The Liebster Award for Lil' Ol' Me

Today's post is a really cool opportunity for me. I was granted the Liebster Blog Award for 2014.  

(Everyone go over to check out Stay A Minute, the lovely blogger who nominated me!) 

The purpose of this award is to highlight up and coming bloggers and it is designed as a networking tool to help link the blogging world together and help us to all find more blogs to love on. I'm honored to have been given this blogging award and I'm thrilled to participate. As a part of the participation, I was given ten questions to answer. I will also link to a few blogs I will in turn nominate and their respective ten questions. 

1. If you could meet anyone (deceased or living) who would it be, and why? On a personal level, this question would be answered differently. But on a fashion level, I would love to meet Coco Chanel. I don't always agree with her choices in terms of morality and politics, but the woman could DESIGN CLOTHES. 

Chanel No. 5 is my go-to fragrance of choice, owning Chanel earrings and a handbag would be an honor, and don't get me started on the Chanel lipstick line. 

 

Gabrielle (Coco) Chanel was raised in a Catholic orphanage and rose from the ashes, so to speak, to create one of the most inspirational, high end, truly classic clothing, makeup and accessories lines in the WORLD. In.the.world. The clothes Chanel designed in the 40's are still beautiful and wearable today. The tweed dress suit? STOP IT. The quilted leather handbag. COME ON. 

A runner up would be miss Diane Von Furstenburg. Don't get me started on my love affair with her dresses. And does that woman AGE?! Plus, her designs and patters have unabashedly stood the test of time. While being bright, vibrant and trendy, they're classic and never go out of style. You can buy (ahem, invest) in a DVF dress and wear it for ten fifteen twenty years while never looking outdated. 

2. Who is your idol/hero? My personal idol or hero would be my dad. He's the wisest person I know, and I always know that whatever advice I get from him is sound! He's practical, honest as can be, and methodical.  And he's the best grandpa ever.

But as far as fashion/beauty goes, though, my idol/hero would be (after Coco Chanel, Nazi allegations nothwithstanding because that girl could DESIGN...and DVF...oh, and Steve Madden, embezzling jail time notwithstanding. What? The man started in the back of a car! Look at him now!) Bobbi Brown. Her story is phenomenal. She started off as a makeup artist barely making ends meet and then developed a line of lipsticks and worked her butt off to be one of the most reputable makeup artists who owns one of the most high end, amazing makeup lines in the world. That, and she's naturally gorgeous. With all that makeup at her fingertips, she still knows that less is more, and natural beauty shines brighter than any glitter ever could. Go, Bobbi! 

3. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live? As a fashion student and personal stylist, you might expect me to say Milan or Paris. But honestly, family and funds permitting, I would live in either New York City or London. Ever since I was a little girl I've dreamed of going to London, shopping at Harrods (No lie, in third grade I wrote and won a speech contest and literally mentioned shopping at Harrods. Third grade. The passion runs deep, my friends.) Then, right after I graduated from High School my family went on a trip to New York City. I remember walking past 5th Avenue and feeling my endorphin level spike. I saw Saks, and Prada and Piaget. But I was with my family and high end, don't-touch-anything-and-don't-breathe-wrong type stores aren't my brothers' forte. So we didn't shop. But the bug hit me and living in a place where I could find one of a kind vintage and hand made boho style pieces as well as high end goods makes me oh-so-happy.  

4. Why did you begin blogging and who is your inspiration? I began blogging a LONG time ago, back when they were called "Online Journals". I blogged in a little space of the Internet that MSN Messenger used to record thoughts, and I blogged before I knew what blogging was. I've been journaling since I was old enough to write, and as technology evolved, so did my way of journaling. My fashion blog, however, began just about a year ago when I realized that my passion and love of clothes and beauty could be something I could expand on and develop. This blog is more than fashion. We talk makeup, families, kids, music, life...but we talk fashion. A lot of it. My inspiration is a difficult one to peg down. I've been writing for as long as I could...well...write. So my inspiration culminates from so many different places. Recently, I'm very inspired by textures and patterns as opposed to a specific person. When I first started writing I was inspired (fashion wise) by pop stars and celebrities. And I'm always inspired by Carrie Bradshaw. I mean, let's be real. I totes have a chiffon/tulle skirt. I only wish it was pink or white like hers. (Blog post? Let me know in the comments.)

5. If you could spend a day with a blogger, who would it be? I would choose to spend the day with Bethany Joy Lenz over at Wish You Were Here. She is an actress by profession but writes a blog that captivates me. Her poetry is beautiful. Her outfit choices are spot on. Her insights are poignant and thought provoking, and her push for the underdog is inspiring. She inspires and defends women without putting or "dumbing down" men, and I find that remarkable. She is most well known for her role as Haley James Scott in One Tree Hill, but as a singer and writer, I find her to be an exceptionally great person. And while you're at it listen to this song. And this cover. 

6. Who is your go-to style icon? This is a really hard question! My go-to style icon isn't something I think I can answer. I'm always pulling, loving, and being inspired by different people, be it past or present. I am anywhere from 90's grunge to old Hollywood and I love simple looks. I think that when you take a basic outfit or fashion skeleton and then make it your own, you've mastered your style. A t-shirt and jeans? Yes, everyone can pull that off. But how do you make it you? Leggings and an over sized sweater? It's been done and it'll never get old. But how do you make that become fashionable instead of just basic? That's what makes something or someone iconic, if you ask me. 

7. What inspires you? Personally and internally my inspiration comes from my beautiful children and my role as a mother and wife. But I get the feeling that this question is veering towards fashion. In that respect, I'm inspired by detail. A leather piping. A pop of color on the lower lash line. A winged liner. A violet or purple lip. A braid. A pattern. A texture. Following trends while breaking rules and not becoming a trend or being stuck in a trend. Those are the things that catch my eye and make me think. Those things inspire me. I'm inspired by prints, and textures, by breaking rules. I'm inspired by changing something if you don't like it. Don't be afraid of scissors! Don't be afraid to wear something differently than you're "supposed to." Wear white on white. Wear black with brown. Mix your prints. Wear polka dots and stripes. Wear leopard print with plaid. I'm inspired by symmetry. I'm inspired by basics and mixing high end gorgeous pieces with thrifty vintage items. Detail. Change. Breaking rules. Classics. Texture. Patterns.

8. What is your favorite time of year? My favorite time of year is usually the one that I'm in. I live for cozy sweaters and curling up with my hubby. I love dark lipstick and Winter makeup. I am so excited for Spring and floral prints and pastel colors. I love swimming suits and shimmery makeup in the Summertime. The Fall brings the same sense of newness to me as Spring does and the muted colors get my fashion wheels turning. Being a stylist and fashion lover, how could I not love every season? Each season brings on new fashion opportunities. AT THAT SAME TIME, I break rules, people! I wear my ox blood lipstick in the dead of Summer. I wear pastel pink lipstick in the Winter. I wear floral and pastel colors in Fall and I wear my plaid tunic in the Spring. 

9. If you had a second chance with one thing, what would you do over? I do not believe that everything happens for a reason. To believe such would take away our agency and I just can't stand by that. Things happen because of the choices we make. I believe in miracles, I believe in blessings and I believe in a God who would put opportunities in our path that may help us. But I believe that we have the choice whether or not to take those opportunities. And just because something sad or bad happens to us, it's not because it was meant to be. Just because we make bad choices does not mean that it's happened because it was supposed to. But I have learned from my mistakes and I live my life with thoughts of making today better than yesterday. I can't think back and wish I could have changed things. I choose not to live that way. 

10. If you had an unimaginable amount of money, which charity or non-profit organization would you donate to? I would split it up, definitely. I would make donate to some college scholarship funds that I think target kids who would otherwise not have an education. And then I would donate to my church because I have seen first hand the phenomenal impact that the humanitarian work form my church has made on not only people around the world who need it, but the people who are in our very own cities and neighborhoods who just need help getting a step up. It's pretty amazing and even a bit emotional to me to see the people that are helped this way, even the people right around us. You never know who needs a little step up. I pray that we all look for ways to help others. In turn, I think what goes around comes around and we can be helped when we need it as well.

A big thank you to Stay a Minute for the blog award. I hope those that I award participate as well. This was a really fun award and I'm proud to receive it. Thank you again! 

I nominate: 

Sealed With a Swatch

This blog is full of gorgeous makeup tips, tricks and "swatches".

Story of Your Life

This is a blog I came across and I just love her style, ideas and simplicity. She's great.

All Things Pretty 

All kinds of great tips and ideas for "all things pretty!" She's also my best friend. So, there's that.

Go ahead and answer the same questions. Please leave a link from your blog to mine and then nominate three up and coming blogs with less than 200 followers to participate. Let your winners know they've been awarded by commenting on their blog. 

Thanks again, Jaimey. It was so fun to participate! I appreciate the award! 

-L

P.S. A Happy Birthday shout out to my sweet boy, Landon! A birthday post to follow after his weekend of Birthday celebrations!

Wardrobe Wednesday: Winter Tag Week 2

Hey all. Alright, it's still freezing. I don't think that's going to change. Here ya go, week 2. I'm too tired and irritable today to write about anything else. So, bye.

 Grey skinnies: Kohls, Bow sweater: Kohls, Red earrings: My Sisters Closet, Watch and bracelets: JCPenny, Pumps: Steve Madden

 

 Polka dot henley top: Old Navy, Skirt: Down East Outfitters, Scarf: Kohls, Chevron black tights: Target, Boots: Steve Madden. Not doing my hair and makeup: thanks to the weekend, my friends.

Top: Alloy, Pants: Kohls, Blazer: Charlotte Russe, Boots: Steve Madden, Belt: Buckle (ironically...), Bracelets: Kohls and Forever21 

 Chambray button up: Old Navy, Cardigan: Target, Booties: Sam and Libby, Bracelets: Old Navy, Belt: Kohls, Hair pin: Birchbox

Let me just tell you about these booties. I absolutely adore them. They're so comfortable and look so cute with like everything. And more importantly, they look great on everyone! As you can see, Ellie pulls them off fabulously. 

-L

Wardrobe Wednesday: Winter Tag Week 1

Howdy.

It's so freaking cold outside.

I went out to my car yesterday and it literally (I measured) had 7 inches of snow on it. A snow scraper did nothing. I legitimately shoveled the snow off of my car. In 4 inch stiletto boots (as you will see later), successfully, without falling or ruining said boots. I was much more worried about my boots than I was about finding my car under a mountain of snow.

So, here's week one of the challenge I was tagged in. I kind of didn't do a great job this week-just two outfits. But here ya go! Ghetto iphone style via my ghetto door mirror. You're welcome for making you feel better about your less ghetto life.

I have to (semi) dress up for work, but I'm on a small budget, people. I guess this is my way of handling my shopping addiction on a dime. You're gonna see a lot of brands like Target and Old Navy in this tag, but that's how I make it work. I'm all about mixing my $6 t-shirts with designer stuff. And there are a lot more $6 t-shirts involved than there are designer labels. It's how I roll. College student, people. Two kids. What it is.

Feel free to join in--leave your link in the comments. I specifically tag Becca, Jess, Malae, Jena...I think you guys would be so cute, and it's kinda fun. And I want to see what you're wearing! (In a non-creepy way...or creepy, if that's what you're into. No judgement.)

Cardigan: BellaElla Boutique, Tee: Kohls, Pencil Skirt: Old Navy, Tights: Target, Scarf: Old Navy, Boots: Steve Madden 

 Cardigan: Old Navy, Tee: Costco (no lie), High Waisted Pants: Rue 21, Flats: Old Navy, Scarf: Old Navy, Watch: Michael Kors, Bracelets: Kohls

There ya have it! Link up! I wanna see what you're wearing ;) 

(That joke might not ever get old.)

And speaking of Old Navy, until midnight tonight use the code FLASH online and get 30 % off, no exclusions. You're welcome. 

-L

Ode Turned Tuesday Favorites

A few things ran through my mind today when considering what to write about. One such idea included a list of things that aggravate me. But we have not the time nor the energy for such a list.

In fact, I had a post completely written, but my computer turned itself off, and I don't want to traumatize anybody with gory details, but there was a casualty. Said casualty consisted of an ode to Carrie Bradshaw (I know my dad is glad to have dodged that bullet), but I guess it's okay...I'll take Steve Madden over Manolo's any day (they're beautiful, but I'll side with $70 over $700, thankyouverymuch).

Okay. I'll show some pictures. But then back to the task at hand:

Manolo Blahnik Black Ankle Strap Heels
These beauties are $695 at Saks:

Steve Madden Black Ankle Strap Heels
These gems are $80 on Zappos.com:

Catching my drift?

Anyway, where were we?

Oh, right. Miss Bradshaw.

Now, I don't typically believe in "signs" and the whole "everything happens for a reason" thing makes me roll my eyes, but that's a different post (ahem), a different mindset entirely. That being said, maybe due to the loss of my previous post, Ode on a Manhattan Shoe Connoisseur just isn't meant for today. But, thinking about her gorgeous shoe collection, the mental image of that cloud of smoke surrounding her Mac computer (think: more Grace Kelly and less Anna Nicole Smith), and that infamous commentary about the Scrunchies, got me on the trail of "trademarks". 

I think it's sort of narcissistic awkward for one to decide one's own trademarks. That's like choosing your own nickname. We all know that guy. And none of us like him. 

But, I do know what some of my favorite, go-to things are. At least this week! So, here are three things that I'm loving on this lovely Tuesday:

Cadbury Mini Eggs

I've probably eaten fifteen thousand of these this month. Off the top of my head, I can literally think of 7 specific bags that have been purchased and consumed. It's a problem. Don't judge me.

Maybelline Baby Lips 

I have every single shade of these that can be found. And if I don't have it, I want it. I love these. I'm obsessed. I use them every single day. I've been buying them and giving them to my sister/friends just because I love them so much. 

The Paris Wife by Paula McLain

And last, but not least, I'm officially loving on this book. I've been reading it on and off for the last few weeks, but haven't had time to REALLY read it. But I'm obsessed with Hemingway and this take on his life (from the point of view of his first wife, Hadley) is so interesting without feeling like you're reading a biography (it's a novel). It's tragic and beautiful and REAL. And even if you'd rather have the stomach flu than read Hemingway's staccato-like writing style, it's totally possible to pull yourself away from the idea that The Sun Also Rises (my favorite novel) was written at the time that this account of his life was taking place. It's really just a love story. And some love stories don't end "happily ever after". 

Well there you have it! You dodged the C. Bradshaw bullet, but escaping Manolo Blahnik entirely was a bit too much to ask. Don't get selfish.

What are some of your favorite things/latest obsessions? Maybe I'll give them a whirl and we'll have something better to write about than my obscene chocolate indulgence. Or we can stick with chocolate. I'm good with that...

-L