For the Love of Sparkle!

For. The. Love. Of. Sparkle! 

The future is so bright, girls...we gotta wear shades (like an amazing pair of Tom Ford's Candice Butterfly Sunglasses, kind of shades)! It looks like all of the shiny gorgeousness that us "Glam Girls" have been showered in over this past year was just the tip of the "ice"berg. Fashion and accessory designers have rolled out all things pretty and sparkly for Spring 2014 and there is no other option than to get your shine on! And what better time to start than New Year's Eve. With a huge fashion trend for the upcoming year being metallics, getting a head start with one's New Year's Eve fashion only makes one a pioneer in her own "Yaya Sisterhood". (Side note: I think I would have been a bit more creative with my Yaya Sisterhood. For instance, instead of passing around a pair of jeans [whose fit depends on your current water retention], we would have passed around a beautiful diamond pear-shaped necklace. Bloated or not, it remains a "perfect fit".)

I put together a couple of looks for the New Year. One to inspire your New Year's Eve and one to inspire your New Year's Day. Both contain a couple of my current obsessions: Ethically sourced diamonds and jewelry (yes, there is such a thing) from Brilliant Earth and the Aminah Abdul Jillil Bow Pump. Reasons I love? Not only is the Brilliant Earth jewelry crazy beautiful (and I mean CRAZY beautiful), the company provides high quality jewelry originating from pure sources and harvested using socially responsible practices. Think it can't get any better? Brilliant Earth gives a percentage of their profits to help communities who have suffered from unethical practices in the jewelry industry. Giving back is always in style in my book...and so are diamonds and sapphires...like this one right here ;o) As for the Bow Pumps, who wouldn't love a stiletto with "a bow on top"?!

Woo Pig Sooie Style Series - Part 2

Two more days until we go Woo Pig Wild! And now that I have you on the road to a revised Razorback wardrobe, I want to share some of my favorite razorback finds for the casa...

I am a firm believer in handwritten notes
(another sign that I'm a true southern belle),
and I could look at stationary and personalized stamps
all. day. long! This guy has "stamped" love on my heart!
Available via Cards by Chrissy

I love how "the monogram" is having a super-fab
fashion moment. However, if you're from the south, a good
monogram never has, and never will, go out of style! 
How perfect would this wooden monogram be for your 
front door (all enclosed, of course).
These particular letters are small and are meant for the wall,
however, you can easily source wooden door monograms
on Etsy (for much less than you will pay in local boutiques).
Above is available via Thrilled 2 Design

Hosting a watch party? These little Hog Wash
Razorback Soaps would look insanely festive in your
powder room!
Available via Bathhouse

Oddly enough, I had never owned a toaster until a month
ago. Being the failing chef that I am, I didn't know what
I was missing! I'm thinking that this toaster might give
my breakfast a presentation worthy of a "hog call".
Available via FansEdge

This Razorback decorative hand-painted chalkboard
would be so cute in the kitchen and would make the most
unique teacher's gift!
Available via JaxxG

What a fabulous conversation piece and perfect addition
to your office. Love him!
Available via VonChandler

Woo Pig Sooie Style Series - Part 1

Image via impressionsnwa.com
Available at www.impressionsnwa.com.

Tick, tock, tick, tock...5 days and counting till the first Razorback game of the season - Can I get a "Woo Pig Sooie"?! The anticipation of a new team with a new coach is high as is the anticipation of our 2013 Razorback wardrobe and accessories. Right ladies?! To get our "Woo Pig Series" started, I want to highlight a few of my most favorite Razorback tees...giving you plenty of time to pick yours up or get it ordered.

Love, love, love the red and white chevron
maxi skirt paired with this deep v-neck/
off-the-shoulder foiled tee!
Available at www.impressionsnwa.com.

Initially, I wasn't too fond of this dolman
tee...that is, until I envisioned its full potential!
I would snag this tee, grab my E600 glue
and place black studs around the neckline
and on the cuffs of the sleeves. Not only would
it look amazing, but you would have a
one-of-a-kind razorback tee!
Available at www.ShopRiffRaff.com.

I'm a sucker for a good baseball tee so this
is right up my alley. I can see this with everything
from cutoff denim shorts and a baseball cap
to distressed boyfriend jeans, a killer head wrap
 and an amazing pair of booties.
Or...take it to another level by cutting the bottom
half of the tee off and pair it with
a high-waisted red pencil skirt as seen here.
Available at www.ShopRiffRaff.com.

Confession: When I saw this tee I immediately
knew what I would be wearing it with - my
high-waisted, high-low, long and flowy black
skirt and black Dolce Vita wedges.
I'll also probably layer a couple of dainty necklaces
finished off with heavy bangles.
(Though the sound of all the bracelets drive my
husband crazy...I firmly believe that it gives my
"Woo Pig Sooie" chant more "passion"!)
Available at www.ShopRiffRaff.com.

The entire outfit speaks for itself...
Available at www.impressionsnwa.com.

Adorable! The polka dot shorts add
the most precious touch that no one else
will think of!
Available at www.impressionsnwa.com.

However, if time and/or money runs out and you find yourself discouraged that you have to pull out your old Razorback threads...I have an easy way to turn that frown upside down. Watch my short and simple tutorial HERE on how to give an old tee new life and GO HOGS!

You Ain't Nothing but a Houndstooth

 
Houndstooth, argyle and shearling beautifully adorn the nothing-less-than-amazing Fall 2013 Tommy Hilfiger Collection that I'm obsessing over. Perfectly pieced together, New York Fashion Week had to jump for back-to-school joy after watching this runway! Classic prints have never looked so good! My fall wardrobe has officially been inspired!

Loren Hope

If it sparkles and you can wear it on your wrist, ear, neck or finger (shirt, shoes, pants, bra, etc.)...you can almost be guaranteed that I will adore it! Same goes for the Loren Hope Fall Collection (actually, her entire collection). Her jewelry designs tend to give me an art-deco/modern/vintage feel...all at the same time. An overabundance of style that I don't mind a bit! Warning...you're about to be shot by Cupid!

Style Rule: Wearing a statement earring means that the only other statement
piece should reside on your wrist or finger - keeping a distance between the two.
I'm crazy about these earrings and the cuff has given me DIY inspiration!

How insanely amazing (and easy) is this look?! Everyday denim,
comfy tee (Alternative tees are my fave), ponytail and a statement necklace.
What's not to love?!

These are actually two statement necklaces layered together and I have always
been a proud supporter of this look. Women often tend to don a single statement
necklace afraid that anything more could abandon them in "Tackyville". That's not
always the case. Dare to double-up ladies!

Reinvented Vintage

In the same way I love finding fashion pieces that are unique...the fabulous pieces that you never have to worry about a "who wore it best" scenario, I love finding pieces for my home that are just as special. You know, the kind that can't be found in chain retail stores...the kind that if it had a mouth, it could talk for days. Well, that is exactly what I have found at Reinvented Vintage!

On August 8th, Sharon Cowell, owner of Reinvented Vintage, hosted a fabulous Grand Opening Party for her new location located in Little Rock's Breckenridge Shopping Center. Not only was the store full of lovelies shopping for fantastic finds, it was filled to the brim with rare finds for the home and gifts for the beloved friend.

Here are just a few of my favorite "reinvented" goodies...

Love the idea of this gorgeous glittery crown
housed in an antique frame!

Amen!

Lamp with a new life...
and Pig Sooie Spirit!

These adorable pieces are the perfect gift for
a friend and they are painted on 2x4s!

Reinvented Vintage also offers
vintage inspired Razorback tees!

Vintage china beautifully put together to
create one-of-a-kind serving pieces...LOVE!

Adoring this set! Perfect for a special
girl's room or office!

Surround Yourself with RiffRaff!

Image via ShopRiffRaff.com - Another favorite Dixie Love tee!

So....I'm a few days late on the other half of my exciting news from last week (actually, the week before that), but what's new?! At this point, I think we've all figured out that I'll probably be late for my own funeral!

Image via ShopRiffRaff.com

If you watched Carrie Underwood's performance on the CMA's Monday night, and assuming you were finally able to get past her picture perfect legs (that I want to have so terribly bad but am too lazy to remotely ponder the work and dedication it takes), you probably noticed her killer "look" and Skull Rose tank. Yes, the same Skull Rose tank that I have had my eyes on for the past month and am now able to purchase locally via Fayetteville's very own fantabulous store, RiffRaff. Or should I say...Fayetteville's very own fantabulously expanded online store - www.shopriffraff.com.

Until recently, those of us located outside of the NWA area, could only get a tiny glance of the budget-friendly apparel offered by RiffRaff. That was because only a small portion of their fashion inventory was actually listed on their website. Thankfully, those difficult days have come to an end and RiffRaff has launched a new and improved site that beautifully offers all of their apparel inventory online. Including my uber-favorite line, Dixie Love...ya'll! So get to shopping! The more RiffRaff you surround yourself with, the better!

Get Your H&M On!

Fashion Lovers unite in celebration...for last week two amazingly lovely things happened that had me happy dancing all week long! Sooo...taking the advice from my very wise father (shhh...don't tell him I said that), let's talk one thing at a time. Let's talk H&M Online! Eeeeeekkkkkkk!!! 

After 13 years of painful patience, H&M finally launched their e-commerce site for the United States last Friday, August 2nd. (And with no explanation needed, I feel like August 2nd should be named a national holiday. Can I get an "Amen"?!) From size 2 to 24, H&M has you covered with the most sought after trends and classics at yummy affordable prices (like crazy affordable) with good quality. Are you an unselfish shopaholic who often shops for her man? H&M has that too! Kids? Covered! Decor for your home? (with intense excitement I say....) THEY HAVE THAT TOO!! If I'm dreaming...don't wake me up!

Above are three quick outfits I pulled together with Razorback red and white inspiration. The total at the bottom of each outfit includes the top, skirt and studded soles! The total on the far right includes the versatile and closet staple black elastic belt! I know...I can't believe it either! As for the other amazing news...stay tuned and keep happy dancing!

Ooopps! In all the excitement...I almost forgot!! Here it is: www.hm.com/us!

Eva's Styled Bridal Portraits - Photography by Lyndsey Sullivan Photography

Without a doubt, our "Styled Bridal Portrait" service is one of my most favorite services that we offer. I love getting to know the bride, her style and her inner princess. And since these images will likely hang in her family's home for many years to come and greet her guests at her wedding reception, taking a bride's portraits to another level is a privilege that we don't take lightly. Needless to say, we were ecstatic when Eva approached us to style her bridal portraits with Lyndsey Sullivan Photography!

After speaking with Eva, our unique personal style system revealed that Eva has a bold, yet classic style - a perfect mix of Ivanka Trump and Katherine Hepburn. Can't you picture the perfection?! Her wedding style proved to be inspired by things such as historic elegance and beautiful English gardens. With that being said, I immediately knew the perfect style, theme and location for her bridal portraits. From introducing various jewels and textures for different shots to a complete southern garden setting, Eva's bridals were a knock-out...complete "cover-worthy". Take a look at the gorgeousness that resulted from the collaboration of Eva, Lyndsey Sullivan Photography and Mrs. Style Seeker.

Photography by Lyndsey Sullivan Photography

Photography by Lyndsey Sullivan Photography

Photography by Lyndsey Sullivan Photography

Photography by Lyndsey Sullivan Photography

Photography by Lyndsey Sullivan Photography

Photography by Lyndsey Sullivan Photography

Kissing Canaries Elliana

I started planning my wedding at the age of four (4). Full of details, I had planned to get married on the "Love Boat" cruise ship at the time (if you have been blessed with a life long enough to remember). Yet with all the details I collected over the years, there are still many things that I would have done differently. One, I would have been honest with myself and registered for less kitchen items, and two, I would have had a stunningly beautiful clutch that I could use again on special occasions and one my daughter might could use on her wedding day. Like this one - the Kissing Canaries Elliana by Kate Spade!

If you are a bride who is including soft pink/pastel pink in the color scheme of your wedding or even if you are a collector of "all things beautiful", then you MUST jump over to KateSpade.com and grab this gorgeous gal who is currently ON SALE for $209 (price includes an additional 25% off promo code: 25JULY)! Sweet, sweet Elliana had an original list price of $398 so you are in for some amazing savings...and style!

Shorts For Your Shape - Busty and/or Pear Frame

 

Calling all Pretty Pears! You know...you beautiful women who are curvier around the hips, bottom or thighs than you are up top...the ladies whose frames are like the gorgeous Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce and Kate Winslet. (Put me in the category with those gals any day!) With that, I'm also giving a shout-out to the Busty Beauties (no definition required) today. If you play for either of the aforementioned teams, I hope your team wardrobe includes some full and mid-length shorts. 

The particular piece shown above is great for you Busty frames out there because the easy fit balances out your shape to bring in proportion. They are also a nice fit for Pear frames as the shorts skim your curves (with "skim" being the KEY word). Though the shorts shown here offer a classic look, you will want to avoid this piece (and/or those similar) if you have a shorter torso - the mid-rise and loose cut will cut you in half and shorten your torso...not cool!

Find similar here, here and here.

1st Annual E.Leigh's Tent Sale

With Arkansas summer temps lasting well into October, you have got to be sure to check out the biggest sale in E.Leigh's history. A beautiful abundance of spring/summer clothing will be up to 90% OFF starting at 8am Friday, July 26th. This sale will be located at their Little Rock location ONLY!

Here's the run-down and rules: 


Where:3001 Kavanaugh Blvd.
Little Rock, AR 72205
501.265.0448

When:
Friday, July 26 8am-7pm
Saturday, July 27 8am-7pm

Rules:
No large bags will be allowed in the tent area. (It will be a tight squeeze, but well worth it!)

No strollers are allowed in the store or in the tent area. 


No food or drink will be allowed inside the store or in the tent area. Water will be provided.

E. Leigh's suggests wearing a camisole so that some items can be easily thrown on keeping in mind that there will only be three (3) fitting rooms.

Finally, ALL SALE ITEMS ARE FINAL! Be sure to check items prior to purchasing as some items have been discounted due to imperfections. (However, always be sure to weigh the alteration/correction cost with the sale cost of the item. It is often worth purchasing an item deeply discounted when a seamstress can correct the defect for a low cost.)

 

Calling all Curvy Girls! You know who you are...the ones with the sexy hourglass figure where your waist "curves" in at the middle, often with a fuller bust and bottom to contrast with the smaller waist. Is that you? If so, add a pair of mid-length and cuffed shorts to your wardrobe - these shorts have a simple cut that is streamlining to your hips. Let me mention, however, it is in the best interest of your body frame to politely decline and walk away from these threads if you have a bigger tush or thighs as solid white, cuffs and back flap pockets will widen you.

Find similar here, here and here.

Shorts For Your Shape - Rectangle

  

It's one of the most important things to know if you want to have a versatile wardrobe that actually makes you feel beautiful. I hear you asking in great anticipation, "What is that wardrobe saving information? I must know!" Answer: KNOW YOUR BODY SHAPE! 

When shopping, you must be aware of the style/shape of trends and apparel in general. Just because a store sells it, doesn't mean that it was meant specifically for you. It's one thing to admire a trend and it's another to purchase pieces of the trend that do not flatter your body. I know you won't believe this, but I have been guilty of it myself (insert gasp). 

With the abundance of shorts available this summer, it's only appropriate that you know which short is best for your shape. If you are a sister of the Rectangle Sorority, the pleated short above is perfect for you as they will add curves to your waist and hips...something many of us strive for. (Psst...and currently on sale at J.Crew...something else we strive for...Eeekkkk!) I'm a rectangle. Wanna know if you are? Rectangle ladies are fairly straight up and down, yet don't always have the boyish chest to match - whether God-given or Doc-given. 

P.S. If you are not a fellow Rectangle Sister or for some reason are self-conscience about your hips, you may want to stay away from pleated shorts, pants and skirts since the pleats will add fullness to your curves.

Find similar here, here and here.

DIY Jewelry Cleaner

Once a year, I take my fine jewelry to our personal jeweler to make sure that my prongs and clasps are properly tightened and I love the way my jewelry sparkles when I pick it up. I literally feel as if each piece of jewelry is brand new since no one can clean your jewelry like a professional jeweler. But how do you clean your fine accessories in the meantime? It's simple! 

1. Mix half 409 and half water in a measuring cup or bowl (though it depends on the amount of jewelry I am cleaning, I usually mix 1/4 cup of each)
2. Drop in your jewels (EXCEPT for pearls)
3. Leave overnight while you head to Dream Land
4. Remove in the morning and Sparkle!

Since 409 All Purpose Cleaner is a degreaser, it easily removes the stubborn oils from your skin that tend to cloud your jewelry with no brushing/scrubbing required. It's that simple...and it's that easy!

Wearable Inspiration

Returning back to Little Rock from San Diego is always hard. I'm not saying that God got any less creative when he made Arkansas (because there sure are some things/people in Arkansas that definitely took a lot of "creativity" to produce), but it sure would have been nice (aka wonderful, amazing, terrific, joyful) if Arkansas were a lot more like Cali. Realizing that it's the furthest thing from, my hair has quickly returned to its daily "too hot and humid to exist" bun/ponytail and I'm back to swearing at the heat. 

On a better note, while preparing for an upcoming style challenge, I came across this too-cute-not-to-share muscle tank!! Best part...it's wearable inspiration for just $12! What?!

Cakes Have Style (and Good Taste) Too!

Confession: Fashion styling is my first love, yet I have to come clean, I have had a crazy love affair with event styling for the past 12 years. Lucky for me, I often have the opportunity to indulge in that affair by planning parties and events for family, friends and local businesses...not to mention corporate hors d'oeuvres parties that cost upwards of $20,000 for a mere two (2) hours. And when it comes to party planning, I have to admit that my most favorite and uber-important part is choosing the cake/dessert. Yummy! Who doesn't love to see an amazing cake in the middle of the room?! Other than the Guest of Honor, the cake has a stage of its own!

Whether you're planning a wedding or birthday party, I want to introduce you to the most amazing cakes I have EVER seen AND tasted in my life! Seriously. Not kidding. Ah-may-zing. No words. Obsessed. (And I can say this with confidence being the one who is so picky about cakes that I have had them brought in from over 200 miles away.) 

While planning a recent Forty & Fabulous party for a dear friend, I came across Natalie Madison's Artisan Cakes. Not only did her cake creation fall perfectly in line with the style of the party, it quickly became the obsession of every guest. Check it out!

Image courtesy of Natalie Madison's Artisan Cakes

Oh! And don't let me fail to mention that I am often reluctant to order fondant cakes. Though they tend to look better, the taste and texture of the fondant can often ruin the individual's enjoyment while eating it. Not the case with Natalie's cakes! You literally COULD NOT tell that the icing was fondant and the taste was, without a doubt, the most incredible thing I have ever put in my mouth! Natalie Madison's Artisan Cakes is in the Top 5 of my most favorite finds in 2013! 

P.S. Did I mention that Natalie is just as sweet, if not sweeter, than her cakes?!

Rock the Runway

Grab your black and white...tonight is the night! Rock the Runway (1620 Savoy) or Bust!

Rock the Runway is the kick-off event to a new partnership between the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute and Little Rock-based non-profit organization Fighting Fancy...and I'm going to be there with bells on! Funds raised from tonight's show will be split evenly between the two and go towards funding patient support services for women battling various forms of cancer.

Don't have tickets? It's not too late. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Show begins at 8:00. See you there!

The Perfect Beach Bag

The bag featured above can be found here at Nikki's Beachhouse for $88. For a lesser price point, you can also find an adorably precious aztec beach bag (along with other great designs) via Target for just $27.99!! Here's to a stylish summer!