Hello Darlings,

As some of you may know, I am an avid reader. This time around, I just finished reading the sequel to the hugely successful memoir, Eat, Pray, Love.

In my eyes, Elizabeth Gilbert is a very talented and expressive author whose work always resonates with me. In her first book, Gilbert not only explored the inner torment of following a difficult divorce, but also the mind’s ability to mend itself and move on. With her breathtaking descriptions of Italy, India and Bali, her ability share the most dramatic moment with a hint of humor, and her unyielding optimism, Gilbert’s first book has guided thousands of women through heartbreak. In her second book, Gilbert looks at the institution of marriage from the perspective of a modern woman and a critic.

Hello Darlings,

How many of us have spent hours discussing all matters of love and relationships over cocktails, coffees, dinners and definitely shopping trips. Men, relationships, marriages, break-ups, love, babies, divorces hold a special place in the realm of girl talk. Despite this insight, love and relationships remained an area that I was not very keen on discussing on With Love…

Why not discuss an area that is so natural to women? Because relationships are complicated, and discussing emotions is not my strength. If it doesn’t work, then don’t fix it. If it works, then nourish it. It is great to work at a relationship, but not at love. Love is supposed to be natural, never feeling like a job. Well, for those who have been curious about my views on relationships and marriage: this is it.

Hello Darlings,

In my opinion, running shoes should not grace the feet of woman outside her exercise routine. I am not suggesting that all athletic footwear is a fashion faux pas, since as we all know there are exceptions to every re with every rule.

One of those exceptions you can explore is the Converse brand. Nowhere near faux pas status, their all-American shoe is an icon, so popular that according to surveys 60% of Americans claim to have owned a pair at some point in their lives.

Although created as basketball shoe almost 100 years ago, it was not until the 1950’s that Converse shoes graced the feet of some of the world’s biggest stars. Converse earned its iconic status on the feet of The Beach Boys, James Dean and Elvis. In the 21st century, Converse also holds a prominent place in many women’s closets along with the Louboutins and Manolos.

Last Thursday, I had attended a media preview for the Converse Fall 2011 collection and went ga-ga over the Dr. Seuss kids’ edition shoes. Who wouldn’t want to wear anything that states “I don’t like green eggs and ham”? As for the men’s collection, the John Varvattos kicks were AMAZING!

As for me, I wore my favorite neon Pretty Ballerinas to the event. I figured that a lunch event called for a simple blouse and my newly favorite Club Monaco Zowie skirt with a pop of color courtesy of my shoes and nail color.

What is your favorite way to wear Converse Sneakers?

P.S. For more image from this event, CLICK HERE!

With Love...

Marta

Post proofread by Iris Braunstein

Hello Darlings,

As much as I love the internet, it makes me smile to receive an invitation, pretty notes or cards in the mail. Snail mail may be an outdated method of communication but nevertheless receiving those beautiful wedding invitations from friends, thank you notes from loved ones, and just-because-cards from someone special gives one a warm feeling.

Over the years, I have always sent cards for occasions like birthdays, Christmases, Valentines’ Days, and weddings, but today was the first time I was writing a baby card. As one of my closest friends in Ukraine welcomed a baby girl, I was sitting at my desk, puzzled, trying to figure out what to write. Marriage and family are a long way down the road for me; however, seeing invitations from some of my closest and dearest friends about bachelorette parties, weddings and, now, baby showers, I can’t help but think about how quickly life goes by. With sincere wishes and congratulations, I sent my card half a world away.