Au Revoir 2010

Photography by Polly Wreford

It's been an amazing year, probably the best of my life.  Filled with love, firsts, growth, old friends, new friends (hello blog besties!), dear family...  So I'm going to celebrate 2010 and ring in 2011 big tonight.  I hope that you all do the same with your nearest & dearest.

All of my love to you all,  XOXO.

Images via  Paper Garland, Real Simple, and Hello Naomi,   

My NYE Sparkle

I couldn't help myself.  I had a perfectly festive black sequin skirt all laid out for NYE.  I just needed to find a perfectly festive top to pair with it.  Then I saw this Parker Sequin Dress at Thera M (one of my favorite local boutiques).

The look on my husband's face when I tried it on was all I needed to throw all responsibility out the window.  It was their last one, it fit like a glove, the ruched sleeves concealed my winter white arms, and I had to act fast (Lilly was about to hit meltdown mode). 

Poor sequin skirt.  She really is fabulous.  Maybe I'll wear her on a ladies night out or Valentines day.

Now, if only I could find a feather stole...

via

Because New Year's Eve is the night of all nights to go big.  And dramatic.

Chevron Backsplash

I really love this backsplash.

via COCOCOZY

That is all.  Carry on with your blog browsing.

Some More Christmas Prizes

I was hesitant to share more of my Christmas gifts here for fear of coming off wrong.  But, I'm so enjoying other bloggers' new goodies they're sharing that I figure why not?!  Afterall, this blog is based mostly on shopping and style ;)

So here are a few of my gifts that I received for Christmas.  Some you've seen here on the blog before...

A little orange box from my Dad to start off things right... yay!! 

You all remember these lucite trays.  This one found a home on my bathroom vanity thanks to my brother and sister in law (she definitely reads my blog!).  And if you look closely at the left compartment you'll see my new Kate Davis earrings that Josh surprised me with.  He even went through the trouble of reading my response emails to my blog comments to figure out which pair was my favorite.  Now that's Love :)

I had been eyeing this sparkly J.Crew bag since February.  No joke.  I don't even know when Josh bought this b/c it isn't even on their website anymore.  He is sneaky!!  I'll try to come up with a "How I Wore It" post featuring it.



A new Barefoot Contessa cookbook courtesy of my in-laws.  I predict another cooking post in my future!

A new Gucci carry-on roller duffel from my Dad.  This beauty is actually on backorder so it's not yet in my hands.  Can't wait!

And I knew this Seesaw Letterpress Calendar looked beautiful online, but it's even more gorgeous in person!!  Thanks Mom!

I also received this J.Crew Wool Blazecoat, but sadly it is a little large and is no longer on their website.  I'm hoping they can track down another one for me.

Okay, I'll throw in one more holiday prize I received.  The book that was on most every fashionista's wishlist... Fifi Lapin.

I know, I was spoiled this year.  I guess Santa knew I was a good girl :)

Guess What Was Under The Tree!!

Yep, the sunglasses I was wishing for. 

I was ultra spoiled this year, and I hope you were too.  We spent the holiday with my family up in Kentucky and Indiana, was so lovely.  We even got snow on Christmas Eve.  It was so magical to watch it fall.  Next time I will be better prepared and have a snowsuit to throw on Lilly so she can truly enjoy it! 

While we were in Kentucky we stayed at my Dad's home, which is incredibly gorgeous and surrounded by beautiful rolling hills.  I staked out this little barn for a rustic photo-op.  I think it's so cool.

Perhaps you can tell that my husband wasn't feeling the photo session, ha!  Perhaps if he would dress a little more appropriately for the weather...  Next time I suppose.

Anyway, we got back to Charleston this evening and it feels so good to be home.  I will say I'm a little daunted by what all needs to be done (unpacking, taking down Christmas decor...).  Why is it that it's never as joyful to take down the decorations as it is to put them up?!  I know I'm not the first to feel this way.

  

My Hearts A Burstin' With Pride

I have a slew of talented friends, ya'll.  But my girlfriend Calder never ever ceases to amaze me.  She's a highly sought after wedding and event planner based of out Charleston, SC (which just so happens to be a MAJOR wedding destination).  And today I'm so proud to share with you her latest and greatest published wedding in Martha Stewart Weddings Winter 2011 issue.  May I add this is her SECOND feature to grace the pages of Martha?!  She's a rockstar.  I'm endlessly inspired after each "girl date" we have, and I'm so happy to share a little Calder Clark magic with you all today.

The lovely Calder above... Had to share her pretty face.

The wedding took place at the gorgeous Blackberry Farm in TN.  Do you see the french-grain-sack "lapkins" that double as place cards?  They are absolutely beyond and perfection for the venue.  Check out the rest of the article and gorgeous details here.

Image via Martha Stewart Weddings.

Juliette Hogan Loveliness

First, let me admit that I wrote this post a couple of days ago so I could peek in and say hi to you all...

So now that I've come clean, let's share the goodies.  No, not Christmas loot.  Juliette Hogan's  line.  Helloooo lovah!

So I know these are from summer 2010, but if I don't have that first blazer and this last blouse I don't think I will be able to get through spring.  Just sayin'.

And her winter line is ultra dreamy too.  I guess I'm just really into bows right now...



All images via Juliette Hogan.

Merry Merry

I'm signing off for a few days to enjoy some time with my family.  While this is Lilly's 2nd Christmas, it sort of seems like a first because she was only 6 weeks old last year.  And where we're going there will be snow!  I don't want to miss a beat.  I hope that you all have a very happy, blessed, and safe holiday.

xoxo,

You Better Watch Out

Things have been a little hairy around here the past couple of days.  But this print definitely made me stop in my tracks and grin from ear to ear.  Yes, Santa is a comin' isn't he?!  Yippeeeee!

Guest Blogging on Made By Girl And At Recycled Consign And Design



So yesterday I was little all over the place.  Maybe you've already caught it, but I did a little guest post over at Amanda's blog Recycled Consign & Design.  She's doing a super fun series featuring different bloggers' favorite holiday traditions.  Because I had such a hard time narrrowing it down I'm sharing a few over there.  Go see it here.  And you'll want to stay awhile.  She's the pen behind one of my very favorite daily reads! 



Guest what!  Yesterday I also guest posted over on Jen's fabulous blog Made By Girl.  She has an awesome holiday series going on that I've been addicted to the past week.  She's asking bloggers what gift they would choose if they could have just one gift under their tree this year, and I was so honored when she invited me to participate.  If you like shoes even a little bit, you don't want to miss my pick!  Trust me.  So head on over and see my post right here.

A Piano Makeover

Do you all read my girl Tine's blog Uruguay Life?  She is amazing.  Really.  Look at what she did with her piano.

Isn't it absolutely dreamy in white?  Here is what she started with.

It really makes you think outside of the box when it comes to styling your own home.  I would have never thought of painting a piano.

Tine's blog is full of the most beautiful images to peruse (and she also includes an english translation!).  I highly recommend a visit.

A Girly Holiday Tea Soiree

Happy Monday Everyone!  What a fun weekend it was, jam packed with festive parties and lots of family time.  I've been a real slacker (big time slacker) at capturing all of the events to share here on the blog.  But I did get a few photos of a holiday tea I attended Sunday hosted by the ridiculously adorable Marysia.  You all remember her, she's the swimwear designer that I blogged about here.  Well her home and hosting skills are spot on too. 

Here's the hostess going in for, oh who cares.  LOOK at her outfit!  Guh.  Love.

And some lovely red velvet cupcakes to go (find the recipe here).

If you're anything like me you want to see more of her home.  You're in luck.  It just so happened to be featured in Coastal Living Magazine in 2009.

via Coastal Living

Absolutely gorgeous.  I think I could lounge on that daybed all day. 

Anyhow, did you all have a fun weekend?  Have you finished your holiday shopping and wrapping?  I have so much to do this week...  Must get on it!