Fashion Friday: Goodie Two Shoes

I want to pimp these skittles like no other this summer...  

Top photo: Manolo Blahnik via ShoeRazzi

Bottom Photo: Christian Dior via Fashioncitizen

Have a faaahhbulous weekend pretties!

Betsy

New Container with Commentary

Good morning everyone!

It has been quite a hectic last few days as we just received our second container!  Remember Tuesday morning when it began pouring down rain?  Yeah, that's when the truck pulled in..  Despite being so cold and drenched (because being cold and wet are the ONLY two things that put my panties in a wad) and The Fiance being OUT OF TOWN, Ashley and I managed to unload the truck, check it all in, and begin unpacking each piece!  I'm sure you're wondering how two girls could've possibly unloaded an entire semi truck full of furniture, but we eat our Wheaties, okay?  Fine, we hired two burly dudes to help us out..  It was like unwrapping Christmas presents all day except using box cutters and a dolly!  

I'll be serious now, or at least not over-exagerate the events of the last two days, we had a ball completely resetting the store and it felt like a giant jigsaw puzzle trying to place each and every piece.  We still have quite a bit of "fluffing" and picture hanging to do but all in all, everything's in it's place and looks amazing.  I'm so proud of the store and for Ashley's creative skills (and patience as she dealt with a stressed-out owner) but it all came together so fluidly and effortlessly (at least that's what I'm going to let y'all think).  Each piece is more beautiful than I remember from our trip to Asia where we picked them all out.  As we set each piece in it's place, I couldn't help but admire the details and craftsmanship that went into making them what they are today.  It takes a special set of skills to make furniture that can withstand 150 years of wear and tear.  Here are a few snapshots that I edited on my now outdated iPad 1 to spruce up the pics a bit.  Enjoy!

(these red chests come in a pair and are too cute for words!!)

Fashion Friday: Color Block

I've had so much fun following the fashion shows that took place in New York, London, and Paris in the past few weeks, even if they were a tad disappointing.   It has certainly helped me hone in on what looks I'll incorporate into my overall wardrobe and which trends I'm just going to let fly right past me (ie. the gorilla arms I mentioned last week..BARF!).  But alas, spring is here and I can't wait to add bold colors into my usual staples!  So without further ado, check out a few of my favs-

1- Asos Palm Print Crop Tank $35.86

2- Missoni Zigzag Hat- Net-A-Porter $495

3- DVF runway SS2011

4- MM6 by Maison Martin Margiela  Jersey Dress from Intermix $160

5-We Are Owls Cashmere Scarf from Lola boutique $175

6-Orange Computer Case (I'm using it as a clutch!) from Asos $35.86

6-Lourdes flower bib necklace from Charm and Chain $97

7-Colorblock earrings from Charm and Chain 

8-Splendid Top from Net-A-Porter $44

9- Platform Sandals from Asos $170

10- Emilio Pucci wrap coverup from Net-A-Porter $450

The We Are Owls scarf I mentioned are available in own of our very own boutiques in NWA!  Lola Boutique has several colors and patterns (click here) and I saw them myself just a few days ago--believe me, they are SO SOFT and luxurious, I can't wait to wrap one around my neck for the next few months!

Have a lovely weekend!
XOXO betsy

The Heart of the Household

I'm a fanatic about kitchens.  For me, they're the hub of the household and function not only as a place to prepare and share meals, but as the gathering spot at any time of the day.  A few days a week, you'll find me in front of my laptop at the kitchen table.  Not in a home office or a living room or in the dining room, but right smack in the middle of it all.  It's certainly not the most comfortable place for me to perch, but I like being in the heart of the home where all of the activity takes place.  Growing up, I was lucky enough to have Miss Nell cooking at our house once a week.  She was a heavy-set African American woman with deep southern roots who made the best fried pies this side of the Mississippi.  I'll never forget Miss Nell in my momma's kitchen, teaching me how to make split pea soup or how to fry chicken.  She had so many stories to tell and always had a few little ears to tell them to.  Just as it is today in my own home, the kitchen in my family's home was the heart of our household and the inspiration for so many fond memories that I have today.  Maybe that's why I'm such a fanatic about kitchens--I know they're the starting point for memories that I'll have for years to come.  Here are a few of my favs:

This sink blows me a way--I've never seen anything quite like it!

Miles Redd's amazing black lacquered kitchen with mirrored backsplash

Tracery Interiors Kitchen

Isn't this hood amazing!  It still feels cold, they could've chosen warmer accessories to make the space feel more comfortable.

Martha Stewart designed kitchen.  I'm drooling over that expresso machine!

The kitchen above is from Ikea--can you believe that?!

Summerour Architects

Glorious Gowns

I promised I wouldn't turn this into a wedding blog but I couldn't help but post these gorgeous gowns.  They're just stunning and put me in such a lovely mood.  When I look at them, it makes me think of how romantic and dreamy weddings are and how much I'm enjoying the wedding planning process.  The end result is sweet, lovely, and makes me giddy at the thought of spending the rest of my life with this man.

  Images via Pininterest and Net-A-Porter

Have a dreamy day :)

Betsy

Spring Rooms and Earthquakes (huh?)

Good morning lovelies,

If I wasn't so completely exhausted last night, I could've sworn that I felt an earthquake?  I know everyone else felt one Sunday night and can't figure out if I was dreaming or if it was real.  Weird!  Anyhoo, take a looksee at some gorgeous Spring-inspired rooms below-

Images via House and Home

This last one might be my fave.  If I had a dream home, it would consist of white walls with bold art and accessories along with an open floor plan and tons of natural light.  I would've thought that artwork and accessories all within the same color family would be boring in an otherwise colorless room, but instead this looks fresh and cohesive.  And I can't imagine a white sofa in any other way than slipcovered.  My friends just drink too much red wine..

Have a blessed day!
Betsy

Fashion Friday: Rachel Zoe's New Clothing Line

Good morning and welcome to Fashion Friday!  I just made that up all of 4 seconds ago but since I've been meaning to post Rachel Zoe's new line for like, forever, I figured we'll just call this Fashion Friday.   Today's post features Rachel Zoe--Mix master extraordinaire!  In-between dressing starlets, filming a TV show, and otherwise building her empire while being pregnant, she debuted her new clothing line this past January in NYC prior to fashion week.  Her pieces will range from $250-$700 and you'll see a bit of 70's influence in her sharply-cut tuxedo jackets and flare-below-the knee suits.  Neiman's, Bergdorf's, Saks, Bloomies, and Nordstrom's have all snapped it up and I'm looking forward to seeing how each of them style it in their own way.  Below are just a few of my favorites and you can skip over to style.com to see the full line.  

This vest looks eerily similar to the one she sold on HSN last year..  I bought it and then returned it.  Let's hope the fit is better this year.  But I love the inside gold zippers on those jeans, the boots, and the bag!

Another example to prove menswear-style tailoring isn't going away anytime soon.  Thankfully the bow-tie blouse brings a feminine element into it.

 I love this look!  Very Dolce Gabbana and is FO SHO on my to-buy list this fall

 Drapey and disco-y, this is what she's known for.  You can bet this will be her biggest hit.

  

 Love this look but have no idea when I would ever wear shorts with a suit, overcoat, and ankle boots in NWA?  It's either hella-hot during shorts season, or you'd look ridiculous sloshing through the snow in the winter.

 And this is wear I draw the line..  This is WAY too similar to that gorilla-arm trend that debuted in NY last week.  This is man-repelling in it's greatest glory.  I'd love to get a guy's opinion on this.  Guys?  Man-repelling?

 See??  As evidenced by Peter Som's furry thing.  Rag & Bone is guilty of this trend too.  No thanks.

Back to Zoe's collection--

I love this Military-inspired coat and flared jean

 And lastly, another beautiful and slightly feminine overcoat as a dress.  I totally dig it.

What do you think of these pieces?  I give it a thumbs-up and will refer back to this when it's 110 degrees outside and I think fall can't get here soon enough.

Happy Friday and have a fabulous weekend peeps!
Betsy