Sunday, July 27, 2014

GiGi New York Summer SALE!


A wardrobe/accessory item that I find worth the investment (aka "splurge") is a beautiful and classic handbag and clutch. Yes, the fashion lover inside wants to purchase every-single trendy clutch and fringe bag available, but the size of my closet quickly reminds me that there will be no room for that trendy bag when it goes out of style next month. (That's why you will see the same handbag/clutch over and over again in my #ootd posts.)

GiGi New York handbags are a favorite of mine! I literally visit their website weekly and "ohh" and "ahh" over their beautiful handbags, crossbodys, clutches, wallets and tech accessories that can be PERSONALIZED! (And you know how much those of us in the South love to personalize...EVERYTHING!) All of that being said, they have been having an AMAZEBALL weekend sale on their website with items ranging from 50% - 60% off. And while I have spent the weekend trying to determine which piece will be branded with my initials, I have somehow completely forgotten to tell all of you about the sale! So HURRY!!! Visit GiGi New York's Summer Sale and grab a bag!! 

Thursday, July 24, 2014

So Fresh and So Clean White Blazer




Blazer: J.Crew (similar); Pink Tank: from Indigo Little Rock; Denim: Joe's Jeans
Renegade Layering Necklaces: Stella & Dot (old)
Shoes: Dolce Vita (old); Gold Bangles: from Indigo Little Rock; Wristlet: from E.Leigh's
Mad Photography Skills by the Hottie Husband and his iPhone

Along with black, white is just one of those colors that's super easy to buy. Why? Because it will basically go with everything else in your wardrobe. However, white can also be your worst enemy. Wear it close to your face, and depending on your skin tone, it can easily wash you out. Wear it on your bottom, and it will show every-single perfect imperfection. (And Lord knows I have plenty of those!)

I love, love, love a white blazer. LOVE. A. WHITE. BLAZER! However, due to my olive skin tone, I need to be a little strategic when wearing one. After being in San Diego for a week, I had plenty of color to pull it off. However, in the rare case that the sun didn't shine in California during my stay, I had brought along this supercalifragilistic pink tank to layer under my white blazer and give my face some color. I think it was pretty much the pop of pink perfection that this white blazer needed!

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Emily & Meritt Collection for Pottery Barn Teen








Not only did they create the perfect jean, but now they have created the perfect bedroom! Emily and Meritt, the cult denim designers behind Current/Elliott, recently collaborated with Pottery Barn Teen to create a girl's dream bedroom suite come true! But don't be mistaken...this line isn't just for teens. This line is for any fashion-forward female looking to update anything from her bedroom to her office. Imagine vintage-Americana with an Alice in Wonderland twist. It's utterly amazing! I. AM. OBSESSED!! (And also a little jelly that such perfection can continue to come from these two fashionistas.)

As for myself, the launch of this incredible line couldn't have more perfect timing. Between updating my master bedroom to my office to my daughter's room, if my budget would allow, I would literally purchase the entire collection! I'm so inspired! Come DIY or empty checking account, I must have a piece of this brilliant collection. Above are a few of my faves. What pieces will you be snatching up?!

Friday, July 18, 2014




Feathered Racerback Tank (purchased at Indigo) / Citizens of Humanity Avedon Ultra Skinny in Chromatic Jeans / J.Crew Black Skinny Belt (no longer available - similar here) / Can You Hear Me Seychelles Gold Metal Heel (Maude Boutique)
Photo Credit: My Hottie of a Husband and his fabulous iPhone
 
From in-store boutique guest-styling to surfing, I have made the most out of each visit to San Diego over the past 10 years. Yet, there is one thing that I had yet to check off my "San Diego Bucket List" - shop the stores of Fashion Valley Mall. From Louis Vuitton to Free People to Zara to Tory Burch and Kate Spade, Fashion Valley Mall is a fashion stylist's dream. Needless to say, I had a fabulous day of expanding my wardrobe and I enjoyed sporting this feathered racerback tank while doing so! Added bonus: I literally had 10 people (if not more) stop and ask me where I bought my fine feathered friend. My response: "Oh, this little boutique in the small town of Little Rock, Arkansas, called Indigo." (And yes, I am obviously still obsessing over my little gold cap heeled booties.)

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Lace Kimono = Brunch Perfection






Lace Kimono (purchased at Indigo in Little Rock) / Pink Racerback Tank (purchased at Indigo in Little Rock) / Long Rhinestone Necklace (purchased at Indigo in Little Rock) / J.Crew Black Linen Shorts (no longer available) / 
Gold Bangle Bracelets (purchased at Indigo in Little Rock) / 
Can You Hear Me Seychelles Gold Metal Heel Shoes (purchased at Maude Boutique)
Photo Credit: The Hottie of a Husband

Let me just say, there is nothing like taking fashion images for your style blog with your iPhone. However, when you are on vacation, and you forget your beloved camera at home, you work with what you have, right?! (Not that I have even begun to master pictures with my REAL camera, but I'm sure you are picking up what I'm throwing down.) And while I'm talking about pictures, what is with the "sexy funny face" I'm working with? Good gracious...Vogue, vogue, strike a pose!

My husband and I have traveled to San Diego nearly every year for the past 10 years. While my husband has to work during our stay, I take the time while he is away, to hit my favorite shops and eateries. These pictures were taken on our first full day in San Diego which was actually a Sunday. And Sunday being the "Funday" that it is, we always make sure to make the most of The Crab Catcher's Champagne Brunch in La Jolla. I think this lace kimono turns an average pink tank and black shorts into the perfect brunch outfit. Don't you?! The rhinestone necklace that I am wearing is one of my faves. Not only is it great for layering, but I love to tie it into a knot making it a necklace of its own kind! And the shoes, they are my current obsession. I think I may have worn them every. single. day. during our stay. I mean, gold capped heels...how could you ever go wrong?!

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Rock the Runway - What I Wore








BCBG top (no longer available) / BCBG skirt - ON SALE / Stella & Dot Renegade Necklaces (old) / 
Heart Necklace (custom via Kyle Rochelle Jewelers)
Gold Bangles (purchased here) / Knuckle Ring (purchased here) / Black Studded Clutch (old)
Nine West Martina Black Heels

Needless to say, this post is quite fashionably late!

If you were unable to attend this year's Rock the Runway, you missed a fantastic time! From the perfectly pink Rock the Runway cocktail to the runway dripping in amazing florals to the swag bag of all swag bags and the deliciously rockin' after party - we had a blast supporting an uber-important cause.

Carrie Bradshaw, with a touch of the 2014 Spring/Summer athletic trend, was the inspiration for this year's Rock the Runway outfit. I fell in love with and purchased this BCBG skirt (aka "Carrie") at Dillard's a couple of months ago. Bless her fluffy heart, she has patiently hung in my closet waiting for her moment to shine. So, staying true to the requested dress code of "black and white cocktail attire", I knew that Rock the Runway would be the perfect time.

I had originally planned to wear a white fitted crop top with "Carrie", however, after indulging in a crazy delicious, far-from-fat-free, gem of a Cookies n' Cream Milkshake from Big Orange earlier that day, I opted to keep my midriff in hiding and moved on to Plan B - this sheer, BCBG, black and white, athletic-inspired racerback tank that added the perfect amount of "edge". You will notice that I knotted this top in the back. This was done for two reasons: 1) When wearing a full skirt, you should always balance the top with a fitted shirt. This particular top had too much material when simply tucked into the skirt and didn't do "Carrie" justice. By cinching up and tying a knot in the top, I was able to make the tank more fitted, therefore, more appropriate for the skirt 2) "Carrie" has a pretty black ribbon detail on the side of her waist that was easily covered up by simply tucking the tank in.

Finally, I chose to wear a black lace bandeau, vs. a black plain bandeau, under the sheer tank to not only bring a more feminine touch to the top, but to also tie-in the lace found around the bottom of the skirt. I accessorized with layered, spike adorned necklaces and a studded clutch for a edgy finishing touch.

Oh! And no worries. These pictures were taken pre manicure. I quickly painted on a couple of layers of white OPI "My Boyfriend Scales Walls" polish before heading out the door to support Fighting Fancy and the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at UAMS!

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Hairstyles for the Summer Heat




Images via www.thebeautydeparment.com
Tutorials found at www.thebeautydepartment.com
The southern heat and humidity have an evil mission to make you glisten (...not sweat...we're from the south so we "glisten" not "sweat"). Not only does it challenge your fashion in a sense of what you wear, but it challenges you in what to do with your hair. Go ahead and give up the time spent creating beachy waves - that turn into a hot hurricane mess as soon as you step outside - and put your focus on what will remain beautiful no matter what the weather. And since the sock bun and average ponytail have worn out their welcome, I thought I would share a few of my favorite summer hairstyles. 

As soon as I began my search for the perfect summer tresses, I knew exactly where to go for inspiration and how-tos:


Though each of the images found above are sourced from The Beauty Department, both of the aforementioned sites remain my go-to for anything and everything hair and makeup. Warning: The tutorials and images found on these sites are so addictive that they could quite possibly call for an intervention! 

Oh! Almost forgot! For those who are still trying to perfect your fishtail, here's an easy-peasy tutorial:


Saturday, July 5, 2014

Stylish Stationary





All images via www. CarrieBethTaylor.com

Listed in the Top 10 of Southern Belle Rules, handwritten notes are a lost art that I dearly miss. In my grandmother's home (God rest her fashionably southern soul), stationary was just as much a staple as sugar. She's the reason that the postman could afford blackberries for his cobbler! And though it often pains me to find the time to sit and write a well thought out note (in BLACK ink...that's part of the rule too), I am reminded of how this southern tradition is so greatly appreciated when received...annnnnnddd I like to show off my gorgeously monogrammed stationary (because "Monogram, EVERYTHING" is also a Southern Belle Rule)! Having said all of that, who wouldn't want to show off their fashionably monogrammed stationary from Carrie Beth Taylor?! She's my newest stationary obsession whose goodness I just had to share! Her product line extends beyond stationary so for more perfection from Carrie Beth, visit www.carriebethtaylor.com.

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

4th of July - What to Wear

Asos Romper / Bauble Bar Layered Necklaces / Bauble Bar Monogrammed Stud Earrings
Zara Blue Clutch / Bauble Bar Dipped Chain Bracelet / Gold Stud Bracelet
White Wedge Sandal / Watermelon Cocktail Recipe
Eyelet Top / Navy Shorts (similar here) / Kendra Scott Earrings / Michael Kors Watch
Stacked Ring / Tory Burch Crossbody / Sunglasses / Dolce Vita Red Stacked Heels

Plaid Button Down (similar here) / Joe's Jeans Cutoff Shorts / Tory Burch Beach Bag
RahRah Designs Bikini / Emi-Jay Hair Ties / Sole Society Fedora
Dolce Vita Sandals / Makeup Bag / iPhone Case Cover / Asos Sunglasses
Neutrogena SPF / Evian Facial Spray / USA Beach Towel
The 4th of July in Arkansas (and Texas) tends to be so hot that even my flat iron sweats. That kind of heat makes it a little more challenging to bring our festive fashion to the level it deserves. Keeping in mind the adversities that we need to overcome to look as fabulous as we actually are, I put together three (3) different 4th of July looks to inspire you...not perspire you. 

The first look is built around a light-weight romper (which just happens to be ON SALE...your welcome) that features a low v-neck and gives you plenty of breathing room and comfort. The accessories are kept delicate so not to add any unwanted heat and the cocktail is kept strong...to make you care less about the heat.

The second look features an eyelet top to be layered over a bandeau and paired with navy shorts. The eyelet detail is a no-brainer - it's sweet, it's southern and stylishly lightweight. The accessory statement piece is kept off of the skin by wearing it on the ears. And the shoes...those are completely amazeballs and ON SALE too at www.6pm.com.

The third and final outfit is for all of you 4th of July lake goers! After spending the day on the water, it's rare that you are rushing back to the condo to primp for dinner. Many of us are watching the fireworks from the boat and grilling out before/afterwards. Boyfriend cutoffs and a trendy plaid button down make this outfit the perfect "lake bum" coverup. Instead of your go-to Target flip flops, make the effort to wear an embellished sandal and trade your baseball cap for a fedora. Easy Peezy Lemon (in your Long Island Ice Tea) Squeezy!

Visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mrsstyleseeker and show us what you're wearing this Independence Day!