obsessing over: signet rings

I, like most southern girls, love a good monogram. As Reese Witherspoon has infamously said, "If it's not moving, monogram it." I support this sentiment whole-heartedly.

My latest obsession takes the monogram craze one step further--signet rings.

Signet rings actually date back to ancient Egypt--they're recognized as a symbol of power and tradition. Over time, the rings have shown different symbols--from a coat of arms to family crests. But my favorite are the modern take, featuring monograms of course.  {Though if I had a family crest or coat of arms, you better believe I would happily rock that!}

I love the idea of passing down a signet for generations. And since I never had a class ring, this is a pretty good alternative. I've been lusting after these babies and just had to share...

put a monogram on it: signet rings  featuring monogram jewelry

P.S.... I'd happily supply my monogram if anyone is feeling generous ;)

pssst....

Remember when I mentioned Jena and I got to do something fun over Halloween weekend?? Well I can finally tell you about the fabulous photo shoot for the local boutique Maude we were a part of. And if you'll indulge me, I'd love to share a few of the photos!

Who are these two super models??....
It's Smith & Emma!
Duh.

On Sunday, Maude invited a group of local lady bloggers to take part in their fall photo shoot. And of course I could not turn down the offer to dust off my modeling chops. Boy was it a lot of fun! Meeting all the great local ladies involved, getting our hair done by the fabulous Kelly Cooper from Studio 8 Salon, wearing Maude's fabulous clothes and being photographed by the talented Maliah Pinkleton--it was all pretty great!

Each of the ladies were able to pick out our own outfits. I tried about three or four outfit contenders on (each adorable), but as soon as I put this dress, I knew it was the one! Jena had asked me how I wanted to look and I told her sexy and cute. Is that possible? Well I felt both sexy and cute in that dress so... win!

I was seriously so in love with my hair. Just wish I could do it myself! Kelly certainly worked her magic. Check out her blog for great hair tips and tricks.

Look at my gorgeous co-blogger.
Jena knew how to work it in front of the camera. Plus her dress was seriously amazing.
And of course her hair was just as fabulous...

That's it! Thanks for indulging me. It was so fun and we owe a huge thanks to Maude for including us! I lovvve stopping by their store so it was a special treat to get asked to join the other ladies.

See something you like? Be sure and visit Maude if you're in the area! But the best part is... even if you aren't local to NWA, you can still shop Maude via their Facebook page found here. Love! Their clothes are to die for--just check out each of these fabulous outfits below.

And be sure to check out each of the fabulous other ladies featured in the shoot!
Left to right: Erin-Ashes of Laughter, Gwen & Shannon-NWA Motherlode, Anna-Tulip Louise, Leslie-A Blonde Ambition, and Jena & I!

Thanks again Maude!
xoxo

***all images courtesy of Maliah Pinkleton Photography.

Dress to Impress...Yourself.

Recently a high school girl and her mom were in our store looking for a homecoming dress. The girl was deciding between two, and said 'Maybe I should let Andrew decide.' Andrew was her boyfriend. Her mom's response? 'Uh, no. You choose the one you want.' His opinion didn't count in this realm. I overheard and said, 'She's right. That's a good mama.'

Because she was right. Now don't get me wrong. There are times on a date with my man I will opt for a sexy black dress versus my floral jumpsuit. But that doesn't mean I still don't own the floral jumpsuit and wear it whenever I like. 

I conversed with a girl recently who opted out of a certain clothing item she loved because her boyfriend didn't like it. It made me a little mad. I wanted to shake her and tell her to wear whatever the hell she wanted. Beyond the feminist fire shooting out of my ears in that moment, it goes back to the ability to have a good relationship... you can't change who you are to make someone else happy. We're talking about clothes, I realize, but even changing that small thing about yourself isn't a good move.

I'm not saying you have to rock a turban and harem pants. Or not want your boyfriend to think you look hot. But the bottom line is, you do look hot. Be confident. Rock that jumpsuit and I bet he's going to become a fan. But if he doesn't and you love it? You better wear it!

I remember one night my man had planned a fancy dinner out. I went back and forth over what to buy to wear and ended up buying this gorgeous, flowy white maxi dress. I felt beautiful in it. It wasn't sexy, it wasn't tight or low cut. It was fashion-forward and pretty. When I opened the door he just stood there. We shared one of those sappy take my breath away moments. Then there was the 'Wow,' that made me feel like the most beautiful girl in the world. (Gosh this paragraph is cheesy. My apologies. Roll your eyes if needed.) 

So be you. Wear what you want. Chances are he's going to think you look most beautiful in sweats anyway. Plus he should love you for who you are. (Including your fabulous fashion sense.) And if he doesn't? Well, you know what to do with him.

Below are some of my favorite looks you should try!

Boyfriend jeans. Gotta love the name for the baggiest jean there is. 

Shoes with socks. Yes, yes, yes.

High-Waisted EVERYTHING.

Maxi ANYTHING.

Maxi's with boots.

Maxi's with sweaters. Or tees. Or cardies.

what to wear wednesday - haute hippie

 A little fashion inspiration to get you through the rest of the week.

forever21.com 

jcrew.com

urbanoutfitters.com

nastygal.com

anthropologie.com

With Wakarusa just around the corner, and my first Widespread Panic show coming up this Friday in Little Rock, I put together the perfect haute hippie ensemble.

Maxi's are my favorite summer staple. Comfortable, easy and adorable. This one from Forever 21 is super cheap, so feel free to get your crowd surf on or roll around in the grass.

The sunhat...well, I find a concert the perfect excuse and occasion to wear one. Plus it'll keep the sun off your face. But, don't forget your sunscreen. You want to dress like a hardcore hippie, not have your face look like one.

The sandals are bright and fun. The little heel will give some added comfort versus a completely flat shoe (Trust me on this one!), and the strap will keep them on tight, no matter how wild you get your groove on.

The bag is perfect for a concert or festival. Throw it over your shoulder and you won't misplace it. Plus its big enough to pack the essentials.

The necklace may be a little much paired with the maxi for the day to day, but I think it adds a little brightness and bling for some festival fun. Plus, its affordable and will go great with a plain T for the rest of the summer.

PS- Annye hasn't been posting because she is on vacation in Thailand. The poor, poor thing. She will be posting her wise insights when she returns to The Natural State. In the meantime, you will probably get more of me than you can handle, so take a break from my rants and raves to check out some amazing pictures from Annye's trip on her personal blog annye.tumblr.com.