Color Blocking... Hot for Spring!

So color blocking has been hot for a while now, but it is really heating up this spring.  You'll see it everywhere from the high end stores down to the budget friendly mass retailers.  I guarantee after being bombarded with it everywhere you go, you'll want to be a part of this flashback to the 80's inspired look.  I've fought it for a few years now, but I have to admit, I have seen some fabulous finds as of late and I want to share a few with you today.  The great thing about color blocking is it is so easy!  Just grab a few solid color items from your closet, pair them with a great belt or bag and they don't even have to match.  Just make sure the colors complement, but other than that.... go for it!  If you just want to get this look the easy way, here's a few ideas that will fit into any beer budget.

 This is a very subtle color block.  Pair some yummy coral colored jeans with rich purple slippers.  So simple!

 

ASOS

$55

 Piperlime

$79

Piperlime

$69

Dr. Jay's Shoes

$30

Polyvore

$60

ASOS

$50

 

Kate Spade Hair Pins

So will you be color blocking?

Happy Fat Tuesday!

Now we all know Fat Tuesday officially marks the beginning of lent, or actually Ash Wednesday does but whose counting,  and it is a ridiculously rowdy party in the Big Easy tonight. I absolutely adore New Orleans but I would be lying if I said I wanted to be there in all that craziness. I will share a few of my favorite Fat Tuesday/New Orleans inspired items with you today. I can almost taste the King Cakes now!

This is a favorite store of all the Tulane girls and fashionistas alike.  

C. Collection

Paul's Pastry Shop has the absolute best king cakes around. With flavors like chocolate Bavarian, key lime and strawberry cream cheese just to name a few, I could eat the entire cake myself!

This would look so cute at a Mardi Gras party or parade.

ASOS

Cafe Du Monde is one of my favorite early morning stops. The incredibly delicious beignets and cafe latte are a sure bet to help cure that grogginess set on from the night before!

So what are your plans for Fat Tuesday?

Red, White and Blue Tribute

Happy Presidents Day!  In honor of today, I'm dedicating this post to all things Red, White and Blue.  Enjoy!

Jason Wu for Target dress and bag.  LOVE him.

Coastal Living.  I want to be here!!!

Thoughtfully Simple.  Yummy....

Flag Cake.  Delicious!

Which of these makes you feel most patriotic today?

Cute Coats for Less Than $100!

One of my favorite winter styles has to be the fabulous coat.  I can't help but want to make my outerwear a focal piece of my outfit.  I have found several coats this season that I would love to own and right now is the time to buy!  The stores are clearing out their winter merchandise to make way for spring apparel and their coats are priced to move.  The basis for making the coat the stand out piece of your outfit, is to start with a good basic canvas like the one I'm wearing here...

I'm wearing a monochromatic look from J. Crew that will look great on it's own, but even better layered with a gush worthy top coat.  Check out a few that are to die for....

Mod Cloth

$75

ASOS

$76

ASOS

$80

Are you looking for deals on coats or are you over the winter attire and ready to move on to spring?

Over the Mantel Decor

When I re-decorated my den, I was at a loss as to what to put over the fireplace.  I am channeling the Restoration Hardware/Pottery Barn look and I was drawing a blank as to what would complement my mantel decor, as well as fill the very barren, paneled wall.   In the past, I've always had mirrors or picture frames but I was looking for something new and different so I enlisted the help of my friend and interior design guru, Scarlett James.  She suggested I place a large clock on the wall.  Well I had never thought of this, again that's why I go to Scarlett, so I began my hunt for the perfect accent clock.  I looked at Restoration and PB as well as Ballard Designs but all the clocks were well over $200.  Then one day, I was shopping at one of my favorite discount stores, Hobby Lobby, and came across this one for only $99!

Everyone that comes to my house comments on how it looks straight out of a magazine and they can't believe I got it at Hobby Lobby. The added bonus is that my kids are learning to tell time on an actual clock, not a digital phone one... yes this clock actually works! Next, I'll be painting the walls and the fireplace but more on that in the future.  So, have you all thought to go with the clock look?  What do you put over the mantel?

Call Me "The Bag Lady"

I think probably my two vices when it comes to fashion are shoes and bags.  I know I need to be on a beer budget, but I just can't help but have wine taste when it comes to these two staples.  Men just don't understand... my husband thinks it's absurd when I think is totally reasonable to spend my savings on an incredible bag.  I tried to reason with him that it's just like a pair of shoes.... you will wear them everyday and they can go with pretty much any outfit and last throughout any season.  When it came to the big purchase... a Louis Vuitton, I even went the route of it actually keeps it value forever and ever! After using A LOT of American Express points from Neiman Marcus,  I had a Louis of my own. However you get your bag, keep this in mind.  All you really need to round out your wardrobe is three essential bags.   Here they are....

The really large, carryall tote in a great neutral color for any season, any outfit.

Piperlime

$99

 The fabulous print/details clutch, for those nights out you want the bag to be your statement piece.

Piperlime

$69

The basic clutch in a neutral color, that will go with anything.  You'll also use this, in your large tote during the day, as a makeup bag.  At night, use it as your purse!

Francesca's

$29

So there you are... three bags to complete your wardrobe.  So what are your must have bags?

Love My City!

Happy Valentines!  Today when so many folks are talking about love, I thought I would share with you some things I LOVE about my home town of Brentwood, TN.  Brentwood is a fabulous suburb of Nashville my husband and I have called home since we married in 2002. Check out what I LOVE about Brentwood, and if you visit, you will too!

I LOVE that is only takes us ten minutes to get to downtown Nashville. 

I LOVE our great online newspaper, The Brentwood Homepage, where we get up to date daily news  delivered right to our phones.  Susan Leathers, happens to be my neighbor, and she does a great job of informing us of all the news here in our community.  One of  my favorite writers, Jodi Rall, has a column called inside the Brentwood Bubble where she features all things happening here in Brentwood.  Check it out!

I LOVE that I can walk here...

REI, Fresh Market, Chipotle, Starbucks, and Sweet CeCe's just to name a few!

I LOVE that Pure Barre is right across the street!

I LOVE these great stores for gifts, clothing and accessories....

This is one of my favorite stores in Brentwood, and in fact,  all of Nashville.  I love Spruce's unique products and the quaint feel of this Brentwood based boutique.  Not only is Spruce filled with charming, one of a kind home decor, but they also carry brands like Tulle if you want to do some apparel or jewelry shopping as well.  They now offer on line shopping so you don't have to be in Nashville to take advantage of all their great items!

Hot Pink is another one of my favorite go to gift stores.  With gifts and accents for home, baby, teen, and adults this is the go to store for many Brentwood peeps when shopping for the perfect gift.

Vignette has some really fabulous home decor and the prices are totally reasonable!

C'est Moi is yet another great home decor and jewelry boutique that just happens to carry that oh so popular Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.  This is my go to store for everything Chalk Paint!


I LOVE these places to eat....

Local Taco is one of my favorites for Mexican food.  It's not your typical Mexican food place.  The Local Taco buys only locally grown, organic fresh ingredients for their food.  I went there last night with some girls and it never disappoints.  The margaritas are the best!

The Perch is a yummy breakfast and lunch place that serves the most delicious crepes and coffee.

 

Judge Beans is a great place to go casual, watch the game, and have some of the best BBQ around.  Coming from a Memphis girl, that's saying something!

Mere Bulles is the place to go if you want a great martini and they also happen to have the best she crab bisque around!




Now I realize I have missed a ton of other places that are just a fabulous as these, but there are just too many to list!  I hope you all enjoy seeing all these places as much as I enjoy going to them.  Happy Valentines!