1.31.2013

{Alt...Stop, Drop, & Roll}


Alt SLC 2013 - Friday MorningBrooke Dennis-8159
Alt SLC 2013 - Friday Mini Parties
Alt SLC 2013 - Thursday Morning
Oh...my...goodness!  Are you surprised at the radio silence this week?  If you know me personally then probably not.  This past week has been simply crazed with so many wonderful things and some not so wonderful things in between. 

I arrived at Alt. Design Summit last Wednesday, and shortly following an amazing dinner hosted by La Crema a little nagging cough snuck up on me.  The days that followed were jam packed with amazingness, but a little rain cloud called the flu hovered over me at the conference.  After stopping to take a breather, dropping which motivated me to take more DayQuil, NyQuil, and Advil than is probably healthy, I decided to roll with the punches.  After all, my trip to Alt. was followed {and by followed I mean the Saturday after Alt. I was up at 3:00 a.m. on a flight back to Nashville} by my responsibility to co-chair a silent auction of over 100 items for an amazing event that benefited the pediatric cancer reserach.  So even though I am patting myself on the back for "rolling with the punches" Did I really have a choice?  I guess we always have choices in life, but let me tell you about what helped me to keep rolling with the punches.

First of all I had the most darling roomies at Alt.  Michelle {who was also under the weather} is a close friend that I made at Alt. last year and being reunited was simply wonderful.  Ali was the perfect image of "Bright eyed and bushy tailed." Her energy definitley kept my spirits up.  I also got to see so many of my favorite buddies from last year, and meet new and friendly faces.  Also the amazing Elizabeth from Four and Twenty Blackberries welcomed me home with some amazing homemade chicken noodle soup since she knew I had been under the weather.  I will be back in full swing next week.  But I hope everyone has had an amazing week.  Happy Thursday....J

P.S. The top three pics were taken at the Girls with Glasses Method Suite Party and I snagged the bottom three pics from Alt Summit's amazing Flickr page

1.25.2013

{The "It" List}

  • do you j.crew? styles up a closet staple: the tweed jacket!  Check out her gorgeous round up!
  • the luxury rehab features a sneek peek of the upcoming Prabal Garang for Target line. This floral dress is just stunning! (find the luxury rehab on Twitter!)
  • everything but ordinary looks simply adorable in this polka dot on polka dot look. Wearing double polka dots is definitely on my spring-to-do list! (find everything but ordinary on Twitter!)
  • live. work. style. is showing her 'blogger day off' outfit, which of course is just as fabulous as her blogger day 'on' outfits! A perfectly casual and comfortable look! (find live. work. style. on Twitter!)
  • rose a la mode is perfectly Florida-chic in this striped top, casual shorts with a bright pop of color by way of her purse! I love this look and am longing for spring! (find rose a la mode on Twitter!)
  • my confidence + me pulls together the perfect 'comfy & cozy' work from home outfit. I am really digging this, especially with all the cold weather the midwest has been having! (find my confidence + me on Twitter!)
  • a little bit of wo.we experiments with layering in a new way (to her!).  It looks adorable and was well worth trying something new! (find a little bit of wo.we on Twitter!)
  • from carpools to cocktails pulls off the perfect 'day date' look. It's charming and beautiful, but also totally appropriate for the day time. See how she does it! (find from carpools to cocktails on Twitter!)
  • my thrifty chic steals her husband's top and styles it so effortlessly cool. Find out how she tweaked it a bit to make it fit her perfectly! (find my thrifty chic on Twitter!)
  • loop looks invested in a great navy blazer and was excited to pair it with an adorable polka dot top. The look is classic and modern - check it out! (find loop looks on Twitter!)
  • the second best dishes on her two must have items in her closet and wears them together.  Hint: you are going to want these two items as well! They are classic and beautiful! (find the second best on Twitter!)
  • a fashion fixation is hosting a giveaway for a gift card to LOFT!  Head on over to enter! The LOFT is having some great sales right now! (find a fashion fixation on Twitter!)
  • dahlia lynn lane is talking Alt Summit, unicorns and red maxi skirts. Random perhaps, but definitely worth checking out! This outfit is so fabulous! (find dahlia lynn lane on Twitter!)
  • one hundred inspirations features Olivia Palermo in floral pants and a neon top. While this look sounds wild, it is pulled off effortlessly and worth recreating!
  • sweetie pie style is jumping right into spring style on her blog, and really, aren't we all totally ready for it? Check out her fun looks! (find sweetie pie style on Twitter!)
the IT list is brought to you weekly by Jill of good life, for information on how you can be involved... click here!


1.22.2013

{Alt., Alt., & Away}

So excited to get a couple of creative days in the mountains at Alt. Summit.  Being at Alt. last year was like being at a conference full of unicorns.  Number one, I love unicorns.  Number two, I cannot even explain to you the creativity that is bursting at the seems at Alt.  Everyone is so darling, nice, and unique, like I said, unicorns.  Imagine my disappointment if I met a real unicorn and they were not darling, nice, or unique.  Ok, I am getting annoying about the unicorns.  But you get it, Alt. is special.  I simply cannot wait to get there.  Happy Wednesday...J

Sweater {old, J.Crew}, Dress worn as skirt {Old, BCBG}, Boots {Old, Not Sure:/}, Jacket I cut to be a vest  {Forever 21}, Extra Pair of Eyes {See}, Jewels {Borrowed Vintage from my Fave}

{The Nice Way Out}



If you are old to DahliaLynn you know what has been going on here on Tuesdays.  If you are new, let me share that my sister and I are devoting Tuesdays to taking "The Nice Way Out."  Check out recent posts here and here.  I like to think we are just getting real about life.

Yesterday I was ready to delete several people out of my life, and I have been on the verge of a meltdown all morning.  I have done it again.  In much less than 24 hours I am supposed to be calmly boarding a plan to Salt Lake City in my amazing, relaxed, plane look with a light carry on, latte, and book club book in hand because I will have planned so far ahead I will have nothing to do, but casually read.  

 At this rate, I will be the woman with 4 day old hair, a 4 shot latte and a carry on with underwear hanging out of it and my computer, phone,  and general life chargers dragging behind me.  If I am lucky I will look like an oversized olsen twin coming off a night of no sleep...if I am lucky.  I have so much fun planned for my trip this week, but of course I have only selected one outfit, I am not packed, and I have a to do list out the door. 

So I have fought the urge more than once this morning to close my office door, shut the blinds, and sit in a corner.  I am kicking myself because I always feel like I am putting myself in this position.  But if I am honest with myself "so hey me listen up" I just have not had the time.  I have been working like a crazy woman to keep up with my day job, planning the silent auction I am in charge of for this amazing event, and trying my hardest to have a life.  So I am done beating myself up, and I am taking the nice way out, and today that means if all else fails in preparing to pack for my trip I will just wear my lipstick and sequins everyday.  Sounds like a better plan than a meltdown, what do you think?  Happy Tuesday...J

1.21.2013

{I Heart NY}

I have always wanted an I Heart NY shirt.  My sweet friend brought one back for me after her last NY fashion week.  Of course I thought it would be so cute on me if I cut it into an I Heart NY tank.  You know because I wear little itty, bitty, tanks all the time.  That did not really work out as planned, so imagine my disappointment when I ruined the suvenior my friend brought me and my plan failed.  But then faite stepped in, as she usually does, this past Thursday.  I was looking for the perfect new vintage dress for a steal at a local vintage shop when I spotted an amazing worn in, oversized, I Heart NY t-shirt.  It was meant to be.  So I give you the first look I styled with it.  What do you think??
Happy MLK day my wonderful friends....J
Skirt {Hazel's Haven}, Booties {Mega Sale at Nine West}, Clutch {Old, BCBG}, Top {Savant Vintage}, Jacket {Old Navy}, Scarf {Lovesmith}, Necklace borrowed from Ms. TulipLouise {Wonders on Woodland}

1.18.2013

{Love You: Jackie}

Hi there sweet friends!  I hope you have had a great week.  My blog buddy today has done such an amazing job introducing herself that I don't have too much to add.  Giving permission to read on now...

"Hi there! My name is Jackie and I blog at Sweetie Pie Style.  This is such a wonderful series Jessica has created for us all, and I am happy to take on the "challenge" of sharing some self-love with you.  (Fun fact: the term self-love was coined in 1956 by a psychologist referring to the "love of oneself". I like to google random things). Isn't it silly to feel like this would be a challenge? How did we (I) get to the place in our lives that showing a little self-love feels awkward or self-indulgent? Why do I feel a little embarrassed to give myself some props?  I give out love to others all day long: my kids, my husband, my family and friends all know how much I care for them and adore them.  Why not me?  Obviously this has been a great opportunity to explore these questions within.  I haven't found the answers yet, but now I am on the road to making sure I feel the love within on a daily basis too!


1. I love that I am a mom, and that I try my hardest day in and day out to be the best one that I can be.
It sounds super cliche, but it is so true when women say that parenting is the hardest but most rewarding job they have ever had.  Going through pregnancy, birth, raising a baby, toddler, etc..you will never grow more as a person than when you experience this.  I am hardest on myself when questioning what it is I am bringing to the table as a mother, but at the end of the day, I love that motherhood repeatedly brings me tests that help me grow and stretch as a woman.

2. I love that I am a smiling, laughing fool!
If there is one thing I know how to do, it is have a good time! I am known for being the smiley one of the bunch, and you can bet that if you are a jokester I will be following you and laughing with you all day and night.  I firmly believe that laughter is the best medicine in this world.

3. I love that I have a creative soul.
It always brings me joy to be creating-whether it be a post for my blog, the redesign of a room in my house, a fun DIY, the planning of a party.  I am always finding ways to express my creativity.  It is a big part of what makes me who I am and I really love that.

4. I love my honesty and reliability.
When I say things, I mean them.  I don't sugar coat, I don't lie, I don't fake anything in my life.  It is what I would want from others, and it is what I give to others.  I'm not saying that I will blurt out any old thing! I do believe honesty is the best policy, but also abide by "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it at all!"  On the same note, I am very reliable-if you call on me, I will be there for you.  If you need a shoulder to cry on, I am your girl. Both of these traits are important to me, and I love that I am able to be consistent in my practice of them."

I especially love that Jackie loves that she tries here hardest day in and day out to be a good parent.  I do not have any little ones yet, other than furry ones, but I imagine that being a parent is tough, and I think sometimes you probably have to remind yourself that when you are trying your hardest, sometimes that is all that counts.  I think this reminder applies to a lot of different things in life because sometimes we do fall short of expectations and ideals, and I think we should never be to hard on ourselves, especially when we are giving it our all.  I hope that you will take a moment to check out Jackie's amazing blog.  A huge thank you to Jackie for taking time to share her loves today.  Happy Friday and lotsa love...J


{The "IT" List}


  • DahliaLynn makes fabulous jewelry and is sharing with us how some of her customers are styling one of her most popular items! Pop over to check out this cute bauble! (find DahliaLynne on Twitter!)
  • A Fashion Fixation is bringing the turtleneck back and sporting it stylishly by layering and pairing it with a chic skirt! She nailed it! (find A Fashion Fixation on Twitter!)
  • The Second Best has an obsession with patterned pants and picked up a new pair on the cheap! Head over to find out where she found these fun trousers and how she styled them! (find Second Best on Twitter!)
  • Loop Looks shares her go-to look when she is in a time crunch (snooze, anyone?)! The bonus? It feels like wearing pajamas! (find Look Looks on Twitter!)
  • My Thrifty Chic dresses down this week and is showing us her comfiest pair of jeans! Oh and they only cost her $8! Wow! (find My Thrifty Chic on Twitter!)
  • From Carpools to Cocktails is rocking a chic sweatshirt with leather accents! The ultimate in comfy cute and perfect for moms! (find From Carpools to Cocktails on Twitter!)
  • Little Bit of Wo.We is breaking out of her shell and mixes a masculine shirt and feminine skirt for a look that is ready for work or a dinner out! So cute! (find Little Bit of Wo.We on Twitter!)
  • My Confidence + Me is taking a hint from the weather and dressing in blacks and grays - winter chic AND cozy! (find My Confidence + Me on Twitter!)
  • Rose a la Mode looks impossibly chic in tulle and chambray for a friend's bridal shower - a must see! (find Rose a la Mode on Twitter!)
  • Live Work Style departs from her usual and adds a pop of vibrant color into her look to match the energy she is feeling in the new year! Love! (find Live Work Style on Twitter!)
  • Everything but Ordinary is making denim shorts look down right fabulous and the best part? You can rock them in the cold weather! (find Everything but Ordinary on Twitter!)
  • The Luxury Rehab recaps her favorite looks from the Golden Globes and also spots the trends that are taking us in to the new year! Lots of eye candy here! (find The Luxury Rehab on Twitter!)
  • Do You J.Crew? shows us tons of ways to style a pencil skirt - from casual to dressy and everything in between! A must have for every closet!
  • Sweetie Pie Style rounds up 5 pieces she has her eye on for spring and they are each under $25! Pop over to pick out your favorite wallet friendly treat! (find Sweetie Pie Style on Twitter!)
  • Second Street East is dying over the newest issue of Lonny and found tons of inspiration for an outfit and a room! Tons of great pieces to add to your home or your wardrobe! (find Second Street East on Twitter!)
the IT list is brought to you weekly by Jill of Good Life and edited by Michelle of Second Street East.
For more information on how you can be involved - click here

1.17.2013

{Second & Dahlia's Style Steals}


Hello Friends!  Sorry I am so late today, but today has been packed full of work, work, and more work.  I am loving these pretty picture Michelle sent over today almost as much as the ottoman she found and the clutch.  Happy Thursday...J
 

1.16.2013

{Cheers}

The weather has been just icky since Sunday. This weekend most of the day I spent most of my time in this snugly sweater, a comfy maxi skirt, and these gorgeous jewels.  Since I wanted to stay inside I decided to start working on our bar cart nook in the dining room.  We have our eyes on this bar cart, but for the time being I thought I would use a versatile table to serve as our mini bar.  Before I got started I decided to look for some inspiration.  You can follow my bar cart Pinterest board here if you like.  I thought I made a great start this weekend, and I wanted to share.
There are a couple of things that I think are an absolute must for a sweet little set up.  A mirrored tray, a shaker, fun glasses for different types of drinks, wine opener, treats, a candle, flowers, and of course Pellegrino, wine and spirits.  What do you think?  Would you want to come over for a drink?  Happy Wednesday...J

1.15.2013

{The Nice Way Out: Lady Exams}

 
I can't tell you how excited I am to share DahliaLynn's newest contributor, Ms. Jenny.  Not only is she gorgeous, smart, and hilarious, but best of all she is my baby sister.  Remember this post last week?  As I work hard to make DahliaLynn an honest lifestyle blog where you can come to get tips about jewelry, fashion, design, and life, I can't think of anyone better to enlist in the journey of trying to "Find the Nice Way Out" than Jenny.  One to always give perspective and tell it how it is, sometimes when I am with Jenny I feel like I am spending time with a standup comedian, who does not realize how funny they are.  Since we both share a flair for the dramatics and have more adult trantrums between the two of us than we would like to admit, I could not hide her from you any longer.  So we bring to you the second installment of "The Nice Way Out." 
  
"Hi everyone! Jess so kindly asked me to help her with her new column
"The Nice Way Out", and if any of you personally know J, you know it's darn near impossible to say no to her. Plus, she's my big sister and I know better ;) A little bit about me, my name is Jenny, and I'm a 25-year-old middle child raised in Arkansas. I spent my college years in Nashville, TN and have since returned to the Natural State to pursue my dream of becoming a Pediatrician. Here's to hoping I shed a little humor into this new addition of the blog!

When Jess first pitched the idea to me, I was thinking I doubt I could write a post about finding "The Nice Way Out" of those sticky situations we sometimes, and I often, find myself in. I mean in all reality I spend the majority of the time laughing my way through these situations, but when I thought about it more, I realized humor is a great way to take “The Nice Way Out”.  I mean laughing at yourself definitely beats pouting in the corner or throwing an “adult temper tantrum”. If you can’t laugh at yourself, when can you. So here goes the first story and my suggestion of using a good laugh to find “The Nice Way Out” of those aggravating situations.
I guess it all started back in September. It was the dreadful time of the year for my annual lady exam, and I decided it was time for me to change physicians. I called place after place after place and had enough conversations with automated callers and voicemails for a lifetime. Nothing makes you feel more uncomfortable than having a conversation with a machine about that topic. I finally got a person at one place, but they answered every statement and question with "Are you pregnant? We only accept pregnant patients." I started thinking I am going to have to get pregnant if I want to see a doctor. After I decided that wasn’t my best idea, I chose to use my family friend connections to try to get me in to this special "pregnant patients only clinic" because the doctor I wanted to see was there, and hey, at least they didn’t make me talk to a machine. Finally I was put on the schedule for January (yes, 3 months later but since I am without child I took what I could get).

January arrived and I went to my appointment. The receptionist immediately handed me a clipboard of papers to fill out.  As I sat down to start on my novel of paperwork, I looked around the room, and I realized the problem with using your “connections” to get an appointment at this clinic meant that yours truly was in a waiting room of all pregnant women with their husband, boyfriend, mom, friend, etc. Or worse they had their precious newborn there for a follow-up visit, and all I wanted to do was go over and play with him and pinch his adorable chubby cheeks. And there I was sitting solo in the corner while I had to call my dad at work to help me fill out my insurance sheet. After I finished my packet of intimate questions and insurance, I sat back down and waited. And waited. And waited some more. After the moms and babies were all finished and the waiting room was empty except for me and the “What to expect when you’re expecting” magazines, I got called back for my turn with the doc. From there on out, the visit went smoothly, and I rewarded myself with a mini trip to the mall and Starbucks.

What I realized throughout all of the phone calls, messages, awkward questions, paperwork, and waiting, I had two options: 1) I could get pissy, argue with the receptionist on the phone, stress myself out over the mounds of paperwork, or throw a fit because I was left for last since I was not carrying child OR 2) I could laugh at the situation I put myself in and maybe promise myself a tasty Starbucks for behaving. At the end of the day, those moments that may seem so annoying at the time eventually end up being trivial. So my suggestion for today is that when you find yourself getting a little out of sorts look for the humor in the situation because I promise as long as you look hard enough, you can find laughter anywhere. And a good laugh beats an angry meltdown any day of the week....see you next time....J

1.14.2013

{Cuff and Away}

 Photo Credit: Keely Young for TulipLouise
It has been raining for almost 7 days now.  Most of the time it has been that icky drizzle, where an umbrella feels like overkill, but without carrying one around you might find yourself victim of an instant downpour.  So even if I had wanted to show you what happens to my hair in this kind of weather, number one, you wouldn't want to see it, and , number two, I did not have the heart to try a cool umbrella shot.  Mostly because I did not want to have to put my sweet photographer {my husband} through that.  So sadly or not so sadly, I have no new outfit pictures for you this week.  
But I have better than the next best thing.  About a year ago I started making these fun little cuffs for the trunk shows I was doing.  I have found that part yarn, part cuff, part rhinestone, they are the perfect little unexpected bauble to adorn your wrist.  I am thrilled to announce that they will be avaliable soon in Sacramento Streets' online shop.  Excuse me while I shriek and giggle from shock and excitement.  The fact that someone as simply as amazing as Caitlin wants to sell some of my little baubles in her shop is so exciting I don't know what to do with myself.  I thought to start getting you excited I would share how my favorite blogger , Ms. TulipLouise, and one of my best and oldest friends has been styling the "Clara" cuff.  What do you think?  Would you want one?  Happy Monday...J   

1 / 2 / 3

1.11.2013

{Love You: Jessica}



Hi Loves!  I hope you are having an amazing start to the New Year.  I am so excited to be sharing another Love You post, but the catch is...today's love sharer is a fellow Nashvillian.  Her name is Jessica, she lives in Nashville, works at Vanderbilt, and is from Arkansas.  So she is like my twin.  Read on to find out what she is loving about herself today.
 
"Hi Dahlia Lynn readers! I am Jessica from Here&Now & beyond excited to be
over here with you today! Jessica & I are fellow Nashvillians, & she is the first
blogger I had a blogger date (blate) with. She is as much of a doll in real life
as she is here on the interwebs (I’m sure you already guessed that!), & I am
overjoyed to be a part of this heartwarming series she has created! I have to
admit that I actually had a very difficult time announcing things that I LOVE
about myself & shouting them out for all the internet to know… Even though
it is hard to break out of my Southern delicate notions about self-promotion, I
know we should all love ourselves & I respect the heck out of Jessica for putting
together this amazing blogger love fest!

1. I love being an organizer.
Any given free time on the weekends – you will
find me organizing! Putting things in their place, rearranging my closet, sprucing
up my nest are all things that bring me great joy, & I have to admit, I’m pretty
much an organizational rockstar at this point!

2. I love being a heartfelt gift giver.
Who doesn’t love giving presents…
amiright?! But dreaming up, purchasing, & then gifting the perfect gift is the
highlight of my year. I pick up gifts year-round, whenever I see an item that is
sooo my Mom, boyfriend, sister… whoever! I have a stockpile of gifts at any given
time, & seeing the smile on their face when I gift someone a gift that tops their
wish list (or one that they didn’t even know they wanted), is a treasured gift that
gives me the warm fuzzies. Best gift given so far – beer making starter kit for my
boyfriend. Beer brewing is now his favorite activity, & I get delish brews too – win
win!

3. I love being underestimated. I enjoy fashion, can be found talking about
my pug 99% of the time, & use way too many abbreviations, but my day job is as a
biomedical researcher pursuing my Ph.D. So that shocked look that people get in
their eyes when I switch from fashion to science talk… best. thing. ever.

4. I love my Southern roots. I am a born & raised Arkansan. Arkansas (& the
South in general) sometimes (ok, a lot of the time) gets a bad rap… but I wouldn’t
change my childhood in the country for a thing. I have been blessed with
opportunities to travel across our own country & the world that have increased
my cultural experience, but my roots will always be Southern. Pet pigs, ducks &
even a chicken who lived in our house, summers on the lake, Debutante Balls, &
the dazzling night sky at my family home… those are the Southern ingredients
that make up who I am today, & I love it!"

Isn't she fun and cute to boot!  I really enjoyed reading about Jessica's loves, and I especially loved her honesty.  As Jessica so eloquently put it when talking about sharing her loves she said, "it is hard to break out of my Southern delicate notions about self-promotion."  As much as I love all the love and warm fuzzies we throw around here on Fridays, Jessica reminds me that this is still a very tough thing for us all to do, it does not come naturally, we have been raised not to sing our own priases from the rooftops, and therefore we need to put a little effort in to making sure we share the love with ourselves.  Thank you so much Jessica for sharing today.  If you haven't stopped by Jessica's delightful blog hop on over there now.  Happy Friday...J

{The "It" List}


  • DahliaLynn loved getting all snuggled up in her cape and a little fur for the snowy weather while visiting family for the holidays! So fab! (find DahliaLynne on Twitter!)
  • A Fashion Fixation is making a statement with her jewels and tights but keeping it neutral everywhere else! Throw a tried and true denim jacket on top and this is one cute look! (find A Fashion Fixation on Twitter!)
  • The Second Best is channeling her inner Rachel Zoe by showing off her lean legs in platform booties! Just as fabulous as the diva herself! (find Second Best on Twitter!)
  • Loop Looks takes it back to basics with a simple dress and breaks her own rule of three! Pop over to check it out! (find Look Looks on Twitter!)
  • My Thrifty Chic lets her accessories shine in an outfit that only cost her $40! Head over to find out where she shops for such great deals!! (find My Thrifty Chic on Twitter!)
  • From Carpools to Cocktails is all about comfort and wears her go-to leggings and sweater ensemble! She keeps it chic in a more fitted silhouette - love! (find From Carpools to Cocktails on Twitter!)
  • Little Bit of Wo.We shows us her love of color in a bright blazer that is sure to beat the winter blues! Paired with a great pair of jeans, this look is perfect for a put together weekend! (find Little Bit of Wo.We on Twitter!)
  • My Confidence + Me has the cute casual look down pat! Pop over to see how she used layers to keep this look interesting! (find My Confidence + Me on Twitter!)
  • Rose a la Mode is shopping the Neiman Marcus for Target sale and found an amazing sweatshirt! Go check out how she styled her new find! (find Rose a la Mode on Twitter!)
  • Live Work Style keeps her work outfit interesting by mixing floral and leopard for some pattern fun! She also has an amazing tip for how to dress casual at the office! (find Live Work Style on Twitter!)
  • Everything but Ordinary shows us her edgy side in leather and pleats! She looks like she stepped straight out of a magazine! (find Everything but Ordinary on Twitter!)
  • The Luxury Rehab goes glam in fabulous sequin top and you won't believe where she found it! This is a must see! (find The Luxury Rehab on Twitter!)
  • Do You J.Crew? is giving us a refresher course on how to style the infamous chambray top! Definitely something for everyone here!
  • Sweetie Pie Style has discovered the snood and can't get enough! Pop over for her top picks for this must-have winter accessory! (find Sweetie Pie Style on Twitter!)
  • Second Street East recreates a traditional meets modern dining room into an outfit and a room! She also found an amazing DIY for the chandelier - go check it out! (find Second Street East on Twitter!)
the IT list is brought to you weekly by Jill of Good Life and edited by Michelle of Second Street East.
For more information on how you can be involved - click here

1.10.2013

{Second & Dahlia's Style Steals}




In love with this wooden chandelier, and lets be honest the whole room is not too shabby.  My favorite picks today are the curtains Michelle found and the bracelet I found.  I hope you have had an amazing day sweets.  Happy Thursday...J

1.09.2013

{Goodbye Fur Snood}

We spent Christmas in Iowa with my husband's family.  It was a week full of family, visiting, festive drinks, delicious food, and snowwww.  It was simply beautiful, and I loved the opportunity to get all snuggled up before heading outside.  Enjoy this picture of my little fur snood because it is the last one you will see.  Why I thought I could put it in our dryer for a little steam fresh experience and have it come out unscathed I don't know.  I will just have to remember the good times.  Happy Wednesday...J 
Top {Savoir-Faire}, Cape {Zara}, Leggings {Forever 21}, Booties {Stein Mart}, Necklace {DL Vintage}, Clutch {BCBG}, Snood {Anne Taylor}

{The Nice Way Out: Parking Spot Stealers}

I just love this image.  I found myself wondering how often I have been standing in a killer dress and stylish shoes in a scooter parking lot.  Never, but it was the perfect image to share for my first post on taking "The Nice Way Out."  This Monday night, I had soup cooking in the crock pot at home, my girls dinner starting in less than an hour, and excitement building for the Bachelor.  I just had to run and pick up a few items at the grocery store. 

 As I pulled into the crazy busy parking lot, I see it, the rock star parking spot near the front.  I get in position, turn my blinker on as I do my little I am the winner dance, and then it happens.  Some SOB driving way over whatever the heck the speed limit is in a parking lot swoops in.  My blood was boiling, and it took a lot for me not to do something.  But I didn't.  As I drove past to the very back of the lot, I started to think about what I was planning on doing.  Was I really going to lay the smack down in the parking lot?  Maybe on a bad day, but it really was just silly.  

So, I took the nice way out.  I decided I would enjoy the brisk walk from the back of the parking lot and relish in the fact that I am not a jerk who steals parking spaces.  Not sure calling someone a jerk is taking the nice way out, but I am trying.  Happy Wednesday...J

1.07.2013

{Florals, Casbahs, Outtakes}

Dress {Savoir-Faire}, Clutch {Kate Spade}, Scarf {Forever 21}, Boots {Minnetonka}, Necklace {Anne Taylor old}, Sunnies {SEE}
Have I mentioned I love florals?  Well I do.  And someone was listening because sweet Tess owner of Savoir-Faire sent this darling number over to me recently.  I lived in it last week.  I think I wore it three times.  And if you follow me on Instagram, you know that my new Kate Spade "Rock the Casbah" clutch has been like my newest appendage.  Before I bought it I decided I needed to know the true definition of a "casbah." Dictionary.com tells me it is the capital of a North African city.  Well I have not rocked the capital of a North African City that I know of recently, but I do like the catchy song.  So I wore my new favorite dress and new favorite clutch this weekend.  Last year I probably would not have shared my outtakes, but with the new year, and with my mission to embrace the not perfect in 2013, I wanted to share how I had origionally styled this outfit.  Keep scrolling if you dare.
Cute, old me thought it would be perfect to layer this green sweater over my new frock.  Well it would have been cute had I chosen a sweater that was not extremely, fitted in the sleeves.  Don't pretend you did not see it, the dress chunk of fabric under my sweater in the first picture.  Just in case you didn't see it, I shared a close up.  I walked around like this for an entire day.  Someone...help...me.   I call it "the only full length mirror in our house is in the closet in my guest bedroom and I never use it syndrome."  Is that an excuse?  Not really...but at least my pony tail looks cute.  So lesson of the day, don't wear things under a super tight sweater, unless you like that "fat guy in a little suit look."  Happy outtake and Monday...J