Friday, January 31, 2014

"Life is short, Heels shouldn't be"

Every since I was a little girl I have always loved high heels. I mean who hasn't snuck into their mothers closet just to try on her heels... Twirling around and feeling just like a princess. But because of my height, I'm about 5"9, I have always felt awkward wearing high heels. Fearing that I would be taller than my date, I have always opted for the boring high heels... The ones that only add about an inch to your height and look like something your grandmother might have worn to her prom. But luckily on the night of my senior prom I didn't have this problem. The guy who asked me was 6"1, which meant I could wear high heels. I was filled with excitement... I was finally going to be able to rock the high heels I had dreamed of wearing. This great news called for a trip to my favorite place, Southpark mall, to find the perfect high heel. After picking my dress up from Neiman's, my mother and I decided to look at the shoe section in Nordstrom. I turned and there on display in front of me was the perfect high heel... A Kate Spade shoe that looked like it had been made for a queen. After a considerable amount of begging and pleading, I convinced my mother to buy me the shoes. I couldn't believe it, these gorgeous magenta shoes with a gold lining and a large  bow on the front, were going to be mine. Prom was no royal ball but I felt like a princess in my high heels. 
Every since prom night I have not been as lucky with my dates. I seem to find guys who are only a few inches taller than me. Which sadly means that I have to crawl to the back of my closet and pull out my grandmother high heels, the ones that I would rather burn than wear to another formal. For fear of spending the rest of my life in ugly heels, I have decided to embrace my height. I am going to rock my heels with pride, even if that means towering over my date. Self confidence is key (or so they say) so Im going to stand tall and show off my gorgeous heels with pride. 





Sunday, January 26, 2014

God Bless The South

I have always said that there is something special about growing up in the South.
People are simply different. We have an appreciation for the little things... We understand that there is something special about spending a hot summer afternoon on the front porch listening to your grandmother tell you stories about her childhood (even if you have heard the story 1000 times). We are proud of our heritage and know the outcome of every battle fought in the Civil War. We still feel the allure of a beautiful plantation home and dream of one day living there.
We know that everything tastes better when it is homemade especially pecan pie and mac n cheese. We love nothing more than spending the day skeet shooting with our daddies. We love the outdoors, especially the beach. We spend our summers barefoot by the sea. We are proud of our accents and instantly take offense when someone doesn't. We cant help but belt out all the words to Dixie Land Delight... No matter where we are or who we are with. We know that George Strait is the king of Country music and we love every one of his songs.
We love cowboy boots.... and wear them for every occasion. We love our dogs and take them with us everywhere. We love trucks whether they are old, new, black, or blue. We love fishing and hunting... In fact during hunting season Southern men practically disappear.
We know how to make someone instantly feel at home... Our mommas have been teaching us how to host parties since we could talk. We know the power of a hand written note sent on monogrammed stationery. We know how to be respectful. We always say yes mam or no sir. We respect our elders. But most importantly being Southern is all about pride. Pride in our land, our family, and our heritage. Even if we leave the South a piece of it will always stay in our hearts. 

Without Friends A Girl is Simply Naked

After posting my most recent blog about the bare essentials that every girl needs in her wardrobe, I started thinking about how this is also true with friendships. Just like clothes, friends serve specific purposes and are put in our lives for a reason. Much like the sexy little black dress, we all have that friend who is always down for a good time and never disappoints. Anytime you are feeling down you can call her up and you know she will spice up your night. Leaving you with hazy memories  that you will never forget.... No matter how embarrassing. Cowboy boots are much like a friend who you can always count on. They are sturdy and dependable but they aren't afraid to get down and dirty. This friend is the one who knows all your secrets, your heartbreaks, and your dreams.... She is always there to give you advice but isn't afraid to call your bluff. I have always had a love hate relationship with my white jeans. Although I love how they go with everything, I am always driven crazy by how easily they stain. I like to think that for this reason white jeans are the friend that is basically your sister. You love her to death and always have the best time with her. But sometimes she just gets on your last nerves, you bicker and ten minutes later its as if nothing happened. Statement necklaces, known for their ability to add a little sparkle to any outfit, are much like the friend who is constantly uplifting. This person is always the first one to complement your new shoes, or appreciate your new highlights (which took four hours and certainly deserve recognition). Just like clothes, friends are a vital part of life. Without them we would not only be naked but we would also be extremely lonely.



Saturday, January 25, 2014

The Bare Necessities

There are many essential items that every girl needs in her closet. The classic little black dress that is not only figure flattering but can be worn in many social situations. It can be paired with sexy heels for a date with your hot coworker (who finally worked up the nerve to ask you out), or with a statement necklace for a cocktail party with friends. A good pair of white jeans that look good with every colorful, summer top is also a necessity. I personally believe that a nice pair of white jeans are an investment... Trust me its worth it. I splurged on a pair of white Joe's jeans that have lasted me two seasons. Having a few fun statement necklaces can spice up any wardrobe... They make an outfit out of something that was once boring and drab. Funky scarves can also help to add life to a dying outfit.... Lately I have been obsessed with infinity scarves and wear them with almost anything. They are not only comfortable but so easy to wear.... Now that I have been sucked into the world of infinity scarves I never want to go back. Being from the South I whole heartily belief that every girl needs a pair of cowboy boots. They can be worn with almost anything... I wear them with skinny jeans, under flare jeans, with skirts and dresses, and even with shorts in the summer.

 If while reading this post you realized that you have none of these items.. I think a shopping spree is in order. Actually I dont think.. I know. So if you are missing any of these items or just need to spruce up what you already have, then I am prescribing one day of shopping. I mean it... docs orders. Get your girlfriends and make a day out of it. 

Monday, January 20, 2014

Its not the dress... but the man

Unlike most girls my age, I do not have my wedding perfectly planned out. In fact I've barely thought about it... I have no idea what color my bridesmaids will be wearing or where I want the ceremony to be held. Instead I have spent my time focusing on what kind of man I want to marry. I feel like this is such a foreign concept to many college girls, most dream of the perfect wedding and assume Prince Charming is just part of the package. Even though I want a beautiful wedding I know that is not the most important part, its just the first step. You see stars, like Kim Kardashian, who have these elaborate weddings and then get divorced 72 days later. I just think that is insane. I don't want fading happiness... I'm looking for a love that is going to last a lifetime. 

Although I have never put much thought into my wedding, I have always dreamed of my married life. I feel like sometimes girls forget about this part. I know marriage is hard but I can not wait for the challenge. It is so inspiring to know that one day I will marry someone and hopefully spend the rest of my life with them. We will have a bond unlike any other because of the promises that we have made. I have spent a great deal of time thinking about the kind of man I want to marry. My ideal man is not going to be perfect because perfection does not exist. He will certainly have his flaws but I want him to strive to be the best husband and father he can be. I want a man who is God fearing and always puts his faith first. I want a man who loves me with all his heart and will not give up on our love. I also dream of being a mother. I began babysitting at a young age and instantly feel in love with children. Every time I think about motherhood a huge embarrassing grin spreads across my face. I have always wanted three kids: two boys and one beautiful little girl. My girl will be her daddy's angel and will always have a special place in his heart. But I like to think my boys will have a fire about them that can not be tamed. So while other girls dream of their wedding day... I choose to dream about the days that will eventually follow. The time I will spend with my husband and the children I so desperately want. I believe that the sheer bliss that comes from weddings eventually fades and all you are left with is love. For some this love will fade but for others who are willing to work at it, their love with continue. This kind of love is what great novels are written about and it is exactly what I have spent my whole life dreaming of. 

Monday, January 13, 2014

Theres Nothing Wrong With a Guy in Gucci

There is nothing sexier than a man who knows how to dress. A man who wakes up in the morning and does not simply throw on a tattered old t-shirt that he has had since college. Instead someone who wants to look presentable and puts in effort to do so. That being said one of my favorite looks on a man is simply a nice pair of jeans and a nice (freshly starched) white button down. This look is so classic yet so chic and can be worn on many occasions. For example, this look could be paired with a pair of cowboy boots to a college football game. Later in the season when it starts to get cold one could wear a nice black vest or even a Barbour coat. This look is also great for a casual dinner party or date when paired with a pair of loafers. I personally prefer Gucci loafers but Cole Haans are a great less costly substitution. This look can also be dressed up with a blue blazer and a pair of khaki pants to be worn to church or even to a cocktail party. When dressing this look up, a nice bowtie or tie is always a good option. But I personally believe that the no tie look gives off an oddly elegant yet sexy vibe. 

Another great look for men that does not require much effort, is a pair of corduroy pants paired with a cashmere sweater. This look reminds me of Jude Law in the Holiday with his dreamy British accent. I find it best if men chose a color that brings out their eyes like maybe a sky blue, or even a hunter green. This is a great look for a holiday party or even a family gathering. However, one must be careful not to wear a v-neck that is to deep (no one wants to see your chest hair). I suggest wearing a white or light blue button down underneath just to be on the safe side. For the more fashion forward men this look is also great with a plaid scarf.





3 Television Characters who Shaped the Fashion World

Like most people of the Netflix age, I adore spending an afternoon or even an entire day curled up with my laptop watching my favorite television show. While doing so Ive been overcome by the sheer style that many of these characters possess. Rachel Green from the television show Friends, who works for Ralph Lauren, has such a unique yet simple way of dressing. In the earlier seasons Rachel, makes the denim trend her own. She can be spotted wearing denim overalls over a simple white tank top or even pairing a denim tank-top (tied up at the waist) with a short black miniskirt. What makes her style so unique is that she isn't afraid to try something new or even unheard of... whether it be an argyle strapless dress or even a blouse paired with a man's tie. But in my opinion Rachel's greatest contribution to the fashion world was her ability to take the miniskirt and make it her own. Whether she is headed to work, out on a date, or even just hanging out at Central Perk, Rachel Green can be spotted in her classic miniskirt. Pairing it with a sweater, blouse, or even a tie Rachel has transformed the simple miniskirt.

The ever sassy, ever scandalous, and ever sexy Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City is the epitome of style. There is nothing simple about Carrie, she takes beautiful designer clothing and creates her own unique outfits. Whether she is pairing a black J'adore Dior fitted shirt with a large pastel purple skirt or a gorgeous white one shouldered dress with an over sized flower at the top and black gladiator heels. Carrie knows style and isn't afraid to step out of the box. Its not rare to see Carrie in an over sized faux fur coat, a cowboy hat, or even a turban. But Carrie's love for designer shoes is what I find most inspirational. She can always be spotted wearing the most gorgeous shoes. Nothing brings tears to my eyes quite like her wedding day when she puts on her blue Manolo Blahnik's with the square shaped jewel on the toe, now that is true style.

Not only is Serena Van der Woodsen, star of the infamous television show Gossip Girl, extremely stunning but she sure knows how to dress. Serena is always playing up her two biggest assets: her gorgeous long blonde hair and her legs that seem to go on forever. Serena puts her own touch on every thing she wears and does not shy away from extravagant clothes, instead she embraces them full on. She has such killer style that it is hard to pick just one outfit that truly embodies her unique and remarkable taste. But if I had to choose I would pick the gray Zuhair Murad lace dress that she wears in the fourth season. Not only is this dress gorgeous but it once again plays up her assets, showing off those legs that most people would trade anything to have.