Aplomb Aplenty

YSL Rouge Pur Couture 2.

2013-08-06T15:10:00.001-11:00

Red, Blue, and Elsie.

2011-11-16T02:22:00.000-11:00

Good day to you!

Below you will find one of my favorite shirts of all time.

I love sequins, I love blue, and I love relaxed cuts. This shirt is my all.

Also.

I'm dying over my jeans. It's the the Elsie Rigid cut from Nashville's own Imogene + Willie. If you don't know what that means, click here. You'll thank me and never be the same again.

Necklace, TJ Maxx. Shirt, Vintage from Local Honey. Jeans, Imogene + Willie. Flats, AGL. Lipstick, YSL Rouge Pur Couture 02.

Readers, don't I love this necklace?

It's come to the point that I don't feel truly alive anymore unless I'm wearing it. Heated.

Life is better when lived in sequins. Am I right or am I right?

TTFN.

Green Fur.

2011-11-11T05:05:00.002-11:00

Helloooo, readers.

I'm back.

Today I'm wearing a sensationally cozy sweater from my friends at Fringe and Lace. I love the easy color, the oversized shape, and the whisper of sparkle spoken by the interwoven silver tinsel. It's adorbs.

The monstrosity around my neck is a fabulous fur collar given to me by the designer Kelly Gray of Royal Underground. I had the pleasure of meeting her a few weeks ago, and she was so kind and so personable. Hers is an intriguing story; she is the daughter of the founders of St. John Knits and served as the prestigious line's poster child for many years before creating her own line with rocker Nicky Sixx.

Cool, right?

Sunglasses, Ray-Ban. Sweater and Bracelet, Fringe and Lace. Fur Collar, Royal Underground. Jeans, Genetic Denim. Watch, Michael Kors. Nail Polish, OPI Bastille My Heart. Lipstick, Chanel Rouge Coco Shine Evasion 48.

In closing, did anyone catch this Skickers commercial?

It's outrageous.

Beetle Mania.

2011-10-27T00:42:00.000-11:00

Beetles.

I love 'em.

I think it has to do with their oddly alluring iridescence and primitive aesthetic.

I think they're cool.

This dress is actually made of beetle wings. It was worn by Ellen Tracy as Lady Macbeth in 1888.

So I bid you good day.

Dress with beetles in mind. Decorate with beetles in mind. Accessorize with beetles in mind.

Chase-Ash.

2011-10-24T02:43:00.007-11:00

This outfit is the epitome of comfort and understated edge.

I adore the long-sleeve pocket t; it's so very simple. And I cannot get enough of my new cranberry colored Chaseash skirt; it's absolutely amazing.

My friend Ashley over at Local Honey is the genius behind Chaseash. Check her out. Her latest collection (of which my skirt was born) is a lesson in easy fabrics paired with chiffon flares. It's all extremely unique yet surprisingly wearable.

AND Ashley is sweet to boot. Being that this is the actual skirt that went down the runway during Local Honey's latest show, and I am in no way similar to a glamazon model, some minor adjustments to the garment were necessary. Ashley kindly obliged. Can't beat that with a stick, eh?

Shirt, T by Alexander Wang. Necklace, Old Made Good. Skirt, Chaseash found at Local Honey. Boots, Zigi NY. Ring, UAL. Lipstick, YSL Rouge Pur Couture 02.

Smell you love birds later.

The Impossible Cool.

2011-10-21T03:11:00.001-11:00

Good day.

I've recently become acquainted with The Impossible Cool, a website that posts a different black and white photo of an impossibly cool individual each day. I've gathered a few of some of America's favorite unfalteringly chic ladies for your viewing pleasure.

Take notes, girls.

Monroe.

Taylor.

Loren.

Hepburn.

Franklin.

Dunaway.

Garbo.

Bardot.

Gardner.

Twiggy.

Now go your separate ways, and strive to attain what you've just seen.

TTYL.

Baja Chicken Pizza.

2011-10-20T05:43:00.002-11:00

I developed this pizza after a game-changing experience at Pie in the Sky with the Baja Chicken Pizza.

pre-made crust

1/2 tbs butter

1/2 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/2-inch chunks

1 1/2 tbs taco powder

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 pack shredded Cheddar cheese

1 can french fried onions

2 avacados, quartered

Chipotle ranch

Preheat oven to 425.

Saute chicken in butter and taco seasoning until cooked.

Cover crust with pizza sauce and sprinkle with garlic and onion powder.

Cover sauce with thin layer of cheese.

Place chicken chunks on cheese layer.

Cover chicken with a second layer of cheese.

Place avocados on pizza and sprinkle with french fried onions.

Drizzle pizza with chipotle ranch and place in oven. Bake for 30 minutes.

From the depths of my heart, Pie in the Sky, I thank you.

Tootlez.

Cut Loose.

2011-10-19T03:24:00.000-11:00

It's tasty.
It's dazzling.
My mind is completely engrossed by it.

Footloose is a cinematic delicacy.

I love the references to the 1984 version starring Kevin Bacon and Lori Singer.

And seriously.

Kenny Wormald's style deserves a post all its own, but for now this triage of stills will have to do. Have mercy, Kenny.

And what can I even say about Julianne Hough? She's a firecracker for sure.

Since my move to Middle TN and possibly against my better judgment, I've been loving plaid and cowboy boots. Such a back roads aesthetic abounds in Footloose.

Just go see it, you guys.

I can't say that you'll leave more intelligent, but you will exit with a little more jive in your gait.

Rojo.

2011-10-18T01:59:00.000-11:00

And whenever I'm in a situation where I'm wearing the same as 600 other people and doing the same thing as 600 other people, looking back, I always found ways to make myself different, whether it be having a red lining inside of my jacket, having red shoes, it hasn't changed.

Jeremy Irons.

Autumn.

2011-09-28T00:30:00.000-11:00

So.

It's fall time again. I won't beat around the bush: I'm just a summer girl. But to be honest, the change in weather is refreshing. I simply won't think so for long. At the moment, however, ba-da-ba-ba-ba I'm loving it.

Here are a few inspirational shots. Love the moment you're in. Sip a Salted Caramel Latte.

Leather + Pointy Pumps.

Wide Brim + Sequins.

Top Knot + Tights.

Gray Skinnies + Deconstructed Boots.

Plum + Layers.

Parisian + Chic.

The last photo is from the Fall 2011 Carven show. I am completely enamored with it.

Farewell until another time.

Bikes and Booties.

2011-09-26T01:37:00.000-11:00

Hi, sugar dumplings. I'm back. Some might even venture to say I'm back in black. Black satin leggings, that is.

Allow me now to set the stage for what you're about to see. If this post had a theme song, it'd be "Chrome" by Trace Adkins. Look it up, and know that the video is accurate; that is exactly how this photo shoot looked....

And now for the main event:

I know, I know. You must be thinking, "Wow, this ensemble surely cost her a pretty penny and took tons of planning to properly execute," right? Well, ye of little faith, ya gurl pulled it off without an abundance of pennies or thought. The shirt, in fact, is fresh out of the closet of my boyfriend. It is literally a boyfriend shirt.

And these booties. OH, these booties. They're honestly the most comfortable shoes I have. Maybe it's the rubber soles, or maybe it's the sherpa lining. What'er be the case, wearing these shoes is like floating on a cloud all day long. Jellypop Shoes were recently featured in the September issue of Lucky Magazine; I strongly urge you to check them out here. I'm obsessed.

Sunglasses, Rayban. Black Necklace, Old Made Good. Silver Necklace and Leggins, Grace Hyde & Co. Shirt, Chaps. Bracelet, Gorjana. Shoes, gifted by Jellypop Shoes. Lipstick, Heat Wave by Nars.

Easy rides to all of yous.

Cowboys and Indians.

2011-09-23T01:42:00.000-11:00

Wingapo, all you little sugar pies.

Long time no blog, right? Did you miss me? Because I missed you oh so vewwy much. Yes I did. Kiss kiss. XOXO.

Anyway.

One of the burgeoning trends evident on the Fall 2011 runway was a southwest inspired aesthetic. Take notes, little Indian chiefs. This is a movement rooted in nature and the colors of an arid terrain and spectacular sunset.

You can go Indian with it.

Hermes. Proenza Schouler. D&G.

Or you can go cowboy with it.

Isabel Marant. Dsquared. Isabel Marant.

And to get the look for less:

Forever 21. Neiman Marcus. Pacsun. Nasty Gal. Fred Flare. Show Me Your Mumu. I Don't Like Mondays. Urban Outfitters. Asos.

To take this to look to the next level, I leave you with a headdress tutorial. Until next time.

And Don't Call Me Shirley.

2011-08-29T01:12:00.001-11:00

From time to time I'm compelled to wear a bow. This was one of those days.

The extreme Shirley Temple saccharine-ness of this outfit (i.e. bow, barrel curls, and flounce skirt) is held in check by keeping the color palette steely and the accessories hard.

Lion-Print Scarf, thrifted at OMG in Nashville, TN. Shirt, Thara. Skirt, MM Couture. Watch, Michael Kors. Bracelet, Side Lines in Florence, AL. Flats, Michael Kors.

"She (Shirley Temple) was like apple pie and just a normal girl."

-Alice Faye, actress

Also-

If you find yourself confused about the title of today's post, give this vid a watch.

If you find yourself in awe of the craftsmanship behind today's photos, give Mantlow Photography a look-see.

L8r.

Just Put A Cape On It.

2011-08-27T03:05:00.003-11:00

As the crisp Autumn weather rolls in with its cool breeze and carpet of rust-hued leaves, t-shirts and shorts fall by the wayside as we reach for something a bit more substantial.

Fall is a time of transition, and thus, is often also a time of sartorial confusion. When looking to stay warm on your stroll to work or voyage across campus, try a poncho or cape. They're practical, able to cut the chill of outdoors but also be removed to reveal a lighter layer underneath when indoors. Here are a few of my faves from across the web.

Nordstrom, $148. Anthropologie, $188. Nasty Gal, $108.

Anthropologie, $188. Nordstrom, $575. Anthropologie, $298.

Because let's be real:
There's no reason for you not to take style cues from American Girl doll Samantha this season. No reason at all.

War Paint On, Headdress Too.

2011-08-26T01:56:00.000-11:00

So. I'm styling a shoot for a friend in a few days.

The theme? Hippie chic. "I'm so there," I said. She sent me a few inspiration photos, and I was like, "Oh, yes. I am SO there." It was uncanny how much we were thinking the exact same thing. This is so what I love. Here are a few photos from which I intend to draw a good many pearls of styling wisdom.

Guys. I'm thinking feathers; I'm thinking head scarves; I'm thinking dusty desert colors. I CANNOT WAIT.

Catch you later, bruh.

Bold Stripes + Bright Florals.

2011-08-25T02:01:00.005-11:00

Salutations, dear ones!

Today I'm bringing you an outfit that takes mixing and matching to the extreme. The feminine silhouette of the skirt and the delicacy of the fabrics involved, however, soften the blow and allow the juxtaposition of bold stripes and bright florals to appear as a natural, feminine choice.

Shirt and Skirt, Anthropologie. Tank, Target. Watch, Michael Kors. Bracelet, Sidelines in Florence, AL. Ring, Sorrelli. Shoes, Vivienne Westwood + Melissa.

Photos are again by Mantlow Photography. Aren't they amazing?

Gotta run. It's tea and crumpets time, dahhlings.

Love!

Slap Your Mammy Apple Dumplings.

2011-08-24T02:37:00.000-11:00

This recipe is so easy that I can make it in my boyfriend's mixer-less kitchen and so good that I've done just that twice (and counting) in the last week.

On an unrelated note- don't act like you haven't noticed how much of an improvement over my usual food photography that these fantastic pictures are. A special thanks to Mantlow Photography for helping a sister out.

Slap Your Mammy Apple Dumplings

1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled and thinly sliced

1 can buttered croissants (the cheaper, the better)

1 cup Sprite

1 cup sugar

1 stick butter

cinnamon to taste

Preheat oven to 350º.

Unroll croissants and wrap an apple slice in each, placing the apple at the wide end of the dough and rolling inward to the narrow end. Pinch to close. Place in an 8x8 square pan and sprinkle generously with cinnamon.

Microwave butter for 30 seconds in a microwave safe bowl.

Add sugar and Sprite to the butter and heat again for 30 seconds. Remove from microwave and stir to mix. Pour over dumplings.

Bake for 30 minutes or until dumplings are golden brown.

Remove from oven, let cool, then proceed to consume. If possible, please refrain from slapping your mammy.

FYI: Ice cream ain't never hurt a dumpling.

Here's to apple wishes and dumpling dreams.

XOXO

Blinded By The White.

2011-08-22T01:21:00.002-11:00

Hellooooo, you lovely little boo bears! Here's an outfit post for you.

Headband, Walgreens. Earrings, Nest Interiors. Watch, Michael Kors. Scarf, Oscar de la Renta from TJ Maxx. Shirt, BB Dakota. Jeans, Blank NYC.

Happy Monday to you all!

Love.

Macho Macho Man.

2011-08-17T01:51:00.000-11:00

Q: How much am I loving the Fall '11 workwear look for the menfolk?

A: Immensely.

Here's a look at it.

I present to you Exhibit A:

Buckler A/W '11.

And Exhibit B:

Marni A/W '11.

If you'd like to partake in the rugged look but do not feel comfortable in coveralls (though why one would not, I don't know), I'm showcasing for you a more tame look. No one is bringing you burly men better style at a more reasonable price point right now than Asos. Check it:

Just work it, men.

See ya later.

Nutella Cuppycakes.

2011-08-16T02:05:00.002-11:00

Nutella, Nutella, Nutella.

America is currently nutty for Nutella. Thus, bandwagoner that I am, I've now joined the craze. Enter: Self-Frosting Nutella Cupcakes. NO ICING REQUIRED! It's genius, and they are delicious. Click here for the full recipe.

Yum Diddly-um.

Bye-bye.

Cutting a Caper.

2011-08-15T01:53:00.001-11:00

Hey there, you party people, you. I'm sharing another outfit today, and boy what an outfit it is.

Necklace, TJ Maxx. Cape, T&P (found at Local Honey). Jeans, James Jeans (from My Best Friend Jenna in Jackson, TN). Shoes, Forever 21.

I was wearing this cape while out and about gallivanting around Nashville, and who should I meet but the seamstress behind this lovely piece of plaid pie. She was SO cute and SO sweet, and I was SO excited to thank her profusely for crafting the current apple of my eye.

And then I spun around.

(Do yourself a favor and spin today. It's therapeutic.)

G'day.

The Bright and The Bold.

2011-08-12T01:47:00.001-11:00

This is a post heavy on the visuals and the vibrance.

Photos all courtesy of my beloved Shrimpton Couture.

And as mah boi Johnny Tsunami said, "Go big, or go home." With your makeup, with your clothes, with your hair, with your sleeves. Just go big.

Ciao, bellas.

Cr-Crop It Real Good.

2011-08-11T02:42:00.000-11:00

So sorry. S-Salt 'n' Peppa is not here. But I am, and I'd like to speak to you about the cropping of male britches. The Crop can and should be donned in a variety of ways.

First up: The Cuffed Crop.

Junya Watanabe Fall 2011

Next: The Flat Crop.

L-R: Ermenegildo Zenga Spring 2011. Paul Smith Spring 2011.

Also: The Socked Crop.

Photos via The Sartorialist.

And lastly: The Sockless Crop.

L-R: Moschino Spring 2010. Dunhill Spring 2011 (as modeled by Zack Morris?).

In closing, I'd just like to say:
Dude.
Just crop it.

Buh-bye now.

All In Knots.

2011-08-10T01:51:00.001-11:00

It's outfit timeeeee (sung to the melody of T-shirt Time).

Tee, TJ Maxx boy section. Skirt, Billy Reid. Oxfords, thrifted at Local Honey in Nashville, Tennessee.

It's a party on my arm.

Y'all come back now.

Inspired by Alice.

2011-08-09T01:57:00.003-11:00

This is a post completely indulgent of my obsession with the Alice in Wonderland aesthetic.

Annie Leibovitz for Vogue December 2003.

This photo was not styled with Alice in Wonderland in mind (if Alice is ever not on my mind), but I definitely think it has that feel, no?

And now an Alice inspired ensemble:

Dress, Asos. Headband, ban.do. Shoes, Nordstrom.

"Sometimes I believe in as many as six impossible things before breakfast." Alice

Ta-Ta for now.