Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Jessica Alba casual

Jessica Alba can really do no wrong. Even casually dressed, she creates a wonderful silhouette, and accessorizes to the max. I used this picture of her as inspiration to create an outfit on Polyvore. 

Outfit details here

Can summer be here already so I can break out the tank tops and sandals?  

Words of Wisdom

Well, another year older, another year wiser. It was a fabulously low-key birthday with lots of red velvet cake and television. And so, because I'm now older and wiser, today I'm going to share a quote from the one and only Samuel Taylor Coleridge that I really, really think is applicable to everyone. Sometimes, advice is better given in smaller, gentler mannerisms than in loud and brash terms.  Just something to think about. 
{image from here/text edit by pinkazaleaparadise}

Monday, January 30, 2012

It's my Birthday!

I turn the ripe old age of 23 today. Surprisingly, I'm looking forward to getting older instead of dreading it. I have so much coming up this year, and I feel like I've finally found myself. It's bound to be an event-filled and fabulous year. So exciting! 
{source

Sunday, January 29, 2012

My Southern Life... feat The Front Porch

I thought I'd continue my fantasy southern life by making this a little series entitled "My Southern Life." Any southern home is incomplete without a front porch with some rocking chairs. It's the space where you unwind after a long, hot day, and sip some sweet tea with your honey bee (rhyming ftw).

Kick off your shoes and stay awhile. 
Love the white and blue. Also, I would love to have a swing on my front porch, just sayin'.

Okay, these next three images from Emily Jenkins Followill are just bananas. I cannot even express how insanely perfect this home is. It's my southern dream! 

Imagine this view at sunset! 

A front porch, or even better, a wrap around porch is on the list of must haves for my future southern home. 
All of this day dreaming is fun! So now I have my southern front porch, and my kitchen. What space should I do next? Bedroom? bathroom? Front parlour? I can't decide! 

Friday, January 27, 2012

Weekend Look

Well, howdy! So yesterday was a long day and today was long too. I'm finally taking a long, relaxing breath after two hectic days. The interview went really well yesterday, and I'm 92.7% sure I'm going to be teaching in the U.K. in the fall (super exact percentiles of assurance, eh?). The weekend is upon us, and I can't wait to indulge in some downtime. 

Here's what I would consider to be a perfect weekend look. A sweater, jeans, flats, simple accessories, and a huge bag for all those flea market finds, and you're set for a carefree weekend. 

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Life changes.

Well, friends. Tomorrow I have an interview. For a teaching job. In the U.K. What?! The mixture of fear, excitement, accomplishment and hesitation is a heady, toxic one. I can hardly believe it. I desperately hope that it all works out, because living and teaching in the U.K. is just bananas! I won't be posting tomorrow because I have to drive a far distance for my interview, so wish me luck! 

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

My Southern Life... feat. Country Kitchens

Everyone who knows me will not dispute the fact that I have a certain affinity towards country livin'. My ultimate dream, of course, is to live in the South, with my cowboy husband, and greet visitors on my front porch with a big ole jug of sweet tea. All while saying "hey y'all" of course. 

These are a few of the swoon-worthy kitchens that I hope will be brought to life in my future southern home...
Rustic, worn cupboards with feminine touches like flowers, wallpaper and a valence are just what the doctor ordered. Someone has to whip a cowboy's place into shape, right? 
This gigantic inset farmhouse sink is my kitchen dream. It just screams country!
This kitchen is straight outta the 50s. Can you picture those curtains ruffling in the light, Southern breeze? I can!
An eclectic mixture of new and old kitchenware. Hopefully hand-me-downs from my cowboy's grandma. Tradition is all part of country livin', if you ask me.
Charming breakfast nook, suitable for Sunday breakfast with my cowboy husband. 
The view out this window, will of course, be of our sprawling Texan ranch.

Siigghhh... A girl can get really swept away in her fantasy life... My country kitchen will be the heart of my home, where friends and family gather, and I'm a domestic diva/superstar/creator of delicious comfort food. Cornbread, anyone?  

Monday, January 23, 2012

Happy Monday!

Good morning, loves! I'm happy to share that there are only 56 days until Spring! To celebrate Spring's eventual arrival, I've made an adorable outfit that I wish I could wear today!!


{Created via my Polyvore account- Visit here for clothing information!}

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Everything Engagement- BHLDN style

Leave it to BHLDN to create a charming, ethereal, glamorous and feminine guide to everything engagement. I've been in love with their site for awhile now, but just recently discovered these engagement party dresses. 
Here are my faves from the collection:











Love them all, but dress #2 is the one for me! Now, if only I was getting married...  Nah, I think I'd wear it to a fancy fete regardless of my marital status!

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Colour Blocked Shoes

Colour blocking is a huge trend right now, but it can be kind of difficult and intimidating to pull off in your regular wardrobe. A fun and easy way to incorporate this trend into your everyday fashions is through your shoes! Take a look at some of these picks I snapped up from Polyvore. For more details click on my Polyvore link in the side bar, or click this picture! 
Colour Blocked Shoes




Have a fabulously fashionable - and colourful - day!  

Words of Wisdom...

Some words of wisdom for this very early, very dreary Wednesday morning.

{image via/text edit by pinkazaleaparadise}
Decide where you want to be, and put that goal into action! Happy Wednesday loves! 

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Free Valentine's Printable!

Valentine's is not my favourite holiday. In fact, I think it's kind of overrated. However, tonight while the winds were a-blowing, I created these printable gift tags just for you. 

Simply right click the image, save it to your computer, and print it off on some heavy cardstock. Cut them out, punch a hole in the tag, and use some pretty ribbon to secure it. Voila, instant gift tags for your Valentine! 
*Disclaimer: These gift tags are for personal use only. Do not use for profit. Please link back to this post if you share it with your friends! 





bel espirit


LOVING this cute ensemble from Anthropologie

The scent of fresh earth and flowers surrounds her senses; the gentle breeze tousles her hair as she sip lemonade out of a pink straw. Innocence manifested... all with a hint of je ne sais quoi. 

Monday, January 16, 2012

can't wait for spring

Winter has barely started, but I'm already looking forward to spring because of this ensemble...

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Ruche strikes again!

I love Ruche. I can always go to their website and sigh with desire. Every image is a true piece of art that is simply gorgeous and breathtaking.

Take, for instance, their Winter Lookbook for 2011, entitled Cherished, A Romantic Winter... 





Okay, and if these photos weren't enough to make you swoon, watch the behind-the-scenes- video. 


It's enough to make you want to cry! The romance they are able to convey in 2:09 is unreal. Better than Stephenie Meyer was ever able to convey in 4 books...