Shannon Leigh

Casual Friday.

2013-07-12T08:12:00.004-05:00

Today is a great day for one of these outfits.

Happy Friday!

My World Lately...

2013-07-11T09:36:00.000-05:00

Whats going on! Yes, I know you haven't seen me around here in about 5 months. Life has been busy and no that is not my excuse it's just how it is. Totally left you guys hanging and probably wondering if I would return. Of course I couldn't leave this space forever. This where I get to share my thoughts on anything and everything while adding gorgeous photos full of style.

I won't go into detail of what has occupied my time over the last several months because quite frankly I am sure you won't care all that much. Nothing too exciting other than our trip to Hawaii which was AMAZING! Other than that this is what I have been up to lately...

Getting back into the decorating mode and loving these pendants.

*Mental note to get one for our entryway!*

Been doing LOTS of this lately. You may think it's because it's swimsuit season. For me it's because this is the only time I can get out of my head and stop thinking about chores, work, and everything that is life.

Really would like to get some printed leggings...haven't jumped on that bandwagon yet. Maybe when Houston weather isn't 102 everyday.

Ever since I my guy bought me an iPad I have started a very extensive book collection on it. Still I will always want my own library in my house...even if I am reading on my iPad while sitting in there.

Loving everything about this room.

Starting to buy a bouquet every Sunday to brighten up the house with color and wonderful smell!

Addicted to this color for my nails. It screams summer!

And I will leave you with one of the best excursions I have been on. Hiking through a rainforest while jumping off waterfalls. I would do it again in a heartbeat!

Best. Destination. Wedding. Ever.

Is It An Apparition?

2013-02-09T10:57:00.000-06:00

Nope! It is most definitely not...I have just been a tad busy at work. My 8-5 job as well as Drake Men. Being away for so long does allow me to write a rather lengthy post about all the things that have been catching my eye.

Some of you guys are currently stuck in a blizzard where as, us in Houston, are feeling Spring fever already. For someone who loves the colder season I am actually very happy to feel the 70 degree weather outside. It's getting me into the mood of cleaning out my closet, donating clothes, to make room for new and interesting pieces from Spring collections. I will get back to that in a moment, for now here are a few things that have been holding my interest.

Have you seen this clip?! OMG, I have probably watched this at least five times. The title of it being "The most honest three minutes in TV history". Umm yeah, totally agree, 100%. It captivated me the minute I started watching it. I might have to start watching The Newsroom on HBO and I will have this clip to thank.

With every changing season comes a rotation in the handbag department. Unfortunately, for my husband, I am not satisfied with any of mine for this Spring season. So...that means a new bag right? Yes. I will be perfectly happy with either of these gorgeous bags from Madewell.

Now I know that I am stretching here. My hair will never look this hot and sexy but a girl can dream right? For the last few weeks now I have been thinking of chopping my hair off. I could give myself 6 more months and I will be able to practically sit on my hair. For someone who l.o.v.e.s long hair this is a big step for me. Looking at photos with girls that have short hair...I just can't help myself but think hell yes please!

What about you? Short vs. long hair...

Have you seen the Oscar nominated animated short film, The Paperman? If you have about 5 minutes I highly recommend it. It is romantic, funny, and so well made. I hope it takes the win.

Okay now back to my closet cleaning process. Zara's new Spring collection has me drooling. The structured, colorful, sexy pieces are so gorgeous. I would gladly donate most of my wardrobe just so my husband would give me the green light to purchase every single piece. Granted I don't have to ask permission to buy anything but this might be a several hundred dollar trip. I have to be respectful enough to inform him of what may happen-right?

I Almost Forgot!

2013-01-07T12:33:00.000-06:00

My guy has been asking me since December 31 what my new years resolutions are. Usually I am really into this and make all kinds of 'resolutions' which most never get completed. Hate to say it but it's true.

For some reason I get exhausted when I think about making them for 2013. For the last seven days I couldn't put my finger on it. Granted part of me was thinking "Don't you dare make those same cliche ones". We all know what I am talking about- loose weight, read more, travel more, etc.

As I was in the shower I had a thought. Instead of making the cliche resolutions that are pointless because they will never get done, make a few new resolutions while keeping the ones that I did actually do in 2012.

Keepin' It Going In 2013

Boom. Let's go.

Show appreciation to my guy.

He truly does so much for me.

Running is the answer the everything.

I found that this truly helped me like nothing else. For 30 min I could forget everything.

Date nights are a must.

Pulling out our fancy pants and having great conversation over drinks and food. Duh.

Spoling my nieces and nephew.

Thinking about them brightens my day. The are my little bambinos.

Stepping out of my comfort zone.

2012 was all about me having to step outside of that zone...and I loved it.

2013 Resolutions

Bring it 2013.

See the positives more than the negatives.

Isn't life better that way? So I have heard.

Work harder.

We can always work harder, longer, and better. I know I can.

Make more time for my girlfriends.

No more excuses. Plus, we always have so much fun together.

Get fit.

Yes I am going there. In September I was 5 lb. from my ultimate goal weight and feeling fantastic.

I would like to get back there. And I will.

Learn Spanish

This would make my life easier as well as my husbands family. :)

So there you have it. This list is short but I can say with confidence that I see myself fulfilling each one. It is only January 6 and I have already had 2 nights that were spent with wonderful friends and have a dinner this week with a group of girls that make me laugh. Those are really the best kind.

I am also thinking about writing my future self a letter. I read about it over on Jess Lively's blog and thought that's something I could do. Yes, I believe I will be doing that. Have you made your resolutions for 2013?

HI! It's Been A While...

2013-01-04T12:57:00.001-06:00

Hello there! It has been SO long...3 weeks long. So much has happened. A wonderful job, the holiday season, Santa came, and another year ended while a new and excited one started.

How was everyone's holiday and new year?! Mine was fantastic. Lots of amazing gifts, amazing food, and a little too much of a good time-if you know what I mean. For the first time my guy and I spent NYE in Dallas and went on a little bar crawl. We walked up and down the town and stopped in bars that looked like fun. We ended up at The Old Monk to ring in the new year with a free bottle of Champagne, a few beers, loud 90's music blaring, and tons of friendly people. One of the best NYE my guy and I have had probably.

Now on to 2013. I am going to make this year one of my best. I think most of us say that every new year but this year I really, really mean it. I have ideas, goals, and plans on how to get there and I couldn't be more excited about them.

One thing that I will see out is finishing the house. Yes, it has been a 3 year in the making process. I don't know if it's because its a new year or what but I am loving gold. Strange for me to say this because I have always been the girl that talks about it behind it's back. True story. I always hated gold. The yellow look to it, old feel it brought to an outfit or house, but now I am loving it because of those reasons. Go figure.

Gorgeous right?

"What to say?"...

2012-12-17T13:38:00.002-06:00

I am sure I am not alone when I say that I still cannot fathom what happened. A mix of emotions ran through my mind. I could not, and still can't, believe what happened. Those beautiful, innocent children that were probably looking forward to hanging out with their friends at recess that day never got a chance to.

Anger and sadness overwhelmed as I read the ages of the children. My mind immediately went to my nephew. As I thought about the times I hang out with him and how young and carefree they are at that age. Not a care in the world. He loves when I tickle him to the point of him struggling to breath, he runs every chance he gets just to see me chase after him, and when he whispers to me "Aunt Shannon I have a secret to tell you" just so he can tell me he loves me in my ear.

I cannot wait to see him grow up. See him play sports in school. Go to homecomings. Ask me to drive my car. Meet his first girlfriend. Graduate from high school and visit him at college. See him fall in love. Marry and have children and watch him raise his little ones.

Me being an Aunt, I can't even imagine how a mother would feel. The sadness knowing that those parents had all that taken away from them pulls at my heart. It angers me just as much as I am saddened by it.

It made me look a little differently at my nieces and nephew. I will hug them a little tighter, kiss them a little more-even if my nephew is too cool for that while he says "gross" and pull away from me while laughing. It really makes you think how short life is.

New Week, New Day, New Job...

2012-12-10T06:30:00.000-06:00

This new Winter like weather is a wonderful thing to wake up to this morning. I have waited for this for so long! I think I can speak on behalf of all Houstonians when I say that the 80 degrees was really uncalled for, unfair, and needed to get the heck out of here. *Do I hear applause?! :)

Along with this wonderfully chilly weather comes with a new job! Don't worry, Drake Men is not going anywhere. Something that I have realized over the last two weeks is that being an adult comes with lots of responsibility. Now this is nothing new to me but as I have been avoiding looking at our bank account it was certainly not avoiding me. After much debate, talking, and trying to figure out a plan it was decided that the only way I could really help out around here was to get a j-o-b.

Part of me is very excited to go back to a 8-5 job. I am a crazy person that likes to have a structured, busy schedule. It's when I am the happiest and tend to get many more things done. Sounds strange but true story.

I am in no way letting Drake Men sit on the sidelines! It is still here and fully intact. New and exciting things will be happening over the next few months. As I build back up our bank account, I will still be establishing Drake Men's reputation in this crazy fashion world. It will definitely become more challenging as the only time I will have to work on it will be night time and the weekends. Like I said when I have more on my plate I tend to be more efficient and things get done better and faster. I think it's all the temptations that sometimes gets the best of me. But hey I never said I was perfect nor do I aspire to be. I am ever growing and evolving.

So as you are all reading this from your comfy couch with coffee in hand or sitting at your desk procrastinating at work I will be going through the first day preparations at the new j-o-b! Now get back to work and I will see you back here tomorrow morning!

Quote: {here}

What's That? Oh Yeah-It's Friday...

2012-12-07T08:34:00.001-06:00

It's Friday and here are a few things that I cannot wait for this weekend...

Instagram Obsession?

2012-12-06T07:54:00.000-06:00

Over on Chassity's blog, Look Linger Love, she talked about this video being hilarious. Not only is it laugh out loud funny but it is disturbingly true. If you are apart of instagram you would agree completely. I know I do...it is sad but true.

CollegeHumor's Favorite Funny Videos

I See You & I Want You...

2012-12-05T07:00:00.000-06:00

I came across these very unique and quite gorgeous bags last night. I actually like to stare at one in particular. I have never seen a clutch look like this. My clutch collection is just screaming for it! The technique that this wonderful lady uses gives each piece a slightly different look than the one before. Love this! As someone who created the Drake Men tie bars like this I can definitely appreciate the uniqueness in each piece.

Check it out for yourself...

If you love these just as much as I do then get your booties on over and shop!

Are You Pumped Up For These Kicks?

2012-12-04T07:00:00.000-06:00

My current obsession of the ~~season~~ month are sneakers. Not just any sneakers...wedge sneakers. Love. Love. Love them. So much so where I am thinking of doing to them what I have done to my high heel collection. Purchase a pair in multiple colors. I figured this way no matter the outfit I will have ones that match.

This I am not kidding...completely serious.

Now I am on the hunt for the one pair that have a great mix between comfort and style. The day I come across those I will be buying one in black and another fun color. Then maybe I am on to the next one with slightly different style while also purchasing them in black and another color. See the pattern here?

But all kidding aside how could you not get on board with this trend? Comfort, style, and one of the cutest accessories to an outfit now. I mean it has all the makings of something that my children will make fun of me for and then secretly want them!

Monday Quote...

2012-12-03T07:00:00.000-06:00

That is all.

Source: {here}

Holiday Gifts {Men}...

2012-11-30T09:13:00.002-06:00

Until December 9th all of our ties are $35.99 and Cuff Links are $24.99! Shop for the men in your life now!

Quick Girls Trip...

2012-11-29T21:22:00.000-06:00

24 hours, spontaneous, girls trip!

This is how it started...

Dinner + Margaritas = Awesome Time!

Magic Mike + Hot Fudge + Peanut Butter Fudge (family recipe/tradition!) = Gonna be an amazing night!

Then back to reality tomorrow. Oh well, it is going to be one fun night. Raunchy movie, comfort drinks & food, and sleeping in bunk beds...I mean we should do this more often.

And Channing Tatum stripping in 3.....2.....1.....

Christina Murphy Interiors...

2012-11-29T08:16:00.003-06:00

Currently lusting over this interior designer...

And now you know why...so gorgeous!

A Little More, A Little Harder...

2012-11-27T18:39:00.001-06:00

I have nothing for you today. Sorry! I am off in my own little world with my thoughts of business ideas. It is time to work a little longer, harder, and better. I have about 5 ideas that have popped in my head since starting this paragraph and a few of them need to be written down, thought through thoroughly, and executed.

What is a girl to do? A brain full of hopeful ideas and visions of where her life is headed but it just seems like I am in a stand still. *Sigh. It's a good thing that I have my niece and some Christmas decorating to distract me every now and then.

Be back soon...until then you can catch me on my Tumblr page.

Hello Christmas...

2012-11-26T12:29:00.002-06:00

I am recuperating after a nasty cold came over me Saturday morning. I have been out of commission and am now getting back into the swing of things. If I could stop blowing my nose for 5 minutes maybe I could drag by booty up and get to cleaning, christmas decorating, and working. Since it is cyber Monday maybe I could do some shopping!

Speaking of shopping Drake Men is having a 35% off entire store sale! Type in the promo code:shopsmall2012 before you check out!

Like the quote says-I am definitely dreaming of a white christmas...

Holiday #1 {Thanksgiving} Outfit...

2012-11-20T07:00:00.000-06:00

Turkey Day Necessities by sdrake75 featuring cotton tights

Looking fashionable and being comfortable are neck and neck-always have been. Each year I try to figure out which one I want to sacrifice for the other. Most of the time it's looking cute that ends up loosing. Sort of. Comfort just ends up winning by the tip of the nose. This year however I am planning out in advance-way in advance. For about a week I have had my outfit planned out. A sweater dress, tights, and my Steve Madden loafers. It will give me room to eat without me having a horrified look when I look back at our family photos.

Can't forget a larger tote for our camera, my husbands football clothes, scarf, and all the girly necessities. Now all I need is to cook my side dish that I am bringing and prepare my body for some of the most delicious food ever!

Turkey Week Quote!

2012-11-19T08:00:00.000-06:00

Boxes still sitting in almost every room of the house, furniture is the only thing in place, rooms are painted, art still needs to be hung, but it is all coming together nicely! As my quote for this week says...coffee understands. True story. Dallas has always had wonderful Winter weather and moving in the crisp cool breeze requires a Starbucks venti drip. Possibly more than one *as I say it out of the side of my mouth in embarrassment.

By the time my wonderful madre and I get back it will be prep time for Thanksgiving. One of my favorite holidays. Food, family, football, laughter, and lots of talking. What's not to love.

Okay now time for some more coffee and back to unpacking!

Quote: {here}

Red, Green, and White {Christmas Wish List}...

2012-11-18T09:00:00.000-06:00

Christmas Wish List! by sdrake75 featuring sleeveless tops

I know the turkey hasn't even arrived at the table yet but it is never too early to start my holiday gift guide. Right? Everything from blazers, leather pants, shoes, and Olay products are on here.

Have you started your list?

Lipsy print dress, $120 / BCBG Max Azria sleeveless top, $315 / Topshop / Slim fit jacket / Long white blazer / Mango leather pants, $44 / Pour La Victoire high heels / ALDO sneaker / Dorothy Perkins gold clutch purse / River Island tote handbag, $64 / Juicy Couture wrap bracelet / Pendant jewelry / Face moisturizer / Eye care

New Products {Coming Soon}!

2012-11-17T15:10:00.000-06:00

New line of ties coming soon to Drake Men!

Working up to the last minute before my mini-vacation. Literally. Had to get our new line of ties in order before I take off. Which is right....

NOW!

The Week's Loves...

2012-11-16T11:21:00.001-06:00

Tomorrow I will be off on a mini-vacation with my madre to Dallas! I don't know what a mini-vaca is like for you but ours will consist of lots of unpacking and telling movers where to put my sister's furniture. Since my older sissy is moving we decided to drive up and lend a hand! Plus, one night we are bound to go out and probably drink some margaritas to congratulate ourselves on the move. True story.

It is Friday! It is finally here and these are a few things that I have been loving this whole week. I am thinking the outfit below is something I may be trying for Thanksgiving. But then again it really doesn't have much give so if their is a chance I stuff my face it wouldn't look too pretty. He-He.

This room...

This outfit...

This quote...

The fact that the cold weather is FINALLY here!

Dramatic Rooms, Faux Fur, and More Coffee...

2012-11-14T08:52:00.000-06:00

I have never been one to deny my love for the color black. My wardrobe is made mostly of this color and I wouldn't mind my house reflecting that either. For a while I know that dark colors had a misconception of giving off a dark and possibly-disturbed-vibe. Now black, as well as other dark, rich colors, are used to add drama to a room.

I am all for it. I love the color black, on me, on my walls, and sometimes how I like my coffee. Being a dramatic person myself-always using my hands to talk and exaggerating my stories to make them more compelling-I am sure you can figure out why I like the dramatic colors. Even as I type this post I am wearing a faux fur jacket, with my night dress. True story. Always have to be fashionable whether on a date, at work, or sitting at home!

Photo: {here} & {here}

Two Babies {And Me!}...

2012-11-13T09:12:00.002-06:00

Sorry! I have nothing for you today. I have two babies in the house today. My niece who is a crawler and non-stop babbler and my guy who is feeling under the weather. As he is summoned to our bedroom, I am going back and forth from finishing an email I have tried to complete three times, heating bottles, changing diapers, making more coffee, and trying to calm myself as I realize it is only 9 a.m.!

I am on my ump-tinth cup of coffee and I don't see the end in the near future. Busy day ahead of me! Hopefully I can finish mocking up a business plan, finishing laundry, laying out Fall decorations, and fitting in a few meals.

Have a great day - see ya' tomorrow!

Monday, Cold Weather, and More Hot Coffee...

2012-11-12T08:46:00.001-06:00

The rain has gone and the cold weather and wind has stayed! Houston is officially in sweater weather and I could not be more excited! I could potentially be jumping the gun when I picked out a snowman coffee mug but you know...oh well. Ha-Ha.

I am most excited about my outfit for the day. I don't know exactly what it might entail but it will be something along the lines of an oversized sweater, leggings or jeans, with some lace up combat boots. You know going for that grungy chic look.

If you remember, last week I spoke about a meeting that I was having on Friday and that it could result into a pretty amazing opportunity. After playing hard ball for the better part of Friday I walked out of the meeting with a surprising answer that wasn't expected.

Disappointment, irritation, anger, and annoyance filled me. I couldn't believe that I didn't walk out with a store. You heard me right. For the past three weeks my guy and I have been trying to get into the store front business.

An amazing opportunity was put on the table and we thought this was a no brainer and should be an easy breezy process. We were definitely proved wrong. For someone who has owned a store front for 10 years and couldn't supply me with the correct documentation was unusual. Friday evening I finally had it up to here-my hand waving towards my ceiling. I felt that I was spending my days gathering paperwork to sell her business to myself.

After letting it sink in as we drove to my cousin's football game my guy and I realized something. This wasn't right for us. That space wasn't meant for us. We weren't going to allow this lady to ruin our excitement and dream to own a store front. That's when we knew we will just have to do it ourselves. Which is really the hardest way but the best way.

It didn't take us long to dive into research. Looking at available spaces, merchandise we would carry, designing the store layout, what the vibe would be like, and how much fun it is going to be. We are at the early stages but we are both equally ecstatic and driven to bring this to life!

Now I am sure you get my Monday quote above. Usually I dread this day of the week but today it is looking bright, shiny, and filled with hope!