee

My kids are home for the summer, looking to be entertained and all I want to do is fall into bed with “The Idea of You”, a delicious book which happens to be written by my friend Robinne Lee. Now I know, when you hear someone say, “I’m reading xyz and my friend wrote it!”, the knee jerk is to assume the book isn’t very good, but the reviewer is a good friend. Well, a little context. I am simultaneously reading Bill Bryson’s “A Walk in the Woods” (a gift from my 8-year-old), Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run” and “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by the inimitable Zora Neale Hurston. I am loving all of them, for different reasons, of course. But when my much anticipated copy of “The Idea of You” arrived in the mail, well, I had to honor my friendship and begin it. And now I am hooked. I mean, line and sinker. With no disrespect to Bill, Bruce or Zora, all I want to do is return to the characters in Robinne’s sexy, seductive, irresistibly compelling story. It’s all I can think about. I’m obsessed. It is THE summer beach read of 2017 and you will not regret picking up a copy and digging in. And if gorgeous Robinne looks/sounds familiar, it’s likely because she’s an accomplished actress who’s just come off a plum role in “Fifty Shades Darker”. It’s the latest in a long list of starring roles in star studded movies. And now, she’s a novelist. I mean… she’s a brilliant force of nature and I couldn’t be more proud and excited to sing the praises of her first novel. Now get thee to Barnes and Noble (or Amazon, or possibly your local independent bookstore) and pick up your copy. You’re welcome.
With Love,
Amanda
Amanda Luttrell Garrigus Falling in bed
Amanda Luttrell Garrigus in bed with Robinne Lee's novel The Idea of You

Pajama Top and the Start of Summer

It’s summertime! At least it feels like it is, what with my oldest daughter being on her summer break and my youngest looking forward to her upcoming camp days. As for me, in spite of world events (which I try with varying degrees of success to push to the recesses of my mind), I too have begun to feel the lightness of being that comes with longer, warmer, easier and breezier days. One of the great benefits of a summer holiday is the chance to rest. Enter the pajama top! This well established trend takes our bedroom favorite and brings it into the light of day. Not much that’s more relaxed and comfortable than that. I think the trend works especially well in the evening, cocktail hour, then you can just fall into bed after a night of summery mischief…

With love,

Amanda

Amanda Garrigus in pajama top and black Theory pants

Amanda Luttrell Garrigus in pajama top and black skinnies

More to love… Tobi Black and White Pajama Top; Theory Classic Crop Pant

Your New Fast Fashion Obsession

Amanda Luttrell Garrigus wearing a TOBI top

Alright everyone, confession time. I love fast fashion. Ok, that’s not much of a confession I admit, nonetheless I feel compelled to open up and share that for most of my adult life my closet has had a gross imbalance of fast fashion to designer items. Like, 80/20. Who can resist inexpensive pieces that look amazing, are on trend and sometimes even last a few seasons (or more)? Not me! So when I discovered Tobi, a collection of irresistible, seriously affordable separates, I went a little overboard and devoted hours to browsing their stellar website, and made away with a few great finds in the process. Take this awesome mauve draped top. It’s weighty, the fit is on point and when I recently wore it to a Roger Vivier party I’m pretty sure I convinced a few people I was in head to toe Saint Laurent. (The monogram clutch no doubt helped build that buzz.) Check out more pics below of this breezy, sophisticated top from my new BFFF (Best Fast Fashion Find) and stay tuned for more!

With love,

Amanda

Amanda Garrigus wearing a TOBI top with black Theory Pants and a YSL clutch

Amanda Luttrell Garrigus wearing a TOBI top YSL clutch and Theory trouser

Amanda Luttrell Garrigus wearing a TOBI top with Theory Pants and a YSL clutch

Amanda Garrigus wearing a lavendar TOBI top

Amanda Luttrell Garrigus wearing a lavendar TOBI top

Amanda Garrigus wearing a TOBI top with Theory Pants and a YSL clutch

Amanda Garrigus wearing a TOBI top

More to love… Tobi Mauve Chiffon Blouse; Theory Back-Zip Skinny Leg Pant; Saint Laurent Black Monogram Clutch