The End of an Era

 The beginning of August brought with it the end of summer for me this year. I am returning to school next week, and unfortunately, am therefore ending the regularly scheduled daily posts on this blog. I have loved every minute I have spent on The Champagne & The Stars in the past year, and will certainly continue to post as much as possible, but school takes precedent. My love of fashion, and the blogging community, will never wane though, so you can rest assured that I'll still be around, commenting and posting when I can. Thank you, thank you, for all of your kind words and support. I couldn't have done it without you! See you again, soon. 

Love, Josephine

Céline sunglasses, Twenty8Twelve tank (similar), J. Crew shorts and sandals, Louis Vuitton Speedy.

Mint Condition

While I am not generally one to wear a ton of color, mint has a been an obsession of mine this summer. Both the flavor and the color. I especially love it with pink, and am going to have to paint my nails pink the next time I wear this skirt. I love it with silver too though, thus the heels. What's your favorite color this summer? 

Ray-Ban sunglasses, Vince tee, J. Crew Factory skirt (similar), J. Crew necklace (similar), Sam Edelman Alva sandal. 

Painting the Roses Red

This is the first appearance of peplum on the blog, which seems strange considering how much I like the trend. Apparently I was just waiting for the right piece to add to my closet. It's not at all strange that I found it at J. Crew. 

On another note, who else wants to move to Portland and be surrounded by rose gardens? I spent a wonderful few hours here with one of my best friends, and couldn't have been happier. Even with a sinus cold, the place smelled fabulous. 

Ray-Ban sunglasses, flea market cowboy hat, J. Crew top and pixie pants, Rebecca Minkoff sandals (on sale!), Marc by Marc Jacobs necklace (similar). 

Totem Pole

Scenes from Portland during the 4th of July trip, that seems ages ago after a weekend in Miami. It's always a great trip when I get to see Katie.

Céline sunglasses, J. Crew top, Vince pants, Prada sandals, Marc by Marc Jacobs necklace (similar), Alexander McQueen bracelet (similar), Marc Jacobs bag (similar). 

My Own Private Idaho

While still in Idaho, we chanced upon this fantastic piece of work. Have you ever seen a better gas station sign? Have a fabulous weekend! Follow along on Instagram @jkschroeder while I'm in Miami this weekend.

Ray-Ban sunglasses, Vince tank, J Brand pants (similar), Marc by Marc Jacobs necklace (similar), J. Crew and Alexander McQueen (similar) bracelets, Tory Burch sandals. 

Best Car

This was the best car in the parking lot at the Timberline Lodge. Clearly, it warranted a photo shoot of its own. 

Flea market hat, Céline sunglasses, J. Crew sweatshirt, BCBG dress, Alexander Wang booties, Marc by Marc Jacobs necklace (similar), Marc Jacobs bag (similar). 

Timberline Lodge

Built during the Great Depression as a Works Progress Administration project, the Timberline Lodge is a stunning piece of architecture, made from locally sourced wood and stone. The ski lifts directly adjacent to the building don't hurt, either. Sadly, I was unable to ski, though the lifts operate on weekends all summer, but I hope to be back again to ski Mt. Hood soon! 

J. Crew sweatshirt (similar), Vince tank, Alexander Wang leather skirt (similar) and Dasha Booties, Marc Jacobs bag (similar). 

Independence Day

 This year's 4th of July involved plenty of water (both rivers and lakes), a stop at a flea market, amazing people, a spectacular fireworks display, and plenty of red, white, and blue. Check out the fireworks and my first ever attempt at paddle boarding here, not to mention my flea market finds of a cowboy hat and flag. This year's Independence Day celebration will definitely be tough to beat. Thanks to everyone who made it so much fun!

Ray-Ban aviators, American Apparel top, Joe's Jeans cutoffs (similar), J. Crew sandals, Marc by Marc Jacobs necklace (similar), Alexander McQueen bracelet (similar).