Let Your Style Speak

Purple + Yellow

2012-03-29T09:00:00.000-04:00

I snagged this dress from Anthropologie knowing I'll be attending some weddings, bridal showers, & baby showers this Spring/Summer. I like to layout my important events for the Spring/Summer and pick out my outfits with plenty of time to seek the perfect shoes and/or accessories. It's the worst when you don't plan, and have to rush.

No bueno.

For events like bridal showers/weddings/baby shower's-those pictures don't get forgotten. They get printed out, stuffed in an album or scrapbooked for life.

Do you want to be captured looking like a hot mess & not put together. I didn't think so!

So start shopping for those big occasions early.

I think I'll wear this dress to a wedding :)

Anthropologie Dress / H&M Sunglasses / Shoes: Sister's Closet (literally) /

OPI Troy of Melon Nails / Nordstrom Earrings

Madewell Shopping Event

2012-03-27T10:44:00.001-04:00

When Kate from Then, Life Game Me Lemons, invited me to a private shopping event at the Madewell Store I couldn't resist. I've been a fan of Madewell for awhile, especially since it's part of the J.Crew family, and the large variety of casual & chic clothes. Madewell is your go-to store for something comfortable, colorful, yet classy. I've always adored the summer dresses, and shoes for a night out with the girls, or a first date. I was impressed with the turnout, themed lemon goodies, attentive staff, and a manicure station-yes, of course I got my nails painted! It turned out to be a fun evening of networking & shopping.

Anthropologie Giftcard Giveaway

2012-03-15T10:36:00.003-04:00

There must be something in the air (it's starting to feel like ~~Spring~~ Summer here in DC), & I'm in the mood to give. So here's a chance to win a $50 giftcard to one of my favorite stores:

Anthropologie

How to Enter

1. Like LYSS on Facebook

2. Follow LYSS on Twitter

3. Follow LYSS with Google Friend Connect
4. Follow LYSS on Blog Lovin'

[Pick 2 out of the 4 ways to enter]

**Leave your email adress & which 2 ways you connected with LYSS in the comment section below**

[Contest Ends St. Patty's Day-3/17 at 7pm EST]
Contest Closed

WINNER:
Congratulations Madeline from Style Me Thrifty!
Expect an email very soon & thank you everyone for participating!

Finds: Everything Green

2012-03-13T10:10:00.000-04:00

I love hallmark holidays. It's no secret. So when an excuse to dress up and celebrate with friends & family rolls around I'm all for it.

This year I've seen an abundance of people dressed as large leprechaun's, and celebrating St. Patrick's Day the beginning of March. I guess I missed the memo to start celebrating early, but I'm going to be prepared when the actual St. Patty's day arrives with a couple of green "finds" below.

I've found some things that are chic & green to avoid any unwanted pinches.

1. H&M Bracelet / 2. Carrera Champion Aviator Sunglasses / 3. Leather Twist Front Purse /

4. Zara Chain Mail Wallet / 5. Green Polka Jean / 6. Krystal Heart Stud Earrings /

7. Multi Strap Vest / 8. Kate Spade New York 'Horseshoe Cove - Scout'

five favorites

2012-03-06T11:57:00.001-05:00

It's been awhile since I've blogged & I apologize- life is has been overwhelming, and stressful. I decided last week to focus on some personal issues, and not worry about blogging. When I wasn't supposed to worry about blogging- I was itching to write again. I don't think that made sense....oh well, it wasn't supposed to.

I'm back and my mind is full of creative ideas to share with you.

First lets go over my current five favorites-one of my favorite post to do....

[New purse from H&M]

[Pink Musk & Tuberose candle by Anthropologie]

[my new little girl-a chestnut golden retriever....so adorable]

[Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream. New go-to daily, light weight moisturizer]

[Sweet photography postcards: Moon Games by Laurent Laveder]

NYFW Fall 2012 Part 2

2012-02-21T10:45:00.000-05:00

The top picture is from an off site show by Geoffrey Mac. I love discovering new designers-it's a similar thrill feeling as finding a new artist or band no one knows about.....yet.

Pictures 4-7, were from a presentation show by Mathieu Mirano. Gorgeous pieces from such a young designer-early 20's!

Well that's a wrap for NYFW-can't wait till September!

NYFW Fall 2012 Part 1

2012-02-17T10:06:00.000-05:00

This was my first time at New York Fashion Week, and frankly I was impressed with the organization & flow of the weekend, and extremely inspired by other people & designers. I didn't know what to expect, and walked into the situation with an open mind.

The pictures above are highlights from seeing familiar faces like Kelly from The Glamourai & Louise Roe, more pictures backstage at Herve Leger by Max Azria, and my personal pictures from the Lela Rose show. Lela Rose has been one of my favorite designers for awhile, and seeing her collection in real life makes me respect, and admire her more as a designer. I'd wear everything from her collection....especially the dresses-I'd die a happy girl given the chance to wear one. I feel like she captured the idea of an elegant, chic, and savy woman perfectly.

ps- The lady with the red camera is in almost every picture! Ugh!

NYFW Fall 2012: Backstage with Herve Leger by Max Azria

2012-02-14T11:01:00.000-05:00

I teamed up with Herve Leger By Max Azria and helped dress models, & photograph backstage. The collection was absolutely gorgeous, but I'll let the pictures explain my experience.

Thank you so much for having me!

Crystal Couture: Show & Sell

2012-02-08T08:30:00.000-05:00

Monday night I got invited to a local trunk & fashion show put together by Crystal City Couture. I'm a believer in eating local, drinking local, and I need to start wearing more local. I decided to go to meet local designers, find new stores, support DC fashion, and network with fabulous people in the area.

Shoppers enjoyed open bar, snacks, free makeovers, 50% off at trunk shows, & runway shows. What more could you ask for?

I snapped a couple of pictures along the way & picked up a couple of items from Pretty People in Alexandria, VA. They had adorable vintage + modern stuff!

DIY: Shoe Rack

2012-02-03T09:22:00.000-05:00

One of my new year's resolutions was to get more organized. I'm starting with my closet first, because well that's probably the most unorganized place in my room. Clothes are out of order by season, sweaters folded awkwardly, and my shoes are in a big pile on the bottom. A mess, I know. I hate to admit it. I decided to start from the bottom up, & I needed some shoe organization- stat. I ordered a bamboo 2-tier shoe rack on Amazon, but when it came I didn't like the color, & decided to redo it. Perfect DIY opportunity, right?! I know. Since I'm into the vintage-barn look, I used a soft green called Sage Wisdom by Benjamine Moore in their Aura line, and a candle to add a rustic look. I'll explain how below.

[Not loving the color, right? me either. let's change it, but first let's put it together]

[Grabbed my gallon of paint, a cheap large candle, & brush.

Since I wanted a rustic, worn in look I had to focus on the edges.

I tiled the candle to the side, & layered wax on the edges.

Then I painted the whole shoe rack with 2 coats

Let everything dry for about 45 mins, then grab sand paper & sanded the edges.

Focus on the places where you the waxed

Now you have a rustic/warn- in look]

Sugarloaf Crafts Festival Recap

2012-01-31T09:12:00.001-05:00

When you walk into to a large crafts & food festival, you instantly feel overwhelmed with abundance and creativity. You don't know where to start but a good idea is to start with the outside vendurs. I usually start on the left side and venture through each row looking for something that pops out.

The jewelry this year was so-so, but the blown glass, photography, and food (love the free samples!) were exceptional. I've been drawn to photographers lately, just because I have a large interest in it. Below are some pictures I took at the show.

[Creative Letter Art by Ethan Reiss]

[Mathew Butterworth-Glass Artist]

[creative dog treats]

Giveaway!

2012-01-25T09:17:00.001-05:00

I'm teaming up with Sugarloaf Crafts Festival & giving away 6 tickets (3 pairs) to the 14th Annual Winter Chantilly Sugarloaf Crafts Festival at the Dulles Expo Center-Chantilly, VA. This festival is rated as one of the top in the country with more than 250 of the most accomplished craftspeople, and over 175,000 people attended last year.

I grew up going to craft festivals, art galleries, designer showcases, and etc. You name it, I've been to it. Having an artist mother, I was exposed to the arts at a young age and learned to appreciate it. I try to encourage people to go to local craft & flea markets because thats where you'll find those one of a kind pieces of furniture, painting, photography, jewelry, and etc. It's also a great way to learn more about stones, wood work, latest trends, and etc.

Sugarloaf Crafts Festival Schedule

January 27, 28, 29, 2012

Friday: 10-6

Saturday: 10-6

Sunday: 10-5

Below are some artists featured at the festival

[Jewelry by Kennedi Milan]

[Wood by Jeff Nelson & Eric Erstling]

[Fine Art by Teresa Pennington]

The Sugarloaf Crafts Festival in Chantilly will feature:

- “A Sensory Celebration,” the show’s new theme, highlights the full experience of enjoying fine, contemporary American crafts with thousands handcrafted items to touch, see, taste, smell and hear.

- Gourmet foods and cold-weather favorites—including candies and chocolates, hearty soups, artisan breads, jams and dips, syrups, and olive oils—will be available to sample and purchase from dozens of specialty food purveyors.

- Master craftspeople will show how their work is made in continuous live demonstrations.

- Family entertainment includes interactive children’s activities and live music by contemporary performers.

TO ENTER

1) Follow LYSS on Twitter

2) Like LYSS on Facebook

3) Comment below if you followed LYSS on Twitter or Facebook

Remember to leave your email address!

Tickets are for one day only. I'll give away 2 tickets per winner (3 winners!)
I'll announce the winners on Thursday afternoon! (1/26)

PS-I'm going Saturday morning. If you see me, please say hello! I'd love it :)

UPDATE
the winners are...
Olivia, Samantha, & Steph
Congrats ladies!!

five favorities

2012-01-20T09:22:00.000-05:00

[essie: delicacy + essie: a cut above]

[fresh flowers in the middle of Winter]

[Prada Candy-smells like heaven]

[Living in my Vermillion by Nine West boots]

[future iPhone case. Now I need an iPhone....waiting for iPhone 5 :)))]

"Sunday Morning"

2012-01-17T14:36:00.000-05:00

"Sunday Morning," one of my favorite songs by Maroon 5. I took these pictures right after the rain-if you know the song, you'll understand why the rainy morning reminded me of the song. The brutal weather is starting to kick in on the East Coast, and I'm hesitant to shoot outside because well, I'm a wimp. I don't like the cold weather unless it snows. Today, it was 10 degrees warmer than usual, I decided to suck it up & go outside for more than 20 mins to shoot this....

Jacket: Eddie Bauer

Necklace: Sold Here

Top: Anthropologie

Shorts: Urban Outfitters

Tights: Target

Shoes: Target

Wish List: More Color

2012-01-12T19:22:00.000-05:00

Wearing bright colors takes courage & I tend to shy away. Not everyone can pull off neon yellow, vermillion (fell in love with the color working at Coach), eggplant purple, and etc. I usually gravitate towards black, brown, white, & navy blue. I have bright colors in my closet, but tell myself "I'll wear it another time," or "it's not the right occasion." Then I end up never wearing it. So on my wish list is more COLOR. Below are some items that would work.

1. H&M Blouse-$17.95

2. Toothpick Jean-$103

3. Elliot Lucca 'Cordorba' Clutch- $98

4. Squiggle Sequin Dress-$250

5. Frilled Ankel Boot-$59

6. Ruched Marigold Coat (hopefully is comes back in stock soon!)

7. Stone Pop Necklace-$178

8. Pleated Maxi Skirt- $40

New Year's Resolutions

2012-01-03T09:37:00.002-05:00

Lets take a look at last year's resolutions.....

1) ~~Enjoy life more~~

2) ~~Learn something new~~

3) ~~Be more positive~~

4) ~~Help others~~

5) Get more organized

6) ~~Travel more~~

7) ~~Have no regrets~~

It feels good to cross off resolutions I've been working on all year. The only reason I tried to work on them was because I made a list and placed it next or across from my bed. So I could see it. everyday. I couldn't avoid the list, and honestly I'm happy I wrote them out...... otherwise I would have forgotten. I'm gonna bring "get more organized" to my 2012 list because I'm kinda messy. I know where everything is, but I don't organize very well. Here's my list below.

1) Eat healthier-less diet coke, carbs, & sugar

2) Stop biting my nails

3) Be thankful

4) Try something new each month with living social or groupon

5) Pay off student loans

6) GET MORE ORGANIZED

7) Be more spontaneous, step outside my comfort zone

8) Run a half marathon

I wanted a more personal list this year. What's on your list? tell me in the comments section!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T00:23:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year from LYSS! It's been a crazy, but fun year & I wanna reminisce with some of my favorite pictures throughout the year. I'll post my new year resolutions later this week :)

Etsy Store: Designs by Three

2011-12-30T13:51:00.001-05:00

My mom, sister, and I decided to put together an online store. Instead of having my own, we decided to have one strong store where my mom sells her art, my sister will sell her jewelry & finds, and I'll sell DIY's I've made, & finds. Check out our shop on Etsy & let us know what you think! Below are a couple of items in the shop....happy shopping!

five favorites. christmas edition

2011-12-21T22:36:00.001-05:00

[my favorite ornament]

[Picture from Design 2 Share]

[Simple xmas wrapping paper. Picture from For the love of blog therapy]

[Perfect for gifts! Picture from Frazicake]

DIY: Hedgehog Cookies

2011-12-20T08:22:00.000-05:00

I decided to do another DIY post right before the Holidays. In video format this time.

Finds: Gift Guide for Him Under $50

2011-12-15T07:51:00.002-05:00

I put together a gift guide from him under $50, because we're on a tight budget... remember? Most of the time you put more effort in your boyfriend or husband's gift b/c you want them to like it. I mean LOVE it. Doesn't matter if your sister didn't like the pet rock you got her, or if your mom hated the unicorn oven mitts (haha I wonder if they exist!). They'll forgive you.....eventually.

You want your significant other to LOVE your gift, not forgive you down the road.

Well my friends- you don't have to worry anymore, problem is solved below.

Your welcome :)

GIFT GUIDE FOR HIM UNDER $50

1. DODOcase for Kindle -$50

2. H&M Cap-$13

3. iPod Shuffle-$49

4. Fratelli Shoes-$50

5. Flameless Candle Set w/ Remote-$30

6.Steve Jobs-$17

7. Herschel Supple Co. Classic Backpack-$44

8. Kiehl's "Ultimate Man" Holiday Set -$50

[I would pair a gift above + a gag gift, or something you can make. Get creative.]

DIY: Santa Hat Brownies

2011-12-12T14:01:00.002-05:00

I've made traditional Christmas sugar cookies, carmel apples, and chocolate covered everything for the Holidays. I wanted to make something different, and turned to every girl's new obsession, Pinterest, for inspiration. I found these cute brownie santa hats and decided replicate them for a tacky sweater Christmas party. This is how it turned out.....

[All the ingredients- after I made the brownie mix, I decided to use normal size cupcake wrappers. They looked better]

Directions

-Preheat oven to 350 degrees & grease mini muffin or normal size muffin pan.

-Put together brownie mix with directions provided, and fill the wrappers or greased pan 3/4 full. You can use the extra mix for a another brownie batch

-Bake for 25-30 minutes

-Let the brownies cool. Wash and clean up the 20-25 strawberries- taking off the stems.

-Once brownies are cool, place the strawberries upside down on the brownies. I had large strawberries, thats another reason why I used a normal size muffin pan

-Melt 2 cups of white chocolate in the microwave for 2 minutes or use a double boiler, then transfer into a pipping bag.

-Put a ring around the base and a small dot on top-work fast, because the white chocolate can dry fast & clog up your tip.

Good luck!

[So cute, and they tasted delicious]

Let's keep in touch! Follow me on Pinterest, Twitter, & Facebook

Finds: Gift Guide for Her Under $50

2011-12-05T12:05:00.000-05:00

Lets face it, we're all on a tight budget this year. We all have a lot of gifts to buy and need to budget ourselves appropriately. Below are gifts for her $50 and under.

1. Laminated Walnut Veneer Corner Wall-$39

2. Home Love: 100 Inspiring Ideas for Creating Beautiful Rooms-$45

3. Tea And Crumpets Apron-$32

4. Dinner Party Table Topics-$29

5. Monogrammed Mugs- $6 each

6. Crystal Brulee Bracelet-$45

7. Zara Headband-$15

Don't know what to buy your boyfriend, brother, or dad? I'm doing a Gift Guide For Him soon!

Pretty in Pink

2011-11-29T08:21:00.000-05:00

Shirt: Vintage

Skirt: Banana Republic

Purse: Vintage Chanel

Scarf: Urban Outfitters

Earrings: Gifted

Shoes: Steve Madden

Grateful

2011-11-24T15:51:00.000-05:00

I'm grateful for so many things (friends, family, good health, list goes...) but I'm extremely grateful for this blog. It gives me a creative outlet, & I'm able to express myself. Growing up, I always drew wedding dresses/clothes in church, taking pictures of scenery with my disposable camera, appreciating the quality of art & nice clothes, and etc. I couldn't pinpoint what I wanted to do with my life, but I knew I always wanted to create something. See my work from start to finish. This blog lets me create mini projects and I'm able share them with you. It lets me release my creative energy, and it honestly has strengthen my skills because I'm always looking for new ideas. I don't do this as a career, but it gives me ideas of what I really want to get into. I'm fond of the quote "do what you love, the money will follow," and this blog I do love.

There are no rules in blogging, so you can do whatever you want. I've been stressed, happy, sad, and drained over this thing. At times I don't know what I should write next, but I've developed a structure to make it less stressful for myself. It's starting to lead me down a road to meeting new friends with similar interests, and develop business relationships. So thank you Let Your Style Speak.

Now go enjoy some pie! Happy Thanksgiving :)

[I made pumpkin & apple pie]